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November 18, 2005
Heresy! This Modern Townhouse is Working for Us
On the Fort Greene side of Vanderbilt Avenue, across from the Dillon Center Pre-School, a new building has just been completed that many will be surprised to learn we think is pretty cool given how much we bitch and moan about things being out of context. As far as we can tell, the facade is made out of fiberglass panels, possibly even bullet-proof fiberglass. Although some of the finishing edges are a little sloppy, from a distance the building cuts a clean profile, especially from the side which is visible from the Dillon Center parking lots. Give us an interesting modern building anyday before a bland brick wanna-be. Speaking of those parking lots, we wonder if St. Joseph's will develop something there--it's a pretty serious chunk of land that was probably worth close to nothing when the school originally bought it. GMAP
Comments
Not my style but see your point. At least it makes you think when you walk by.
Posted by: Anonymous at November 18, 2005 10:50 AM
How funny...that's the actual siding? I walk by that building almost every day and thought it was the insulation! It's next to that rectory thats for sale (3rd time in 5-years) through A&H
Posted by: Anonymous at November 18, 2005 11:15 AM
Very Very cool i love front but side is kind of minimalistic, assuming that lot can be develop it is ok.
I am sure it is outside of historic district
It would not fly otherwise.
I have heard some artist couple build it and it will have a gallery inside, however i am not sure.
Posted by: malymis at November 18, 2005 11:23 AM
lol. I also walk by the building everyday and reallly can't believe that those grey panels are the finished siding. I think thats the insulation.
Posted by: Anonymous at November 18, 2005 1:42 PM
Pass by it all the time and thought it was a commercial property. Looked inside and I don,t quite understand the floor plan but there is something very cool about that great big completely black windowless sidewall. It is actually a very rich suface. I was thinking it would make great furniture. It has the same aesthetic as that new yellow thickwalled gas pipe you see Brooklyn Union using. lets hope they don't rent it out for a billboard.
Posted by: Anonymous at November 18, 2005 1:47 PM
I likee very much. Reminds me of L3 in Carrol Gardens. A modern building, but with enough style to be out of context in an interesting way, not a boring way.
http://www.thedevelopersgroup.com/buildings/building.aspx?buildingid=1042&
Posted by: Anonymous at November 18, 2005 3:36 PM
hi, love that. who is the architect? Can anyone find out? Should be posted when still in construction on site. What rectory are you talking about? The Cathedral Condos? Does anyone know anything about living there? 555 wASHINGTON Avenue..Cool neo-gothic red brick.
Posted by: sarah at November 18, 2005 4:46 PM
This building has confused me for a while. It must be outside the historic district, right? It was a perfectly sweet litte carriage house a few months ago. I don't love that they did away with such a historic facade -- it's a 'mis-carriage' of justice if you ask me.
Posted by: Anon at November 18, 2005 4:59 PM
Prior to this conversion, the building was an abandoned plumbing supply building. DOB called it a commerical building and it will be some sort of artist loft/living arrangement when finished.
The best part about this building is the rear. The entire rear facade is a 'wall of windows'. 3x10 panels leading to a covered deck? Great views I'd imagine... Of the neighbors that is.
Posted by: iac at November 18, 2005 6:07 PM
Would it be possible to post more detailed photos for those of us who can't stroll by? It's kind of hard to really get a feeling for this building from the pictures here.
Posted by: Anonymous at November 19, 2005 1:21 PM
i walked by just last week - i like it.
Posted by: janelle at November 19, 2005 8:05 PM
Sarah, the Catherdral condos is a great building -- the former Catherdral Prep high school -- it was for boys headed for the priesthood. Units do occasionally come up for sale. However, 555 Washington Ave is at Atlantic -- the building in question is on Vanderbilt Ave (west side) and on the other side of Fulton St., in Fort Greene.
Posted by: babs at November 19, 2005 8:41 PM
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