On Tuesday April 5, the Landmarks Preservation Commission will be hearing the proposal for a new residence planned for the vacant lot at 27 Cranberry Street in Brooklyn Heights. The 25 x 100 foot lot was purchased last year by developer Louis Greco from BHA governor Brian McGorry.
In advance of the hearing, BHB has learned more about Greco’s plans from design architect/former Brooklyn Heights Association president Tom van den Bout of NV/da design.
Van den Bout and lead architect Martin Santini are not releasing images until after the LPC presentation. However, van den Bout tells us that “despite rumor” the facade will be about 30% glass adding that neighboring buildings are in the 15% – 25% glass range. All glass in the facade will be windows and a bay window. The rest of it will be “actual brownstone – heavy, dimensionally cut stone – not stucco or veneer.” The stone will be taken from the “same quarry that supplied material for much of the city back in the 1800’s [that has been] recently re-opened.”
In essence, van den Bout tells us, their proposal calls for what will look like and be a “new brownstone.” As for his bona fides in this category, he and wife Brenda Nelson were honored by the NY Landmarks Conservancy with a “Lucy Award” in 2010 for restoring the brownstone at 36 Grace Court.
