The Transit Museum is located at Boerum Place and Schermerhorn Street in Brooklyn Heights.

The screening starts at 6:30 pm; doors open at 6 pm. Tickets available here.

Back in May, the city let it be known to tourists and others inclined to leave “love locks” on the Brooklyn Bridge to cut it out. While the totally ridiculous practice of leaving a gym lock fastened to a public place as a sign of a couple’s devotion has roots going back 100 years, it’s been deemed a nuisance here and other locations around the world.

Just when we thought the world was safe from lovers defacing the Brooklyn Bridge, blogger Jen Jones notice they’ve adopted a new practice:

WYSK: So as I’m reveling in the absence of these “love locks,” a tattered ribbon flapping in the wind catches my eye. Then another and another and another. Next thing you know, I am staring at a long straightaway section of bridge wall that is littered with ragged ribbons, toilet paper, plastic bags, paper receipts, and ear buds that have all been tied on, by hand.
I didn’t think it was possible, but the human desecration of the Brooklyn Bridge had reached a new low… THIS is what tourists have moved on to doing after the city’s lock-down on the locks!
So let me get this straight, you come to visit a world-renowned landmark – one that is often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” one that has inspired all forms of art, one that took 14 years to build, one that over 20 people died constructing – and you pay your respects by tying your garbage on to it?
I stood there dumbfounded and continued to walk past the stretch of fluttering refuse. That’s when I saw three guys in orange vests and hard hats. I watched them painstakingly cutting and untying every piece of garbage left “lovingly” behind by legions of disrespectful tourists.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/69152

It was announced last week that Midtown Equities had been chosen as the developer for the adaptive re-use of the historic Empire Stores warehouse buildings, which extend along Water Street between Dock and Main streets in DUMBO. There was, however, no immediate announcement of which of the anonymous “team” entries revealed in June was the winning design. We now know that it was “Team 5″ that was chosen, a design by Studio V Architecture for Midtown Equities, which includes a glass arcade at the roof level.
Here’s another view, showing almost the whole building from above. Renderings are by Studio V Architecture, via DUMBO NYC. You can see more renderings at Brownstoner.

Empire Stores already has one announced major tenant, furniture mart West Elm, which will move its store and corporate headquarters there.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/62279

You may recall the lengthy legal battle over the St. Ann’s Warehouse theater’s attempt to build a new performance space inside the 19th century Tobacco Warehouse in the Fulton Ferry Historic District, which led to a court decision holding that the transfer of the Tobacco Warehouse space from Brooklyn Bridge Park had not been done according to law. This legal obstacle has now been overcome by a transfer of new land into the Park in exchange for the Tobacco Warehouse, and St. Ann’s has presented new plans (see image) for a performance space, community room, and lobby to be built inside the roofless shell of the Warehouse. You can read more about the planned new facility and see more images in Theatermania.

The design proposal by St. Ann’s was considered by the Executive Committee of Community Board 2 at its meeting this last week and will go to the full board on May 8.

Note: This post has been modified since original publication.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/57706

The iconic Hotel St. George sign on the corner of Henry and Clark Streets has been refurbished and returned to Brooklyn Heights this morning. Michael Correra at Michael Towne Wines and Spirits wrote us to say that the sign is looking great thanks to the hard work of the folks at Paul’s Signs.

BHB reader Chris Fohlin tweeted us a photo of the sign’s return this morning. Our Heather Quinlan is on her way to get more info….

UPDATE: And here I am, Heather Quinlan, with the latest sign news. According to Correra, “I think the sign is from 1933, though I don’t have any proof. What’s interesting is the man who repaired it said it had square bulbs, and they haven’t used square bulbs since the 1950s.” Correra also recommended a book New York Nights about the history of NYC signage. Featuring the Hotel St. George Sign, square bulbs and all.

Looks like the new St. George sign may be going up today /cc @bkheightsblog twitter.com/cfohlin/status…

— Chris Fohlin (@cfohlin) March 20, 2013

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/56534

The Landmarks Preservation Commission voted unanimously to deny an application to legalize changes made to the interior of the former Gage and Tollner Restaurant at 372 Fulton Street. The landmarked interior, which has housed a discount jewelry store since 2010 (formerly Arby’s and TGI Friday’s) has already faced mounting fines because it masked the interior decor without permission.

