There are precious few original details that can be salvaged owing to the extremely poor condition of the interior. One of the sole pieces of original detail that is in good enough condition for salvage is a magnificent mahogany (I think) staircase. Almost everything else has to go - this is a gut-job, rather than a restoration, which breaks my heart. I understand that everything from new furnaces to new wiring to new floors to a new roof is required to make the place habitable. I'm glad to hear the a preservation-minded couple are buying the place. Here's hoping their renovation (that's what it will be, since the house's condition is well past restoration) will be in harmony with the architecture.

Posted by: nellymikhaiel at February 24, 2009 10:47 PM in response to Clinton Avenue 'Haunted House' in Contract

Thanks for the advice, jp2 - much appreciated. We always do the push and turn knob thing, and the fire's still not catching. Must be a problem elsewhere.

Posted by: nellymikhaiel at January 22, 2009 6:58 PM in response to How to fix a dead gas fireplace

Whoo hoo! Thanks.

Posted by: nellymikhaiel at January 21, 2009 5:40 PM in response to Refinancing question

Like MacD, I was thinking about refinancing, too. By way of background, I secured a CommunityWorks jumbo loan in mid-2007 for a condo in Clinton Hill at a rate of 5.75%. I also took another loan (NOT a mortgage, and therefore non tax-deductible, sadly) to make up the balance of the purchase price, at a somewhat higher interest rate.

My questions are two-fold: first, can I take advantage of the current new rate of 4.6%, or is CommunityWorks for first purchases only and not refinancing? Second, if I CAN use CommunityWorks for refinancing, would it be posisble to roll-in the cost of my second, higher-inerest loan into my mortgage, since the jumbo threshold was been revised upward?

Thanks for any advice.

Posted by: nellymikhaiel at January 20, 2009 2:09 PM in response to Jumbo Limits-Worth Refinancing?

Michael (917 207 6112) just finished a handful of jobs around my apartment in Clinton Hill, and he was awesome - very competent, accomodating, and just all-round cheery. He lives in South Slope, I think, but since he came to me in CH, I can't imagine that Bed-Stuy would be out of the question! Tell him Nelly from Clinton Hill recommended him, if you want.

Posted by: nellymikhaiel at July 18, 2008 9:22 AM in response to Looking for quality contractor/handy man

Be sure to check out Housing Works thrift stores (if you haven't already). All the proceeds go to homeless men, women and children living with HIV and AIDS in New York, so you can feel really good about donating your stuff there. You also get a tax form so you can show it to your accountant come tax time and get a write-off.

The web link is http://housingworksauctions.com/donate.cfm). They'll collect your items for free, but please note their movers are authorized to refuse items which are not in salable or good condition (eg, upholstered pieces must have no tears or stains and must be clean). There are also some items they can't collect (such as mattresses, thanks to a couple of archaic New York laws, when mattresses were made out of horsehair and had the potential to carry diseases, or something). Plus, wall-units and extremely large pieces must be approved by the donations office prior arrival of movers. There's a list of items they can't accept on their website.

Good luck!

Posted by: nellymikhaiel at July 16, 2008 3:01 PM in response to Furniture Donations

Gardell is indeed a righteous bloke, but all the same, I can't help but cringe at the examples of the arhcitect's previous work. Makes me want to chunder. His lack of imagination is horrific, and his aesthetic eye was obviously either poked out in in the middle of architecture school (because there's no other excuse for designing such awful-looking buildings) or he didn't have the fortune to be born with one in the first place. With so many extraordinary examples of beautiful arhitecture in FG/CH/and Bed-Stuy, there's simply no excuses if a heinous monster is built here. Hell, copy a couple of the gems on Clinton Ave if you can't come up with something by yourself, Mr. Architect. Either that or offer your services to some manical head of State trying to promote a Cult of Personality via statues, museums dedicated to his greatness, and of course, his mausoleum. But stay the hell away from Fort Greene. I beg you.

Legend has it that on completion of St. Basil's Cathedral in Moscow, Tsar Ivan the Terrible ordered the architect, Postnik Yakovlev, to be blinded to prevent him from ever creating anything to rival its beauty again. (He did in fact go on to build another cathedral in Vladimir despite his ocular impediment, so he was either an amazing bloke or the legend is complete crap.) While I am shocked and horrified at such a display of savagery, I wouldn't mind appropriating such a punishment on all the asshats that design and then inflict eyesores on our beloved nabes. May the fleas of a thousand Taliban camels infest these architects' nether regions.

