In recent times, the 15,000 folks that reside across the half-square mile of Brooklyn designated as “Downtown”—unfolding at the ends of the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges—have again earned the right to call their locale a “neighborhood.” With a massive influx of new residential projects, it is no longer merely “near Brooklyn Heights” or “on the edge of Boerum Hill,” says Nora McCauley, who has lived in the destination for six years. “I’ve started to say just that I live Downtown.”

That’s the calling card of a Thursday New York Times story titled “To the Heights and the Slope, Add ‘Downtown’.” The piece delves into the history of the area, recalling that the first land rush came in the early 1800s, after Robert Fulton’s ferry service eased the link to Manhattan. Country lanes were transformed into lively blocks of city dwellings.

But “a century and a half later, efforts at ‘slum clearance’ demolished many of those same buildings,” the Times reports. “In place [came] Cadman Plaza, a linked collection of three high-rise co-ops, with shops and parks. In the same spirit, the city in the 1990s closed streets near Flatbush Avenue for the creation of the 14-building MetroTech Center. Low-slung tenements were relegated to the wrecking ball in favor of hulking bank offices.”

McCauley once rented a two-bedroom apartment in Brooklyn Heights with access to a garden. In 2006, she paid $660,000 for a 2-bedroom Downtown condo that faces the “urban bustle” of Court Street. “We definitely sometimes miss sitting on a stoop,” she says in the NYT, but relishes the year-round farmer’s market in front of Borough Hall: “It’s hard to beat in terms of convenience.”

The Times adds, In February, Downtown officially became more similar to the Heights when the city approved the Borough Hall Skyscraper Historic District, which covers more than a dozen buildings. As well, the story reflects its rejuvenation as an active neighborhood: “Years ago [sidewalks] were empty on Saturdays and Sundays, after the courts adjourned. But shoppers, tourists and bicyclists now” pervade.

The New York Times also discusses the new high-rise residential developments changing the face of Downtown Brooklyn, along with current prices, the commute, what to do and more history. Read the story here.

(Photos: Top: Chuck Taylor; below: C.J. Hughes/NYT)
“A bluestone plaza in Columbus Park, seen from the steps of Borough Hall, is one of many magnetic spaces in Downtown Brooklyn, an oft-reinvented area that residents seem increasingly to see as special and worth preserving.”

The 15th-annual meeting of the Montague Street District Management Assn., part of the Montague Street Business Improvement District, will convene Thursday June 14, 4-6 p.m., on the second floor of Eamonn Doran’s at 174 Montague Street.

Addressing the group will be keynoter Seth Pinsky, President of the NYC Economic Development Corp., and guest speaker Tucker Reed, President of the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership.

To vote and actively participate in BID-related matters, members must register here. The Montague Street District Management Assn. comprises commercial property owners, commercial tenants, residential renters and/or owners and all interested non-voting interested Board members and attendees.

At the meeting, members will vote to elect Directors and on revised by-laws and policies. Members may request electronic copies of information at info@MontagueBID.com or by calling 718-522-3649. For more information on the organization, contact Executive Director Brigit Pinnell at bpinnell@MontagueBID.com.

New York City’s Bike Share Program has announced its citywide locations that include Brooklyn’s portion of 600 city bike share stations, with multiple locations around Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn Bridge Park and nearby Downtown Brooklyn.

The initiative is sponsored by the city Department of Transportation with Alta Bicycle Share. DOT released a draft map of the first locations in this summer’s rollout of a portion of the Bike Share docking stations. Installation begins in late July. The solar-powered, wireless docking stations will be located on sidewalks, curbside road space and plazas, and accommodate between 15 and 60 bikes each.

For an interactive map that allows targeting of specific locations, see here.

Following Downtown Brooklyn’s gentrification with the recent arrival or soon-to-open Shake Shack, Gap, Panera Bread, H&M and T.J. Maxx along Fulton Mall, the latest retailer committing to the rapidly expanding shopping destination is Century 21 Department Store.

The Wall Street Journal reports that the high-end label discount retailer has signed a deal to open a 125,000 SF store in the City Point development: the first new department store in Downtown BK since the 1970s.

“By landing Century 21, developers said they would be able to break ground this summer on the bulk of the City Point development—675,000 square feet of retail and commercial space and 690 new market-rate and ‘affordable’ apartment units at Dekalb and Flatbush avenues,” WSJ says. Century 21′s store is scheduled to open when construction of the 1.3 million-square-foot City Point’s second phase is completed in fall 2015.

