Brooklyn Army Terminal

(This tour was re-scheduled from its original date of Sunday, 7/1/18)  Architect Cass Gilbert has received accolades as the father of the modern skyline for skyscrapers like the Woolworth Building. However, his commercial and industrial work, much of which still exists in working order, is nearly a footnote in his portfolio. The Brooklyn Army Terminal, designed for troop and goods movement during World War I, exemplifies his incredible ability to be innovative in engineering and to highlight and embrace utilitarian features, while also still being fully aware of the significance of aesthetics. BAT has continued to be a lively work space and, with the return of the ferry and this summer’s temporary Swale floating food garden, the 97-acre site is taking on a whole new role along the South Brooklyn waterfront. Architectural historian Melanie Macchio will share insight into the history of the building as well as the surrounding industrial and residential neighborhood that inspired the building’s location. And you can take the ferry back to Manhattan.