Gowanus Development 499 President Adds Union Market, Corto, and Spear Physical Therapy as Retail Tenants

The 499 President development in Gowanus has announced three new retail tenants: Union Market, Corto, and Spear Physical Therapy. These businesses join previously announced partners Paulie Gee's and Royal Palms Shuffleboard, completing 40,000 square feet of commercial space designed to serve both residents and the broader community. The retail expansion signals continued growth and investment in the Gowanus neighborhood, providing essential services and lifestyle amenities to an area experiencing significant residential development.

Union Market will open a 10,000-square-foot flagship grocery store at 532–542 Union Street, adjacent to 499 President. The Brooklyn-based grocer has built its reputation on offering high-quality groceries, fresh produce, and curated local and organic goods. Martin Nunez, Co-owner of Union Market, emphasized the strategic importance of the location, stating that Gowanis is welcoming thousands of new residents who need a neighborhood grocer. The store aims to become a central hub for both longtime locals and new residents, continuing Union Market's mission of making everyday life easier and more delicious through quality provisions.

Corto will occupy a 1,000-square-foot space along Nevins Street, bringing its blend of Italian hospitality and Brooklyn style to the neighborhood. The restaurant and café will serve from morning espresso to evening dining, featuring an ingredient-driven menu focused on authentic Italian flavors. Owner and Chef Cristiano Morroi expressed excitement about contributing to Gowanus's culinary diversity, noting that the establishment will craft a warm and inviting environment reflective of the neighborhood's unique character.

Spear Physical Therapy has taken 2,500 square feet for a clinic adjacent to Corto, offering individualized physical and occupational therapy services. As New York's leading provider of award-winning rehabilitation services, Spear aims to help residents and neighbors stay active, recover from injuries, and pursue performance goals. Matt Morton, Senior Vice President of Development at Spear Physical Therapy, highlighted the company's people-first approach, emphasizing their mission to help New Yorkers move better and feel stronger. The clinic's presence underscores 499 President's holistic lifestyle approach, integrating health and wellness into the community fabric.

Alexander Brodsky, Partner at The Brodsky Organization, which developed 499 President alongside Avery Hall and Battery Global Advisors, described the retail curation as fulfilling a vision to serve both residents and the growing Gowanus community. The brokerage firms involved in the transactions included Atlantic Retail, which represented ownership for all three deals, and ABS Partners Real Estate, which represented Union Market. For more information about Atlantic Retail, visit https://www.atlanticretail.com. Details about ABS Partners Real Estate can be found at https://absre.com/.

The new retail additions complement existing neighborhood staples like Royal Palms Shuffleboard at 514 Union Street and Paulie Gee's, which plans to open a new restaurant at 499 President this fall. Kyle Driscoll, Partner at Paulie Gee's, noted the neighborhood's vibrant mix of art, community, and innovation, expressing eagerness to contribute to Gowanus's evolving food narrative. The collective retail offering at 499 President, which includes 350 modern apartments and lifestyle amenities, positions the development as a well-rounded community anchor in one of Brooklyn's most dynamic neighborhoods.