Chang Starts Demo at 46 Nevins

It's been a long time coming, but after receiving demolition permits last month, developer Sam Chang began clearing the way for the 12-story hotel he has planned at the corner of Nevins and Schermerhorn. But don't get too excited: the new building application has yet to be approved. We're sad to see that old two-story building go, but at this point in the cycle it's hard not to root for developers willing to stick it out.
Development Watch: 46 Nevins Street [Brownstoner] GMAP P*Shark DOB

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Comments

I don't thing Chang is so much "sticking it out" as about to "stick it to" the neighborhood with yet another of his crappy Drivit-clad, soon-to-be-welfare-hotel monstrosities.

Posted by: johnife at November 13, 2008 11:12 AM

You're probably right, Mr. Ife!

Posted by: brownstoner at November 13, 2008 11:25 AM

Whatever is built, it would be hard to make it worse than what is there now. That bit of Nevins is a simply awful stretch of road.

Posted by: Brooklyn Chicken at November 13, 2008 12:32 PM

At this point in the cycle I find it hard to root for anything tearing down anything that has the possibility to become a vacant, trash-strewn lot for the forseeable future. I think we will have enough of those already.

Posted by: Heather at November 13, 2008 12:32 PM

as if we don't also have enough falling-down firetraps? honestly, at least you could feel somewhat safe while walking by a vacant, trash-strewn lot. this building is disgusting, not particularly interesting, and in terrible shape. it's a dictionary-definition for the term "eyesore" and good riddance.

Posted by: i disagree at November 13, 2008 12:46 PM

This corner has been a blight on the whole area. I don't welcome banal architecture, but at this point I have to agree with Brooklyn Chicken and i disagree.

Posted by: g man at November 13, 2008 12:50 PM

Eh, I like a bit of urban decay. Crumbling buildings are much more atmospheric than abandoned construction sites.

Posted by: Heather at November 13, 2008 12:52 PM

I agree with Heather. As brownstoners we should be lobbying for the restoration of this quaint little building.

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at November 13, 2008 1:05 PM

Dave, with the rezoning of downtown Brooklyn in 2004, this building is so under-built to zoning that there is no chance it can withstand market forces to redevelop the site (unless the unused development rights can be transferred to an adjacent lot).

Posted by: g man at November 13, 2008 2:03 PM

this building is more taint than quaint. i say again: good riddance.

Posted by: i disagree at November 13, 2008 2:08 PM

HMMMM...well have to admit I don't think I have passed this before. But from the images here and on google street view there is a unique quaint historical quality to this building. Sure it must be a mess in many regards.

Ideally saving the facade and building up in through it would secure some street level character/history and also accommodate for the developers dreams of expansion. Take the Herst building for example in Manhattan.

Also if the facade was cleaned up gutted inside a bit it would probably be really cool. Keep in mind in new cities around the world they are starting from scratch, one thing that makes New York unique is the architectural history. Sad to see it go and be disrespected. Then again I haven't seen this lot and perhaps it is too far gone.

Any thoughts?

Posted by: FortGreene212 at November 13, 2008 2:43 PM

*Hearst

Posted by: FortGreene212 at November 13, 2008 2:46 PM

*Hearst

http://www.socketsite.com/Hearst%20NYC.jpg

Posted by: FortGreene212 at November 13, 2008 2:46 PM