Posted by: nellymikhaiel at July 11, 2008 2:12 PM in response to Bracing For The Worst on South Portland Avenue

Sorry, that was the comfort of an EXPRESS train!

Posted by: nellymikhaiel at June 30, 2008 1:43 PM in response to Is Adelphi Street & Greene Ave safe to live ?

It's a wonderful nabe. I live a few blocks east, in Clinton Hill, but I go to your (prospective) neck of the woods during all hours - for groceries, to bike in the park, to BAM, and for eats and drinks. You can't ask for a more vibrant, down-to-earth neighborhood. The commute to Manhattan via the C is quite painless (if you want the comfort of a local train, just take it one-stop further and board the A-Train at Hoyt-Schermerhorn). The G-train is also good if you want to explore other Brooklyn 'hoods like Williamsburg and Park Slope - it's not without its downsides, but whatever.

You won't be sorry you came to Ft.Greene. Welcome and prosper.

Posted by: nellymikhaiel at June 30, 2008 1:43 PM in response to Is Adelphi Street & Greene Ave safe to live ?

I've found that Red Hook nurseries like the Chelsea Nursery have excellent selections, but their prices are on the high side. But it's worth a trip down there to browse and identify what you like, because their stock is vast and of good quality. My neighbors and me went to the Kings County Nursery to actually buy what we wanted. Anything we wanted that KCN didn't have they were willing to order (on the proviso it's in season.)

Posted by: nellymikhaiel at June 19, 2008 11:14 AM in response to Looking to buy a tree

Another business that will hopefully inject life into that desolate stretch of Fulton. Hurrah! I'll be sure to do my bit and drop in for a glass or two.

And now (returning with a vengeance to a pet peeve) for a decent grocery store located within a stone's throw that sells fresh produce and doesn't smell of day-old ass. Any enterprising souls out there listening? (voice trailing off folornly)...any at all?

Posted by: nellymikhaiel at June 18, 2008 5:56 PM in response to Streetlevel: Bar Olivino Opens

I'm not overly impressed with the food, either, but I still feel compelled to support new businesses in the neighborhood. An outdoor area would be sensaational.

Posted by: nellymikhaiel at April 29, 2008 3:04 PM in response to Streetlevel: Speakeasy Could Get Huge Patio

I 'third' the suggestion that you consider Prospect Heights. (I bid on a place there during my apartment hunt, but lost out.) It's a great neighborhood, and I concur with 12:14's statement that it's basically a cross between the two neighborhoods (PS and CH). Take a stroll along Vanderbilt Ave - there's some great pubs, restaurants, and other good services in place (or setting up shop). The side streets are really lovely, too (although the buildings start looking in more need of TLC once you cross Washington Ave).

Posted by: nellymikhaiel at February 5, 2008 2:13 PM in response to clinton hill/park slope

i lived in Park Slope for a few years before buying a condo in Clinton Hill in the middle of last year. While I miss the amenities in PS (namely, a decent supermarket), I love my new nabe. It's such a thrill to live in a neighborhood and actually be a tiny part of its renaissance. Slowly but surely, there are better services coming to the district (several higher-end grocery shops have opened for business in neighboring Forte Greene), and I'm sure it's only a matter of time that the growth and prosperity that now characterize Myrtle and DeKalb Aves spill over onto Fulton Street.

I for one have never felt unsafe in CH. I walk to and from my apartment (also near the C and G trains) on my own at all hours, and I've never been so much as hassled. (I'm a 33 year old female.) As for the string of muggings that have been posted on the local blogs: that truly sucks for the vics, but don't let fear start dictating where you will and will not live. It's plain unhealthy. Come visit CH at different hours of the day/evening, on weekdays and weekends, and see how you feel.

Posted by: nellymikhaiel at February 5, 2008 12:09 PM in response to clinton hill/park slope

Mrs. Limestone, the only two I can remember off the bat are southslope.woodworks and Heights Woodwork. However, I have heard good things about these other carpenters, and they may be in a position to help you:
* Marcy Pesner of Beagletiles (don't let the word 'tiles' fool you) www.beagletiles.com, I think.
* Emerald Furniture, ask for Aiden (718- 237-1619).
* Jack Gavin at St John's Woodworking http://www.saintjohnsplace.com/

Good luck, and I hope you find what you're looking for!

