If You Can't Beat 'Em, Get Bought Out!
Remember back in 2006 when there was great neighborhood opposition to Joseph Chan (no, not that Joe Chan) erecting an 11-story residential building at 380 Baltic Street? Well, part of the reason the complaining stopped was that the project was approved and, in the end, there wasn’t really a whole heck of a lot that…
Remember back in 2006 when there was great neighborhood opposition to Joseph Chan (no, not that Joe Chan) erecting an 11-story residential building at 380 Baltic Street? Well, part of the reason the complaining stopped was that the project was approved and, in the end, there wasn’t really a whole heck of a lot that anyone could do to stop it. Of course, it also helped that one of the major protesters against the project ended of selling the adjacent house to the developer for $1,250,000, arguably a modest premium over what the three-story vinyl-sided house might have fetched on the open market. As you can see at the right of this photo, the house has already been demo’d in preparation for a new five-story building.
Chan Still Putting Up 11 Stories on Baltic [Brownstoner] GMAP
Baltic Street Update: Chan Engages Critics [Brownstoner]
Baltic Bigtime: Negotiating a Tower in Boerum Hill [Brownstoner]
The developer purchased the parking lot next door to the protestor/seller’s building and began construction. He then purchased the 25 x 100 lot, and expanded onto it.
I don’t mind an 11 story building either, but god this is going to be ugly. What a shame
Not sure how developer gets approval for a 9000+ sq ft building on the former protester/seller’s 25′ x 100′ lot – but since they did – the purchase was a steal for the developer not a premium.
Also – both the 11 story and the 376 Baltic have some sort of med facility in their DOB approval – which I would assume is way to get more sq footage added to building (a run around of FAR). Since seems unlikely location for such facility – seems a sham.
This week some sort of stucco seems to be added to part of building- does not bode well for final look.
Not sure if they intend condo or rental.
I would guess all 2 bedroom apts from outward apprearance of windows.
The house that stood there was a very quaint 3-story stucco number, but the structure was not in good shape. Any damage to the foundation would have likely doomed it completely. Because of that, I think the holdouts made the right decision. Months of harrassment and construction, or the means to buy a nicer home in a good neighborhood for their family. Nicer place, hands down.
I am not opposed to progress or building or redevelopment. I’m also not opposed to putting a few “finger buildings” in mainly brownstone areas. Given the location of this project, right next to Les Maisons Gowanus, I don’t object to the size (while it is out of context).
My fear is that this how crappy I expect this thing to look once completed: the small windows, ugly balconies and fedders boxes give me an indication. I can’t wait to see what type of cheap-o facade is slapped over the protective foam layer.
Any ideas why Chan opted for the “kosher balcony” style on this project?