Red Hook Chamber of Commerce sued BSA and City but failed to name owner. In 2003, BSA granted a use variance to 160 Imlay Real Estate LLC to convert a vacant six-story industrial building into 150 luxury condominiums. The Red Hook-Gowanus Chamber of Commerce then filed an Article 78 suit to annul the variance, but failed to include Imlay as a party within the allotted time.
The Supreme Court allowed the case to move forward … <Read More>
Late 19th century building served as performance space, ballroom and assembly hall. Landmarks voted unanimously to designate Webster Hall, located at 119 East 11th Street, as an individual City landmark on March 18, 2008.
Architect Charles Rentz designed the Renaissance Revival-style building in 1886 with a brick exterior and terra cotta ornaments. The building once served as a venue for Progressive Labor Party rallies during the labor movement. In the 1920s, it was nicknamed … <Read More>
Preservation and housing advocates squared off over development plan. On February 5, 2008, Landmarks held a public hearing regarding alterations and additions to the Domino Sugar Refinery complex, located in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn.
In 2007, the City designated three buildings at the complex. 4 CityLand 141 (Oct. 15, 2007). During … <Read More>
City Council approved rezoning despite Council Member Tony Avella’s objection. On February 27, 2008, the City Council approved developer Martin Wydra’s rezoning and special permit proposal to build an eight-story mixed-use building and a 259space parking garage at 886 Dahill Road in the Borough Park section of Brooklyn. Currently, one- and two-story vacant industrial buildings occupy the 66,000-square-foot … <Read More>
American Bank Note Company’s printing plant serves as an example of early 20th century industrial architecture. On February 5, 2008, Landmarks voted to designate the America Banknote Company printing plant. Constructed in 1911 by architecture firm Kirby Petite & Green, the Round Arch-style plant includes Gothic details and a nine-story tower with a crenellated parapet. The plant printed bank notes, stocks, bonds, checks, and possibly dollar bills, until it closed in 1984.
At the public … <Read More>
Landmarks cites newly found political support behind the designation of 110-year-old Beaux Arts-style building. On February 12, 2008, Landmarks voted to designate the former Jamaica Savings Bank, located on Jamaica Avenue in Queens. This is the third time Landmarks had voted to designate the building. In 1975 the Board of Estimate rejected Landmarks’ designation, and in 1990 the City Council did the same. In both instances, the failure to designate … <Read More>