LPC Designates The Brooklyn Edison Building - LPC

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Press Release

For Immediate Release: June 18, 2024

Contact: lpcpressoffice@lpc.nyc.gov, 212-669-7938

LPC Designates the Brooklyn Edison Building

Renaissance Revival-Style Office Building Is a Notable Landmark in Brooklyn's Civic and Commercial Center, and a Testament to the Pivotal Role Electricity Played in Fueling Brooklyn's Early 20th Century Development

New York – Today, the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) voted to designate the Brooklyn Edison Building, located at 345 Adams Street, as an individual landmark. Designed by the prominent architects McKenzie, Voorhees & Gmelin and constructed between 1922-1926, this distinguished Renaissance Revival style office building is a notable landmark in the civic and commercial center of Brooklyn and a testament to the technological advancements that fueled Brooklyn's growth in the early 20th century.

The Brooklyn Edison Building was designed for the Brooklyn Edison Company as its new, larger headquarters – a need driven by the expanded demand for electrical capacity after an increase in the local population that followed the completion of the local subway lines in the 1920s. The Brooklyn Edison Building's imposing presence is a tangible reminder of the pivotal role electricity played in fueling Brooklyn's development during this transformative era.

"The Brooklyn Edison Building is a testament to the technological advancements that helped Brooklyn to become the thriving, vibrant borough that we know today, and a tangible reminder that New York City has always been a center for innovation and creativity," said Landmarks Preservation Commission Chair Sarah Carroll. "I'm pleased that the Commission has chosen to designate this monumental building in the heart of Brooklyn's commercial downtown so that it can be preserved and protected for generations to come."

"We are proud that the Brooklyn Edison Building is being recognized for its pivotal role in our city's history, now designated a landmark by the Landmarks Preservation Commission. Through this recognition, we join LPC in celebrating both the architectural significance and rich history of this Renaissance Revival-style office building, and the role electricity played in Brooklyn's development during the early 20th century," said Department of Citywide Administrative Services Executive Deputy Commissioner for Assets and Property Management Laura Ringelheim. "We take our stewardship of this Brooklyn gem seriously, and its recent restoration exemplifies our commitment to preserving the city's historically significant facilities in our portfolio, while ensuring the building remains a vibrant part of downtown Brooklyn's commercial and civic life. We look forward to continuing to steward this iconic building, maintaining its legacy for future generations to come."

The Brooklyn Edison Building was built to be the "last word" in office buildings, and its design incorporated the most advanced technology of the time, including lighting, telephone systems, and rapid transit elevators. The building also played an important role as a vibrant hub for social and cultural activities thanks to the Brooklyn Edison Building's auditorium, which hosted events including charity fundraisers and meetings, and drew the community together through the variety of public gatherings held there.

The building's design recalls a grand Italian palazzo, with Renaissance Revival style elements, including double-sized arched windows, shields, festoon motifs, and quoins. Its architects, McKenzie, Voorhees & Gmelin, designed many other notable office and commercial buildings in New York City, including the Barclay-Vesey Building and Long Distance Building of the American Telephone and Telegraph Company, both individual landmarks; and the Brooklyn Municipal Building, in the Borough Hall Skyscraper Historic District.

The Brooklyn Edison Building recently underwent a sensitive restoration under the ownership of the New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS), and Muss Development LLC, which owns the first two floors. It is still in use as an office building, and continues to contribute to the vibrancy of downtown Brooklyn thanks to its commercial space on the ground and first stories.

Images: Photographs of the Brooklyn Edison Building can be found here: https://app.box.com/s/dxw2qjw56dn6cuqkz6125bqc0m7v7hp7

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 more than 37,900 buildings and sites, including 1,463 individual landmarks, 122 interior landmarks, 12 scenic landmarks, and 156 historic districts and extensions in all five boroughs. For more information, visit www.nyc.gov/landmarks and connect with us at www.facebook.com/NYCLandmarks and www.twitter.com/nyclandmarks.