Hey Mopar, It's still here. There's a drain in the bottom of the tub but the supply lines/faucet go in at the side where you see he hole in the pic. I'm afraid the hardware was cheap and crappy so we got rid of it. You're welcome to come see it if you like. You can email me at the above address if you'd like to pursue it further.

Posted by: Susan Elkins at November 18, 2009 2:26 PM in response to Magnificent 3-Sided tub Redo

If you eat at the Montaulk Club, leave lots of time (not great service), and don't arrive too hungry (not great food). The place does look good though! (Does your mother know your Brownstoner name?)

Posted by: Susan Elkins at November 15, 2009 12:38 PM in response to Need recs for Park Slope tour

It's a great tub, I hope that person is looking!

Hi Montrose, we ended up buying on Bainbridge between Stuyvesant and Malcolm X. We're in the midst of a reno but I just didn't have the constitution for a blog. I'd really love to know what happens with the Elkins house, I'm still very fond of it. ...And thank you for all of your Walkabouts, they are fantastic! I see a book in your future.

Posted by: Susan Elkins at November 13, 2009 7:47 PM in response to Vintage 3-Sided Tub For Sale

Omg, Gorgeous! Congratulations and best of luck. I can't wait to follow along with your blog. Arkady, I will fight you for the chandelier!

Posted by: Susan Elkins at November 6, 2009 11:38 AM in response to Welcome to The Albemarle Reno Blog

I have 3 cats and I just went through extensive experimenting of cat litter because one of them got bronchitis/asthma and I thought it might have been from Natures Miracle's (another corncob brand) tiny dust-like granules. So, I needed to find a litter that would satisfy my cats, my vet and my laziness/cleanliness. The absolute best (paws down), is Feline Pine pellets WITH the strainer-style litter box that you can purchase on their site. No tracking, no smell, no major cleanups, economical. I'm a new fan. They say you can use the used litter that falls through the holes (sans the poop) as mulch.

Posted by: Susan Elkins at October 28, 2009 10:56 AM in response to Cats in the House

Dibs. I used an EXCELLENT wood stripper who live right in our neighborhood. Email me to get his info if you like. pddesign@sprintmail.com

Posted by: Susan Elkins at October 26, 2009 8:05 PM in response to Back Parlor Painting

Sign of the Crab, (sold by George Taylor in NY) is your best bet. Sunrise Specialties has some nice options, but their tub faucets are not up to NY code.

Posted by: Susan Elkins at October 26, 2009 8:45 AM in response to Claw Foot Tub Overflow

Kevin and Richard's Plumbing supply on Myrtle Ave has some beautiful old ones that need to be refinished at 20$ per rung.

Posted by: Susan Elkins at October 11, 2009 4:59 PM in response to Need 2 Cast Iron STEAM radiators

Montrose, When it was still listed with Corcoran for about $750,000, we put in an offer for $400,000 which was rejected by the bank (short sale). Last I was aware it was on the market for $300,000. (Pigs get slaughtered, as they say.) Since, we purchased in Bed-Stuy, and will fare much better financially with this deal. I love our house, BUT I really love the Elkins house. It could be spectacular with it's center stair and double parlor on each side. And you could easily turn the basement into a rental apartment, which we would have done. One could even divide it into apartments, which would be a shame, but better than seeing it decay to death.

Posted by: Susan Elkins at September 29, 2009 11:11 PM in response to Walkabout with Montrose: A Crown Heights Tale

I still pine for you. Sniff.
Thanks, Montrose.
Though I must say that even though this house is not high-Victorian, the proportions of the rooms on the parlor level make it very grand.

Posted by: Susan Elkins at September 29, 2009 5:12 PM in response to Walkabout with Montrose: A Crown Heights Tale

Why should he reserve his time for you without a good-faith deposit? If the guy does not come recommended and you don't trust him, why are you using him?

Posted by: Susan Elkins at September 24, 2009 11:40 AM in response to Contractor Deposit-Too early?

