The world’s first robotic parkng garage at 100 Wyckoff — Photo by Jeremy Sapienza
From Automotion, the company who brought you New York City’s first fully automated parking garage, comes the world’s first outdoor automated parking facility — right here in Bushwick.
This type of garage can fit more cars in less area than a typical parking facility because of the way they are stored. The vehicle is parked on a platform and the robotic garage does the rest, shifting it around the structure like a box on a grocery store shelf. When it’s time to leave, it takes under two minutes for your car to be fetched and brought down to you.
The site is surrounded by concertina wire for the time being, but once the garage opens that will come down and it will be attended 24/7 by an attendant who will also park the car on the platform for its users. Perry Finkelman, CEO of Automotion, calls this setup “semi-automation.”
“Because of the difficult layout of the site, we had to make it semi-automated instead of fully automated like our garages in Manhattan,” said Finkelman. “There’s also the fact that people are not completely familiar with this kind of technology yet, so we need someone who can ease that transition, like in the 80s when banks had tellers teaching people how to use ATMs.”
The facility, which will serve Wyckoff Heights Hospital and the L Lofts condominiums next door, has room for 67 vehicles, and is only awaiting regulatory approval to begin operations, which Finkelman estimates might take 4-6 more weeks. In the meantime, check it out at night, when the decorative lighting scheme is turned on.
The new Automotion garage is at 100 Wyckoff Avenue near DeKalb.
Joanna December 19th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
Not only does it serve the L Lofts – it blocks the views from them!
Joseph December 19th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
I really wonder why they would build a garage that would literally be feet from peoples windows. On top of which, the garage is right on our main commercial strip using space that could be active retail. Instead, it is just dead space to store cars. If there is such a strong demand for parking in the neighborhood, why not build a parking structure with ground floor retail, or build it on one of the surface lots nearby.
Armstrong December 19th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
here here Joseph! this sounds like a cool concept but totally misplaced. fine example of the diminishing returns of techno-utopia.
BrooklynPaddy December 19th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
This thing is a total eyesore. Hopefully when the economic slump is over it will be replaced by housing and useful retail. Did anyone notice that the maroon awning on the former bar next door now sports the sign of a soon-to-open deli?
Matt December 19th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
This GIANT eyesore has been built and sitting empty and free of cars for months and months. 6 more weeks for “regulatory approval?”… they’re stalling for time.
Not to mention that no one needs to pay for parking in this neighborhood anyway. The hospital offers free parking to “patients undergoing outpatient procedures” and has plenty of on-site parking for physicians.
I’m all for technology and innovative ways to maximize space but this location was a huge mistake.
Tony December 19th, 2008 at 7:30 pm
World’s First? Hardly. We’ve had these types of garages for over three decades here in Japan. I don’t know about Bushwick, but an automated garage would come in handy just about anywhere in Manhattan. You can fit dozens of cars in an area barely large enough for a game of dominoes. I wonder when the US will finally get “Self-Washing” toilets? They’re great!
chillinoncentral December 19th, 2008 at 8:27 pm
In trying to see the bright side of this project, I think that more people are drawn to shopping areas that have ample parking. Ok, so I’m reaching here a little bit. Ok, so there isn’t a bright side. But, one day, when you’re driving on a blizzard to that new deli coming to the corner, you too will appreciate the ability to park right next door. =]
mopar December 20th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
I always thought this parking space was for the residents of the lofts. If not, it is totally crazy. Was this some requirement by law to get the lofts built? Where is the entrance? Parking around here (so far) is pretty good.
Perry Finkelman December 20th, 2008 at 7:56 pm
I just would like to comment and respond to others who have made comments about the system.
1) Joanna – The system does not block the view from all the units. The front of the building is on DeKalb and the system actually as designed allows light and air and does the exact opposite of your comment. If a building were to be within the legal building limits. The 3 affected units would be looking at a brick wall 30 feet in front of them. This allows the resident to experience a very cool engineering device.
2) Joseph- same comment as above, but it was the hospital who originally came to us to increase the parking that is needed by the hospital.
3) Armstrong – This is exactly the type of investment that people should look to have in inner city neighborhoods. This type of system just was designated a platinum Leeds project for a Chicago site we are doing, very similar to Wyckoff.
