A major redevelopment proposal for the Staples site on Fifth Avenue in Bay Ridge could very well reshape one of the neighborhood’s busiest corridors.
Plans submitted to the city outline a mixed-use development at 9312 Fifth Avenue that could replace the current Staples store and its large parking lot with an 11-story building containing nearly 300 apartments, retail space and underground parking.
The proposal is still moving through the early stages of the city’s review process, but it has already sparked discussion among residents, local leaders and community board members.
For anyone following the story, here is a breakdown of the history of the site, the original development concept and the current proposal now under review.
Staples Development Project Infographic
The Staples Site in Bay Ridge
The property sits at the corner of 93rd Street and Fifth Avenue, just blocks from the Verrazzano Bridge.
For years the location has been occupied by a Staples office supply store along with a large surface parking lot. The lot is unusual for Bay Ridge, where most commercial buildings sit directly along the sidewalk without much extra space.
That additional land makes the property one of the more attractive redevelopment opportunities in the neighborhood.
The building changed hands in December 2024, when it was purchased by a development group that began exploring options for a larger residential project.
The Original Development Proposal
Early conversations around the site suggested a much smaller residential project.
Initial concepts indicated a building that might include just 60 to 80 apartments, which would have been closer in scale to other residential developments that have appeared across Bay Ridge in recent years.
At that size, the project would likely have fit within existing zoning rules – however, developers soon began pursuing a larger project and thus filed a rezoning application which would allow for a much larger – dare we say, colossal – development.
The New Proposal: 292 Apartments and 11 Stories
The new proposal is much larger than the original concept and according to public docs, could include:
- 292 apartments
- 220,000 square feet of residential space
- 12,000 square feet of retail space
- 1,100 square feet designated for community use
- Underground parking with about 75 spaces
The building would rise a full 11 stories – making it one of the largest structures along that stretch of Fifth Avenue.
Most nearby apartment buildings in Bay Ridge range between five and six stories, particularly along Shore Road and nearby residential blocks.
Affordable Housing Component
The development would also include a substantial number of affordable housing units.
Roughly 30 percent of the apartments would be designated as affordable housing, which is a common arrangement when developers request zoning changes that allow for larger buildings.
Plans outline a mix of apartment types including:
- studio apartments
- one bedroom units
- two bedroom apartments
- three bedroom apartments
Both the affordable and market rate portions of the building would include multiple unit sizes.
Retail Space on the Ground Floor
In addition to residential units, the proposal includes approximately 12,000 square feet of retail space on the ground floor.
No specific tenant has been confirmed – so we do not want to fuel recent ‘Trader Joes is coming to Bay Ridge’ rumors – however all eyes seem to be on a supermarket given the size and scale of the project. At this time there are no confirmed tenant ready to occupy the space.
Community Use Space
The plans also designate 1,100 square feet for community use.
This type of space is often required as part of mixed-use developments and can be used for several purposes.
Possible uses include:
- daycare centers
- educational programs
- community facilities
- small fitness or recreation spaces
The final use will likely depend on the needs of the neighborhood and potential tenants once the building moves closer to completion.
Traffic and Neighborhood Concerns
As details about the project have become public, residents have begun raising questions about its impact on the surrounding area. Traffic is obviously the most concering.
Fifth Avenue already serves as a major route toward the Verrazzano Bridge, and traffic can become heavy even on off and non-commuting hours.
One also must question whether 75 parking spaces would be enough for a building with nearly 300 apartments.
Community Board Review and Public Meetings
The proposal must pass through multiple stages of review before construction could begin.
Brooklyn Community Board 10, which represents Bay Ridge, will review the rezoning application and gather public feedback.
Upcoming meetings include:
May 7
Community Board 10 meeting discussing the project
May 18
Public hearing at the Bay Ridge Center where residents can provide comments
Community boards do not have final approval authority, but their recommendations often influence the outcome of development proposals.
Realistic Next Steps
If the rezoning request is approved, the developer would be able to proceed with plans for the larger building. Projects of this size often take several years to complete once approvals are granted – and due to Staples leaseback agreement, it should continue operating as/is – although the cloud of the looming 11 story building will certainly be casting its shadow.
Stay Tuned to the Bay Ridge Podcast
Numerous and stalled large developments are no stranger to Bay Ridge, and residents are still wondering what is happening to the former Pizzeria Uno location just down the road. As always, we will be tracking this story and providing further insight – so be sure to subscribe to the podcast on Youtube – and anywhere else you get your podcasts!