WSJ adds, “The transformation of Fulton Mall from a Downtown Brooklyn den of cheap cellphone outlet and fast-food joints into a more upscale shopping hub is set to take a significant step forward.” See the full story here.

A Brooklyn jury has just returned a verdict of not guilty against George Villanueva on a charge that he murdered 84th Precinct Officer Alain Schaberger last year. Villanueva was, however, convicted on a charge of aggravated manslaughter, and his status as a repeat felony offender may result in a life sentence.

Officer Schaberger fell over the railing at 45 St. Marks Place while assisting in Villanueva’s arrest. At issue was whether Schaberger was deliberately pushed or accidentally fell during a struggle.

On Thursday, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz joined NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Forest City Ratner Cos. Chairman/CEO Bruce Ratner to rally around the 2,000 jobs they insist will be created by the fall opening of Downtown Brooklyn’s Barclays Center.

Markowitz said, “Bringing the Nets to Brooklyn means more than exciting in-your-face basketball with a Brooklyn attitude: It will create 2,000 sorely needed full- and part-time opportunities for jobseekers, with priority placement for Brooklynites in the neighborhoods and NYCHA housing surrounding Barclays Center.”

Scheduled to open September 28, the Barclays sports and entertainment venue across from Atlantic Terminal will offer 18,200 seats for basketball and 19,000 seats for concerts. It also boasts 100 luxury suites, four bars/lounges, three clubs and a restaurant.

Pictured from left: Department of Small Business Services Commissioner Robert W. Walsh, Markowitz, (a typically grim) Bloomberg, NYC Housing Authority Chairman John Rhea and Ratner.

(Photo: Kathryn Kirk)

Without the commanding presence of Brooklyn’s heralded Abraham & Straus, we surely would not have today’s Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, Filene’s or Stern’s.

In 1865, before the Brooklyn Bridge linked New York’s largest borough to the rest of the
city, Abraham Abraham and Joseph Wechsler opened dry goods retailer Wechsler & Abraham on Fulton Street in the heart of Downtown.

In 1893, the Straus family and Simon Rothschild bought out Wechsler’s interest in the company and renamed the joint Abraham & Straus—which also had controlling interest in R.H. Macy & Co. in New York. By 1900, A&S had 4,650 employees. In April, 1912, co-founder Isidor Straus and his wife Ida went down with the Titanic. Oops.

Within 15 years, the thriving company bought & renovated an ornate Art Deco cast iron building down the street, and the glistening new department store became the ultimate destination for Brooklyn Heights’, Downtown Brooklyn’s and the surrounding areas’ upscale clientele.

The space was continually expanded through 1928 until it took up an entire city block at 422 Fulton Street in Brooklyn. The A&S anchor store represented the height of white-glove service and elegance in the department store biz, mobbed with customers who were doted upon by uniformed elevator operators, along with a gourmet food center, furs, restaurant, art gallery, beauty salon, stamps & coins and a “wig bar.” There was even space where you could pull in your horse & buggy and park comfortably underground.

In 1929, Abraham & Straus, Bloomingdale’s, Filene’s & Lazarus merged to form Federated Department Stores and set up base in Cincinnati. In 1950, the company purchased Loeser’s in Garden City and converted that to Abraham & Straus, continuing suburban expansion in Hempstead, N.Y., in 1952, followed by Manhasset, Smithtown, Babylon, White Plains and Manhattan; Monmouth, Short Hills and Paramus, N.J.; and King of Prussia and Willow Grove, Penn.

Throughout much of the 20th Century, Abraham & Straus maintained stance as the powerhouse of Federated. However, over-expansion to other regions and vapid business strategies toppled the fortunes of A&S and by the late 1970s, after a real estate developer purchased Federated, it merged with Boston’s Jordan Marsh. In 1994, the beloved A&S brand was shuttered under the Macy’s banner, with a handful of stores becoming Federated’s low-end Stern’s. Fortunately, A&S lives on, if only in spirit. At the original location on Fulton Street in Brooklyn, a prominent plaque is outside of what is still Macy’s today, paying homage to the company’s grand history.

In 2003, the Brooklyn Heights Assn. and Municipal Art Society added the building to 28 historic structures in Downtown Brooklyn, meriting landmark designation. Sadly, Macy’s nixed the “wig bar.”

(Photos: Archive; Current: Chuck Taylor. Much of this information came from Plummer & Associates Blog. A generous thanks.)

If you haven’t had the opportunity to check out the wonderfully novel Dekalb Market yet, the weekend is coming! This new community destination in Downtown Brooklyn—which was voted Best New York Architecture in 2011 by the New York Observer—is uniquely housed in a collection of salvaged shipping containers, and includes an incubator farm, weekend events, performances and a collection of 60+ eateries and work-sell spaces.

