Restored Tower Top of Landmarked Jay Street Firehouse Revealed

The topmost layers of scaffolding at 365 Jay Street have come down, revealing a bit of the restored tower of the old Brooklyn Fire Headquarters. The building has been shrouded in scaffolding for more than a year now, as the Pratt Area Community Council repairs the roof, windows, terra cotta archway and foyer. The 1892 Romanesque Revival building had been neglected and also suffered severe roof damage and flooding two years ago.

The building was designed by prolific Brooklyn architect Frank Freeman and designated an individual landmark in 1966. In 1987, the city agreed to turn it into affordable housing for low-income people displaced by construction of the nearby MetroTech complex.

MDG Design and Construction and Nomad Architecture are leading the restoration, which is scheduled to wrap by spring 2015.

Thanks to a reader for the photos and tip. Click through to see another shot of the tower.

Building of the Day: 365 Jay Street [Brownstoner]
Scaffolding up at Jay Street Firehouse [Brownstoner]