George B. and Susan Elkins house landmarked -- 1375 Dean St

ben

I just saw this on nyc.gov, the landmarks commission granted landmark status to the building at 1375 Dean st just recently. This looks like it is within the boundaries of the proposed landmark district, does anyone know why this was singled out for individual landmarking? Was it under threat of being torn down?

From NYC.gov:

Oct 24th, 2006

LANDMARKS COMMISSION GRANTS LANDMARK STATUS TO THE GEORGE B. AND SUSAN ELKINS HOUSE IN CROWN HEIGHTS

House Is the Only Known Freestanding, Mid-19th Century Wooden Country House Remaining in the Northwestern Section of the Brooklyn Neighborhood

The Landmarks Preservation Commission today unanimously approved the designation of the George B. and Susan Elkins House as an individual New York City landmark, preserving one of last vestiges of the suburban past in the northwestern section of Brooklyn’s Crown Heights neighborhood. Constructed between 1854 and 1869 for local real estate broker and his family, the modest, wood-framed house, which draws upon the Greek Revival and Italianate styles, is located at 1375 Dean St. between Brooklyn and Kingston Avenues.

“Set back from Dean Street, the Elkins House stands in sharp contrast to the hundreds of brick and masonry row houses and apartment buildings that grew up around it,” said Landmarks Preservation Commission Chairman Robert B. Tierney. “This house represents the neighborhood’s transition from a farming community to an urban enclave, and has a wonderful story to tell about New York City’s history.”

The cube-shaped house features a wide front porch and small attic-level windows set beneath an intricately detailed, broadly overhanging wood cornice. The house once faced a large open field, and was home to the Elkinses and their four daughters.

A native of Massachusetts, George Elkins began working as a real estate broker when he moved from Brooklyn Heights to northwestern Crown Heights, which was then known as Bedford. He later branched into the contracting business, and was hired to build a section of Eastern Parkway, and a nearly mile-long stretch of Brooklyn Avenue.

http://www.nyc.gov/html/lpc/html/Press_Releases/2006_10_24.shtml

capt. planet

It was singled out because the new owner had gotten a demolition permit on the property. Through the quick action of the n'hood we were able to get the demolition permit rescinded.

The property had already been calendared (marked on the Dept of Buildings website as being considered for landmarking) and the demo permit should never have been issued. Now as a landmarked building, it can not be demlished, only modified with permission of the Landmark Preservation Commission.

ben

greg wrote: It was singled out because the new owner had gotten a demolition permit on the property. Through the quick action of the n'hood we were able to get the demolition permit rescinded.

The property had already been calendared (marked on the Dept of Buildings website as being considered for landmarking) and the demo permit should never have been issued. Now as a landmarked building, it can not be demlished, only modified with permission of the Landmark Preservation Commission.

Good save! Thanks for the info, I didn't realize this was going on. It seems like there are a number of properties that may be threatened by demo due to the larger than normal lots in the area. Hopefully quick action like this will prevent the gems from being destroyed.

mssterlingplace

Subject: Elkins House @ 1375 Dean Street

A hearing was held in late September regarding landmarking this "endangered" property within the proposed Phase I historic district of Crown Heights North. The Elkins house was used as a group home for adults and was recently sold to a developer who wanted to demolish it and build condos although he knew the area was calendered after an attempt to obtain a demolition permit. Members of the Crown Heights North Association and concerned neighbors bought the plight of the Elkins house to the attention of the LPC, some of who were in attendance to testify in support of the designation.

Kudos to LPC for their swift and prompt response.

There are still several "stand alone" properties that need immediate attention as well and Crown Heights North Association is working with LPC to obtain individual designations as well.

MsSterlingPlace