Tobacco Warehouse Adaptive Reuse

H3 was engaged by St. Ann’s Warehouse to propose renovation of the existing Tobacco Warehouse in Brooklyn Bridge Park.  The proposal was the basis of a multi-agency agreement to redevelop the site.  Designed to be constructed within the existing perimeter walls of the 19th century Tobacco Warehouse shell, the adaptive reuse proposal explored plans to create a one-of-a-kind performing arts facility and community cultural center in the heart of Brooklyn Bridge Park.

With minimal architectural intervention to the beloved ruin, H3’s design envisions a modern warehouse for the arts to support St. Ann’s Warehouse’s creative and versatile approach to theater-making, as well as community artistic and educational programs.  Two multipurpose rooms provide flexible performance space under one roof in the rectangular portion of the Warehouse. A principal performance space accommodates productions, festivals, and large events and a smaller venue houses rehearsals, community performances, meetings, and educational activities. Both spaces are outfitted with necessary infrastructure to support a wide range of flexible staging and seating possibilities for 100-700 people.

The open-air triangular form doubles as prefunction space and a café for Brooklyn Bridge Park, allowing visitors to experience and savor the character of the Tobacco Warehouse’s exposed, unaltered walls. The Garden inside includes landscaped planting beds, café tables, and chairs, and the original archways open to the Park.

CLIENT: St Ann’s Warehouse
COMPLETION: 2011 Proposal
SIZE: 26,000 square feet
COST: $15 million