Brooklyn-based Bench Architecture has unveiled the transformation of a former steel mill into a multi-functional creative hub. The building, located at 154 Scott Avenue in East Williamsburg, now hosts artist studios, a private spa, and a rooftop members’ club with a pool. Developed with Happier People Management (Happier), this eight-storey space blends raw industrial character with modern comfort.
The building houses various functions, including Bench Architecture offices, event venues, music and fabrication studios, fashion workspaces, wellness facilities, and social areas under the SAA club.
Split Aesthetic for a Dual-Purpose Space
The design, led by David Bench, balances two distinct aesthetics to reflect the building’s dual identity: one as an artists’ production hub and the other as a private club.
“The design respects the original structure but in different ways,” Bench explained. “The studios update the industrial character, while SAA contrasts it.”
The lower floors are outfitted with cinder block (CMU) walls, extending the original grid. These spaces retain many industrial features, such as exposed concrete floors and ceilings. Natural light filters through windows at each end of long corridors, while the central areas remain darker and more intimate.
Social, Stylish, and Spa-Focused
In contrast, the upper floors contain SAA, the private club, and a spa area finished in rich, tactile materials. Dark green marble covers the floors, walls, and built-in seating, creating a luxurious environment. Sandy red travertine lines the hallways, adding warmth and texture.
The top floor opens up to a rooftop pool deck, enclosed in glass, offering stunning views of Brooklyn and beyond.
Happier curated the social spaces with a mix of comfort and sophistication. Neutral tones, built-in planters, and relaxed seating provide an inviting atmosphere for both leisure and creative interaction. A pop-up space, originally home to Habibi The Restaurant, is also part of the design, though it is transitioning after the restaurant closed.
Redefining Industrial Williamsburg
This project is part of a broader initiative to revitalize East Williamsburg’s industrial area into a cultural hub. Bench Architecture, together with Happier, aims to blend work, recreation, and wellness in a new way that hasn’t been done on a large scale before.
“The goal is to create spaces where work, leisure, and wellness coexist,” Bench explained. He also emphasized that the building’s design quality is key to making this industrial area a sought-after destination.
East Williamsburg, once a purely industrial zone, is now becoming home to creative hubs like the Amant Museum and Avant Gardner. Bench Architecture continues to contribute to this local renaissance with projects like a new pizzeria and ongoing work on nearby art spaces.