I second Dave's experience with Chubb. They agreed and were paid for a certain amount of insurance, and after the fact they "re-appraised" the property and doubled the amount they thought we needed and of course asked for more money. We pulled out also.

Posted by: Susan Elkins at September 24, 2009 11:23 AM in response to Question for DIBS re insurance

Flood it and make it a canal.

Posted by: Susan Elkins at September 21, 2009 12:58 PM in response to What to Do with the BQE Ditch

Which Stark?

Posted by: Susan Elkins at August 29, 2009 6:35 PM in response to Sinks for sale

Dave, I'm doing 3 floors and the staircase was not itemized so I can't give you the cost. I can tell you that the guy we used was on a par with Woodzone and was substantially less expensive that DeGamba or Tamer. I like Joe Salem from Woodzone, but we opted to use someone local. We'll be using Joe for our shutters.

Posted by: Susan Elkins at August 11, 2009 4:09 PM in response to Wood Stripping-what is included?

The stripping price should include stripping and washing with denatured alcohol, I believe, as well as some sanding if needed. We are doing this right now, and every last bit of paint is coming off and it looks great. If you're repainting, the remaining bits won't matter, but if you're not, they need to come off. Our stripper says that the proof of a good stripping job shows in the refinishing stage.

Posted by: Susan Elkins at August 11, 2009 1:12 PM in response to Wood Stripping-what is included?

Could you email with the size and finish?
Thanks. pddesign@sprintmail.com

Posted by: Susan Elkins at August 9, 2009 4:44 PM in response to Beautiful antique radiator 4sale

That was really funny.
As a marketing campaign, I think It's great.

Posted by: Susan Elkins at August 7, 2009 11:24 AM in response to 184 Kent Almost Done, Painful Marketing Underway

Size, condition, age?
Thanks.

Posted by: Susan Elkins at August 2, 2009 6:06 PM in response to Beige French Aubusson Rug

I was recently told by an architect that it's the exterior-most parts of the brick, the parts that are most exposed to the heat when made, that are the strongest. Do not grind or sandblast brick.

Posted by: Susan Elkins at August 2, 2009 12:44 PM in response to Cleaning brick?

Does anyone have sf estimate of a gut reno excluding fixtures, hardware and surfaces? Just labor?

Posted by: Susan Elkins at July 31, 2009 12:47 PM in response to Gut Reno Estimate?

The point is not to be anti-corporate. In fact, what I can't get at Brownstone Books, I'll order from Amazon. The point is that most chains introduce a non-personal product, in many cases not as good as a small store can offer with an owner who has first hand knowledge of the neighborhood, it's people and it's needs. It's also more satisfying to shop when you can look the owner/your neighbor in the eye. I personally prefer a small-scale shopping experience. Heather, you can live in the mall, and eat and wear generic. You won't know if you're in Commack or Clifton, but that will be ok with you. I'll take mom and pop, and my neighbors, and try to keep the unique personalities of different neighborhoods alive by supporting small businesses. Additionally, you'll find community pride and participation in a small business. By the way, my husband has a small store and gives all his employees health insurance.

Posted by: Susan Elkins at July 30, 2009 8:51 PM in response to What Does Bed Stuy Need?

We need a bank and a pharmacy. The bank is the only chain I can think of that I would welcome. Except for Whole Foods. But I'd rather a small locally-owned natural foods store like Butternut. We need a pet-supply place.

Posted by: Susan Elkins at July 30, 2009 6:40 PM in response to What Does Bed Stuy Need?

Keep the chains out! No Starbucks, no B&N. It's the beginning of the end of every charming neighborhood. We have Brownstone books, and we have Bread Stuy.

Posted by: Susan Elkins at July 30, 2009 6:31 PM in response to What Does Bed Stuy Need?

Essential Pest Control have worked well for me.

Posted by: Susan Elkins at July 28, 2009 5:28 PM in response to Honest Exterminator, Take II

As someone touched on earlier, the point of the farmers market is to eat locally grown, organic produce. Sure you can get gassed mass-produced oranges at the grocery store, but this is supposed to offer us something different and better. The price is higher because it's grown with more care on a smaller scale and is better for you and the world at large.

