Todd Shipyard's Graving Dock
Named to Seven to Save List

CONTACTS

Preservation League of New York State Colleen M. Ryan 518-462-5658

The Waterfront Museum David Sharps 718-624-4719

ALBANY, February 14, 2005 – The Preservation League of New York State has named the Graving Dock at the Erie Basin, Brooklyn, and its associated structures one of New York State’s Seven to Save, the nonprofit group’s annual list of the Empire State’s most threatened historic places.

This drydock, used for the repair of large vessels, was owned by Robins Dry Dock from 1864-1916, and then sold to the Todd Shipyard Corporation, which became one of the largest shipbuilder and ship repair businesses in the country. Though still in use today, this crucial piece of New York Harbor’s waterfront infrastructure is threatened by plans for development of a 350,000 square foot IKEA store. Specifically, the graving dock would be filled in and paved for a 1,400-car parking lot.

While many Brooklyn residents welcome the investment in the Red Hook neighborhood, others wonder if there isn’t a way for the graving dock to co-exist with the Swedish retailer.

“The graving dock and its associated structures illustrate a maritime history that dates back to the Civil War,” said Jay DiLorenzo, President of the Preservation League of New York State. “In April 2003, the state historic preservation office found five buildings and the graving dock eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. By naming the Graving Dock to our Seven to Save list of endangered places, we hope to encourage the development of alternative parking schemes that could protect more of this rare maritime resource and neighborhood.”

        David Sharps of the Waterfront Museum also worries about the loss of access to the Red Hook piers after such development. “As we learned after September 11, 2001, and again during the blackout of August, 2003, one cannot underestimate the value of a functioning waterfront infrastructure to meet many challenges in times of emergencies.”

The Preservation League has been working with local preservation organizations and individuals as they develop alternative plans that would facilitate development while preserving the historic fabric and functionality of the graving dock. “We remain unconvinced that there has been a full and thorough review process to determine the importance of the maritime heritage resources and the role they can play in the reuse and revitalization of the entire area which we can all support,” said Tania Werbizky, Director of Technical and Grant Programs for the Preservation League of New York State. “We hope that some agreement can be reached that allows much-needed development, but preserves the graving dock and its waterfront resources as part of a vital waterfront community.”

In addition to the Graving Dock, the Seven to Save list for 2005 includes:

• Hudson Area Library, Hudson, Columbia County
• The Herkimer County 1834 Jail, Herkimer County
• The Iron Block, Watertown, Jefferson County
• St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Harlem, New York County
• Old Custom House, Niagara Falls, Niagara County
• The Guastavino Tile House, Bay Shore, Suffolk County

A complete description of Seven to Save designees can be found on the League’s web site at www.preservenys.org .

Since 1999, publicity surrounding the Seven to Save designation has led to the stabilization of St. Joseph’s Church in Albany; the rehabilitation of the Oswego City Public Library, the adaptive re-use of the former Niagara Falls High School as a cultural and arts center, and prevented the demolition of the Conger Goodyear House on Long Island.

The Preservation League of New York State, founded in 1974, is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the protection of New York’s diverse and rich heritage of historic buildings, districts and landscapes. From its headquarters in Albany, it provides a unified voice for historic preservation. By leading a statewide movement and sharing information and expertise, the Preservation League of New York State promotes historic preservation as a tool to revitalize the Empire State’s neighborhoods and communities.

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