Development Watch: 518 Meeker Avenue
We remember scratching our head as we’d drive by this building on the BQE, wonder who was going to pony up for those views. At that stage, when it was nothing more than cinderblocks, we assumed it was going to be another complete sh!t sandwich of a building. And while we still can’t imagine who’s…
We remember scratching our head as we’d drive by this building on the BQE, wonder who was going to pony up for those views. At that stage, when it was nothing more than cinderblocks, we assumed it was going to be another complete sh!t sandwich of a building. And while we still can’t imagine who’s going to live here or why the windows aren’t biggger, we have to say we kinda like the fact that the architect, who’s none other than Robert Scarano, decided to have a little fun and give this otherwise drab stretch a splash of color. The 10-unit residential building looks more like something that would spring up in an outer neighborhood of a European city. But at least it’s not a Fedders special. It also looks mezzanine-free. GMAP P*Shark DOB
Let me say that post 9;12 sounds way too convincing to be a hack. By the way you can”t spell Ass—e without an ass.
Enough already-all of you! This wasn’t supposed to be publicized yet, but to set the record straight, here goes: This building was conceived as an experiment to prove just how much some poor schmucks from out of town can be brainwashed into believing (& actually paying) that they’ve found the residence of their dreams. Selected agents already have a scripted sales pitch, convincing these saps that it’s a privilege to breath car exhaust directly from the BQE, the most coveted of all NYC highway fumes (Residents along the Gowanus are jealous!) As for the small windows, the spiel will be that the latest trend is no views, as everyone already knows what NYC looks like. Lastly, they will be told “Fugly” is the new “Stunningly Beautiful” in architecture. Mmm hmmm. . .right. Bottom line: Don’t forget the obvious, folks: You can’t spell “Scarano” without “SCAR”. Coincidence? Hmmmm. . . . .
if i have to explain to you why glutiny to the point of eating yourself to death as a large portion of our population does….is uncivilized, i’d say you’re the idiot.
you’re right though. the 300 plus lb woman i saw today on a park bench knawing her way through two bags from mcdonalds was super civilized. so was her ketchup covered hands.
sorry, my friend. but that may happen in europe, but not nearly of the frequency it does here.
You could argue that – of course that would make you a total idiot!
BTW – since when did being overweight=uncivilized??
i suppose some of us choose to focus on the present more than the past, david.
while all of western europe combined has a murder rate equal to one or two of our large cities, with the person presiding over our government as probably one of the most uncivilized ignoramuses, with 50% of our population overweight, a poverty rate sickeningly high for the amount of wealth we have. i suppose we have different ideas of what is and is not civilized but if you want to talk wars and genocide only, i’d say with the war in iraq and the utter disregard that african american people even exist in this country today, i’d say we stand ahead of the pack in the uncivilized category.
i would argue that europeans are much, much more civilized as a people generally speaking than americans.
Brownstoner – you may have ‘meant’ to say that but you really didnt – you called the brick, non-fedders on 9th&Smith (which has a similar ‘context’ to this building – “Butt Ugly” and the Scarano one on State – an “eyesore”.
Certainly you are entitled to your opinion but when your opinion is seemingly all over the place you have to expect to be called on it. Also I would ask you to really consider the implications of true “contextual” development in Brownstone/historical districts – I personally think ‘recreating’ a 19th century Brownstone to be far more offensive then building an attractive modern design.
Finally- my comments about Europeans being more ‘civilized’ was sarcastic – Please read a history book and try preserving some of that “Context”.
Maybe Europe dosen’t have metal detectors at their schools and mostely didnt get involved in Iraq but 60 years of relative peace (under our defense umbrella) doesnt erase the thousands of years of “uncivilized” behavior including the introduction of African Slavery to the New World, Endless Wars, Colonization, Pogroms, Holocaust, Ethnic Cleasing, Muslim Riots – to name some of the highlights.
Actually looked up this one on Scarano’s site. Very different look in the finished (well, almost) product. Lots of black brick and gray finishes in the original rendering. Much more “Scarano-esque.”
And of course, the view is from the Meeker Ave side, not the BQE view.
Perhaps there is a wee bit of truth to “the architect just draws them” argument.
“at least its not a Fedders special”??
Did you not look at the picture? or did you think those holes in the exterior wall were really small decks?
Here’s a question for Scarano and the developer:
Do I get the free repelling/climbing lessons for the rock wall before or after I close on one of the condos in this beauty?
And gear? Throw in a basic set, a helmet, harness and we have a deal!