60 Broadway

The Gretsch Building

The Gretsch Building is notable for a few reasons: The 1916 12-story building on busy Broadway is where Gretsch guitars and drums (still favored by the musical elite) were once manufactured; it’s considered prolific architect Karl Fischer’s first major project and Williamsburg’s first white-glove condo; and it represents a period where Williamsburg quickly transformed from an industrial artist outpost to a wealthy neighborhood, now dense with modern glass condos and converted warehouses and factories. Fischer’s 2003 loft conversion left the facade and bones mostly intact, other than adding two stories for penthouses. A 2024 New York Times article referenced the Gretsch as part of an extensive Williamsburg timeline, noting that rapper Busta Rhymes and actor Josh Hartnett were among the early buyers following its $75 million conversion. Equally prolific interior designer Andres Escobar spearheaded the Gretsch’s 130 units; similar to Fischer, it was the first big NYC project for the Montreal-based Escobar. He chose less commonly seen luxury elements, like kitchens with black granite counters, blue-grey cabinets, islands with wrap-around shelves and top-notch appliances from Wolf, Sub-Zero and Asko. Bathrooms are less surprising with soaking tubs, separate showers and dual vanities. Other standard touches involve Australian jarrah floors (a durable, reddish-hued wood), in-unit washers and dryers (or hookups) and a combination of central air and PTAC units. Original ceilings stretch to 13 feet with windows making good use of the wall space and views, whether overlooking the Williamsburg Bridge, Downtown Brooklyn or Manhattan. Some units also include fireplaces, terraces and spiral staircases to a second level. One and two bedrooms are the most common, but there’s a good representation of studios starting at 560 square feet and three bedrooms exceeding 3,000 square feet. Some units have also been combined to attain 4,000 square feet, with a 2021 sale reaching $8 million. Studios start around $800,000. The Gretsch heralded the arrival of white-glove buildings in Williamsburg, counting a concierge and live-in super among its staff. The dramatic lobby is all soaring ceilings, glass and wood, but the ample roof deck is the main talking point, where residents can relax on comfy patio cushions while appreciating a front-row view of the Williamsburg Bridge. A children’s playroom (also with sky-high ceilings) reflects the changed demographic from hipsters to families, or hipsters who stayed and started families. Pets are welcome as well, while cold storage encourages grocery deliveries for busy residents. Bike storage is another bonus since many locals prefer getting around by bike, and many businesses offer bike parking as well. Some facets of 2003 South Williamsburg remain, like the iconic Peter Luger steakhouse, which is a mere two blocks away and tends to draw an older crowd from beyond the neighborhood. Newer businesses cater to moneyed hipsters: trendy bars, independent coffee shops, casually cool restaurants, upscale tattoo shops, luxury hotels, designer boutiques and boutique fitness studios surround the Gretsch. Some of the closest hotspots include Aska, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant for small portions of innovative Swedish cuisine and Baby’s All Right for live music. Residents can walk to Nighthawk Cinema in about 10 minutes, a mainstay for eclectic movies, movie-themed cocktails and full meal options, as well as Whole Foods. The waterfront is another lure, with the five-acre Domino Park two blocks away where locals meet at the dog park, play beach volleyball, watch kids run around the playground inspired by the Domino Sugar Factory or grab an outdoor table at the popular taco spot. Bikes are a common sight in Williamsburg; the entrance to the Williamsburg Bridge is close and its dedicated bike lane makes it a viable commuting option for many. Alternatively, there are also Citi Bike rentals right up the street. But residents at the Gretsch also fare better than in other parts of Williamsburg, with the J, M, Z lines a 10-minute stroll over to Marcy Avenue. Another less common, but viable, option is the South Williamsburg ferry. It’s a short walk to this East River line route, bringing riders to Wall Street and 34th Street among its stops.