About

Designed by noted Brooklyn architect Frank Freeman in 1892, the Old Brooklyn Fire Headquarters is a distinct example of the Romanesque Revival style as applied to a skyscraper. Originally serving as the flagship for the City of Brooklyn's Fire Department, the building boasted a fire station, stables, offices, dormitories and a fire watch tower until the 1980s, when it was converted into affordable housing. Under the stewardship of local community developer, Pratt Area Community Council (aka IMPACCT Brooklyn), the building underwent a comprehensive rehabilitation that upgraded its affordable-housing units, while restoring its eye-filling exterior to its former glory. Funding for the project was obtained through the syndication of federal and state historic rehabilitation tax credits, along with grants and affordable housing subsidies. Gregory Dietrich Preservation's involvement in the project included the completion of a feasibility study and the three-part federal historic tax credit application, in addition to state historic tax credits that were facilitated by the New York State Historic Preservation Office staff. This project was recognized in 2016 by the New York State Historic Preservation Office as an outstanding rehabilitation project in New York State, as well as a Lucy G. Moses Preservation Project Award by the New York Landmarks Conservancy.