4) Brooklyn Paddy – We respectfully disagree it’s an eyesore. We see this as an engineering work of art. When the system is open, why don’t you visit the site and marvel at the engineering and lights that this system will bring to the neighborhood.
5) Matt – While it may appear the system has been up for months, we take security and reliability very seriously. This is not just a machine and requires hundreds of hours of programming and debugging. We opened for a few days with free parking to test our programs and learn from issues that arise during the beta testing of the unit. It is an efficient system and logical in its design and operations. This can’t be rushed. The operators need training to insure they are comfortable with this product. As was said in the article we expect at this point to be operational shortly.
6) Tony – what everyone needs to understand is that this system is not the world’s first automated system. It is the world’s first exterior stand alone wind loaded system. This system is being submitted for engineering awards that we expect to excel in the coming year for producing something that has never been done before! As for affordability, this project is meant to prove that high technology projects can be built in inner city modest income areas and be competitive. This is a system that will not have any vandalism to your vehicle. Every open air garage can’t have that capability. I for one, if paying the same rate for parking would always choose a safer facility.
7) chillinoncentral – did you ever think that people will come out just to marvel at the system? They do in NY at our other locations. If we are wrong, so be it, but, it serves the purpose for the hospital and staff which want a more secure location and one which is watched. The system has smart technology and night vision capability which allows the IT people constant access as required to monitor the site and the workings of the system. I suspect, late at night you would prefer going top a well secure and well light areas than the alternatives. That’s what we are trying to establish here.
I hope my answers explain some of the comments. I don’t expect everyone to agree with me, but that’s why we love the City and its’ diverse and opinionated residents. If I can answer any of the readers concerns or questions, I will monitor this site over the next week or so and add comments as needed.
Peace and Have a Happy Holiday and Happy New Year.
johnnysaw December 20th, 2008 at 8:58 pm
It’s awful. My only hope is that they box the whole thing in with the blue plexi-glass that’s currently on the ground level. I could almost live with that.
chillinoncentral December 21st, 2008 at 10:14 am
Mr. Finkelman, when an innovative product suddenly appears in the neighborhood that you live in and care for, I think that there is a natural sense of uncertainty that leads the uninformed reader towards skepticism. Your replies here, individualized and well thought out, have demonstrated our unintentional crossing of the line to outright cynicism and have provided at least some of that information needed to backpedal and to sway me to a more positive outlook on this project. I’m sure that this ground-breaking venture will continue to draw doubting critical commentary, but I also trust that your real estate development background and pioneering outlook is some of what Bushwick lacks and needs more of… welcome to Bushwick and especially to the BushwickBk website. Bravo and good luck.
Dresden December 21st, 2008 at 12:37 pm
Cars are ugly, loud and create pollution, besides being one of the biggest killers in America.
I hate cars. But I like to drive. How ironic.
Anyway, it doesn’t seem like the highest and best use for the lot. Which Finkelman didn’t explain away at all. Highest and best use is what development is all about – and to deny that this is not is to blow smoke up the community’s ass.
Otherwise, it’s his dime. I’m sure he’ll turn a profit, or doesn’t need to, or he’s just experimenting in this area for something he wants to do in a more money’ed area… which sort of makes our hood his lab rat.
Or – Yuck, Mr. Finkelman. It’s fugly on any level.
Perry Finkelman December 21st, 2008 at 2:25 pm
As a General comment:
When one looks at a painting one can see beauty and depth and another, a work which repulses that individual. On L lofts I commissioned a local painter Kip Farce to do all the interior hallways and floors with his vision. I received many compliments as well as many who felt it was out of place. I think that all too often developers are afraid to go out of the box and want to play it safe. They don’t want negative attention only positive. I have been doing innovative development for over 30 years in moderate income areas throughout the boroughs and all too often, I have been frustrated that my visions could not be more pronounced and artistic. It is only because of emerging areas, that I can experiment with materials, textures, technology and design to do something not expected in outer borough areas. I am not saying that I have all the answers or that I am always right. I am at times, fascinated at some of the responses I get to my projects, and make sure that after a period of time, that I speak to those who are living in my projects, and find out what they like and don’t like. I take those comments from everyday people who directly use or pass my projects and use their comments to learn and make changes for the next one. It’s a process. Please don’t take that to mean that next week I will enclose the entire structure in Blue or tear it down because a few or a lot of people think it’s ugly. It’s not that I don’t care; it’s that modern engineering and art in form have a place in society as a whole. Like I said before, I don’t expect everyone to like what I do, I do expect, people in general to respect opinions and ideas as I respect those individuals who may not agree with my vision as well as tastes.
comments:
11)chillinoncentral – Thank you for your words of support, I hope one day you will be able to experience the visions in person.