Posted by: nellymikhaiel at January 29, 2008 5:25 PM in response to Interior Pocket Shutters

The odd dimensions of the windows in my apartment precluded me from buying shutters from a salvage store, so I spoke to several local carpenters and woodwork firms about ordering custom-made brownstone-style interior shutters. The price varies greatly according to the number of windows and the materials used. I sought quotes for three pairs of shutters made from mahogany, and received estimates of about $6,500. Evidently, it is the louvers that account for this high price: it's very fiddly and time-consuming for craftsmen to make them. You will pay less if you use basswood as a material (I was assured that the quality would still be very good), and perhaps a solid panel design would knock a few dollars off the price also.

Posted by: nellymikhaiel at January 29, 2008 3:27 PM in response to Interior Pocket Shutters

Oh, boy, 3:46 pm (and assuming it's Heights behind the comment). First of all, I can't believe you are hiding behind the guise of "guest", and are too chicken to truly identify yourself. But basically, your feeble attempt at a rebuttal sucks on multiple fronts. I cannot allow you to post a false picture of events in Brownstoner-land unchallenged, so here goes.

First, when I first came into your showroom, it took all of 2-minutes to decide that the mantel (more accurately, a shelf on top of the ridge over the fireplace) would resemble my window-sill, in both shape and stain. This windowsill is extremely simple, and does not have flying buttresses, carved cherubs, or bunches of grapes carved into every corner, and therefore, neither did my mantel-shelf. I would think that for a skilled carpenter, working up a simple sketch "shelf" is all in a day's wrk - maybe hlf an hour's work, if that - and hardly on a par with building the Golden Gate Bridge out of matchsticks.

Second, I constantly called the shop and asking for updates and most especially, a tentative installation date. I ensured I was available every weekend. Granted, I was NOT available during the week because I work full-time in a demanding job, and like many Clinton Hill-ers, I do not live in a doorman building. Surely that's not an uncommon occurance, annd something that every merchant worth his/her salt has accomodated before - and will do so in the future. Now, the one time I DID take the day off from work to be at the apartment to receive my mantel - did I mention it took months, rather than weeks, to build this mantel? - Heights was about 5-6 hours late. The next day, when Heights assured me they would return to complete the staining - which they failed to stain in the first place, as part and parcel of my original order - they did not turn up at all (and failed to call to let me know), thereby forcing my friends from out of town to spend the whole day cooling their heels in my apartment, waiting for them to show up.

I would have been delighted to have had a "complete" mantel, but there's only so many phone calls I can make, begging for my mantel. The merchant has to do his/her bit, too: completing the job in a timely fasion, staying in touch to provide progress reports, and coordinating a delivery date for the correctly-finished product. I tried to be as flexible as I could. Heights failed to keep their end of the bargain. In view of such appalling service, I refused to pay the outstanding 50% of my invoice - and Heights never even bothered to respond to my note informing them of my decision to withold that sum. Why? Perhaps deep down, they recognized the justice of my statement: I would like to hope so, at any rate. This was not a fun experience for me. I loathe spending my time begging people to do their jobs properly, and I hate it even more when I am on bad terms with anyone, let alone a local merchant. But nor am I anyone's doormat. I cannot afford to be: hence this lengthy response.

Sorry, Heights, but you CANNOT pin your ineptitude on me. I called your office, emailed your office, made myself available on numerous dates for installation, took time off work, and even had friends from out of town interrupt their plans to wait around for you. In return, I received little communication from you (and the little I did get was quite rude on more than one occasion), and an incomplete piece of merchandise. But good luck trying to refute the full story. In fact, I can't wait to see your ridiculous efforts to do so. Go on. I dare you.

Posted by: nellymikhaiel at January 7, 2008 9:31 AM in response to Heights Woodworking

I commissioned Heights Woodworking for a much smaller a job - a mantel for my fireplace - and I was absolutely disgusted with their performance. It took four months of constant telephone calls, pleading, cajoling, and finally, outright threats to cancel the job to elicit a 'final' product, and when it finally did arrive, it was only 95% stained, and the stained component was the incorrect color. They never turned up to complete the staining, either. I vowed never to use them again, and to share my experiences with everyone.

