In a compelling urban transformation, the Brooklyn-based design firm, Office of Tangible Space, has converted a disused industrial warehouse into a lively community center, known as 'Car Part Time'. This innovative establishment in East Williamsburg marries the worlds of automotive display and social gathering. Spanning 2,000 square feet, the venue, once a humble hangar, now serves a dual purpose: a sophisticated showroom for vintage vehicles and a welcoming hub for co-working, events, and community interaction, redefining the landscape of automotive culture.

Office of Tangible Space Unveils Innovative 'Car Part Time' Hub in Brooklyn

In the vibrant East Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn, a former industrial warehouse has been masterfully reimagined by the Brooklyn studio Office of Tangible Space. The project, named "Car Part Time," launched recently, converting a 2,000-square-foot hangar into a dynamic community and automotive space. This innovative venue seamlessly integrates a car showroom, displaying a rotating selection of vintage automobiles available for purchase from licensed dealers, with a versatile social hub. It provides an inviting atmosphere for co-working, informal gatherings, and structured event programming. The design, spearheaded by Michael Yarinsky and Kelley Perumbeti of Office of Tangible Space, deliberately softens the industrial backdrop with carefully selected materials and vintage lighting. Large, full-height mustard yellow curtains introduce a soft, textural contrast against the raw concrete walls and flooring, while the building's original garage-style doors have been retained. These doors not only facilitate vehicle access but also allow events to extend outdoors during warmer months, fostering a sense of openness and connectivity. The interior features a custom-designed walnut listening station and bar, complete with sage inlays and a curated vinyl collection from Hudson Valley's Freakout Spot. Further enhancing its functionality, the space includes a slender work counter paired with iconic T-chairs by William Katavolos and a custom OTS coat rack. A second counter, crafted from dark green avocatus quartzite, serves as both a bar and an additional workspace. This same luxurious stone is utilized in the bathroom vanity, alongside floating walnut drawers and a striking semi-spherical mirror. Overhead, pendant lights originally designed by Edward Durell Stone for the SUNY Albany campus in 1962 add a touch of mid-century elegance. A cozy lounge area, featuring a Hay sectional and Percival Lafer lounge chairs in vibrant yellow and tan upholstery, offers a relaxed setting. Unique design elements include a bar cart custom-built by OTS, paying homage to Alvar Aalto, and a coffee table by Thomas Gayet that cleverly evokes a car grille. This thoughtfully designed space, captured beautifully by photographer Claire Esparros, successfully blends the aspirational with the approachable, creating a unique destination for both dedicated car enthusiasts and those simply curious about automotive design.

This innovative project by Office of Tangible Space inspires us to reconsider the potential of urban industrial spaces. It demonstrates how thoughtful design can transform utilitarian structures into multifaceted community assets, fostering new forms of social interaction and cultural engagement. By blending a niche interest like vintage cars with broader functions such as co-working and event hosting, 'Car Part Time' creates a vibrant, inclusive environment. It reminds us that creativity lies in identifying unexpected synergies and crafting spaces that cater to diverse needs, ultimately enriching the urban fabric and cultivating a sense of belonging.