City Point on Oh No DoBro

Discount Grocery Store LIDL opens its doors in Downtown Brooklyn

Thu, 29 May 2025 12:44:12 +0000

The new Lidl grocery store at 490 Fulton Street in Downtown Brooklyn opened its doors on Friday, May 23rd, 2025. It feels like it happened in the blink of an eye—or maybe everything seems fast in the dark shadow of the slow-moving slug that is the never-finished 9 Dekalb.

I popped into the store the other day to check out the new location and snap some pictures. Here are some first impressions:

Prices are great, making this store a welcome edition to the neighborhood
Selection is mid—this isn’t the type of grocery store that will have every specific item you’re looking for. However, you should be able to find most categories of items you need, just not necessarily specific brands.
The store was full of shoppers on the Saturday I popped by. People are excited it’s now here!
It’s larger than you might expect from the outside. It’s definitely a full-sized grocery store
The produce section was full of fresh-looking items.

I did not do a side-by-side price comparison for specific items that can be found at competing nearby stores. So I can’t speak to the specifics of the “discount” claims. But overall it did seem to be priced competitively for the neighborhood.

I’ll definitely be curious to see how Lidl stacks up against the upcoming Fresh Grocer opening right across the street.

What’s the opposite of a Food Desert? A Food Oasis? Because that’s exactly what Downtown Brooklyn has become.

I’ll drop a few more photos at the end of this post to help celebrate the store’s opening.

Cinephiles rejoice! Alamo Drafthouse strike ends with success

Sun, 20 Apr 2025 22:02:06 +0000

Photograph by [Alamo Drafthouse][1]

If you visited City Point mall recently, you likely spotted striking workers distributing flyers outside Alamo Drafthouse. Good news: after nearly two months, the strike has ended with a victory for the union!

Albee Square getting even more food options with new Fresh Grocer

Sat, 19 Apr 2025 13:03:33 +0000

Hooray! The $8M Fulton Mall Facelift Begins

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 15:00:44 +0000

Image from Brooklyn Eagle

Fulton Mall, arguably the “Main Street” of Downtown Brooklyn, is about to be greener and more pedestrian friendly thanks to a joint effort between the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, the NYC Parks Department, and the city’s Department of Transportation.

Comedy Variety Spicy Medley Show at Dekalb Market

Mon, 30 Aug 2021 17:21:53 +0000

 <p>
 Spicy Medley is the HOTTEST comedy variety show in Brooklyn. Hosted by Tess Tregellas and Sara Bergmark who are iconically known as the “girls in the pepper suits.” Spicy Medley features a mixed bag of comedic acts including, Stand Up Comedians, Musical Comedians, Character Actors and always something SPICY. This show is perfect for a memorable night out in Downtown Brooklyn. Bring a group of friends, invite your visiting parents, or have a unique date night, without breaking the bank. Each show features new acts that are guaranteed to spice up your night, every other Wednesday at the Dekalb Stage.
 </p>
 
 <h1>
 Upcoming Shows:
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 <p>
 <strong>When:</strong> September 1st, September 15th, September 29th!<br /> <strong>Time:</strong> Doors at 730pm Show 800pm<br /> <strong>TICKETS:</strong> <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spicy-medley-comedy-variety-show-tickets-166706701231">HERE!</a><br /> <strong>Where:</strong> DeKalb Stage 445 Albee Square W, Brooklyn, NY 11201 (Downstairs in the Markethall!)<br /> <strong>Who:</strong> Acts from Comedy Central, Netflix, Broadway, and many more!
 </p>
 
 <h2>
 Sept. 1st Line Up
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 <p>
 ASHLEY GAVINN<br /> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ashgavs/">@ashgavs</a><br /> We’re Having Gay Sex Podcast, Comedy Central, Netflix is a Joke
 </p>
 
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 GIANMARCO SORESI<br /> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gianmarcosoresi/">@gianmarcosoresi</a><br /> Netflix, Vanity Fair, Comedy Central
 </p>
 
