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April 16, 2008
On Prospect Park: Ready For its Close-Up
Yesterday we had the distinct pleasure of touring On Prospect Park, the Richard Meier-designed condo next to Grand Army Plaza. The building's on-site sales office opened last week, and it consists of a model four-bedroom unit on the second floor. Details in the unit are legion: The kitchen, for example, has integrated appliances like a microwave "garage" and a Sub-Zero fridge, both of which completely blend into the white cabinetry; high-end finishes abound, with Zuma soaking tubs in the bathrooms, Gaggenau gas cooktops with integrated electric ovens in the kitchens, and walk-in showers in the master baths with Dornbracht rain heads. Unsurprisingly, though, the real star of the show at OPP are the views from the floor-to-ceiling glass walls. The view from the most expensive unit, a 16th-floor duplex penthouse that costs $6 million, includes Prospect Park on one end and both the Downtown Brooklyn and Lower Manhattan skylines on the other. The building is now around 40 percent sold—its sales director, Cheryl Nielsen-Saaf of Corcoran Sunshine, said two more units went into contract on Monday—and move-ins should happen by September.
On Prospect Park [Official Site]
Brooklyn Can Finally Get Down With OPP [Brownstoner]
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Comments
I'm loving this space. I'm drooling with envy.
Unfortunately, its a bit rich for me.
Posted by: guest at April 16, 2008 10:36 AM
Heavens, don't spill anything!
Posted by: guest at April 16, 2008 10:41 AM
My god it looks like some sort of biomedical "clean" room. Do real human beings actually live in bleach-white spaces like this? I honestly don't understand whats so appealing about this building, or what is so amazing about its "high design."
Great location, amazing views, perfect starter home for the Jetsons.
Posted by: clintonhillbuyer at April 16, 2008 10:46 AM
a wee bit stark for my taste. more of a sculpture than a residence.
Posted by: guest at April 16, 2008 10:50 AM
i find nothing exceptional about these pics except maybe the views.
Posted by: guest at April 16, 2008 10:53 AM
I first viwed the website - saw the "artistic renderings" and thought oh my God, what great interiors! Then I saw the actual pictures Stoner posted and was really disappointed. Fantastic views, but does anyone else resent that they built this glass box on Grand Army Plaza? I think it sticks out like a sore thumb and even ruins the views when you're walking in Prospect Park.
Posted by: Brooklynnative at April 16, 2008 10:54 AM
Mr. B,
Do you have any thoughts on the ceiling heights? That was a complaint of a lot of people and the developer's answer was that the floor to ceiling windows would make the ceilings seem higher.
Posted by: guest at April 16, 2008 10:57 AM
such a pretty fantasy!
Posted by: i disagree at April 16, 2008 10:58 AM
I think it's gorgeous! From inside and outside the park.
I love the interiors and anyone who values high modern design will as well.
You all are brownstone lovers and don't know a darn thing about modern buildings. That is evidenced each and every day with your comments.
If you don't think these interiors are stunning in their simplicity, elegance and clean lines, then you simply don't know anything about modern design.
The model will surely help sell some units.
Posted by: guest at April 16, 2008 10:59 AM
I actually like the stark contrast of modern meets classic in Grand Army from an exterior perspective. Time marches on and all.
But these interiors are really disappointing. Of course I didn't expect a warm comfy style and I can appreciate the concept of a stark interior but this is over the top. Who can live in a home that 100% stark white? Unless these spaces are being used entirely as photo studios - its just impractical no matter how much money you have.
Im sure many of the residents won't decorate like the model but for the units that don't have the amazing views - the boxy interiors could be very depressing.
Posted by: Mrs. Limestone at April 16, 2008 11:00 AM
I am surprised more people have not commented on how the views from inside the park have been significantly ruined by this building. It is used to be while walking in the park all you could see were trees and sky and now its trees and skies and this building. why was this allowed? and Mr B. not one critique of the building? how many advertising $$$ have you made off of it? sorry to come off as bitter but I dont understand why everybody's park experience had to be altered for some pretentious building that will be be an embarasmment once this decade has passed. Yassky, Diblassio, James and CB6 why did you let this happen?
Posted by: guest at April 16, 2008 11:05 AM
11:05: first off, you can see 9 PPW and 35 PPW from inside the park - even 135 EP from points. Why is OPP offensive, and they are not? 80 years ago, when they were built, the trees were signifcantly shorter too...
