BellTel Lofts receives New York Landmarks Preservation designation

On Wednesday, May 20, a dedication ceremony took place at BellTel Lofts, 365 Bridge St., to mark its designation as a city landmark by the New York Landmarks Preservation Commission. Speakers included Marty Markowitz, Brooklyn borough president, Christina Davis, chairperson, New York Landmarks Preservation Foundation, JJ Bistricer, executive vice president of Clipper Equity the developer of BellTel Lofts, Joe Chan, president of the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership and Michael Weiss, executive director, Metro Tech Bid. "Clipper Equity was honored that BellTel Lofts has been designated a New York Landmark and we take pride in the restoration and renovation we have undertaken to convert this Art Deco icon to a luxury condominium that blends classic design with today's amenities," said Bistricer. Built in 1929-30, BellTel Lofts was designed by Ralph Walker of Voorhees, Gmelin & Walker as the headquarters for the New York Telephone Company. Clipper Equity, LLC purchased the Downtown Brooklyn building in 2005 and hired Beyer Blinder Belle Architects and Planners LLP to restore the Art Deco luster of the building while converting it to luxury condominiums. The architecture firm is renowned for its renovation and historic restoration of New York landmarks. BellTel Lofts is an outstanding example of Art Deco style applied to a skyscraper. Described by Robert Tierney, chair of the Landmarks Preservation Commission as a "great architectural masterpiece in New York City," BellTel Lofts brings classic style and sophistication to an area booming with new construction. The adaptive re-use of this historic Brooklyn building created 250 residences, which range from a 600 s/f studio to a 2,700 s/f duplex penthouse. Beyer Blinder Belle incorporated modern amenities into BellTel Lofts such as a 6,500 s/f recreation space that includes a fitness center, massage and yoga rooms, a lounge/screening room with full kitchen and a dedicated children's playroom. A roof terrace of 4,500 s/f provides unobstructed views North and South to the Statue of Liberty, Staten Island, Manhattan and the three bridges. There is a business center on the lobby level, 24/7 concierge, an on-site super and easily accessible bike and stroller storage. The design infuses modern elements into the Art Deco, pre-war design and retains the impressive Art Deco lobby and brick facade.