12)Dresden – Let me be clear about highest and best use. The area of land that we are using if used for a retail spot would be quite small and having spent a few years in the neighborhood prior to doing L lofts, there is plenty of available store fronts on Wyckoff at very reasonable rents which are available as we speak. So, to have another vacant store front serves the community and actually detracts from it. I was hoping that the surrounding store owners with the advent of new residential projects would start to clean up the shabby store fronts and we are starting to see some of that, but, we need more.
The hospital is the one who asked us to try to create more parking for them. It is this avenue that we pursued as a highest and best use because of the system we could build. Had this been just a regular type of lot, perhaps 12 cars could be parked. We flew in our engineers from Germany to have them design something that has not been done before, for an area which if not for Wyckoff Hospital probably we would not have thought of doing this system at this location. I believe a previous comment was its best suited in Manhattan. In general terms, that commenter is right. The challenge was building a system, which could be built affordable, run affordable and be similar to what the current staff and visitors pay. I don’t know if we will be successful, but I was willing to try and in doing so, create a system where people can experience the engineering and it’s movements from the street, not hidden behind some blue or silver shield. Yes, I am proud and excited of what I created and asked that you give it ample exposure for acceptance before just cutting it off at the legs.
I hope this give you more insight and answers to your questions
johnnysaw December 21st, 2008 at 4:47 pm
Props to Perry for his eloquent and thoughtful defence. Definitely the sort of developer we need more of. You haven’t sold me entirely but I will look at it a bit differently from now on.
Dresden December 21st, 2008 at 7:10 pm
Okay, well done, however there is still a ton of parking around here… I do tip my hat to your communicative defense and quite reasonably respect your right to do whatever you want with your property.
Perry Finkelman December 22nd, 2008 at 2:18 am
To Dresden:
I agree, there is plenty of parking, however, very little of it secure. We have open air lots which are attended and non attended, we have a watchman in a booth, who hopefully makes sure no one breaks into a car, and there is a multitude of free parking in the area. There really is NO secure parking, a place where no one can get to your vehicle unless it is done by an attendant. Under constant surveillance and control by personnel on and off premise. Some people are very funny about there cars and would rather make sure their car is more secure than their homes. We have a number of customers in the Manhattan system which secure their vehicles with automotion and take a train uptown to their homes. There are many garages that they can park at, but choose to have one where it is secure. It would make a interesting sociological study as to why people put more emphasis on their vehicles than almost any other possession. I find the reasons why people use our facility as opposed to others which may be more convenient, less costly
(IN NYC, the operator charges a bit more than neighboring garages) and still people go out of their way to make sure that they have the most secure parking in the nation. It really is unbelievable and I continue to observe this behavior with awe.
Joseph December 22nd, 2008 at 4:31 pm
I appreciate that this is a private enterprise that is intended to meet the market demand for parking for hospital employees. That said, putting parking on grade on an urban commercial strip has been consistently shown to diminish the viability of the surrounding retail. Urban retail streets thrive on pedestrian traffic, not cars. Stores need people walking by their storefronts, seeing what is on offer and being enticed to come in and make a purchase. Retail stores keep a street alive and safe with illuminated store fronts and merchants keeping and eye on the street. People are less likely to walk by a blank wall or vacant lot to get to the stores that are beyond the empty area. Of course, the hospital is the biggest offender on this score with their own building in which the ground floor is a blank brick wall.
Had the developer built this facility above ground-floor retail, I would have no objection to the project. I know that there are a few vacant storefronts on Wyckoff but there are also new folks moving into the area and has been mentioned on this blog, many new businesses are opening in the neighborhood. Unfortunately, with this multi-level parking facility in place, this spot will be a permanent vacancy on our “main street”.
I thank Mr. Finkelman for taking the time to address his neighbors on this forum and I also appreciate that he seems to have an interest in the aesthetic quality of what he builds. If we have to have parking in this location, this is probably better than a standard black-top lot.
