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November 12, 2008

A Mediterranean Makover

We spotted this building on West 9th Street, near Smith, the other day. Before its makeover, it was just a humble but proud Italianate townhouse like its brothers and sisters on the block. Now, well, we can spot several influences: some Spanish tile for the roof; a stucco-looking facade reminiscent of Greece; coral-colored Doric-ish columns, and those mini-balustrades. Looks from this DOB file that they added height and depth to the building back in 2007, and decided to make it stand out from its neighbors as well. Your reviews? GMAP
Photo from Property Shark.

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Comments

PUKE.

Posted by: bowl of dicks at November 12, 2008 10:32 AM

"we can spot several influences: some Spanish tile for the roof; a stucco-looking facade reminiscent of Greece; coral-colored Doric-ish columns, and those mini-balustrades."

I think the influence of alcohol may have also been involved in this.

Posted by: Biff Champion at November 12, 2008 10:32 AM

I'm Mediterranean....and this makeover is insulting in every way possible.

Posted by: bayridgegirl at November 12, 2008 10:32 AM

I think I'm actually speechless for once. I need to get another cup of coffee and breathe into a paper bag before I gather my thoughts.

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at November 12, 2008 10:33 AM

Holy shit!

Im not a big fan of landmarking but this is the epitome of a case for it.

Posted by: Mrs. Limestone at November 12, 2008 10:33 AM

I expect to see at any time Evita Peron appearing at the top balustrade pleading "Don't cry for me Argentina"

Posted by: williamsburgguy at November 12, 2008 10:34 AM

Two words: Unlimited breadsticks.

Posted by: SnarkSlope at November 12, 2008 10:34 AM

wow. i did not expect to see the responses above. the first thing i thought was "cute."

Posted by: PitbullNYC at November 12, 2008 10:35 AM

Είμαι αηδιάζων

(I'm Disgusted)

Posted by: TownhouseLady at November 12, 2008 10:35 AM

SnarkSlope, I was thinking more along the lines of unlimited pita and tzatziki.

Posted by: Biff Champion at November 12, 2008 10:36 AM

My eyes! My eyes!

Posted by: Brooklyn Chicken at November 12, 2008 10:36 AM

Funky. I think I like it. That it pisses off some brownstoner posters closes the deal.

Posted by: East New York at November 12, 2008 10:38 AM

I envision a psychic sitting in that 1st floor window.

Posted by: bayridgegirl at November 12, 2008 10:38 AM

Not since the theater of Dionysus has the world witnessed Greek tragedy on this scale.

Posted by: Biff Champion at November 12, 2008 10:39 AM

Ohhh...the poor neighbors! I want to send them a condolences card or something. Maybe we could all sign it?

Posted by: TownhouseLady at November 12, 2008 10:40 AM

I resurrect my listing in Merida, Mexico where there ia apparently much better taste than in BoCoCa!!!!

http://www.mayanliving.com/Listings/001727.html?listing_page=Merida&lang=eng

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at November 12, 2008 10:40 AM

brg! YES! i can totally see myself smoking my newports and giving tarot readings on those balconies. that IS why i like it :)

-rob

Posted by: PitbullNYC at November 12, 2008 10:40 AM

I say we take up a collection and move it to East New York.

This will get 100 posts before noon.

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at November 12, 2008 10:41 AM

Wow...

Posted by: cobblehiller at November 12, 2008 10:43 AM

The nice thing about this house design is how pretty it is.

Posted by: werner at November 12, 2008 10:45 AM

According to Zillow.
This house is zestimated at 1,175,000

I think it's worth one kebab.

Posted by: bayridgegirl at November 12, 2008 10:45 AM

I almost like this. It's a little bit overkill, especially in terms of the color choices and the weird, thick pillars on the balconies. But I don't inherently hate the idea of bringing a little uniqueness and character to Brooklyn's neighborhoods. It's certainly more fun than yet another god-awful glass-n-steel condo.