That said, I know other homeowners on this site have had excellent experiences with Heights Woodworking, but as one sage commentator stated in response to my original posting about the whole experience, "Picking Heights Woodworking for a job is a crap-shoot: sometimes you get really great work, and other times, you are sorely disappointed with the lack of service".

Posted by: nellymikhaiel at December 7, 2007 8:33 PM in response to Heights Woodworking

Huzzah! Just the sort of vibe that all our nabes need, to keep making them better and better each year.

I concur with some of the earlier postings that the presence of farmers who deliver to our area would be wonderful, but definately NOT at the expense of foot traffic at the Farmer's Market (where it is a joy to buy fresh produce every week). I would also welcome with open arms the presences of architectural salvage stores. Perhaps a few local funky furniture stores, too. . . for example, maybe local merchants like Little India would consider a flea market presence, and thereby attract more foot traffic to their stores?

I can't wait!!!

Posted by: nellymikhaiel at November 5, 2007 11:45 AM in response to Brownstoner to Launch Weekly Flea Market Next Spring

I knew a bank was rumored to be in the works, but my heart still sank when I saw the signs confirming it. The bank's presence may be an improvement for some who actually bank at North Fork, but not for others: if this bank intends to rip off cross-users $1.50, then what's the difference between continuing to use the bodega (or continuing to make sure that you withdraw sufficient funds at their own bank to get you through the day/week/month).

No, the reason my heart sank was because I was hoping against hope that something decent would establish a presence: namely, a fresh, fresh, fresh groceries/produce shop! Something similar to Blue Apron or Garden of Eden - a store that sells a quality range of fruit, vegetables, baked goods, cheese, meats, and fish in a space that doesn't smell like someone (or something) died in there three weeks ago. If the place happened to have an ATM (yes, even a fee-charging ATM), then that would kill two birds with one stone: another option for withdrawing cash AND supplying much-needed grocery goodies. But noooo - it's yet another lousy, stinking bank. Dammit!!!

Posted by: nellymikhaiel at October 30, 2007 3:34 PM in response to Streetlevel: Northfork Bank for Clinton and Fulton

I used CityWide Movers for my move from Park Slope to Clinton Hill, and they were simply great. Check them out at http://www.citywidemovers.net/
Fred, the owner, requested an approximate inventory before the big day - big furniture items, number of boxes, and so on - and he and his staff turned up on time and moved everything quickly, safely, professionally, and with a smile (staircases and sweltering heat notwithstanding)! I would definately use them again, and have no problem recommending them to others.

Good luck!

Posted by: nellymikhaiel at October 18, 2007 11:38 PM in response to Good Moving Companies

You are my hero! I'm in the same position as you: single girl who is also really independent, but I dream of owning and restoring my own brownstone one day. Even though achieving that goal is going to take some time, I still feel a bit dizzy about the mere prospect of actually doing the work, whether I end up doing it with a partner or not. I can only imagine how overwhelming it is to actually stand there, thinking, "Oh, hell, now what?"!

Obviously, finding a kick-ass contractor and educating yourself about home maintenance/repair are crucial. There are classes for neophyte homeowners that teach the basics of renovation and repair. . .even if a job is too big for you to do alone, and you have to hire help, having some working knowledge of how everything works will make you more confident (and deter less-savoury craftspeople from fleecing you). It's run by Neighborhood Housing Services, a not for profit profit housing organization. The class is completely hands on and meets once a week ten weeks. The classes are offered multiple times during the year, so don't worry if you check their website and see that you've just "missed out". The NHS of East Flatbush number is 718.469.4679. The NHS of Bedford Stuyvesant is 718.919.2100. www.nhsnyc.org

Good luck, and please keep everyone here in Brownstoner-land posted about your progress.

Posted by: nellymikhaiel at October 17, 2007 2:40 PM in response to Going it Alone and it's scary!

Locally, Eddie's Salvage may be interested in taking it off your hands. Alternatively Demolition Depot or Olde Goode Things in Manhattan are two other potential contenders.

Posted by: nellymikhaiel at October 12, 2007 1:22 PM in response to 1930s brass and cast iron spiral stair

Oh, that explains it. I certainly don't blame the bloke: if I had several million dollars lying around, I would have affairs of the heart with half of Clinton Hill, a decent part of Fort Greene, and a not-insignificant part of Bed-Stuy!

