Top 5 Stories on Brownstoner This Week: A Bridge Goes Up and the Watchtower Sign Comes Down

As the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge Turns 53, See It Under Construction in Vintage Photos

While mention of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge today might stir up grumbles about tolls and traffic, when it first opened 53 years ago this month it was an engineering marvel predicted to transform transportation between boroughs.

—

Iconic Jehovah’s Witnesses Watchtower Sign Is Gone — Guess What Will Replace It

Out with the old, in with the new. The iconic lit-up red Watchtower sign, a landmark in Brooklyn Heights for almost 50 years, is no more. The massive letters came down on Wednesday, although the framework for the sign remains.

—

The Insider: Radical Spatial Moves Transform Park Slope Brick Into Striking Contemporary Townhouse

Historic preservationists, this one’s not for you. It’s an unabashedly, radically contemporary townhouse transformation, masterminded by SGVA (Shakespeare, Gordon, Vlado Architects) for a family of New Zealand transplants.
—

New Rendering Brings Horror Movie Atmosphere to East Flatbush

Most architectural renderings aim to present their subject in the best light, both figuratively and literally. They are meant to show you the ideal version of a project: beautifully illuminated by the sun, clear blue skies, smiling people on the street, occasionally a flock of feathered friends in flight.
—

Classic Stuy Heights Brownstone and Three More to See This Weekend, Starting at $1.299 Million

November’s given way to December, and as the holidays loom the market’s slowing down a bit. But there are houses out there to be seen, and we’ve got our usual four lined up for weekend viewing. One’s move-in ready, two need major work and one sits in between those two poles. They’re found in Bed Stuy, West Midwood and Crown Heights.

Related Stories

• Top 5 Stories on Brownstoner This Week: New Apple Store to Open, Murakami’s ‘Sleep’ at BAM
• Top 5 Stories on Brownstoner This Week: A Tour of the Pavilion Theater and a Wood-Frame Survivor
• Top 5 Stories on Brownstoner This Week: A Market for Dumbo, Black Mayonnaise in Gowanus

Email tips@brownstoner.com with further comments, questions or tips. Follow Brownstoner on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.