And at least they got rid of the fire escape on the front.

Posted by: cwbuecheler at November 12, 2008 10:45 AM

Dave did you see the Martha Stewart show recently were she went to Merida? The entire hour was dedicated to it. It was brilliant. The home she stayed in was beyond stunning. Hey, I'll rent a room from you if you make the move! Below is the link:

http://www.marthastewart.com/show/the-martha-stewart-show/martha-in-mexico?lnc=4ef2dc5bfca40110VgnVCM1000003d370a0aRCRD&rsc=showarchive_tv_show-archive

Posted by: TownhouseLady at November 12, 2008 10:45 AM

it always amazes how people display their knee jerk reactions to something different. haven't seen it up close myself, but from the looks of it, the blue-white colors and thoughtful details seem refreshing for the drab that 9th St is. it won't be on the pritzker's shortlist by any means, but we need more variety in this town besides red and gray.

Posted by: cb6 at November 12, 2008 10:46 AM

You know what, I'd like it too....if it were in Greece!

In it's current location it's a travesty!

Posted by: TownhouseLady at November 12, 2008 10:47 AM

Can the neighbors sue for emotional distress in addition to the reduction of their own house values?

Posted by: 99luftballons at November 12, 2008 10:48 AM

I don't get why they changed the outside? The older phot makes it look pretty nice, save the fire escape - which is at least more practical than the balconies. I mean why spend the money? [puzzled]

Posted by: cobblehiller at November 12, 2008 10:49 AM

"I envision a psychic sitting in that 1st floor window."

I was thinking more of beautiful Nymphs in white gowns and decked out with garlands of flowers floating from room to room and tending to the owner's every whim. But I digress...

Posted by: Biff Champion at November 12, 2008 10:51 AM

If I were a rich man,
Ya ha deedle deedle, bubba bubba deedle deedle dum.
All day long I'd biddy biddy bum.
If I were a wealthy man.
I wouldn't have to work hard.
Ya ha deedle deedle, bubba bubba deedle deedle dum.
If I were a biddy biddy rich,
Yidle-diddle-didle-didle man.

I'd build a big tall house with rooms by the dozen,
Right in the middle of Brooklyn.
A fine tile roof with real wooden floors below.
There would be one ugly balcony on every floor,
And a bunch of ugly columns,
And paint it blue and white, just for show.

I'd fill my yard with chicks and turkeys and geese and ducks
For the town to see and hear.
Squawking just as noisily as they can.
And each loud "cheep" and "swaqwk" and "honk" and "quack"
Would land like a trumpet on the ear,
As if to say "Here lives a wealthy man."

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at November 12, 2008 10:54 AM

'I say we take up a collection and move it to East New York.'

I say we take up a collection and by day's end, print out this thread the width of the house X the height of the house and drape it down from the roof. Stick a cardboard cut out of Papaoulias by the front door.

Posted by: bayridgegirl at November 12, 2008 10:55 AM

i don't think it's so bad. plus this isn't exactly a classic block in any event -- it's basically wedged between the train and freeway, and the existing houses are nothing special.

Posted by: z at November 12, 2008 10:56 AM

There are already grotesque new houses just like this in other parts of Brooklyn, and if that's what they wanted, why didn't they buy one of those? What would possess someone to do this to a classic row-house? It's bad enough that they probably spent a hundred thousand dollars to devalue their own building by 3 hundred thousand, but they took all of their neighbors down with them!

Posted by: brikenny at November 12, 2008 10:56 AM

I've changed my mind. If it brings good spanakopita and saganaki to that area I'm all for it.

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at November 12, 2008 10:57 AM

i stumbled upon this while walking and literally stopped in my tracks with that 'wtf?!' stare, then noticed others stopping to stare in horror as well, some laughing.

believe it or not its worse in person.

Posted by: goldie at November 12, 2008 10:58 AM

"I don't get why they changed the outside?"

I guess they heard OPA-tunity knocking.

