37 Nevins: Visigoths Prepare to Sack Rome
As we cycled down Schermerhorn Street last week, we were surprised to see both a “Sold” sign and a scaffolding up at 37 Nevins. We’ve always had a thing for this beautiful three-story brick building so the scaffolding gave us pause: This architectural gem, with its cast iron cornice and bays, couldn’t be getting torn…
As we cycled down Schermerhorn Street last week, we were surprised to see both a “Sold” sign and a scaffolding up at 37 Nevins. We’ve always had a thing for this beautiful three-story brick building so the scaffolding gave us pause: This architectural gem, with its cast iron cornice and bays, couldn’t be getting torn down, could it? Unfortunately, it could (it’s not landmarked) and it is. On July 23, the Department of Buildings issued a demolition permit that refers to a pending application for a new building; presumably it would also include the plot next door where a smaller brownstone structure is also teed up for demo. According to Property Shark, the 8,000-square-foot building is underbuilt by 20,000 square feet. The LLC that owns the property has a mailing address c/o The Brody Group but Eric Brody says that he’s just consulting on the project. More photos on the jump. GMAP P*Shark DOB
The new development on the eastern side of the street will be a 21 story luxury condo building, enthusiastically tauted on the Brody website, so I find it odd that they say they’re only “consulting.” I live next door and will have to move after my lease is up because I will be in eternal darkness. The message in downtown Brooklyn from here on out is pretty clear: “if you’re not rich, get the hell out; trust fund kids and corporate lawyers only.” This in the end is the real meaning of the term “BID”.
Brownstoner,
You are always refering to contextual. Well here – in this context- the sooner this area gets rebuilt – the better. Bless the highrises or whatever else happens. It is ugly as sin and won’t miss this strip at all.
that’s because your name is john and her name is jannese. very different experience if you are a woman. i too have been leered at, harassed and followed by a few key players at 50 nevins. not to mention the dudes from that building that have done a brisk business selling drugs to the lowlifes who troll state st. looking for a fix.
as far as developing the area – i will be sad to see that pretty building go – as well as the ironic “beauty above” sign a few doors down. i will not, however miss the rats, the piss, and the drunken bums.
Anonymous at August 8, 2007 4:36 PM:
That building with the “crumbling scaffolding” is an absolute haven for rats. I have no idea how the owners get away with keeping the scaffolding up all these years without there being any visible DOT or DOB permits. At least when these developments get built, whatever their architectural merits, I’m sure there will be pressure brought to bear to get the scaffold building sorted out.
With regard to the halfway house (which is on the West side of Nevins), I have never seen any problematic behavior by any of the residents in the 10 years I’ve lived in the immediate vicinity.
I live around the corner from this and as sad as it is that they may not preserve the buildings I don’t think there’s not much of choice. I’ve passed by those buildings for the last 4 years in the morning and at night, the smell of mold and piss is overwhelming I don’t see how they would be able to preserve them. Although they haven’t brought in a wrecking ball, and the demolition crew has very methodically kept every beam in place and knocked everthing else out, At least on the corner building from 1908. But I am glad they are cleaning up Nevins, it’s been really scary to walk on it at night. I wonder though how the folks staying at the new hotels and condos will feel when they get followed and harrassed by the residents of the Stepping Stones house, for the mentally ill, substance abuse homeless folks. It’s been freaky for me.
Just to be clear, I’m fine with both of the sites being developed; it’s just that it’s so damned depressing (to someone living a block and a half away) to see these two particular schlockmeisters involved.
I’m the dodgy corner commenter. The upper floors of these buildings have been boarded up for years and the things all around are decrepit. On the south side of the street is a half way house with people hanging around out front who often make learing comments when you walk by. This is one of the few streets that I carefully cross the road, first to avoid this building and the one next to it that has had crumbling scaffolding next to it for years and then to avoid the halfway house on the next block. This is not an easy development site. While preservation matters, there is much more going on here. I am thrilled to see any development in what has been a seriously neglected corridor. I’m with Anon 4:06.
I’m usually a full on board preservationist, but am glad to see development going on hear. I’ve lived in Boerum Hill for 25 years and still get the creeps when I walk around this stretch of Nevins at night. Kind of yucky until you get to State street.
Also, the corner prop on west side of nevins just transferred to what I guess is the Sam Chang hotel group.
Fact is, downtown Brooklyn has been given ok for highrise development.
Yes, we will lose what could be some nice older buildings (how come it is always new developer getting all the flack and not the owners for past 50 years who let these bldgs deteriorate?) – but many are not all that unique and you do have to sacrifice somewhere.
The total of all this development is good news for NYC. Work hard to save significant important intact places – don’t waste yourself on this stuff – You do end up sounding very anti-development and progress.