Court Street: Invasion of the Banks
We’ve gotten word that the slew of mom-and-pop shops in the large building at the Southeast corner of Court and Schermerhorn will soon be replaced by a bank branch–no word which one yet. If that indeed turns out to be true, folks looking for an ATM in the area will be doubly blessed: The Daily…
We’ve gotten word that the slew of mom-and-pop shops in the large building at the Southeast corner of Court and Schermerhorn will soon be replaced by a bank branch–no word which one yet. If that indeed turns out to be true, folks looking for an ATM in the area will be doubly blessed: The Daily News is reporting that, after 35 years of slinging dough, Nick and Joe’s Pizzeria across Court Street between Schermerhorn and Livingston is closing shop to make way for a Chase Bank. Gee, we were hoping for another Duane Reade.
Bank Takes Over Pizza Shop [NY Daily News]
there used to be a dive bar on Court? We could use a dive bar. And when it comes to the aesthetic of the b&n building–even the nice buildings on the street are hidden by hideous store fronts. Look at that disgusting deli between Scherm and Livingston. That’s one of the most beautiful buildings on the street. You’d never know it, tho, unless you walk with your head facing the clouds.
Ohmig-d Babs! We lived in the same neighborhood for years. Sigh- I totally agree about the building being the ugliest (oh wait- there is that monstrosity on Fulton St. with the doors to nowhere and the facade of leftovers). I watched in utter disbelief when it went up and then I read that article in the times about the architect’s rationale for that schizophrenic facade (I call it the Sybil Style). I remember seeing some beautiful metal columns on the exterior of the old theater and always wondered what the interior must have been like.
Have to say I did love having the theater so close by and still go there. And the Barnes & Ignoble. And the Starbucks…and… But I loved the diversity of Court St. I would hate to see it all become the Upper East side. I don’t really see that happening because there is such a huge office and working population in the area. With the courts, law and RE offices, etc. I think there is too much going on for that to happen.
I agree with some of the people above in that Nick and Joe’s was not the best pizza in the nabe; it’s more for the sentimental value that I’m sad to see them go. The Queen is still around, vut they don’t have that front area anymore where you could get just a slice, probably to avoid the teenage hangout syndrome. And Fascati rules! I stopped off there last night for a chicken parmesan hero — so good! I don’t know how much it cost 25 years ago when I first ate there, but at $5.75 today it seemed totally cheap to me. However, at that time I paid $600 a month for a half of a floor in a brownstone on Columbia Heights (facing the street, not the river!), which was more money than anyone I knew had ever heard of anyone paying in rent. How times have changed!
And Bruce Ratner is indeed the source of all evil, but I don’t blame him for putting up a multiplex that attracts teenagers from all over — that’s the fault of the theatre’s owner (I forget which major chain). I blame him for his usual utter lack of taste in building what is surely one of the all time ugliest buildings ever here. The Rex porno theatre was way better (and the reason for Pandora’s)!
And has no-one on Brownstoner mentioned the sudden departure of Cambodian Cuisine from Fort Greene — truly a tragedy! But 93rd and Third — what, is the Upper East Side the new Brooklyn?
And who could forget Pandora- the x-rated bookstore with the psychedelic window painting?
Admittedly, while I’m not thrilled with all the banks and chain pharmacies, its at least a step better than the XXX theater, and very low dive bar that were on court by this block 20-25 years ago.
Amanda, you may not go to a bank, but small businesses go every day. Banks on court street are logical as they are close to attorney’s offices and handy for real estate closings. I am a landlord and go to the bank often for transactions. Maybe you need to look around a little and not generalize the world from your specific situation.
What on EARTH is fueling the addition of so many retail bank locations, especially in this day and age of online banking? Honestly, can anyone here remember the last time they had the need to see a real live bank teller? I can’t. And yet these behemoths are replacing mom-and-pops all over the city, not just in Brooklyn.
For shame.
the car service moved to henry street.
I can’t beleive the car service is gone. I used them back when they first moved to Schermerhorn and before their latest takeover, I knew all the drivers nad the owners. They were great. Not these last owners- rude, and always charged outrageous prices to come to Bed-Stuy or Crown Hgts. My faves are Eastern and Promenade. Nice, usually prompt and reasonable.