When It Comes to the Stoop, Size Does Matter
In some ways, this batch of six new townhouses on Lexington between Franklin and Bedford isn’t so bad–the bay windows and the cornice are a nice touch and the brick choice is unoffensive. But the proportion of the stoops is throws the whole thing off. (Check out the close-up photo on the jump.) Instead of…
In some ways, this batch of six new townhouses on Lexington between Franklin and Bedford isn’t so bad–the bay windows and the cornice are a nice touch and the brick choice is unoffensive. But the proportion of the stoops is throws the whole thing off. (Check out the close-up photo on the jump.) Instead of setting the ground floor a couple of feet below grade in the style of older brownstones, it’s right at street level. This means that the stoop has to be that much higher and, therefore, deeper (which perhaps has something to do with why the houses are set back several feet from the adjacent facades). The result is a stoop that is massive in proportion to the three-story house. Does anyone know if there’s some kind of building code that results in a decision like this or is it just bad design?
GMAP
I would think that the guess that this is to accomdate the disabled is right. Alternative would be that of the Atlantic Commons between Fulton and Atlantic in Fort Greene – street grade front door and no stoop. Internal stair for all apartments. Seems more sensible but I guess loses space inside.
Only two more steps then I have, but my 1899 house has a dogleg stoop with an extra landing to break it up. I guess that would be two expensive for new construction 🙁
I agree that people on this site hate everything built after 1930.
Bad Design from whose perspective – not to the person whose been living in a so called “garden apt” which is actually a below grade pseudo-basement.
Face it, you people hate everything. Its got approx 7 more (shorter) steps then yesterdays ‘House of the Day’; oh my god the travesty!
Bullshit! This is bad design, period. A decent architect would have made sure that it not only met its neighbors neatly and didn’t leave ugly party walls, but didn’t look ridiculous after it was all said and done.
BTW, why can’t FEDDERS develop a facade sensitive AC coil box that looks like an architectural feature, like a circular black iron look, or copper(wouldn’t that be nice)? These rectangular AC’s look absolutly atrocious and are an abomination of architecture.
Discraceful! It makes American ingenuity and architectural integrity in residential construction look worse than it already is.
those are a helluva lotta steps to go up/down in show & ice. and carrying furniture or packages.
It is due to ADA requirements – new buildings must be accessible.
Looks STOOPid – about 10 steps too many IMO.
I wonder if it has anything to do with requirements for wheelchair accessibility to the garden floor. Any architects out there who can speak to this?