Head-Scratching at 532 Clinton Avenue

house
When we were over on Clinton Avenue between Fulton and Atlantic checking out 525 Clinton, we were reminded of this huge freestanding wooden house across the street that's had us scatching our head for a while. It's a beautiful old house that appears not to have had a drop of work put into it in decades. There are a couple of old cars parked on the side of the house and, if memory serves, some rather aggressive signs aimed at trespassers. Judging from the history on Property Shark, it looks like the same family has owned the house for at least 25 years. Anyone have any color to add on this? GMAP P*Shark

Comments

In fact it did get a minor exterior painting and 'clean up' about 2 years ago. They made it look a bit more like a frat house though with that "I W" thing. And I suspect some of the "junk" cars are the result of the body shop next door--he needs a place to park 'em.

Posted by: Glenn at November 17, 2006 10:22 AM

unless landmarked - Will eventually be eyed by developer. Nice big lot with lots and lots of FAR.

Posted by: Anonymous at November 17, 2006 10:48 AM

I too was impressed by the house when I "discovered" it. A young man was in the front yard and I stopped to talk to him. It has been his family's house for years. His family now occupies it and no, it is not for sale.

Posted by: Anonymous at November 17, 2006 10:49 AM

I remember when they did a rather extensive renovation, at least on the outside, in the early 80's. Before that, it was really a mess. This must have been soon after the owners bought it. I've always liked this house too.

Posted by: CrownHeightsProud at November 17, 2006 11:25 AM

Maybe solicting public comment about the residents of a private dwelling isn't so nice?

I imagine you wouldn't want your life to be subject to the same discussion given your desire for anonymity.

Posted by: Anonymous at November 17, 2006 11:33 AM

I'm not sure why you would choose the term "head-scratching". Do you just mean you're curious? Or do you think a house that one family has lived in for 25 years with no major renovations is curious in itself? Just because a neighborhood's gentrifying doesn't mean every house should be for sale. I'm guessing you know that, though, and the title of the post was just an afterthought.

Posted by: sylvia at November 17, 2006 12:58 PM

Whats with all the cranky pants? Relax people.

Posted by: Max at November 17, 2006 1:25 PM

This would be part of the Clinton Hill South Historic district that hopefully can be landmarked as a whole to preserve these lovely structures on those few blocks between Fulton and Atlantic.

Posted by: lp at November 17, 2006 2:03 PM

i live right next door to this house and it s a beauty, being an architect cought my eye right away..when i first moved to the area.. but the family who lives there a father and son i think , are very mean and not polite to others.. those cars are their never use them..

Posted by: Anonymous at November 17, 2006 2:16 PM

Thanks Max, some people up in here are cranky. SO we can't gossip about the neighbors? Thats what neighborhoods do. They gossip about each other.

Posted by: Anonymous at November 17, 2006 3:18 PM

I've heard that this house is the oldest on the block. It was built just after the beautiful church down the street.

I have also heard that this house was part of the underground railroad. It is said that there is a tunnel from this house to the church and then from the church to the church further down Clinton Ave. to the North maybe 2-3 three blocks on Lafayette and Clinton Ave.

Not sure how much of this is true but sure is great to think of this house having such an important role in the past. Hopefully this will help with landmarking discussion above.

Cheers

Posted by: anon at November 17, 2006 8:16 PM

The father and son who are mean need prozac.

Posted by: anon at November 18, 2006 9:31 AM

yeh... whats up, im skratching my head too, cuz they are prolly blcak and poor... or maybe white and stupid and dont deserve the house cuz its not up to the standards of this website's author.

Posted by: Anonymous at November 18, 2006 5:34 PM

Last comment seems really out of line

Posted by: Anonymous at November 19, 2006 8:09 PM

For fun, try parking in front of this guy's driveway. Even though he has clearly not moved the vehicles parked therein for about 100 years, he will promptly come outside and post a self-printed warning letter on your windshield informing you that you are illegally parked, and about to be towed (serious, happened to me twice).

f you stick around long eneough to read it, he will be standing on the porch within half a minute... if you want to ask him about selling.

Posted by: Ian at November 20, 2006 5:10 PM

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November 17, 2006

Head-Scratching at 532 Clinton Avenue

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