Downtown Brooklyn’s architectural landscape gains a prestigious addition as the Brooklyn Edison Building, located at 345 Adams Street, has been officially designated a landmark. The city’s Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) unanimously voted in favor of the designation, recognizing the Renaissance Revival-style structure’s architectural significance and its enduring role in the borough’s vibrant history.
Ornamental details at the top of the Brooklyn Edison Building at 345 Adams Street, a landmark Renaissance Revival structure in Downtown Brooklyn.
LPC Chair Sarah Carroll emphasized the building’s importance in the evolving character of Downtown Brooklyn. “As you walk into Downtown Brooklyn and you see the new life that’s happening there, this building continues to play an important part of that evolving character and nature,” Carroll stated, highlighting its architectural merit and its position as a gateway to the revitalized neighborhood. The landmark status ensures the preservation of this key piece of Brooklyn’s architectural heritage for future generations.
Located at the prominent intersection of Adams, Pearl, and Willoughby streets, 345 Adams Street stands as a 14-story commercial edifice in the heart of Downtown Brooklyn’s civic and commercial center. Commissioned by the Brooklyn Edison Company, a pivotal force in the borough’s technological and electrical advancement, the building was masterfully designed by the esteemed architects McKenzie, Voorhees and Gmelin. Their vision brought to life a structure that embodies the grandeur of the Renaissance Revival style, now celebrated as a landmark.
The Brooklyn Edison Building at 345 Adams Street, located at the intersection of Adams, Pearl, and Willoughby Streets in Downtown Brooklyn.
The construction of 345 Adams Street unfolded in two distinct phases. The initial phase in 1922 saw the rise of the structure fronting Willoughby Street. A subsequent expansion in 1926 extended the building northward along Adams Street. Notably, the Adams Street facade gained prominence in the 1950s when street expansions led to the demolition of adjacent buildings, establishing the Adams Street side as the building’s primary face and a defining feature of the streetscape.
During a public hearing concerning the landmark designation of 345 Adams Street, community voices were heard. Jeffrey Kay, representing Muss Development, the owner of the building’s lower two floors, alongside Regina Myer, President of the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, and Lucy Levine of the Historic Districts Council, all offered testimony. While supportive of the landmark status, Kay and Myer underscored the importance of considering the ground floor retail spaces and the potential impact of landmarking on these active commercial areas. Levine, on the other hand, voiced unequivocal support for the designation, echoing sentiments shared in letters from Council Member Lincoln Restler and the Brooklyn Heights Association.
Gryphon ornamentation above a doorway at 345 Adams Street, showcasing the architectural detail of the Brooklyn Edison Building.
Arched doorways and pilasters on the Pearl Street facade of 345 Adams Street, highlighting the Renaissance Revival style of the landmarked Brooklyn Edison Building.
In the aftermath of the unanimous vote, Chair Carroll released a statement emphasizing the building’s historical resonance. She highlighted 345 Adams Street as “a testament to the technological advancements that helped Brooklyn to become the thriving, vibrant borough that we know today, and a tangible reminder that New York City has always been a center for innovation and creativity.” This landmark designation not only protects a significant architectural piece but also celebrates Brooklyn’s legacy of progress.
The upper 12 stories of 345 Adams Street are under the ownership of New York City. Laura Ringelheim, the city’s Executive Deputy Commissioner for Assets and Property Management, conveyed the city’s commitment to preserving this “Brooklyn gem.” Ringelheim pointed to the recent restoration of the building as evidence of their dedication to maintaining historically significant city-owned properties, ensuring that 345 Adams Street remains a dynamic part of Downtown Brooklyn’s civic and commercial life for generations to come. The landmark status solidifies this commitment and ensures the building’s continued contribution to the urban fabric of Brooklyn.
Decorative pilaster capitals on the Brooklyn Edison Building at 345 Adams Street, a newly designated landmark in Downtown Brooklyn known for its architectural significance.
The designation of the Brooklyn Edison Building at 345 Adams Street as a landmark marks a significant moment for Downtown Brooklyn. It underscores the area’s rich architectural heritage and the importance of preserving iconic structures that narrate the borough’s history and evolution. This landmark will stand as a proud reminder of Brooklyn’s innovative spirit and its enduring architectural legacy at 345 Adams Street.