Posted by: Biff Champion at November 12, 2008 11:01 AM

man I fancy some grilled octopus from that place in Astoria with no menu

Posted by: dittoburg at November 12, 2008 11:02 AM

If they had left off the balconies and balustrades, it wouldn't be all that offensive. I can live with the color and even the Spanish tile, some commenters are right, a bit of variety makes an interesting streetscape, especially since the building on the left has already been modernized and mucked up with that ground floor bay window.

But the balconies totally kill it. What were they thinking?

Posted by: Montrose Morris at November 12, 2008 11:03 AM

'I was thinking more of beautiful Nymphs in white gowns and decked out with garlands of flowers floating from room to room and tending to the owner's every whim. But I digress...'

Here are your nymphs...they love flowers....digress.

http://www.treknature.com/gallery/South_America/Argentina/photo90237.htm

Posted by: bayridgegirl at November 12, 2008 11:04 AM

Thanks BRG. That was certainly very leggy and had a sumptuous behind, but it wasn't exactly what I had in mind.

Posted by: Biff Champion at November 12, 2008 11:11 AM

There's Greek active, Greek passive and now Greek this. They wouldn't allow this crap in Mykonos or Lesbos.

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at November 12, 2008 11:14 AM

"I guess they heard OPA-tunity knocking."

I think they heard Ouzo-pportunity knocking...

Posted by: cobblehiller at November 12, 2008 11:15 AM

Ok most people hate it (and its not my taste either) BUT the real question is WHY do you hate it - do you hate it b/c it doesnt "fit in" with the neighbors; do you hate it b/c it is just ugly (anywhere); do you hate it b/c of the color, etc.....

Personally I think it is fine - it isnt a historical area and while the design isnt all that great (anywhere) having every building be the "same" is kinda boring - but it might just "not fit in" a bit too much - especially for an otherwise mediocre design

Posted by: fsrg at November 12, 2008 11:22 AM

Seems pretty obvious to me why most people hate it.

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at November 12, 2008 11:25 AM

'Thanks BRG. That was certainly very leggy and had a sumptuous behind, but it wasn't exactly what I had in mind.'

Biff...just trying to help a friend out with his unattainable dreams.
If that's not what you meant, than I don't know what.

It's all Greek to me!!

Posted by: bayridgegirl at November 12, 2008 11:28 AM

fsrq: I looked at the photo of the house as it was before, and it looked fine, save the fire escape. I just didn't see the need to 'improve upon' it.

I like the blue and white theme - always nice in my book, but I have to agree with MM - why the balconies? - what were they thinking. They not useful, they're too small to hang out on, and the scale of them is off to me. And the bay window mucks it up.

Posted by: cobblehiller at November 12, 2008 11:31 AM

Really Dave - why? - tell me - I guess I am dumb

Posted by: fsrg at November 12, 2008 11:32 AM

"I don't get why they changed the outside?"

I guess they heard OPA-tunity knocking.

BWAHHHHHHAHHHAHHAAAA!!

Seriously, this thread is almost as funny as that crazy-tacky house with the basement pool, but Biff, you get QOTD fo' sho!

Posted by: new2hood at November 12, 2008 11:35 AM

I like it, but I'm currently applying random strips of vintage wallpaper to my walls so it's possible I have no taste.

Posted by: Heather at November 12, 2008 11:38 AM

Maybe I'm reading this wrong but Pshark shows that Chase gave a $2,166,686 mortgage on this place back in 1999.
I know the market was strong back then but who in their right mind ever thought this place on that block was EVER worth that much!

Posted by: cggirl at November 12, 2008 11:38 AM

Ahhh, new3hood, thanks! For every 50 or so bad lines, I'm usually good for one slightly humorous one.

"I think they heard Ouzo-pportunity knocking..."
Cobbler, nice!

Posted by: Biff Champion at November 12, 2008 11:44 AM

I expect to see lots of chotchkees (sp?) fill that bay window.

