UPDATE: SEPTEMBER 2019
The Conservancy supported the Landmarks Preservation Commission’s proposed designation of five Gowanus buildings as individual landmarks. The low-scale brick buildings connect to Gowanus’ development in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. But we urged the Commission to move quickly to landmark other structures in this area (read our testimony). The Conservancy and local advocates have proposed several additional Gowanus buildings that are worthy of designation. New development and a planned rezoning are threatening the character of this once thriving industrial area.
Landmarks Commission Acts to Preserve Gowanus Character
June, 2019
Five architecturally significant Gowanus buildings including the former Somers Brothers Tinware Factory, the Brooklyn Rapid Transit Co. Power Station Engine House, the Montauk Paint Manufacturing Company Building, the Gowanus Canal Flushing Tunnel Pumping Station and Gate House, and the ASPCA Rogers Memorial Building were recently calendared by the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) to be considered for landmark designation thanks, in part to the Conservancy’s on-going advocacy efforts. Acting in response to the City’s rezoning plans for the area announced in 2018, the Conservancy has been working hard with our community partners to retain the best examples of Brooklyn’s industrial past, creating a balance between preservation and growth in the neighborhood. We appreciate LPC’s action and will continue to push them to act on other Gowanus buildings we consider worthy of designation.
Conservancy Supports Saving Industrial History of Gowanus
July, 2018
The Conservancy has urged the New York Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) to act quickly to protect the many landmark eligible properties in Gowanus, a unique area marked for rezoning.
The Gowanus neighborhood contains many surviving examples of Brooklyn’s industrial heritage. Any changes to the zoning must take into consideration the area’s history and preserve the important sites that are a reminder of the Borough’s robust commercial history. The Commission must protect the structures that should not be lost in the rush to redevelop the area.
