What will actually happen to the former Capital One Building at 856 Washington

whynot_31

I could not find anything on ACRIS after the sale to Slate

https://a836-acris.nyc.gov/DS/DocumentSearch/DocumentDetail?doc_id=2014122301155001

However, Slate does not list it on their portfolio:  http://www.slatepg.com/portfolio/

whynot_31

Request for permits to build a 14 story building have now been filed with DOB

http://newyorkyimby.com/2015/08/permits-filed-856-washington-avenue-prospect-heights.html

whynot_31

I just checked the website of the architect firm listed on the permits, but they don't have a rendering up YET.

http://www.kbanyc.com/

However, asbestos removal contractors are already preparing the building for demolition. In these "last interior shots" taken this week, you can see that the valuable glass and marble appears to have already been stripped.







View from a distance, which will be different in 2018:

notsayin

Construction guy today nodded affirmatively when I asked if they were going to demolish it.

The rodent bait signs are always the telltale.

greenegirl

I've never seen the interior before. Wow. It is beautiful and reminds me of why used to be the Dime bank near juniors.

whynot_31

Yup.

Those are the reasons I asked the contractor if I could get some quick photos.

BTW, the city officially issued a demolition permit last week: http://a810-bisweb.nyc.gov/bisweb/JobsQueryByNumberServlet?requestid=1&passjobnumber=321229782&passdocnumber=01

the collection next door

Demolition of Prospect Heights Bank Set to Make Way for 14-Story Tower https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20151012/prospect-heights/demolition-of-prospect-heights-bank-set-make-way-for-14-story-tower 

whynot_31

 For those who have been reading this thread, there is not much news in that story.

If the facade is carefully demolished, the developer might use elements of it in the new design. Time will tell.

whynot_31

A local politician who likes the building how it is would like it landmarked.

https://www.nysenate.gov/newsroom/articles/jesse-hamilton/landmark-856-washington-ave

Um, it seems waaaaay too late for that.

bkchickie

A local politician who likes the building how it is would like it landmarked.

https://www.nysenate.gov/newsroom/articles/jesse-hamilton/landmark-856-washington-ave

Um, it seems waaaaay too late for that.

Definitely.  Where was this guy before the permits were issued and the building could actually be saved?

naturegirlbk

Anyone have any updates re: demolition/development and/or reversals on the decision not to landmark the building based on Jesse Hamilton's sudden interest? Any changes to the plan to develop into condos?

whynot_31

None that I am aware of.

whynot_31

----------------- * PROFESSIONALLY CERTIFIED * ---------------------

Last Action: PERMIT ISSUED - ENTIRE JOB/WORK 01/28/2016 (R)

Application approved on: 01/15/2016

 http://a810-bisweb.nyc.gov/bisweb/JobsQueryByNumberServlet?requestid=4&passjobnumber=321244088&passdocnumber=01

Today, National Grid disconnected the gas to the building, which is one of the final tasks before structural demolition can begin.  

whynot_31

However, some people seem to still be holding out hope:  https://www.change.org/p/laurie-cumbo-stop-the-demolition-of-the-historic-greenpoint-savings-bank?recruiter=465981114&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=autopublish&utm_term=des-lg-share_petition-reason_msg&fb_ref=Default

slam_harris

That is one attractive building. I am curious about trader joe's rumors. how do they get started? does everyone see a cool old bank building and assume TJ will jump in?

I think TJs could do quite well near brooklyn college.

whynot_31

Here are some additional interior shots, including what it looks like today.   It appears interior demolition is now almost complete.   The vault has been removed.

(photos not by me)

whynot_31

Today, I was able to attend an open house for a penthouse in 135 Eastern Parkway.

The higher floors of the condo building that will be built on the bank site will have views that are similar.








In the last photo, you can see the roof top of the bank (center)

Bob_Loblaw

A stop work order appeared on the bank building a few days ago. Does anyone know what's up?

whynot_31

@Bob_Loblaw -

It seems to relate to the work they did removing the windows in the back of the building.