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at November 12, 2008 11:47 AM

that's god awful!!!!!! there should be laws against this kind of stuff.

Posted by: bklynmtl at November 12, 2008 11:48 AM

BRG, when I asked you to be my Wingwoman, I didn't mean for you to send me pictures of bugs!

Posted by: Biff Champion at November 12, 2008 11:51 AM

Hilarious. I love it.

Posted by: KHuebbe at November 12, 2008 11:51 AM

Ohhhhh! I got it....

They did this to match the V.M. Statuary that will no doubt be added to the bay window and/or balconies!!

Posted by: TownhouseLady at November 12, 2008 11:55 AM

THL...I can see a seven foot tall BVM sculpture made of bright colored resin out front like the waffle from yesterday.

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at November 12, 2008 12:01 PM

"One of these things is not like the other. One of these things just isn't the same. Can you guess which thing is not like the other. That's the name of this game."

Posted by: Minmin at November 12, 2008 12:02 PM

I can name specifics. I don't like they painted the roof tiles blue, those should have remained terracotta even with a colorfully painted building. I don't like the blue stripes or the blocks of blue on the balconies. I don't like the blue with the light brown marble. That's a color combo that clashes. I like eclecticism, especially on streets like this where there's no such thing as "context" because there have been so many alterations already and it's mixed use. But this building would have been more interesting if they found a way to marry the features of the old facade with the Mediterranean elements. Like terra cotta tile roofs with the original brick facade, with white marble columns (if they must have columns) and white windows. Or if they had to make the facade stucco, do a less garish paint job. Cream or off white stucco, with the brown marble, with terra cotta tiles.

Posted by: traditionalmod at November 12, 2008 12:03 PM

Can't wait to see how they decorate it for Christmas!

Posted by: GHB at November 12, 2008 12:06 PM

I can see Greece from Red Hook!

Posted by: bayridgegirl at November 12, 2008 12:09 PM

Maybe if a Jewish family buys it they can tastefully decorate it in blue and white.

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at November 12, 2008 12:14 PM

Sarah Palin should be their neighbor. She has executive experience dealing with foreign thingys next door, ya know

Posted by: nk at November 12, 2008 12:16 PM

You see this all over in Corona and E. Elmhurst. Are the roof tiles actually painted terra cotta or are they the fake plastic tiles? I've seen the fake plastic version in Astoria lately too and the material is so thin that it's translucent when view from below at the right angle. Anyone check to see if these are terra cotta or plastic?

Posted by: EnglishKills at November 12, 2008 12:19 PM

When life gives you lemons; like the people on this street, you should make lemonade.

Meet these nice neighbors and cozy up so you can get some nice homemade baklava.

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at November 12, 2008 12:19 PM

ah, brooklyn - land of conformity. how sad.

nothing makes me love new york like hearing

you should, and it's evil cousin, you should not...

god bless those who don't listen to the conforming masses.

Posted by: lalaland at November 12, 2008 12:26 PM

"When life gives you lemons; like the people on this street, you should make lemonade."

I thought you're supposed to squeeze the lemons on top of the saganaki to make the big flame.

Posted by: Biff Champion at November 12, 2008 12:28 PM

i would almost think this wasn't so bad if it weren't for the balconies. without those it could be seen as eccentric but cute. but with them i think it's pretty much beyond redemption.

Posted by: geekspice at November 12, 2008 12:28 PM

lalaland, we're all just having fun. Truth is, we would all live here in a Nafpaktos minute if we could.

Posted by: Biff Champion at November 12, 2008 12:31 PM

Gyro for lunch!

Posted by: bayridgegirl at November 12, 2008 12:32 PM

BRG, did you ever know that you're my gyro?

Posted by: Biff Champion at November 12, 2008 12:36 PM

Biff.....aaaahhhhh.....I'm humbled.
I know it's because I was Quoter of the Day.