Second: this is CB8, not CB6.
Third, this is built as of right. NO variances were given, no public approval per se.
Posted by: guest at April 16, 2008 11:15 AM
How many advertising dollars have we made off it? Zero. We didn't go on the tour--Gabby did--so we can't comment first hand, but we really like the design architecturally and think it is an example of how modern architecture can be judiciously integrated within historic areas. If you don't welcome this building with open arms to the borough, then you are someone who believes that time should stand still. We are pretty hard-leaning preservationists but we also get excited by good modern architecture. God knows we have enough bad modern architecture in Brooklyn.
Posted by: brownstoner at April 16, 2008 11:18 AM
11:05
No one seems to be complaining about Central Park.
Central city parks have been surrounded by tall buildings for almost a century. It makes sense that high density would surround such a park, such that more people can easily make use of it.
Posted by: Polemicist at April 16, 2008 11:18 AM
I wouldn't live in this building or in Prospect Heights / Park Slope if you paid me. I'll stick to a real Brooklyn neighborhood, Carroll Gardens!!!!!!
Posted by: guest at April 16, 2008 11:23 AM
I wouldn't live in this building or in Prospect Heights / Park Slope if you paid me. I'll stick to a real Brooklyn neighborhood, Carroll Gardens!!!!!!
Posted by: guest at April 16, 2008 11:25 AM
Richard Meier has made some beautiful buildings in his lifetime. This building is an ok example of his work. It is not fantastic nor is it a disaster--mildly pleasing. The people who claim if you don't like the building then you don't have any taste are silly and have a superficial understanding of the splendor of the modernist aesthetic.
Posted by: guest at April 16, 2008 11:26 AM
Stoner, "Judiciously integrated" are you kidding me? It's a glass box surrounded by traditional stone buildings and the most beautiful public monument in New York City, perhaps the country. I guarantee you this building will start showing it's age in just a few years time.
I don't think that time should stand still -I think the three new buildings on Sterling are fine because they blend in with their environment. OPP does not do that, it has absolutely no details that pay homage or respect the architectural enviornment around it. How can such a building be "judiciously integrated" with its environment? Think of the most beautiful cities in the world - Paris, Rome, Florence, parts of London, Li Jiang in China - guess what, in those cities time did stand still. This building should never have built on Grand Army Plaza.
Posted by: Brooklynnative at April 16, 2008 11:29 AM
All new buildings suck. Landmark everything. I love vacant lots. Any building erected after 1930 is ugly. Buck Fush. Free Mumia.
Posted by: guest at April 16, 2008 11:30 AM
I don't consider a microwave "garage" an integrated appliance solution. For those prices they couldn't have been a bit more innovative. It's almost like an afterthought.
Posted by: guest at April 16, 2008 11:31 AM
No 11:30, not all all new building s suck but why are we relieved when a new building is not hideous rather than expect something fantatsic? this corner of GAP demands something great, not something pretty decent. the real question is are brooklynites so self-loathing that they we wll accept this as the best we can do?
Posted by: guest at April 16, 2008 11:35 AM
As opposed to your microwave that you have to move onto the toilet seat when you want to make popcorn, 11:31?
Posted by: guest at April 16, 2008 11:35 AM
Good modern architecture?
Suburban office parks have looked like this for at least two decades.
Posted by: guest at April 16, 2008 11:37 AM
You are an idiot, 11:37.
And worse than that, an idiot who is ignorant.
Posted by: guest at April 16, 2008 11:40 AM
"I love the interiors and anyone who values high modern design will as well. You all are brownstone lovers and don't know a darn thing about modern buildings. That is evidenced each and every day with your comments."
Do YOU know about modernism? Look at mid-century modern interiors. They were not cold and stark. They were not interiors in which a row of books on a shelf, or a coffeemaker sitting out on counter would look out of place. Unlike in this interior. This condo was not designed for a magazine shoot. It's a space for people to live in. These kinds of interiors are awesome for restaurants and bars. Because it's a novelty act. And OMG, all white is so utterly out of fashion. So stop pretending to be all that with your design sense!
Posted by: guest at April 16, 2008 11:56 AM
"How many advertising dollars have we made off it? Zero"
Fucking Liar! I'm willing to bet that glassy piece of shit will be right here.----->
"but we really like the design architecturally and think it is an example of how modern architecture can be judiciously integrated within historic areas"
Remember this shit! Your neighbor was priming his door to be painted! You went ballistic and now you are saying this statement?! You are a fucking asshat!
