Well, we are not in the market for a Carpe Diem/Hastens bed right now (nor will we likely ever be). And most certainly not for a used one. But I must say, Renoishard, that was one damn good response! Good luck on nailing your target!

Posted by: Brooklynista at November 19, 2009 7:56 PM in response to Carpe Diem / Hastens Bed

FLH, cellulose insulation was blown into the wall cavity between the brick and the lath. How much insulation you can get depends on the depth of the wall cavity -- which will vary from house to house. In some situations, there won't be sufficient room for insulation at all. (In our walls, we had a space of about 2 1/2" to work with.)

Posted by: Brooklynista at November 19, 2009 1:44 PM in response to Blown-in Insulation

Walter Banks of Banks Home Appliances. 718- 574-0805

Posted by: Brooklynista at November 18, 2009 5:48 PM in response to Need new range installed

It's a full chorus. Excellent photo!

Posted by: Brooklynista at November 18, 2009 5:36 PM in response to Wednesday Blogwrap

I ditto Ed Kopel's rec and comments. Had our extension and exterior walls of our rear extension done last winter by BIS. One of best infrastructure improvement decisions we've made with this house in over 20 years -- not only in terms of value added (it's going to be comfortably warm in the extension this winter!), but also with respect to the contractor we chose for the job.

Posted by: Brooklynista at November 18, 2009 11:49 AM in response to Blown-in Insulation

MM I have become a broken record when it comes to commenting on your Walkabouts. What's new to say? As usual, I delight in your stories and photos and find them to be such an excellent (dare I say, "upscale"?) contribution to the content here. Thanks! Thanks also to you and Pigeon for that hilarious exchange about handles. Now I've gotten some architect biography, architectural history, great photos and a good laugh all in one visit to Brownstoner this afternoon. Good going!

Posted by: Brooklynista at November 17, 2009 1:40 PM in response to Walkabout: Part 3, MM - Park Slope and Big Business

Gee, all along I've been thinking what a great looking building that is on the exterior. Hah! Now that you've posted that tax photo, MM, all I can say is that was one killer looking building back in the day! The "before" and "now" hardly compare. That said, I sure hope whoever buys it, values it as an historic home to be restored instead of a tear down to make way for development. Enough great architecture and history has already been lost.

Posted by: Brooklynista at November 11, 2009 10:57 PM in response to House of the Day: 75 New York Avenue

We have 2 for sale at a very reasonable price. Email brooklynista at yahoo dot com for details.

Posted by: Brooklynista at November 8, 2009 7:47 AM in response to Radiator Covers

Some dw require the drain hose be hung on a high loop, at least 18" above the floor. Without it, you won't get proper drainage. I know because we had a sitting water problem with the dw that was installed in our rental unit. Ended up paying $90 for a tech to come and tell us that the handyman who installed the dw failed to do it properly --although the tech acknowledged that this installation error is a pretty common mistake. Check this out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_0OWuFVLNw

Posted by: Brooklynista at November 6, 2009 3:10 PM in response to Clogged (New) Dishwasher?

Mr. B, sorry to hear this story but glad that Mrs. B and the children are all alright. Since you have the cab#, by all means report it and good luck with getting a result! And, even if you don't ever hear anything, rest assured that what goes around comes around. The cabbie will get his for sure.

Bklynight, like you, we seem to have an invisible banner on our car that says "hit me!" Just got sideswiped (for the 3rd time) only last week and lost our mirror as well. Car was parked though and we have no idea who did it. Wish we had known of Joe before going for a replacement. Ordered an OEM, painted side view mirror from our mechanic. Replacement cost + labor came to $229 and the car's been sitting at the shop for close to a week!

BSD -- I haven't read anything in this thread which indicates the nationality of the cab driver so why bother to bring "3rd world driving mentality" into the discussion? We've been to Paris and Rome and have feared for our lives when attempting to cross certain streets and intersections. Irresponsible, rude, just plain bad driving behavior comes in all flavors.

