Brooklyn Getting Its First Smart Condo

We’ve already got smart phones, smart cars, smart motorcycles, smart glasses, and smart houses. Isn’t it about time we had smart condominiums? 

For the developers RAL Cos. and Oliver’s Realty Group, the answer is yes. They have unveiled plans for 28-story, 126-unit Quay Tower condominium in Brooklyn Bridge Park – touted as the borough’s first smart condominium. 

“Through our strategic partnership with Amazon, each of the 126 residences at Quay Tower is being delivered with an Amazon Echo and an Echo Dot that are seamlessly integrated to control compatible smart home technology, including Lutron Caseta light switches and Nest thermostats,” RAL’s chief executive Robert Levine tells Multi-Housing News. “Residents can easily switch on a lamp, dim the lights, adjust room temperature and more – all with their voice.” 

Levine adds that the Amazon partnership will allow unit-owners to tailor their condo’s smart features to their personal preferences. “For example,” he says, “homeowners can connect to pre-wiring for automated shade control in every room. We’ve also worked on offering a special concierge to help set everything up before buyers even step foot in their new home.” 

Molly Townsend of Douglas Elliman, which is handling marketing and sales for the property, says Quay Tower is one more sign of Brooklyn’s arrival on the New York City real estate map. “Brooklyn is no longer a secondary option for New York City buyers – it’s now a lifestyle destination,” she says. “In the past few years, we’ve seen a lot of exciting new co-ops and rental inventory around here, but the market is still lacking much-sought-after luxury condominiums. We’ve watched the success of One Brooklyn Bridge and Pierhouse, as well as the overall popularity of Brooklyn Bridge Park and the ferry, and it’s clear that New Yorkers and Brooklynites are seeking a waterfront lifestyle.” 

Quay Tower, with 2- to 5-bedroom units, is scheduled to open next summer.