Brooklyn Waterworks

The Brooklyn Waterworks was a pumping station in Freeport, New York, built in Richardsonian Romanesque style with red brick and large arches. The building housed five large steam pumps inside and featured terra cotta decorations on its exterior.

The station was completed in 1891 under architect Frank Freeman's direction and supplied water to Brooklyn. After Brooklyn's integration into New York City in 1898, the facility continued to serve the expanding metropolis.

The structure demonstrates how late 19th-century architects incorporated medieval European design elements into American public infrastructure. This approach was part of a broader movement to transform industrial facilities into visual landmarks of their communities.

The location is no longer accessible as the building was demolished and the site now forms part of Brookside Preserve. Visitors can explore this history by visiting the nature preserve that now occupies the space where this industrial landmark once stood.

The building fell victim to a destructive fire and several failed renovation attempts that sealed its fate. Its demolition in 1910 marked the end of an important industrial landmark and the transformation of the site into a natural preserve.

Location: New York

Inception: 1891

Architects: Frank Freeman

Architectural style: Richardsonian Romanesque

GPS coordinates: 40.65710,-73.60200

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:05