Posted by: bayridgegirl at November 12, 2008 12:43 PM

who's a big flame???

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at November 12, 2008 12:47 PM

A Hot Mess.

Posted by: chillmama at November 12, 2008 12:48 PM

Come on, DIBS, this one is too easy!

- Pot calling the kettle black.

Posted by: bayridgegirl at November 12, 2008 12:50 PM

BWHAAHAAAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: jwald at November 12, 2008 12:50 PM

Maybe it wouldn't be so bad without that damned lamp post!

Posted by: GHB at November 12, 2008 12:55 PM

GHB...where are they going to hitch their burro???

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at November 12, 2008 1:02 PM

Forget the outside...I wanna see the inside! I bet there are Greek sculptures in there (or fake ones at least!)

Posted by: nybk01 at November 12, 2008 1:04 PM

I think the influence is more Caribbean than Mediterranian.
The sunny sensuality of say, Tobago, meets the rather dour and puritanical character of 19th Century Brooklyn.
WASP meets Creole and the two are highly suspicious of each other.

Posted by: sam at November 12, 2008 1:06 PM

Awful.

Posted by: 10thStreetReno at November 12, 2008 1:09 PM

Right from the DOB filing... in case any of you need a good architect:

Business Name: FRANKLYN ESTRELLA ARCHITECT
Business Phone: 718-782-4292
Business Address: 239 SOUTH 4th STREET BROOKLYN NY 11211

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at November 12, 2008 1:14 PM

Sam,

I had a Hummus and roasted eggplant sandwich for lunch since I was so inspired. Should I have had a curry lamb roti instead?

Posted by: TownhouseLady at November 12, 2008 1:14 PM

Mediterranean influence? All I see is White Castle.

Posted by: zeebee_in_bklyn at November 12, 2008 1:16 PM

So many food choices...and now fast food.

Posted by: bayridgegirl at November 12, 2008 1:18 PM

good one zeebee!!

Posted by: TownhouseLady at November 12, 2008 1:22 PM

DIBS...I'm going to defend architects here for one sec.

That could be the filing architect. The one that signed and sealed the drawings and filed the job...not necessarily the one that designed it.
It's done all the time. Not all architects are licensed in NYC and use licensed ones to sign their drawings and paperwork.

Okay, back to Mykonos!

Posted by: bayridgegirl at November 12, 2008 1:23 PM

now what do you suppose those 2 construction guys at bottom right are saying?

Posted by: goldie at November 12, 2008 1:23 PM

Biff, stop it, seriously. no more liquid needs to come out of my nose today. You're my gyro...oh, lord, you're on fire today.

Posted by: new2hood at November 12, 2008 1:25 PM

'now what do you suppose those 2 construction guys at bottom right are saying?'

We're so hot, someone is taking our picture, let's give them our best pose.
I'll put my tripod in front for all to see.

Posted by: bayridgegirl at November 12, 2008 1:26 PM

goldie...they are apparently looking at whatever monstrosity is across the street. But my mind wanders and it looks like a good opening scene for a gay porn movie.

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at November 12, 2008 1:28 PM

You all need to go move to some gated community where you can impose all of your association rules upon one another, live amongst your little cliques, mandate hair an eye color on your applications, rat on one another, and generally live your stepford lives. This house doesn't actually appeal to me, but I am kind of glad it bothers all of you. Because as long as the owner likes it, I could care less.

Posted by: ou812 at November 12, 2008 1:49 PM

Yeah and if I were Greek I would be taking insult with your ethnic comments. Bunch of Hypocrites.

Posted by: ou812 at November 12, 2008 1:51 PM

DIBS - is that YOUR house in Merida for sale? If so, where is it located? It looks heavenly!

Posted by: gkw at November 12, 2008 2:02 PM

You'd care if you lived next door and couldn't sell because no one wanted to buy your house with that thing next to them.

Posted by: TownhouseLady at November 12, 2008 2:02 PM

'Yeah and if I were Greek I would be taking insult with your ethnic comments. Bunch of Hypocrites.'

