An Open Letter to Fedders re: Fedders Houses
Think of this letter as a form of group therapy. A concerned Brooklyn resident writes an open letter to the president of Fedders, trying to convince the exec of the damage to his company’s image by being associated with the lowest form of architecture known to man: Seemingly profitably for FEDDERS, these buildings—ghastly in their…
Think of this letter as a form of group therapy. A concerned Brooklyn resident writes an open letter to the president of Fedders, trying to convince the exec of the damage to his company’s image by being associated with the lowest form of architecture known to man:
Seemingly profitably for FEDDERS, these buildings—ghastly in their plain-as-cardboard architecture from the get-go—require an air conditioning unit under every other window. Unfortunately, each FEDDERS air conditioner is giganticly emblazoned with the word FEDDERS across the public-facing side of the unit. So an unsightly edifice in the first place becomes [number of windows with FEDDERS air conditioners] times uglier. It’s about as repugnant as seeing the word FEDDERS boldly capitalized 29 times here in this letter. The net effect I describe is now commonly referred to as a FEDDERS House.
Letter to Fedders [Open Web Letter]
Isnt it annoying how those “disadvantaged” peoples have such bad taste!
Wall through AC units like these (which vent in only the back) are rather expensive, at least $400, so most people in rental units don’t buy them (if you are going to stay in a place for a few years you don’t want to drop $1000 on ACs that may be of no use in your next flat). Instead, they put in window units which are much cheaper but need to vent through the side and back. This is a hazard and these units will quickly burn out. Landlords should either provide the units or not provide the wall through holes.
Babs – you are so right… And that is what will be the downfall of Brooklyn. Not brilliant, high-minded modern design (which we see precious little of), but the cheap and ugly, so long as it’s brand spanking new….
I agree with babs and CrownHeights Proud, but these buildings are yucky–and an insult. Look at the details and care put into workers housing 100 years ago–a little respect for the eventual owners not contempt. Please post Fedders response!
babs, I’m afraid you are correct on all accounts. It’s the same reaction some people have towards well worn antique furniture vs new covered foam and/or wood veneered furniture.
I applaud the letter writer’s efforts, and would love to hear what the corporate response was.
test
And now for my real thoughts on the subject — I doubt this letter will do any good, although its intent is laudable. I’m sure Fedders company execs are thrilled to see thier name repeated endlessly on all of these crackerbox horrors and are even more pleased to have become a generic term.
My other fear is that the developers of these places actually think they look nice, as do friends of mine, who mostly grew up in “disadvantaged” situations and thus think that anything new, without the “taint” of the old, crumbling, poorly-maintained buildings in which they grew up (and which are now selling as million dollar brownstones or condo conversions), is superior. Some of the people I’ve asked love the cemented front yards, perfect for parking your car, and the exterior stairways, so practical and space-saving.
genius.
I think maybe you are too used to seeing them. After a year or so – many are rusting and look even worse. On my corner – in a 4 year old condo bldg with a recent sale of close to $1m – many remain – and ones where A/C has been put in don’t even fill the sleeve correctly.
What could a simple grill work cover cost? $200?
You’d think it would be against zoning regs to have these advertising signs on residential streets.