Curbed reports that the applicant insists its display and lighting system doesn’t penetrate the walls—but Landmarks sees it differently, saying that a majority of the historic detail is gone. Several gas lamp fixtures remain, while an arch was placed in storage.

According to an LPC spokesman, the building owner’s architect described these changes as “interior desecration” and actually apologized on behalf of the tenants. Commission Vice Chair Pablo E. Vengoechea noted that “hiding something behind something is not a preservation strategy. You need to expose what’s there.” The tenant must now submit a new plan and file a permit application for the interior. (Top Photo: Chuck Taylor/2010)

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/54502

The Bossert Hotel could begin receiving hotel guests at 98 Montague Street as early as this summer, according to a report from the Architect’s Newpaper—as long as construction remains on schedule. That includes preserving the facade, lobby and reception area, updating the rooms with new design finishes and amenities, and restoring the Marine Roof to a restaurant and lounge.

On January 8, the Board of Standards & Appeals unanimously approved a request for variance to change the Certificate of Occupancy for “transient hotel use, accessory hotel use and commercial use,” officially allowing the building to open its doors as a hotel once again.

David Bistricer and Joseph Chetrit closed on the 103-year-old, 14-story property, for $81 million in November. Since the 1980s, the building had been owned the Jehovah’s Witnesses and used as a community facility. At the time of purchase, Bistricer said the hotel would remain independent and maintain the name of original developer, lumber mogul Louis Bossert.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/54069

Developers and preservation advocates are playing tug of war as the Landmarks Preservation Committee debates whether to allow Brooklyn Heights Cinema owner Kenn Lowy to hold onto the landmarked 1895 building—or whether to replace it with a planned five-story condo.

DNAInfo.com reports that six votes are outstanding with the Landmarks Commission to approve or deny a proposal to demo the structure. At a November 27 meeting, design revisions for the new building were bandied, which Commissioner Michael Goldblum felt were “too reminiscent of the industrial Art Deco architecture, an inappropriate style for the district.”

Landmarks has not scheduled its next meeting, leaving the fate of the building hanging in the air. Meanwhile, Jane McGroarty of the Brooklyn Heights Association deems 70 Henry Street—one of the last buildings from the 1800s left standing in the area—”one of the handsomest commercial buildings in the district.” Likewise, Council Member Stephen Levin wrote to the Landmarks Commission, “70 Henry Street is a contributing building within the historic district on two levels: It is both architecturally and culturally significant to our neighborhood.”

DNAInfo reports: “To some movie-goers, the building’s muraled ceilings, stained star-patterned carpeted floors, dual entrance stairways and 150-seat sloping theaters hold historical value. The ornate cornice-covered facade and and boxy construction have survived centuries of nearby demolition which claimed most of the other buildings that were made in the same era.”

But according to Randy Gerner, architect of the proposed new building, 70 Henry has been renovated so many times over the last 75 years, including a commission-approved makeover in 1971, it has lost its historic claim. He also says the building, in its current state, is deteriorating.

Lowy says that Caruana has guaranteed the cinema would have a place on the ground floor of the new condo once it reopens, albeit with a rent hike and less space. He’s been told to expect an 18-month displacement, but is grateful to be included in plans for the new building: “I am an eternal optimist. I know we will continue to screen films whether in this building or one that is yet to be built.” (Photo: (remster_9/Flickr)

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/53119

Brownstoner writes:

We fear for the future of the building, whose otherwise pristine original bead board walls, fireplaces, wainscotting and other 1890s details have been marred by graffiti at the hands of party-goers. (We don’t mean the art, but rather the stray spray paint on non-painted surfaces, such as mirrors.)

FreeWilliamsburg simply calls the party people who reportedly defaced the home, “a bunch of clueless Bushwick asshats.”

As for the original piece in Paper Mag:

An enterprising group of individuals have miraculously persuaded the new owners of a grand old four-story, seven-bathroom, three-kitchen house in Bushwick to let them throw huge, wild parties on the property until the ultimate fate of the house is decided (i.e. torn down, or renovated and split into apartments). Throughout the fall, they’ve been promoting parties here, at the “Trip House,” catering to the Williamsburg/Bushwick underground art, music and slacker scene. We’ve heard many tales, and finally got a chance to check it out on Saturday, a party called “Gender Blender: Bring Ur Own Microgenre.” …
Among the grungy, young intoxicated masses, several older Hasidic Jewish men, who said they were friends of the owner, curiously roamed throughout the crowds and asked us funny questions like, “Is this what the show Girls is based on?” and “Do these kids go to Pratt? Like, what do they major in? Any of them in real estate?,” interspersed with comments like “I’m not really into culture.”

