Help Craft a "Heart Bombing" at the Historic Empire State Dairy in East New York

Show your love for the Empire State Dairy Company buildings in East New York with a bit of heart-felt crafting. A group of neighborhood preservationists, Preserving East New York (PENY), are hosting a light-hearted and fun “heart bombing” event to raise awareness and appreciation of the historic site, as the deadline for saving it looms.

Preservationists have been advocating for the designation of the dairy complex for years. Completed in 1915, the group of buildings at 2840 Atlantic Avenue 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. Particularly noteworthy are the large tile murals depicting pastoral scenes.

The New York Landmarks Commission calendared the site in March 2016, and two public hearings have been held. The final vote on the designation has not yet taken place, but is due soon, thanks to a new law landmarking advocates fear could make it easier for opponents to game the system.

To raise awareness and engage local interest in historic preservation, Preserving East New York has planned a community art project on Saturday, February 25. Stop into the Arlington Library between 12 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to create your own heart-shaped cut-out or note expressing your love for the historic complex. Then head over to the Empire State Dairy itself between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. to see the creative messages installed on site.

The event is free. Find out more here.

Related Stories

• East New York’s Historic and Beautifully Tiled Empire State Dairy Building May Be Saved
• Tile Expert Shares Little-Known Story of Historic East New York Dairy Murals
• Building of the Day: 2840 Atlantic Avenue

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