brooklyn's century-old power plant opens as a vibrant arts venue by herzog & de meuron

H&dm turns a derelict structure in Brooklyn into an arts center

Following a remarkable seven-year reconstruction spearheaded by Herzog & de Meuron in partnership with PBDW Architects, ‘Powerhouse Arts’ proudly welcomes the public as its doors swing open. Powerhouse Arts, a non-profit manufacturing facility, has been established with the aim of creating a platform for art production and generating employment opportunities in the arts sector.

Located in Gowanus and Red Hook, Brooklyn, and spanning an impressive 170,000 square feet, the redevelopment project focuses on transforming an abandoned and contaminated century-old power station, affectionately known as ‘the Batcave,’ into a vibrant center that caters to artists, fabricators, and other skilled workers. By doing so, the team ensures that the industrial legacy of the site continues to thrive well into the next century. The design proposal draws inspiration from the site’s rich industrial landscape and historical significance. It aims to enhance the building’s industrial character and its relationship with the surrounding urban environment by preserving, restoring, and reconstructing vital components of the original power station.

image © Iwan Baan

integrating historical layers in the new manufacturing facility

Originally constructed in 1904, the Brooklyn Rapid Transit Power Station served as a vital support system for Brooklyn’s growing transit network. However, by the 1950s, the power station was decommissioned, and only half of its original structure, known as the Boiler House, remained intact, as the other portion was demolished. This left the Turbine Hall standing alone. Over time, during the late twentieth century, the remaining structure became a popular destination for local graffiti artists, earning the moniker ‘the Batcave.’

In 2010, the Gowanus Canal was designated a Superfund site by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, recognizing the need for its remediation. Thus, the design proposal for the site focuses on the reinstatement of the Boiler House, re-establishing its relationship with the existing Turbine Hall. Through careful preservation, stabilization, and strategic repairs by Herzog & de Meuron and PBDW Architects, the Turbine Hall remains intact, seamlessly integrating its historical layers into the new manufacturing facility.

image by Powerhouse Arts

‘Our facility houses fabrication capabilities in the materials of ceramic and print, and offers project management and fabrication services for public art,’ shared the team.

The concrete façade of The Boiler House has been carefully designed to complement the masonry shell of the Turbine Hall, ensuring a strong and practical envelope for the addition. The historic punched openings of the Turbine Hall have been seamlessly integrated into the Boiler House’s façade, and both buildings now feature new windows. Through the preservation, restoration, and reconstruction of key elements from the original power station, particularly the masonry facade, the project not only reinforces the industrial character of the building but also enhances its connection to the surrounding urban environment.

image by Powerhouse Arts