Brooklyn's Hidden Treasures: Public To Get A Look At Landmark-Heavy Navy Yard
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For decades, the Brooklyn Navy Yard, which has played a significant role in history dating back to the Revolutionary War, has been off limits to most New Yorkers. But, starting this weekend, the public will finally get a glimpse inside. NY1's Jeanine Ramirez got a sneak peak at the Navy Yard tour as the station's look at the borough's hidden treasures continues. There's fencing all around its perimeter, even a brick wall at some parts of the Brooklyn Navy Yard. And with security checkpoints at all of its entrances, New Yorkers have to either work there or know someone to get inside.
But that's soon about to change. The Brooklyn Navy Yard has teamed up with the Center for the Urban Environment and the Brooklyn Historical Society to give monthly tours of the industrial facility.
"I, like many people, have spent many days coming by here wondering what was behind the walls," said Kate Fermoile of the Brooklyn Historical Society. "And it's a whole world that New Yorkers have no idea."
Among the city landmarks found within the Navy Yard walls is a former Naval hospital, made of marble back in 1836. Supplies for the front-line during the Civil War came out of another building on the site. The chief surgeon lived at a third landmark, built in 1863.
"We decided that given the rich history here and the uniqueness of how we're building it out, this was the ideal time to give the public a greater opportunity to come into the yard on a regular basis and see what's going on," said Andrew Kimball of the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation.
Part of what's going on is ship repair on what's known as "dry dock one," another city landmark. Made with granite block steps, it was first used in 1851 to build ships for the Navy. The hull-shaped dock has been active ever since.
The tour will also take visitors to newer parts of the 260-acre Navy Yard, including an environmentally-friendly manufacturing site with solar panels and wind turbines.
"We celebrate the past, the present, and the future and we can combine the three of them together," said Ruth Edebohls of the Center for the Urban Environment.
Meanwhile, the Navy Yard is looking to set up a permanent space accessible to the public to showcase its history. Known as Building 92, it was designed by the same architect who constructed the Capitol in Washington, D.C. It is set to undergo a $15 million renovation.
When the project is completed, the gate will come down and Building 92 will open up to Flushing Avenue.
Until then, taking a tour is the easiest way in.