Architecture

Sunset Park Police Precinct Restoration Could Include Condos, But Not a "Glass Cube"

Sunset Park’s decrepit 68th Precinct may finally be restored to its original luster after decades of abandonment. Current owner Yosef Streicher bought the turreted Sunset Park eyesore from an unknown seller in July for $6,000,000. Streicher plans to restore the crumbling landmark at 4302 4th Avenue, potentially building an upscale cafe on the lower level…

by Hannah Frishberg

01/11/2016 3 minute 0

Sunset Park Landmark — Rendering by Ben Herzog via Curbed

Sunset Park’s decrepit 68th Precinct may finally be restored to its original luster after decades of abandonment.

Current owner Yosef Streicher bought the turreted Sunset Park eyesore from an unknown seller in July for $6,000,000. Streicher plans to restore the crumbling landmark at 4302 4th Avenue, potentially building an upscale cafe on the lower level of the main building, a community center in the stable, and 10 luxury condos on a neighboring site.

But don’t be fooled by the renderings. New renderings published Friday by numerous outlets were misinterpreted, architect Ben Herzog told Brownstoner. “We’re not proposing a glass cube,” he said.

The renderings show what appears to be a boxy amalgamation of glass towers rising from behind a restored precinct and stable, the new structures entrance visible on 43 Street. Numerous publications hailed the renderings as initial designs.

In fact, the renderings show massing and density only, not design or materials, he explained.

“The main goal we have is to restore the police castle and the stable to all its glory,” Herzog said in a phone discussion, “For that to be financially feasible the developer’s probably going to need to add some square footage to the site.”

The developer has not yet filed plans with the Department of Buildings, and any alterations to the precinct will require permission from the Landmarks Preservation Commission.

The proposed community center echoes the failed plans of not one but two former owners: a nonprofit that bought the building from the city in 1985, years after the police abandoned it in the 1970s, and the most recent owner on public record, the Brooklyn Chinese-American Association. The latter was unable to pay off outstanding buildings violations or restore the property, according to Brooklyn Daily.

A Romanesque Revival dating from 1886, the historic beauty is going to need a lot of work to get it in stable condition. Herzog’s past projects include townhouse work in the Brooklyn brownstone belt and extensive experience in renovation.