Posted by: nellymikhaiel at October 10, 2007 4:23 PM in response to A Look Inside the 447 Clinton Avenue Conversion

I'm with lesterhead! I live right next door to this place, and I've been following the building's progress (from my balcony - talk about a bird's eye view!) with the greatest interest. Yay to you for getting inside!!!

It warms my heart to know that the existing original details will be preserved - it's such a beauty of a place, and it deserves the best - but I was surprised to read that the whole project will be rental-only. I would love to know how the developer crunched his numbers, and came up with the result that rentals, rather than two-bedroom condos, would turn the best profit, especially in a gem of a building like that. I think gwbrubaker is right - the price range of those rentals is going to have to be something else to justify such a decision.

Posted by: nellymikhaiel at October 10, 2007 2:11 PM in response to A Look Inside the 447 Clinton Avenue Conversion

OP here. Thanks so much for the replies. hangonsloopy, you were right on the mark - it's exactly the link I was looking for!

Posted by: nellymikhaiel at October 4, 2007 3:15 PM in response to Information about home repair/maintenance classes

Initially, I wasn't too enthused about 525 Clinton - it seemed incongruous relative to the other beautiful historic residential buildings that line the nearby streets. That said, if 525 Clinton stimulates business development on Fulton Street, no-one will be happier than me! Surely the good folk that buy apartments at 525 Clinton will join me in agitating for a really decent supermarket/fresh produce store?

In a similar vein, there's already signs of increased life on Fulton (despite the ongoing roadwork!), which warms my heart. Not only does work look like it's proceeding on the old Bodegas space mentioned by Brownstoner, but it looks like development plans for the long-dormant Sharon's Dance Theater space are moving ahead: a few days ago, I saw some sort of construction permit in the window. Huzzah!

Posted by: nellymikhaiel at October 3, 2007 2:30 PM in response to Development Watch: 525 Clinton Avenue Check-In

With the exception of the mattress, you probably could leave the items out on the curb. My hunch is that within a matter of time, someone would pick them up.

Posted by: RFI at July 16, 2008 5:12 PM in response to Furniture Donations

I agree with RFI: put them out on the sidewalk and they will walk away. Also post on Craig's List as free.

Posted by: parkslopemom at July 16, 2008 8:30 PM in response to Furniture Donations

Also there's Freecycle.

freecycle.org

Posted by: traditionalmod at July 17, 2008 10:47 AM in response to Furniture Donations

I've seen people take mattresses wrapped in plastic with notes about bedbugs and poison. This was in Williamsburg tho where they have a higher tollerance for toxic living.

Posted by: Karka at July 17, 2008 12:28 PM in response to Furniture Donations

try calling the partnership for the homeless

http://www.partnershipforthehomeless.org/

To Make a Furniture Donation: 718-875-5353 or furniture@pfth.org

Posted by: dtrain at July 17, 2008 12:45 PM in response to Furniture Donations

email acrcontracting@optonline.net
He is currently working on 2 projects for me in Park Slope & one in Bensonhurst. Tell him you were given his email address by Muan Associates, LLC.

Posted by: caseycrespo at July 21, 2008 10:37 PM in response to Looking for quality contractor/handy man

I know a guy by the name of Wilfredo Lopez who does an excellent job of sanding,staining,& painting etc. Very skillful with his hands & does a clean job. Wilfredo can be reached at 203-952-1454. One of his References is Jeff Norman at 203-278-3520.

Posted by: Laasha at July 24, 2008 1:47 PM in response to Looking for quality contractor/handy man

find home services

new web site just launched.

www.services4home.com

- GB

Posted by: ghost100 at September 27, 2008 10:10 AM in response to Good Moving Companies

find home services

new web site just launched.

www.services4home.com

- GB

Posted by: ghost100 at September 27, 2008 10:11 AM in response to Good Moving Companies

is this a modern gas fireplace as opposed to the traditional park slope fireplace?.. if so, there is a "spill switch " located on the upper side of the fireplace...it has a little red or black button that you have to push to reset it...however the fact that it tripped indicates a problem with the venting

Posted by: eman1234 at January 22, 2009 7:22 PM in response to How to fix a dead gas fireplace