The storied locale that housed Gage & Tollner restaurant from 1892 through the beginning of the millennium is both an endearing and bittersweet tale of Downtown Brooklyn’s history. New York City landmarked the eatery’s exterior in 1974 and a year later, its interior. It was the first landmarked dining room and the city’s third interior landmark of any kind. The first two were the New York Public Library and Grant’s Tomb.

In a lengthy piece in the Wall Street Journal, writer Barry Newman discusses the 120-year-old heritage of 374 Fulton Street, from the seafood restaurant owner’s purchase of the building in 1919 to its eventual demise. WSJ offers: In 1976, Fulton Street became a pedestrian mall, with no automobile traffic. The streets were scary, and the old crowd began eating elsewhere.” In 1985 then-owner Ed Dewey decided to sell the famous destination. In 1995, it filed for bankruptcy, before closing around 2004.

Since, it has held T.G.I. Friday’s, which lasted until 2007. Arby’s came next, in January 2010. It endured for just eight months. And in the summer of 2011, a discount costume jewelry store opened in the spot. WJS says, “The Landmarks commission says the landlord asked for a permit to make alterations after they were made. It denied the application for lack of detail and, this month, issued a violation. The commission, still lacking a satisfactory response, has issued another violation that can lead to a fine of $5,000 a day.”

Meanwhile, many of the original lighting fixtures from Gage & Tollner were stolen. Some mirrors and arches are said to survive behind bright pink panels. And what of the famous eatery that is no longer? Its last owners, Peter Aschkenasy and Joe Chirico still own the name. The latter says he’d like to reopen the restaurant “in a place where you can get to the front door.” And its Landmarked decor? In New York, he says, a crew can “replicate that in no time.” (Photo: Chuck Taylor/July 2010)

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/49602

John Quadrozzi, owner of the long-decaying Cobble Hill townhouse at 364 Henry Street & Congress Street, has scheduled a meeting with the Landmarks Preservation Commission for a major building upgrade. According to public records cited by Brownstoner, he’s been promising to repair the structure since 2010.

Proposed changes on the LPC agenda for both 364 Henry and 129 Congress Street—the adjoining building around the corner—call to alter the facades, construct new rooftop and rear yard additions, install a stoop, bay windows, light fixtures, roof deck, a metal fence, alter window openings on the stable and modify and add curb cuts.

The LPC filed a lawsuit for failure to maintain the historic structures two years ago. On the DOB end, the buildings have a long history of stop work orders, most recently this past July. (Photo: Brownstoner)

Source: Cobble Hill Blog
http://cobblehillblog.com/archives/7954

A celebration of “neighborhood greats” will take place Friday, October 19, 2012, from 6-9:30 p.m., at St. Ann & the Holy Trinity Church, 157 Montague Street. Featured at the “Spirits of Brooklyn Heights” gala are composer/lyricist Robert Lopez (“The Book of Mormon,” “Avenue Q”) and Harry Chapin’s daughter, urban/folk/soul singer Jen Chapin, who will perform from her own songbook along with songs from her legendary Brooklyn Heights’ resident papa, Harry Chapin. Also performing: Broadway and Off-Broadway actor Michael Winther (“Songs from An Unmade Bed,” “Mamma Mia!”), who will sing from jazz great Fred Hersch’s song cycle of Walt Whitman’s “Leaves of Grass.”

The gala will benefit the landmark church’s tower and organ restoration project, while honoring legends of literature, art and music with roots in Brooklyn Heights who shaped the borough’s legacy as a cultural center.

Cocktails will swirl from 6-7, followed by performances in the St. Ann’s sanctuary. Afterward, dinner, entertainment and a silent auction will take place in the Parish Hall. Tickets are $75 and tables of eight are $500. Space is limited. You’re advised to purchase tix in advance.

The church, which opened its doors in 1847, rests at the heart of Brooklyn Heights, at Montague and Clinton streets. A cornerstone in the historic development of the community, it remains an active house of worship and a venue for numerous musical and cultural events. While there has been significant restoration of the building, structural improvements to the tower on Clinton Street and its organ are now a major focus for continuing restoration.