Posted by: Brooklynista at November 5, 2009 6:31 PM in response to Mrs. B Side-Swiped In The Heights

Miss Muffet, I am definitely with you on this one. Like you, I nearly forfeited my franchise yesterday because I was figuring it to be worthless. However, in a last minute fit of conscience, I managed to channel the spirit of those who struggled hard and long for my right to vote (some even dying for it) and trudged on over to the polls in order to pull that lever for Thompson (and NOT to pull it for Mathieu Eugene). Unfortunately, though, the great majority of folk who live in my district -- and countless others like it throughout the 5 boroughs-- took the view that voting was pointless. In their view, the election was decided the day that our billionaire mayor chose to reverse himself on term limits and to run for a third term in office. The irony, of course, is that Bloomberg was able to buy an election (again) primarily because of the failure of disenfranchised people to engage the system and to act on election day. It does not take rocket science to understand this phenonmenon. All it takes is an understanding that people who are down economically are often those who are the least likely to act politically. Emperor Bloomberg well understands this dynamic -- even if it took $100M of his money to prove it.

And, yes, another significant contributing reason for this mayoral election result is that Bill Thompson did little to ignite the imagination and voting passions of those who are neither disenfranchised nor wildly in favor of another 4 years of Bloomberg. Sigh.

Posted by: Brooklynista at November 4, 2009 10:37 AM in response to Election 2009: No Big Surprises in Brooklyn

The abstentions clearly helped Bloomberg. The man spent $100M to buy his reelection and ended up only squeaking by? Shame on those who say they want change but then abdicate responsibility for making that happen by failing to vote.

Posted by: Brooklynista at November 4, 2009 9:29 AM in response to Wednesday Links

Here's another shout from the Amen Corner on the very, very wise decision to give us MM's Walkabouts -- 2X a week now -- on Brownstoner! That's the kind of stuff that helps to keep hope alive. :-)

Posted by: Brooklynista at November 3, 2009 11:22 AM in response to Walkabout : The Italianate Style, part 1

Fantastic! Historic district status is much deserved and overdue for Bedford Corners. Best wishes for a speedy designation. And that's a great looking website, btw.

Posted by: Brooklynista at November 2, 2009 2:52 PM in response to Landmarking Efforts In Bed-Stuy

Here you go, Architerrorist:

http://www.nyc.gov/html/lpc/downloads/pdf/sig/OceanontheParkSig.pdf

Posted by: Brooklynista at October 28, 2009 8:04 PM in response to Ocean on the Park Landmarking: The Details

So true, Bob. So true. Whole lot of "ifs" between here and "there."

Posted by: Brooklynista at October 28, 2009 4:46 PM in response to Ocean on the Park Landmarking: The Details

The neighbors are not stuck on looking for something to match the "existing period aesthetic," Architerrorist. (Speaking for myself, I know that some of us can actually appreciate tasteful contemporary design.) Just want something that fits within the context of our setback and 3-story structures. At this point, we're pretty resigned to the fact that it will likely to be an apartment building -- as opposed to another single family house. But, for sure, when it comes to meeting contextual expectations, an 8-story, 20+ unit, finger style apartment building (probably with Fedders boxes poppping out all over) and with a wing that is cantilevered over the driveway ain't it! :-)

Posted by: Brooklynista at October 28, 2009 4:26 PM in response to Ocean on the Park Landmarking: The Details

No, Bxgirl! We actually deserted you for the South Bronx, then the West Bronx, back to the South Bronx, then West Harlem and only then to Ocean on the Park. LOL!

Posted by: Brooklynista at October 28, 2009 3:29 PM in response to LPC Tees Up Phase 2 of Crown Heights Landmarking

Faithful, Nick is the one who has done the work on our roofs and he has always been competent AND meticulous. On one occasion, he did have his son working with him, but no complaints there. We've never met or heard of "Joe" before. Maybe this is a new development?

Posted by: Brooklynista at October 28, 2009 2:06 PM in response to Roof Leaking

Gee, I'm sorry this is so upsetting for you.