Posted by: Susan Elkins at July 28, 2009 5:22 PM in response to Closing Bell: Malcom X Farmers Market on the Ropes

We just went through the same thing and had to get a Builder's Risk policy. You want to have it. You'll end up getting reimbursed the balance of the yearly policy fee after your project is complete assuming that it takes less than 1 year.

Posted by: Susan Elkins at July 28, 2009 11:15 AM in response to Builder's Risk

For tile I recommend Nemo Tile in Manhattan.

Posted by: Susan Elkins at July 22, 2009 5:59 PM in response to Buying Bathroom Fixtures

I recommend looking online at irawoods.com and improvementdirect.com. The shipping is free, they're offering additional discounts across the board, and more for volume. Also, no sales tax.

Posted by: Susan Elkins at July 22, 2009 5:57 PM in response to Buying Bathroom Fixtures

I haven't used them but Woodzone gave me a very good estimate compared with Tamer or de Gamba, and people here have said god things about them. I liked Joe when I met him.

Posted by: Susan Elkins at June 26, 2009 12:20 PM in response to Wood Front Doors

Ants have a cinched waist like those in the photos, while termites are even bodied.

Posted by: Susan Elkins at June 26, 2009 10:14 AM in response to ants? termites?

"This sort of sneakiness sounds like Giuliani-era stuff."

Pure Bloomberg,if you ask me. This man has become an elitist autocrat. I will not be voting for him.

Posted by: Susan Elkins at June 26, 2009 10:10 AM in response to Big Turnout for Rally Against Homeless Intake Center

What is it?

Posted by: Susan Elkins at June 23, 2009 10:00 AM in response to Eddie for Salvage

Hi I responded through Craig's List and would like one of each size.
pddesign@sprintmail.com

Posted by: Susan Elkins at June 23, 2009 9:57 AM in response to FS: new modern towel bars

bkhabitant, please elaborate.

Posted by: Susan Elkins at June 1, 2009 11:10 AM in response to Fulton BID Opponents Threaten Not to Pay

Are you having Ambien episodes?

Posted by: Susan Elkins at May 29, 2009 7:47 PM in response to Mysterious bread on windows

http://www.neenaslighting.com

Posted by: Susan Elkins at May 20, 2009 5:20 PM in response to Lighting

Yes, Bob, congratulations. It's lovely.

Posted by: Susan Elkins at May 15, 2009 8:53 AM in response to Friday Links

I've used Moishes and they were fine.

Posted by: Susan Elkins at May 14, 2009 12:31 PM in response to Storage

I'm a long-time Electrolux fan, but a local appliance store salesman said they were bought by Hoover and is not the same product as it used to be. Just what I was told....

Posted by: Susan Elkins at May 13, 2009 4:47 PM in response to Electrolux washer and dryer?

I had 3 house inspections done on 3 different houses in the past year. Bob Albani was one of them, was on the expensive end of the price range, and I don't think that he's an engineer. I would not use any of them again, frankly.

Posted by: Susan Elkins at April 14, 2009 6:00 PM in response to Can you recommend an engineer?

I thought the city put those in.

Posted by: Susan Elkins at April 2, 2009 2:25 PM in response to Sidewalk street tree gate???

Well thanks for the planning. It will hopefully be a great addition to the neighborhood.

Posted by: Susan Elkins at April 1, 2009 11:05 AM in response to Butternut Market

Many thanks! This is all terrific information. Homesweetstuy, you shutters look great.

Posted by: Susan Elkins at April 1, 2009 10:16 AM in response to Hand or Dip Stripper?

That's great news even if it will be slow to come. Are you still involved? At one point I read you saying that you were not involved in this location.

