DUMBO Arts Space Relocation Teaches Residents Energy-Saving Lessons

A performing arts venue plans to open its doors at 16 Main St. in DUMBO after shifting from Williamsburg, with a design that relies on natural gas for all power needs and keeps the building off the city electrical grid.

The relocation arrives as DUMBO residents look for direct ways to lower household costs and environmental effects in a dense neighborhood where space and resources stay limited.

Design choices at the new site

Recycled rainwater will handle toilet flushing and sink use at the Main Street location, while drinking water continues through city lines. The roof will become an urban meadow planted with trees, local grasses and flowers. These steps mark the venue as the first performing arts space in the nation to earn recognition from the Green Building Council for energy-efficient construction.

The Brooklyn Paper reported that more than 50 Brooklyn projects, including 15 buildings tied to the Atlantic Yards effort and a 358-unit apartment building at 184 Kent Ave. in Williamsburg, have registered for the same Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification.

Practical steps for DUMBO households

Residents can start by exploring natural gas options for lighting and appliances where grid independence fits their building rules. Adding a small green roof section or planter boxes with local plants provides insulation and stormwater capture on rooftops common in DUMBO walk-ups. Collecting rainwater in approved barrels for non-drinking uses such as garden watering follows the same logic used at the new venue.

These measures reduce monthly energy bills and cut reliance on distant power sources. Local property managers and building owners can review Green Building Council guidelines to see which upgrades qualify for certification and long-term savings.