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5 Shocking Facts About 931 Carroll Street, Brooklyn's 'Botanica' Luxury Tower

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The address 931 Carroll Street in Brooklyn, New York, is far more than just a pin on a map; it represents a flashpoint in the city's ongoing debate over luxury development, affordable housing, and preserving historic neighborhoods. As of late 2024 and into 2025, this location in the heart of Crown Heights is synonymous with a controversial, brand-new 17-story residential tower known as "Botanica," which has dramatically reshaped the local skyline and sparked legal battles with community groups. This deep dive uncovers the complex, multi-layered story of the building, from its high-stakes financing to the legal injunctions that attempted to halt its construction.

The building’s proximity to some of Brooklyn's most cherished cultural institutions, like the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and the Brooklyn Museum, made its development a subject of intense scrutiny and public curiosity. This article breaks down the five most compelling and often-overlooked facts about 931 Carroll Street, revealing why this single address became a symbol of modern Brooklyn's real estate ambitions.

The Botanica Project: A Controversial Crown Heights Landmark

931 Carroll Street is the official address for a major new development named Botanica. This luxury rental project stands out not just for its height but for the intense public interest—and opposition—it generated. The building's journey from an empty lot to a 17-story tower is a textbook case of modern Brooklyn real estate development.

Fact 1: It's a 17-Story Luxury Tower Built by a Prominent Local Developer

The structure at 931 Carroll Street is a significant addition to the Crown Heights neighborhood, towering over many of the surrounding historic brownstones. The project was developed by Brooklyn landlord and developer Harry Einhorn, a notable figure in the local real estate scene. The sheer scale of the building—a 17-story tower—is one of the primary reasons it became a source of community tension, particularly concerning its potential impact on the adjacent historic districts and cultural landmarks.

  • Developer: Harry Einhorn (Brooklyn landlord and developer)
  • Project Name: Botanica
  • Building Height: 17 stories
  • Total Units: 214 apartment units
  • Neighborhood: Crown Heights, Brooklyn, NY 11225

Fact 2: The Project Secured a Massive $55 Million Construction Loan

The financial backing for 931 Carroll Street underscores the high-stakes nature of this development. In a clear sign of confidence in the Brooklyn real estate market, developer Harry Einhorn secured a substantial $55 million construction loan from Bank Hapoalim. This massive financing was crucial for moving the project forward, especially given the building’s size and the luxury amenities it was designed to offer. The loan was specifically intended to finance the construction of the 214-unit tower, highlighting the significant capital required for such an ambitious undertaking in a rapidly developing area.

Fact 3: It Was the Subject of a Temporary Restraining Order

Perhaps the most controversial and unique aspect of the 931 Carroll Street development is the legal battle it faced. At one point during its construction, the project was subject to a temporary restraining order issued by Brooklyn Civil Supreme Court Justice Johnny Lee Baynes. This judicial action barred all construction at the site, along with other nearby developments. The restraining order was a direct result of community and environmental concerns, particularly from groups worried about the tower's proximity to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.

The controversy centered on the potential for the tall structure to cast shadows over the Botanic Garden's greenhouse, which houses temperature-sensitive plant collections. Opponents argued that the shadow-casting would harm the delicate ecosystem and the Garden’s mission. While the restraining order was a temporary measure, it spotlighted the deep conflict between new development and the preservation of historic and environmental landmarks in Brooklyn.

Fact 4: The Building is Located Just One Block from the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and Museum

The prime location of 931 Carroll Street is both its greatest asset and the source of its controversy. The building is situated in the vibrant Crown Heights neighborhood, known for its mix of historic architecture and modern amenities. Crucially, it is just a block away from two of Brooklyn's most significant cultural attractions: the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and the Brooklyn Museum.

This proximity offers residents unparalleled access to green space and culture, making the luxury units highly desirable. The building's marketing often emphasizes this feature, positioning it as a "gateway to the best of Brooklyn." However, as noted above, this very proximity fueled the legal challenges, as community members fought to protect the Garden from the potential ecological consequences of the 17-story structure.

Fact 5: It Features an Affordable Housing Lottery for Select Units

Despite being marketed as a luxury rental building, 931 Carroll Street, like many new developments in New York City, includes a component of affordable housing units. The project launched a housing lottery for a portion of its 214 units, offering apartments at significantly below-market rents to eligible applicants.

This inclusion is a common requirement under various city zoning and tax incentive programs, designed to ensure that new residential construction contributes to the city's need for diverse housing options. The lottery provided an opportunity for residents with lower incomes to secure a spot in a brand-new, amenity-rich building in a highly desirable location near major transit links and cultural hubs. The availability of these affordable units, with prices starting at lower tiers, further cemented 931 Carroll Street's role in the ongoing dialogue about gentrification and housing equity in Crown Heights.

Living at Botanica: Amenities and Modern Living

The Botanica development is designed to offer a high-end urban living experience, catering to the demand for modern, amenity-rich apartments in central Brooklyn. The building’s design and features aim to redefine urban living with a blend of contemporary aesthetics and convenience.

The luxury rental units themselves are brand-new, featuring modern finishes and appliances. Listings for available units, some of which were still active or had very recent history in 2024 and 2025, indicate a competitive rental market. The appeal is driven by the building’s location, its new construction, and a full suite of resident-focused amenities that are typical of high-rise developments in New York City. The property history, showing active and delisted units even into future quarters of 2025, confirms its status as a highly active and sought-after rental property.

Key neighborhood entities and LSI keywords that define the area around 931 Carroll Street:

  • Brooklyn Botanic Garden
  • Brooklyn Museum
  • Crown Heights Historic District
  • Prospect Heights
  • Franklin Avenue Subway Station (2, 3, 4, 5 trains)
  • Eastern Parkway
  • Affordable Housing Lottery
  • Luxury Rental Building
  • Brownstone Row Houses
  • Harry Einhorn Development

The Future Impact of 931 Carroll Street

The saga of 931 Carroll Street serves as a microcosm of Brooklyn’s rapid transformation. The successful completion of the Botanica tower, despite the legal challenges and community opposition, signals the powerful momentum of development in the borough. It has permanently altered the visual landscape of Crown Heights, introducing a new scale of residential living to the area.

The building will continue to be a reference point for future development proposals, particularly those near sensitive landmarks. Its presence highlights the complex balance developers, city planners, and community members must strike between addressing the city's housing crisis and protecting the unique character and ecological assets of historic neighborhoods. For residents, 931 Carroll Street offers a vibrant, modern lifestyle at the intersection of culture, history, and transit, making it one of the most talked-about addresses in contemporary Brooklyn real estate.

5 Shocking Facts About 931 Carroll Street, Brooklyn's 'Botanica' Luxury Tower
931 carroll street brooklyn
931 carroll street brooklyn

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