Looks like the Rastafarian shop/hangout on Vanderbilt just north of DeKalb has closed its doors for good. I never stopped in, but the friend I was walking with immediately started lamenting the difficulty he will experience finding sugarcane. I'm definitely intrigued. If this place provides good brow threading, it'll be a godsend.
I just called the phone number, and it sounds like a man's voicemail... weird.
Hope you didn't miss Friday night on Washington Ave in Wallabout. The weather was awesome, and the street was packed with patrons for RePop's First Friday and Pink Elephant Projects' Opening Reception at 64 Washington. The "Shadows" show at RePop is my favorite yet, and the two events worked wonderfully together. I was only able to stop in for a few minutes on my way to a grad school party, but I'm glad I did.
The Brooklyn Paper also did a recent story on PEP's new space.
(PEP's Joe Weiner and Tricia Wimmer)
Washington in Wallabout is poised to be THE summer hangout...
It was a lovely day for a house tour yesterday, despite being windy. It was so cool to see all the people walking around with their programs. I wondered who had come from other neighborhoods.
Personally, I much prefer the private homes to the institutional buildings. Don't get me wrong- it's amazing to have the opportunity to get inside the Pratt mansions, and the woodwind performance at St. Joseph's was really lovely. I'm just much more interested in seeing how people choose to renovate and decorate their homes.
I wasn't able to take as many photos as I'd have liked, since a lot of the homes were not allowing photography inside. Personal favorites were:
315 Washington Ave. - the program said to "note the lovely built-in china cabinet." I snickered at that line, but boy were they right. The dining room china cabinet was gorgeous and filled with amazing things. This place also had GORGEOUS flower arrangements and a stunning coffee table.
302 Clinton Ave. - the friends I was with thought perhaps the renovation was too modern. I absolutely loved it! Gorgeous dark-wood floors, funky bedroom rug, amazing furniture, modern kitchen and a large koi pond out back.
Speaking of which, what do people do with the koi in the winter?
258 Hall St. - omg, omg, omg. A loft-like reno of a carriage house! I wasn't 100% sold on the layout of the living room, but the furniture throughout was amazing.
281 Greene Ave. - I've been in this place before, on the SONYA Stroll. Props for the neat foliage, cool office and the swing hanging smack dab in the center of the apartment! Nice roof deck, too.
The rest of my photos are here. Again, apologies that there aren't that many!
What were your favorites?
(Wallabout)
Wonder what it will be... Work permits say it's going to be a restaurant.
My friend is filming a video about local babies and kids tomorrow in Prospect Park from roughly 11AM to 2PM, prime park-enjoying time. Kids of all ages are welcome. Bring any toys you'd like. The meeting point will be at the first patch of grass you come to when you go through the Grand Army Plaza Gate. There will be a gaggle of kids and parents hanging out, so they'll be easy to spot. Help your child represent!
For their weekend edition, which comes out today, Daily Candy blurbed the house tour, and when Daily Candy blurbs something, things sell out lightening quick. I would pick up tickets soon if you don't have them: Clinton Hill House Tour What: Ogle twelve rarely (or never) seen, beautifully restored mansions and apartments from 19th-century millionaires like the Pratts, Singers, and Pfizers. Why: To the right, a room designed by Tiffany & Co. To the left, your broke ass. When: Sun., noon-5 p.m. Where: Tour starts at St. Luke’s Church, 259 Washington Ave., b/t DeKalb & Willoughby Aves. Tickets online at societyforclintonhill.org.
Every now and then, I check back on my favorite "coming soon" establishment, Mirror's on Grand. Nothing's ever changed. Thankfully, a neighbor noticed something veeeeery intriguing, and sent me this note:
I was walking by "Mirror's on Grand" today and noticed a sign in their window that says they are going before CB2 tonight as part of the process for getting a liquor (beer/wine) license for a bar/restaurant. This place has had me intrigued for the last year or so that it's been "coming soon" but I had noticed a little more activity in there recently. I guess it's not going to be a mirror store though, assuming they get the license! I'm imagining a sort of ghetto-glamorous night spot now, haha. It still seems a little dusty and unfinished in there for now, so who knows how much longer we will be on the edge of our seats in anticipation!
