More than 400 guests gathered at the Duggal Greenhouse July 20 for the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce’s annual celebration of people and projects that have enriched Brooklyn’s culture, character and economy over the past year.

In describing what makes the 2016 Building Brooklyn Awards winners so special, Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce CEO and president, Carlo Scissura told local real estate news authority, Brownstoner:

“They are interesting, they are unique, they really showcase the ingenuity of this borough.”

Scissura opened the Awards with a moment of silence for the late Baldev Duggal, the man responsible for much of the Brooklyn Waterfront’s transformation over the past decade–namely the very building hosting the event. The Duggal Greenhouse won the 2015 Building Brooklyn National Grid Award for Energy Efficiency, and its Brooklyn Navy Yard neighbor, Building 25, won the same award in 2009. BLDG 25 is used as Duggal Visual Solutions’ industry-leading production facility.

Many of the evening’s speakers recognized Mr. Duggal as a visionary. Dr. Gerry Gorman, a business partner in Mr. Duggal’s acclaimed off-grid solar and wind powered street lighting venture, Lumi•Solair, spoke on behalf of the Duggal Visual Solutions and Duggal Greenhouse teams.

“How does it feel to be inside a great man’s dream?” asked Gorman, referring to the Duggal Greenhouse, which Mr. Duggal converted from dilapidated ship repair facility to world-class events venue. “This evening, let Baldev Duggal’s spirit enter your body and mind. Feel his greatness, and be inspired to be a little bit greater yourself in making the world a better place.”

Duggal Visual Solutions is extremely proud of its role in the Brooklyn community. In the words of Mr. Duggal, “Brooklyn is the new Manhattan; together we are building this borough into a new global capital for art, culture and science.”

Learn more about the Building Brooklyn Awards on the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce website, and view a slideshow of the 2016 winners on Brownstoner. Also see a tribute to Mr. Duggal in The New York Times.