Coming up Saturday April 21 is Spring Cleaning Day, with such specialties as shaves, nails and Eco Living workshops. Sunday April 22 offers an Earth Day Seed & Garden Market and Urban Chicken Workshops. The Dekalb Market, which is open seven days a week through the summer, is located at 138 Willoughby Street and Flatbush Ave in 11201. Much more info is here.

In all, the 2012 season will offer a cornucopia of art, music, food and shopping, as well as the new Dekalb outdoor performance and event space, including a permanent beer & wine garden, “The Dekalb Farm,” dance parties, bike-in movie nights, roller derbies, stores, food shops and outdoor weekend vendors.

(Photo: Dekalb Market)

You’ve got to see it to believe it. Situated over an entire square block, Dekalb Market in Downtown Brooklyn is constructed from recycled shipping containers converted into 60+ food & retail shops that frame a space for outdoor events and programs.

The 2012 season launches Saturday April 7, at 138 Willoughby Street and the Flatbush Avenue Extension, offering a cornucopia of art, music, food & film events, as well as the new Dekalb outdoor performance and event space, a permanent beer & wine garden, “The Dekalb Farm” and 60 stores & food shops and outdoor weekend vendors, all “set against the gritty-cool urban backdrop of downtown Brooklyn.”

For the launch Dekalb Spring Weekender, Saturday and Sunday, April 7-8, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., come one and all for a noon Easter Egg Hunt, $1 Mimosas (until 2 p.m.), and live music by Michael Arenella & his Dreamland Orchestra, and Naomi Shelton and the Gospel Queens. Also: Flower and Garden Market, face painting, woodshop projects and a jewelry workshop, crafting bike maintenance, and circuits & electronics. Cooking, farming and gardening workshops and classes for adults and children will be presented by Family Cooks.

The regular Dekalb Market Hours are seven days a week, 8 a.m.-10 p.m. During the season, events will also include dance parties, free open-air markets, unique foodie events, bike-in movie nights, lobster boils, roller derbies, an ongoing series of special live music performances and 45+ vendors.

Dekalb Market was voted Best New York Architecture in 2011 by the New York Observer.

The long-stalled Downtown City Point Towers retail and residential complex in Downtown Brooklyn is aiming for the clouds. The Brooklyn Paper got an exclusive look this week at new mock-ups presented to Community Board 2, showing two potential horizon-altering skyscrapers at the site of the former Albee Square Mall, on the Flatbush Avenue Extension between Willoughby Street and DeKalb Avenue.

One of the two towers could reach 65 stories or more, with a targeted completion of 2015, while the second would be wrapped in 2016, said Paul Travis of developer Washington Square Partners. That would make it Brooklyn’s tallest building, period. The project’s first building at Albee Square, City Point Mall, is slated to open this June with 50,000 square feet of retail, although no anchor tenant for the building has been announced.

Architect GreenbergFarrow, told The Brooklyn Paper that the 1.9 million square foot development on a 2.75 acre site would feature 500,000+ square feet of retail, around 280 hotel rooms and 800 residential units, and 250,000 square feet of office space.

The proposed 65-story tower would trump the 58-story Avalon Bay residential tower on Willoughby Street (between Bridge and Duffield streets), which is aiming to rise to 56 stories; while that building excels over the new Brooklyner 51-story rental tower. All three edge out the iconic Williamsburgh Savings Bank Tower at One Hanson Place: Brooklyner is a mere 2 feet taller.

The Downtown City Point Towers mixed-used plan has a long way to go before Brooklyn Heights residents might see it peaking over the horizon: It needs approval of the city before it can even begin to move forward.
Above, the proposed Downtown City Point Towers; Below, City Point Mall. (Photos: The Brooklyn Paper)

A poster has lit up the window of a storefront at 115 Court Street between Schermerhorn and State streets on the border between Brooklyn Heights and Downtown Brooklyn, promoting upcoming frozen yogurt shop iCrave, promising to be “swirling soon” with “21 fantastic flavors” and “savory smoothies.”

Brownstoner reports that the space has turned over numerous times in recent years, including a previous frozen yogurt joint, Yogo Monster. A few doors down there’s already competition, at Red Mango.

