The Landmark Building
Building Renovation, 1999 to 2003

An extensive renovation of the Brooklyn Historical Society's building was undertaken from 1999 to 2003 by Jan Hird Pokorny Associates.  It encompassed cleaning and repointing the unique and ornate terra cotta façade, installing a climate control system necessary for preserving our collections, and restoring the roof and building to its original splendor. Cleaning and repair of the façade returned the masonry to its original bright warm red, and the clock tower was renovated. The elevator installed in the middle of the entrance stairwell was removed, making possible the replacement of a stained glass laylight and restoring the grandeur of the entrance. In order to provide access to all floors of the building, we installed a handicapped-accessible elevator in an adjacent location. The building was wired for high speed internet access to increase accessibility to library and museum collections.

The renovated Othmer Library maintains the historic fabric of its interior while introducing climate-control for the preservation of its valuable collections. Decorative lighting fixtures reference the design of the building’s original 1880s gas lighting fixtures.

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