Last Inspection:	03/03/2016 - - BY BADGE # 2531
Disposition:	03/03/2016 - L1 - PARTIAL STOP WORK ORDER P
DOB Violation #:	030316BS08MC01
ECB Violation #:	35165422N
Comments:	NO OHP.NOTICED @EXP2 ADJ COURTYARD,NO OHP PROVIDED. WINDOWS REMOVED CAUSING DEBRIS TO FALL IN COURT. STOPALLWORK W/I 20FT

http://a810-bisweb.nyc.gov/bisweb/OverviewForComplaintServlet?requestid=4&vlcompdetlkey=0001956661

laddhalsey

It looks like this change.org petition needs only 10 more signatures to reach their goal of halting the destruction of the bank building.

There was a stop worker order placed last week (since March 3) but the workers are back to dismantling the building today.

https://www.change.org/p/laurie-cumbo-stop-the-demolition-of-the-historic-greenpoint-savings-bank

Bob_Loblaw

Yesterday, workers began covering the entire back of the bank building in scaffolding.  It isn't visible from the street, but I can see it from my apartment.  This is full scaffolding, not just a sidewalk shed.  

whynot_31

They usually remove the roof first.    It contains petroleum products that must be disposed of (recycled) differently

Then they knock the walls into what was the interior.

laddhalsey

If one signed the petition they received this message... 

New York State Historic Preservation Office Application Sent

Scott Watson

Brooklyn, NY

Mar 17, 2016 — We've submitted a Third Party Determination of Eligibility for the building, which means that if the New York State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) deems it worthy (which is highly likely) they will contact the owners and send them a package of tax breaks and deals that can benefit the developer of a landmarked building, which would include a 20% federal and 20% state tax rehabilitation tax credit. 

Hopefully, this will start a conversation as to how the developers can incorporate the building's facade and other priceless features while also getting tax breaks from the federal and state level. 

You can follow the application's status at the link below, with the project number - 16PR01651

laddhalsey

Anyone interested in showing their support in trying to save the Greenpoint Savings edifice can attend a demonstration which has been organized to take place this Sunday 11am-1pm.

https://www.change.org/p/laurie-cumbo-stop-the-demolition-of-the-historic-greenpoint-savings-bank/u/15891398?tk=JT_f1PKc_cvw1PQlXQY11-6vvr8VhNthMP04SpQdIiM&utm_source=petition_update&utm_medium=email

whynot_31

By then, workers may have all of the scaffolding up.

naturegirlbk

Reminder: The demonstration is this morning.... Starting in 25 minutes....

Anyone interested in showing their support in trying to save the Greenpoint Savings edifice can attend a demonstration which has been organized to take place this Sunday 11am-1pm.

https://www.change.org/p/laurie-cumbo-stop-the-demolition-of-the-historic-greenpoint-savings-bank/u/15891398?tk=JT_f1PKc_cvw1PQlXQY11-6vvr8VhNthMP04SpQdIiM&utm_source=petition_update&utm_medium=email

whynot_31

photo:  https://twitter.com/streebs/status/712633879757242369

whynot_31

laddhalsey

According to the literature I receive having signed the petition to "save the bank"

- The bank was DENIED landmark status by Mary Beth Betts, working for the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission. Her explanation:

The agency has carefully reviewed the property and has noted that the building is not a significant example of an early-20th century bank building in terms of its architecture and siting, such as the following examples of Brooklyn banks that have been designated by the Commission:

Williamsburgh Savings Bank (175 Broadway)

Kings County Savings Bank (135 Broadway)

Brooklyn Trust Company Building (177 Montague Street)

The Dime Savings Bank (9 DeKalb Avenue).

Therefore, it does not rise to the level of significance necessary for designation and does not merit further consideration as a potential individual New York City

There are other calls to action regarding preserving the structure linked to on change.org

https://www.change.org/p/laurie-cumbo-stop-the-demolition-of-the-historic-greenpoint-savings-bank?source_location=topic_page

bobmarvin

Ms. Betts' [the LPC's Director of Research] first response  often seems to be that a property or district is unworthy of consideration. This is what happened several years ago when we were seeking designation for what is now the Ocean on the Park Historic District. It's not always the final word.