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 VANNESSA JACKSON<br /> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nnessleigh/">@nnessleigh</a><br /> A Little Late with Lilly Singh, ABFF Comedy Festival
 </p>
 
 <p>
 NILES ABSTON<br /> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thenilesabstonshow/">@thenilesabstonshow</a><br /> Co-Host of The Clowncast Podcast, Comedy Album “Girls Don’t Twerk to Jokes”
 </p>
 
 <p>
 HARPER ROSE DRUMMOND<br /> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/harperrosed/">@harperrosed</a><br /> Co-Host of The Clowncast Podcast, The Comedy Store
 </p>
 </div>
</div>

SAMI SHWAEBER
@samischwaeber
UCB, The Bell House, Union Hall

Ruth Bader Ginsburg honored with statue in City Point

Mon, 22 Mar 2021 17:13:41 +0000

The legend herself is now immortalized at City Point in Downtown Brooklyn. You should pop in and see it next time you’re in the area.

I must say, the location of the statue is pretty cool. It’s right inside the entrance to City Point from Flatbush. It’s one of the lesser-used entrances, north of the typical Trader Joes entrance. But you can see it easily from the street as you’re walking past.

Aerial view of the Dekalb/Fulton/Flatbush triangle

Mon, 15 Mar 2021 15:01:58 +0000

I discussed the demotion that’s happening at the triangle between Flatbush Ave, Fulton Street, and Dekalb Ave in a prior post, but didn’t have this super-cool aerial view at the time.

I know that Redsky Capital own the lot that’s at the bottom of hte photo, closer to Albee Square, but I’m not sure about the lot along Flatbush Ave. I assume they own that, too?

Tallest Office in DoBro set to open amidst uncertain rental market

Tue, 02 Mar 2021 13:58:42 +0000

Photo from [1wsq.com][1]

One Willoughby Square is certainly impressive. The architecture so striking that the architecture firm that designed is has leased three floors in the building. So far, they’re the only tenants.

But the fact that the firm that designed the building is leasing space is definitely part of the marketing story for the building. In fact, the New York Post has a full story on that fact.

NYC cinemas to re-open in March, Alamo Drafthouse a little later

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 20:32:31 +0000

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has given the thumbs up for cinemas in New York City to re-open on March 5th at 25% capacity. It’s been nearly a full year since they (and everything else) shut down.

It might, however, be a bit longer before Downtown Brooklyn’s Alamo Drafthouse is open again. The Baltimore Sun reached out to a spokesperson:

Hanfu x Chunky Sneaker art installation at Albee Square

Fri, 19 Feb 2021 15:19:52 +0000

You may have noticed some really cool artwork in the windows of the former Century 21 (RIP). Award-winning artist Sarula Bao is a Chinese American illustrator and graphic novelist based in Brooklyn, and her Hanfu x Chunky Sneaker installation will be on display through the end of March.

One day of free classes at City Point’s new fitness studio

Fri, 05 Oct 2018 14:30:20 +0000

You may have noticed a fitness studio had quietly opened in City Point. Well, that is to say it soft opened. The official opening day is October 13th, and they’re offering free classes all day to celebrate.

The City Point website has the class schedule, with classes starting at 10am and going til 5pm. At Your Beat is an import from London (this Brooklyn location is their first foray into the United States), and offers dance-infused fitness classes.

Keep it coming: Katz’s Deli launching subscription service

Wed, 30 May 2018 20:46:07 +0000

Jason Tesauro of The Middletown Press reports:

As part of its 130th anniversary, Katz’s announced on Tuesday that its first-ever subscription service will start in June…Subscription boxes (from $1,500 for a full year, or $450 for 3 months) are tied to the seasons and feature enough food for 4-6 people, plus Katz schwag. A July Griller Package is heavy on sausages, ‘kraut, mustards, and a Katz’s ballcap for backyard living. The January Warmer Package includes six quarts of three different soups (matzoh ball, split pea, chicken noodle), plus knishes and a sweatshirt. A Sweets Package in May includes babkas, rugelaches, black-and-white cookies, and a chocolate egg cream-scented candle for Mom.

