Brooklyn is rich in industrial buildings transformed into architecturally inspired homes, and a prime example can be found at 53 Pearl Street: The Italianate-style building went up in the 1880’s as the Masury Paint Company’s factory, and was recently converted to rental lofts with high ceilings, carefully preserved beams and wood plank floors, and gorgeous Manhattan Bridge and East River views. For the next chapter in its history, it must appear before the Landmarks Preservation Commission by virtue of its location in the DUMBO Historic District.
According to a presentation prepared by BKSK Architects, the building's team seeks to construct an addition, clean up the facade by removing the fire escapes, and install a barrier-free access ramp to the building's revamped entrance. The entrance and the addition will be marked by a distinctive and colorful fin system, which the team has gone to great pains to match the colors to Masury's paint palette. The presentation notes that the new elevation will not be dramatically higher than surrounding buildings, and points out other contemporary construction that has been approved. Landmarks will review the changes on Tuesday, March 19 at 10:00 a.m.
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