Liquor license! The plot thickens. Maybe I was wrong about the grammatical inaccuracies, and it's going to be a person named Mirror's restaurant/bar.
Don't forget about the 30th Anniversary House Tour this Sunday. It only occurs every other year (alternating with Fort Greene), so attend if you can. Hope to see you on the route!******
The Clinton Hill Society 2007 House Tour
Sunday, May 6th, 12 noon – 5pm, rain or shine.
Advance Ticket sales — $20; Day of Tour ticket — $25 Tour starts at St. Luke’s Church, 259 Washington Ave. (between Lafayette and DeKalb Avenues)
Advance tickets at the following Brooklyn locations:
Pillow Café 505 Myrtle Avenue between Ryerson & Grand Outpost Café 1014 Fulton Street near Grand Sister’s Hardware 902 Fulton Street @ Washington Avenue Tillie’s Coffee Bar 248 DeKalb Avenue @ Vanderbilt Avenue Yu Interiors 15 Greene Avenue @ Cumberland Street
PayPal Tickets may also be purchased by visiting: www.societyforclintonhill.org
Directions by Subway:
A or C trains to Hoyt-Schermerhorn, then G train to Clinton/Washington; or C train to Washington/Clinton Stop. .......................
Come experience the beauty and history of one of Brooklyn’s premier landmark neighborhoods at this year’s Clinton Hill House Tour. Stroll along the tree-lined streets to see a stunning variety of architectural styles and take advantage of the rare opportunity to see the interiors and private gardens of 12 beautifully restored houses and buildings.
Tucked cozily off downtown Brooklyn, residential Clinton Hill was built in the 19th century as the borough’s “gold Coast”. It is uniquely saturated with free-standing mansions erected by such distinguished and prominent industrialists of their time as the Pratts (oil), the Underwoods (typewriters), the Singers (sewing machines), and the Bristols and Pfizers (pharmaceuticals). The neighborhood’s architectural styles include Italianate brownstones, Neo-Georgian, Queen Anne, Romanesque and Greek Revival houses which all rub shoulders with Beaux-Arts apartments and hotels. Clinton Hill also has what may be the largest number of carriage houses in the city.
The fantastic houses and buildings on the Clinton Hill House Tour provide significant insight for all those interested in historic homes and their renovations. The tour engages visitors by providing a glimpse of the past and a snapshot of the neighborhood’s vibrant diverse community. Pratt Institute and St. Joseph’s College impart the feeling of a small university town while its many grand churches (still among the tallest structures here) give one the feeling of traveling back in time. Two of the original Pratt mansions and Pratt Institute’s Library with the interior designed by Tiffany Studios will be part of this year’s tour.
The Society for Clinton Hill House Tour is the primary fund-raiser for this not-for-profit organization, a neighborhood group celebrating its 30th anniversary. Proceeds from the tour help sponsor a variety of educational, historical preservation, social programs within the community. Most importantly it provides a public forum where neighbors can gather to discuss important issues concerning their community.
Pink Elephant Projects (PEP) is proud to present "Denial and Acceptance," a new body of work by Charles Lutz. This will be PEP's first show in its new home at 64 Washington Avenue in Wallabout Brooklyn.
To this day, Andy Warhol's work continues to capture record prices in the contemporary art market as well as inspire generations of artists. In "Denial and Acceptance," Charles Lutz creates a collection of Warhol's most iconic works, including the Flower paintings, Self Portraits, and Brillo Boxes. In time with the Christie's sale of a Warhol green Car Crash from the disaster series, Lutz will also create a disaster canvas. These flawlessly executed works with their saturated colors and glossy surfaces have been presented to the Andy Warhol Art Authentication Board for review. Issues of authorship and validation are raised in Mr. Lutz's new work: faithfully produced to factory standards, Lutz's original works now bear the Warhol Foundation stamp - the stamp of denial. Lutz pushes his project further by creating a replica of the stamp himself to mark each one of his works, taking on the function of authenticator himself and imposing the role of validation - acceptance or denial - on his audience.
