The Big Draw in Clinton Hill: Architecture
AMNY gives Clinton Hill a look this week, noting that Pratt Institute and the handsome housing stock have drawn residents, especially since Myrtle Avenue has been on an upswing. “Dubbed ‘Murder Avenue’ during the sharp decline of the 1970s, the street has improved dramatically since then, with the help of community groups and citizens throughout…
AMNY gives Clinton Hill a look this week, noting that Pratt Institute and the handsome housing stock have drawn residents, especially since Myrtle Avenue has been on an upswing. “Dubbed ‘Murder Avenue’ during the sharp decline of the 1970s, the street has improved dramatically since then, with the help of community groups and citizens throughout the neighborhood who have made efforts to open new businesses and restore housing, much of which was in a state of disrepair,” they write. The roundup of places to eat, party and shop include Kum Kau, “the best greasy Chinese food in Brooklyn”; Outpost, which has outdoor movies in warmer months; and Repop, the vintage furniture store near the Navy Yard. More here.
Photo by Frank Lynch.
Yes, well, you guys over there shouldn’t complain — at least you have coffee!!
Heather, we are really talking about the stretch of Fulton down past Grand. That is where it really gets to be barren (and that is also where the Outpost is, between Downing and Irving). There is one bodega, can’t remember the name, where Grand, Putnam and Fulton all come together and the guys in there are really nice and know all the folks from the neighborhood. I like that vibe.
A good Barnes & Noble would do more for than the community than another gourmet grocer. What’s more it would serve all of the community. All. of it.
Not that Choice isn’t nice — it is, even if sometimes all of the preciousness makes my teeth ache — but seriously, Clinton Hill and Fort Greene already have a metric ton of quaint little shoppes selling organic produce and seventh generation diapers. Do they need more? By the same token I’m not sure they need more wine stores? (I can count three on Fulton within ten minutes of each other and I’m not even trying.)
I know the health food store is fairly new — about a year, I think. Pretty sure the hardware store has been around a bit longer though.
I’m still not entirely sure where the Outpost is, except that it’s far enough down on Fulton that I’ve never seen it. Past the Post Office, I guess?
Both bodegas on Clinton and Fulton are fine. Yaffa’s coffee is even decent, and they’re great.
“What, I respect your long term perspective on the neighborhood but as you say, I do want to see a positive side of things”
I see the reality of things, not as I want to be.
“Fulton Street, with its access to the subway, and return of the buses once the construction is complete, can and should be a thriving commercial area, especially with the influx of new residents, money and residential construction, along with the existing strong families and communities that have been here all along.”
Naw you mean things for the Asshats, not for the “existing strong families and communities that have been here all along.”
Have you noticed that Medicaid Mill on Fulton Bet St. James and Washington? You are in La La land so much that you have not notice that crap! Thats going to do wonders for Fulton St.
“All it needs is some decent coffee.”
Hell Yeah!!!!
“And possibly a Barnes & Noble.”
Hell Naw!!!!!
Fulton St. is a dump! You can argue all you want!!
The What
Someday this war is gonna end…
Actually, I think there will be 4 Choice locations: the original on Lafayette, the store type place with cut flowers and food (less of a bakery) on Greene, the place on Atlantic, and a place in DUMBO (I think).
I personally am not discounting what’s there. I mentioned the hardware store (which is not that old), the health food store (which is only a few months old by the way), and there is good coffee at the Outpost, and hopefully at the new bakery…
Problem is, there are many unused storefronts, and have been for many years.
The Met is slowly getting better – though the owner actually told one of my friends that the reason why they are making an effort is because the neighborhood is “getting better” – nothing like setting the bar low when you think you can get away with it…
I completely disagree with you on the bodegas, however. I don’t think any of them are particularly nice and most do not make an effort to keep the places clean and trash free out front.
Point is, further development versus preservation of successful businesses is not mutually exclusive. The nice thing about all the newish businesses on Fulton is they are not chains (the on and off again Subway is an exception) and often owned by people who live nearby.
The thing I really hate when Brooklynites start discussing “local” businesses and patting themselves on the back for supporting them is their definition of local excludes businesses that have been there for years. Fulton has good bodegas. A good fish and chips place. A hardware store. A health food store. The Met.
All it needs is some decent coffee.
And possibly a Barnes & Noble.
So will Choice have 3 outposts including the one on Greene or just Lafayette and Atlantic and Greene Ave is now scratched?
The new Choice outpost will be on Atlantic between Grand and Classon. Glad to hear the bakery fare is good. I met one of the owners and her son when they were working on the space, she seemed very nice. I’ll try to stop by tonight and pick something up.
Above, Bstoner says the construction is slated for completion by December. From what I can see, and the pace of work, I think that is achievable, finally. Just finishing repaving and then redo the rest of the sidewalks… fingers crossed.