East New York Brooklyn Buildings 2016
Empire State Dairy at 2840 Atlantic Avenue. Photo by Edrei Rodriguez

In a big moment for two of Brooklyn’s unprotected architectural gems, the Landmarks Preservation Commission unanimously voted in favor of designating Crown Heights’ East New York Savings Bank as a New York City Landmark and scheduling East New York’s Empire State Diary Co. Building for consideration for landmark designation. 

The former branch of the East New York Savings Bank is located at 1117 Eastern Parkway — despite its East New York moniker — and was proposed for designation in 2011. An Art Deco bank completed in 1929 by architect Holmes & Winslow, the building has been altered several times since its construction and today is still in use as a branch of Popular Community Bank.

The property’s monumental arch with medieval details and bronze doors are some of the structure’s most memorable elements, the LPC noted its press release about the decision.

Brooklyn Landmarks Crown Heights
Crown Heights’ East New York Savings Bank at 1117 Eastern Parkway. Photo by Joe Strini for PropertyShark

The Empire State Dairy Co. buildings on Atlantic Avenue in East New York have been calendared for a public hearing — a big step for the property — which is at risk of being demolished.

Completed in 1915, the buildings were designed by architects Theobald Engelhardt and Otto Strack. Part of the complex is “Abstracted Classicist with Secession detail,” according to the LPC — an unusual style for Brooklyn. The buildings boast two original tile murals.

The decision is “an important step in the agency’s initiative to identify preservation opportunities in East New York and other rezoning areas,” said Commission Chair Meenakshi Srinivasan.

Independent of Tuesday’s LPC meeting, but in another relevant win for borough preservationists, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced that Coney Island’s 110-year-old B&B Carousel has been added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Related Stories
Building of the Day: 1117 Eastern Parkway
LPC Considering Two Other Possible Landmarks
East New York’s Historic and Beautifully Tiled Empire State Dairy Building May Be Saved

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