Feb 02 2006
What’s Ugly?
ABrooklynLife hadn’t walked down 2nd Place (going west) recently and was pleasantly surprised to see that 11 2nd Place is nearly complete. I know there are people (Brownstoner has a thread) who think that the building is too tall or that it doesn’t fit into the overall brownstone scheme of the neighborhood, but I kinda like it. The stone matches well with many area buildings and the very expensive-looking and Frank Lloyd-esque windows add a nice touch. I’m not saying there isn’t room in the neighborhood code for a height limit, but height limits certainly don’t stop monstrosities like the building in the photo below, which is just around the corner. In fact, the building makes you wonder if you should have a minimum height requirement, so these squatty little hovels never get off the ground.
Then there’s the subject of renovation. Anybody been following what’s happening to this corner place at Clinton and (is it 3rd? Can’t remember now). What the hell is up with this wacko roof-line job? Kinda ruins the look, don’t ya think?
11 Responses to “What’s Ugly?”
I really have nothing against someone doing a complete renovation that involves gutting a building after a fire. I have no problems with additions when they match the building. Must they screw up the architectual lines of the building with that ugly ass roof line? It’s a little early to know for sure, but it’s a disappointment so far.
Awwww, I kind of like the eccentric lines of that last building. Anything that doesn’t look run of the mill appeals to me. The second pic reminds me of the three-family house I grew up in, in Flushing (it’s still there), so I have admit to a nostalgic pang…. I love the new building in the first pic. My only question is, are there fire escapes? But very nice as a modern blip in the homey low skyline. Basically any neighborhood where all the houses look alike is unattractive, and my rule is that variety is what makes a beautiful neighborhood.
FYI- Fire escapes are illegal in new buildings. Gotta have interior fire stairs.
I really like the building in 1st pic- I havent walked over there in a bit so I will go check it out tonight.
2nd- ugg- there are a few of these in the hood. Sure Scarano uses them as his muse.
3rd- a shame. Have watched this go up and thought-”oh they are getting a garage and a patio off the kicthen” Then it just kept getting taller…
Lets hope they try and tie the new roof back into the design in some way that saves it from being a monstrosity.
Hey Max, thanks for that info, I had no idea (had been away from NY such a long time). I always avoided fire-escapeless buildings, wondering “how will I get outta here if there’s a fire?” Plus, I like growing herbs and ivy from flower boxes hung from the railings. Now I know the only hazards in these new buildings might be the thin floors and walls, the bad ventilation, the expensive lack of free steam heat, and the oxidizing into the air of modern materials used to build them! (As much as I can appreciate the esthetic of the new building, I still like oldies better.)
Gotta love the (free) steam heat that’s so hot you need to leave the windows cracked open at night..
Hey Dennis – Thanks for stopping by my blog. I’m a big fan of yours. I love checking how people are renovating their brownstones. Especially intriguing is the enclosed porch thing protruding out the back of one next to Key Foods.
I love the idea of a minimum height requirement. Haha. Hey, when I get there why don’t we start an architectural critique column!?
I’ve always wanted to do that!
i live a block from 11 second place. it drives me nuts. i think it is too tall. it did replaced a place that was worde than the second photos though…
The building is a little too tall, I guess, but I like the looks of it. For comparison sake, check out the “new” building on Douglas, a few doors up from Court Street (between Court and Smith). Also too tall, but more importantly, its just plain …. plain.
Note: It went up about 4 years ago, but no one was living there last I checked – last year.
i think the building in the first pic is quite nice. it could be worse in that the work could be shoddy. it would seem to me that there is some competence at that site. at least for the price, it probably won’t attract those horrible young people and all their exhuberance. pic #3, i hope there is a nice modern/minimal edition that grows in an entirely different style from the old. there are ways to do it and do it in a tasteful and respectful way. pic #2, duh. that architect has no soul, no imagination.
Those buildings wre built by Bennici Construction in the 70’s.
He lived in the one on First Place bet henry and Clinton. The first of these were built on Clinton and third I believe.