Dresden December 23rd, 2008 at 7:56 pm
Thanks Perry. Happy hanukkah.
Please take the razor wire down March 17th, 2009 at 5:46 pm
Perry,
Can you fly in your engineers from Germany to take down the razor wire while you run your next 6 months of beta testing?
This empty eyesore is quickly approaching its 1 year anniversary of sitting empty and worthless… 3 months ago you told us it was going to be “operational shortly.”
Thanks.
Professional Alternative March 17th, 2009 at 5:52 pm
Hahahaha, yes Perry, we promise the locals aren’t so desperate to mug people they will try to climb into this menacing contraption.
PERRY March 17th, 2009 at 6:26 pm
While everyone may think, nothing goes on at the garage. We have had prior break-ins and tools and equipment stolen. One part was taken which has absolutely no commercial value to anyone, even for scrap. This part took two weeks to replace. Until the system is open, and we have full time staff at the premises, I must leave wire in place.
In terms of opening, we are ready to open for weeks. The issue is, the DOB, has decided it wants to revisit the approvals on these systems and that has put us in limbo, until they issue the TCO or CO.
My consultants have weekly meetings with DOB to satisfy each new issue they bring up which wasnt an issue from previous meeting(s). This is our Gov’t at work folks. So we forge on and deal with everything they continue to throw at me. It will get to the point with them, that I will take legal action to compel them to issue the tco/co based upon the approved, reviewed and reviewed plans which went threw a full year of review and audits.
Trust me, when I say, I would love nothing more than to open up, take down the wire and welcome everyone to what I beleive is a great addition to the neighborhood.
Stay tuned.
A-Man April 12th, 2009 at 12:34 pm
Hey Perry, man can I get an estimate on how much it’ll cost to park a car there monthly!? I’ve been dying for the place to open up because depending on the price I wanna come up with a budget to get a decent car. I live right around the corner and don’t trust anyone in a 50 mile radius, especially Grove St and Menahan lol. Please give me an estimate whenever it’s convenient for you to answer.
PERRY April 12th, 2009 at 3:24 pm
The operator is not planning to open up 24 hours to start. The opening rate I was told was under 125.00 plus tax. please contact Gary Schneeweiss the office number is 212-956-2280. If anyone has a problem reaching him please call our office at 516-565-5600 and tell the receptionist you are looking to rent space at wyckoff parking.
Perry
jamie April 12th, 2009 at 10:08 pm
OK really this thing is bad all around. it looks like it belongs in miami, is the Williamsburgs McCarren park highrise debacle eyesore going to be recreated out here too? This structure, the “loft” included, is tacky! I’m sorry no one will say it on the blog, but over a pint it gets called way worse! I regrettably own a vehicle (because I tour with a band, and unfortunately need a van) and would NEVER consider supporting something that neglects to take in to account the aesthetic of the surrounding neighborhood. it’s like wearing pink rain boots with a vintage suit, its funny and “art” once, but being forced to wear it, or look at it every day would drive me MAD! as this thing does. actually my girl friend and i looked at the “loft” when the first open house took place and some of the apartments do look out where the atrocity now stands. Also whos to say what cars will be hanging out for the world too see? if they were all MGB’s and Chargers that would be one thing, but i digress.
Also flaunting obvious money in this economy adds to class strain, and this thing only shows the gap of have and have nots, because i take the train and walk everywhere i am at risk of having these frustrations taken out on me. This hood isn’t ready for a building like this yet! nor should it ever be, lets hope it gets covered with graffiti soon so at least it mirrors the reversal of fortune this area is about to see, police and fire in Bushwick are getting cut, no one is going to pay the insane price for a $300,000-600,000 to live in the ghetto with a view of a gross car lot in a recession, so i will bet our deflating dollar this goes rusty and broken soon, lets keep our fingers crossed!
Anonymous Customer September 3rd, 2009 at 8:03 am
I’m a new happy customer.
The system works quite well and the two gentleman that attends the parking facility that I’ve met are both very friendly and helpful.
The price is fair but the only catch is the after hours availability. There needs to be a better policy in place and enforced but overall, I cannot complain and I’m sure improvements are on the way.
