Uploaded June 2023 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
The Domino Sugar Refinery site spans eleven acres on the East River, just north of the Williamsburg Bridge. The complex had several buildings on the site, and operated from 1856 to 2004 as a sugar refinery, with the pictured building being erected in 1883. At its peak in 1919, this complex was the largest sugar refinery in the world, employing 4,500 people. With other nearby plants, this Havemeyer & Elder refinery along with other plants in Williamsburg produced about 75% of all the sugar used in the United States. In 2004, citing lack of demand, American Sugar Refining shuttered this facility.
The complex is now undergoing a $3 billion redevelopment. When complete, its five buildings will include 200,000 square feet of community and commercial space; 600,000 square feet of office space; and 2,800 apartments (of which 700 will be affordable.) Six acres of parkland will remain on the waterfront, which is part of Domino Park.
The Domino Sugar Refinery site spans eleven acres on the East River, just north of the Williamsburg Bridge. The complex had several buildings on the site, and operated from 1856 to 2004 as a sugar refinery, with the pictured building being erected in 1883. At its peak in 1919, this complex was the largest sugar refinery in the world, employing 4,500 people. With other nearby plants, this Havemeyer & Elder refinery along with other plants in Williamsburg produced about 75% of all the sugar used in the United States. In 2004, citing lack of demand, American Sugar Refining shuttered this facility.
The complex is now undergoing a $3 billion redevelopment. When complete, its five buildings will include 200,000 square feet of community and commercial space; 600,000 square feet of office space; and 2,800 apartments (of which 700 will be affordable.) Six acres of parkland will remain on the waterfront, which is part of Domino Park.
