History &
Artifacts
Explore the rich history of the Domino Park site through a fascinating collection of historical artifacts and structures. Discover remnants of the refinery that once stood here, now seamlessly integrated into the park’s landscape. Each piece tells a story, connecting the past with the vibrant present of this iconic site.
Dating back to 1856
The Domino Sugar Refinery was once the largest and most productive sugar refinery in the world. At its peak of productivity, it refined 4 million pounds of sugar daily.
98% of US Sugar
This site was the “jewel in the crown” of the Domino Sugar empire that at one point produced up to 98% of the sugar consumed in the United States. This site was also central to the growth of the surrounding Williamsburg area, to the industrialization of the Brooklyn waterfront and to the rise of New York City as a global economic powerhouse.
A Flourishing Waterfront
In addition to sugar refining, many other areas of industry — from cooperages to candy companies, burlap bag manufacturers to railroad companies — flourished in Brooklyn during the 19th and 20th centuries as a result of manufacturing synergies with sugar production.
Discover the history of Domino Park
As a result of economic, political and global changes, industrial activity in Brooklyn began to drop off dramatically beginning in the 1950s. Closing its doors in 2004, the Domino Sugar Refinery was the last major active industrial operation on Brooklyn’s once bustling East River waterfront.
The story of these grounds is the story of a diverse group of people — from those who founded it, to those who worked here, to those affected by its presence in good times and bad — who have shaped this neighborhood for over 160 years.
The Refinery Landmark
Today the Refinery Building represents the physical and emotional heart of the entire Domino redevelopment and the center of Domino Park. Its intricate and expansive brick façade will forever be preserved and the iconic yellow neon sign has been reinstated.
The park includes over 30 large-scale, salvaged artifacts - components of the inner workings of sugar refining, on industry that dominated the Brooklyn waterfront for over a century.
Mooring Bollards
These original mooring bollards secured docked ships bringing raw sugar cane and other supplies to the Domino Sugar Refinery throughout its long history.erat sit amet. Massa sed hac eget enim euismod.
Bucket Conveyors
The Bucket Conveyors, and Hoist Bridge all played a role in moving crystallized sugar in various forms through different parts of the Refinery, transforming it from raw to refined.
Syrup Tanks
The Syrup Tanks – dating back to the 1950s – are four of the fourteen, large-scale tanks that were used to collect high volumes of liquid sweetener generated in sugar processing. These tanks were originally located on the southwest corner of the Refinery building.
Screw Conveyors
The Screw Conveyors played a role in moving crystallized sugar in various forms through different parts of the Refinery, transforming it from raw to refined.
Gantry Cranes
The two, 80-foot tall Gantry Cranes here at the north of the park were used to unload bulk sugarcane from freight ships for storage at the Raw Sugar Warehouse.
Warehouse Columns
Twenty-one columns from the Raw Sugar Warehouse stand in their original place along the Elevated Walkway.
Domino Sugar was founded in 1807, and the logo was designed in the late 19th century. The domino itself reflects the product's name and emphasizes the company's connection to sugar production. Additionally, the game of dominos is associated with gatherings and social activities, evoking a sense of community and enjoyment, which aligns with the idea of sharing sweet products.
The Story Behind our Icon
The iconic domino tile logo has an interesting history rooted in the Domino Sugar's branding and the cultural associations of the game. The use of a domino tile symbolizes both sweetness and playfulness, aligning with the identity of both sugar and Domino Park.
The iconic domino tile logo has an interesting history rooted in the Domino Sugar's branding and the cultural associations of the game. The use of a domino tile symbolizes both sweetness and playfulness, aligning with the identity of both sugar and Domino Park.
