Sunday, June 24, 2007

One Floor Up



The strange reconstruction underway at 830 Eastern Parkway continues. Workers are adding a fourth level to this ornate three-story brownstone between Kingston and Albany Avenues, on a block of similar homes from the early 1900's, all three stories high. Looking closer, new floors cut across the existing window frames, indicating the aging but gracefully finished facade and front are candidates for demolition. Will the resulting building alter the Eastern Parkway landscape?

Same Block 1910:

Sunday, June 17, 2007

"Crown"-ing Acheivement For Crown Heights

By Phil Guie

A year of hard work and trust between police, the Brooklyn District Attorney's office and residents paid off last week, as large quantities of cash, drugs and weapons were seized from drug-dealing gangs in Crown Heights.
During the final phase of "Operation Crown Strike," detective investigators from Kings County District Attorney Charles Hynes' office executed 10 search warrants and made 11 arrests in blocks surrounding the Brooklyn Children's Museum, located at Saint Marks and Brooklyn Aves.
Along with 600 grams of cocaine, six pounds of marijuana, three guns with ammunition and over $17,000 in cash, detectives impounded drug cutting agents, scales, hundreds of bags for packaging, as well as binoculars and radios.
Click Here For More

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Crown Heights Walking Tour Part II




Last Sunday's walking tour of Crown Heights, sponsored by the Crown Heights North Association, attracted about 100 people and focused on the neighborhood's architectural and social history. "We covered the buildings, when they were built, and some of the places where notable people lived," said Deborah Young, the Association's chairperson and president. The tour featured the newly designted Landmark district including St. Gregory's Church, the Brooklyn Children's Museum at Brooklyn and St. Mark's Avenues, and the Dean Sage Residence, across the street from the Museum. The impressive Sage House, completed in 1870, was built for a wealthy lumber dealer in rare High Victorian Gothic style and designed by Russell Sturgis, considered a master of that motif.

NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission: www.nyc.gov/landmarks

Sunday, June 10, 2007

Crown Heights Walking Tour



Full story coming soon.

Crown Heights Park View Under $100K




A brownstone Brooklyn one bedroom, park view for under $100,000? Yes, it does exist, on Carroll Street in Crown Heights. This 125-unit co-op at 1710 Carroll asks $85,000 with monthly maintenance of $459 for a 600 square-foot one bedroom. As outlined by brownstoner.com, there are considerations - the apartment will be delivered "as is" and the listing does not include interior photos. Some posters claim the building has endured "financial troubles." Nevertheless, the price and location make this property worth investigating. The building abuts the western edge of 7-acre Lincoln Terrace Park, a Crown Heights landmark named for America's 16th president and completed in 1897. Author Elliot Willensky, raised nearby, recalls Lincoln Terrace as "Kitzel Park" (Yiddish for "Tickle Park"), a hotspot for young flirts. The elegantly landscaped tennis courts date back to the 1930s and were reconstructed in 1996; the park also features trees and shaded walkways, basketball and handball courts and a baseball field. The building is located one block from the IRT Utica Avenue station.


Lincoln Terrace Park:




Today; Crown Heights Walking Tour


Bedsty Blog

Just south of Bedford-Stuyvesant is the beautiful neighborhood of Crown Heights. The Crown Heights North Association (CHNA), in celebration of becoming the 79th historic district in the city, will hold the inaugural Crown Heights North Walking Tour this Sunday, June 10th. The tour will highlight some of the fine architecture and beautiful blocks that caused the LPC to choose Crown Heights North for this honor.

Starting Point: In front of St. Gregory’s R.C. Church (corner of Brooklyn Avenue and St. John’s Place)

Time: Meet at 12:45. The tour will leave promptly at 1:00 pm.

Subway Directions: 3 train to Nostrand Ave. Walk down Eastern Parkway 2 blocks to Brooklyn Ave, turn left to St. Gregory’s beautiful campanile bell tower.

Cost: Admission is $20, which includes the tour, as well as a Garden Tea, featuring light fare, international iced teas and other beverages. The Garden Tea will be held at the Community Garden at Bergen and Nostrand Avenue.

Advance sale tickets are available at the CHNA website. Remember to bring confirmation document to ticket desk on Saturday.

Tickets are also available from the following local vendors:
Al’s Hardware 769 Nostrand Ave
Catch Ah Ride Limo Inc. 735 Nostrand Ave
Barbara’s Flower Shop 615 Nostrand Ave
Imhotep Health Foods, 734 Nostrand Ave.


The CHNA is dedicated to preserving the architectural and cultural jewels of Crown Heights North. You can log onto their website for more details and contact information. CHNA will be holding their inaugural House Tour on October 6, 2007. I’m looking forward to it