Those of us interested in Brooklyn Heights history and architecture consider Clay Lancaster’s Old Brooklyn Heights an indispensable guide. Thanks to Brownstoner we’ve been alerted to an event coming up this Wednesday afternoon, May 20, starting at 3:45. This will be a conversation, available on Zoom, among Heights preservation pioneers Otis and Nancy Pearsall and preservation advocate Anthony C. Wood of The New York […]
Tag Archives | Otis Pearsall
Electeds, Preservationists Celebrate Brooklyn Heights Historic District at Plaque Re-Dedication Ceremony
Fifty years ago, Brooklyn Heights was designated a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service. This distinction and the advocacy of many dedicated preservationists, lead to the passing of New York City’s Landmarks Law in April 1965 and in November of 1965, Brooklyn Heights was designated New York’s first Historic District. And so to […]
Martin Schneider Takes Times To Task For Lack Of Pierhouse Coverage
Brooklyn Heights resident and historic preservation activist Martin Schneider has shared with us the following letter he wrote to the New York Times City Editor concerning the controversy over the Pierhouse structure’s blocking views of the Brooklyn Bridge: To the City Editor: The bloated building now underway in the Brooklyn Bridge Park at Furman and […]
Height of BBP’s Pierhouse Hotel: What Exactly IS the Deal?
To understand the disputed height restrictions of the Pierhouse Hotel structure in Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 1, a number of variables need clarification, including the Brooklyn Bridge Park Corporation’s (BBPC’s) adherence to its own agreement, how the NYC Department of Planning Brooklyn Heights Scenic View District figures into the discussion, and the impact of Hurricane […]
Brooklyn Heights Preservation Pioneers Speak Out Against Pierhouse’s Height Blocking View
Brownstoner reports on the battle over the height of Toll Brothers Pierhouse condos and hotel now in construction at Pier 1. This latest dispute about the Park has raised the ire of two of Brooklyn Heights most beloved and passionate community activists, Otis Pratt Pearsall and Martin Schneider. RELATED: Read Heights Preservation Leaders’ History of […]
Heights History (A Slight Return): The Brooklyn Heights Historic District
A little over a month after starting BHB in 2006, I wrote this piece about the landmarking of Brooklyn Heights. It was the beginning of my interest in the history of the neighborhood — something that has powered this blog ever since.
Last Minute Weekend Suggestions: Brooklyn Heights and Nearby
The Heights Players’ production of Twelve Angry Men premieres this weekend at the Players’ playhouse, 26 Willow Place, with performances on Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:00 and Sunday afternoon at 12:00. This now classic drama began life as a television show in the 1950s, was made into a movie (12 Angry Men) by Henry […]
A Busy Evening: BHA Social and Brooklyn Bounty
Your correspondent left work early to attend the BHA Social networking happy hour at the Custom House. There was a lively gathering there, graciously hosted by BHA board member Patrick Killackey (second from left in photo) and BHA President Alexandra Bowie. More photos and text after the jump. I had several interesting conversations with others […]
Willowtown Fair to Honor Merzes, Set For Saturday, May 15
The annual Willowtown spring fair will be held on Willow Place, between Joralemon and State streets, on Saturday, May 15, beginning at 11:30 a.m. This year’s fair will honor Joe and Mary Merz (see photo), architects and Willow Place residents. Food will be provided by Iris Cafe. From the Willowtown Association: Fifty years ago this […]
Pearsall to Eagle: I’m Against Plan to Add 6 More Stories to 75 Clinton
Brownstoner reports today that work has begun “in earnest” to convert the former Bankruptcy Court building at 75 Clinton Street to condos. Plans filed for the flip in 2007 called for an addition of 6 stories. The blog adds that there’s no sign of steel work on the roof and speculates that the owners, Clinton Realty […]
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