Powers and Kessler | Bronze Plaque for Industrial | Extant | Long Island City | Industrial Building | 1960 | In an interesting twist, the former Michelin Tire Corporation building is now owned by the Bulova Watch Company, whose former school and corporate center are both among the awarded structures, although neither is now owned by Bulova. The building is long and low with corporate offices at level with the parking lot and a warehousing area behind. The structure is oriented at a right angle to the street to protect from noise and sun exposure as the site sits astride a service road to the Brooklyn Queens Expressway, which roars away in a sunken roadbed below. The color palette of the complex is subdued in browns and blacks, although the awards program states that it was originally highlighted with additional blue, orange and yellow accents at the entrance and interior.
Raymond Irrera Associates | Bronze Plaque for Public Buildings | Extant | Jamaica | Public Building | 1960 | The description of this building in the awards program make it clear that this was constructed as more of a social services venue than a professional gathering place. The buildings purpose is described as “…provides a long-standing need for a center which not only reflects the high standing of the legal profession in Queens, but which also serves as a haven for the lay public of unfortunate means burdened with legal difficulties.” Interior spaces highlight are set aside for meeting areas, an assembly hall, a social hall, a library, conference rooms and originally a caretaker’s apartment. The front is plain but with a prominent corner entrance featuring a metal sculpture of justice mounted on a black granite panel.
Ferrenz and Taylor | Bronze Plaque for Religious Buildings | Extant | Hollis | Religious Building | 1960 | This neo-Gothic structure has been lovingly maintained by its congregation since construction, it sits on an irregularly shaped parcel presenting its main entrance on a small triangular open space. The exterior walls are granite stone with limestone trim and the steep roof is tiled in slate. The cross on the top is gold, although tarnished. The sanctuary is open and airy with Douglas fir paneling and trusses and the walls remain painted in a bright pastel as originally designed.
