Brooklyn Navy Yard | Brooklyn

The Brooklyn Navy Yard is a historically significant site that has evolved from a key military shipbuilding center to a thriving hub for innovation, manufacturing, and the arts. Its transformation from a naval yard to a modern urban development is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the area, which now stands as a prime example of how industrial spaces can be repurposed for contemporary use.

Historical Background

Founded in 1801, the Brooklyn Navy Yard played a crucial role in the United States' military history for more than 150 years. As one of the nation’s most important naval shipyards, it built a variety of notable ships, including the famous USS Maine, which was sunk in Havana Harbor in 1898, and the USS Missouri, where Japan formally surrendered to end World War II. The yard’s shipbuilding operations spanned several wars, and the facility was vital in supplying the U.S. Navy with ships during both World Wars.

The Brooklyn Navy Yard was decommissioned as a naval facility in 1966, but its significance as a part of the nation’s defense and industrial history remained strong. Over time, much of the yard was abandoned or used for less glamorous purposes, and it fell into decline.

The Transformation and Modern Era

After its closure, the Navy Yard began a remarkable transformation into a center for manufacturing, innovation, and creativity. Today, the site houses more than 450 businesses, employing over 11,000 people in diverse fields ranging from technology to green energy, film production, and even distilling. Its transition from a military industrial complex to a vibrant, mixed-use area is one of the most notable urban renewal stories in New York City.

The Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation (BNYDC), established in 1981, has played a critical role in overseeing the area’s revitalization. The Navy Yard is now home to cutting-edge tech companies, sustainable manufacturing facilities, and creative spaces that blend the area’s industrial past with forward-thinking industries.

Key Tenants and Facilities

Steiner Studios

One of the most prominent tenants of the Brooklyn Navy Yard is Steiner Studios, the largest film and television production studio complex outside of Hollywood. Spanning 50 acres, Steiner Studios includes 30 soundstages, state-of-the-art facilities, and post-production studios, making it a key player in the New York City entertainment industry. Some well-known productions shot at Steiner Studios include The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and West Side Story.

Newlab

Newlab is an innovation hub located within Building 128 at the Navy Yard. It focuses on fostering the development of emerging technologies, particularly in the fields of robotics, artificial intelligence, and nanotechnology. Newlab offers 84,000 square feet of workspace and resources for startups that work on hardware solutions. It serves as a launchpad for companies developing cutting-edge technologies that impact a variety of industries, including manufacturing, design, and sustainability.

Kings County Distillery

Located in a historic building in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, Kings County Distillery is one of the city’s first craft distilleries. It produces high-quality bourbon, rye whiskey, and other spirits in a traditional, small-batch style. The distillery also offers tours and tastings, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to explore the distillation process and sample their fine spirits.

Cultural Spaces and Public Engagement

While the Brooklyn Navy Yard is known for its industrial and technological activities, it also celebrates its rich history and cultural significance through various public programs and spaces.

Building 92

Building 92 houses the Brooklyn Navy Yard Center, which is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of the site. This former Marine Commandant’s residence now offers exhibits that explore the role of the Navy Yard in American history, including its involvement in shipbuilding, wartime efforts, and its significant contributions to the city’s economy. The center also offers insight into the Yard's ongoing role in shaping Brooklyn’s future as a center for innovation.

Public Tours

The Navy Yard offers a range of public tours that allow visitors to learn about the site’s past, present, and future. These include walking tours of the historic site, as well as specialized tours focusing on specific topics like the architectural evolution of the area, the Navy Yard’s role during World War II, and the sustainable manufacturing practices currently being developed there.

Market @77

Located in 141 Flushing Avenue, the Market @77 is a vibrant food hall that showcases some of Brooklyn’s most popular local food vendors. The market includes Russ & Daughters (a famed deli known for its smoked fish and bagels), Transmitter Brewing (a local craft brewery), and other notable culinary vendors, making it a great stop for food enthusiasts looking to sample Brooklyn’s finest flavors.

Sustainability and Green Initiatives

The Brooklyn Navy Yard is also committed to sustainability, with several green initiatives aimed at reducing its environmental impact. The yard is home to many green-tech companies and has become a leader in integrating sustainable manufacturing processes into urban development. Its master plan for future development includes creating more than 5.1 million square feet of vertical manufacturing space while maintaining a focus on green building practices and energy-efficient technologies.

The Navy Yard has also worked to integrate public transportation into the area, with access provided by the NYC Ferry, which offers a convenient route from Manhattan’s Wall Street to the Navy Yard. Additionally, subway lines and buses serve the neighborhood, improving accessibility for both employees and visitors.

Living and Working in the Navy Yard

While much of the Navy Yard is dedicated to industrial and commercial use, there are efforts to create a more livable and workable community. The site offers a blend of manufacturing jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities, with companies focusing on fields such as tech, clean energy, media, and design. The surrounding neighborhoods, like DUMBO and Fort Greene, provide housing options, and the Yard itself offers a growing number of workspaces designed to support innovation and creativity.

Future of the Brooklyn Navy Yard

The Brooklyn Navy Yard continues to grow and evolve. The Brooklyn Navy Yard Master Plan outlines an ambitious vision for the future, with a proposed $2.5 billion investment to develop more than 5 million square feet of vertical manufacturing space, create new jobs, and attract new businesses in industries like biotech, manufacturing, and media.

The Brooklyn Navy Yard is set to remain an essential part of Brooklyn’s economy for decades to come, blending its rich historical legacy with a forward-thinking approach to sustainable urban development, innovation, and job creation.

Conclusion

The Brooklyn Navy Yard is a symbol of New York’s ability to blend history with modernity. From its roots as a center for shipbuilding to its current role as a technological and creative hub, the Navy Yard is a cornerstone of Brooklyn’s industrial and cultural heritage. Whether you’re exploring its historic buildings, visiting one of its many cutting-edge companies, or simply enjoying the waterfront views, the Brooklyn Navy Yard offers a unique glimpse into the past, present, and future of this dynamic city.