Development Watch: 196 South 2nd Street
This baby’s been a long time coming. We took a look at the 10-unit, Scarano-designed development back in September of 2006 when it appeared to be well on its way. From what we can tell, there was some kind of DOB audit that took place last April, most likely in connection with Mezzanine-gate, which probably…
This baby’s been a long time coming. We took a look at the 10-unit, Scarano-designed development back in September of 2006 when it appeared to be well on its way. From what we can tell, there was some kind of DOB audit that took place last April, most likely in connection with Mezzanine-gate, which probably explains the hold-up. (The plans now reflect that three of the four floors include mezzanines.) We’ve seen Scarano buildings similar to this before, but those small mosaic windows are a new touch. Thumbs up or down?
Development Watch: 196 South 2nd Street [Brownstoner] GMAP DOB
1:41
Criticism without the presentation of alternatives is simply not productive.
Sure, I’d love every building that is constructed to include architectural elements reminscient of Western Civilization – but, as I work in the industry I know the construction costs for such an endeavor are at the moment prohibitive for all but the wealthiest people in this city. Even they can barely afford it. How many brownstone mansions have been constructed since the depression? To my knowledge, none.
I look at this building, and it seems at least moderately interesting, if modernist/post modernist architectural style is your think – at least it HAS a style.
All I am asking is “what is the alternative?”. What would have been a better option for this site? I’d even be happy with a link to something hypothetical that hasn’t been built yet.
2:54 = East New York broker
I’ve stood up for a few of Scarano’s designs in the past, but this building is just not good. The massing, materials, windows, etc., etc. (everything tscola said).
A block to the north (S. 1st) there is a very nice looking Scarano project. I also rather like the one on Bedford and South 2nd (also hung up in audit). Two blocks west on Grand Street (just of Bedford) is another Scarano dog.
it’s fine.
i prefer new. it’s nice.
2:43=Park Slope broker.
You are all brokers.
In my opinion, the ugliness of the building has an inverse relationship to the charm of the neighborhood. This building would be incredibly awful if it were in Brooklyn Heights or the Slope, but since it’s in Williamsburg it somehow isn’t that bad. Most buildings, new or old, in the ‘Burg are pretty ugly so this is par for the course.
“Why are z and newsouthsloper so eager to argue for a false dichotomy?”
Perhaps the same reason you are so eager to assert that your completely subjective viewpoints are somehow equated with fact.
Why are z and newsouthsloper so eager to argue for a false dichotomy? Just because a building is modern doesn’t mean that it has to be ugly. Nobody in this thread is saying that.
This particular building, however, has got plenty of ugly. It’s also got a distinct lack of subtlety, which explains the ugly more than building materials or construction methods do.
why, oh why can’t brooklyn look exactly like it did in 1880? it also bothers me that people wear modern clothes. brooklyn women should be dressed in bonnets and bustles, while brooklyn men should sport beaver top hats.