You're not Greek, so you're not taking insult with the comments.
Hypocrite!!!!

Posted by: bayridgegirl at November 12, 2008 2:03 PM

"I'll put my tripod in front for all to see."

oh boy, it always gets xrated doesnt it. oh to be so endowed as to be referred to as Tripod.

Posted by: goldie at November 12, 2008 2:06 PM

Townhouse Lady;

Between the steady stream of traffic heading down W 9th for the entrance to the Brooklyn battery Tunnel, and the BQE overpass at the end of the block, I really think that this house is not at the crux in determining property values. If anything, it might raise property values, in that it (vividly!) demonstrates that someone is willing to invest in the block.

Posted by: benson at November 12, 2008 2:07 PM

"GHB...where are they going to hitch their burro???"

I heard they received it from English royalty. They call it the Queen's burro.

Posted by: Biff Champion at November 12, 2008 2:08 PM

'oh boy, it always gets xrated doesnt it. oh to be so endowed as to be referred to as Tripod.'

Goldie...shame on you for thinking that :)
The two men pictured are using surveying equipment. I can't tell what equipment they have, but it's definately mounted on a tripod.

http://www.engineersupply.com/crain-tri-max-tall-quick-dual-clamp-tripod-90560.aspx

Posted by: bayridgegirl at November 12, 2008 2:20 PM

no gkw...not mine. i just throw it up here now and then to illustrate the value and the histoic architectural detail and patina. I love it and if I were retired I might buy it and spend winters down there.

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at November 12, 2008 2:26 PM

Their equipment is mounted on a tripod? Sounds painful.

Posted by: Biff Champion at November 12, 2008 2:27 PM

100

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at November 12, 2008 2:28 PM

"If I were greek..."

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at November 12, 2008 2:29 PM

100 = ρ
one hundred = εκατό

Posted by: bayridgegirl at November 12, 2008 2:34 PM

Were you a Tri Delt or a Kappa Kappa Gamma in college BRG???

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at November 12, 2008 2:35 PM

Not sure about BRG's sorority affiliations but I'm guessing she was maxima cum laude.

Posted by: Biff Champion at November 12, 2008 2:37 PM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Greeks

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at November 12, 2008 2:38 PM

Did you go greek in college Biff?

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at November 12, 2008 2:39 PM

BOYS!!!!!

I couldn't become a Tri Delt, there standards were too high. and the kappa girls said I couldn't wear my glass pumps to the meetings.

Biff, I don't trust you with this phrase, 'maxima cum laude'
I believe translated it's good - cum laude = great honor; throw in the maxima = great or most.
Maxima cum Laude = Most with honor
I still don't trust you. Don't make me look it up.

Just tell me what you mean.

Posted by: bayridgegirl at November 12, 2008 2:52 PM

DIBS, if you're asking if I was in a fraternity, the answer is no. If you meant something else, the answer is still no.

Posted by: Biff Champion at November 12, 2008 2:54 PM

"I couldn't become a Tri Delt, there standards were too high" Me neither but I knew the difference between there and their. :) :) :)

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at November 12, 2008 2:55 PM

I knew eventually, three months or so later, we'd get back to frat boys!!!!!

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at November 12, 2008 2:56 PM

"Maxima cum Laude = Most with honor
I still don't trust you. Don't make me look it up.

Just tell me what you mean."

I was initially meaning that you graduated with the maximum honor. However, now that you've put other ideas in my head, I'm wondering if this might more appropriately describe what you did in the back seat of your boyfriend's Toyota!

Posted by: Biff Champion at November 12, 2008 2:57 PM

DARN, make that a Nissan (not Toyota) Maxima! Add this to the "Good Jokes Gone Awry" file...

Posted by: Biff Champion at November 12, 2008 2:59 PM

DIBS, Biff...get off me about at the spelling and grammar. I think faster than I type (and I type fast.)

