The Landmark Building
Building Renovation

An extensive renovation of the Brooklyn Historical Society's building was undertaken in 1999.  It encompassed cleaning and repointing of the unique and ornate terra cotta façade, installing a climate control system necessary for preserving our collections, and restoring the roof and building to its original splendor. Cleaning and repair of the façade has returned the masonry to its original bright warm red, and the clock tower has been renovated. The elevator installed in the middle of the entrance stairwell has been removed, making possible the replacement of a stained glass laylight and restoring the grandeur of the entrance. In order to provide access to all floors of the building, a handicapped-accessible elevator has been installed in an adjacent location. While remaining sensitive to the building's character, it has been wired for high speed internet access to increase accessibility of the library and museum collections.

The renovated Othmer Library maintains the historic fabric of its interior while introducing climate-control for the preservation of its valuable collections. Decorative lighting fixtures refer to gas lighting in the 1880's, when the library first opened. High-speed cable access will allow links with other research libraries. The database of Brooklyn images will be accessible through high-speed terminals and with higher level resolution. New electronic finding aids will provide greater access to the collections.

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