The Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s Laboratory Administration Building
On Tuesday, March 13, by unanimous vote, the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission designated BBG’s Lab Admin Building a landmark:
“With its simple ornament, extraordinary cupola and octagonal roofs, this picturesque building complements its breathtaking surroundings,” said Commission Chairman Robert B. Tierney. “It’s also considered one of McKim, Mead & White’s most significant later commissions, and until today, was one of the few buildings designed by the firm without landmark protection.”
– Press Release (PDF)
The press release notes that “the Tuscan Revival–style building is capped by a striking cupola with slender rounded-arch windows.” See for yourself:
Cupola Detail
William Kendall designed the Garden’s Laboratory Administration Building, which was constructed in stages between 1912 and 1917. Kendall is known for other outstanding New York City landmarks, including the Municipal Building, Casa Italiana and the United States General Post office. In 1929, he was appointed to be on a U.S. Commission to design cemeteries in France and Italy for American soldiers who lost their lives there.
Some of McKim, Mead & White’s other buildings with landmark status in New York City include the Bowery Savings Bank, the Brooklyn Museum, the University Club and Low Memorial Library.
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My Flickr photo set of BBG’s Laboratory and Administration Building