Information and tickets are available at 718-875-6960 or office@stannholytrinity.org.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/49011

While the neglected brownstone at 194 Columbia Heights hasn’t proven the “Broken Windows Theory“, it sure is trying hard to do so. We noticed some graffiti on its front door today. This is another incident in the decline of the worst building on the best block in Brooklyn Heights.

Photo: Qfwfq

In 2009, owner Dr. Austin Moore told the Brooklyn Eagle that he’d “surprise everybody” by doing some improvements in “the spring”. While the roof was patched and a falling debris issue was resolved, continued neglect could end with its demolition.

In the same Eagle story, BHA Executive Director Judy Stanton noted that 194 Columbia Heights “may not yet have reached the threshold required to request a Demolition by Neglect action.”

Indeed. However the continued decay of this building would have warranted a “Kick Me” sign in lieu of the name of a faceless and forgettable tagger.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/48958

The 10-story Queen Anne beauty at 62 Montague Street, near the entrance to the Promenade, is at last revealing its two-year massive facade restoration. In September 2010, the coop building began a meticulous project to repair and restore every iota of its brick, mortar and terra cotta exterior; this week, the scaffolding is coming down, level by level.

The Harbor View Apartments, later named The Arlington, were completed in 1887. The building was designed by Montrose W. Morris, with architectural firm Parfitt Brothers overseeing the project—as well as the Montague, Grosvenor and Berkeley apartment buildings on Montague Street.

The Arlington originally contained 20 family apartments and 10 “bachelor”—or studio—units. For its first 20 years, it was the tallest residence in the Heights. And now, it’s the building I call home. For more history, see the BHB post “A Love Letter To Brooklyn Heights” from March.

(Photos: current/Chuck Taylor; painting/John Lloyd; 1920 vintage/New York Library Archives)

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/46493

A four-story Brooklyn Heights townhouse at 265 Hicks Street (on the corner of Joralemon) is undergoing a renovation that will convert the eight-family property into two units. Brownstoner reports that the DOB permit calls for “exterior demolition and restoration of the existing brownstone,” which will include construction of a new front stoop, rear balcony, new roof and—ooh la la—a penthouse addition and new elevator.

The home was on the market in 2008—without interior photos—which would lead one to believe that the interior calls for a gut reno. Brownstoner : It was last asking $2.5 million, and sold in December 2011 (delivered vacant) for $2.2 million.

(Photo: Brownstoner)

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/46234

The manse at 40 Willow Place that sold for $7.3M, as we reported Tuesday, gets a deeper look in a story published by the New York Observer. It begins: “The modern masterpiece may not be able to command a sales price like some of its Brooklyn Heights neighbors—to wit, Truman Capote’s old abode at 70 Willow Street set a borough record when it sold for $12 million in March—but in the eyes of the tax assessor’s office, it is the finest in the borough.”

The Observer reports that new owners Charles Brian and Elizabeth O’Kelley, who moved from a West Village penthouse, will pay a heap of taxes for the 45-foot, 6,500sf home, which has an assessed market value of $6.35M (compared to the Capote house, valued at $5.14M). Sellers William and Kathleen Reiland bought the house for $3.1M in 2005.

Further, the property was first listed by Corcoran broker Deborah Rieders last October, asking $7.5M. It briefly entered contract in late fall, but didn’t close and returned to the market in April. She notes it is one of only three other modern houses in the neighborhood, all built on empty lots in the 1960s. Designed by Mary and Joseph Merz (among BHB’s Top 10 Most Interesting People in 2011), the home was featured in a 1966 issue of Architectural Record and is landmarked, despite its more recent vintage.

Rieders says that typically, it’s the older “grand dames” of the Heights that tend to fetch the neighborhood’s highest prices, in the $10M to $12M range. The five-bedroom, five-bath home has double-height ceilings with skylights, a 1,500-square-foot great room with a slate burning fireplace, a glass penthouse with a Japanese soaking tub and a rear curtain on the living spaces and bedrooms “that brings light streaming into the house all day,” according to the listing.

See more photos in the sideshow at the Observer here. (Photo: New York Observer, via Corcoran)

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/46202

The 25-foot wide, four-family brownstone at 29 Grace Court, which has been on the market for nearly two years, has at last found a buyer. Originally listed for $6.2 million in September 2010, followed by a price drop to $5.95 million in January 2011, Brownstoner reports that its sale has been recorded for $5.25 million—not exactly a sacrifice. The home entered into contract June 8, closed July 18, with the deed recorded July 30.

