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March 20, 2009

Enrique Norten-Designed Project in Park Slope Revealed

When we first reported last summer that Enrique Norten firm Ten Arquitectos was working on a new development at the site of the former Garfield Glass Corp. at 580 Carroll Street in Park Slope, we said we were dying to see a rendering. Wish granted: The Brooklyn Eagle got their hands on two designs. The firm sees the five-story, 17-unit project as “a bridge between the more industrial Gowanus neighborhood to the east and the heart of Park Slope's Brownstone Brooklyn to the west.” A major component of the design is the 3,000-square-foot front garden and wooden boardwalk that residents will use to access the entrance of the building. Should be interesting!
Norten Designs Condo Project in Park Slope [Brooklyn Eagle] GMAP P*Shark
Four Developments Coming to One Stretch of Carroll [Brownstoner] DOB

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Comments

How can you not be outraged by a design that totally destroys the street wall. Just because it is a "named" architect shouldn't exempt this project from you ordinary indignation of buildings with large setbacks

Posted by: fsrg at March 20, 2009 10:30 AM

Surf's up!

Posted by: altervoce at March 20, 2009 10:37 AM

Umm, where are the surrounding buildings in this pixel fantasy?

Posted by: SnarkSlope at March 20, 2009 10:41 AM

I was wondering the same thing snark. I know some of the neighbors on both streets. This is going to look really strange in its real setting.

Posted by: slopefarm at March 20, 2009 10:47 AM

While I don't get the comment above about the large setback... doesn't seem to be a problem for me.

BUT, what is a problem is the Miami Beach condo look. It's the industrial gowanus we're talking about, so my comments isn't about "context" in the usual way it's thrown around her. I simple think this is a silly design for anything north of South Carolina.

(Not to mention it's even quite pugly for anywhere, but I digress.)

Posted by: tybur6 at March 20, 2009 10:47 AM

I was going to say what an ugly, out of context building this is but fsrq will call me a snob again. Hmmm......wait a minute......he also doesn't like it....hmmmmm......

Posted by: bxgrl at March 20, 2009 10:51 AM

It looks like that strange conference center in James Bond's Quantum of Solace. I don't know the area where this will be plopped, so I can't tell whether it would be an improvement or not.

Posted by: Maly at March 20, 2009 10:53 AM

Also... I just checked out the Ten Arquitectos website. They have some pretty damn amazing designs. This one, however, does not even compare. Looking at the other building they have built or designed... why would they want THIS pathetic/boring/ugly little building part of their portfolio?

Posted by: tybur6 at March 20, 2009 10:54 AM

Block is not too uniform to begin with - different style houses and commercial. Seems like the lot goes thru to Garfield so that I suspect is the large setback.
I think you are right that could be interesting.
DOB site says 30k sq ft and 17 apts...Which would indicate large family sized units.

Posted by: Petebklyn at March 20, 2009 10:57 AM

I like the garden and boardwalk, but doesn't the design look like a classy version of those self-storage warehouses?

Posted by: Brenda from Flatbush at March 20, 2009 11:01 AM

brenda, shouldn't it be painted bright yellow then?

Posted by: bxgrl at March 20, 2009 11:04 AM

A lovely addition to the Brooklyn Dunes.

Posted by: Montrose Morris at March 20, 2009 11:05 AM

I'm baaaack!

I like this design, however I think it would be out of context in Brooklyn. We don't have wooden boardwalks leading up to buildings. We are more bluestone than boardwalk. Are you sure this is a design for NYC? If so, the architects need to spend a little more time here to better understand our sense of place and our local materials and color palette etc.

Posted by: sam at March 20, 2009 11:07 AM

I could see it in Red Hook or Brighton Beach. Altervoce hit the nail on the head with his comment.

Posted by: Maly at March 20, 2009 11:15 AM

my letter choices are S T R N L E, now flip those panels Vanah.

