The Brooklyn Edison Company building in Downtown Brooklyn. Image Credit: LPC.
On June 18, 2024, the Landmarks Preservation Commission designated the Brooklyn Edison Building as an individual landmark. The office building, located at 345 Adams Street, was created between 1922-1926 to provide the Brooklyn community a space to host meetings, public gatherings, and social and cultural charity fundraisers.
The Edison Building was founded by The Edison Electric Illuminating Company to provide electricity to Brooklyn in 1887. The building was designed by McKenzie Voorhees & Gmelin.
The Brooklyn Edison Company was originally located at 360 Pearl Street. A new, larger building was constructed at the adjacent lot to meet the increased demand for additional electricity capacity in Brooklyn. This demand was prompted by the completion of the subway lines by the 1920s, leading to growth in residential development. Today the Brooklyn Edison Building is used as an office building for many city agencies and is a great example of the Renaissance Revival style office building that was common in Brooklyn’s development in the early 20th century. For CityLand’s past coverage, click here.
Landmarks Preservation Commission Chair, Sarah Carroll said, “The Brooklyn Edison Building is a testament to the technological advancements that helped Brooklyn to become the thriving, vibrant borough that we know today, and a tangible reminder that New York City has always been a center for innovation and creativity.”
Department of Citywide Administrative Services Executive Deputy Commissioner for Assets and Property Management, Laura Ringelheim said, “We are proud that the Brooklyn Edison Building is being recognized for its pivotal role in our city’s history, now designated a landmark by the Landmarks Preservation Commission. We take our stewardship of this Brooklyn gem seriously, and its recent restoration exemplifies our commitment to preserving the city’s historically significant facilities in our portfolio, while ensuring the building remains a vibrant part of downtown Brooklyn’s commercial and civic life. We look forward to continuing to steward this iconic building, maintaining its legacy for future generations to come.”
By: Chelsea Ramjeawan (Chelsea is the CityLaw intern and a New York Law School student, Class of 2025.)