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March 10, 2006
Brooklyn House of Detention: A Jail With Retail
In a move sure to warm the hearts of those who have already put down a deposit at The Smith, the Correction Department announced plans to convert 24,000 square feet of space at the Brooklyn House of Detention in retail shops. The shift will be part of a $240 million makeover of the jail that will likely add more inmate capacity as well. Various public officials floated ideas for a tenant roster: an upscale food market, a children's clothing store, law offices. Mr. Brooklyn himself, Marty Markowitz, topped them all with his suggestion: A boutique hotel. "If it's designed in such a way that the guests feel totally comfortable," he said yesterday, "why not?"
HOD a Jail wth Retails [NY Times]
Comments
Love it! It'll become THE hipster place in Brooklyn. Reverse chic.
Posted by: Anon at March 10, 2006 9:33 AM
I am humbled, although 24,000 square feet is not much space. Shoplifting should not be a problem.
Names for the mall:
The Clink
The Tombs
Food Court: The Commissary
Anchor Restaurant: Warden's
Anyone?
Posted by: bkborn at March 10, 2006 9:53 AM
Slammers, Punk Boys, LineUps.
Posted by: Anonymous at March 10, 2006 9:57 AM
*Snort* While I adore our quirky borough president, Marty come on, a boutique hotel?
At least he's not suggesting a Vegas style theme one. *ponders*
How about Jail themed hotel with Elvis impersonator in stripe prison garb ?
Posted by: Anonymous at March 10, 2006 10:12 AM
bar and nightclub: Jailhouse Rock
also, they should put a bank in there just for giggles.
Posted by: Teton at March 10, 2006 10:15 AM
yea marty's smoking crack with the hotel and residential comments!
Posted by: Anonymous at March 10, 2006 10:15 AM
the hotel sounds like a fantastic idea to me!
Posted by: Anonymous at March 10, 2006 10:16 AM
what an idiot this marty is. Imagine all these perps and i will go shopping where they are all hanging out.
Posted by: Anonymous at March 10, 2006 10:28 AM
Hello? Hello? anyone home?? -
They are planning a TWO HUNDRED and FOURTY MILLION DOLLAR makeover????
according to last weeks artice they have already spent 50 million over the last 12 years!
Lets see 300 MILLION over 15 years for 800 cells - I never want to hear another word about Atlantic Yards being a miss use of public funds again!
Posted by: David at March 10, 2006 10:33 AM
The best part of the article came from good ol' Judy Stanton who said basically, "ok, ground-floor retail. fine, but why did you waste our time talking about mixed-use ideas"
Posted by: Anonymous at March 10, 2006 10:47 AM
It sure would be great if a substantial developer made a real offer for this building. Once real money was on the table, the city might have to think about the opportunity cost of keeping an underused facility in this location. As long as the value is theoretical, there is nothing lost in keeping this there and continuing to invest in it.
As far as I'm concerned, if retail is OK across the street, then why not in the same building? How about Trader Joes?
Posted by: sandstone at March 10, 2006 1:17 PM
Well IF they really do this it will finally fill in "the gap" that Sandy Balboza and others rightfully complain about... this will bring more foot traffic to Atlantic West of Smith -- good for merchants and the 'nabe in general.
Posted by: Anonymous at March 10, 2006 6:10 PM
oops -- I ment to write :EAST of Smith!
Posted by: Anonymous at March 10, 2006 6:50 PM
Rodeo Drive , look out!!
Posted by: George III at March 11, 2006 12:45 AM
I think the city could make enough money by selling this building to build a jail on a city owned lot somewhere else.
Posted by: Anonymous at March 11, 2006 10:00 PM
Mr, B - it's MarTy Markowitz (unless Mary is what he is called in the jailhouse) ;)
Posted by: Anonymous at March 12, 2006 12:17 PM
I recommend a clean, fair-priced grocery store.
Name: "Bread & Water"
Posted by: Anonymous at March 15, 2006 11:58 AM
Wake up folks! Prime real estate here. Tear it down (hmm,not sure if it reached landmark status yet, lol). If it goes residential - will they be "con-dos"?
Posted by: Anonymous at March 16, 2006 8:58 PM
Wow, Thanks! Free Texas Holdem
Posted by: Free Texas Holdem at April 13, 2006 9:21 AM
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