Following the collapse of about half of a three-story brownstone in Carroll Gardens Monday, the city will demolish the 50-foot-wide structure next to PS 58 Elementary School.

Much of the eastern wall of 241 Carroll Street (between Court and Smith streets) came down at 1:13 a.m. Monday, exposing the interior of the regal brownstone. A gash extended from roof-to-ground, and included much of the home’s south wall as well, according to AP. Miraculously, no one was injured.

By Tuesday, a massive crane was on-site, along with workers knocking away at the side of the building with hand tools, according to the South Brooklyn Post. FDNY, police, city employees and neighbors also surveyed the damage. Homes adjacent to the fallen brownstone have been evacuated until after demolition is completed.

While the cause of the collapse is still unknown, the city believes age and natural deterioration are to blame, as the home dates to the mid 1800s. In the mid 1900s, the adjoining building was demolished to make way for PS 58, which also could have destabilized the structure.

(Photo: WNYC)

Source: Cobble Hill Blog
http://cobblehillblog.com/archives/7504