(Photo: Brownstoner)

A tech-savvy police officer from the 84th Precinct helped catch a thief this afternoon. According to cops, a 32-year-old woman fell prey to an armed robber at the High Street station just before 1:20 P.M. The suspect fled with the victim’s pocketbook and iPhone. The victim quickly found an officer stationed on Pearl Street and reported the incident. Officer Benito Ocasio, honored as a Cop of the Month in 2009, suggested that he might be able to track the phone using the victim’s iTunes account. In doing so, they saw that the phone was then in the vicinity of 111 Bridge St. in the Farragut Houses. Responding there, police found the suspect exiting the building…with a ringing phone. He was stopped, positively identified by the victim, and taken into custody. The victim’s property, including credit cards and state ID, was recovered. Police have identified the suspect as Brian Mack, 55. He now faces charges of robbery, grand larceny, menacing, possession of a weapon, and criminal trespass.

The New York Post story that revealed Whole Foods is coming to Williamsburg also had a buried item claiming that make-up and fragrance superstore Sephora is reportedly “close to signing a lease” in the Brooklyn Municipal Building—the first we’ve heard of this.

The location of Brooklyn’s first Sephora: Joralemon and Court Street, right at the border between Brooklyn Heights and Downtown’s Fulton Street Mall. Racked reveals that the space would be a 6,500-square-foot corner spot on the first floor of the Municipal Building, where 37,000 sf are being developed as the Brooklyn Heights Plaza. This follows well-tread rumors over the past year of Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz’s tenacious bid to bring in Apple or Nordstrom to the desirable commercial space.

Meanwhile, Fulton Mall continues to add one new (chain) store after another, with the recent opening of Gap Factory Store and Shake Shack, with H&M and TJ Maxx soon to follow. Talk also continues about a potential Century 21.

(Photo: CurbedNY)

The Panera Bread sandwich chain opened for business today, March 12, in its new Downtown Brooklyn location at 345 Adams Street, steps from the Brooklyn Marriott.

Two more restaurants are destined to join Panera on Adams Street in what is being deemed a mini “Restaurant Row”: Sugar and Plumm, a combination restaurant, ice cream parlor and chocolate retailer; and American BBQ and Beer Co. Construction on both restaurants, located side by side, began this month.

Panera currently has about 1,400 locations nationwide. Its first in New York opened last spring at 330 Seventh Ave. between West 29th and 30th streets in the Fashion Institute of Technology neighborhood.

(Photo: Chuck Taylor)

It wasn’t until I worked for the U.S. Census Bureau between February and August 2010 that I truly discovered Brooklyn. While I had lived in Brooklyn Heights for a decade, my compass always seemed to point toward Manhattan, where I worked and played. [See Photo gallery below the jump]

But with the Census gig, I had the opportunity to discover on a block-by-block (if not door-to-door) basis more than I ever realized was just east of the Heights: Sunset Park, Fort Greene, Park Slope, Red Hook, Carroll Gardens, Cobble Hill and—my favorite—Downtown Brooklyn.

Strolling through Fulton Mall every day on the way to the Census office on Flatbush Avenue as it was just beginning mass renewal, the sidewalks were widened, new bus stands and street lights installed, streets were repaved and repositioned for bus traffic only. The age-old Fulton Mall sign came down… Something big was happening here.

Of course, there are two sides to gentrification. In 2012, Shake Shack opened, while Gap launched a massive Factory Store there, with H&M and TJ Maxx on the way in the historic Offerman Building. While it’s nice to see the once-decaying area return to life, it’s also bittersweet to witness the typical fallout that comes in every neighborhood on the rise: the shuttering of local businesses, which can no longer afford escalating rents.

So before I bid a fond farewell to the fabulous array of wig stores, pawn shops, bodegas and discount vendors, I took another trip with camera in hand to capture what I suspect is going to look very different a year from now. With love to downtown BK.

The Panera Bread sandwich chain, which made its NYC foray last spring, is at last putting finishing touches on its Downtown Brooklyn outlet at 345 Adams Street. The deal was first announced in December 2010. Signage has appeared at the space with “Coming Soon” posters lining the windows, near the Brooklyn Marriott steps from Brooklyn Heights.

Crain’s New York Business reported back in December that two other restaurants will soon be joining Panera on Adams Street in what is being deemed a mini “Restaurant Row”: Sugar and Plumm, a combination restaurant, ice cream parlor and chocolate retailer; and American BBQ and Beer Co., both developed by Sugar and Plumm Co., with Mark Advent, creator of Las Vegas’ New York, New York hotel and casino. Those two ventures are slated to open in the fall.

Crains says the eateries signed a 20-year lease to occupy a total of 11,012 square feet in the building around the corner from Fulton Mall, just by the upcoming Willoughby Street pedestrian plaza, and the new Shake Shack. Construction on both restaurants, located side by side, begins in March.