"If you don't welcome this building with open arms to the borough, then you are someone who believes that time should stand still. We are pretty hard-leaning preservationists but we also get excited by good modern architecture. God knows we have enough bad modern architecture in Brooklyn."
As long you don't build it in my neighborhood! Yep Brownie, your creditability is a shining example. NOT
The What
Someday this war is gonna end.....
Posted by: guest at April 16, 2008 12:01 PM
If they were putting something like this up on Fulton Street at the end of our block, we'd be thrilled.
Posted by: brownstoner at April 16, 2008 12:07 PM
"If you don't welcome this building with open arms to the borough, then you are someone who believes time should stand still."
Come on 'Stoner, this is a bit too hyperbolic, even for you. You've been reading too many of the commenters on your site. People have varying opinions about this building. I like it ok, others loathe it, some think it's fine but not spectacular. To each his own; save your judgments (of people's reasonable opinions - not the building).
Posted by: guest at April 16, 2008 12:17 PM
"And OMG, all white is so utterly out of fashion."
Ever heard of PAINT??
I'd prefer not to take design advice from a grown adult (supposedly) who uses the term "OMG"
Are you a 12 year old girl??
Posted by: guest at April 16, 2008 12:20 PM
11:40 - And you are saying suburban office parks have not looked like this for over two decades?
You are an idiot, 11:40.
And worse than that, an idiot who is blind.
Posted by: guest at April 16, 2008 12:21 PM
"If they were putting something like this up on Fulton Street at the end of our block, we'd be thrilled."
We be like who? Asshat! You can't polish a turd Browine!
The What
Someday this war is gonna end.....
Posted by: guest at April 16, 2008 12:30 PM
"If they were putting something like this up on Fulton Street at the end of our block, we'd be thrilled."
Oh BTW!!! Why don't you go some "Blogging" on "our" end Brownie! I don't see you doing nothing for (Lodi NJ LMMFAO) Clinton Hill aka Bed Stuy. What the matter Browine, are you ashamed of "our" neighborhood? Riddle me this Asshat!
The What (Pass me my 4 Iron)
Someday this war is gonna end...
Posted by: guest at April 16, 2008 12:35 PM
underwhelming, low ceilings.
Posted by: guest at April 16, 2008 12:39 PM
This building wouldn't be horrible...if it was in Miami or LA or perhaps even on the Westside Highway. Unfortunately Mr. Maier gave no consideration to the place it would actually be built, and so now we have disaster at the entrance of our park.
Contemporary architecture can be fine, but this building is not an example of fine contemporary architecture. it's okay contemporary architecture at best.
And what's with the ugly green glass. Replace the crappy greenish windows and the place would look 75% better.
Posted by: Robot at April 16, 2008 12:42 PM
That microwave garage looks cheap. Talk about hearing your knees crack as one reaches down. As for the all white-dated, but probably better-broker wise to offer the client a blank canvas. Lets hope they don't determine which draperies/blinds can be used like his leaky conds in the West Village.
Posted by: guest at April 16, 2008 12:44 PM
OK. What am I missing? Why are there any pillars in the living space? If this was a conversion from a warehouse, I could understand. And the second picture shows how the pillar actually blocks a portion of the view from certain angles.
I really don't see this as a model of great modern design. Seems dark and small with an "open floor plan" that has those stupid, useless pillars.
Posted by: guest at April 16, 2008 12:47 PM
His "leaky" condos in the West Village sell for about $3,000 psf.
This building is a great thing for Brooklyn.
If any of you had lived here 10 years ago, NO ONE like Meier would have even set foot in Brooklyn, much less built something here.
You people are insane! This place is gorgeous.
I was told by an insider that Beyonce bought two apts in the building, btw. New home once the nets come to Bklyn, perhaps?
Posted by: guest at April 16, 2008 12:50 PM
I suspect some of these commenters are Bruce Ratner (12:49).
Plus since when does Beyonce define what is good and what is crap. She's just an entertainer, not a scholar in architecture.
Posted by: Robot at April 16, 2008 12:54 PM
Don't believe I said Beyonce determined anything.
Simply said she bought in the building.
From what I gather, not a soul on this blog is a scholar in architecture.
Certainly not you, 12:54. Just because you don't like the building and I do does not make you right. I have just as much of a valid opinion as anyone else here.
