Exploring the History and Legacy of The Umbrella Factory Bushwick

The Umbrella Factory Bushwick is a historic building located in the Bushwick neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. The building was originally constructed in 1893 as a factory for the H.W. Mason Umbrella Company. Today, the building has been repurposed as a mixed-use space, housing artists’ studios, offices, and apartments.

The H.W. Mason Umbrella Company was one of the largest umbrella manufacturers in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The company was founded by Henry W. Mason, who began making umbrellas in his home in Brooklyn in the 1860s. As demand for his umbrellas grew, Mason moved his operation to a larger factory in Bushwick.

The Umbrella Factory Bushwick was built in the Romanesque Revival style, with a distinctive red brick exterior and arched windows. The building was designed by the architectural firm of William H. Gaylor & Son, who also designed several other notable buildings in Brooklyn.

During its heyday, the H.W. Mason Umbrella Company employed hundreds of workers, many of whom were immigrants from Europe. The company was known for its high-quality umbrellas, which were sold in stores across the country.

In the early 20th century, the umbrella industry began to decline as new materials and manufacturing techniques were developed. The H.W. Mason Umbrella Company struggled to compete with cheaper imports from Asia and eventually went out of business in the 1950s.

After the factory closed, the building was used for various purposes over the years. In the 1970s, it became a hub for artists and musicians, who rented out the large spaces for studios and rehearsal rooms. In the 1990s, the building was converted into a mixed-use space, with apartments, offices, and studios.

Today, the Umbrella Factory Bushwick is a vibrant community of artists, entrepreneurs, and residents. The building’s rich history and unique architecture make it a beloved landmark in the neighborhood. Visitors can still see the original arched windows and red brick exterior, as well as the large industrial spaces that once housed the umbrella factory.

In conclusion, the Umbrella Factory Bushwick is a fascinating example of Brooklyn’s industrial past and its vibrant present. From its origins as a bustling factory to its current incarnation as a creative hub, the building has played an important role in the history and culture of the neighborhood. Its legacy continues to inspire and enrich the community today.

The Umbrella Factory Bushwick is a historic building located in the Bushwick neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. It was built in the early 20th century and served as a manufacturing plant for umbrellas, parasols, and other rain gear. Today, the building has been repurposed as a mixed-use space, with residential lofts and commercial offices.

History

The Umbrella Factory Bushwick was constructed in 1918 by the Kirschbaum Brothers Company. The Kirschbaum Brothers were a family of German immigrants who had been in the umbrella-making business since the 19th century. The factory was designed by architect Louis H. Friedland and featured a distinctive Art Deco facade.

Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, the factory employed hundreds of workers and produced thousands of umbrellas and parasols each week. The company was known for its high-quality products and innovative designs. However, like many other manufacturing businesses, the factory struggled during the Great Depression and World War II.

In the postwar years, the factory continued to operate but faced increasing competition from foreign manufacturers. In 1960, the Kirschbaum Brothers sold the building to a new owner, who leased it to a series of other businesses over the next few decades.

Legacy

Despite its changing ownership and use, The Umbrella Factory Bushwick remains an important part of the neighborhood’s history and identity. Its distinctive facade is a local landmark, and the building has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and music videos.

In recent years, the building has undergone a renovation and transformation into a mixed-use space. The upper floors have been converted into residential lofts, while the ground floor and basement now house commercial offices and retail spaces.

The Umbrella Factory Bushwick is a symbol of the neighborhood’s industrial past and its ongoing evolution. It serves as a reminder of the important role that manufacturing and innovation have played in the history of Brooklyn and New York City.