Posted by: Brooklynista at October 28, 2009 12:57 PM in response to Ocean on the Park Landmarking: The Details

I must say, the Crown Heights North Association has served as both a role model and real source of support for those us over on Ocean on the Park! So it truly was inspiring to see the community come out to testify at yesterday's LPC hearings about their homes, the gardens, the churches and other institutions that make up Crown Heights North. It's one thing to have the architectural and historical beauty of the area explained by the preservation experts. But, it's another to be able to hear the love and pride in the voices of the people as they argue for why it should be protected. IMHO, Crown Heights community contains some of the most handsome,remarkable housing stock in all of the City. And, as a former resident of the nabe(Bedford between Sterling and St. John), and with many friends who live there, I know I've got CH in my heart. It's so good to see it get its props!

Posted by: Brooklynista at October 28, 2009 12:34 PM in response to LPC Tees Up Phase 2 of Crown Heights Landmarking

Tybur6, I think maybe you are getting hung up on the term "district." Of course, it's not a "district" like the garment, flower, or or meat-packing "districts." Nor is its comparable to much larger landmark "districts" in other residential neighborhoods. However, especially in the cases of "micro-districts," like Ocean on the Park, it's just a simple identifier, or as Bxgirl notes, a label for a specific area that is landmarked. Certainly it's a much quicker, easier point of general reference than "Lots 189 to 211 on Ocean Avenue, between Lincoln Road and Parkside Avenues, in the borough of Brooklyn, New York."

Posted by: Brooklynista at October 28, 2009 12:12 PM in response to Ocean on the Park Landmarking: The Details

The original proposal for landmarking was for all 13 houses, from #189 to #211. When the developer torn down #189, the goal then became to save as much of the rest of the row as possible. If not, we feared there would be a domino effect. Lot # 189 would go to another developer and be torn down. Then, what would happen to #191? The owner of that house, who has been solidly in favor of landmarking all along, also has admitted that he might change his mind if his house were to become the end house on the row. And so on.

Further, there are architectural and historical arguments which support keeping what is left of the row intact as much as possible. From a historical perspective, it's important to note that the entire plot of land that comprises the HD (as well as the now-excluded lot #185) was purchased by the developer, Charles Reynolds. Thus, since the turn of the century and for more than 100 years now, the row has stood together as a distinct residential development which borders the Park. Architecturally speaking, the preservationists reject the tendency of some to make the distinctions between the "worth" or "beauty" of the limestones vs. the brick houses. Instead, the argument is one of context. Or, as the LPC designation report states:

"This row of houses, with their uniform 30-foot setback, reflects an earlier age of development in Brooklyn and forms a unique enclave within a block densely occupied by apartment houses."

BTW, the landmarking of the abandoned lot at #185, as others have noted, would not prevent future development of that lot. (I, for one, would love to see a combo community garden and underground/low-rise, contextually attractive parking facility go into that space!) Certainly, an ambitious, wealthy individual could create a fantastic, single family home on Prospect Park that fits within the context of the row. A lovely B&B or corporate condo could go there as well. (And, no, such structures would not have to be reproductions!) All landmarking would mean is that any new development going into that space would now have to satisfy not only the DOB's rules but also the LPC's archtectural/contextual critera. The record shows that feat is not unsurmountable and that it's been achieved countless numbers times, all over the City.

Posted by: Brooklynista at October 28, 2009 11:58 AM in response to Ocean on the Park Landmarking: The Details

To answer these questions about #189's objections and the issue of the driveway would take all day and fill a book! Problem is, the objections are numerous and the way they are framed has changed several times. Bottom line? Lots #185 and #189 are adjacent to each other and used to be occupied by two brick houses that were architectural companions and which share a common driveway. With the purchase and demolition of #185, the developer has now filed plans to erect an 8 story apartment building, of 20+ units, and which will have a section that cantilevers over the common driveway. The owners of #189, horrified by the prospect of these rather significant changes, either want to stop the developer from executing his plans or, alternatively, they want out of their house and lot completely. Thus, for over a year now, they've been in litigation with the developer while simultaneously hoping for an exit strategy based on sale of their property as a development site. Meanwhile, the combo of the bubble bust and litigation is what has likely stopped the developer from moving forward with his plans and the owners of #189 have had no takers for sale of their property. Of course, yesterday's action by the LPC to include lot #189 in the new HD pretty much extinguishes any lingering hope they may have had on selling their lot to a developer.

