What is Empire Stores known for?

Empire Stores is a vibrant retail and dining destination in Brooklyn's Dumbo neighborhood, featuring unique shops, food, and waterfront views.

What is the history of the site?

It is a seven-building, Civil War-era complex that formerly served as a warehouse for coffee storage on the Brooklyn waterfront.

Visitors can explore shops, dine at the Time Out Market food hall, visit Gallery 55 art gallery, and attend events like live music performances and pop-up shops.

Are there any good views?

Yes, there is a public rooftop garden that offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and New York Harbor.

It is located in the waterfront Dumbo neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York City, situated 20 feet from the East River within Brooklyn Bridge Park.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

Empire Stores in New York City

Empire Stores

A reimagined Civil War-era warehouse complex in Dumbo, now serving as a vibrant retail and dining destination with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and New York Harbor.

Open prototype

Official site

Get directions

What to know

Empire Stores is a massive seven-building complex located in Brooklyn’s waterfront Dumbo neighborhood. Originally constructed as a Civil War-era warehouse, the site specifically served as a historic coffee storage facility. For years, these imposing structures acted as a physical barrier between the local neighborhood and the riverfront, but an adaptive reuse project running from 2012 to 2017 transformed the site into a public portal that reconnects the two zones. Today, the 380,000-square-foot development is a centerpiece of Brooklyn’s Tech Triangle, blending historic industrial architecture with contemporary creative workplaces. The complex is designed as a retail and dining destination, featuring a public courtyard and an exhibition center for events like live music performances and art exhibitions. Visitors can explore unique shops or visit Gallery 55, a dedicated art gallery within the walls. Food enthusiasts often flock to the Time Out Market food hall, which opened its doors in 2019. The site's location is a primary draw, situated just 20 feet from the East River. This proximity allows guests to experience the resurgence of the Brooklyn waterfront as a world-renowned destination. One of the most celebrated features of the complex is the public roof garden. This elevated space provides visitors with sweeping, unobstructed views of the New York Harbor and the iconic Manhattan skyline, making it a premier spot for photography and relaxation.

Visitor tips

Head straight to the public rooftop garden for panoramic views of the New York Harbor.
Visit the Time Out Market food hall for a curated selection of local Brooklyn eats.
Check the official 'What's On' calendar for live music performances or pop-up shops.
Allow extra time to explore the public courtyard and the Gallery 55 art space.

Nearby context

Empire Stores is situated along the scenic riverfront within Brooklyn Bridge Park in the Dumbo neighborhood. Its position 20 feet from the East River makes it a key anchor of the area's industrial-to-park transformation.

Quick facts