Brooklyn Clay Retort and Fire Brick Works Storehouse

The Brooklyn Clay Retort and Fire Brick Works Storehouse is a significant mid-nineteenth century industrial building that is part of a complex established during the first era of development of Red Hook for shipping and industry. J.K. Brick & Company was founded by Joseph K. Brick in 1854 to manufacture products used in the production of illuminating gas by firms such as the Brooklyn Gas Light Company.

Today the Brooklyn Clay Retort and Fire Brick Works are the only extant buildings in the area connected with this once-significant industry. The c. 1859 Storehouse, probably designed by Brick, features main facades of roughly-cut and coursed ashlar of a local dark gray schist, detailed with brick and sandstone. It has the distinctive basilica-like form of mid- and late nineteenth-century industrial workshops.

*Excerpt from the Landmarks Preservation Commission designation report

STATUS Designated Individual Landmark

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