The Destruction of a Landmark
Last night, Dylan and I were hanging out at my apartment in Williamsburg, and we decided to take a walk along the waterfront. I've lived there for almost 6 months, and had still never walked to the waterfront. We walked to the abandoned Domino Sugar Factory, the tiny little "park" at the end of Grand Street, walked down numerous construction truck paths, and trespassed behind an emormous building and found a quiet spot with a perfect view of Manhatten and no sound but the sound of the water. I didn't feel like I was in a city at all. The longer and farther we walked, the less people we saw. We spent about an hour without ever seeing a soul, and this is a mere 3 blocks from Williamsburg's Bedford Avenue, an overpacked stretch constantly choking on hipsters shopping, eating, biking, and looking ultra-cool. Three blocks down, and we were in what I imagine Williamsburg was like before young artists like myself started taking over. Industrial biuldings, smokestacks, the sound of the window and glass factory machines cranking, streets literally crumbling into the water, and nighttime desolation. But soon, even the quiet waterfront will be another Bedford Avenue.
One of the most fascinating things we saw on our walk was the enormous building we trespassed behind. We were baffled, because it looked too big and too industerial to be apartments, yet a few lights were on, some with curtains. But why only a few in such a big building in such a great spot? Well this morning I did a little research on 184 Kent Avenue, and got my answers.
184 Kent Avenue used to be a warehouse that in 1914 cost $1 million, featuring railway tracks running on the first floor, elaborate conveyer belts, integrated piers, pneumatic tubes, and freight elevators. It was known as a marvel of reinforced concrete construction and ingenuity, traits synonymous with architect Cass Gilbert who designed it. Eventually this building turned residential, leasing out it's giagantic apartments, but as Williamsburg became to become the hotness in luxury lofts that it is today, the waterfront started getting extra attention, and the building on penthouse apartments on top of the building was proposed. The Landmarks Preservation Commission suggested that the building should be considered for landmark status, but the City Council, who at first agreed that the building should be a landmark, reversed their decision, granting the penthouse plan.
Most of the residents have already been evicted for the hideous rennovations. The reason Dylan and I saw only a few lights is because some residents refused to sign the 60-day eviction notice back in 2005. They were threatened by their landlord that if they didn't sign they would be put on a month-to-month contract. But even those who refused must leave this spring. Apparently there are homeless living in the stairwells.
From the Real Deal article, Battle Over 184 Kent, Kenneth Fisher (Lawyer of the owners of the building, the Kestenbaum family) 'said the owners are sensitive to using an "aesthetic design." The dimensions won't change other than the extension on the roof, but he said: "It's not going to look like a warehouse."'
Oh thank god. And learning about 184 Kent has led me to countless atricles about the soon-to-be chicness of the Williamsburg and Greenpoint Waterfronts. From another The Real Deal article, 'The fate of the Domino Sugar refinery, which shut down in 2004, remains uncertain. The 11-acre site, just north of the Williamsburg Bridge, has reportedly caught the interest of C.P.C. Resources, the development arm of the Community Preservation Corporation, which finances housing rehabilitation projects, and private developer Isaac Katan. They are seeking to rezone the land from manufacturing to residential.
"Five years from now you won't recognize the waterfront," he said. "It should easily get $1,000 to $1,100 a square foot at the end of the day – at least 10 to 15 percent more than anything inland."'
Schaefer Landing in South Williamsburg is the first waterfront development, and units there are fetching average prices of $710 to $750 a square foot. The apartments are already sold out. Between North Fifth and Seventh Streets, massive complex to be known as The Edge, is in the works, and construction has already begun. Little did we know, Dylan and I were trampling all over the eventual luxorious Edge. But wait, there's more. Features include a waterfront esplanade and water taxi pier at North Sixth Street, a small state park and a 28-acre city park. (well, okay, parks are nice) I know what you're thinking. How are all those models and richy pants couples going to walk all the way to the Bedford L stop for their morning commute? Or walk all the way to Bedford for shopping?! Ah, fear not. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has also been considering placing another stop on the L train at about Kent Avenue and North Seventh Street. There will also be 100,000 square feet of retail space as part of the project. Phew!
So if you're at all interested in the way Williamsburg once was, go see it now because before long, it will be GONE. And it's beautiful. Explore the factories, sit on the waterfront and take pictures of the crumbling brick roads. I'll see you there.
That makes me feel like crying.
It's nice to see the return of That's Plenty heralded with investigative journalism pieces like this one. Hear hear!