BBB Restores Landmark New York Telephone Headquarters

The building was designated a landmark by the New York City Landmark Preservation Commission in 2004.

Nicholas Tamarin -- Interior Design, 7/13/2009

Downtown Brooklyn is now basking in the glory that is the BellTel Lofts, a Beyer Blinder Belle renovation of the landmark New York Telephone headquarters.

Originally built in 1930 by prominent New York architect Ralph Walker, the 27-story art deco office building was designated a landmark by the New York City Landmark Preservation Commission in 2004. Vacant when purchased in 2005, the iron-spotted, orange-brick-faced building features several setbacks, and culminates in a classic central tower. 



The BBB team, already renowned for their renovation and restoration of Grand Central Station, removed 79 years of paint from the lobby's metalwork, in addition to restoring terrazzo floors, repairing ceiling plaster and matching the original gold paint. 



In addition to designing the building's 250 new residences, which range from 600 to 2,700 square feet, the firm also created a 4,500-square-foot roof terrace. Also new is a 6,500-square-foot recreation area, complete with fitness center and massage and screening rooms. There is also 39,000-square-feet of retail space ready for leasing in the tower's lobby and on its lower levels.

 

Images courtesy of Belltel Lofts.