"Location, location, location," says Rubenstein Partners' Stu Little about why Williamsburg was the perfect location for 25 Kent, an all-new, ground-up office property. The development is Brooklyn's first speculative office project in more than 40 years. The project, along with 10 Wythe, another one of the firm's developments in the neighborhood, are expected to revive Williamsburg's status as a global manufacturing and creative hub.

"Brooklyn's true roots are in manufacturing, and as the borough adapts and further transforms, innovative solutions are required to ensure that these economic developments are benefiting the entire community," Little tells GlobeSt.com. "Brooklyn, as of late, has become a true live-work-play environment, shifting from traditionally being mostly retail and residential-focused and because of that, employers are increasingly looking toward finding office spaces in destinations that are located near where the majority of their workforce resides.

10 Wythe, a $550 million mixed-use development, will also include a new headquarters for ACME Smoked Fish, a fourth-generation family-owned business that employees more than 100 union members. According to Stein, the project will create approximately 2,000 jobs. "We're very proud that this project, along with 25 Kent, helps to preserve and enhance industrial uses in today's economy, in addition to serving the rapid growth in Brooklyn's creative economy," he says. "With 25 Kent and 10 Wythe, we're not just activating spaces to become places for a 9-5. Instead, we're creating vibrant environments that attract today's talent and bring these live-work-play elements to surrounding communities."