Banquet Hall for Landmark Burg Bank
The Brooklyn Paper reports that the owner of the Williamsburgh Savings Bank on Broadway and Driggs is turning the landmark into “an exhibition space and banquet hall that will put an Old Brooklyn spin on North Brooklyn nuptials.” The owner, Juan Figueroa, says he thought about turning it into a restaurant or hostel but decided…
The Brooklyn Paper reports that the owner of the Williamsburgh Savings Bank on Broadway and Driggs is turning the landmark into “an exhibition space and banquet hall that will put an Old Brooklyn spin on North Brooklyn nuptials.” The owner, Juan Figueroa, says he thought about turning it into a restaurant or hostel but decided on the special-events angle because of the success of spaces like Skylight One Hanson. Not mentioned in the article is whether other uses would have been very challenging given the bank’s layout and landmark status. Anyhow, Figueroa says the restoration will cost $3 million, take two years, and he hasn’t yet decided to do with the lot next to the bank where he’s demolishing an addition that’s not landmarked.
Bank On It! [Brooklyn Paper]
Amidst Demolition, What of Landmark Burg Bank? [Brownstoner]
Burg Demolition Won’t Affect Landmark Bank [Brownstoner] GMAP
I’m more upset over the demolishing of the unlandmarked wing. If the guy can make it into a decent banquet hall, then fine.
I only read the detailed article a little while ago and saw that the reno plan does include a kosher kitchen. As long as they are working with the Satmar community, I’m pretty confident they can expect a lot of business. The interior of the bank is really magnificent.
the kosher/hasidic angle is smart. people good walk there. agree that people don’t typically ride the subway when they’re dressed up. a quick ride from lower manhattan. and a 100 person wedding even costs a fortune.
I’d much rather have my wedding here than across from Atlantic Mall. Blech.
Here’s another reason why it might work. ’17 asked, “If one had to choose between One Hanson Place (over 12 subway lines) or this place for your wedding, which would you choose?”
Are most guests coming by subway? Probably not. Manhattanites might find it easier to come across the Willy-B by cab and, presto, they are there.
if ginormous megaclubs ever came back, it would be a perfect space!
*rob*
Friend recently got married at Blue Hill upstate, they were charged $400 a head, yep, that’s per guest, and there were easily 150 people there. The bank building would have no problem accommodating a whole lot more than 150 per event and as far as the location is concerned Peter Lugers seems to have done okay. Question – What’s the math on 400 people at $200 a pop twice a week for a year? Answer – A lot. If Mr. Figueroa can build any kind of rep at all he’ll have his investment paid back in no time.
All I know is he’s knocked out a big corner of the roof while doing demo on the addition – taggers have been up and down the scaffolding tagging the building and his plans seem murky at best. i am surprised landmarks have been absent while he’s tearing the place apart.
Here are some inside shots:
http://archpaper.com/e-board_rev.asp?News_ID=5246
Maybe you’re right.