“We looked at the market carefully and decided Brooklyn was the perfect location to expand Sugar and Plumm and to launch American BBQ and Beer Co. We strongly believe Brooklyn is the place to be,” Lamia Jacobs, president/CEO of Sugar and Plumm told Crains. “Its people and the city’s commitment to elevating its entertainment experience make Brooklyn an ideal destination for us.”

Meanwhile, Panera currently has about 1,400 locations nationwide. Its first in New York opened last spring at 330 Seventh Ave. between West 29th and 30th streets in the Fashion Institute of Technology neighborhood.

(Photo: Brownstoner)

Family-owned commercial, residential, industrial and retail real estate firm Muss Development has its eye on development outside of Manhattan these days. Principal Jason Muss spoke with GlobeSt.com about the company’s projects in Downtown Brooklyn and aligning them bordering neighborhoods, including Brooklyn Heights.

Regarding his long-term vision for Downtown Brooklyn, Muss said:

We believe this is the connecting neighborhood to other great neighborhoods in Brooklyn, like DUMBO, Brooklyn Heights, brownstone Brooklyn, Fort Greene, the Barclays Center (and) downtown Manhattan. With the New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge, there is a tremendous amount of mobility, and we will continue to service Downtown Manhattan in addition to Brooklyn.

The idea of tourists coming to Brooklyn has become a real incredible thing over the last five to 10 years. We have the World Trade Center, the Statue of Liberty, Prospect Park and the amount of pedestrians that walk along the Brooklyn Bridge and pass our hotel is really incredible. Downtown Brooklyn will continue its strength.

Read Muss’ full interview here.

Brooklyn Heights residents may recall that Gap had a store at 125 Montague Street in the late 1990s—the current location of Ann Taylor. If you’re still pining for plaid shorts and plain t-shirts, you only need cross to Fulton Street Mall, where a Gap factory store is opening this week.

Racked reports that the new outlet is launching Friday, February 24, at 400 Fulton Street, between Smith and Hoyt streets (technically the corner of Gallatin Place). A lease was signed last June, joining the soon-to-be parade of new retailers, including H&M and TJ Maxx, as well as rumors of a Century 21.

Despite City Council approval February 1 of the Borough Hall Skyscraper Historic District, which designated 21 buildings along Court Street as a new landmark district, the debate continues in an Op-Ed He Said/He Said piece in the Brooklyn Courier. Commentary is offered from supporter Philip Magnuson, chair of the Brooklyn Heights Assn. Landmark Preservation Committee; and opponent Steven Spinola, president of the Real Estate Board of New York.

Read both pieces in their entirety here, with edited highlights below…

Philip Magnuson
The Borough Hall Skyscraper Historic District, with the splendid Greek Revival Borough Hall and North Plaza at its focus, is figuratively and functionally the urban center of Brooklyn, located at the civic, business, education and transportation hub of the borough. It is the interface of the vibrant neighborhoods of Metrotech, Fulton/Downtown, Court Street and Brooklyn Heights. They all share the new district as a historic core and a distinctly Brooklyn’s “Town Square.”

This historic district is on its way to cohesion and vitality. Also, like so many inner city districts now returning to robustness, it is rich with a varied, significant and potentially endangered architectural context. The assemblage of important, large-scale, early 20th century skyscrapers along Court Street, each with its own exuberant historical style, embrace a richness and scale befitting the official and commercial heart of Brooklyn. The skyscrapers play a significant role in defining the singular quality of this area.

The designation of the Court Street skyscrapers is a timely step in recollecting, acknowledging and preserving Brooklyn’s urban richness. We believe the Borough Hall Skyscraper Historic District will safeguard and support the present and future renaissance of this unique neighborhood.

Steven Spinola
The creation of a Downtown Brooklyn Skyscraper Historic District is unwarranted and would add burdensome costs for local property owners and retail tenants. The Real Estate Board of New York believes there is no need to create a special historic district in this area of Downtown. In fact, the report of the Landmarks Preservation Commission notes that several of these buildings have no distinctive architectural style worth protecting and have undergone numerous renovations over the decades.

More troubling, creating a special historic district would impose millions of dollars of additional costs on existing property owners and retail tenants. Once an area is landmarked, significant added costs (are) attached to property improvements; one must acquire additional city approvals and it takes longer to secure such approvals, and all improvements are subject to review.

Many require further review by the Landmarks Preservation Commission, which often requires plans to be redone and certain materials to be used, which adds time and cost to any renovation. These delays often result in massive losses for retailers and landlords because space sits empty while awaiting commission approval.

