When Vishaan Chakrabarti's Practice of Architectural Urbanism (PAU) appeared before the Landmarks Preservation Commission in October, the commissioners were unsure about their design to rehab and add onto the Domino Sugar Refinery building in Williamsburg. Some commissioners liked the “enlightened” design, while others feared it treated the refinery as a ruin. Ultimately, concern about new exposures and their effect on the original brickwork resulted in a "no action" decision and the body asked PAU to come back with more details.
In the weeks that followed, PAU prepared a new study filled with new details and images of the rehabilitation and striking domed addition. PAU found that most of the brick is in good condition and would only require a gentle cleaning. Where repairs are necessary, existing masonry walls that have been demolished will serve as a source of original brick. Moreover, PAU points out that when the refinery was operational, high heat and extreme humidity affected the brick in certain areas.
In the weeks that followed, PAU prepared a new study filled with new details and images of the rehabilitation and striking domed addition. PAU found that most of the brick is in good condition and would only require a gentle cleaning. Where repairs are necessary, existing masonry walls that have been demolished will serve as a source of original brick. Moreover, PAU points out that when the refinery was operational, high heat and extreme humidity affected the brick in certain areas.
Existing condition of the turn-of-the-century factory (PAU)
Today, the commissioners approved the plan saying PAU's rehab will bring new life to a structure that is beautiful but functionally obsolete. They go on to say the team at PAU has responded thoroughly to concerns about longevity and form, and gave credit to the "novel and creative approach" that sets landmark free and allows a new form to be simple and elegant.
The commissioners were enthusiastic that the original part of the building will remain intact and iconic, and said that the addition is respectful of industrial architecture overall. The adaptive reuse will bring light and air deep into the building while allowing most of the existing structure to remain as is.
"The new plan is better for everyone," added David Lombino, Managing Director of Two Trees Management Co. "It honors and highlights the landmark; it provides a flexible, modern and totally unique office experience; and it welcomes the public to enjoy this great piece of New York’s history.”
The commissioners were enthusiastic that the original part of the building will remain intact and iconic, and said that the addition is respectful of industrial architecture overall. The adaptive reuse will bring light and air deep into the building while allowing most of the existing structure to remain as is.
"The new plan is better for everyone," added David Lombino, Managing Director of Two Trees Management Co. "It honors and highlights the landmark; it provides a flexible, modern and totally unique office experience; and it welcomes the public to enjoy this great piece of New York’s history.”
PAU
The ground floor will offer plenty of public space (PAU)
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