The Brooklyn Tower in Downtown Brooklyn is set to offer its residents a unique feature - an outdoor basketball court located on the 85th floor, making it the highest basketball court in the Western Hemisphere. The court is part of the building's forthcoming Sky Park and Sky Lounge, which will also include a dog run and children's playground. These amenities, set to open in 2024, are located on a floor that would conventionally be left empty to reduce the building's sway. The architecture firm behind the project, SHoP, explained that they took advantage of the space to create these unique facilities.
The Sky Park, which will also feature a playground and dog park, will be covered but open-air, meaning it will likely be best enjoyed outside of the coldest and windiest days of the year. However, the architect noted that "hardy New Yorkers" will be able to play on the court most of the time. SHoP, the same firm responsible for designing the world-famous Barclays Center, took cues from their previous work in designing the Brooklyn Tower's basketball court.
The Brooklyn Tower, which topped out in late 2021, has already attracted attention with its striking design and soaring height. The building's exterior is made of fluted black stainless steel, and its bold presence has been compared to the ever-looming stronghold of Sauron in Lord of the Rings by a nearby resident. With no neighboring towers crowding the area, the views from the Sky Park and Lounge are said to be unparalleled, offering sweeping vistas of the Manhattan skyline and the Atlantic Ocean.
The Brooklyn Tower, developed by JDS Development Group, purchased a decommissioned neoclassical bank in 2016 to convert it into ground-floor retail space adjacent to the supertall skyscraper. Residents began moving into the building earlier this year, while the amenities and finishing touches are still under construction.
Overall, the Brooklyn Tower's forthcoming Sky Park and Sky Lounge, with their unique outdoor basketball court and stunning views, are set to offer residents a one-of-a-kind experience in the heart of Brooklyn.