Minerva BI, a data platform focused on business intelligence, has nearly tripled its office footprint at the Refinery at Domino in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The AI firm expanded from 3,500 square feet on the building's third floor to 8,320 square feet, according to a deal signed with landlord Two Trees Management.
The expansion signals continued tech sector demand for waterfront office space in Brooklyn, even as Manhattan remains the dominant commercial hub. Williamsburg has attracted a steady stream of software companies, fintech firms, and digital-first businesses seeking alternatives to pricier Manhattan locations without sacrificing neighborhood cachet or transit access.
Two Trees Management operates the Refinery at Domino, a mixed-use property built on the footprint of the former Domino Sugar Refinery. The building combines office, retail, and residential components across the sprawling waterfront site. By securing Minerva BI's expansion, Two Trees demonstrates its ability to retain growing tenants rather than lose them to competing developments.
Minerva BI's decision to expand rather than relocate matters. Retaining tenants reduces turnover costs for landlords and signals confidence in the neighborhood's trajectory. For Minerva, staying put avoids relocation expenses and maintains team continuity in an already-leased space. The move also reflects the company's growth trajectory as AI and business intelligence tools gain adoption across industries.
The Williamsburg office market has matured considerably over the past decade. Early-stage startups initially colonized converted industrial buildings and smaller flex spaces. Now, established tech companies like Minerva expand their footprints, suggesting the neighborhood has moved beyond being a temporary stop for startups burning through runway.
Retail landlords in the area benefit from growing employee bases spending money on lunch, coffee, and services. The expansion adds headcount to the neighborhood, supporting ground-floor commercial viability that often struggles when office occupancy drops.
For other Brooklyn landlords competing for tech tenants, the Minerva deal sets a market signal. Companies willing to expand their leases expect stable rents, reliable service, and management that understands tenant needs. Two Trees' success here may encourage similar deals across the Domino Sugar development and nearby properties.
The timing matters too. Office markets nationally have faced headwinds from remote work adoption and economic uncertainty. Brooklyn's ability to attract and retain tenants during this period, particularly in the sought-after tech sector, outperforms many secondary markets that lost office demand entirely.
For employees, Minerva's Brooklyn footprint offers waterfront proximity and easier commuting than a full Manhattan relocation would provide. Williamsburg's transit connections via the L train and other services make commuting from outer boroughs feasible, a consideration that influences both tenant recruitment and retention.
Two Trees' portfolio strategy appears focused on becoming an indispensable landlord for the tech-forward companies reshaping Brooklyn's economy. Securing long-term tenants like Minerva BI builds predictable revenue and positions the developer for long-term value creation as the neighborhood continues professionalizing.