Work has yet to commence at 53 Pearl Street in DUMBO, Brooklyn, where BKSK Architects has designed a multi-story rooftop expansion for the landmarked 140-year-old Italianate-style building. Located between Plymouth Street and Water Street, almost directly to the east of the Manhattan Bridge, the structure was once a factory for the Masury Paint Company and was transformed into rental apartments several years ago.
Recent photos show the structure untouched since YIMBY’s last update in July, when we reported that the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) had approved the renovation and expansion plans. The entrance and ground-floor windows are covered with metal roll-down gates, and a section of the street in front of the property is closed off with a chain-link fence.
53 Pearl Street. Photo by Michael Young
53 Pearl Street. Photo by Michael Young
The original plans for 53 Pearl Street called for eight residential floors and a small rooftop terrace, all of which would be enclosed in floor-to-ceiling glass with an array of colorful fins across the fenestration. The existing lot-line façade we see in the photo above would be refurbished, including the removal of its fire escape. Plans changed as time went on, and the expansion’s height was reduced after the first LPC hearing in early 2019. This was done in order to make the new section of 53 Pearl Street less visible and imposing from the street and sidewalk.
The below renderings offer side-by-side comparisons of the original and approved versions of the project design. The height reduction of the addition and its distancing from the street make a noticeable difference in its visibility. The brick masonry walls on the side continue and interlock with the new addition.
Originally proposed (left) and updated renderings (right) of 53 Pearl Street
Originally proposed (left) and updated renderings (right) of 53 Pearl Street
Rendering of multi-colored “fins” that comprise the exterior facade of 53 Pearl Street
An official construction timeline for 53 Pearl Street has not been announced.
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So far, I think this will be very nice.