Charles Lutz was born in Greensburg, PA, in 1982. Upon completing his BFA at Pratt Institute in 2004, Lutz was employed as a painter by Jeff Koons. In 2005, Lutz was commissioned by Yoko Devereaux to create a line of limited edition, luxury suitcases. Since then he has exhibited his work in many shows, most notably the infamous Terminal 5 show at JFK. He currently lives and works in Brooklyn, NY.
ALSO at 64 Washington this weekend:
on saturday may 5th from 3-10pm there will be an open studio at 66 washington ave featuring the fine art of Hannah Mishin (hannahmishin.com) and Gary F. Cullen (garyfrancisxaviercullen.com)
Recently featured in Best of NY 2007 for Best Vintage / Thrift Shop, please join RePOP 95% Recycled at 68 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11205 this Friday May 4th, 2007 for our spring art event featuring fine artist and photographer, Dominic Albo.
Dominic features works of context and depth through the use of collage, transfers, oil, acrylic and epoxy on canvas, wood and paper. His art focuses on shadows. The taut, textured canvas embraces the shadow to present a luminous and ephemeral subject. In his wood pieces the solidity of the wood evokes a different reaction. It tells a story of permanence and allows the shadow to take root.
Complimentary wine reception is from 7:30 - 11pm so come on down to the Navy Yard, mingle with fine art and get your vintage groove on!
All vintage furnishings, collectibles and decoratives in shop on First Friday are 10% off.
"Shadows' will be on exhibition at RePOP from May 4 - 30.
G train to Clinton/Washington Ave. RePOP is located between Park and Flushing just 5 blocks North.
email: info@repopny.com phone: 1-718-260-8032 web: http://www.repopny.com
Anyone ever eaten here?
I'm intrigued by the fact that it's a restaurant in a trailer!
May 07 Events at Tillie’s of Brooklyn248 DeKalb Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11205 (718) 783-6140
Open Mic
5/10 5/24
Hosted by Conquest Cover: $2
Art
Music and Me Photographs by Jennie Baptiste
May 14th – June 16th 2007
Jennie Baptiste was born in London, where she still lives. Hailing from the Caribbean island of St Lucia, her parents came to London in the sixties. She attended the London College of Communication and received a B.A. with Honors in Photography at the University of Westminster.
As a photographer, her work is inspired by youth culture and music in relation to her identity. She has documented the music phenomenon dancehall, as well as the rise and influence of hip-hop and tattoos -- the latest fashion accessory within the hip- hop culture. Artists she has photographed include Nas, Mary J. Blige, Mos Def, and De La Soul, for clients that ranged from Nike to Virgin Airways to Sony Music.
“Music and Me” is about her influences and the subject matter that has helped define her photography within portraiture overall.
“I continue to be fascinated by the influence of black youth culture in London. I wish to use my work to inform and educate people beyond the stereotypes, so that our history is also their history, creating a greater understanding of the different cultural diversities that makes up British society, here and beyond.”
Her photographs have been exhibited widely in Paris, Berlin, and London, including the show “Black British Style” at the Victoria and Albert Museum. In addition, her work is included in the collection of the National Portrait Gallery in London. Jennie is also curator of a photographic exhibition on the Maroon People of Jamaica, which will tour London and Jamaica.
Reception: Friday, May 18th 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Music
Friday, 5/11/07 Cyminology 8 p.m. An exciting and eclectic Berlin-based ensemble that seamlessly blends mesmerizing vocals by Iranian-born Cymin Samawatie, who is inspired by 11th century Persian poetry, and modern European jazz. With: Benedikt Jahnel, piano (from France) Ralf Schwarz, bass (from Germany) Ketan Bhatti, drums (from India)
Cyminology has shared stages all over Europe with the likes of Herbie Hancock and Bobby McFerrin and has recorded three CDS, all to warm acclaim. Said one German critic: “Cyminology shows that it is possible to glow without exploding.” Tillie’s is a Brooklyn stop on a tour that includes an appearance at Joe’s Pub in Manhattan. Cover: $5
For more information, click here.
