6. Crye Precision
Photo by Aaron Thompson courtesy Open House New York
Visit the headquarters for Crye Precision LLC, a company that designs and manufactures state-of-the-art protective equipment destined for use by the most elite members of the US military. The company’s facilities are housed within nationally-landmarked Building 128 at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Originally built in 1902, the 225,000 square foot steel, glass, and masonry building was for decades home to a Navy ship engine factory.
The adaptive re-use of Building 128 emphasizes its cathedral-like proportions, powerful structure, and massive scale through a design sensibility that quietly extends the details of the original structure in unexpected ways. Upon first glance, where the old building ends and the new structures begin is not clear. The only hint that something radically new has happened is a 10,000 square foot prehistoric forest that welcomes guests at the building entry.
See how design studios, testing areas, production spaces, exhibition and conference zones, cafeterias—and even a space for tai chi—merge seamlessly into the historic structure, right along Brooklyn’s developing waterfront. Part of New York City’s growing manufacturing sector, the chance to see behind-the-scenes of this innovative and industry-leading company’s headquarters is an opportunity to learn about part of the city’s fascinating future.