Investigation, existing condition analysis, feasibility analysis, restoration design, construction administration
486 LIBERTY AVENUE
Our stabilization of this historic structure was the important first step in converting the abandoned building into a community housing facility. It one of the few Romanesque Revival-style police stations built in the city and it castle-like appearance makes it a very recognizable landmark for the community. We were happy to preserve it for future generations to enjoy.
Project context
The striking three-story building on the corner of Liberty
Avenue and Miller Avenue was originally built in 1886 as the
75th Police Precinct Station. It was designed by Emile M. Gruwé
in the popular Romanesque Revival style. “The Castle” has
heavy brick and stone masonry walls and its original interiors
were wood joist with wrought-iron beams and cast-iron
columns. Its most recognizable feature is the round tower that
is located at the street corner.
In 1926, the building was expanded with a linked three-story
garage block. In 1973, the interior of the building was
converted into a church, with the garage serving as a
parsonage. Although the church retained ownership of the
building, it slowly fell into disrepair and was eventually
abandoned. Despite this, in 2007, it was added to the National
Register of Historic Places, as it is one of only four examples of
its type of architecture remaining in Brooklyn.
In 2016, the building was purchased by a real estate developer
in order to convert it into housing. We were asked to aid in
this effort, as at this point, the interior had largely collapsed.
Key outcomes
Fire and water damage had collapsed nearly all of the interior
floors. Therefore, the first step in the adaptive reuse of this
large and imposing building was stabilization. This was done by
incrementally removing the collapse debris, some of which
was judged to be providing bracing to the walls and columns,
and replacing it with new floor framing. The structural layout
was kept the same, with steel joists used for their greater load
capacity. Ledgers were used to attach to the walls so that the
masonry could be strengthened by infilling the existing joist
pockets.
Lucy G. Moses Preservation Award
This project received a Lucy G. Moses Preservation Award in 2024.
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