History of Empire Stores It’s impossible to pass by without noticing the imposing building when you are in DUMBO, between the bridges of Manhattan and Brooklyn, just a few steps away from Jane’s Carrousel!
Address: 53-83 Water St. Brooklyn, NY. 11201
Website: www.empirestoresdumbo.com
As mentioned in the introduction, Empire Stores was built in 1869. After belonging to the New York Company, with hangars up to Red Hook (you will recognize the type of architecture once you visit it), the Empire Stores were bought by John and Charles Arbuckle; Magnates of the coffee trade who made this industrial depot a great warehouse for the brand Yuban Coffee that still exists today. They even had private rail lines through Jay st.! They are now abandoned, but still there.
After the resale of Empire Stores, the building was left empty under the threat of being destroyed until the Fulton Ferry area was declared Historic District by the City of New York.
In the early 2000s, Mayor Michael Bloomberg resumed the transformation of neglected neighborhoods. And it was at the end of 2017 that Empire Stores opened its doors to the public, making locals and tourists happy.
How is the Empire Stores complex?
The outside appearance of the buildings has been remarkably conserved with its large facade of red bricks and wrought-iron shutters.
Artifacts from last century’s activities adorn the corridors.
This huge space hides small gardens and terraces from which the view over Manhattan is exceptional. Of course, it’s better when the sky is clear… At least, my post is not a spoiler and you’ll be surprised the day of your visit 😀
What can you find there?
Empire Stores is a multi-use complex, it houses ultra-modern offices…
Exhibitions and vendors,
Clothes stores,