The owners of #189 have raised other objections to inclusion within the new HD, including the one voiced most strongly yesterday at the LPC meeting. The gist of it is that they have a fear of increased liability for the common driveway if the apartment building is erected. Honestly, I do not fully understand that argument. Seems to me they would have the same liability whether their property is included in or excluded from the HD. However, I'm not confident enough in my understanding of that claim to even try and explain it here. Maybe Bob or someone else can do that better.

MM: Congratulations to CHNA on yesterday's action by the LPC to move forward with Phase II landmarking. The testimonies in support of the effort were inspiring (especially yours). And, I could so identify with the enthusiasm and pride of the homeowners who were there to stand up for their community. Go Crown Heights!

Tybur6: You mean to say you really don't like the name Ocean on the Park? Aw, shucks. We're sooooo disappointed! You know, the name could have been Ocean BY the Park. Would you have like that better? :-)

Posted by: Brooklynista at October 28, 2009 10:36 AM in response to Ocean on the Park Landmarking: The Details

Wow, Pop. Can't imagine how excited you must be. You certainly have one magnificent old house on your hands! By all means, as you go through the paces of restoring, updating the infrastucture, etc. you must let us look over your shoulder and eavesdrop by way of a reno blog --especially since it looks you have a gift for writing. Welcome to these boards as new old house homeowners and lots of congratulations to you!

Posted by: Brooklynista at October 27, 2009 8:10 PM in response to Last Week's Biggest Sales

Argyle Road, I had a feeling you would want to know who we used. Feeling sensitive about having publicly shared his criticisms of Carlita Belgrove's "work", I'd rather you email me offline at brooklynista at yahoo dot com for his identity.

Posted by: Brooklynista at October 27, 2009 4:58 PM in response to Antique Stove Restoration

It was an incredible landmarks session! MM and Babs are right -- what happened today is way more exciting than just the designation of the Ocean on the Park Houses. (Although, I must say, the conferring of HD status on this teeny row of houses which border the east side of Prospect Park was damn exciting, relieving, cause for celebration, a "hallelujah moment" and all that.) Indeed, what the LPC did today was major because it signaled to preservationists and developers alike that the swinging of the wrecker's ball may not necessarily mean the struggle to preserve a historic site has been forever lost.

In this case, the single spark which started the prairie fire which then became the Ocean on the Park preservation movement was the sale of a century old brick house to an inexperienced, undercapitalized real estate developer during the height of the bubble. Thus began a race between the preservationists and the developers to opposing finish lines. While the preservationists were pleading for historic district designation of the entire row before the developer could strike, the developer was rushing to secure DOB approval of his plans to erase a bit of architectural history before the LPC could take action to stop the clock. Of course, we all know that the preservationists lost that race. Yet, the irony is that it was the developer's act of demolishing a historic house which is exactly what helped the LPC to see the Ocean on the Park preservation argument more clearly.

Therefore, after designating this new HD in PLG today, the LPC also voted to calendar this (paraphrased) question: Can the newly-designated Ocean on the Park Historic District be amended/extended to include: (1) the stalled/or abandoned construction site and/or (2) the shared driveway that is sandwiched between the boundaries of the new HD and the abandoned construction site? In short, today's extraordinary action by the LPC action is one that should tell us whether there are ever circumstances in which the development gate can, and should, be closed after the historic cow has already left the barn. That's gotta be historic in and of itself. Stay tuned!

