Coming at Brooklyn Historical Society

By on May 5, 2017 11:46 pm in 11201, Architecture, Arts and Entertainment, Brooklyn Heights, Comedy, History, Landmark Preservation, Real Estate

On Monday evening, May 8 at 6:30, the Brooklyn Historical Society will present “100 Clark Street: A Case Study in Navigating Building Codes, Gravity, and Landmark Preservation,” a panel discussion about the difficulties faced by owner Margaret Streicker Porres and architect (and former Brooklyn Heights Association president) Tom van den Bout (his professional partner, Brenda Nelson, is also his partner in life and wife) in “saving [a] landmarked, 150-year old building [photo] from certain demolishment.” Their discussion will be led by Simeon Bankoff, Executive Director of the Historic Districts Council. Admission is $10, or $5 for BHS or BHA members; more information and purchase tickets here.

On Tuesday evening,May 9 at 7:00, BHS will present “Talking Privilege with Hari Kondabolu and Jordan Carlos,” two actors and stand-up comedians who will “bring their observations [on race, gender, and social class] to BHS in this unmoderated, one-on-one conversation.” Admission is $10, or $5 for BHS members; more information and purchase tickets here.

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  • Andrew Porter

    The entire District is Landmarked—not really this one building. Also, after the reconstruction, I don’t think much of the original structure is going to be left.

    As far as the long, convoluted history of the decay, partial demolition, change of ownership, and approval of plans for its final rebuilding, I just think of it as infinite agony, infinitely prolonged.

    Here’s one of my photos of the removal of the top floors of the unstable structure:
    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/669773051655a625891c6ecc99e92fa8c39b6449939a42db37c992fa5b28593a.jpg

  • Stag

    The place is a dump and an eyesore. Just tear it down already. How hard could it be to build a replica of any average townhouse in BH. There is nothing special about any brownstone or brick house in this area. Except the location of course. Enough of the nostalgia with that would be crack house if it was anywhere else.

  • Cranberry Beret

    If the building is in the landmark district, then it’s “landmarked.” The post doesn’t say or imply it’s an individual landmark.

    Besides my nitpicking of your nitpicking, I’ll say this:

    I think this house is an interesting boundary case of how far gone a building can be and still worth saving. I agree it does seem not much original material (inside or out) will be left. On the other hand, if we started tearing down every “not much worth saving” building, even to build replicas — you can bet your bottom dollar developers will suddenly find dozens of buildings in our neighborhood not worth saving and argue it’s better just to tear down and build new — i.e. cheaper cost so more profitable.

  • Diesel

    I think it was a crack-house for a while.

  • Jorale-man

    That whole intersection needs a makeover – what with all of the concrete walls and the unsightly pedestrian bridge connecting the 60s-era apartment blocks. It makes for a rather unwelcoming entrance to Brooklyn Heights, with his house being the sad centerpiece. Maybe the house’s reconstruction will have a broader effect on the area.

  • Andrew Porter

    A common thing among real estate brokers is to declare an individual building a Landmark, when it’s the entire district. This is so they can ask more money for an otherwise undistinguished structure.

  • Andrew Porter

    There’s a building on the south side of Middagh that, except for the shape, has been totally replaced by new construction. It was on a BHA House Tour a few years ago, and is totally modern and forgettable inside.

    Having said that, there are all sorts of architectural details in many of these structures that you apparently can’t or won’t see.

  • Andrew Porter

    The so-called pedestrian bridge isn’t; it’s a connecting structure for HVAC piping and conduits.

  • StudioBrooklyn

    As a big fan of brutalist architecture, I really like the pedestrian bridge and concrete walls. Wish they were taller and more ominous looking, with rusty drip marks coming from all crevices.

  • http://selfabsorbedboomer.blogspot.com/ Claude Scales

    Et tu, Brute?

  • Stag

    The inside is up to the owner. Not everyone like old cracked walls. Pitched floors and other period details. You can easily add millwork inside. I saw them bricking up the back windows of the eyesore as it looks to be tilting over.

  • Jorale-man

    That would indeed be a glam touch. Maybe a few concrete planters too where smokers can stuff their cigarette butts.

  • StudioBrooklyn

    Aren’t smokers the worst?!