Barclays Surrounded by Towers?

Here's what to expect for the next decade at the corner of Flatbush and Atlantic avenues in Brooklyn: basketball and high rise construction. The New York Observer is quoting Forest City Ratner officials as saying a Barclays Center Effect may very well lead to the construction of two or three office and commercial towers across Atlantic Avenue above the Ratner-owned mall. That's in addition to the three residential towers planned for the arena's eastern end.

There's no timetable for either, other than a promise to break ground for the first (33-story) residential tower early next year (during the season?). The residential towers are part of Atlantic Yards plan. Ratner has long had separate approvals to build the commercial towers. Barclays Center's success may lead to their construction.

"It’s an obvious opportunity," MaryAnne Gilmartin, Forest City’s executive vice president, told The Observer. "One of the many things we think about is the impact the arena will have, and how we can help create a holistic neighborhood at Atlantic Yards from there."

• Brooklyn Nets a Mega Mall: Forest City Mulls What’s Next for Atlantic Terminal and Atlantic Center - Matt Chaban - New York Observer