Brooklyn Army Terminal

The US Army Military Ocean Terminal (aka Brooklyn Army Terminal) designed by Cass Gilbert, served as a military supply depot throughout WWII. Completed in September of 1919, it was the headquarters for the New York Port of Embarkation, a region-wide operation covering more than a dozen facilities that moved 3.2 million troops and 37 million tons of military supplies across the world.

In support of the NYC Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), Matiz Architecture and Design (MAD) is proud to be collaborating on the BAT phased renovation project. As part of the Phase 5 improvements to Building A, the NYCEDC’s design team is proposing the renovation of the main entrance, including: new plaza waterproofing, patio seating & landscaping, canopy restoration, railing and lighting upgrades, and a new ferry overlook providing improved waterfront access. It is the intention of this design to maintain the historic and architectural integrity of the Brooklyn Army Terminal, while upgrading, and increasing the facility’s capacity to serve its occupants and the surrounding community. As part of the Building A patio enhancements, the new ferry overlook will provide shading for newly-activated public spaces that surround it, while introducing stairs for direct ferry access enhancing waterfront connectivity. Necessary patio repairs include new waterproofing, wider egress landings for increased public access, and a new ADA ramp situated within proposed landscaped seating.

Further North from the patio, the retaining wall between Building A and the Annex will also be restored and reinforced to ensure its longevity. A new loading dock will also be introduced near the Annex basement entrance catering to the needs of food service and manufacturing tenants while improving logistics and site safety. In order to accommodate these tenants’ shipping and receiving requirements, one window beside the loading dock will be converted into a cargo gate, matching the existing one located along the same facade.