What lurks in the shadows of Gowanus? It’s not Gotham’s caped crusader, but something equally intriguing: The Bat. The Bat, also known as the Gowanus Batcave, stands as a testament to Brooklyn’s industrial past and its vibrant artistic present. This colossal red-brick structure, rising beside the Gowanus Canal, was once the heart of Brooklyn’s transit system. Built between 1901 and 1904, The Bat, officially the Brooklyn Rapid Transit Company’s Central Power Station, pulsed with the energy that propelled the city’s streetcars and subways.
The Bat’s story is one of transformation. Initially designed in a blend of Romanesque Revival and classical styles, The Bat’s imposing form housed massive engines and boilers. Coal barges plied the canal, delivering fuel to keep the city moving. Its architect, possibly Thomas E. Murray, envisioned a powerhouse, and a powerhouse it was. But progress marches on, and by 1972, The Bat fell silent. The city sold it, and it slipped into decades of abandonment.
Then, a different kind of energy filled The Bat. Squatters, mainly runaway teens and homeless individuals, found refuge within its walls. They established a unique community, generating their own power and establishing their own rules. This era cemented its nickname, “The Batcave,” a moniker whispered among locals. Some say it was named for the bats rumored to dwell within, others for the “moral ambiguity” it represented. This chapter in The Bat’s story ended in 2006. The owners, envisioning luxury condos, evicted the squatters.
The condos never materialized. Instead, The Bat became a canvas. Graffiti artists transformed its walls into vibrant displays of urban art. Underground parties and concerts pulsed with music within its echoing chambers. The Bat became a haven for urban explorers, drawn to its gritty charm. Yet another transformation awaited The Bat. In 2012, philanthropist Joshua Rechnitz saw potential beyond the graffiti and the ghosts of industry. He purchased The Bat, intending to create an arts space dedicated to fabrication.
The Bat’s rebirth as Powerhouse Arts is a story of meticulous restoration. Herzog & de Meuron, the renowned architects, took on the challenge, preserving the historic structure while creating a state-of-the-art facility. They even incorporated the graffiti into the new design, a nod to The Bat’s rebellious past. Now, the roar of machinery is replaced by the hum of artistic creation. Printmaking, ceramics, metalworking, and more find a home within The Bat’s walls. The Grand Hall, once the engine room, hosts exhibitions and performances. The Bat has truly become a powerhouse once more, this time for the arts. From industrial might to urban decay and artistic renaissance, The Bat stands as a symbol of Brooklyn’s enduring spirit, constantly evolving, yet always captivating.