The Brooklyn Heights residence, listed by Brown Harris Stevens, boasts a massive parlor floor with beaucoup original details and a stained glass skylight. It comprises a 2.5-floor owner’s duplex, ground floor studio and two additional floor-through apartments above. (Lots of [very pink] interior photos below.)

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/45259

The Landmarks/Land Use Committee of Cobble Hill’s Community Board 6 will review four applications for proposed work within the neighborhood’s Historic District, at a meeting Thursday, July 26 at 6 p.m., at the Cobble Hill Health Center, 380 Henry Street. The Cobble Hill Association urges, “If these properties are located near you or you have an interest, we strongly urge you to attend this public hearing.”

The four properties are:
* Presentation & review of a Certificate of Appropriateness application submitted to the Landmarks Preservation Commission for a rear yard addition at 285 Clinton Street, between Baltic/Kane streets.
* Presentation & Review of a Certificate application submitted to the Landmarks Preservation Commission for a new building at 437 Henry Street, between Degraw/Kane streets.
* P&R of a Certificate of Appropriateness application submitted for alterations to the first-floor primary façade and for corrections regarding LPC Notice of Violation for work done without a permit to the rooftop parapets & bulkhead at 177 Pacific Street, between Clinton/Court streets.
* P&R of a Certificate application submitted for removal and replacement of existing store front lighting, metal trim, signage and awning at 236 Court Street, between Warren Street/Baltic streets.

The Cobble Hill Health Center multipurpose room is located at 380 Henry Street, between Warren and Congress streets. (Photo: CHA)

Source: Cobble Hill Blog
http://cobblehillblog.com/archives/7634

During the Community Board 2 Land Use Committee hearing June 20, the Bossert was approved to return to its status as a hotel (it now goes before the full Board). Among plans that buyer David Bistricer has in mind for the newly “sophisticated and upscale” hotel are a first-class restaurant and intimate dining on the rooftop. The photo above—taken from the roof of 62 Montague Street—offers a vista of the west side showing the immensity of the 14-story Hotel Bossert, as well as the rooftop area (larger image below the jump).

The Bossert at 98 Montague Street was built in 1909 by Brooklyn lumber magnate Louis Bossert as an apartment hotel and, in fact, housed a number of the Brooklyn Dodgers in the 1950s. During the 1920s, its Marine Roof offered a two-level restaurant showcasing a consummate view of Manhattan and much of Brooklyn. According to The New York Times, former presidents, mayors, governors and debutantes flocked to the restaurant, designed to look like a two-tiered promenade deck of a ship. In 1949, the Bossert’s rooftop destination closed due to disrepair.

As is well known in the Brooklyn Heights neighborhood, the Jehovah’s Witnesses Watchtower Society began leasing the building in 1983 and bought it five years later. The organization restored the property to Landmarks standards, including the roof, which had collapsed, as well as its ornate 2,500sf lobby, which includes five custom chandeliers and a series of three-story marble columns (which Bistricer maintains he will not touch).

The Times article says that Jehovah’s members who have proselytized or completed international missionary work, have been eligible for up to three nights of accommodations free of charge, three meals included.
Above: The view looking west from on high…
(Photos: Chuck Taylor; lobby: New York Times; lower lobby: BHB)

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/42894

As the Landmarked Romanesque revival Offerman Building along Fulton Street Mall continues buildout of TJ Maxx and a bevy of boutique stores—alongside H&M’s new-construction two-story glass modernist structure—it’s high time to take a look back at the history of the storied location at 505 Fulton Street.

Its life began in 1891, commissioned by mogel Henry Offerman, who owned the Brooklyn Sugar Refining Co., on the waterfront in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. His Downtown “highrise” opened as one of the tallest buildings in Brooklyn. The Wechsler Department Store operated in the space until 1897; with Darlington’s Department Store scheduled to take its place in 1907, until developer Kingston Realty went belly up before the location ever opened.

But its fortunes were soon to change for the long term. Hyman Zeitz, who had emigrated to the U.S. in 1882, opened a coat & suit department in an existing blouse shop called Martin’s at Fulton & Bridge Street. The business burgeoned and in 1924, Zeitz bought out Martin’s owner and moved next door to the seven-story Offerman Building, comprising 225,000 square feet. The cutting edge locale offered its own electrical generator and pneumatic tube system for moving cash through the store.

