A visit to an unusual new building going up in Red Hook shows the event space, art gallery and bar envisioned by its owner and Tribeca Pediatrics founder Michel Cohen is nearing completion. The exterior of 202 Conover St., aka Project Genesis, appears finished — and a fair amount of the interior as well.
“Conover is almost done,” Cohen confirmed in an email to Brooklyn Paper’s sister publication, Brownstoner, but opening plans are yet to be determined. “Waiting for this COVID madness to end to start the project as a flexible event venue.”
The concrete floor and drywall walls are in place on the ground floor, ready for the buildout of the venue. The space will host art exhibitions, music performances, film screenings and other events. There will be a bar and yakitori grilled food, Cohen told Brownstoner in 2019.
The nautically themed building designed by architect Thomas Barry of Brooklyn-based OPerA Studio has seven “sails” resembling fish fins facing Dikeman Street. The glass openings between the concrete fins, plus skylights on the roof, bring plenty of light into the building to “enhance the arts and spirits,” Cohen said. Wood slats or fins shade the front facade facing Conover Street.
In the meantime, Cohen’s popular pediatric practice has been busy opening new offices throughout Brooklyn. Known for its playful and uplifting office design, as well as friendly and laid-back attitude, Tribeca Pediatrics makes its own furniture — such as its trademark wall-hung wavy seating — in a workshop in Ditmas Park.
A Brownsville office at 1700 Pitkin Ave. debuted Tuesday on the heels of a Sheepshead Bay location that arrived in December. Coming in the spring is 239 Utica Ave. in Crown Heights, and due in the summer is an office in East New York at 406 Vermont St.. Tribeca Ped is also planning to open a location in Ocean Hill, said Cohen.
“We have…plans to expand in lower income neighborhoods to deliver the same service we offer in our more affluent areas. Very exciting for me,” he added.
Red Hook’s Project Genesis will join other art-oriented venues in the neighborhood such as Pioneer Works and Red Hook Labs.
This story first appeared on Brownstoner.