The commercial office market on Court Street is already suffering with a 17% vacancy rate. The landmark designation will impose an additional tax on such space, making it more difficult to rent and provide less incentive to upgrade. This proposal will harm rather than help the properties in this district.

The beautifully historic but long-suffering Romanesque revival Offerman Building along Fulton Street Mall is at last getting the facelift it so deserves. As H&M continues its new-construction two-story glass modernist build-out next door, TJ Maxx will open a downtown Brooklyn store at 505 Fulton Street, according to signage that appeared within the last week.

Imagine Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein and Giorgio Armani having presence on Fulton Street (albeit last season). This long-promised renaissance may well take hold, after all, as developer United American Land has its eye on fully developing the block at Fulton and Bridge Street, after demolishing the Offerman annex to build H&M.

Meanwhile, downtown Brooklyn’s City Point up the block continues to take shape, first comprising a four-story 50,000 sf 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 and residential.

The Offerman Building’s upper floors are rumored to be going residential, so it appears a full reno is forthcoming. The handsome structure was built in 1890 by Henry Offerman, at the time one of the tallest buildings in Brooklyn. It is best known as the location of Martin’s department store, which ushered other major retailers to the area, including A.I. Namm & Son Department Store and Abraham & Straus (today, Macy’s).

Read a full history of the building on The Smoking Nun blog here.

Morton’s The Steakhouse at 339 Adams Street (next to the Brooklyn Marriott) has shuttered, due to “shifting demographics.” The national steakhouse chain was purchased by hospitality company Landry’s Feb. 1; hours later, the company closed down the high-end eatery and stripped off its signage.

The Real Deal reports that Landry’s is also closing the Morton’s in West Palm Beach, for similar reasons. Perhaps also explaining the Brooklyn eatery’s demise, Landry’s VP of marketing Kris Guthrie said, “Over time, demographics shift, and so do the areas in which businesses thrive. It’s because of this that we must close the Morton’s location in Palm Beach.”

Landry’s also owns steakhouse chain McCormick & Schmick’s. Perhaps they were intimidated by the new Shake Shack that opened steps away on Fulton Street?

Thanks to “Nancy,” who tipped BHB in last Wednesday’s Open Thread.

(Photo: The Real Deal)

Stepping outside the borders of Brooklyn Heights in search of a wickedly delicious heap of Sliders & fries—and most important, free soda refills—has led me more than once to the dirty, decadent, painfully slow-moving White Castle at 29 Willoughby Street (between Pearl and Jay streets just off Fulton Mall). Well, no more: Sadly, the joint has shuttered.

Within a block, construction continues on the oddball Willoughby urban park, to the left of the new Shake Shack, which may explain why the Castle has been dethroned. And yet the check-cashing biz remains next door. Oh, sigh.

The New York Daily News published a to-the-point Opinion piece titled “The Battle Of Brooklyn” condemning the proposed Brooklyn Downtown Skyscraper District, which is heading for a full City Council vote February 1. The five-paragraph story calls the bid to protect the 21 buildings “transparently nonsense.”

The piece goes on, “No one has claim to freeze New York’s ever-changing silhouette” and claims that the buildings’ “demolition and replacement would, frankly, be quite beautifying. Here is a landmark case of abusing the landmarking process.”

Despite vehement opposition from segments of the local real estate community, the downtown Brooklyn “Borough Hall Skyscraper District” is on track for approval by the New York City Council. On Tuesday, January 24, the plan offering landmark protection to 21 buildings that abut Brooklyn Heights, was given a go by the Council’s landmarks subcommittee, all but ensuring the entire Council will ratify it Feb. 1. (See BHB’s previous Jan. 19 post here.)

Key endorsements for the landmark designation—which runs along Court Street, from Montague four blocks south to Livingston—were voiced by the council’s Subcommittee on Planning, along with Councilman Stephen Levin, who represents the area.

In a joint statement with Councilman Brad Lander, who heads the subcommittee, Levin said, “After close consideration, we believe this new historic district will strengthen the character of Downtown Brooklyn, allowing for new development and growth like the new retail space planned for the Municipal Building [next to Borough Hall] while preserving the graceful, historic, early-generation skyscrapers that make it Brooklyn’s civic center.”

Lander and Levin added that they intend to ask the city to ease rules for storefronts and work with Livingston Street residents “without imposing hardships on co-operators.”

