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Rumors fly about MickyD’s on Court Street - people, pleez
Josh Guttman | September 10, 2007
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The blogosphere is abuzz today with rumors that McDonald’s has leased the former Blockbuster space on Court Street. Both A Brooklyn Life and Curbed are reporting that McDonald’s is moving into the space. I call BS. Rumors have been flying about McDonald’s moving to the neighborhood for some time. If they do come, Smith Street or Atlantic Ave are more logical locations. The former Blockbuster space is neither a location I can imagine McDonald’s wanting (it’s a huge space with a full basement and only moderate foot traffic) nor a neighbor that Court Street residents are likely to welcome with open arms. Few chain retailers have penetrated Court Street yet, and I think it’s highly unlikely that even the most money-hungry property owner would allow such flagrant degradation of neighborhood charm.
Welcome to the Neighborhood Lili Taylor!
Rachel Markowitz | August 14, 2007
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According to New York Magazine, Lili Taylor, star of the Lifetime series State of Mind, just closed on a three-bedroom apartment in Cobble Hill for $950,000. Apparently this was 6% over the asking price. Just goes to show that while Lifetime may be crap TV, they must pay their actors semi-decently. I, for one, prefer to think of Lili Taylor as Corey Flood, the guitar-wielding companion of a love-sick John Cusak in Say Anything. It’s possible stereotypical “chick rock” was invented when Corey played an ode to her ex-boyfriend at a graduation party. The song goes: “Joe lies! Joe lies! Joe lies! when he criiiiies!” Perhaps we’ll be lucky enough to hear her playing similar tunes on her stoop one day.
Reportedly Taylor sold her apartment on Bethune Street for $1.1 million last month. Hopefully this indicates that she plans to stay with us for awhile. Let’s keep an eye out for her, and any other celebrities who are thinking of moving to the lovely BergenCarroll-land.
French deli next to Cobble Hill Park closes abruptly
Josh Guttman | July 26, 2007
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The deli on the corner of Verandah and Clinton, which has no official name aside from “Delicatessen”, but many unofficial ones - french deli, red deli, dirty deli - closed abruptly Monday. Rumors had circulated in the neighborhood for two weeks prior as the deli’s shelves began to empty. The owner of 12 years, Christophe, allegedly stopped paying rent a few months ago. The cafe he owned and operated on the corner of Warren and Court is also closing. Apparently that space will be leased to Margaret Palca Bakes of Columbia Street, though it’s not clear what the space on Verandah will become (I’m hoping it remains a coffee shop). I will certainly miss Christophe’s cheese selection, fresh croissants, ciabatta sandwiches and most of all, the rich yummy hot chocolate in the winter. When I walked by Monday morning and noticed a sign in the window reading “public auction”, I stepped inside and joined 4-5 people standing around. The next item auctioned was a marble French bistro table, which I grabbed for a whopping $40….timing is everything.
Property Feature - 249 DeGraw Street (at Clinton)
Josh Guttman | July 1, 2007
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Two weekends ago, I strolled over to the corner of DeGraw and Clinton to tour an open house before my yoga class, and boy was I glad I did. Though it hardly did the house justice, The NY Times listing read:
A four-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath condo, one of two in a former church, with an open living space, office, family room, storage room, darkroom and garden.
This isn’t just any house. It’s an old church, tastefully renovated into a chic and modern 4-bedroom home. It’s truly a gem of the nabe. The basement has been converted into a large rec room with two connecting bedrooms (perfect for kids). The ground floor (pictured) houses the living room, dining room and large cook’s kitchen, all under dramatic cathedral ceilings with ligh
t flowing in through stained glass windows. As you can see, two glass stair cases leading up to perched bedrooms are suspended on one side of the room. The kitchen is equipped with commercial appliances and there is a nice sized, very zen-like, private garden around back. Best of all, it’s directly next-door to Chickory (though not so good for the waist line)!
The house is offered at $2.749 million by Mary Goodson. She can be reached at (718) 757-6684.
What will replace Blockbuster on Court Street - got $24K?
Josh Guttman | February 24, 2007
2 Comments
The vacant Blockbuster on Court Street has already been the subject of several Brooklyn blog posts, but there doesn’t seem to be much movement in the large space. Rumor has it that the landlord is asking $24,000/month in rent which includes two levels, one below ground. With such a large space and rent, there is a strong possibility that a chain will move in, but I have some other ideas for ways the neighborhood could benefit from a local establishment:
- A mixed-use cafe, book store, evening arts/performance space with a killer sound system, ie: the SouthPaw of Carroll Gardens
- A high end sports club like Equinox or Sports Club LA to supplement NYSC and YMCA
- A Kidville - country club for NYC/Brooklyn children
