Tesla is about to open this new 40,000-square-foot showroom and service center in one of New York City's hippest neighborhoods

Daniel McMahon/@cyclingreporter

Electric-car maker Tesla Motors is going to open its first showroom and service center in Brooklyn, New York, in the laid-back but increasingly sought-after neighborhood of Red Hook. The company has leased 40,000 square feet at 160 Van Brunt St.

Tesla confirmed the news to Business Insider on Wednesday, saying the sales and service center will open in March.

"Tesla's upcoming Brooklyn location is a testament to the strength of the New York City market and the fact we believe there will continue to be a strong demand for our vehicles in the area," a company representative said.

Tesla's newest location is being built in an industrial warehouse with nearly 100,000 square feet. It used to be home to the Golten Marine Terminal, and it's now being converted into an office space for tech firms and startups, The Real Deal reported; the asking rent is said to be $45 per square foot. There are at least seven charging stations in Brooklyn, the Brownstoner blog said. Tesla is valued at $30 billion.

The TESLA signs went up on the building Tuesday, and we just headed over to take a quick look:

Tesla's newest location is at 160 Van Brunt St., in Brooklyn, New York, near Buttermilk Channel.

Daniel McMahon/@cyclingreporter

Tesla told Business Insider in a statement on Wednesday: "We place stores and service centers in strategic locations based on where our current and future customers live and in areas where people are informed and interested in technology."

Google Maps

This is New York City's other Tesla location, in Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood.

Matthew DeBord/Business Insider

See the rest of the story at Business Insider