The district was first proposed to the Landmarks Preservation Commission in 2010 by the Brooklyn Heights Assn. and other preservation groups and since, has fostered snarky opposition from the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY), Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, Brooklyn Law School, Court-Livingston-Schermerhorn Business Improvement District and similar groups.

Once again, REBNY president Steven Spinola tore the initiative to pieces in a New York Post article today: “Not only is this an inappropriate use of landmark designation, but it will end up costing the city much-needed tax revenue and jobs. This is another case of the city landmarking away its economic future.” As well, in a direct mail campaign blanketing the neighborhood, REBNY claimed, “In these economic times, when every dollar counts, landmarking threatens to send Court Street back to the ‘bad old days’ of empty storefronts and dirty streets.”

City officials refute that the designation only sets guidelines overseen by Landmarks to ensure that construction blends with the neighborhood.

The Real Estate Board of New York is amping its drive to derail the still-tentative landmarking of 21 buildings in downtown Brooklyn, by sending out a mailing to thousands of area residents urging them to bend City Council’s ear against the newly proposed historic district. In addition, on Friday, REBNY sent a letter to City Council Speaker Christine Quinn urging the Council to rethink the decision.

All landmarked districts require final approval from the City Council and mayor within 120 days. The Council vote is slated for Feb. 1, with two hearings scheduled next week.

Preservationists had claimed victory last September when the Landmarks Preservation Commission unanimously approved the “Borough Hall Skyscraper Historic District,” a cluster of highrises built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries along Court Street and the corners of Joralemon, Remsen and Montague Streets around the already landmarked Borough Hall. Commission Chairman Robert B. Tierney noted then that “the buildings had a central role in Brooklyn’s development and illustrate an important chapter of New York City’s history.”

But a number of property owners, local landlords and developers were vehemently opposed, claiming it would drive up costs and impede retail redevelopment. Mike Slattery, SVP of the Real Estate Board of New York, sneered in September that the buildings “have little architectural and historic significance and distinction.”

In an article published in Crain’s Business New York January 18, Steve Spinola, president of REBNY, further belittled the district: “The city continues to landmark away its economic future. We want the people in the area to know landmarking will cause a lack of investment in buildings.”

Detractors argue that the designation puts a financial burden on landlords, who have to obtain additional permits and pay extra fees for any changes or upgrades on their properties. REBNY surveyed owners of roughly 750,000 square feet of space within the proposed historic district, and predicted property owners and retail tenants will incur $4.7 million in additional costs over the next several years as a result of landmark regulations and rules, according to the letter obtained by Crain’s.

“Some owners were prepared to make an investment in their buildings, but now they have a noose around their neck because it will cost them more money,” added Spinola.

Brooklyn Heights Assn. president Judy Stanton has stated that the landmark designation “is necessary to protect those buildings from being torn down—it does not prevent redevelopment. It has been a longstanding regret we did not get a district sooner.”

The Wall Street Journal today reports that “Brooklyn Is Set For A Building Boom” in an article that claims residential developers are running out of zoned space in Manhattan, so setting their sights—and sites—on the borough.

A report by Nancy Packes, a consultant to city developers, says, “Brooklyn has in the early planning stages as many as 14,000 new residential units, compared with Manhattan, where just 5,000 new units are in the planning phase.”

The article focuses on downtown Brooklyn and the Williamsburg waterfront, but mentions 30 Henry Street, “a low-rise project in Brooklyn Heights with full-floor units designed to emulate townhouses.”

The Packes study also insinuates that because a high percentage of Brooklyn residents are “tech or creative workers” (34%), they are more likely to “gravitate toward simple, tasteful new construction at lower price points and away from modern towers loaded with amenities.”

Citi Habitats broker Anthony Dellecave noted in the story, “That charming brownstone feel is what people like about Brooklyn. From a developer’s perspective, I’d stay away from the modern luxury high-rise and focus on old-world charm and prewar character.”

Adds Packes, “The idea of luxury may finally be finished, at least to these emerging neighborhoods.”

We previously reported that the City’s Department of Education was seriously considering expanding P.S. 8 to include a middle school that would be sited at Tillary Street and Tech Place in downtown Brooklyn. This morning, State Senator Daniel Squadron announced that the DOE has decided to go ahead with this plan:

Last night, DOE answered the calls of the community and formally proposed the expansion of P.S. 8 to include a middle school.

For months, I’ve worked with parents, P.S. 8 faculty, DOE, Assemblymember Millman and Councilmember Levin to make this proposal a reality.

Providing our community with a high quality middle school is critical to continuing the success of P.S. 8. I urge quick approval of this proposal to get the middle school up and running by next school year and ensure that our kids get the the quality education they deserve.