Don't be such an ahole.
Posted by: guest at April 16, 2008 12:56 PM
Who the fuck cares about the microwave. So you buy a multimillion dollar Richard Meier apartment and you make microwave food? You then are the lamest person in the world.
Posted by: guest at April 16, 2008 12:58 PM
12:56 sure you're entitled to your opinion, but you call everyone who doesn't like it 'insane'. I was just responding to that Crazy comment. lighten up.
Posted by: Robot at April 16, 2008 1:02 PM
The microwave is useful for re-heating stale, leftover ideas, like this design.
Posted by: guest at April 16, 2008 1:03 PM
My real name is Bruce Ratner.
Posted by: Polemicist at April 16, 2008 1:12 PM
If I am going to buy a $1 million dollar apartment, the walls should have some paint on them (other than white) and my microwave should be better placed and higher end. In fact, this whole place should be better designed and staged for $1 million.
Btw, asshat @ 12:50, Brooklyn was just fine 10 years ago. I should know, I have lived here for much longer than that.
And the reference to "an insider" reeks of MySpace tween self-importance. Grow up you broker in disguise.
Posted by: guest at April 16, 2008 1:13 PM
"Who the fuck cares about the microwave. So you buy a multimillion dollar Richard Meier apartment and you make microwave food? You then are the lamest person in the world."
Your comment makes no sense, I'm sure that plenty of million dollar apartments come with a microwave that is used by the buyers, my point was from a design standpoint, isn't high design also about functionality
Posted by: guest at April 16, 2008 1:15 PM
Yea if I am going to buy a million dollar Richard Meier building, I want a microwave that is better placed and bigger so I can make FUCKING Popcorn. Stupid. If you do not understand why this microwave is placed there then you do not understand the point of this building and you should probably stick to condos like NOVO and Crest on 4th.
Posted by: guest at April 16, 2008 1:18 PM
Pardon my asking, but why would Beyonce buy in Brooklyn?
Posted by: guest at April 16, 2008 1:19 PM
$ 1 million, ok dr evil, a million buys you a studio in this buidling.
Posted by: guest at April 16, 2008 1:21 PM
Popcorn maker kinda cranky? Or are you a broker with only 40% sold after a year on the market?
Posted by: guest at April 16, 2008 1:49 PM
Asshat @ 1:18: Enlighten the rest of us potential BUYERS why I should pay $1+ million dollars for a place in the building and then have to either crouch down to use an appliance or move the appliance to another location so I don't have to be bothered with sitting on the floor to nuke something?
And while you are at it, explain the design of pillars that block my view?
You don't get it, fucktard. Design is meaningless if it detracts from functionality.
The Beyonce rumors have been swirling around this building for years. It is crap.
Posted by: guest at April 16, 2008 1:53 PM
1:18 - I have to disagree, you are buying in a place like 1PP (and paying a huge sq ft premium) because of 'design'
The microwave in an of itself isnt such a big deal but it does raise some concerns; There are far better options for the placement (and level) of microwave then some cheepy unit stuck underneath a drawer. One would think that you could expect the highest quality materials in a building like this and that the design of the various rooms would be of the highest visual and functional form.
Maybe the microwave was just a 'miss' but if I was a potential buyer, I'd be looking a lot closer at stuff if I saw that.
Posted by: guest at April 16, 2008 1:58 PM
I agree with Stoner on this one. I think it is a very thoughtful design that adds rather than subtracts from Grand Army Plaza. I like it very from across the circle as well as on the PH side. The interiors would take some time to get use to. Maybe 3 hours. It is a great addition to the Boro.
Posted by: sam at April 16, 2008 2:06 PM
Ha Look closely people, you have to bend down to use the oven too. Get over it, you can't afford to live here anyway, Cheap ass.
Posted by: guest at April 16, 2008 4:23 PM
these are the kind of buildings that destroy the character of a neighborhood.
Posted by: guest at April 16, 2008 4:24 PM
Hey 1;53 Blogging and using the word fucktard, wow you are so cool.
Posted by: guest at April 16, 2008 4:26 PM
re 4:24...
just like the new entrance to the Brooklyn Museum destroyed the character of the neighborhood...
just like the new canopy over the entrance to BAM destroyed the character of the neighborhood...
just like the Richard Meier buildings destroyed the character of the West Village...
just like the Guggenheim destroyed the Upper East Side...
just like the Empire State Building destroyed Manhattan...