As Brooklyn’s Downtown Fulton district flourished, Martin’s ushered other major department stores to the neighborhood, including A.I. Namm & Son and Abraham & Straus (today, Macy’s). In the 1950s, Martin’s opened additional locations in the New York suburbs: Garden City, Babylon, Suffolk County, Hackensack, N.J., and Huntington. The latter store was 75,000 square feet and offered a 500-seat community room for civic meetings, making it the largest branch store at the time.

In October 1977, with annual sales of $30 million, Martin’s was sold to the Seedman Merchandising Group, operator of Times Square Stores. Unfortunately, their vision for the future differed, and in 1979 the Fulton Street store was closed because of “long-term unprofitability.” In hand, the downtown Brooklyn shopping district, which once catered to the borough’s affluent, “was no longer related to the surrounding shopping area,” the company surmised.

Soon after, the remaining Martin’s either closed or changed names, while the Offerman Building was designated a New York City Landmark in 2005. Throughout that decade, it housed job agencies, the MTA adjudication Bureau and discount retailer Conway (which moved to a new location on Fulton in 2010). Its last retailer was a temporary seasonal Christmas discounter in late 2010, before it was sadly boarded up.

And then came new life to the Downtown Fulton shopping district. An interconnected three-story annex to the east along Bridge Street was demolished to make way for Swedish retailer H&M’s first Brooklyn location in a new shiny glass two-story structure. Offerman, meanwhile, will house TJ Maxx, with hints of such upscale retailers of Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein and Giorgio Armani on signage outside. The upper floors are said to be going residential, with rumors of interest by hipster Justin Timberlake.

Meanwhile, Downtown Brooklyn’s City Point up the block continues to take shape, first to comprise a four-story 50,000sf retail building on Albee Square across from the landmarked Dime Savings Bank building. In all, that project intends to encompass 1.5 million square feet of retail & residential.

It’s gratifying to see this beautiful 120+-year building find new life, as one of the most beautiful architectural triumphs on Fulton. Long live the Offerman Building.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/41858

Community Board 2′s Land Use Committee will hold a hearing on Wednesday, June 20 to “consider a variance application to be filed at the Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA) to reconvert the Bossert Hotel back to its original, transient hotel use.” The hearing, along with another to “review proposed changes to the text of the New York City Zoning Resolution, to modify the parking requirements in portions of the Special Downtown Brooklyn District”, will take place immediately before at the beginning of the Committee’s regular meeting, which is scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m. in Room LC400 of NYU Poly’s Dibner Building located off of the MetroTech Commons at 5 MetroTech Center (follow link for map).

While the buyer of the Bossert, David Bistricer, has said that he doesn’t plan to alter the building’s facade, he has been coy about his plans for the interior, saying that they “have not been finalized” other than that electrical and plumbing will be improved. This leaves open what will become of the Bossert’s magnificent lobby (see photo). Of particular concern is his choice of architect: Eugene Kaufman, whose plans for the historic Chelsea Hotel in Manhattan have incited controversy.

Photo by Josh.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/42183

A group formed by the powerful Real Estate Board of New York that includes a half-dozen development and labor organizations, is sharpening its knives to rally against future Landmarks legislation in New York City neighborhoods. The new alliance—the Responsible Landmarks Coalition—is gunning to bring a cease fire to what it calls “the increasing prevalence of historic districts, a lack of transparency in the landmarking process and insufficient public input.”

The New York Observer reports that the Coalition insists the growing number of landmark buildings and historic districts are hampering the city’s economy and stymieing development. Their fury was fueled, in particular, by the February approval of the Downtown Brooklyn Skyscraper District, which the realtor groups tried with great might to squash. Their argument then and now: Creating a far-reaching historic district elevates “unspectacular buildings beyond their worth.”

In addition, the Observer says the groups were inflamed by approval of a Landmarked district on West End Avenue on the Upper West Side.

The Responsible Landmarks Coalition has drafted a “Proactive Policy Agenda” that is part policy, part manifesto, and launched a website here, as well as Facebook and Twitter accounts to peddle their message to the public. The Facebook page boasts a total of eight “Likes.”

