2 Lefferts Comes Into Focus, Exceeds Expectations
The developer of 2 Lefferts Place (at right) deserves some kind of medal or something. Though the property is not within the Clinton Hill Historic District, he still made every effort to build a contextual new building, down to the cornice (which actually looks a little big) and the choice of brick. Hopefully his choices…
The developer of 2 Lefferts Place (at right) deserves some kind of medal or something. Though the property is not within the Clinton Hill Historic District, he still made every effort to build a contextual new building, down to the cornice (which actually looks a little big) and the choice of brick. Hopefully his choices will be rewarded by the marketplace. Meanwhile a few lots down across the street, at 19 Lefferts Place (photo on the jump), a developer’s effort to create some kind of penthouse apartment has just marred the otherwise charming stretch of facades. Nice goin’.
Development Watch: 2 Lefferts Place Gets Windows [Brownstoner]
Development Watch: 2 Lefferts Place [Brownstoner] GMAP P*Shark
Mini Flatiron Building Coming to Clinton Hill [Brownstoner] DOB
19 Lefferts Place
Colonel, that linked worked perfectly – thanks. I can’t tell if there is a small set of stairs there, my FAVORITE entryway style. I’m not crazy about stoops.
But I agree, this is a success story and we should be uniformly appreciative.
Col. Steve – have to disagree. LPC has approved buildings like this, both contemporary and historicist. Current code requires at-grade entries, and stoops require revokable consent and have other difficulties. I agree that the cornice is wrong for what the building is trying to be, but otherwise, this is a decent interpretation of a historic brick row house. LPC has approved worse in Clinton Hill (I’ve seen a couple of sore thumbs, can’t remember exactly where), and has approved better in CH and Fort Greene (a couple of new ones on Cumberland between Lafayette and Dekalb).
Historicist done right is good, and this looks generally good (though I’m only judging from this one photo). Personally I prefer a more contemporary approach, but whichever way you go, do it right and do it well (and pay attention to the details).
Does anyone know who the architect or builder is on this one?
Looks fantastic. I hope there are high ceilings hidden inside there.
Why DIB – is low aesthetic standards a prerequisite here?
It looks like an old building but that is about it. It definitely does not have the detail or charm of one.
I don’t think that’s true at all, dave. i have a great appreciation for historic brownstones.
Just because we can appreciate historic styles and structures doesn’t mean we should copy them forever into the future. Should we build another Woolworth Building? no. It’s a great building historically but not relevant in today’s architecture.
As nice as this building looks, I doubt it would have passed LPC. LPC’s microscope would point out that this building is entirely out of context with the neighboring historic buildings. The new Goggle Street Views map, shows this clearly.
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=2+Lefferts+Place,+Brooklyn&sll=40.682526,-73.963437&sspn=0.007648,0.0156&g=2+Lefferts+Place,+Brooklyn&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=2+Lefferts+Pl,+Brooklyn,+Kings,+New+York+11238&ll=40.681867,-73.963442&spn=0.003197,0.005348&t=h&z=18&iwloc=A&layer=c&cbll=40.681795,-73.963099&panoid=YWP-q0ZeXsaDLWzNcB00Jw&cbp=12,157.38,,0,1.45
The lack of front stoop, out of context window elevations, minimal historic window detail, as well as the oversized and inappropriately style cornice would give LPC fits.
Alas, the building falls outside of LPC and Brownstoner has given it the seal of approval. So everything is good to go. Any ideas on what the double duplexes will sell for. Over $1 million each or under?
Yeah, the windows should be a little larger and a little more beading detail arounf windows, etc would be nice. Otherwise I wouldn’t be able to tell it was so new from the picture.
Definitely closer to 16-year-old jailbait than Jon Benet…
I think if you’re ‘dissing this building you real don’t belong on brownstoner.