The building that housed Crest Hardware, a Williamsburg staple for more than six decades, has been sold for $22 million, according to city records.
Located on Metropolitan Avenue, the multibuilding property was sold on Nov. 20. Real estate firm TerraCRG, which listed the lot, described it as a "mixed-use development opportunity."
The hardware store was known for its loyal customer base and strong ties to the community. Owner Joseph Franquinha said the store’s closure was prompted by the landlord’s decision not to renew the lease, ending Crest Hardware’s 61-year run.
The news has drawn mixed reactions from Williamsburg residents.
"That's the way it goes. The city is getting bigger and bigger and more expensive to live here," said Williamsburg resident Joseph Cordes.
Many longtime customers said Crest Hardware was more than a store — it was a cornerstone of the community, providing not only tools and supplies but also a sense of connection in a rapidly changing neighborhood.