Sweet Revival: The Domino Sugar Factory

By Y.M. Lowy

As Williamsburg 365 recently featured a comprehensive historical article on the Domino Sugar refinery, readers requested another article on the transformation of the Domino Sugar refinery, blending its rich history with a new, vibrant future.

The story begins in the early 1800s when German immigrant William Havemeyer built a sugar refinery in Manhattan, eventually growing it into a major American sugar empire. By the 1900s, Domino was the dominant force in the sugar industry, turning Brooklyn’s waterfront into an industrial powerhouse.

Fast forward to 2004, when the refinery shut down after over a century of production. In 2007, parts of the factory were designated as landmarks, ensuring its legacy would be preserved. Enter Two Trees Management, who saw potential in turning the site into a thriving, modern neighborhood while honoring its industrial roots.

The crown jewel of the project is the Refinery Building. This 15-story office space was built inside the original brick structure, combining a sleek, modern design with the factory’s historic charm. With a stunning glass penthouse and 60,000 square feet of retail space, it’s now a hub for businesses and creatives. The building was designed with health and wellness in mind, offering a welcoming environment that respects its industrial past.

Today, Williamsburg residents have enthusiastically embraced Domino Park, which opened in 2018. The park showcases salvaged factory machinery, historic photos, and even the restored Domino Sugar sign, keeping the spirit of the past alive. It’s a place where locals and visitors can enjoy both the history and the present energy of Brooklyn. 

The gigantic gantry cranes from the Raw Sugar Warehouse, along with screw conveyors, tall bucket conveyors, and huge syrup tanks, have been preserved on-site with new coats of paint and design. These remnants of history now stand as a testament to the past, seamlessly integrated into a modern space that invites people to enjoy and connect with both the legacy and the present day at Domino Park.

Williamsburg residents now enjoy a once-abandoned factory that turned into a beautiful waterfront park. What was once a neglected site has become a beloved fixture for locals. 

photos: Tree House, Domino Park