My Life In Brooklyn

Just because — lots of talk about (finally) moving forward with a major renovation of the theatre. From the press release:

“The RFEI envisions a wide array of possible uses, such as a commercial theater, a not-for-profit cultural institution, a gallery and auction house, a television and motion picture production facility, residential units, a hotel, restaurants, a community facility and retail establishments. Development opportunities for the adjacent City-owned parcels may include decking over the parcels or transfer of surplus development rights from the theater to the parcels, or the parcels to the theater. Respondents may also plan redevelopment of the adjacent City-owned parcels, provided their submissions recognize and adequately address certain existing agreements.”

I have to say, the possibilities seem endless, lets hope whatever the outcome, it provides access the to beauty of the building, is good for the community, and is not just about lining the pockets of developers. 

This one is on Lincoln Road, south side, near Nostrand Avenue.  Two images here: one of the greater building, the second is a close up of the yellow X in the square, the condemed building mark (above), hidden behind the bush to the left of the front door and not easily seen.  Just as an FYI, a good part of the street is filled with buildings similar to this one – take a walk or drive by and you will see.  It just seems a shame it can’t be saved — even if a gut renovation.  It would still provide what appears to be 8 apartments and would maintain the look of the street.

Despite a Google search and a call to Buildings, I was unable to learn the meaning of the symbols I have seen drawn on buildings recently. (See my post of yesterday.) Luckily my neighbor Tom found the information (from squat.net):

“These squares are painted by the city government to indicate the status of the building. An empty square indicates that the building is abandoned. A square with a slash in it indicates that fire fighters should be cautious entering the building. A square with an X in it indicates that the building is condemned”

One point the writer at squat.net makes is the buildings are often far from the point of needing to be demolished, and judging from the exteriors of those I have seen, I have to agree there likely is a chance for them, given some money and TLC. 

This building is located on the north side of Lincoln Road between Rogers and Nostrand Avenues (quite close to Nostrand).  Looks like it may still have residents.  Note the symbol over the door.  I’ve been trying to call the Dept. of Buildings to learn what this means (no luck so far).  I have seen this mark on several buildings, plus a similar symbol — a square with an x through it  — on others.  This one may mean unsafe, the symbol with the x through it condemned.  I really do not know, just guessing here.  I forgot to write down the address, but I believe this is 249 Lincoln Road, will confirm later this week, year built estimated to be 1905.

To the right of the building is a garage also part of the property, I believe.  I think it is kind of cute, reminds me of my own house in some ways.  Will be sad if it gets demolished to make way for the new and ugly.

I believe this is 26 Hawthorne Street, close to Flatbush, south side of the street. This place is completely boarded up.  The mark on the outside of the building in orange must mean something, though I am not sure just what — I can’t imagine it would be scheduled for demolition, though it might well need a gut renovation.

Always a little shock in seeing something once coveted and well-kept in sad disrepair.

Lenox Road, I forgot to note the street address, but between Flatbush and Rogers, north side of the street.  Sign on the house says “Houses and Land Bought and Sold.”  That with the elaborate boards around the property makes me think this one is coming down.  I could be wrong, but really this place doesn’t appear to be all that bad.

I went on a lengthy walk today and returned on Hawthorne, heading west toward Flatbush.  Almost around the corner from Rogers, on the north side of the street I saw this dilaptated beauty at 195 Hawthorne.  I honestly don’t understand how a house can be allowed to disintegrate to this state.

As I took the photo, a couple of local women were stoop-chatting nearby and we engaged in a conversation.  The house is evidently owned by someone who lives elsewhere on the block (or is a relative of said person).  First, they said the bank is now involved in it, but they did say taxes, mortgages and basic costs have been paid.  So no idea really if this is a foreclosure or the real status of the property.  The women, home owners on the street, are not happy with the sense of neglect this place adds to their street.

According to Propertyshark, it was built in 1931, has a 40 foot wide lot — looks like it may have been a Tax Lien sale in 2004.  I would hope it could be restored, but no idea about the condition of course.  It would have to go for a very low price to compensate for the money required for a decent restoration.  What a wasteful, sad eyesore.

Postscript: Llewy thinks the x in the box on the front may mean it is slated for demolition.