Vic. Flatbush from Someone Who Actually Knows It
We could have used this site last week when we were diving in head first to Victorian Flatbush with nary a clue. Actually, we linked to the site back in December when it went live and then completely spaced it. Oops. Definitely worth a re-visit. An Architectural History [Victorian Flatbush]
We could have used this site last week when we were diving in head first to Victorian Flatbush with nary a clue. Actually, we linked to the site back in December when it went live and then completely spaced it. Oops. Definitely worth a re-visit.
An Architectural History [Victorian Flatbush]
But I wonder, how does one even begin to legislate for a Garden District? And how long would that take. Time is of the essence, as these things are happening now. Snail-paced Landmarks seems to be the only real option in NYC.
Unfortunately 11:57, I am not too close to a junction to the Q/B line, or I’d be over there more often, as I love to walk and walk. Oh well!
Erin, Garden Districts would seem to be the way to go. I consider myself a preservationist, but I think it is unrealistic for Landmarks to be so inflexible, unless they are arranging grants or low interest loans for strict historic preservation. You are right, if they saw the horrible alternatives that are taking place as we type, wouldn’t it be preferable to allow new or alternative materials that at least preserve the architectural styles and details that made the homes landmarks in the first place?
The great thing about Victorian Flatbush is that you don’t need a car. It helps to cover ground, but The B/Q line makes stops at Church (B/Q), Beverly (Q), Cortelyou (Q), Newkirk (B/Q), Avenue H (Q) right down the middle of the various neighborhood subdivisions. 2/5 and Ftrains are a walk, but can be done.
Someone want to email us a photo of the offending house at Cortelyou and Rugby?
Unfortunately, the vast majority of Victorian Flatbush is NOT landmarked, or protected in any way, including zoning, although that will hopefully be remedied quite soon.
I am sensitive to the costs of maintaining a period home, and while I do support landmarking, I am sensitive to the high cost of maintaining these houses, and often lament the fact that there are no “Garden Districts” in NYC, as there are in some others, where the historic characters of homes must be retained, but allow for more modern materials which are stylistically harmonious to be used in maintaining homes. The recent article in the TIMES about these issues was very informative.
Hardcore landmarking types balk at the use of such materials, but if the alternative was some of the things that have going on in our neighborhood, they might feel differently.
What a gorgeous site!
I don’t get over to Vict. Flatbush very often, unless I get to borrow a car, and then I roam the streets and drive the locals nuts as I crawl along looking at houses. I love it! It reminds me of upstate cities like Oneonta, near where I grew up: classic small town America. Then, a couple of blocks away you are back in NYC, complete with subways and apartment buildings.
I hope as much as possible is protected by landmarking, it would be a shame to lose most of it because of overdevelopment, or to have more of the houses “renovated” beyond recognition.
I would love to have one of those huge houses, but only if I had the money for proper upkeep. Sometimes having a row house with only the back and front exteriors to really worry about is a blessing. All of those windows, albeit beautiful, as well as siding, paint, multiple rooflines, driveways, porches and lawns, to say nothing of the interior, can be quite a load! All the best to those of you who have one. You are stewards of a fine legacy.
Erin, looking forward to updates on your very informative site.
When I saw that they were stripping the house on Cortelyou and Rugby back to the boards, I though maybe they would be doing cedar siding (like the one on your Kudos page). I never guess brick, and why they went with that weird tan brick!?!
Was out walking the area Saturday (what great weather) and stopped and looked at all the brick ‘what the hecks’ but had not gone down Cortelyou, until this morning, on the way to the subway. I stopped dead in my track when I saw that tan brick, as I said before UGH!
Erin, your site is beautiful, and I look forward to your updates. Although people have more flexibility in non-landmarked areas, and may buy there because of that, I also wish owners could try and appreciate historic character of these homes and the neighborhood. I grew up further out, in Midwood, and there used to be gardens, porches, generous spacing between homes and big yards, and now there are block after block of brick monoliths built to the property line and small, flowerless lawns. I guess my point is, you could build a new, uniform modern brick monster anywhere, but once these old houses and their charm and character are gone, they’re gone forever.
Anonymous at 10:46 – you beat me to the punch! I was about to update you all here on brownstoner about the house on Cortelyou and Rugby. I pass it every day and it is deeply upsetting to witness the transformation this house is undergoint at the moment.
I apologize for not updating my site recently, but I have had a few (very positive)life changes that are keeping me extremely busy. But I do intend to get out there with camera in hand soon.