Renovation will create a permanent, three-story home for the music nonprofit
Historic firehouse will be transformed with special acoustic design, soundproofed lesson rooms, recording studios, music library and expanded programming space
The project will bring a state-of-the-art music facility to Cobble Hill. Credit: MBB Architects.
Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani, Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) Commissioner Diya Vij and Department of Design and Construction (DDC) Commissioner Paul A. Ochoa today announced the start of a $17.8 million renovation to transform the former Engine Company 204 firehouse in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn into a permanent home and music school for the Noel Pointer Foundation (NPF).
Originally built in 1857, the 6,000-square-foot historic firehouse will be renovated by DDC on behalf of DCLA, creating a permanent home for NPF and allowing the cultural nonprofit to expand its music education programs for young people from historically underserved communities.
“Noel Pointer understood the power of music to change young people’s lives, because it changed his. With this $18 million investment, we will continue his legacy — transforming an empty firehouse into a place where New Yorkers can learn and create,” said Mayor Mamdani. “The arts are essential to the life of every child, and this new home will allow the Noel Pointer Foundation to bring that opportunity to thousands more young people across our city.”
“The Noel Pointer Foundation is the living legacy of an artist whose practice and worldview were deeply rooted in the community he came from — a legacy that has reached over 40,000 New York City students with a transformative music education,” said DCLA Commissioner Vij. “With today’s groundbreaking, we’re opening a new chapter for the Noel Pointer Foundation, enabling them to advance their mission of engaging young people with the joy and lifelong curiosity that comes with learning music.”
“When DDC is done renovating this place, the Noel Pointer Foundation will be inspiring musical talents in this firehouse, and instead of the sound of sirens, it will be the sound of music,” said DDC Commissioner Ochoa. “This firehouse was built in 1857, when firefighters used horse-drawn carriages, and has a very special place in the hearts of Cobble Hill residents. With this $17.8 million project, the City will completely transform this historic firehouse into a modern facility that will honor the legacy of Noel Pointer and the brave firefighters who once worked in this building.”
“Over thirty years ago, we founded the Noel Pointer Foundation to continue Noel’s legacy by giving children access to the string music education that transformed his life at a young age. We have operated out of my home, in-schools and in rental facilities throughout Brooklyn, but we never had a dedicated space of our own,” said Chinita Pointer, Executive Director of the NPF. “Now, we will have our first permanent headquarters at the historic DeGraw Firehouse. This building is more than bricks and mortar. It’s a promise to the next generation that music, opportunity and hope will always have a place in our community. Thank you to the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, the Department of Design and Construction, the New York City Council, the Brooklyn Borough President and all who helped make this dream a reality. Welcome to the home that Noel built.”
“What makes this project meaningful is not the scale of the building, but the spirit of the Noel Pointer Foundation and the extraordinary generosity at the heart of its work,” said MBB Architects Partner Sara Grant. “For decades, the Foundation has given so much to young people and communities across New York City. It is incredibly rewarding to help create a permanent home that gives something back to the organization itself, while strengthening the warmth, connection and sense of belonging that have always defined its mission.”
The renovation will restore the building’s historic facade and turn the garage doors into glass windows. Credit: MBB Architects.
Founded in 1995 in memory of Grammy-nominated violinist and native New Yorker Noel Pointer, NPF has reached more than 39,000 New York City public school students through string music training. The organization works to empower young people ages 3 to 18 from historically underserved communities by providing professional music education and performance opportunities. NPF operates music programs in nearly 50 Title I schools and day care centers across the five boroughs, serving more than 2,000 children each year.
The new facility at 299 DeGraw St. will allow NPF to expand its after-school, Saturday and Summer Strings programs. Programs range from beginner classes through pre-professional instruction and include ensemble work in cello, double bass, violin, viola, guitar, piano, DJ, composition and voice; master classes with elite visiting musicians; one-on-one coaching; and audition prep.
Each year, NPF supports students as they pursue admission to specialized schools, conservatories and colleges around the country. A community orchestra also provides opportunities for multigenerational music exploration and appreciation.
The renovation will restore the firehouse’s historic brick and terra-cotta façade. The existing garage doors will be converted into glass windows, bringing natural light into the building and increasing visibility for passersby and patrons.
The new facility will feature specialized acoustic design and soundproofed lesson rooms, offices, a music library and gallery, workstations, storage rooms and a recording studio. An ensemble room will feature a ribbed wood ceiling and acoustic wall baffles to scatter sound.
The project will also include a courtyard for multidisciplinary programming, a new elevator connecting all three floors and an ADA-accessible reception area with an open staircase. The project will maximize the building’s footprint by excavating and finishing the cellar level to create additional rehearsal and recording space. New mechanical, electrical, plumbing, information technology and security systems will modernize the 169-year-old building. New furniture, modern fixtures and other equipment will also be installed.
DDC is working with MBB Architects and A.P.N. Construction Corp on the project. Construction is expected to be completed in fall 2028. Renderings of the project, courtesy of MBB Architects, are available here.
As part of the new center, NPF will expand its musical programming. Credit: MBB Architects.
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