Architecture

Democratic Primary Debate Puts Spotlight on Navy Yard's Duggal Greenhouse

Thursday night’s Democratic primary debate at the Brooklyn Navy Yard’s Duggal Greenhouse was tense — a stark contrast to the building’s open format and calming waterfront views.

The Duggal Greenhouse’s exterior during a Heineken launch party in 2013. Photo via Duggal Events

by Hannah Frishberg

04/15/2016 2 minute 0

Thursday night’s Democratic primary debate at the Brooklyn Navy Yard’s Duggal Greenhouse was tense — a stark contrast to the building’s open format and calming waterfront views.

Located within the confines of the sprawling Brooklyn Navy Yard, the Duggal Greenhouse is a stadium-sized 35,000-square-foot event venue built to fit up to 3,000 people under its 70-foot ceilings.

democratic debate — Video still via CNN/YouTube

Formerly used for the construction of naval ships, the building was purchased in 2009 by visual production company Duggal Visual Solutions Inc. Duggal proceeded with a gut renovation, retaining some of the original windows while curing the space of its dirt floors and asbestos, Newsday reported.

With the help of architect Gregory Okshteyn of Studios Go, the site has since been transformed into an award-winning space where guests may arrive by yacht; in addition to last night’s debate, the space has hosted a two-day performance event by Lady Gaga, a Dior fashion show, and rehearsals for Beyoncé.

While last night’s debate was one of the most high-profile uses of the structure, it’s likely far from the last time it’ll be in the spotlight.