Bushwick Democratic Club House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bushwick Democratic Club House |
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| Alternative names | Bethesda Pentecostal Church |
| General information | |
| Location | Intersection of Bushwick Ave. and Hart St., Brooklyn |
| Address | 719 Bushwick Av |
| Coordinates | 40°41′47.23″N 73°55′49.24″W / 40.6964528°N 73.9303444°W |
| Construction started | June 30, 1891 |
| Completed | 1892 |
| Inaugurated | September 23, 1892 |
| Destroyed | By fire, after 1970 |
| Cost | About $60,000 |
| Owner | 1891: Bushwick Democratic Club 1941: Knights of Columbus 1966: Pentecostal Church |
| Height | 4 stories not including basement and attic |
| Dimensions | |
| Other dimensions | 60 by 70 feet |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Frank Freeman |
The Bushwick Democratic Club House was a special building in Bushwick, Brooklyn, New York City. It was designed by a famous architect named Frank Freeman. The building was finished in 1892. It was known for its unique style, called Richardsonian Romanesque. Later, in the 1970s, it was recognized as a New York City Landmark, which means it was an important historical building. Sadly, it was later destroyed by a fire.
Contents
Building History
Founding the Club and Building Plans
The Bushwick Democratic Club was a group for people in the Democratic Party. They met in October 1890. After an election that year, the club members decided they needed their own building. They planned to spend about $60,000 on it. They bought land at the corner of Bushwick Avenue and Hart Street in Brooklyn.
Designing the Club House
The club hired Frank Freeman to design their new building. Freeman was a well-known architect from Brooklyn. He had also designed another important building for Democrats in Kings County. His style was called Richardsonian Romanesque, which used strong, rounded shapes and rough stone.
Construction and Grand Opening
The first stone of the building was laid on June 30, 1891. Important people like Brooklyn Mayor Alfred C. Chapin were there. New York Lieutenant Governor Edward F. Jones also attended. After the ceremony, a big dinner was held for 300 guests. The building officially opened on September 23, 1892. Lieutenant Governor William F. Sheehan and Brooklyn Mayor David A. Boody gave speeches at the opening.
Later Owners and Fate
In 1941, the building was sold to the Knights of Columbus. They owned it for 25 years. After that, it became the Bethesda Pentecostal Church in 1966. On September 15, 1970, the building was named a New York City landmark. This meant it was protected because of its history and design. However, the building was later destroyed by a fire sometime after 1970.
Building Description
Architectural Style and Materials
The Bushwick Democratic Club House was described as an "amazing, round-edged cube." It had a tight skin of detailed decoration. The outside of the building used light terra cotta and red sandstone. These materials, along with the old gold brick walls, created a beautiful look.
Entrance and Interior Features
There was a courtyard in front of the building. You reached the main entrance by climbing steps. These steps had fancy bronze lamps with electric lights. Inside, the furniture was made of oak wood. The carpets were velvet, and the curtains were made of soft, colorful silk. The walls and ceilings had delicate decorations that matched everything else.
What Was Inside
- The basement had bowling alleys.
- The first floor had a café and a billiard room. These two rooms were almost like one big space with high, arched ceilings.
- The mezzanine floor (a floor between two main floors) had rooms for club officers and ladies.
- The third floor had a banquet hall for big dinners and card rooms.
- The very top floor was a gymnasium.
- The club kitchen and apartments for the stewards were located at the back of the main building.
Special Design Details
A report from 1970 highlighted the building's "superb Roman brick masonry." This included the way bricks were laid in rowlock arches and lintels above the windows and doors. Another interesting feature was the "recessed balconies." These balconies were set back into the building, making the walls and windows appear behind them. These unique details showed the amazing work of architect Frank Freeman.
See also
- Thomas Jefferson Association Building: another building designed for Democrats in Brooklyn.
