4th Avenue, the Boulevard of Broken Promises?
Streetsblog takes an in-depth look at how 4th Avenue has developed since the ’03 upzoning (when Marty Markowitz said it would become “a grand boulevard of the 21st Century”), and it doesn’t like what it sees. Crappy architecture? Check. The Novo looms fortress-like over the playground next door, while…the Crest greets passersby with man-sized industrial…
Streetsblog takes an in-depth look at how 4th Avenue has developed since the ’03 upzoning (when Marty Markowitz said it would become “a grand boulevard of the 21st Century”), and it doesn’t like what it sees. Crappy architecture? Check. The Novo looms fortress-like over the playground next door, while…the Crest greets passersby with man-sized industrial vents. Negative contributions to street life? Check. These new developments turn their back on the public realm. They burden the sidewalk with intake vents, garage doors and curb cuts while encouraging future residents to go take advantage of the healthy street life and public amenities just up the block. But is there hope? Maybe. Massey Knakal’s Ken Freeman, who specializes in the area, believes there’s a place for large stores on the strip, and that more developers will choose to go mixed-use, rather than straight-up residential, with their buildings. Freeman says that even the Novo and Crest could possibly be (somewhat) salvaged: “I do think there’s an opportunity to retrofit.” What do you think? Any reason to be hopeful?
New York Can Do Better Than the New Fourth Avenue [Streetsblog]
Interesting Question: Does Brooklyn’s ‘New Park Avenue’ Suck? [Curbed]
But, but — those 4th ave developments, they’re in 321~!
(okay, now see — that, THAT was sarcasm…)
HOW DID THE DEVELOPERS GET AWAY WITH IT!
4th Avenue development so far has been sub par to put it mildly. We checked out the overpriced NOVO & CREST buildings. If they are any indication of the Avenue’s future it’s like aliens coming to PARK SLOPE. There is nothing absolutely nothing organic and well thought out about these buildings or apartments.
-They are way too large for the neighborhood
-The layouts are retarded
-The appliances are low low end
-The bedrooms can’t fit a queen sized bed
-The bathrooms are full of plastic
They are selling Manhattan views with sub par architecture, layout and appliances. Used to be that developers gave you high end appliances (Manhattan).
It will be interesting to see how they manage in an environment where the jumbo loans are just not available anymore to finance crazy prices for apartments.
Yes PLANT SOME TREES!
that auto repair building is for sale too.
http://youtube.com/user/jjenson2006
http://thehousingbubbleblog.com/js_slideshow/#42
“If you took the 25% and invested into emerging assets (Gold, Energy and Treasuries) you would’ve far ahead.”
Of course! Why didn’t we ALL think of that!! Gold, energy and treasury bonds NEVER decrease in value. Nope. Their values ALWAYS skyrocket, not like real estate. Phew! Glad that’s solved.
“How about a Crate and Barrel on 4th Ave”
Yes, please!
Two quick things:
1. How about a Crate and Barrel on 4th Ave, with a parking lot in rear? I can see all of Brownstone Brooklyn flooding there.
2. Flatbush Ave isn’t great but it’s getting better. Look at the stretch between Bergen and Plaza St and you’ll find many new stores and restaurants that have opened in the past 5 years including the top-rated Franny’s, cool boutiques like Hooti Couture, Redberri and Harriet’s Alter Ego, chain stores like American Apparel, Duane Reade and more.
As one of those who quipped about the radio silence of what-the-fuck, I would like to clarify that my comment was a rejoicing, not lamentation.