Changing of the Guard at The Vermeil

I think they've done a nice job with this building. It seems solid. The prices always seemed a bit high to me, and it's too bad they didn't get more sold before the slowdown. They seem like nice, large family-sized apartments with terrific train access (2/3 and Q) within a couple blocks. I think they also have in house parking, but don't quote me on that.

The copper on the side of the building looks really nice (can't see it from this picture).

They need to clean up the front, add some trees in containers or something and a nice, big light fixture. It's not helping sales that the front area still looks like a construction site, even though the majority of the work has been completed for a few months now.

Some curb appeal would go a long way, I think.

Posted by: 11217 at July 18, 2008 10:16 AM

When you first click on the website, those pictures are of the Vermeil, but in the actual photo gallery, there are no photos of the building itself. I think that website was around before the building was completed, thus the lack of photos.

That is a shot of the building across the street in the gallery...so that would be someone's view.

Flatbush seems to have gotten a lot nicer along that stretch in the past year or two. Franny's is right there practically around the corner, as is American Apparel in the opposite direction, there's a new (nice looking) restaurant going in now literally across from 7th Avenue on the PH side of Flatbush which looks nice, there's a new women's clothing store on that block of Flatbush as well...there really seems to be an effort to upscale Flatbush in this area and I'm seeing pretty big changes in a short amount of time. I think I remember reading that the Pintchik Hardware guys own a lot of these buildings along Flatbush and are in the process of turning them more upscale.

It's not the most serene location, no, but it feels urban while being very close to Grand Army Plaza and Prospect Park. Perhaps those willing to pay these prices (Manhattanites) will appreciate the slightly more diverse nature and hustle and bustle that this part of Park Slope provides. I'm also guessing that when they show up with Corcoran, there will be a price chop in order.

Posted by: 11217 at July 18, 2008 10:43 AM

I think they were overpriced from the start. They started over 2 million. I'm sure that's the primary reason why they didn't/aren't selling.

Santa - You're kidding, right? The building across from here is known by many to be atrocious. Are you referring to the one with the faux cuppola on top (looks so bad!), the brick which has all that white stuff leaking out and the dead plants in the front??

I've never heard anyone say they like the look of that place. I think it's one of the only eyesores in the North Slope, in fact.

Posted by: 11217 at July 18, 2008 11:12 AM

It might be interesting to note that in Argentina...especially in Buenos Aires...that after the almost complete collapse of their economy in 2001 and the devaluation of their currency, retail has THRIVED ever since.

People there no longer have as much faith in the banking system keeping their money safe, and they seem to spend and live life as if every day is their last.

I am always amazed how one can walk down a beautiful boulevard in Buenos Aires, see 100 womens shoe stores in a mile, all packed with gorgeous ladies buying shoes like it's their job.

The discos and bars are packed, the restaurants are filled and everyone seems to be having a great time, despite their financial situation there.

Perhaps a little of that might rub off on us during this rough time. I personally hope so...

Sorry, I know that had nothing to do with the Vermeil.

Posted by: 11217 at July 18, 2008 11:17 AM

Thanks Slopestoner. I thought so.

I think the area with the copper covering it on the Sterling side is where you enter the garage. I can kinda picture it now...

I'm also curious if anyone has any information on the former Brothel turning condo on Lincoln Place right behind the Brooklyn Conservatory...

I walked by and they look to be moving fast now and doing an incredible job on the renovation. Nice windows, new copper front entrance, they seemed to be already plastering and painting the interiors from what I can tell. Also looks like there might be a nice garden to the side where it separates from the Bk Conservatory.

Perhaps you can do a little investigating for us Brownstoner on when they might start selling those?

I've had my eye on that place...

Posted by: 11217 at July 18, 2008 11:27 AM

"When we walked past there about two months ago, several bricks had fallen out of the facade. The problem has been fixed, but that, to me, does not bode well for the overall quality of the construction."

Those bricks had not fallen out of the facade. A few were left out like that to put in an outdoor light fixture. It is now installed, although something larger would have been more appropriate for the scale of the building.

Posted by: 11217 at July 18, 2008 11:33 AM

*Vermeil, sometimes called silver gilt, is a combination of sterling silver, gold, and other precious metals.