Posted by: Susan Elkins at April 1, 2009 10:10 AM in response to Butternut Market

Hi Montrose, I bought on Bainbridge between Stuyvesant Ave and Malcolm X. We're now getting ready for a near-gut reno. I haven't gone anywhere but I have become more of a lurker. I found I just wasn't getting my work done, so I had to cut back on my 'stoner time. I'm consider doing a reno blog on this site, but I'll have to see have much spare time I have. I know it's going to be crazy!

Posted by: Susan Elkins at March 31, 2009 2:14 PM in response to Hand or Dip Stripper?

How fantastic. Thank so much.

Posted by: Susan Elkins at March 31, 2009 11:32 AM in response to Walkabout with Montrose: Terra Cotta Delights

I bought unglazed tile from Nemo in Manhattan and designed a pattern modeled after my local bakery. It's in the kitchen and looks great. It's been in the bakery for nearly 100 years and still looks fantastic. It's the glazed tile that can wear poorly with heavy traffic. I say "patina" too.

Posted by: Susan Elkins at March 30, 2009 7:26 PM in response to is unglazed tile crazy??

Thanks all.
Why is dipping a bad thing? Did you see the recent reno post?

Posted by: Susan Elkins at March 30, 2009 7:17 PM in response to Demolition and stripping

less white people??!?!?!!

Yes that's EXACTLY what Bed Stuy needs more of:
more intolerance, fear and xenophobia.

THAT will make things better.

Posted by: bryanx at November 6, 2009 2:04 PM in response to What Does Bed Stuy Need?

I agree with Denton and ilovebrooklyn that 3rd Street between 8th Ave and the park is a great walk. There are brownstones and limestones both, with eclectic and rich details in the facades. It's nice too because when you reach PPW you can walk along PPW to the Lichfield mansion, then walk around the mansion into the park and over to the Picnic House (which has clean-enough useable public bathrooms - older ladies need to use the bathroom periodically) and there are always families and kids and people playing games around the Picnic House so your mum can get a good sense of the people and culture of Brooklyn. From there you could cross the Long Meadow that lays in front of the Picnic House and take a left turn on the footpath that takes you all the way back up to Grand Army Plaza and over to North Slope to those blocks people mentioned.

Posted by: traditionalmod at November 15, 2009 1:01 PM in response to Need recs for Park Slope tour

Vinca and everyone, thank you for the great suggestions. Their visit is short - we only have Friday to sightsee but they are city people themselves and can pound pavement. I am going to do the PS walk and a drive thru Vict. Flatbush in the same day. They have been to Brooklyn before, when I lived in bklyn hts, so thankfully that's off the list.

But nowawdays it's Bay Ridge, so they are in for a culture shock ("We just netflixed Saturday Night Fever so we will be ready!"). Geez. Dad wants to go see the OTT xmas lights in dyker hts, does anyone know if they start immediately after T'giving?

Thank you again, BoD

Posted by: bowl of dicks at November 15, 2009 2:11 PM in response to Need recs for Park Slope tour

LOL. I live in Brooklyn Heights too and whenever my mother-in-law is in town, and we're in the car, she's always asking, "NOW are we in Park Slope? It's VERY nice there, right?"

Posted by: Ringo at November 15, 2009 7:04 PM in response to Need recs for Park Slope tour

If you're driving around as well, and they've heard of the history of Bed Stuy, take a swing through there as well...back and forth between Lewis Ave & Stuyvesant Ave from Fulton up to Macon.

The people are friendlier in Bed Stuy than they are in PS. :)

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at November 16, 2009 7:18 AM in response to Need recs for Park Slope tour

I do think the Christmas lights go up in Dyker Hts at Thanksgiving but I'd suggest starting a separate post in Forum asking the Bay Ridge & Dyker Hts people when the light go up and which are the best streets. Sounds like a fun tour this year for your parents!

Posted by: traditionalmod at November 16, 2009 8:23 AM in response to Need recs for Park Slope tour

Sorry to reply so slowly. I have to measure my bathroom and haven't had a chance yet.

Posted by: mopar at November 19, 2009 5:10 PM in response to Magnificent 3-Sided tub Redo