Posted by: Brooklynista at October 27, 2009 3:57 PM in response to BREAKING: Ocean on the Park Houses Landmarked

Whatever you do, do not go to Belgrove Appliance for repair of your antique stove! Unless your stove is a Chambers, Carla Belgrove will be clueless as to what to do with it. But, even if it is a Chambers, I would not recommend her to you as she is totally incompetent, unprofessional, and charges unreasonable prices for work she either doesn't or can't deliver. When we called her to our house to fix our antique stove (not a Chambers) stove, she was completely lost as to what to do. Used some smoke and mirrors to temporarily "fix" the problem, claimed she would return to finish the repair, collected $250 from us and, of course, never returned. We later ended up calling in another technician who doesn't market himself as a vintage stove repairman. He not only fixed the issue for us but also showed us how Carla Belgrove's so-called repair was just a mask for the problem and bemoaned the total mess she left left in her wake. Citing the bad name people like Carla Belgrove give to his profession, and realizing we were already out a chunk of money on the repair, he charged us only $75 to actually fix our stove!

Apparently, Ms. Belgrove inherited the company from her dad whom she describes as an old school master appliance repair technician. Unfortunately, she seems not to inherited either his skills nor his integrity and is a whole new ball of wax altogether. I don't think you want that kind trouble on your hands.

Posted by: Brooklynista at October 27, 2009 2:09 PM in response to Antique Stove Restoration

Nick and Leak Master are very competent and professional with great customer service skills. We first used Nick several years back to deal with leak issues on both the extension and main roofs. He could have tried to sell us roof replacement on the main (as some other contractors tried to do) but Nick said it wasn't necessary because all that was needed was repair of the skylight and flashing. Well, he was right! Through several season of torrential rainstorms, the main roof has not leaked since. Yes, he did replace the extension roof at a very reasonable price. It has not leaked since as well. High marks to Leak Master, our roofing company of choice.

Posted by: Brooklynista at October 27, 2009 1:37 PM in response to Roof Leaking

Also New York Replacement Parts -- Lex btw 94/95. We've dealt with both George Taylor and New York Replacements. Either one can give you what you need. (And, as others have mentioned, so can a lot of other plumbing supply places). For fancy, high end plumbing fixtures, consultations and hand holding, George Taylor for sure. For hard-to-find and custom reproduced pre-war and older plumbing supplies- especially when you know what you need coming in the door (otherwise, send your plumber), we lean more towards New York Replacement Parts.

Posted by: Brooklynista at October 26, 2009 1:54 PM in response to Claw Foot Tub Overflow

Lack of screens need only be by choice. Like I said, we have screens for our tilt and turns.

Posted by: Brooklynista at October 23, 2009 6:04 PM in response to Tilt & Turn

Piece of cake! Tilt and turns have the capability of either tilting in to allow air in over the top OR they can open fully, just like a door. We clean ours by opening like a door and just wiping the exterior surface from top to bottom. They're definitely much easier to keep clean than our double hungs. We installed ours, btw, in order to make for door-like access to the juliet balcony that is off the mbr.

Posted by: Brooklynista at October 23, 2009 11:16 AM in response to Tilt & Turn

When we did our window replacements, we included two 32" x 72" "magnum" tilt and turns in our order. Unlike the double hung replacement inserts, the tilt and turns were brick mold installations. As edifice notes, because we chose to have screens, our windows swing inward. However, the inward swing has not been an issue for us. We totally love our tilt and turns! Our windows are Marvins and are made of wood. The installer was EZ-Tilt Windows (Bill Jacobs). After a hassle-free install and 4 years with no problems whatsoever, we give Marvin, EZ-Tilt, and tilt and turn style windows a hearty rec.

Posted by: Brooklynista at October 22, 2009 10:04 PM in response to Tilt & Turn

Again, Traditionalmod, I think there is more drama in this house than meets the eye in these photos. Take the bedroom, for example. You get a hint of the oval stained glass panels in the windows, but you need to actually see it in person order to appreciate the dramatic appeal. Same with the bathroom off the master bedroom -- it's a gorgeous, detailed space. The woodwork, lots of it, and although painted, is also detailed throughout. The uppermost floor has that wonderful little terrace off the front of the house. And the curves of the rooms that play to the curved staircase are special. While it's true this house may just not be for everyone, I think most lovers of old houses will find lots to like in this one. Damn! I feel like I'm working for Mary Kay or something! Can't wait to cop on my portion of the commmission when this one sells higher than where the Bstoner pricing widget is likely to land. LOL!

