BWAC not able to return to Van Brunt warehouse, by George Fiala

As a result of September’s fire at the Beard Street Warehouse, BWAC, which has occupied three stories there since the 1990s, will have to relocate, as they just announced in this press release:

“Following the devastating fire at 481 Van Brunt Street in Red Hook last September, the Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Coalition (BWAC) had high hopes that they would be able to return to the gallery space at the water’s end of the building that they occupied for 35 years. The two-floor gallery was in the section of the building that sustained the least amount of damage from the fire. However, in mid-November, word came that the building requires far more reconstruction than originally estimated, and with that uncertain future, the gallery, like all of the other businesses and artists who occupied the building, would not be able to return.

“It’s been a surreal experience for all of us,” said BWAC president Alicia Degener. “Support from all over New York City has been phenomenal through our GoFund Me outreach for donations, but reimagining a new BWAC will take time and additional revenue. That is why our current efforts have turned to fundraising, but there is no reason we can’t celebrate the season and have some fun at the same time!”

Holiday Bash, a live fundraising event to support BWAC, is being held at The Cidery at The Red Hook Distillery on Sunday, December 14, 2025, from 3 to 6 pm. There will be live music, a live art auction, light food, a raffle for some great prizes donated by Red Hook businesses, and a cash bar.”

We reached out to the building owner, Gregory T. O’Connell, and he responded with a letter he sent to BWAC and the community, from which we excerpt:

“The fire on September 17″’ caused severe damage to the building, and there are many conditions in the building that continue to affect our timeline for initial recovery. Our immediate focus is on stabilization: making the building watertight, clearing debris, remediating smoke and mold, and evaluating damaged systems. Only after this massive undertaking is complete can we realistically estimate the costs of reconstruction.

We are also facing a harsh financial truth regarding the restoration of 481 Van Brunt St.

The fire has fundamentally broken our previous financial model. Before the incident, we were able to provide rent-free space to BWAC and keep other tenant rents below market value. The costs of remediation, reconstruction, and carrying the property now far exceed what the building can support under the past model. To make 481 safe and functional again, generating revenue is essential. Given these financial realities, a return to 481 for BWAC is not possible in then foreseeable future. Because we are unable to provide occupancy, we are issuing termination and surrender agreements to all tenants, including BWAC. This is a painful but necessary step to move forward with financing and remediation. We will continue to work with BWACs leadership who is handling this process on behalf of the organization.

On that note, I must commend Alicia Degener, who is managing this situation with grace despite the fact that she was put in an incredibly difficult position. We know that with her at the helm, BWAC will navigate this trial and emerge stronger.”