BY JILL D’AMICO

The Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation today joined with New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, and Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz to announce that plans are underfoot for the Brooklyn Navy Yard Historical Center.

The Center, which will be housed in the United States Marine Corps Commandant’s residence, will “celebrate the Navy Yard’s past, present and future and will provide community meeting space and office facilities for the Brooklyn Center for the Urban Environment (BCUE),” according to the announcement. Founded in 1978, BCUE is dedicated to educating individuals about the built and natural environments of New York City. It is now housed in Prospect Park.

Once renovated and expanded, the 25,000-square-foot facility will house a new center that will meet the highest standards for Green building - LEED status as designated by the United States Green Building Council.

"Thanks to the leadership of the Mayor, the Brooklyn Navy Yard is fast becoming the nation's preeminent, sustainable industrial park" said BNYDC President Andrew Kimball, "We take great pride in our relationship with the surrounding communities and the Historical Center will be one of numerous improvements we will be making to the perimeter of the Yard over the next two years that will create jobs, celebrate the Yard's past, present and future, and provide a substantially more attractive physical presence."

“While it is important to continue the transformation of the Navy Yard into one of the most successful urban industrial parks in America, it also is essential that we remember its rich and historic past,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “It will also continue the Navy Yards role as a good neighbor to the surrounding communities by providing local meeting space.”

“New York City, perhaps more than any other city in the country, is known for its diverse and vibrant historical heritage,” said Speaker Quinn. “That's why my colleagues in the Council and I are proud to provide support for the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation as it continues to work toward making the Brooklyn Navy Yard Historical Center a reality.”

The New York City Council committed $10 million towards the $15 million project. The remaining $5 million in funding will be jointly raised through public-private partnerships.

The Center promises to hold a rich collection, including 35,000 architectural plans, archived by the BNYDC, and is in the process of digitizing another 17,000 images. The Brooklyn Historical Society has agreed to serve in an advisory capacity for the development of an exhibit and associated educational programs.

An RFP for design of this project will be issued this week, and will be linked to from this page. The Center is scheduled to open in early 2010.

Pictured above: Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz (speaking), City Council Speaker Christine Quinn and Mayor Michael Bloomberg at the announcement of the Brooklyn Navy Yard Historical Center.