Planned Development for Former Brooklyn Eagle Headquarters in Heights on Today’s LPC Agenda

January 10, 2012 Brooklyn Eagle Staff
30_Henry_rendering_2.jpg
30_Henry_rendering_2.jpg
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Otis Pearsall, Brooklyn Heights Assoc. Favor Contemporary Design

By Linda Collins

Brooklyn Daily Eagle

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MANHATTAN — The design of the new building planned for the site of the former Brooklyn Daily Eagle headquarters at 30 Henry St. in Brooklyn Heights will be considered by the Landmarks Preservation Commission on Tuesday, Jan. 10, in Manhattan.

The application is to demolish the existing building, which the LPC notes was reconstructed in 1963 as a factory and store building, and construct a new building.

As the Eagle has reported, the proposed new building will be five stories and will contain six residential units with balconies. Additionally, the building will contain underground parking and outdoor space with a waterfall.

It is a project of the Fortis Group with design by Stephen Burns of BKSK Architects. A spokesperson for Fortis told the Eagle yesterday that renderings could not be released because the project “is still in the design phase.”

The design was approved by Community Board 2 and its Land Use Committee in November and December.

Speaking about the design, Judy Stanton, executive director of the Brooklyn Heights Association, told the Eagle in December, “The BHA always favors contemporary design for new construction in the Historic District. While not every owner or architect has felt comfortable about following our recommendation, the Landmarks Preservation Commission does support contemporary design in historic districts.

“It should be emphasized that  Brooklyn Heights is a veritable treasure trove of 19th century architectural styles, and this historic district can absorb more architectural variety.”

Stanton also called the Henry Street location, “a gateway site in the Heights, one that cries out for a distinctive and much more contemporary design than that which was shown to the BHA.”

In addition to BHA representatives, Heights resident Otis Pearsall, who was involved in the original founding of the Brooklyn Heights Historic District 46 years ago, will offer remarks in support of a contemporary design before the LPC at its meeting later today in Manhattan.

The editorial offices of the Brooklyn Eagle and its affiliated weeklies will be moving to offices in Sunset Park later this month.

Also at its meeting today, the LPC will consider an application to alter the façade, rebuild the entrance stairs and install a canopy at 231 Front St. in the Vinegar Hill Historic District, an early 20th-century commercial-style factory building, designed by William B. Tubby, and built in 1908.

The Landmarks Preservation Commission meeting will start at 9:30 a.m. at 1 Centre St. in Manhattan.


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