The $4.5 Million Secret Of 25 Elm Place, Brooklyn: From Gilded Age Glamour To Modern Social Sanctuary
Contents
The Storied History and Architectural Grandeur of 25 Elm Place
The physical structure of 25 Elm Place tells a fascinating story that dates back to the turn of the 20th century. Its history is inextricably linked to the golden age of Brooklyn retail and the vision of one of New York's most celebrated architects.1. Birth as a Department Store Annex (1899–1900)
The building was originally constructed between 1899 and 1900 as an annex and extension for the legendary Frederick Loeser & Co. department store [cite: 3 from step 1, 11 from step 2]. Frederick Loeser & Co., often referred to simply as Loeser's, was Brooklyn's second-largest and most upscale department store, serving what was known as the borough’s "carriage trade" [cite: 11, 12 from step 2]. The flagship Loeser's store was a major landmark located nearby at 484 Fulton Street [cite: 3, 6 from step 2]. The 25 Elm Place addition was essential for accommodating the growing needs of this retail giant, which was a fixture in Brooklyn for 65 years [cite: 6 from step 2].2. The Hand of Francis H. Kimball: Renaissance Revival Style
The architectural pedigree of 25 Elm Place is significant. The extension was designed by the prominent American architect Francis H. Kimball [cite: 10 from step 3]. Kimball was a master of Beaux-Arts and Renaissance Revival styles and is best known for his work on some of New York City's earliest skyscrapers [cite: 15 from step 3]. The building at 25 Elm Place is a notable example of Renaissance Revival architecture, characterized by its balanced symmetry, classical detailing, and a sense of grandeur that was appropriate for an upscale retail establishment of the era [cite: 2 from step 3]. This historic design remains a beautiful contrast to the modern, glass-clad towers that now dominate the Downtown Brooklyn skyline [cite: 2 from step 3].25 Elm Place Today: A Hub of Social and Economic Impact
The transition from a luxury retail hub to a center for community and social services reflects a broader trend in the revitalization of Downtown Brooklyn. Today, the building’s tenants are focused on providing essential services to the New York City community.3. Goodwill NYNJ's Headquarters
In a major organizational move, Goodwill NYNJ relocated its corporate headquarters to 25 Elm Place in May 2021 [cite: 9 from step 1]. This move placed the administrative core of one of the region's most important non-profit organizations—dedicated to providing job training, employment services, and job placement for people with disabilities or other barriers to employment—firmly in the heart of Brooklyn. The presence of such a high-profile entity underscores the building's current role as a center for economic opportunity and social good.4. A Critical Center for Mental Health and Advocacy
Perhaps the most impactful current function of 25 Elm Place is its role as the main office and mental health clinic for Community Counseling & Mediation (CCM) [cite: 5, 6 from step 3]. CCM is a vital organization that provides a comprehensive range of services to at-risk children, youth, and families. * Core Services: The CCM office at 25 Elm Place, located on the 2nd Floor, offers essential services including case management, skills building, wellness services, linkage to community resources, and supportive housing programs [cite: 7 from step 3]. * Accessibility: The clinic operates on a sliding scale for individuals without insurance, demonstrating a commitment to making mental health treatment accessible to all members of the community [cite: 3 from step 3].5. The Rainbow Heights Club: Support for the LGBTQ+ Community
Operating under the CCM umbrella at the same address is the Rainbow Heights Club (RHC), an organization with a uniquely critical mission [cite: 8 from step 3]. The RHC is a drop-in peer support, socialization, and advocacy program specifically dedicated to LGBTQ+ New Yorkers living with serious mental illness [cite: 12, 13 from step 3]. * Peer Support Model: The RHC's peer support model is highly effective in combating the persistent mental health crisis within the LGBTQ+ community [cite: 8 from step 3]. * Proven Impact: The organization has documented success, with 96% of members reporting being more consistent with their mental health treatment since joining the club [cite: 9 from step 3]. The club provides a safe, welcoming, and empowering environment for a vulnerable population in the Downtown Brooklyn area.The Commercial Pulse of Elm Place and Downtown Brooklyn in 2025
While 25 Elm Place is not currently on the market, its value and significance are tied directly to the dynamic commercial real estate trends of its surrounding neighborhood. Downtown Brooklyn continues to solidify its status as a major commercial and residential hub, rivaling Lower Manhattan.6. Real Estate Context and Market Rebound
The last recorded sale of 25 Elm Place was in 2010 for $4.5 million [cite: 9 from step 2]. However, the property's current valuation would be significantly higher, reflecting the area’s substantial growth. The broader Downtown Brooklyn commercial real estate market has shown a significant rebound in recent years. * 2024 Market Trends: Recent reports indicate a strong recovery, with office asking rents showing a slight increase, and investment sales in the borough rebounding dramatically [cite: 5, 10 from step 2]. * Prime Location: Positioned between the major arteries of Fulton Street and Livingston Street, and near the bustling Fulton Mall, 25 Elm Place benefits from unparalleled foot traffic and access to major subway lines, making it a highly desirable location for commercial and non-profit tenants alike [cite: 3 from step 1].7. Other Key Tenants and Neighborhood Entities
The building is also home to the 1199SEIU Funds Brooklyn Office [cite: 2 from step 1]. This location provides essential benefits administration and services to members of the powerful healthcare workers' union, further cementing 25 Elm Place's role as a center for working-class support and community services. The address serves as a beacon of stability and support, surrounded by the dense commercial activity of the Boerum Hill and Fort Greene adjacent neighborhoods. From its origins as a lavish retail annex catering to Brooklyn's elite, 25 Elm Place has evolved into a powerhouse of social services and community support. The Renaissance Revival structure, once filled with the latest fashions from Frederick Loeser & Co., now houses organizations like Goodwill NYNJ, 1199SEIU Funds, and the Rainbow Heights Club, dedicating its space to mental health, employment, and advocacy. This transformation is a powerful testament to the enduring adaptability of Brooklyn's historic architecture and its commitment to serving the needs of a diverse, modern city.
Detail Author:
- Name : Hillard Medhurst
- Username : scot.hand
- Email : ernestine.cummings@hotmail.com
- Birthdate : 2000-04-26
- Address : 126 Emard Fork Larsonton, WA 04632
- Phone : 754-554-9080
- Company : Padberg-Weber
- Job : Camera Repairer
- Bio : Libero autem architecto dolorem dolorum consectetur. Porro odio cupiditate iste.
Socials
tiktok:
- url : https://tiktok.com/@ilalindgren
- username : ilalindgren
- bio : Ut voluptatibus eius sit ad unde neque.
- followers : 1299
- following : 2853
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/ila_xx
- username : ila_xx
- bio : Architecto voluptates rem quo rem doloribus sed ut. Nobis consectetur et nemo itaque blanditiis et. Enim cupiditate magnam porro nesciunt corporis.
- followers : 3591
- following : 80
