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January 19, 2007
Banking on Barclays
London financial house eyes brand boost in Brooklyn
MetroNY
By Amy Zimmer
Yesterday's press conference featured a star-studly line-up:
“For us, this is very much about our U.S. business,” Diamond said at a swank luncheon held at the Brooklyn Museum, with some celeb power added by Nets stars Jason Kidd, Vince Carter and rapper Jay-Z, who has a minor stake in the team. “It’s a sign showing how serious we are in investing not just in our brand, but in the U.S.”
Diamond expects the arena, designed by Frank Gehry — also on stage — will become the “cultural and sporting heart of Brooklyn,” saying, “We are absolutely thrilled to be part of the cultural renaissance of Brooklyn.”
Borough President Marty Markowitz and NBA Commissioner David Stern spoke, as did Nets owner Bruce Ratner, the developer of the larger $4 billion, 22-acre Atlantic Yards project, which includes 16 towers. The arena is expected to cost roughly $637 million.
Posted by lumi at January 19, 2007 7:18 AM