Posted by: goldie at March 20, 2009 11:22 AM

Um, if Gowanus is to the *east* of this thing, and Park Slope is to the *west*, I'm having a hard time imagining where it's supposed to be built. Last time I checked, Park Slope was east of Gowanus. Maybe they're planning to build it in an inter-dimensional void; if so, the design is perfect for that location.

Posted by: ProfRobert at March 20, 2009 11:38 AM

goldie- that was so funny!

I'm still trying to figure out where the bridging idea comes in. In their own words:

As described by TEN Arquitectos: “Introducing an element of country living to its urban site, the project ensures a quiet, authentic neighborhood experience, from the wooden boardwalk leading to its main entrance to its brownstone and garden views.

authentic? I don't think so- the last time I saw something like this I was putting together my metal and steel shoe storage unit. In fact, my unit looks better.

Posted by: bxgrl at March 20, 2009 11:45 AM

I agree fully with what has been stated above. Is this the leftover plans from some Miami deal that got cancelled? I'm not a big "context" guy, and even I'm taken aback by this proposal.

By the way, one piece of trivia about this block (Garfiled between 4th and 5th Ave). This is the block on which Al Capone grew up. He used to hold court at the nearby Monte's restaurant, before he packed it up and moved to Chicago.

Posted by: benson at March 20, 2009 11:50 AM

I think it is a stretch to use Gowanus as an inspiration to mess up a half decent block. The Eagle article commends "looking at zoning in a new way" but what it really does as ruin the potential for it to be a nicer block. No improvement here.

Posted by: oldrte10 at March 20, 2009 11:55 AM

Whoops,just realized that we're talking about Carroll Street here, not Garfield (the name of the glass company confused me).

Anyway, my piece of trivia remains: Al Capone grew up on the adjacent block: Garfield between 4th and 5th. His house is still there.

Posted by: benson at March 20, 2009 11:56 AM

Hye benson- sorry I missed meeting you last night. Next time- I promise! MM says you are quite the gent :-)

Posted by: bxgrl at March 20, 2009 12:05 PM

Bxgrl;

Thanks! I'm not going next time unless you promise to come!

Posted by: benson at March 20, 2009 12:19 PM

Gowanus Shores Motel?

Posted by: BH76 at March 20, 2009 12:28 PM

Have any of you walked down Carroll Street between 4th and 5th Avenues (closer to 4th Avenue) where this site is located?!

"...a design that totally destroys the street wall" ... hahahahh

"...This is going to look really strange in its real setting." hooheeehah

Please immediately go to Google Maps Streetview and do not collect $200. The street has a bunch of open lots, that weird finger building on the corner and a big ass modern apartment building across from it.

I'm not a huge fan of the design and agree it looks a little Miami Vice but please chill with the "save the character of the block" hysterics. And the "boardwalk" just looks like a wood-covered walkway at grade level. Anyway, I like the setback! It brings all the nice garden action that is usually hidden in the backyards of townhouses to the street for all to enjoy.

Posted by: Mr Joist at March 20, 2009 1:10 PM

The setback doesn't bother me- the building design does.

Posted by: bxgrl at March 20, 2009 1:14 PM

It kind of looks like a futuristic detention facility to me.

Posted by: East New York at March 20, 2009 1:24 PM

Mr. Joist;

I live a couple of blocks away from Carroll, and know it very well. You are incorrect in your assessment. There is a very well-defined "facade wall" on this block, even with the two empty lots. It is a quite charming block of eclectic homes. Moreover, the two big apartment buildings you speak of are on the corner with 4th Ave, and form a fine transition to that street.

The setback of these buildings are not in context with the block, and as already discussed, the design and materials are more suitable for Miami.

On another note: welcome back Sam!

Posted by: benson at March 20, 2009 1:31 PM

Contextual or not, on its design merits its pretty cool...

Posted by: wasder at March 20, 2009 1:47 PM

Mr. Joist,

If we all designed buildings using Google Maps the world would be a wonderful place. This block is not the most cohesive of blocks but it could be improved through a couple of nice buildings lining the street. In this location, a civic building deserves to be set back from the street with a front garden everyone can enjoy not just private residents. You might think another condo deserves special status in our urban fabric and one might guess by its facade that it resembles a 1960's inspired school in which case there would be an argument for breaking the street wall but how important does the designer think he or the building is.

