Dumbo (Not Rambo): A Tad Faded, Much the Same

Well, except for all those condos. When legendary photographer and chronicler of New York City Bernice Abbott snapped this photo (top), Dumbo was a commercial and industrial area. This particular warehouse, which provided storage for Yuban Coffee, remains intact today and is, in our mind, about the most photogenic structure in the neighborhood. The photo above, bottom, is only one of many we've taken in recent years. What's this building used for now?
Bernice Abbott Photos [NYPL] GMAP

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My favorite buidling in Brooklyn. In the 80's (in the last B'klyn Boom) some developer had plans to gut it and turn it into an upscale mall, along with redoing the park (before it was a park). The plans got pretty far, but then the market softened.

With all the press on DUMBO, I've never read anything about all of the pioneers who had lofts there in the 70's and 80's but were evicted when the city rezoned the area for commercial use only. A friend lived in a stunning loft a block from this warehouse. Then his family was evicted. That place would be worth a fortune now.

Posted by: Anonymous at February 16, 2006 10:33 AM

Just a rumor here, but I thought I heard that Boymelgreen had the contract to turn it into a shopping mall (like a South Street seaport thing). I can't remember where I heard that, though...

Also, I think the building was originally used to store munitions during the Civil War. Now, there's a bathroom for the park on one side of it, and I think the city may use it for storage.

Posted by: Sloper at February 16, 2006 11:35 AM

Sloper is correct - Boymelgreen was awarded the redevelopment. I hear from the BBPConservancy that work is unlikely to start on it until the numerous construction projects are completed and foot traffic increases.

Posted by: Brooklyn Heights Mike at February 16, 2006 11:54 AM

That breaks my heart. What a horrible thing to do to a stunning building. Hopefully the boom will bust before anything happens.

Posted by: Anonymous at February 16, 2006 12:07 PM

Ted Danson just bought at 70 Washington!!!!!!!! The prices will rocket into orbit now!

Posted by: a giddy as a school girl 70 Washington buyer at February 16, 2006 5:40 PM

Ted Danson is encroaching on Giamatti's territory...could be some ugliness at the River Cafe. I hear that you don't want to piss off that Mary Steenburgen...

Posted by: Anonymous at February 16, 2006 8:33 PM

« Rambo So Much Cooler Than Dumbo Residential Sales in Brooklyn »

February 16, 2006

Dumbo (Not Rambo): A Tad Faded, Much the Same

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