Williamsburgh Savings Bank Wins Statewide Preservation Award

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ALBANY, NY (04/30/2014)(readMedia)-- The Preservation League of New York State has selected the former Williamsburgh Savings Bank in Brooklyn to receive an award for Excellence in Historic Preservation.

The League's statewide awards program honors notable achievements in retaining, promoting and reusing New York State's irreplaceable architectural heritage.

"This project has transformed a Landmark building in Brooklyn's Williamsburg neighborhood from a neglected shadow of its former self to a bustling hub of cultural, community and hospitality activity," said Jay DiLorenzo, President of the Preservation League. "The Beaux Arts Classical building, designed by George B. Post with Aesthetic interiors by Peter B. Wight, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. After many years of deterioration and decline, the building was listed for sale in 2010. Now, thanks to the efforts of a team of preservation experts, the former Williamsburgh Savings Banks has been reborn."

Contributing to the success of this project were Owner: Driggs Broadway LLC, Brooklyn; Developer: Juan Figueroa, Brooklyn; Project Manager: Carlos Perez San Martin, Brooklyn; Historic Preservation Consultant: David Scott Parker AIA, Southport, CT; Architect of Record: Jorge Bosch, New York; M/E/P Engineers: Edwards & Zuck, New York; Decorative Painting Conservators: See Painting, New York; Materials Conservation Consultant: Urban Aesthetics, Brooklyn; Mosaic Marble Manufacturer: Mosaic Marble.com, Dora, Lebanon; Mosaic Marble Installer: Art & Mosaics, Brooklyn; Leaded Glass Restoration: Ernest Porcelli Art Glass, Brooklyn; Cabinetry Restoration: Pinocchio Woodworks, Brooklyn; Woodwork French Polishing: Scott Holland, Brooklyn; Reproduction Wallpaper Manufacturer: Bradbury & Bradbury, Benicia, CA; Wallpaper Hanger: Holly Fisher, Media, PA; Graphic Designer: Federico Rozo, Aventura, FL.

The project utilized the New York State Commercial Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program and Federal Historic Tax Credits.

Completed in 1875 and deemed "One of the most monumental spaces surviving in New York from the Post-Civil War era" by New York's Landmarks Preservation Commission, the Williamsburgh Savings Bank had been allowed to succumb to the effects of time and neglect until 2010. Through the vision of the new owners and the efforts of a team of skilled artisans, the building is once again an icon of an early New York neighborhood in its prime.

"In its heyday, Williamsburgh Savings Bank was the heart of Williamsburg's commercial district and as it declined, so did the economy," said Carlos Perez San Martin, project manager. "Given new life and purpose through preservation, the bank-turned-banquet hall is infusing energy and commerce back into our community once more, and we hope that its success and the Preservation League of New York State's recognition of our work encourages communities like ours to invest in themselves by investing in their history."

The awards will be presented at the Preservation League's Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony in New York City at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 14th at the historic New York Yacht Club, 37 West 44th Street.

The complete list of award winners is: Altamont Free Library Train Station Renovation, Altamont; Academy Lofts, Albany; Williamsburgh Savings Bank, Brooklyn; Holy Rosary Apartments, Rochester; New York City Hall Renovation, New York; Donald Judd Home & Studio, New York; and Warburton Lofts at Philipse Manor Hall Historic District, Yonkers. St. Mark's Historic Landmark Fund in New York will be honored for Organizational Excellence.

"As we mark our 40th Anniversary in 2014, the Preservation League is looking forward to exploring not just the past, but the future of historic preservation. Many of the 2014 award winners provide valuable examples for other practitioners by incorporating energy efficiency techniques, adaptive reuse strategies and Federal and State Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits," said DiLorenzo. "Each year, we are impressed by the number and variety of laudable nominations, and this year was no exception. We are delighted to celebrate the renovation of the Williamsburgh Savings Bank, and to commend Driggs Broadway LLC for their stewardship."

The Preservation League's Excellence in Historic Preservation awards program is funded by a generous grant from the Arthur F. and Alice E. Adams Foundation.

The Preservation League of New York State invests in people and projects that champion the essential role of preservation in community revitalization, sustainable economic growth, and the protection of our historic buildings and landscapes. We lead advocacy, economic development, and education programs all across the state.

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HONOREE CONTACT:

David Scott Parker, AIA

203-259-3373; dparker@dsparker.com