Posted by: oldrte10 at March 20, 2009 1:49 PM

You know how in movies of the future, the future is always depicted as white and shiny and linear and whatnot? They were right!

Posted by: route52 at March 20, 2009 1:53 PM

It's a groovy little drawing but doesn't the facade remind you of one of those multi-compartment mauseleums(sp?)?

Posted by: Bessie at March 20, 2009 2:15 PM

wasder- nooooooooo! I'm with bessie. It looks like the Woodlawn Cemetery Annex for Unloved Ashes.

Posted by: bxgrl at March 20, 2009 2:20 PM

holy jesus on a stick is that an ugly building.

Posted by: Xander Crews at March 20, 2009 2:23 PM

An Abomination. If it looks this bad in the pic can you imagine what it'll look like once built? Now fast forward 20 years after the elements have their way with it.

BLECH!

Posted by: TownhouseLady at March 20, 2009 2:49 PM

Rubbish.

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at March 20, 2009 2:49 PM

is that the block where someone keeps a bathtub in front of there house filled with dirt and cigarette butts? (i pass it all the time, it's been there since the summer!)

*rob*

Posted by: PitbullNYC at March 20, 2009 2:57 PM

OK--so I am outnumbered on this one. I just think it looks like clever design. And I would imagine that the panels on the front have something to do with airflow and green heating/cooling. But to each his own...

Posted by: wasder at March 20, 2009 3:09 PM

absurdo

Posted by: sam at March 20, 2009 3:17 PM

oh, now it's on Benson + oldrte10!

Just joking but what does "If we all designed buildings using Google Maps the world would be a wonderful place." mean? I said you could see what the street looked like using the "Street View" function on Gmaps (which I love).

And this just ain't so ..."the two big apartment buildings you speak of are on the corner with 4th Ave" ...

Type in 588 Carroll St, Brooklyn, Kings, New York 11215 at http://maps.google.com/ and go to Street View and look around. That big apartment building is 1/3 of a block in from the corner and right across from this development (along with an open lot, a parking garage and a fugly 2-story brick box).

And seriously .. WTF does this mean? "In this location, a civic building deserves to be set back from the street with a front garden everyone can enjoy not just private residents." That a private building should have a public garden in it's setback?! Yeah, and all those nice Park Slope townhouse owners up the hill should let me chill in their front yard. Commie Alert!

I agree that the design is lame though.

Posted by: Mr Joist at March 20, 2009 3:23 PM

"OK--so I am outnumbered on this one. I just think it looks like clever design. And I would imagine that the panels on the front have something to do with airflow and green heating/cooling. But to each his own..."

Maybe somewhere else. But not in an urban environment. It's going to stick out like a sore thumb. Not a green thumb.

Posted by: TownhouseLady at March 20, 2009 3:26 PM

That block is all sore thumbs.

This Miami Borg Cube will fit in fine.

Posted by: SnarkSlope at March 20, 2009 3:34 PM

Mr. Joist;

Put your dukes up!

OK, I'll meet you halfway on this. I know about 588 Carroll (a Scarano building, btw) but I wouldn't characterize it as a big apartment building. The apartment buildings on the corner go to 8 or 12 stories. 588 Carroll goes to 5 stories, with a set back on the top floor. It does not overwhlem the middle of the block. It is a typical mid-block mid-rise, as you would see all over Brooklyn.

Posted by: benson at March 20, 2009 3:36 PM

Hahaha... Miami Borg Cube. Maybe they should market it that way, could sell.

Posted by: tybur6 at March 20, 2009 4:32 PM

I have worked with Enrique Norton before. I have to say this is a very disappointing design. It is actually quite ugly.

Posted by: steeler53 at March 20, 2009 8:28 PM

« New Gifted School for Fort Greene It's Almost House Tour Time! »

March 20, 2009

Enrique Norten-Designed Project in Park Slope Revealed

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