LPC, NYLPF, Council Member Levin And DUMBO Neighborhood Alliance Unveil Historic District Marker

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 24, 2018

CONTACT:
lpcpressoffice@lpc.nyc.gov, (212) 669-7938

LPC, NYLPF, Council Member Levin And DUMBO Neighborhood Alliance Unveil Historic District Marker

Historic district markers feature a map highlighting the boundaries and a brief description of its historic importance.

NEW YORK – Today, the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC), the New York Landmarks Preservation Foundation (NYLPF), and the DUMBO Neighborhood Alliance unveiled a historic district marker that will serve to promote and commemorate the designation of the DUMBO Historic District in Brooklyn. The newly installed marker, located mid-block on Jay Street between Water and Plymouth Streets, highlights the boundaries of the district and its historic importance.

“The DUMBO Historic District was designated to recognize its rich history and unique industrial streetscapes,” said LPC Executive Director Sarah Carroll. “Since its designation in 2007, this dynamic neighborhood has maintained its industrial character. With this marker, New Yorkers and visitors alike can learn more about DUMBO’s architectural and historic significance.”

“The Historic District Marker program is one of the most important outreach activities of the Landmarks Preservation Foundation,” said NYLPF Co-Chair Basil Walter. “These markers support and enhance LPC’s designations.”

The installation of the DUMBO marker is part of the NYLPF’s Historic District Marker Program, which fosters public awareness and civic pride in designated historic districts in the five boroughs through signage. A total of three markers, funded by the DUMBO Neighborhood Alliance, will be installed throughout the district.

The newly installed marker, a19-by-36-inch terra cotta-colored sign, features a map on one side and a brief description and history of the district on the other. The text reads as follows:

“Located along the East River, DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) is one of New York City’s most significant industrial waterfront neighborhoods. The historic district was home to important manufacturing businesses during the 19th and 20th centuries, employing thousands of local workers and immigrants to produce machinery, paint, sugar, coffee, packaged groceries, paper boxes, and shoes. Innovations in American industrial architecture and fireproof building technology are notably illustrated within the district, from slow-burning mill construction to steel-framing and some of the earliest large-scale reinforced-concrete factory buildings in the United States. Artists began to move into the neighborhood in the late 1970s, converting many of the industrial spaces into lofts. It was designated a Historic District in 2007.”

“One of the wonderful things of living in New York City is being surrounded by history and engaging with it on a personal level,” said Council Member Stephen Levin. “The DUMBO community continuously works to preserve the historical legacy of this neighborhood for generations to come, and this marker will go a long way to support that effort. I, like many others in the community, have been eagerly anticipating this moment and I'm proud to be here to celebrate this special occasion.”

“DUMBO is inspired by the installation today of our first historic district marker. We extend our gratitude to the Landmarks Preservation Commission as well as the New York Landmarks Preservation Foundation for this crucial recognition of our historic district designation in 2007,” said Doreen Gallo, president of the DUMBO Neighborhood Alliance. “As our neighborhood continues to expand and evolve, it remains paramount that we continue to educate the public as to the growing need for historic preservation.”

“Community Board No. 2, home of many historic districts, celebrates the recognition of DUMBO as a special and unique place,” said Irene Janner, acting chairperson for Brooklyn Community Board 2.

“The name Forman is closely intertwined with Brooklyn’s, especially DUMBO’s commercial and industrial history, and I am proud to see that history recognized with these important new district markers,” said Peter Forman, local property owner. “Jay Street was home to Ben Forman & Sons, Inc. for generations, and we still have a presence in the neighborhood. It has been an incredible experience watching the changing nature of DUMBO over these past 50 years, and we are pleased to support DUMBO’s future for next generations.”

“Alloy is incredibly proud to have contributed to the DUMBO Historic District over the past several years in four different projects,” said AJ Pires, president of Alloy, local property owner. “We look forward to working with LPC, DNA and our neighbors to ensure the District maintains its character while meeting the needs of an ever changing Brooklyn.”

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About the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC)

The Landmarks Preservation Commission is the mayoral agency responsible for protecting and preserving New York City’s architecturally, historically and culturally significant buildings and sites. Since its creation in 1965, LPC has granted landmark status to more than 36,000 buildings and sites, including 1,413 individual landmarks, 120 interior landmarks, 11 scenic landmarks, and 143 historic districts and extensions in all five boroughs. For more information, visit www.nyc.gov/landmarks and connect with us via www.facebook.com/NYCLandmarks and www.twitter.com/nyclandmarks.

About the New York Landmarks Preservation Foundation (NYLPF)

The New York Landmarks Preservation Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that supports work that relates to the designation of New York City landmarks, including the well-recognized Bronze Plaque Program for individual landmarks, the Street Sign Program, and the Historic District Marker Program. For more information, visit http://www.nylpf.org/.