The city unanimously voted Tuesday to give Williamsburg's Domino sugar factory building landmark status, preserving its exterior.
The board took 15 minutes to decide. However, one member questioned whether only preserving the mid-19th century structure and not surrounding buildings would truly preserve the neighborhood.
The 13-story refinery closed in January 2004 after 148 years of operation on the East River. "The refinery is the oldest intact structure on the site and the most iconic symbol of Brooklyn's industrial heritage on the waterfront," Commission Chairman Robert Tierney said after the vote.
The change in status means site owner CPC Resources cannot change the exterior while it builds 2,200 residential units. According to CPC, 30 percent of the units will be affordable housing.
The landmark status does not apply to the factory's signature neon sign, although the developer said it hopes to incorporate the familiar illuminated "Domino Sugar" logo into the final project.
The Department of City Planning must sign off on the landmark status.
AP wire reports contributed to this story.
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