Old Orphanage Adopts A New Look

Highlights:

The Angel Guardian Home, a significant historical structure established in 1899, was originally founded as an orphanage by the Sisters of Mercy. Located in the Dyker Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, this institution provided care and shelter to the community for nearly 120 years. It originated as an extension of the Sisters of Mercy convent in Clinton Hill, continuing its mission to offer support and refuge to the needy for many decades.

The history of the Angel Guardian Home is deeply intertwined with its role as a social institution. Initially, it served as both an orphanage and a residence for unmarried mothers. For much of the 20th century, the facility offered a safe space for vulnerable individuals, particularly women and children in need. By the 1980s, the Home’s purpose evolved, transitioning from primarily serving as an orphanage to providing senior assisted living services. Despite these changes, its foundational mission of offering care and support remained unchanged. Throughout its long and rich history, the Angel Guardian Home has been a place of compassion and service to those in need.

Architecturally, the Angel Guardian Home is a testament to the grandeur of late 19th-century design. The building was designed by George H. Streeton, an architect known for his work incorporating both Renaissance Revival and Beaux-Arts architectural elements. The structure’s grand design is reflected in its intricate details and aesthetic features, which are characteristic of these styles. Occupying an entire block along 12th Avenue, the building’s architectural significance contributes to the cultural heritage of the Dyker Heights neighborhood. Its imposing presence and well-preserved design continue to make it a landmark in the area.

In recent years, extensive efforts have been made to preserve the historic features of the Angel Guardian Home while updating its facilities for modern use. One major project involved the installation of 212 aluminum windows supplied by WindowFix, manufactured by Universal Windows of Marlborough, MA. These windows, part of the 550 series, were specifically chosen for their historical accuracy, adhering to the guidelines set forth by the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places and various local historic preservation organizations.

The 550 series windows are crafted to replicate the original look of the building’s window putty lines, whether designed for wood or steel frames, while incorporating modern functionality. These windows are noted for their minimal sightlines and the structural strength provided by aluminum, which enhances the building’s energy efficiency without compromising its historical aesthetic. The attention to detail in replicating the original design ensures that the architectural integrity of the Angel Guardian Home is maintained, blending the past with present-day technology.

The installation of these windows followed stringent guidelines, with all work approved by historic preservation entities. Landmarks-approved drawings ensured that every aspect of the renovation met the requirements of preserving the building’s historical significance. This project serves as a prime example of how careful restoration work can honor a building’s architectural past while equipping it for the future.

The Sisters of Mercy’s dedication to the preservation of the Angel Guardian Home is evident through these ongoing restoration efforts. The building not only serves as a historical landmark but continues to play a vital role in the community. The renovations and updates underscore the commitment to maintaining the building’s legacy and ensuring that it remains a cornerstone of Dyker Heights for generations to come.

In 2018, the sale of the Angel Guardian Home to a developer raised concerns within the community. Many feared that the historic building might be demolished to make way for new residential developments or other modern infrastructures. In response, advocates and community members rallied for the preservation of the building, pushing for it to be designated as a landmark. Their efforts culminated in success when the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission officially designated the Angel Guardian Home as an individual landmark in August 2022.

The building was subsequently sold in December 2020 to Talmud Torah Imrei Emes D’Chasidei Gur, with plans to convert the former orphanage into a Yeshiva. This new institution will serve approximately 600 children from Pre-K through eighth grade, providing them with a quality education in a historically significant setting.

The Angel Guardian Home remains an important part of Dyker Heights’ history. From its origins as an orphanage and shelter for unwed mothers to its  role as a Yeshiva, the building has continuously evolved to meet the needs of the community. Its architectural beauty, combined with the meticulous preservation efforts, ensures that the Angel Guardian Home will continue to stand as a cherished and functional landmark for many years to come.