730 Franklin Ave (btwn Park and Sterling), formerly a garden, now a fence, soon to be a 6 story bldg

whynot_31

Some readers may remember this address as briefly (Spring 2011 - Spring 2012) being the site of a community garden run by the Crow Hill Community Association:

photo: Brownstoner

photo: DNA.info

In the Spring of 2012, the property was listed for sale, and the prospective new owners reportedly requested the site be vacated prior to their purchase. The garden was dismantled in May 2012. Since then, the site has remained vacant and featured nothing but a tall, opaque corrugated fence.

Some digging shows that the property (block 1168, lot 57) actually ended up changing hands in four months later (Sept 2012), as well as info about the new owners: http://a836-acris.nyc.gov/DS/DocumentSearch/DocumentDetail?doc_id=2012091300459001

It is now a year later, Sept 2013, and the property has likely increased in value due to gentrification and even a change in zoning.

A quick search indicates that no work permits are open with DOB for the address: http://a810-bisweb.nyc.gov/bisweb/PropertyProfileOverviewServlet?bin=3398472&requestid=1

Does anyone have any scoop on whether the property is to be developed or resold soon?

ridonkulous

I dunno, but it's absolutely filled with trash (currently obscured by leaves). Amazing how quickly it reverted to its pre-garden state.

whynot_31

Capt Planet did some digging of the non garden variety:

"The Trojan Horse for me that came as a surprise in all this was the upzoning of Franklin Avenue, which went from R6B to R7A. That means that, according to the Zoning Handbook issued by the Dept of City Planning, that the FAR goes from 2.0 to 4.0 and the maximum height goes to 80 feet from 50 feet. Fro example under the old R6B zoning, the owner of the vacant lot on 730 Franklin Avenue that used to be a community garden, could have built a 5,4000 sf building. Under the new 7A zoning, a 10,800 sf building can be built. Just to make that real, at the going rate of $800 per sf, the old zoning would have allowed a building worth $4.32 million. Under that new zoning, a building on that lot would be worth $8.64 million, an increase in value of $4.32 million.
If you think the owners, 730 Franklin LLC in Woodmere NY aren't pleased, think again, especially when you consider they bought the vacant lot from Vithal Dande on 8-21-12 for just $800,000."

whynot_31

From what I have heard, many lots are remaining vacant not only because they continue to appreciate, but also because the reputable nyc lic'd builders have a backlog of work.

whynot_31

On Feb 12, 2015, the plumbing plans for the 6 story building planned for this site was given to a plan examiner.

http://a810-bisweb.nyc.gov/bisweb/JobsQueryByNumberServlet?requestid=2&passjobnumber=320374769&passdocnumber=03

Assuming the plan is sound, they should hear back on this part of the plan within a few weeks. Then, they should be able to get permits.

Then, dig a hole.
Then, pour a concrete foundation...

Then, something will grow in the garden.

whynot_31

Plywood fence went up about two weeks ago. Rendering on fence.

It is too dark out to take a good photo of rendering.
6 stories. Top floor gets a nice patio.



Stop Work Order issued today, for failure to underpin the foundations on each side of lot.

whynot_31

YIMBY provides a photo of the rendering:

http://newyorkyimby.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/777x582x730-franklin-avenue-construction-rendering-777x582.jpeg.pagespeed.ic.oPAKfwd3IT.jpg

whynot_31

The hole has been dug, and work on the foundation has begun. Cement trucks were busy today.

whynot_31

Going up

xlizellx

wow, totally forgot about that garden.  Whynot, where did your benches end up?

whynot_31

Readers, @xlizellx is referencing benches that were crowd funded by Brooklynian readers.

She picked up the lumber from Home Depot with me, and the benches were built by my dog and I.

http://www.brooklynian.com/discussion/29057/tiny-urban-park/p1



For about a year, the benches were used to support idealistic gardeners who wanted to grow not only vegetables but (in some cases) genuine revolution and land redistribution.

Needless to say, the benches were not designed to support such macro changes. Once the lot was taken back by its owners, the benches made their way to a different community garden which has more achievable aspirations.

whynot_31

The building has now reached its terminal height.

They are presently doing the last bit of concrete work on the elevator shaft at the top.

whynot_31

The retail space is asking $15k a month for the 1600 Sq Ft first floor, which includes a 500 sq ft backyard. 

https://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/off/5507884668.html

...it doesn't sound like they will allow a kitchen.

crownheightster

Damn. $15K a month is a lot. 

whynot_31

It is similar in size and price to Bagel Pub.

...A notable difference is that Bagel Pub rec'd some basement storage space instead of a backyard. 

Brooklyneya

Bagel Pub is 15k?! That's insane. Food businesses have low margins, too. A bar could probably handle that. I'm surprised prices have gone up that much.

whynot_31

Bagel pub reportedly signed a 10 year lease for $12.5k a month.

As a result of being part of established business, it could negotiate same.

It would not surprise me if some non cooking chain expressed an interest in this space and was able to get a similar "deal".

We seem to have coffee covered. ...it may take us up to a year to see what arrives

goldemi1

oh dear, a bank, cellphone store, cohens optical, corcoran real estate?

whynot_31

Such uses don't require a backyard, which is part of why the rent is so high.

So, I'm thinking sandwich place, or a low key bar like Covenhoven. 

whynot_31

Rate for the commercial space is now unstated, with "no reasonable offer refused" 

http://www.loopnet.com/Listing/19708575/730-Franklin-Avenue-Brooklyn-NY/

whynot_31

The building looks like it will be ready to occupy by Nov 1.

The setbacks are not visible from the street.

msboombastic

This building looks surprisingly nice. I'll be very curious to see what they end up with as a commercial tenant. 

whynot_31

Unlike some buildings, this one looks a lot like the rendering.

whynot_31

goldemi1

like a middle finger on franklin

crownheightster

The windows and facade are nice...until you get to the nasty, nasty three top floors. And that tall piece sticking up? EWWW.

whynot_31

The tall piece is the elevator mechanics.

crownheightster

whynot_31 said:

The tall piece is the elevator mechanics.

Still gross. 

Barnstormer

@goldemi1 More of a middle finger toward Manhattan, though, am I right? 

I actually like the steel canopy/awning they put up. It adds a little personality to the streetscape. It certainly beats the cheap vinyl/cloth awnings that have dominated the neighborhood for years. 

whynot_31

click thru for views from roof. https://www.doorsteps.com/listings/3987598044-brooklyn-new-york

whynot_31

1st fl commercial space: https://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/off/6159053042.html big backyard https://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/off/6159051694.html