Russo Buildings Not Biting the Dust
A reader wrote in wondering about the fate of Carroll Garden’s Russo Realty buildings, which we thought we slated for demolition. He noticed that while the interiors and exterior back walls had been gutted, the front facades remain intact. We talked to the manager of the development who shared some good news: “We are fully…
A reader wrote in wondering about the fate of Carroll Garden’s Russo Realty buildings, which we thought we slated for demolition. He noticed that while the interiors and exterior back walls had been gutted, the front facades remain intact. We talked to the manager of the development who shared some good news: “We are fully restoring the properties to their original design. We should be finished with the renovation within the next four months give or take.” Russo, the man himself, lived in the middle red building but passed away a few years ago. They are planning to keep the buildings as residences, and there is no word yet on whether the well-known signs will remain up. We hope so!
Russo Realty Buildings Biting the Dust [Brownstoner] GMAP
great post benson and spot on
*rob*
“Anywhere else they would be treasured historic houses.”
Really Minard??
I have just finished a road trip in which I passed through Binghampton, NY, Harrisburg, PA and Allentown, PA. All of these, but especially Binghampton and Allentown are fading, poor industrial cities that are CHOCK FULL of homes like these, rotting away.
Let’s be frank about what is going on in Brownstone Brooklyn: there is a group that is acting more and more like a wealthy suburban homeowners association. Their goal is tasteful, yet banal architecture, as seen in today’s Waverly thread. At least in the suburbs the HOA is accountable to the shareholders. They elect the Board. To whom is the LPC accountable? Moreover, this group is becoming so shrill that they are even ready to block eminent domain of one building in the case of a very clear public use (the reconstruction of the BQE).
I’m with fsrg on this one.
These houses, especially the rooftop painting visible from the F train, meet the common understanding of ‘landmark’ better than most things that get designated. They’re a prominant visual element, that are instantly identified with a particular place. Along with the fuel truck depot and self-serve car wash, they’d make a nice little historic district.
NFW they finish in four months…. eyesores….
Oh yes Brownstoner such “good news”…we are all so releaved that these no descript, non-unique crap-shacks will be “restored” to their “original” design.
Since I wont live another 90yrs this is as close as I get to seeing some moron cheer the restoration of some fedders building in the year 2100
These are frame houses dating I would guess from the 1830’s or 1840’s. Anywhere else they would be treasured historic houses. Restored to their original New England Greek revival primness they would be wonderful -but that’s unlikely.
I LOVE THESE! So glad I took a picture when they were in their glory.
Are those frame houses or did they put up some type of siding over brick?