I was in Gowanus recently and noticed this building and its ghost sign were still there. I make note of this since every time I am in that neighborhood I notice more and more of the old canal-side industrial sites being clear-out for high-end developments.

The National Box Factory was located at the corner of Union and Nevins Streets and extended to Sackett Street. The business was established by James H. Dykeman (whose name you’ll notice between the 2nd and 3rd floor windows) in the late 1800’s and survived until 1936.

The 1940s and 1980s tax photos (below), as well as a photo from the Brooklyn Historical Society from 1960, show the building looking not too dissimilar to today.

A side view of the building shows another ghost sign of James Dykeman’s name along with a different ghost sign below. However I don’t think it’s related to the “Shuff Furniture” sign seen in the 1940s tax photo; I think it says “Super” something or other.

Brownstoner has a comprehensive article on the history of the National Packing Box Factory and of the building itself.

https://www.brownstoner.com/architecture/gowanus-brooklyn-architecture-543-union-street/