A Piece of Civil War History Is Now a $2.1 Million Brooklyn Loft—With a 70-Foot Smokestack Fireplace
History buffs, architecture lovers, and luxury real estate seekers: this one is for you. A stunning duplex condo tucked inside a landmarked Brooklyn building—originally constructed in 1865 as a tool factory and later repurposed as a Civil War-era munitions foundry—has just hit the market for $2.1 million. And if the price tag doesn't stop you in your tracks, the 70-foot converted smokestack sitting in the private garden certainly will.
This isn't just a luxury loft. It's a living, breathing chapter of American industrial history—now outfitted with soaring ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a professionally landscaped terrace that is nothing short of extraordinary.
The History Behind the Building: From Tool Factory to Munitions Foundry
The building at 130 Jackson Street in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn has roots that stretch back more than 160 years. Built in 1865, it was originally constructed as a tool manufacturing facility for C.W. Weld, a prominent industrial name of the era. The structure later served as a munitions foundry during the Civil War period, producing the kind of industrial output that helped define American manufacturing in the 19th century.
For well over a century, the building stood as a relic of New York City's industrial past—until 2007, when it was thoughtfully converted into a boutique luxury residential building. The conversion preserved the building's most iconic architectural features while reimagining its interiors as high-end living spaces. Today, the structure houses just 21 loft condominiums spread across four stories, making it one of the more exclusive residential addresses in all of Brooklyn.
Inside the Loft: Industrial Heritage Meets Modern Luxury
The unit currently on the market is a 1,132-square-foot duplex that manages to feel both dramatically spacious and warmly intimate. Much of that magic comes from the building's preserved original features, which give the home a sense of scale and character that simply cannot be replicated in new construction.
Soaring 17-Foot Ceilings and Floor-to-Ceiling Windows
Step inside and the first thing you notice is the sheer vertical drama of the space. The duplex boasts 17-foot ceilings that draw the eye upward and make even the most modest furnishings feel grand. Paired with enormous floor-to-ceiling windows, the interior is flooded with natural light throughout the day, creating a warm and airy atmosphere that stands in beautiful contrast to the building's rugged industrial bones.
"It has these incredible 17-foot ceilings with floor-to-ceiling windows that expose an approximate 750-square-foot bilevel garden that has been professionally landscaped and irrigated," says listing agent Rhonda Vitoulis of Corcoran. The views from inside looking out into the private garden are, by all accounts, remarkable—a seamless blend of urban greenery and historic architecture.
The 750-Square-Foot Bilevel Garden
Few Brooklyn condos can boast outdoor space of this caliber. The approximately 750-square-foot bilevel garden attached to this unit is fully private, professionally landscaped, and equipped with an irrigation system, making it as easy to maintain as it is beautiful to enjoy. Whether you envision weekend brunches, al fresco dinners, or simply a quiet urban retreat, this outdoor space delivers on every front.
But the undisputed crown jewel of the garden—and arguably of the entire property—is what stands at its center.
The Smokestack Fireplace: A One-of-a-Kind Feature
Rising 70 feet into the Brooklyn sky, the building's original industrial smokestack has been ingeniously repurposed as an outdoor fireplace, creating an amenity that is as visually arresting as it is functionally unique. There is no comparable feature anywhere else in New York City real estate—possibly in the entire country.
"When you look out, there is a 70-foot smokestack. I have never before in my life seen anything like it," says Vitoulis. That sentiment is almost certainly shared by everyone who has ever stepped foot into this space. The smokestack serves as a dramatic architectural focal point, grounding the garden in the building's industrial past while adding an undeniable sense of grandeur to outdoor entertaining.
Imagine gathering around a fireplace that once powered a Civil War-era foundry. That is the kind of experience this home offers—and it is truly one of a kind.
The Building: Boutique, Exclusive, and Rich With Character
Part of what makes this listing so compelling is the building itself. With just 21 units across four floors, 130 Jackson Street operates more like a private enclave than a typical condo complex. The intimacy of the building, combined with its extraordinary architectural pedigree, creates a living environment that feels both exclusive and deeply rooted in New York City's history.
The 2007 conversion was carried out with evident care and sensitivity, preserving the exposed brick, original structural elements, and industrial aesthetic that make the building so visually distinctive. For buyers who value authenticity and character over cookie-cutter luxury, this building—and this unit in particular—represents a rare and exceptional find.
Location: Williamsburg, Brooklyn at Its Best
Situated in Williamsburg, one of Brooklyn's most vibrant and sought-after neighborhoods, the property benefits from an unbeatable combination of cultural richness, dining, nightlife, and transit access. The neighborhood is home to world-class restaurants, independent boutiques, galleries, and some of New York City's most beloved green spaces, including Domino Park along the East River waterfront.
- Steps from some of Brooklyn's top restaurants and coffee shops
- Easy access to the L and G subway lines for quick commutes into Manhattan
- Close proximity to the East River waterfront and Domino Park
- Surrounded by Brooklyn's thriving arts, culture, and design communities
For a buyer seeking the full Brooklyn lifestyle—with a historic, character-driven home to match—this location is ideal.
The Bottom Line: $2.1 Million for a Piece of Living History
Priced at $2,095,000, this 1,132-square-foot duplex at 130 Jackson Street is listed through Rhonda Vitoulis of Corcoran. It represents a genuinely rare opportunity: a luxury loft that combines impeccable design, extraordinary outdoor space, and an architectural story that reaches back to the Civil War era.
Properties like this don't come to market often. When a home offers 17-foot ceilings, a 750-square-foot private garden, and a 70-foot historic smokestack converted into an outdoor fireplace, it belongs in a category entirely its own. For the right buyer, this is not simply a home—it is a landmark.