Dumbo’s sugar crystal-inspired office building forms along the waterfront

It’s been nearly two years since we checked in with the ODA Architecture-designed project at 10 Jay Street in Dumbo, distinctive for its crystalized facade. That facade is now coming into shape at the construction site, photos by Brownstoner have revealed.

Initially, developers Glacier Global Partners and Triangle Assets were planning to convert this 19th century red brick building into 46 condos with retail at the base, but in October 2015 the developers decided instead to convert the building into an office and retail space.

The city’s Landmarks Preservation Commission was impressed by the design team’s sugar crystal-inspired facade for the building, and approved the plans in March 2015. Built in 1897, the building served as a sugar refinery for several decades until it was converted into a warehouse in 1945.

The building’s original red brick, river-fronting facade was replaced by concrete in later years, and in their plans, the developers now transforming the building asked to create the crystal-like facade facing the East River, and restore the brick facade on the other three sides. It’s not yet clear when the project will wrap up, but work is surely making progress at the site.

• ODA’s Sugar Crystal-Inspired Facade for Landmarked Factory Reflects Waterfront in Dumbo [Brownstoner]
• Crystal-Inspired Facade for 10 Jay Street Wins Over Landmarks [Curbed]
• 10 Jay Street Site Switches From Condo to Commercial [Curbed]