Historically an industrial enclave, Gowanus now relishes in its past by repurposing old factory buildings and rebranding itself as a hip little corner of town. The neighborhood has a distinct history that runs through it in the form of the Gowanus Canal, a formerly infamous waterway that has recently benefited from environmental remediation and preservation efforts. The canal gives this neighborhood its own Venice-like appeal and is a surprisingly quiet spot for weekend meandering. 

A recent rezoning effort has sparked a lot of interest in the future of this unique neighborhood, leading to an influx of retailers to tenant the area. Most of those changes have been along Fourth Avenue. A traditionally industrial neighborhood, Fourth Avenue has transformed itself into one of Brooklyn’s more popular hubs for artists and young professionals. After dark, the Gowanus commercial retail space comes alive as spillover crowds from the nearby Barclays Center head to its trendy bars and casual eateries.