Posted by: Brooklynista at October 22, 2009 3:54 PM in response to House of the Day: 177 Rugby Road

Wow, I have never heard anyone describe PPS as anything but a great area! While I'll never get seriously involved in the pricing/widget game, I've always been under the impression that houses in PPS could generally command much more on the market than other nabes in Vic Flatbush. (Sorry, neuroticalways, I hear you about the obnoxious renaming game and don't mean to play into it. But. . . there are long established pricing differences within Flatbush -- or most nabes for that matter -- whether we like it or not.)

Posted by: Brooklynista at October 22, 2009 2:53 PM in response to House of the Day: 177 Rugby Road

I saw this house on the vic flatbush house tour as well and these photos definitely don't do it justice! I dunno. Maybe they had help with staging for the tour that is not evident in these photos. But, there is way more to like/love about this place than what you see here. Given size, location, details, etc., I would think that a selling price of 1.5M is likely in the ballpark.

Posted by: Brooklynista at October 22, 2009 1:45 PM in response to House of the Day: 177 Rugby Road

For a house like that, and a facade restoration project of that size? Carl Culbreth and Preserv would be my hands down rec! Preserv came recommended to us by Don Friedman, a structural engineer who specializes in old house restorations (oldstructures.com). Unfortunately we couldn't afford them and our project was relatively small. But if we ever hit the lottery . . . . Check them out at www.preservinc.com

Posted by: Brooklynista at October 21, 2009 7:38 PM in response to Major Facade Restoration

This is a recording: I agree with Bob Marvin! You should try posting your questions to the Lefferts Group on Yahoo. As for a quick and dirty answer on the Flatbush Ave question, yes -- it's a major commercial strip that tends to be noisy, edgy, crowded and adorned with graffiti and litter. But unsafe? In over 20 years of walking it -- whether as a woman alone or in the company of others -- I've never personally experienced a hostile encounter on Flatbush Ave in PLG. And that has been the case at all times of day, night, and the wee hours of the morning. If anything, Flatbush looks scarier than it actually is. My hunch is that precisely because of the street conditions -- lots of pedestrian activity, many lights, incessant vehicular traffic, etc., it's less encouraging of blatant violent activity than other, less trafficked areas.

Posted by: Brooklynista at October 21, 2009 3:23 PM in response to Prospect Lefferts Garden Move?

Well, I am a former member of St. Paul Community Baptist -- the East New York church that was the engine behind the Nehemiah project. As such, and unlike Rob, I know from where I speak on this subject and I do not hesitate to commend the pastor and the people who brought the vision of the Nehemiah project from dreams to reality. Indeed, I personally know each of the homeowners who are quoted in this article as well as their back story. They are hardworking, honest, working class people of faith who, having bought into the American dream of homeownership, actually managed to purchase a little piece of the pie. Be assured that they did so, not by fraud as one totally pathetic character with a keyboard suggests, but rather by applying their hope and faith, activism and perserverance, and some economic discipline.

The Nehemiah Houses represent truly affordable housing in an area that was transformed from a urban wasteland into a healthy and vibrant neighborhood in East New York. The houses are small and of simple construction, attractive and well kept. The surrounding streets of the area are clean, quiet and safe.

I must say, in the midst of all the grim news about the economy and the real estate market, it was a real pleasure to click on Brownstoner today and to see a thread like this. Thanks!

Posted by: Brooklynista at October 20, 2009 11:02 AM in response to East New York's Nehemiah Housing Proving Resilient

Not trying to throw cold water on your hot find, but. . .

What kind of granite is this?
What makes you think the price is "incredible"?
How big is the slab?
Will you have navigation issues with it, once you get it to back to your site in Brooklyn?
How do you intend to transport it back to Brooklyn?
Do you know how to check for cracks, fissures and other possible slab defects? (All are not immediately obvious)

Just a couple of additional considerations besides the matter of trying to find a fabricator is neither the supplier nor installer.

Good luck!