I personally don’t see it as an eyesore, actually I am quite impressed by it’s form and function.
perry finkelman September 3rd, 2009 at 9:02 am
The operator plans to eventually open 24/7, they have added sunday to the operations schedule and it will happen as the system becomes more familar to the vistors of the system. On a side note, News12 did a peice on the system which should air in a few days. A positive peice for Bushwick is an excellent spot to heighlight what Bushwick has to offer and promotes investment in the area.
I am personally happy that you have had a positive experience and will continue to do so for many years.
jamie September 3rd, 2009 at 12:30 pm
perry, what happens in a brown out or black out? do you get stuck with out your car? or is there a generator? how much electricity does it use monthly, how much does it add to a drivers massive carbon foot print?
perry finkelman September 4th, 2009 at 1:31 am
Dear Jamie,
our system has a very sophisticated line conditioner system, which keeps current at a very clean level for our system to work. We have already experienced some brownouts at the location and our system has been adjusted to handle the variences that have occurred todate.
On a seperate note, NYC, for the most part has very stable power supply. Our system is designed to accomodate a power generator, but, have not done so. My personal feeling on this, is that this system is no different than a multitude of parking garages which have elevators. In the event of a total power failure in the neighborhood, Traffic lights and the like would make driving virtually impossible, and the same issue of non power on a conventional elevator garage, would also prevent retrivals. In some municipalities, where power is not stable, due to storms etc, we provide the generators.
You raise a very good question as to the carbon foot print. We have recently had one of our designs approved as Platimum Leeds Certified ( Chicago). This will be the first garage in the united States to acomplish this certification. The premise behind the certification, is that in a conventional garage, the driver and car are moving constantly and wasting precious fossil fuels. The automated system, uses high efficency electric motors which reduce the carbon footprint when compared to conventional parking.
The costs of operating is approx 11 cents per complete cycle ( parking into the system and parking out)
On a particular note, we are currently in negotiations with major car manufacturers to accomodate and build automoated systems in Urban downtown areas, which will also allow recharging of electric vehicles, thereby, making them more marketable and usable to the general public. The biggest drawback today with these vehicles is the range. If a customer knows that if they can park the vehicle in a downtown Urban area and have it charged so that they can safely return home, there would be greater acceptance of the technology and use. The Carbon foot print reduction, would be tremendous.
Hope this answers your qestions.
Noman September 4th, 2009 at 1:22 pm
Is there a contact number for this parking garage? How far is it from wyckoff hospital? What are the costs of utilizing this parking garage?
perry finkelman September 8th, 2009 at 11:21 am
the aprking garage is on wyckoff avenue corner of dekalb. its down the block from the womens center, across the street from the main facility, and adjacent to their new administratioin office on Dekalb. The parking operator is MJS Parking, speak to Gary and tell them you would like information regarding parking at the facility. (212) 956-2280.
I don not know what the monthly rates are, you need to speak to them.
chillinoncentral September 8th, 2009 at 11:53 am
My compliments to you, Perry – you’ve done a great job in responding to a handful of tough questions from my neighbors, some of which don’t seem to want to be so inviting to your innovations. Your personal and immediate responses are setting the example for other incoming business persons. To see you go the extra mile to frankly and honestly address our concerns, and that no one’s question or critique goes unanswered, reassures me that you share community concerns and that you want and expect to be a contributor here for a long time to come. Again, awesome job!
jamie September 8th, 2009 at 12:27 pm
thanks perry, i still am not a fan of the look of your structure, but you seem like a nice dude, best of luck!
Noman September 8th, 2009 at 12:46 pm
I signed up for this parking garage 2 days ago, it might not be the most pretty looking structure but it is extremely convenient and also most importantly keeps your car safe, specially in that neighborhood. I would recommend it to anyone that actually cares about their car. Most other garages won’t be as safe as this one. I hope you guys put more of these up else where!
Anonymous September 8th, 2009 at 1:28 pm
Perhaps they should embellish it with a few tulips or something so that it’ll be perfectly seamless with the rest of the neighborhood : )
I agree, it’s convenient and secure. I felt very uneasy parking on the streets in this neighborhood. Once they make it accessible 24/7 I will be perfectly happy but if they enclose it and temperature control it, even better. They should also think about making them underground but then there’s the cost of digging and fending off the trolls.
Exciting developments indeed.