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February 14, 2008

The House that Harvey Built

214-n8th-02-2008.jpg
The Times has a fun profile of one of the “elder statesmen” of North Brooklyn, William Harvey, who transformed an old mechanic’s garage on North 8th into what he calls a “Scando-Monican Brutalist artist studio and apartment.” Harvey, a sculptor and housewares designer, bought the garage in ’98 and built the rooftop addition/current living space (shown here under construction in 2005) over the next several years; the home is filled with things like a homemade black walnut kitchen island, and furniture and fixtures purchased at warehouse sales, flea markets, thrift shops and IKEA. Harvey and his wife were “early adopters” of Long Island City and Greenpoint in the ’80s before they moved into their Williamsburg house, which has been featured in a movie and television show. Harvey believes Williamsburg is still defined, in part, by a do-it-yourself attitude. “The thing about this neighborhood,” he says, “is that it was founded on D.I.Y. I think those values will dissipate, but right now it’s still going strong.”
Scavenger King of Williamsburg [NY Times]
Photo from Property Shark circa 2005.




Posted by Gabby at 10:00 AM | Comments (14)
Categories: Renovation, Williamsburg

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Comments

Slow day

Posted by: guest at February 14, 2008 10:25 AM

I thought it was a really cool story, and one that I probably wouldn't have stumbled across without seeing this post.

Posted by: johnife at February 14, 2008 10:44 AM

this guy has way better luck at flea markets and yard sales than i ever did.

Posted by: Jimmy Legs at February 14, 2008 11:42 AM

big pet-peeve of mine:

"Above the Bedford Street entrance to the Manhattan-bound L train"

It's AVENUE, not STREET. And this isn't just for Bedford Avenue, it's such a careless mistake in general. grumble.

Posted by: guest at February 14, 2008 11:47 AM

Pet Peeve:

Hideous building.

DIY doesnt mean Do It Yucky

Posted by: guest at February 14, 2008 11:52 AM

We'll be keeping an eye out for this guy at Brooklyn Flea ;)

Posted by: brownstoner at February 14, 2008 12:02 PM

Hell, yeah! Let's argue about taste!

Posted by: guest at February 14, 2008 12:22 PM

Love it

Posted by: guest at February 14, 2008 12:25 PM

please don't take this hideous (and extremely OLD) Property Shark picture as the reality of the Harvey's house. it's gorgeous!! really cool use of exterior materials, and a wonderful addition to the neighborhood.

Posted by: guest at February 14, 2008 12:32 PM

Wow, this is a cool story. Nice find!

Posted by: Zach at February 14, 2008 12:53 PM

11:52 - Curious as to whether your opinion is based on the photo above or on seeing the building. I've been a fan of this building for years (like 12:32), and always wondered the history behind it was. This is a building that is better in person than in a photo, particularly when that photo was taken with a sidewalk bridge in place. If you haven't seen it, take a look.

11:47 - the whole sentence doesn't make sense. "The MANHATTAN-bound L train"? Is there a different entrance if you want to go to Canarsie?

Posted by: WBer at February 14, 2008 1:07 PM

no, it's not a hideous building - have you seen it? i live around the corner. it's fantastic.

Posted by: guest at February 14, 2008 1:11 PM

11:52 is obviously one of the folks who's too bone idle or clueless to bother to click through to the actual story (and the pics of the finished product). But, (and this is by no means unique on this site), his (or her) limited reading ability, comprehension skills, and fact-gleaning proficiency are no barrier to him (or her) posting an opinion based on ignorance.

Posted by: johnife at February 14, 2008 1:48 PM

What a great story! I love reading about creative people like William Harvey. They look at everyday objects, rundown buildings and life's setbacks as opportunities to make the most out of what they have. In the end, they usually end up with a fabulous world of their own that is the envy of most. Along the way, they forge friendships with people who never forget their kindness, and who repay them tenfold. What a change from the usual tales of money grubbing greed and envy.

I would have missed this one too, Thanks, Mr. B.

Posted by: Montrose Morris at February 14, 2008 2:52 PM

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