Posted by: Brooklynista at October 19, 2009 6:05 PM in response to Cost to Fabricate Granite

Here's yet another strong rec for Brooklyn Insulation & Soundproofing who did a wonderful job of insulating the externals walls and roof of the rear extension on our house with cellulose last year. The gain in heat retention in the ell been amazing and the cost, approximately $1k, was very reasonable.

Posted by: Brooklynista at October 11, 2009 4:50 PM in response to Blown In Insulation

As the saying goes -- "Torture the numbers and they'll confess to anything."

Posted by: Brooklynista at October 8, 2009 10:07 AM in response to Omissions and Lies in Atlantic Yards Study

Hold up, Sogo! LOL. While there are many high end kitchen renovators on GW, those folk are definitely not the whole story. In fact, there are plenty of DIYers and Ikea/Lowes/HD folk in that community. You can certainly get lots of advice, complete with photos, from those who have done whole kitchen renos on $20k or less. Here's an example of a particularly good thread like that: http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/kitchbath/msg0810443618847.html And it's not the only one. Again, if you seriously study the site for awhile and don't get turned off by the Gagg/Wolf/SubZero crowd, I guarantee you'll find the kind of advice you're looking for. No expensive KD needed! :-)

Posted by: Brooklynista at October 6, 2009 8:38 PM in response to Kitchen Renovation Neophyte?

Go to this forum link. Study it. Then either lurk on it or join it and get actively involved. Either way, it will be the best decision with regard to a kitchen reno you will make.

http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/kitchbath/

Posted by: Brooklynista at October 6, 2009 6:09 PM in response to Kitchen Renovation Neophyte?

How so?

Posted by: Brooklynista at October 3, 2009 4:09 PM in response to Help Price PLG Studio

Yes, we purchased several hardware and fixture items for our kitchen reno from Home and Stone. They have a great selection of products and are excellent on pricing, delivery and all around customer service. If you're looking for quality, style and value (who isn't?) I highly recommend them.

Posted by: Brooklynista at October 1, 2009 10:59 PM in response to Home & Stone?

Bxgirl, I am laughing over your transposing of the building's name acronym from OPP to OOP. Guess that tells us what you think of this structure. LOL! But, not to worry, girlfriend, while I have my doubts about the motives of some, I think I know you well enough to also know that the point of your comments was not to throw stones against people who live in glass houses. :-)

Posted by: Brooklynista at September 28, 2009 5:31 PM in response to The Darkness at Richard Meier's Brooklyn Tower

"Instead of viewing everything through your sad little glasses of class warfare, greed and envy....why not consider that a developer took a multimillion dollar gamble on our boro, with the idea of erecting a premiere building (not everything has to be affordable housing) where one hadnt been built for almost 100 years (yes all those admired buildings running down Eastern Parkway were built during previous bubbles as monuments to their "greedy" developers too")"

Well, lawdy, I never thought I would find myself somewhat aligned with fsrq on anything, but I guess this building is one of those things that brings out the contradictions in my politics and preferences. There's no question that I'm a lover of old buildings and am a historic preservationist at heart, but I also love Richard Meier's modern glassy high rise structure sticking up its nose on the GAP as it looks over the Park. And, while I'm seriously pro-affordable housing, I also get that, in a capitalist society, rich folks have the right to sink their roots somewhere -- including the borough of Brooklyn. Finally, unlike Bob Marvin (with whom I'm almost always in agreement) I confess that I'm entertained by the fantasy of trading in my much beloved century old rowhouse on Prospect Park for a great single level, apartment with floods of light and modern conveniences IN On Prospect Park when it comes time for retirement.

Bottom line -- I find myself departing from standard positions and preferences when remarkable, exceptional people, things, conditions, etc. come into the picture. In this case, I think Richard Meier's "bubble building" is an exceptional piece of work by a gifted architect that introduces a whole new vibe of contemporary art and architecture at Grand Army Plaza without diminishing the beauty or historicity of the scene that is already there. So if even with market correction and the eventual sale of my home it's more likely than not that I'll never be able to afford the claim of a grand residence in OPP, I certainly don't begrudge the people who can and do. (BTW, having lived through a housing market bust of the late 80's, I do believe this current down cycle will also correct and vindicate the investments of those who can wait out the storm.) As a matter of fact, I look forward to seeing OPP when it's fully sold and inhabited and completely lit up at night. Beyond the aesthetics of such a sight, it's likely to also be an indicator of an economic upturn for all.

