GMDC and OCV Architects Preserve Small Business Manufacturing in Brooklyn, Winning the BBA 2009 Historic Preservation Award

The Greenpoint Manufacturing and Design Center (GMDC) had a grand opening for 221 McKibbin Street to celebrate a newly renovated not-for-profit industrial center, redesigned and preserved by OCV Architects. The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce announced that the project has won the Building Brooklyn Award (BBA) for Historic Preservation.

Brooklyn, NY (PRWEB) June 5, 2009 -- A 72,000 square-foot building, site of a former turn-of-the-century jute factory, and until recently a derelict industrial property, was renovated and transformed by OCV Architects into flexible-layout manufacturing and art spaces. These new workshops will serve metal smiths, print makers, woodworkers and more artisans. When the City of New York re-zoned Williamsburg and Greenpoint in 2005, new incentives and assistance became available to transform old buildings into vital new resources for the small manufacturing business community. Brooklyn Borough President, Marty Markowitz stated, "I am pleased to have helped GMDC develop this manufacturing center which will provide below market rents for small manufacturers and artisans as well as jobs in the Williamsburg and Greenpoint community."  

Financing for the project was the result of a complex deal that included New Market tax credits and Historic Preservation tax credits. 

OCV Architects were selected to design the project given their expertise in preservation while working within tight budgetary constraints. The renovation plans focused on stripping the existing structure of brick, heavy timber and cast iron to the original historic features, restoring and highlighting these elements, while designing a functional and efficient space that takes advantage of the original building's sources for natural light. The plans included a  new 4,000 lb. capacity freight elevator  that serves the three story main building and an off-street truck loading dock. Units sizes are flexible but as currently designed range in size from 1500 - 7500 sf.

The Brooklyn chamber of Commerce recognized OCV Architects for the Historic preservation work at 221 McKibbin Street in their annual Building Brooklyn Awards™. "The largest annual real estate industry event in the borough, the Building Brooklyn Awards (BBA) recognizes recently completed construction and renovation projects that enrich Brooklyn's neighborhoods and economy." The BBA award ceremony will be held Wednesday, July 15, 2009.

OCV Architects attended the McKibbin grand Opening ceremony, held May 20, 2009. The event drew representatives from many of the entities making the project possible. These included: Robert C. Lieber , Deputy Mayor for Economic Development Seth W. Pinsky, President, New York City Economic Development Corp. (NYCEDC)

Diana Reyna, Council Member

David Yassky, Council Member

Leslie Ramos, Executive Director of the Mayor's Office of Industrial Manufacturing Businesses

Mort Goldfein, Chairman of the Board of GMDC

Brian T. Coleman, CEO of GMDC

Richard Vitto, RA , Founding Partner OCV Architects

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