The Domino Sugar Factory

Three years ago my husband and I made the move from Manhattan to Brooklyn, a change I had anticipated since I began my life in New York City. We were able to quickly find an apartment in the residential neighborhood of Greenpoint, adjacent to the ever popular art hub, Williamsburg. As with anything else in life that is new and exciting, we began to explore the neighborhood, noting how quickly the area changes from beautiful old houses to uber- modern condos, and in other parts factories. At first these factories seemed to blend together into one long gray blob that detracted from the lively people-filled streets surrounding them, and for the most part I avoided them at all costs, paying little attention to their existence.

I successfully avoided giving much thought to these old factory buildings until one night as I was walking across the Williamsburg Bridge red neon lights coming from the Brooklyn waterfront caught my attention.

The sign, "Save Domino" was illuminated on the side of the old sugar refinery building that I had passed millions of times without giving it any thought at all. What did it mean, 'save Domino'? From what? I had asked myself. For a while I found solace in a few rumors I had heard from friends of mine about how the factory was going to be knocked down and people were upset about it etc. etc.

Recently, I was struck again by this factory's unknown fate as I was pouring some sugar into my tea. I thought about the refinery and began again to wonder why it had yet to be demolished and what they were saving the building for? And, why had it been shut down in the first place when I still see Domino Sugar sold all over the neighborhood, not to mention the world? Who was affected by this? Did the neighborhood change drastically?

My questions brought me back to the site of the old factory where I took note of the encroaching condos being built all around the property, as well as a park. I couldn't understand why the condos stopped short of the Domino Factory, what stopped the contractors?

It seems that what stopped the contractors was a move to landmark the old structure as stated in the post on Gowanus Lounge From September 26th, 2007. According to the article, the residents of Brooklyn wanted the building to be saved from demolition that would allow for a huge housing project to begin. This housing project would "double the population of the neighborhood within a 1/4 mile radius", changing the neighborhood of Williamsburg in more ways than simply knocking down a building. What's interesting is that since the article was written, I have seen an increase in the amount of condo dwellers in the area, though none in relation to the old factory. So what are some of the plans for the factory now?

The most recent article I could find was posted on the Atlantic Yards blog and discussed a "community supported" movement of developers to use the building's space to create affordable housing for the area. Debate continues to surround the idea of what exactly 'affordable' means in Brooklyn nowadays. Further, what community is supporting this? In speaking with friends and neighbors it seems that no one is overly enthusiastic about the new condos being built on Kent Avenue, many of which remain empty as people are not buying condos in the current market.

Why are the condos being built? Who will actually be able to afford them? And, what is the ultimate fate of the Domino Sugar Factory?

Nicole Salvitti