Biff, still don't trust you...but when I was in school none of my boyfriedns had cars. I did date a guy with a hog.

BTW - you two didn't comment about Chocolate Room yesterday, or comment about my comment.

Posted by: bayridgegirl at November 12, 2008 3:09 PM

BRG...as much as one would like to, one cannot comment on everything on brownstoner.

As far as your spelling and grammar don't take our comments seriously.

I will leave the comment about dating a guy with a hog alone for now. You did mean a Harley, right?

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at November 12, 2008 3:15 PM

"BTW - you two didn't comment about Chocolate Room yesterday, or comment about my comment."

I did read your review but having not gotten anything from that place (yet) other than a coffee, I didn't submit a rating or comments. Although I was tempted to razz Ppark for his review, but I think we already got back at him pretty good for his comment the other day.

Posted by: Biff Champion at November 12, 2008 3:20 PM

Biff, you naive boy...do I have to spell everything out for you!

DIBS...of course, I meant a harley.

Posted by: bayridgegirl at November 12, 2008 3:23 PM

Ok, since I like you, I went back to get your comment...

"Chocolate ice cream is heavenly! Cupcakes are the best!!! If you delight in the sinful pleasures of chocolate, you won't be disappointed. Eat them there or take them home and enjoy them privacy."

Hmmm, sounds pretty straightforward to me. I guess I AM naive!

Posted by: Biff Champion at November 12, 2008 3:27 PM

I thought I had written more than this...but ok.
And yes you are :)

Keep guessing.

Posted by: bayridgegirl at November 12, 2008 3:42 PM

3:42? Boy, this thread ended early.
Not to let Biff and the bgirl have the last word, I think that this house is really interesting on many levels. The colors are almost right for the Caribbean (the blue is "La Habana" blue) but a real house of the tropics or semi-tropics would not have those straight-line windows and straight line balconies. The window openings would be curved...there would be ellipses...arches....the balconies would be lengthy, romantic...not uptight. It is a failed attempt at cultural symbiosis.
You may as well try to build a red-brick and brownstone house in San Juan. The locals would be appalled. It wouldn't go.

Posted by: sam at November 12, 2008 8:35 PM

It's the Palazzo Chupi of Carroll Gardens.

Lasties.

Posted by: MrMinerva at November 12, 2008 9:49 PM

I live on West 9th Street, and I walk by this house every day on my way to the train. Our street isn't the nicest, but the people who live in this house are kind, invested in the community, and have really festive Christmas decorations, unlike the rest of the street. They have put more effort and pride into the block than anyone else-- clearly. It is a nice place to walk by every day.

"Taste" is highly subjective, and is mediated by cultural and economic elites. You can tell that they have built a very specific house that they have wanted for quite some time for their own reasons. Furthermore, I would wager, they have been in Brooklyn longer than many of the people disparaging their efforts on this comment board. I, for one, appreciate the quirky things that make Brooklyn Brooklyn, and this is one of them.

Posted by: JeannetteA at December 11, 2008 1:43 PM

I am a neighbor of this house, too: the construction period was hellish for many reasons that you can well imagine, the design is not meant to be Greek but rather Spanish (the tiles are Portuguese), and they recently had an interior fire which was also hellish for the neighborhood and most likely for them. Sometimes I think the Christmas display is a bit garish and, yet, I admire their spirit... and the extra light on the street in the evening.

One of the reason this house has such a high monetary value is that it had a huge backyard - as do all the homes on this block. Or should I say DID have huge backyards. Much of the construction on the street has involved extensions into the backyards. Our apartment still has a huge yard. (Thank you, landlord!)

Hacienda House may be a bit over the top, but rather that then a crack house.

Posted by: Gorgon at December 13, 2008 6:45 PM

« Commercial Klutch: November Edition Has the Buyers' Market Come to Brooklyn? Duh. »

November 12, 2008

A Mediterranean Makover

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