Empire State Development Announces Completion Of $12.7 Million Renovation Enhancing Accessibility At Pioneer Works' Historic Building In Brooklyn

Empire State Development (ESD) and Pioneer Works today announced the completion of a $12.7 million renovation at the nonprofit cultural center's 25,000 square foot building in Red Hook, Brooklyn. The center, which cultivates community through the arts and sciences, has transformed its historic space to enhance accessibility and expand programming. With $2.3 million in state support, the renovation of the 150-year-old former ironworks factory has upgraded existing infrastructure and made the historic building and adjoining 20,000 square foot garden fully ADA accessible. These upgrades will allow Pioneer Works to substantially expand its programmatic impact and continue to grow as a dynamic epicenter of arts, science and culture in Brooklyn.

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "Pioneer Works exemplifies how cultural institutions serve as powerful engines of both economic growth and social progress. This transformation of a historic Brooklyn landmark into a cutting-edge center for artistic and scientific innovation does more than preserve our industrial heritage – it creates a dynamic space where creativity, technology, and community converge. Through strategic state investments, we're ensuring that groundbreaking ideas and opportunities for discovery are accessible to every New Yorker, reinforcing our commitment to equitable development across the Empire State."

Pioneer Works CEO Mara Manus said, "The central aim of this undertaking is to better reflect and support the diverse needs of our growing community in the architecture and design of our space. These critical accessibility improvements enable significant transformations to Pioneer Works' infrastructure, aligning with our mission to foster the free exchange of ideas through programming that is open and accessible to all."

Since 2012, Pioneer Works has provided a new model for cultural organizations by offering free, interdisciplinary programming open to all. As a cornerstone of arts and culture, it empowers curious minds across diverse communities, attracting over 50,000 visitors annually—from students embarking on educational adventures to artists-in-residence pursuing visionary projects. The center fosters innovative thinking through visual and performing arts, music, and sciences, encouraging learning through community-based workshops, continuing education classes, and K-12 STEAM initiatives.

Built in 1866, the iconic Pioneer Iron Works facility played a vital role in Brooklyn's industrial revolution, surviving devastating fires and supporting wartime manufacturing before its transformation into a cultural center. The renovation has modernized this historic structure with comprehensive accessibility improvements, including an elevator connecting three floors of creative spaces, state-of-the-art climate control systems enabling year-round programming, and accessible pathways through the garden that welcome visitors to outdoor installations and community gatherings. These improvements fundamentally reshape how visitors experience the space, ensuring full access to Pioneer Works' diverse offerings—from intimate gallery viewings and hands-on workshops to outdoor performances and educational programs. The modernization preserves the building's industrial character while creating an inclusive environment where artists, scientists, students, and community members of all abilities can fully engage with the institution's programming.

Senator Andrew Gournardes said, "This renovation is about more than updating a historic building; it's really about creating the dedicated home for local arts and culture that our communities deserve. Pioneer Works is a space where artists, students and neighbors from Red Hook and beyond can come to connect with each other, to create and share ideas, and to envision a brighter future. These boundary-breaking renovations ensure all New Yorkers can enjoy Pioneer Works for years to come."

Council Member Alexa Avilés said, "I am thrilled that Pioneer Works, a thriving center for culture and the arts in my district, has been able to complete their building renovation so that new generations of Red Hook residents will maintain access to their impactful programs. The extensive free education offered by Pioneer Works make them a unique fixture in our community, and one I'm excited to see flourish with additional funding support from New York State."

NYC Cultural Affairs Commissioner Laurie Cumbo said, “Pioneer Works is one of our city’s most exciting cultural institutions, bringing extraordinary, cutting-edge work by artists from around the globe to this dynamic community hub in the heart of Red Hook. We’re proud of the city’s investment in this much-needed renovation project, which brings this historic building into the present day and makes its full footprint more open and accessible than ever before. One project at a time, we’re working with institutions across the city on efforts like this to make sure that our cultural facilities can welcome and engage residents from all backgrounds and abilities.”

Pioneer Works Board Co-Vice Chair David Belt said, "We are immensely grateful to Governor Hochul and the state for their support. This funding allows us to redouble our efforts to serve an incredible community of artists, students, scientists, musicians, and writers in Red Hook and greater Brooklyn."

NYCREDC Co-Chairs Félix V. Matos Rodriguez, City Uninversity of New York Chancellor and William D. Rahm, CEO of Everview Partners, said, "Pioneer Works’ renovation breathes new life into its historic facility, enhancing accessibility and reinforcing its role as a cultural cornerstone for Red Hook and Brooklyn. This project not only fosters artistic and intellectual discovery but also fuels local economic growth. The NYCREDC is proud to support this transformative investment, reaffirming our commitment to building vibrant, equitable communities where creativity and opportunity flourish for all New Yorkers."

This investment represents New York State's broader commitment to creating an accessible and inclusive cultural landscape across the Empire State. Through strategic support of institutions like Pioneer Works, the State is breaking down barriers to arts and innovation while generating new opportunities for community engagement and economic growth. The project advances Governor Kathy Hochul's vision of ensuring every New Yorker—regardless of ability or background—can fully participate in the state's vibrant cultural institutions. New York State continues to lead in cultural innovation by championing spaces where creativity and accessibility converge, creating dynamic environments where all residents can learn, create, and thrive.

About Empire State Development

Empire State Development is New York's chief economic development agency, and promotes business growth, job creation, and greater economic opportunity throughout the state. With offices in each of the state's 10 regions, ESD oversees the Regional Economic Development Councils, supports broadband equity through the ConnectALL office, and is growing the workforce of tomorrow through the Office of Strategic Workforce Development. The agency engages with emerging and next generation industries like clean energy and semiconductor manufacturing looking to grow in New York State, operates a network of assistance centers to help small businesses grow and succeed, and promotes the state's world class tourism destinations through I LOVE NY. For more information, please visit esd.ny.gov, and connect with ESD on LinkedIn, Facebook and X.

About Pioneer Works

Pioneer Works (PW) is an artist and scientist-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit cultural center in Red Hook, Brooklyn that fosters innovative thinking through the visual and performing arts, technology, music, and science. By providing free, open access to cutting-edge programming that transcends disciplinary boundaries, Pioneer Works creates opportunities for discovery, experimentation, and education. Visit pioneerworks.org for upcoming live programs and announcements. Explore The Broadcast, Pioneer Works' digital magazine and virtual assembly, for interdisciplinary features spanning arts, sciences, music, and technology through essays, interviews, criticism, and multimedia content at pioneerworks.org/broadcast.