“We’re concerned that if you apply the concept of landmarks preservation too much, you resrtrict housing and impinge on other aspects of city life,” said Richard Anderson, president of the New York City Building Congress, a trade group for architects, engineers and contractors.

Peg Breen, president of the Landmarks Conservancy, counters that studies find that preservation increases or maintains property values. In addition, she questions the motives of the groups, given that only 4% of NYC is protected by Landmarks laws: “That leaves plenty of room for everybody else.”

In addition to the Building Congress and the Real Estate Board, the coalition includes the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce; three residential landlord groups—the Rent Stabilization Association, the Council of New York Cooperatives and Condominiums and the Community Housing Improvement Program—the Building Workers Union 32BJ and two groups representing construction unions, the Building Trades Employers Association and the Building and Construction Trades Council.

See The New York Observer article here.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/41860

An anonymous “Concerned Resident Of Brooklyn Heights” is circulating a proposal to lower the speed limit for large vehicles on the BQE under the Promenade “in order to significantly decrease traffic‐induced vibrations in buildings, a major complaint of local residents.” The author asks that neighborhood citizens and their representatives petition the Department of Transportation.

Specifically, he or she proposes that the clip of I-278 between exit 27 and 29B be reduced to 30 mph for Class 3 vehicles and above (buses, tractor trailers, pickups, vans, campers, motor homes, etc.), noting that “poor road conditions and the speed of large vehicles on Interstate 278 through Brooklyn Heights has a significant impact on the quality of life, specifically when it comes to vibrations in buildings. Resident complaints are rampant as described in The New York Times and Brooklyn Heights Blog.

“Logically speaking, vibrations make it more difficult to live in the neighborhood, rent properties for higher rents and sell properties at higher prices. It also increases maintenance on historical buildings,” the letter states. “Maintenance on the road is carried out occasionally but the fair conditions only last a short period of time before large vehicles pound the roads back into disrepair. Insignificant budgets and an increase in the weight of vehicles over time are compounding the problem. Residents and even those very motorists are affected emotionally and monetarily.”

The “Concerned Resident” suggests that the “easiest, lowest-cost solution” is to lower the speed limit for vehicles FHWA class 3 and higher to a reasonable 30 mph from exit 27 to exit 29B, “resulting in an estimated 2.4 minutes of extra travel time for those vehicles and a significant decrease in building vibration.”

An Institute for Research in Construction study by the National Research Council of Canada is June 2000, is cited, which notes differences in speed reduced vibrations as much as 300%.

References to the author’s claims and statistics are included in the original letter, which you can view as a PDF here: Brooklyn Heights

Thoughts, comments?

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/41803

A five-story, 5,500-square-foot townhouse at 94 Hicks Street in North Brooklyn Heights (between Orange and Pineapple streets) has just been listed by Corcoran for a luxe $8.5 million. The building is currently configured as five free-market apartments.

Corcoran suggests: “Combine the units to create a single family masterpiece or maintain one or more of the units for guests, family or income.” The whole kit and kaboodle is 21-feet wide on a 25′X100′ lot, with a side yard entrance leading to a landscaped backyard. (See interior photos below.)

The home was built in 1868 in the “Second Empire” style, with original detail, high ceilings and elegant proportions throughout, the listing says, while the garden and parlor floors have large windows on three sides. A grand staircase leads to the roof, where there are views of the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges.

See more photos and the property’s floorplan here.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/41241

Park Slope resident Marrone (pictured) has offered numerous tours over the years, while working to develop a “History Wiki” for Cobble Hill. He teaches history at New York University and will be guiding another tour of Cobble Hill on June 9. Roy Sloane, president of the Cobble Hill Association, notes: “He is considered one of New York City’s best tour guides.”

Gough is an officer for the Society for the Architecture of the City, covering landmark hearings for the West Village. At the meeting, Gough will be speaking on the topic of “Can Cobble Hill avoid Manhattanization?” Sloane adds, “She was the first person I was introduced to when I joined the Cobble Hill Association. She has been one of the landmark lions of the West Village.”

Following the reception, CHA will be holding its annual election of officers for the executive board. The meeting and reception will take place May 29 at Christ Church, located on the corner of Clinton and Kane streets. The reception begins at 6 p.m. and the meeting begins at 7:30 p.m.

For more information, see here.

Source: Cobble Hill Blog
http://cobblehillblog.com/archives/7230