I make no bones about my love of Shake Shack—yes, the lines are long, but I will happily endure for their burgers. I even missed the first pitch thrown at Citi Field because I was waiting for a Shake Shack Burger. And I’d do it again. Especially because what have the Mets done for me lately?

Having said that, I completely forgot about Opening Day of Downtown Brooklyn’s Shake Shack until I saw Councilman Stephen Levin’s pics of the Burger Summit on his Facebook page. I was out of my apartment faster than you can say, “But what about the blotter, Heather?”

My friend Colleen (aka @grrlgenius) came with me. Pics after the jump.

Here’s the Burger Summit I was telling you about. (Photo courtesy Stephen Levin.)

This action shot is of Colleen opting for a healthier alternative to a burger—custard. At least, I think it’s a custard. It’s called a Concrete, and this one is named “Borough Precedent” after guess who? (I’ll give you one guess.) It has fruit in it so that’s healthy. Also granola. Because what says Marty Markowitz more than fruit and nuts? (oops, I just gave away the answer.)

I went for the classic Shack Burger—burger, lettuce, ShackSauce, and good ol’ American cheese. But hold the tomatoes because I hate those things. Also had fries and a yummy Black & White shake. I highly recommend pairing fries with a shake.

But aside from the great food (and quick wait—you get one of those vibrating things that alert you when your order is ready. Like in Olive Garden! Without the guilt of going to Olive Garden!) the service was terrific. I feel like the dining experience in New York leaves a lot to be desired, and one tends to expect even less at a fast food joint. But the employees were friendly, and after Colleen and I were finished, one offered to take our tray and asked how we liked everything. And seemed like she actually cared!

Who knows if the glory will last but for one brief shining moment, here in Downtown Brooklyn, there was … well, not Camelot. More like Fun Land. Which is even better.

Good-bye, Fun Land! Until tomorrow!

Some more pics:

People find love at Shake Shack.

I, however, love that stainless steel.

The interior is almost unrecognizable from the way it was as Tony’s Pizza.

And here’s your change. So long!

[They posted the menu outside, but there was too much glare, so I've posted the menu from their site. Shake Shack Menu]

Shake Shack [409 Fulton Street] has arrived and not a moment too soon for this writer. Before locating on Fulton and Adams, I had to trek to Battery Park City to get my Double Burger with French Fries (100% free of artificial trans-fats and made from Yukon Gold potatoes, 25% less fat than average fries) and chocolate Hand-Spun shake eaten with a spoon. Yes, these shakes are thick enough to be eaten with a spoon and every spoonful is delectable. Shake Shake doesn’t come cheap though. A burger, fries and shake will cost close to $20 but it is worth every penny.

Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, Mayor Mike Bloomberg and others were on hand for today’s opening. Video after the jump.

Check out Shake Shack calorie counts here [PDF] (via @MaryHartleyRD)

Shake Shake will soon be followed by Panera Bread (coffee shop/café) in March, Sugar and Plumm (restaurant ice cream parlor), and American BBQ and Beer Company in Fall 2012.

All these new restaurants will be in close proximity on Adams Street on the western entrance to the Fulton Mall. These restaurants have two things in common, 1) they all represent quality and 2) they all are guaranteed to add to your calorie count with burgers, quality breads, desserts, beer and BBQ.

In conclusion, though not formally in the confines Brooklyn Heights, they are all close enough for all to enjoy.

Added note, considering your potential caloric intake after visiting these scrumptious eateries, the additional walk may prove advantageous.

Enjoy, I know I will.

And while we’re very excited to see Shake Shake and the others come to Downtown Brooklyn, we’ve lost Seasons in the North Heights this week.

BHB reader “Anna” writes:

Looks like the Shake Shack on Fulton Mall opening is imminent. Just walked by a little while ago — the “art project wall” is down and the menu is up. Peaked through a tear in the brown paper covering the glass windows and it looks all shiny and 95% read to go – plus quite a few people scurrying around looking very busy. Per an article in the NY Post, they are slated to open on Tuesday, but there is no announcement on the Shake Shack site.

That NY Post piece by Rich Calder bangs the drum about Downtown Brooklyn becoming a foodie heaven. Now before you scoff, gufaw or chuckle behold this passage:

NY Post: Also on deck is The Marrow, a new German/Italian restaurant by chef Harold Dieterle of “Top Chef” fame, slated to open in March at 231 Duffield Street, in a new hotel aptly called Hotel 718.

Check out the full list of eateries coming to Downtown Brooklyn (DoBro anyone?) here.