The Venetian Unveiled

Folks;

These condos will be worth every penny they ask for. You know why? This is a historical site: it is where I had my "Big Fat Italian Wedding", with over 200 guests!

On this site stood a catering hall called the Claridge. Previous to being a catering hall, it was a movie theater by the same name. It was a big cavernous space, perfect for such events. I grew up about 5 blocks from this place.

Posted by: benson at October 2, 2009 10:24 AM

One more comment: this condo sits smack in the middle of the uber-rich Syrian Sephardic community that has recently been discussed. This thing will sell out in no time.

Posted by: benson at October 2, 2009 10:27 AM

Kens;

I grew up between Ave P and Quentin road. Ave P was seen as the dividing line between Gravesend and Bensonhurst/Borough Park.

Even though I grew up near Ave P, I did spend most of my time in the vicinity of either Kings Highway or Ave U, as I went to the parochial school on Ave T and Lake St (St. Simon).

I know that park on Ave P and East 5th very well. About 40 years ago, it was a very famous place. Every Sunday all the top handball players in the city used to play there, and man, they were serious about it. I remember wandering in there when I was about 10 to watch. They actually told me to get out of the park. They plaed such a fierce handball, the ball was flying so fast that they were afraid to have kids around.

Posted by: benson at October 2, 2009 10:33 AM

"And no doubt it will be mocked by those who scorn anyone who doesn't aspire to a 16- to 20-foot wide rowhouse built 130 years ago located in one of the gentry-approved neighborhoods of northern or central Brooklyn."

Excellent.

Posted by: benson at October 2, 2009 10:39 AM

Antidope;

Although the Syrians tend to live in one-family homes, some condos have been built - mostly on nearby Kings Highway.

One thing this photo doesn't capture is that this stretch of Ave P is pretty dreary - old, low commercial structures. However, that is sure to change in the years head. About 7 years ago, the planning commission - in response to neighborhood concerns - downzoned most of the side streets. In return, the main commercial strips - Ave P and Kings Highway were upzoned to allow for condo development.

IMHO, it was a good solution. Both Ave P. and Kings Highway needed a shot in the arm, and it is coming in the form of developments like this one.

Posted by: benson at October 2, 2009 11:00 AM

This is the real deal: stone and brick. I watched this baby go up from the ground.

Posted by: benson at October 2, 2009 12:01 PM