A 1910-built Neoclassical landmark, known for being one of Brooklyn's last public bath houses to be constructed, has been recognized with a preservation award by the Park Slope Civic Council. The community organization granted the historic building with an Evelyn and Everett Ortner Preservation Award for Excellence in Exterior Restoration, celebrating the positive contribution the ornate building has made to the urban fabric of the Park Slope neighbourhood.

The former bath house stands next to a new rental development, image retrieved from Google Street View

The building originally served as a public bath house, a civic amenity for the neighbourhood's burgeoning immigrant population at a time when tenement laws did not require indoor toilet or bath facilities. Increasingly unsanitary conditions eventually persuaded public health officials into action. Their solution would see the city-wide development of public bath houses, which became anachronisms as more progressive tenement laws were adopted. 

227 4th Avenue, image courtesy of Greystone Development

The bath house at 227 4th Avenue, designed by architect Raymond F. Almirall, was Brooklyn's seventh and most grandiose. When it closed for repairs in 1935, the building lost its central tenant. It wouldn't reopen until the 1950s, when it found new life as a gymnasium. The building was designated an individual landmark in 1984 and then became a concert, gym and events space in the 1990s. Greystone Development purchased the property in 2014 and transferred its development rights next door to erect a 12-storey luxury rental building. Today, the building is occupied by a Blink Fitness location.

227 4th Avenue, image courtesy of Greystone Development

The meticulous restoration was carried out in partnership with Daniel Goldner Architects, Higgins Quasebarth & Partners and Walter B. Melvin Architects. The elaborate work involved the retention and preservation of nearly 80 percent of the original glazed brick, limestone and terra cotta facade. The building's finer elements, including its nautical-themed carvings and richly detailed cornice, were also painstakingly brought back to their former glory.

"We are honoured that our collaborative team effort has been recognized by the community, and we truly enjoyed working alongside Higgins Quasebarth & Partners, Daniel Goldner Architects and Walter B. Melvin Architects to bring the structure back to life," said Thomas Ryan, head of Greystone Development. "227 4th Avenue’s beautiful facade will be a reminder of the grand history of Park Slope for many years to come."