Brooklyn Lyceum Owner Pushes Back Against Foreclosure
According to an article in DNAinfo, the owner of the Brooklyn Lyceum, the long-standing arts venue in the historic public bath building on 4th Avenue, is trying to rally support to try to fend off a pending foreclosure auction at the end of this month. On the Lyceum website, the owner, Eric Richmond, says that…
According to an article in DNAinfo, the owner of the Brooklyn Lyceum, the long-standing arts venue in the historic public bath building on 4th Avenue, is trying to rally support to try to fend off a pending foreclosure auction at the end of this month. On the Lyceum website, the owner, Eric Richmond, says that much of $5 million owed stems from a dispute with his former architect Jean Miele over a next-door lot and what Richmond claims are “exorbitant architectural fees and interest.” He says that the landmarked building might become a Duane Reade–perhaps he’s been reading our coverage where that speculation was the topic of a long thread of comments. Richmond has asked supporters to attend a hearing in Brooklyn Supreme Court on February 19.
Brooklyn Luceum Owner Warns That Venue Could Become Duane Reade [DNAinfo]
Photo Via PropertyShark
They could have made a fortune. Put in the biggest daycare in the neighborhood, right next to the subway. Use the space at night for cultural events & catering. I agree that this magnificent space never stood a chance with the current owner because they were way under capitalized.
If they wanted to create an art space with public support they would have created a non-profit organization years ago and accepted donations. This was a profit-making venture by someone who never learned how to make a profit. And now he acts like the hideous specter of a Dunae Reade threatens the neighborhood. Who says it would have to be a Duane Reade? Why not an Apple Store? Or another, better arts venue? The building is landmarked; it’s protected from demolition or defacement, but it’s not protected from indifferent owners.
well said, brikeny.
this building deserves better treatment. richmond, let it go or get your sh*t together and do something with it.
like others suggested: trader joes, a drug store or a *real* concert venue, a theater. there are tons of ways to repurpose this building.
this guy sounds crazy.
“Richmond has asked supporters to attend a hearing in Brooklyn Supreme Court on February 19.”
what will that do besides get people arrested?
Caveman
lets not give this fool any ideas.