All photos by Paul Raphaelson
Even though plans continue to go forward in transforming the Domino Sugar Refinery into residential housing, the building continues to be one of NYC’s most recognizable landmarks. Considering that the factory had also been a highly frequented proving ground for urban explorers after it officially closed in 2004, there is no shortage of photographs and documentation both in and outside of the building. We were allowed in last year to take video and photography, and the public was given a peek into the sugar warehouse via artist Kara Walker’s sugar-coated sphinx. But before you convince yourself that you’ve seen everything you’d ever see about the factory, check out photographer Paul Raphaelson‘s amazing photos that were the very last series of photos officially taken before the factory is slated for interior demolition and redevelopment.
Two Trees, who are the owners of the site, allowed Raphaelson to take extensive photographs of the site last year and the results are astounding. We recently got in touch with him and he had informed us that he is planning to speak with people who used to work at the site in order to compile a book. He is teaming up with architectural historian Matthew Postal and they hope to have a publisher lined up to release the book by this time next year.
But for now, we’ve included some of his amazing photographs for your viewing pleasure (All photographs courtesy Paul Raphaelson). Make sure you visit his website to see all 49 exclusive images of this historic landmark.
See more about the Domino Sugar Refinery on Untapped Cities.