Former Telephone Building Part of Brooklyn’s Past and Future, Officials Say
By Linda Collins
Brooklyn Daily Eagle
DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN — BellTel Lofts’ designation as an individual landmark was celebrated Wednesday with the unveiling of an official plaque.
The Art Deco-style building, at 365 Bridge St., the former headquarters of the New York Telephone Co., was actually declared an individual landmark by the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission in 2004, but its conversion to residential use is now complete.
“The thought that this building would some day be residential, in my youth I never had that vision,” said Borough President Marty Markowitz, while praising the vision of the developers, David Bistricer and his son, JJ Bistricer, of Clipper Equity. “And now this area is becoming a vibrant residential neighborhood.”
Commented JJ Bistricer, “We are proud to be a part of Brooklyn’s strong past and even stronger future.”
He added that Clipper Equity “has taken seriously the need to keep the historical architectural details intact.” This was accomplished by hiring Beyer Blinder Belle Architects, a firm well known for its historic restoration projects, he said.
Christina Davis of the New York Landmarks Preservation Foundation did the official unveiling of the plaque, which will be installed in the art deco building’s lobby, stating that the building is “one of great architectural interest.”
Joe Chan, president of the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, added his praise, saying the building has grown and adapted with the growth of Downtown Brooklyn and noted the other nearby residential developments and nearly 700 hotel rooms that will open by the end of this year.
And Mike Weiss, director of the MetroTech BID, praised the developers for putting back into circulation a building that was commercial but is now residential and recommended it be part of a potential future “wonderful walking tour” of historic Downtown Brooklyn.
“Our goal at the MetroTech BID is make this area welcoming and supportive, first to its commercial tenants and now to its residents,” he said. “We are committed to making it a true full-service neighborhood.”
On a tour following the ceremony, attendees were treated to the great views from a 19th floor roof deck, a visit to one of the largest units (a four-bedroom with wraparound outdoor terrace), which a Prudential Douglas Elliman broker quipped would be held for Markowitz, and a visit to the 6,500-square-foot tenants’ space which includes a gym, yoga room, kids room and a lounge with a pool table and entertainment center.
Vanessa Aguilar, who led the tour, said the building is all complete except for some “finishing touches” and the garage, for which a management company is being sought.
Aguilar is currently receiving one offer a week, she said, adding that the building’s 250 units are currently 57 percent occupied.
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Just a reminder, though -- It’s not considered polite to paste the entire story on your blog. Most blogs post a summary or the first paragraph,( 40 words) then post a link to the rest of the story. That helps increase click-throughs for everyone, and minimizes copyright issues. So please keep posting, but not the entire article. arturc at att.net