Posted by: guest at April 16, 2008 4:33 PM
11:05 am does have a point. I actually like the building a lot, and I am one of those people who tends to like old stuff much better than the new, building-wise. But, if you're in the long meadow (esp. south of 9th st.) of Prospect Park looking up, OPP is the only building you can see; beforehand you had a temporal illusion of the park being much vaster than it actually is.
So, I like the building, but I just wish the 6mil. penthouse was two stories lower.
Posted by: petunia at April 16, 2008 4:36 PM
"just like the new entrance to the Brooklyn Museum destroyed the character of the neighborhood..."
No, but it did destroy the character of the museum.
Posted by: guest at April 16, 2008 5:09 PM
"No, but it did destroy the character of the museum"
Murakami didn't think so.
Probably the most highly successful exhibit this year at ANY museum in NYC.
The crowds have been above all expectations.
Sounds really horrible.
I happen to love the new addition to the Brooklyn Museum.
You are a complainer.
Posted by: guest at April 16, 2008 5:22 PM
i'm no insider...but maybe beyonce would buy in brooklyn because jay-z is a part owner of the nets? or maybe it's not so much about brooklyn but that it's a fancy new "starchitect" building near a gorgeous park? or maybe just to have someplace different to roll around in her piles of cash?
Posted by: i disagree at April 16, 2008 5:48 PM
4:26: I guess you have no real point to make about my comments @1:53 so you make a lame attempt at insulting me. So cool.
You are a fucktard and an asshat. Now bend over and start nuking your popcorn.
Posted by: guest at April 16, 2008 5:58 PM
I guess you haven't figured out how to post only once.
What does that say about you?
Posted by: guest at April 16, 2008 6:26 PM
nice deflection, 6:26. If this is all you have to add to the conversation you have nothing important to say so one of your posts is one too many
Posted by: guest at April 16, 2008 8:44 PM
I don't love the building. But i think that it is vastly preferable and superior to the asphalt parking lot it once was. And let's not forget that it sits on a circle of apartment buildings. The parking lot was an abcess in that circle -- this building completes it. From an urban design stand point, it works to have a larger building there.
Posted by: guest at April 16, 2008 9:04 PM
sad part is that gym next door...their pool no longer has that spectacular manhattan view. weird, just sold our 1-bed co-op for $340k right down the street (e-pkwy b/t underhill and wash). wonder if the new meier bldg would have bumped the value a good few months down the road. eh, no matter, we more than doubled what we stared with when we bought 4 years ago. PH rules! love the 'hood.
Posted by: guest at April 17, 2008 12:47 AM
This will be on fire sale next year. Condos are collapsing. What's up with the Stop Work Order?
Design? Meier did a 10 minute sketch and his draftsmen put together some details from their library.
Posted by: guest at April 17, 2008 6:32 AM
Oh wow Beyonce considers Brooklyn. Most minorities do because they cant afford Manhattan. Who cares.
Posted by: guest at April 17, 2008 7:52 AM
Wow it looks monumentally dull, with a crappy view and lots of dangerous corners on the fixtures.
Posted by: guest at April 17, 2008 8:39 AM
Dear god & baby jesus, I agree with the What! (@12:01) Erg, I feel dirty.
But Bstoner, it's one thing to like this building, it is another to do so with such an uncharacteristically superior attitude:
"Yesterday we had the DISTINCT PLEASURE of touring On Prospect Park..."
"If you don't welcome this building with open arms to the borough, then you are someone who believes that time should stand still."
Yup, you sound like a real asshat.
Posted by: guest at April 17, 2008 11:35 AM
So much hate on here! I live next to this thing, and I can't say I love the architecture or would pay crazy money I don't have for this, but I've seen much worse. And, I kind of like the color. But Bstoner is right that time marches on, and nobody was ever going to build a beautiful, old-style building to fill that gaping hole (even though that's what I would prefer). How many people hated the Pyramide when they put it next to the Louvre?
Posted by: guest at April 23, 2008 7:03 PM
So much hate on here! I live next to this thing, and I can't say I love the architecture or would pay crazy money I don't have for this, but I've seen much worse. And, I kind of like the color. But Bstoner is right that time marches on, and nobody was ever going to build a beautiful, old-style building to fill that gaping hole (even though that's what I would prefer). How many people hated the Pyramide when they put it next to the Louvre?
Posted by: guest at April 23, 2008 7:23 PM
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