Home furnishings retailer West Elm is relocating its headquarters and opening its 100th retail store here at the landmark Empire Stores, the new Brooklyn Bridge Park cultural complex along the East River.

The late 19th century coffee roasting facility and warehouse is now a LEED Silver Certified building. The site is planned for seven floors of private and public spaces, including corporate offices, a rooftop park, restaurants and retail stores.

“At our core, West Elm is a start-up Brooklyn brand. So we were happy to support our hometown by making an early commitment to Empire Stores as its anchor tenant,” said Jim Brett, president of West Elm.

West Elm has also opened its new headquarters here, with more than 300 in-house designers, merchants, planners and creative teams. The 97,650-square-foot office also serves as a showcase for Workspace, West Elm’s contract furniture line.

Like its headquarters, the company’s new store location at Empire Stores pays homage to the original warehouse in architecture and design aesthetic, incorporating salvaged materials into its design features.

Additional store highlights include:

• A first look at new limited edition collaborations and the 2016 holiday assortment featuring ASPCA, Casper, Sonos, St. Jude Children’s Hospital and Whole Foods Market • A selection of 16 New York-based makers and artisans, including Brooklyn illustrators and In The Seam’s pillows inspired by photography.

• West Elm Market, including a coffee shop operated by Brooklyn Roasting Company and a communal area to be used for socializing and workshops.

• The Design Lab, which offers complimentary design services.

(Source: Home Textiles Today)