Plan for 30-story tower behind landmarked Duffield St. houses

The landmarked houses at at 182–188 Duffield St. Photo: Lore Croghan

DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN — THE LANDMARKS PRESERVATION COMMISSION has stalled Watermark Capital’s controversial bid to build a 30-story, 99-unit tower behind four individually landmarked 1830s–1840s houses at 182–188 Duffield St. in Downtown Brooklyn, according to 6sqft.

The proposal would remove the rear facades, merge the interiors into a community space and lobby and rise on a small lot behind the row. Commissioners said the scheme “overwhelms” the historic homes and involves “too much demolition,” directing the team to redesign.

Preservation groups and neighbors, citing the houses’ Underground Railroad associations, opposed the plan. An online petition has 500-plus signatures. Watermark and Hill West Architects argue that the massing is needed to deliver 99 units, including about 20 affordable, using programs like 485-x and voluntary inclusionary housing.

The homes, relocated by Forest City Ratner during MetroTech’s development and landmarked in 2001, have sat largely vacant. The applicant must return with a revised design for a future LPC vote.

✰✰✰