255 McKibbin

The McKibbin Street Lofts are two opposing loft buildings in East Williamsburg, Brooklyn. They share similar features, such as 5 floors (16 apartments per floor at 255 and 20 at 248). The apartments range in size from 400 to 2500 square feet (various units between the first and second floors of both buildings are duplexes). Approximately 400 tenants live in the two buildings.

The building used to have a reputation for hosting raucous all-night "loft parties." Given this, and the preponderance of twenty-something recent college graduates living in the two buildings, the buildings had at one point been given the nickname "Art Dorm." With aging young-professional residents and extensive construction underway at both buildings, this reputation is changing.

The building was constructed in 1936 and served as a factory space manufacturing various textiles and garments including a pioneer in light fixture manufacturing until 1998, when it was converted into residential lofts.

On July 4, 2005, at approximately 11 AM, at 255 McKibbin Street, apartment number 222 (304 in the new numbering) exploded, causing major structural, smoke, and water damage to surrounding units. The explosion is thought to have been caused by the combustion of wood sealant vapor. Apartment 222 had recently been vacated, and was being refurbished by the building's management; the wood floor had been coated with sealant, and left unattended to saturate. When sealant vapor reached the pilot light of the unit's stove (which had not been turned off), it exploded. The windows and metal window frames in 222 were ripped out of the building's brick walls.

On July 19, 2011, FBI agents raided 255 McKibbin Apt 510 looking for members of vigilante group Anonymous. Former residents from rock band Broken Glow were mentioned in a New York Post article as possible suspects, though no further action was taken against the musicians.

Until late 2012, 255 was home to LEGroom, a loft event space. Currently, The Chocolate Factory theater and visual art organization throws biweekly events.

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Wikipedia