Sisters of Mercy: First and Last and, Hopefully, Always*
[nggallery id=”27504″ template=galleryview] On the heels of the news that the Sisters of Mercy Convent at 265 Willoughby Avenue would be closing its doors after 146 years, we touched based with the Landmarks Preservation Commission to see what the chances were of it receiving landmark status. Given the possibility that the property could be sold…
[nggallery id=”27504″ template=galleryview]
On the heels of the news that the Sisters of Mercy Convent at 265 Willoughby Avenue would be closing its doors after 146 years, we touched based with the Landmarks Preservation Commission to see what the chances were of it receiving landmark status. Given the possibility that the property could be sold to a developer, the issue has some urgency. Unfortunately, the convent lies outside the boundaries of the original Clinton Hill Historic District. It is, however, mentioned as a possible individual landmark in an addendum to the 70-page survey drafted on behalf of the Society for Clinton Hill that recommends expanding the historic district boundaries and increasing the number of protected buildings from 884 to 1,155 as well as designating five individual landmarks. LPC tells us that it will begin a survey—the first step in the landmarking process—of the proposed extension this month with an eye to completing it this spring. Fingers crossed.
Willoughby Convent Closing, Future Uncertain [Brownstoner] GMAP P*Shark
FG/CH Historic District Extensions: The Big Picture [Brownstoner]
Proposed Individual Landmarks in Clinton Hill [Brownstoner]
*Since most people won’t get it, here’s the reference.
donatella, that’s a great idea. generic condos are practically a dime a dozen these days, but a nice conversion of an old building, that’s much more rare. unfortunately most developers are going to want to max out FAR, etc.
Mopar, where on Putnam?
BTW, if anyone has a thing for religious buildings, there is a lovely convent (aka giant brownstone) for sale on Putnam for a mere $650,000. It’s absolutely huge and has lots of original detail. I haven’t been inside, but some friends of mine live on the street. There are a ton of churches there.
Sam, the survey is in response to a submission for extension to to the historic that took years to put together and was submitted last year. It’s not just a random survey, it is a survey of the structures and streets listed in the submission to determine if Landmarks deems them worthy of landmarking. That said, I don’t know the process from there…
My mother went to nursing school taught by the sisters of Mercy in the 1940s and lived in this convent/residence with other nursing students. We drove past it the other day and she was surprised that it was so close to me. It is beautiful. I wish they could stay there. If they can’t keep it, I kind of like the idea of converting it to condos and keeping the convent signs up, like the Graham House for old ladies.
begin a survey?
Ha ha ha!
Will this be the third or fourth survey of thee blocks?
I think that when the Landmarks Commission says “we are begining a survey” what they really mean is “don’t hold your breath”.
EXCELLENT title for this post…..going to listen to them now!!
janelle, david spade called, he wants his jokes back
So landmarks wants to complete the first step of the landmarking process (the survey) by this spring? Or do they aim to have the landmarking decision on the Clinton Hill extension by this spring?