Berean Buildings, 1922.

The Berean Buildings — three adjoining three-story brownstone structures — were erected in 1867 at the northwest corner of Court and State Streets. The buildings, included street-level storefronts and large hall for social functions, lectures, and performances. The Brooklyn branch of the New York Conservatory of Music was an early tenant, and late 19th century newspapers included advertisements for music lessons held there.

From 1903 to 1922, the newly created Children's Court was held here. Part of the Court of Special Sessions "Inferior Courts," local courts that dealt with "neighborhood affairs," the Children's Court was for legal matters concerning children under the age of 16. Until the late 19th century, criminal courts tried both youth and adults. The Brooklyn Children's Court was among the first efforts at juvenile justice reform.

Since 1924, the Berean Buildings have hosted a succession of theaters: first, as the Boro Hall Theatre, a vaudeville house equipped with a new Kimball organ; from 1949 to 1967, as the Teatro Amor, showing Spanish-language films; and finally, from 1968 to 1989, as the Cine-Art Theatre, which showed pornographic films with occasional live strip shows. The building was torn down in the 1990s, and the current large multiplex UA Court Street Stadium 12 opened in 2000.