The Daily Dirt: A vacant Brooklyn office building and Soho House for families
A new private club in a vacant Brooklyn office building will offer curated programming and classes for children and childcare.
The Beginning Clubhouse, a new private club catering to families, is set to open in a vacant office building in Brooklyn Heights. The 15-year, 45,000-square-foot lease for the space was secured by Little Big Hospitality, a company owned by developers Michael Schoen and Chris de Koos.
The club, located at 50 Columbia Heights, will offer curated programming and classes for children, as well as childcare, food and beverage options. The developers are hoping to capitalize on the challenges faced by parents living in cramped New York City apartments during the winter months.
While the idea of a family-oriented club may seem like a luxury, Schoen and de Koos are confident in the demand for such a space in the city. “We’re not building a space that has never been done before,” Schoen stated. “We’re just doing it in a new location.”
The lease was secured from CIM Group, the owner of the long-vacant office building. The club is set to open in the summer and will be available to members for an annual fee of $1,500.
Despite the seemingly family-friendly nature of the project, some have raised concerns about the exclusivity of the club and its impact on the surrounding community. “It’s just catering to the wealthy and elite, as opposed to the greater good of the community,” said Brooklyn Heights resident and mother of two, Sarah Jones.
However, Schoen and de Koos maintain that the club will also offer community events and partnerships with local organizations. “We’re not trying to be controversial, we’re trying to be a good neighbor,” Schoen stated.
Originally reported by