Posted by: Brooklynista at September 28, 2009 4:20 PM in response to The Darkness at Richard Meier's Brooklyn Tower

I third that it seems cheap. We recently had a marble cafe tabletop done at SMC Stone in Greenpoint. After some negotiation, the price was $475 for a 2" thick, 29" round piece of Danby with a beveled edge. Your piece is much larger, needs cuts and requires a finished edge. Don't know what kind of marble you're getting, but it sounds like you got a good price at $400.

Posted by: Brooklynista at September 25, 2009 8:52 AM in response to Cost of Marble Vanity Top

Well, Dave is certainly right about the mess that flowering Magnolias make! After the stunning flower show which, yes, is awfully brief, it's weeks of cleanup thereafter. Definitely something to think about. Still, we love the tree and don't really regret having it.

Posted by: Brooklynista at September 23, 2009 10:05 AM in response to Southern Magnolia in Brooklyn?

I have several metal radiator covers I would like to sell.

largentstudios at geemail

Posted by: 22nd street at November 12, 2009 9:41 PM in response to Radiator Covers

I can recommend The Shutter Store a new wood shutters company if you need diy plantation shutters shutters and I think they look great with brownstone buildings being classic whether cafe style or contemporary with no push rods they give a great clean line...

Posted by: nickshutters at November 18, 2009 10:54 AM in response to Shutters or Shades?

hey Brooklynista,

where do they blow the insulation into the walls? between the outer brick and the lathe? I have an extension that gets very cold, would love some sort of solution.

Posted by: Frederick Law Homestead at November 18, 2009 11:55 AM in response to Blown-in Insulation

Federal Conservation did my cockloft in 2006 for $1800 (blown-in cellulose). The building is 40 feet wide, so it was about 2000 square feet. It made a big difference. We also installed a couple of vents and a fan. They were trustworthy and intelligent, I thought.

Posted by: PresidentStreeter at November 18, 2009 4:37 PM in response to Blown-in Insulation

Ditto, had Federal Conservation do my roof with blown-in cellulose about a month ago. The difference on the top floor of our house is unbelievable. Sadly, the rest of the house still leaks like a sieve.

And I really liked the guy who came out--gave me a whole bunch of free advice on insulating various parts of the house with things like curtains, etc. I found them to be a firm with a lot of professionalism and integrity.

Posted by: bkrules at November 18, 2009 6:45 PM in response to Blown-in Insulation

Thanks everyone for your suggestions

Posted by: tangerine at November 18, 2009 8:32 PM in response to Blown-in Insulation

Do you already have a gas line for cooking? If you dont, youll need a licensed plumber to file for and install one. Ed Kopel ARchitects.

Posted by: edkopel at November 19, 2009 8:47 AM in response to Need new range installed

FLH, cellulose insulation was blown into the wall cavity between the brick and the lath. How much insulation you can get depends on the depth of the wall cavity -- which will vary from house to house. In some situations, there won't be sufficient room for insulation at all. (In our walls, we had a space of about 2 1/2" to work with.)

Posted by: Brooklynista at November 19, 2009 1:44 PM in response to Blown-in Insulation

Thank you, yes, I do already have a gas line installed, but I think the fitting will need to be changed for this particular model. I know that I do need a new dedicated line for 208V (?) for this range as well. Currently, I'm at 120.

Posted by: crowlish at November 19, 2009 6:05 PM in response to Need new range installed

Oh my goodness. I sympathize with your plight. In my experience, the better (fluffier) a bed feels in the showroom, the more it squishes down and sags and gives you a backache in real life. Good luck.

Posted by: mopar at November 20, 2009 10:59 PM in response to Carpe Diem / Hastens Bed