Saturday, 5/19/07 8 p.m. Indoda Entsha Percussion Ensemble Directed by Preston Riddick A terrific crew of local talent raises the roof with drumming, singing, and sometimes dancing inspired by African rhythms -- always a delightful evening. Donation: $6
Friday, 5/25/07 ElastiCity Festival Brooklyn’s only ongoing new music festival
7 p.m. Shimmer Rob Mosher, saxophone Zach Brock, violin Evan Mazunike, accordion Matt Wigton, bass www.mattwigton.com
8:15 p.m. UBUNTU! Rick Stone, saxophone Evan Mazunik, keyboard Alex Foote, guitar Jay Foote, bass Jason Nazary, drums www.jayfoote.com
9:30 p.m. The Adventure Club Justin Wood, saxophone Adam Schneit, saxophone Tyler Wood, keyboards Devin Gray, drums
Cover for all shows: $5
An Addtract Inititative www.rules-of-addraction.org
For more information about events at Tillie’s, please call Patricia Mulcahy at 718 783-6140, or email her at mail@tilliesofbrooklyn.com. See our website for location, hours, etc.
Corner of Greene and Grand. Hopefully it won't be sold to someone who builds something douchey.
I love this tiny house on Adelphi just north of Lafayette.
i just received word that the latest batches of devil's doodad are in the bottles and ready for distribution.
you can read all about the doodad and its creator here.
and you can find him at the fort greene farmer's market, until the stock runs out.....
UNITY 2007 - Community Planning WorkshopContact: Rebecca Ferguson (917)348-3741
Community to Develop Alternative to Atlantic Yards Plan
UNITY 2007 Saturday, April 28 10 am – 4 pm Registration opens at 9:30 (free & open to the public) Hanson Place United Methodist Church 144 Saint Felix Place Brooklyn, NY
Looking to the future, community members create UNITY 2007, a Community Development Plan.
Brooklyn, NY – As developer Forest City Ratner (FCR) makes plans to start demolition and clear the way for a planned sports arena and multiple high rise towers in Brooklyn, and as two law-suits that could stop or radically alter the project hang in the balance, an alternative development plan for the neighborhood is gaining steam. Local residents, politicians, neighborhood organizations, churches, architects and planners will gather on Saturday April 28th for a one day community workshop and design charrette to create the UNITY 2007 Community Development Plan.
Started in 2004 with the support of Council Member Letitia James, and under the leadership of local architect, Marshall Brown, the original UNITY Plan (UNITY stands for Understanding, Imagining and Transforming the Yards), endeavored to bring community stakeholders and professionals together to plan for the development of the 8.5 acre Vanderbilt Rail Yards–a key piece of public land within the Ratner proposal–and promote affordable housing, small businesses and open space without the excessive density of the FCR Plan. The UNITY 2007 Workshop will revive and expand the original UNITY plan.
Project watchdogs, critics, and opponents are convinced the project will not happen as proposed and want to be prepared with an alternative plan under anticipated scenarios. Participants in the day long planning meeting will discuss housing, jobs, design, open space and transportation. They will talk about options for the neighborhood if some, all or none of the FCR project is completed. The result will be an updated set of plans for the future of the Vanderbilt Yards.
"The Forest City Ratner project is definitely not a done deal. New York development history shows that mega projects like this often die in the final stages. The UNITY Plan will show New York some real and exciting options for development of the site." Tom Angotti, Director, Center for Community Planning and Development
"Given the Mayor's release of his PlaNYC 2030 environmental sustainability strategy and the failure of the FCR plan to address environmental, traffic and fundamental community needs the UNITY charrette will address how we can properly plan and develop the "yards" to meet our city's present and future needs." Ron Shiffman, Former New York City Planning Commissioner
The UNITY 2007 effort is sponsored by the Hunter College Center for Community Planning and Development, and the Council of Brooklyn Neighborhoods.
(Flushing Ave, looking south)
I didn't believe this new reno on Grand would be residential. It looked too much like a storefront. But you were right - looks like someone's living in there:
Do you live here? Email me.
What in the world is this building used for? Looks like a greenhouse, but made of metal.
It's on Emerson between Myrtle and Park.
UPDATE: Might be a Quonset hut.
Clinton Hill Blog published from 2006 - 2010. Please enjoy these archives - a love letter to the neighborhood.
