Formerly, the Arbuckle Brothers sugar refinery, which dates back to 1898 and was originally designed by the George M. Newhall Engineering Co., the building was a massive structure that reached all the way to the water, where boats could dock for deliveries and services. For 50 years it was left vacant and fell into disrepair until purchased by family owned Triangle Assets in 1991.

ODA dug into the site’s history, drawing a series of skins that evoke sugar crystals, broken geodes and crystalline surface that now serve to reflect the park, and the river sunsets that define its surroundings. The proposed spaces offer open floors for dynamic office arrangements to enjoy wide open views of Manhattan and Williamsburg’s waterfront. Vaulted ceilings and exposed brick meet the full height glass curtain wall. In the lobby the Manhattan Bridge detail is a 12’ by 13’ drawing by artist Andrew Antonaccio made with moss.

As the conversation surrounding heritage and preservation grows, 10 Jay Street is a prime example of how cities around the world recover and readapt buildings. The design dared to challenge the way landmark buildings are seen and, in doing so, created unique threads to link old with new, the industrial age with the digital era, and create a product for the modern age. It’s a fresh approach to preservation, the mixed-use program gives the building a new purpose, shifting business hubs from city centers to peripheral neighborhoods, making Dumbo a place to live, work and play.

The outcome is intended to be both beautiful and provocative.