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October 23, 2007

Municipal Building: From Marriage Licenses to Lattes?

The clerks and accountants who currently occupy the two ground floors of the municipal building at the corner of Joralemon and Court could be moving out to make room for cafes and home design shops if the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership has its way. The group, which is both publicly and privately funded, thinks converting the 22,000 square feet of space to retail is a "no-brainer," according to Joe Chan. While City Hall tries to figure out if moving the paper-pushers to a new location is realistic, civic and preservation groups are weighing in. "The place where you once went to get your public documents is now where you’re going to buy your latte," said the Municipal Art Society's Lisa Kersavage. "That changes the character. That’s not always a tragedy, but it’s something we all need to consider." The Brooklyn Heights Association's Judy Stanton likes the idea of retail but is wary of the Bed, Bath & Beyonds of this world. "I would rather see a lot of smaller shops," she said. What about you?
Two Floors of Municipal Building May Get Shops [NY Daily News]
Photo by wallyg

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Comments

It sounds like a great idea to me. It could definitely improve the whole vibe on the street.

Posted by: guest at October 23, 2007 11:38 AM

DUMB DUMB DUMB - retail needs visability and exposure - will end up filled with 99cent stores.

If the City doesnt have use for it then convert it to a school (how about Brooklyn Law - they are always expanding) or convert it into condos - this will never work for retail

Posted by: guest at October 23, 2007 11:42 AM

That's actually an interesting idea, if done right. I would want to see smaller eclectic shops, if possible, in addition to something like a Pottery Barn that would incorporate the historic detail of the space in their display, not just cover it up.

I would hope they could accommodate the mortgage room upstairs somewhere in the same amount of space, or at least user friendly space. That is still a great resource, and shouldn't be dumped into some small windowless closet. There is so much history in those books.

Posted by: Montrose Morris at October 23, 2007 11:46 AM

I agree it could be very good if done right -- not Bed Bath and Beyond, but Restoration Hardware would be perfect. Or a Citarella.

Retaining the historic character of the interior should be a must, with updates. This area is exploding and we should bring in needed services without sacrificing the amazing architectural resources already there.

Posted by: guest at October 23, 2007 11:49 AM

How about you create a space like the one in Red Hook pier - only artists and craftsmen allowed. Only allow retailers who are selling what they personally made - that would insure that the retail would be unique and make it a destination spot.

Posted by: Brooklynnative at October 23, 2007 11:52 AM

Will you still have to go through the metal detector to get into Bed Bath & Beyond? This idea is Stupid.

Posted by: guest at October 23, 2007 12:20 PM

just what downtown BK needs-- a faceless mall. i mean, look how good the manhattan mall's been!

Posted by: guest at October 23, 2007 12:23 PM

I bet this when we finally get our Wal Mart.

Posted by: guest at October 23, 2007 12:26 PM

Anchored by a large retailer (which could be Bed Bath & beyond or another significant chain), the space might make a nice mini-mall filled with smaller outlets.

Posted by: guest at October 23, 2007 12:26 PM

How about an Apple Store?

I like the idea of a design mall also.

Something like the Buenos Aires Design Mall in Argentina would be amazing.

Posted by: guest at October 23, 2007 12:28 PM

please no... this is a horrible idea. there is no such thing as a nice mini-mall.

Posted by: guest at October 23, 2007 12:35 PM

Great idea!
It will transform this dreary and ugly corner. I like the idea of one big store.
We have plenty of little stores already.
An Apple store would be ideal. So would Pottery Barn or Crate & Barrel, or Gracious Home. Something a little better than the usual jewelry outlet or Radio shack thing...and PLEASE no more banks or real estate offices!

Posted by: sam at October 23, 2007 12:35 PM

Change, yes. Chains, no.

Posted by: brklynborn110 at October 23, 2007 12:36 PM

It already annoying to use the post office there since you have to wait in line to go through the metal detector. I can imagine the line to go to a Starbucks.

Posted by: guest at October 23, 2007 12:41 PM

One imagines the will move the metal detectors. My vote is for Bed Bath & Beyond or similar large retail anchor. You people with your "Design Malls" and "smaller eclectic shops" need to get over yourselves.

Posted by: guest at October 23, 2007 1:53 PM

I smell Brooklyn's first Apple Store.

Posted by: guest at October 23, 2007 1:54 PM

No way a big chain would go there with the absolute lack of parking, and departmental parking on all sides.
Surrounded by the courts, the law enforcement parking is already all wily nilly all over the place there.

Posted by: guest at October 23, 2007 1:59 PM

there's no metal detector in that bldg now. why would there be if there was retail?

there is a post office there?

and, as long as I'm being a grump, I'm sick of "artisans". I don't need fine art shopping or govt-subsidized work space. I'd much prefer a restoration hardware, a citarella, and a BLT Brooklyn!

Posted by: guest at October 23, 2007 2:00 PM

um, there's no parking at any of the chains in manhattan like bed bath and beyond, apple, crate and barrel or restoration hardware in manhattan...

Posted by: guest at October 23, 2007 2:01 PM

I can not think of a store I'd rather have more than a Restoration Hardware or Apple!!!

Is anybody listening??

Posted by: guest at October 23, 2007 2:09 PM

the no parking issue is ridic.

and there is plenty of light and exposure -- all across court st side and also on flatbush-facing side.

