A Developer and Artist Duo Are Building Creative Hubs in Brooklyn. A Flatbush Church Is Next

They seem odd bedfellows: One, a young creative determined to build affordable spaces for artists, the other, a real estate developer with a number of residential buildings across Brooklyn.

But Audrey Banks and Joseph Banda have formed a somewhat serendipitous partnership that is making ground in adaptive reuse: converting historic buildings into affordable living and working spaces for artists and activists.


bat cave exterior
The site this month. Photo by Susan De Vries

Long Blighted, Newly Revamped Batcave Gets Ready for Debut as Gowanus Arts Center

The scaffolding is down, the new windows are in, the extension is complete and the bricks are bright. It’s almost time for Powerhouse Arts to take over its new location at Gowanus’ famed Batcave.


interior of 607 5th street

Park Slope Limestone Near Prospect Park With Plasterwork, Mantels Asks $3.45 Million

In the same family for decades, this early 20th century Park Slope limestone has an abundance of well-maintained original details, windows on three sides and a prime location a short stroll from Prospect Park. Designed by prolific architect Axel Hedman, 607 5th Street brims with original mantels, wainscoting, fretwork, marble sinks and plasterwork.

view of Gowanus Green and surrounding area
The site in 2020. Photo by Susan De Vries

Unexpected Pile Driving on Site Along Gowanus Canal Leaves Officials Scrambling for Answers

A group of elected officials are raising the alarm about potentially hazardous construction on a toxic brownfield cleanup site beside the Gowanus Canal.

exterior of 33 broad street in kinderhook

Restore a Historian’s 18th Century Dutch Gem in Kinderhook, Yours for $390K

True old house aficionados will be able to look past the listing photos for this 18th century Kinderhook dwelling and see the great bones of the house and the charm of the site, even with its once-grand landscaping a bit overgrown.

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