Clinton Hill House Tour Wrap
The Society for Clinton Hill had what we’re sure was a record turn-out yesterday for the 30th Anniversary House Tour. (The tour got so much buzz that a thief even robbed the ticket table in Fort Greene Park on Saturday; did anyone encounter any scalpers?) We got a kick out of seeing the two Pratt…
The Society for Clinton Hill had what we’re sure was a record turn-out yesterday for the 30th Anniversary House Tour. (The tour got so much buzz that a thief even robbed the ticket table in Fort Greene Park on Saturday; did anyone encounter any scalpers?) We got a kick out of seeing the two Pratt mansions on Clinton Avenue and found artist Kris Krohn’s loft building at 281 Greene Avenue interesting; there was a neat display of Broken Angel renderings and concept drawings in Higgins Hall as well. By all accounts, 258 Hall Street, with its budget-conscious but very cool reno by the owner-architects, was the highlight of the private homes on the tour. While several of the other houses were charming and clearly reflected the personal styles of their owners, we couldn’t help but wish there had been a few brownstones or mansions with the kind of “wow” factor you’d expect given the housing stock in the nabe; the mix was definitely less impressive than the Fort Greene tour last year, we thought. At least the weather provided a perfect back-drop to show off the area’s architecture and charm. It also made for a great backdrop for the Brownstoner gathering at Ici, where we got a chance to chat with many readers. Thanks to everyone who made the effort to stop by. Lots of pics on the jump.
May 6: A Busy Day for House Tours! [Brownstoner]
245 Clinton Avenue, George DuPont Pratt Mansion
245 Clinton Avenue, George DuPont Pratt Mansion
The line outside 238 Washington Avenue
258 Hall Street, the highlight according to many
The top-floor loft at 281 Greene Avenue
Broken Angel drawings at Higgins Hall
Brownstoner party in the garden at Ici
Brownstoner party in the garden at Ici
Brownstoner party in the garden at Ici
Brownstoner party in the garden at Ici
Hey, “Back-in-the-Day” Not shocked…just concerned that young children on the tour would notice and turn a “house tour” into a coversation with parents about the naked men/penises in the house althrough the house tour all day…
Not gaybashing at all…relax
Hey, “Back-in-the-Day” Not shocked…just concerned that young children on the tour would notice and turn a “house tour” into a coversation with parents about the naked men/penises in the house althrough the house tour all day…
Not gaybashing at all
The reality is that it’s getting harder and harder to persuade homeowners to put their houses on these tours. I speak from experience, being an organizer of one of them. 20-30 years ago, a major focus was to encourage apt dwellers and Manhattanites to move to the brownstone neighborhoods of Brooklyn and be part of the movement to revive and restore these grand old buildings. But these days, gentrification means that many new owners no longer share that spirit of community involvement or simply feel they’ve spent too much money on their cribs to let a bunch of strangers look around. I agree, also, that the bitching on sites like this is very discouraging for anyone who’s on the fence. I mean, that off-the-wall McGreevey comment (9:49am)? Please. You’re shocked that gay men live in Clinton Hill and, furthermore, have erotic art in their home? Get a life!
Yeah, seemed a lot of you house-tourers ended up at the Grand and Gates open house that was basically swarmed. I was there waiting for a friend who was interested in buying and I couldn’t understand where all these people were coming from!
Anon 9:16… FYI: the 2007 Victorian Flatbush House Tour is coming up on June 10. More information and advance tickets are available at http://www.fdconline.org ($15/advance, $20/day of tour).
While I enjoy going on the tour, I would never open my home for people to tromp through. I’m not entirely sure what the motivation is to do so, but enjoy having a look at other’s places for ideas and just for enjoyment/appreciation.
I think that there will always be many places that people would love to view, but few people willing to let strangers wander through their house for a day.
I enjoyed myself, and the day was gorgeous, but I was a bit disappointed. I agree that for the housing stock that CH has, I expected more. Not just mansions, because that’s eye candy, but I would have loved to see more of the everyday homes that grace the nabe. What I did see was fun and interesting, but there should have been more.
I couldn’t believe the lines! I didn’t see the Hall St. house, which I regret now, because the line literally streched halfway down the block.
Biggest peeve – the total takeover of the program, signage and sponsorship by the big realtors. I’m sure their money made the glossy program possible, and put money in the Society’s coffers, but it totally took away from the neighborhood grass roots feel that most other tours have, and made CH seem like a theme park.
Had a great time at Ici, however. It was great to meet the Brownstoner Family, and talk to Mr. and Mrs. B, and other readers. You should do something similar more often. Wish we could have stayed longer, but even on Sunday, the work of the self employed never ends.
Yes, it’s true…the Clinton Hill Society do not attract a lot of people who would like to “become a part.” There almost seems to be a specific “code/criteria” or status. Clinton Hill almost functions as some sort of “corporate/ole boys club” community…opposed to a community that is “welcoming”…Some of them (members) seem to be robotic and standoffish…The owner of 313 Clinton was not on the tour, but opened her home for a garage sale! Had great stuff! And, the home was lovely too!
Brownstoner, how was your home received in this years tour?