Posted by: guest at October 23, 2007 2:24 PM

The parking issue is ridiculous. There is enormous foot traffic there every day and all sorts of subway and bus connections. I hope the don't go downmarket and put in a K-Mart, although I guess I would go there if they did. An Apple store would be useless for me. It needs to be a store people go to at lunch, Bed bath & Beyond would be perfect or Pottery Barn. But I'm not sure the demographics there will support it. Most civil servants don't make a lot of money and the Heights crowd has lots of money but they never spend it in the neighborhood.

Posted by: guest at October 23, 2007 2:42 PM

the 14000 new residents of downtown brooklyn will need somewhere to shop...

Posted by: guest at October 23, 2007 2:50 PM

Citarella would do extremeley well.

Posted by: guest at October 23, 2007 3:03 PM

Joe Chan & Co -- are you reading this?

Posted by: guest at October 23, 2007 3:05 PM

something like this:

One of my favorite malls in Buenos Aires, home-design connoisseurs should head here immediately. This small, elegant mall, located behind the Recoleta Cemetery, houses several home-design stores offering high-quality, high-design items, almost all of which are produced in Argentina. The best of all is Tienda Puro Diseño Argentino, a store where over 120 designers work on the various products. Behind a frosted-glass wall, you may be able to see silhouettes of the various designers at work on computers creating the next line of goods available in the store. The idea for the store came from a highly successful exposition of the same name. Ironically, the peso crisis has created good opportunities for local designers to work, as importing goods from overseas has become too expensive. The mall is both indoors and outdoors, with the outdoor section called "La Terrazza," though some people call it "Los Arcos" because of the archways lining this area. It's also a pleasant place to relax and have a coffee after seeing the nearby cemetery. There are often changing sculpture exhibits in the gardens. Hours are Monday through Saturday from 10am to 9pm, Sunday and holidays from noon to 9pm.

Posted by: guest at October 23, 2007 3:21 PM

Isn't Buenos Aires the place where second and third generation citizens are seeking to emmigrate back to Europe because Argentina is such a complete and utter disaster?
Don't we have enough problems in Brooklyn Without introducing pretentious arty-farty
Latin fantasies?

Posted by: guest at October 23, 2007 3:29 PM

The Recoleta cemetery is an amazing place.

Posted by: guest at October 23, 2007 3:31 PM

No, actually Buenos Aires HAD a major disaster in their economy in 2001 and is making a major comeback. Mostly due to tourism. I found it to be a much more vibrant city than New York, actually.

Should check it out sometime.

Posted by: guest at October 23, 2007 3:40 PM

A cafe would be great at that location though.

Posted by: guest at October 23, 2007 3:44 PM

sephora?

Posted by: guest at October 23, 2007 4:49 PM

A Chilean friend tells me that Argentines combine the warmth of the Germans with the efficiency of the Latins.
The Chileans are cool.
The Argentines are pretentious.

Posted by: guest at October 23, 2007 7:47 PM

It would be end up being like Court St. The would still be catering to the City and Courts workers. Go there at lunchtime.

Posted by: guest at October 23, 2007 8:51 PM

I think it is an interesting idea. Maybe then on weekends that area wouldnt be like a ghost town with the exception of Montague.I say put a Kohls there or something.

Posted by: guest at October 23, 2007 9:48 PM

What about a Wholefoods market there, it could help people that works in the area also, they could buy lunch at the Wholefoods.

Posted by: guest at October 24, 2007 8:11 AM

I don't care what goes here, as long as they give the building a thorough powerwashing.

Posted by: guest at October 24, 2007 9:15 AM

WHOLEFOODS. Yes. Or Dean & Deluca.

Posted by: guest at October 24, 2007 9:58 AM

"A Chilean friend tells me that Argentines combine the warmth of the Germans with the efficiency of the Latins."

Oh yeah? My Argentine friend tells me Chileans are untrustworthy and insular. The "warmth" of Germans?? You MUST be kidding!

Posted by: guest at October 24, 2007 1:50 PM

The first two floors of the municipal building are a dump. There are some original details (i.e. marble floors and walls) but pmostly is like all neglected city office buildings. The only good part is the high ceilings.

How you turn this into a mall is beyond me.
There is not enough nearby residential to support any food or big box retailer.

But why so many of you are drooling over an Apple store is even more confusing. Why? What is so special about an iPhone on display? You look at the thing for two minutes, then that's it. Geez, its not that special.

Posted by: guest at October 25, 2007 12:01 AM

We don't need small stores, there are a lot of them around, we need a Wholefoods supermarket, it depends what you buy the prices are good and working people can get healthy lunch there (low fat). Wholefoods supermarket will help a lot in this area, I am paying over Manhattan prices for bad food.

Posted by: guest at October 28, 2007 5:53 PM

I think that a wholefoods, crate and barrel, or william sonoma would be great for the area. I agree with the lack of grocery stores and already have a abundant array of eclectic shops.we need something of consistant quality that is going to add to the neighborhood and draw more positive business/customets to the area.

Posted by: guest at October 30, 2007 12:02 PM

Some ideas:

Grocery store - the trader joes will be packed the minute it opens, we can certainly use two.

Excellent children's book store - like Books of Wonder in Manhattan

Buy Buy Baby or Babies R Us

Posted by: guest at November 8, 2007 3:35 PM

12:01 there are 15,000 units coming to the immediate area. more than enough to support anything.

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 12:45 PM