I think given that the building sits on Sterling Place, the name is quite appropriate. And a helluva lot better than most building names I've seen.

BTW, those green stripes would come off in a power washing, so while I agree it might not have been the best design choice, it's also not the end of the world.

This also is the site of the horrible 1960 plane crash, so I like to respect this corner for the history it provides.

Posted by: 11217 at July 18, 2008 11:47 AM

"The buzz is that he wants to tear down those buildings and put in a big-box."

This might be true, and while a big box, the son told me he wants a Restoration Hardware or something of that sort where the Blockbuster is. I don't think too many in this area would complain about THAT big box.

Yes, Florence...I do know a lot about the building I suppose. I'm observant, I walk by it a couple times a day and I sometimes talk to construction workers when new buildings/stores are opening up.

If you're trying to link me with this property in any fashion other than an interested neighborhood resident, you are barking up the wrong tree.

Posted by: 11217 at July 18, 2008 11:54 AM

I didn't say that a luxury apartment was the BEST way to memorialize anything, Wonton. But seeing that you didn't buy the property and erect your own multi-million dollar tree and waterfall studded memorial to the deceased, how about we try to live with it and make the most of it, eh?

I don't plan to be criticized for being a glass half full person, when it seems many people on this blog actually ENJOY finding things to complain about.

Posted by: 11217 at July 18, 2008 12:00 PM

I'd probably say that September 11th was the worst air disaster in U.S. history, but what do I know.

Posted by: 11217 at July 18, 2008 12:00 PM

http://www.planecrashinfo.com/worst100.htm

Looks like it is the 6th worst U.S. air disaster and the 83rd worst air disaster worldwide...

And the plane didn't actually land here at Sterling and 7th, but it crashed nearby and some of the wreckage spilled onto this corner.

Posted by: 11217 at July 18, 2008 12:07 PM

We just found and linked the same thing, Wonton.

http://www.usemenow.com/web-log/archives/2005/10/park_slope_plan.html

Just found this, which is a great picture of this corner...

Posted by: 11217 at July 18, 2008 12:10 PM

"I would never buy the Vermeil. Too many ghosts on that corner."

You might want to move to the moon then, Wonton.

Between the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, the slautering of the American Indians and years of 2000 plus murders a year, there are probably very few places in this city (or anywhere for that matter) where something horrible hasn't happened in years past.

You are commenting on the intelligence of people who would buy the Vermeil based on the name, and I could say the same about people who live their lives based on silly superstitions.

Posted by: 11217 at July 18, 2008 12:15 PM

Florence, it was my understanding that originally they were planning to install a large sconce-like light fixture where that hole was and in the end cheaped out, put in the way too small light they have now and patched the hole. This building, as you probably know took FOREVER to build, so I'm sure there have been issues along the way.

It made sense to me.

I'm not saying this is the creme de la creme, but I do think it's nice and better than most new construction I've seen. It fits with the surroundings, has a cornice, has a few nice details and has large apartments. People spend far more and get far less in this city, that's all I'm saying.

Posted by: 11217 at July 18, 2008 12:20 PM

I would never live in the Vermeil, Wonton. I'm a prewar brownstone guy all the way.

But I do have the capacity to look at other things and comment on them.

You should try it sometime.

Posted by: 11217 at July 18, 2008 12:38 PM

Welcome to the neighborhood Slopestoner. Hope you're enjoying it thus far. Tried Olive Vine, Chiles and Chocolate and La Taq yet? All right down the block from you on 7th...

The lentil soup at Olive Vine is the best I've had! Great hummus too.

Not sure what your log in name is referring to, but if you ever need a smokin' buddy, let me know...

;-)

Posted by: 11217 at July 18, 2008 12:46 PM

I'd probably prefer the Meier building also if I was into new construction, but I believe the 3 bedrooms there are about 500K - 1 million more than these, so that's not really a good comparison.

A brownstone on one of these North Slope blocks will run around 3 million, so also not the best comparison.

These are not for people who want to own an old house. I don't think the buyers are the same. Some people want to live in Park Slope, but have no interest in maintaining a 100 year old house.

That said, I think if they priced these around 1.4 or so, they'd get a few more bites.

Posted by: 11217 at July 18, 2008 6:10 PM