Affordable Housing Lottery for One Flatbush Ave now open

Wed, 16 May 2018 15:56:24 +0000

Do you dream of living in Downtown Brooklyn, but lack the income to afford the multitude of new luxury apartments? Here’s another chance to try your luck at an affordable housing lottery!

NYC Housing Connect has recently opened the lottery for the upcoming One Flatbush Ave, which appears to be nearing the end of it’s construction. The building is at the intersection of Flatbush and Fulton, right next to the Nevins stop on the 2, 3, 4, and 5 trains.

Fancy Soap Shop Rain to Open in City Point for Your Self-Care Needs

Mon, 07 May 2018 11:53:49 +0000

Rain, a sustainable South African soap and skincare shop comes to City Point Brooklyn.

Soon you’ll be able to get all the artisanal soaps your heart desires at City Point. Rain, an au naturale soap, skincare, and fragrance company is opening up their first Brooklyn storefront in July.

Discounts at Dekalb Market Hall for National Small Business Week

Wed, 02 May 2018 13:41:43 +0000

We’re smack dab in the middle of National Small Business Week, which spans April 29th through May 5th this year. To celebrate, our favorite local food court, Dekalb Market Hall, has several vendors offering discounts.

Vendors with sales include Cuzin’s Duzin and Paella Shack, with many others also participating in the ten-percent discount promotion. There’s no doubt you’ll be able to find something to fit your tastes and mood down there.

Brooklyn Alamo Drafthouse to get fancy new HDR projectors

Thu, 19 Apr 2018 18:53:32 +0000

The Alamo Drafthouse in Brooklyn is one of ten locations of the chain to be getting HDR (high dynamic range) Projectors, according to The Hollywood Reporter. This fancy new projection technology makes for whiter whites and blacker blacks, which I’m sure all the film-o-philes will love. They’re partnering with CinemaNext to get these new projectors in theaters.

Passing Moments: Wednesday, April 18th, 2018

Wed, 18 Apr 2018 16:47:07 +0000

Wednesday, April 18th, 2018. Downtown Brooklyn from Flatbush and Fulton Mall.

Construction on 9 Dekalb Ave tower seemingly at a standstill

Tue, 17 Apr 2018 17:57:04 +0000

Construction appears to be at a standstill at 9 Dekalb Ave, the giant skyscraper coming to Downtown Brooklyn that will be twice as tall as any current building in the neighborhood.

The image is an aerial view of the construction site, with the old Dime Savings Bank in the lower right-hand corner of the image. Construction crews were hard at work removing floors of the attached building last summer/fall, but it seems like no progress has been made since then.

A Macy’s Parking Garage No More, Ready for 11 Hoyt

Mon, 16 Apr 2018 18:41:52 +0000

It can be hard to see from the street, but Macy’s old parking garage is no longer a parking garage. The first step in constructing the next skyscraper being added to Downtown Brooklyn’s skyline, at 11 Hoyt. I shot this photo from our roof on April 14th, 2018, so everyone could get a look at the current progress.

A couple of award-winning buildings in our hood

Fri, 13 Apr 2018 21:33:53 +0000

The Urban Land Institute New York (ULI NY) award ceremony was on April 10th, and a few of our very own buildings were among the winners (emphasis theirs):

Some of this year’s winners from Brooklyn included Dumbo-based Two Trees Development, which nabbed the Excellence in Market-Rate Housing Development award for their breathtaking 300 Ashland building, which is already being regarded as iconic as part of the BAM Cultural District.

Construction near future(?) Willoughby Square Park

Fri, 13 Apr 2018 18:55:44 +0000

It came out last week that the promised park-above-a-parking-garage might not be going as planned.

Back in 2004, when this neighborhood was first rezoned (prompting the building frenzy that’s happening now), the city promised a one-acre public park right across from the new City Point structure. The city even approved tearing down rent stabilized buildings to make way for this new park slash parking garage.