Wonder what this will be...
Hopes are not high for this one. I stopped by this morning and asked a guy standing in the doorway what was going in. He said he didn't know. He was also wearing a cowboy outfit. (near Washington)
Noticed the awning above Threading Place (Vanderbilt just north of DeKalb) has been taken down, and I haven't seen them open in the last few days. Either they're on vacation, having the sign replaced with one that features correct spelling, or they've thrown in the towel already. I have had my brows done there a few times, and I was never alone in the shop. There was always a (reasonable) wait for services. Anyone know what's up?
A week or so ago, I noticed that Frosted Moon Emporium on Vanderbilt just south of Myrtle looked closed. That made me sad, since despite the bad font on their awning, they often had some really cute things in there. However, a reader tipped me off to a new sign taped in the window:
You guys! A bakery! It's in Fort Greene, but it's just one block from Clinton Hill. I just tried the number and got a generic voicemail, so I don't have any more info yet. I think the space will be just perfect for a bakery.
Noticed this funny little truck ringing an old-fashioned bell on Greene Ave recently. I was with a neighbor who informed me that this old guy drives around Brooklyn sharpening knives. You simply flag him down and bring your knives. Apparently he's a real institution, but this was the first I'd heard or seen of him.
Is there any rhyme or reason to his schedule? Anyone ever flagged him down and asked him to sharpen stuff?
Walked past Mullanes last week and noticed they have what appears to be a pretty nice outdoor seating area along the S. Elliott side of the building. I haven't been in awhile -- any new feedback on these guys?
(Looking south on Lexington -- anyone have a clue what this thing is?)
(Navy Yard Lounge, Washington and Flushing)
Looks like the "looks-from-the-outside-but-not-on-the-inside" florist/garden shop on Fulton near St. James Place has closed. It always looked so cute from the street, but the inside simply had a few plants and a selection of mylar balloons. I'll keep an eye on what might be happening. Maybe a good florist will open there? (please?????)
The former cleaner's on Lafayette, once rumored to become a 7-11, is now accepting proposals for the space. There are a few already hanging in the window, which seems strange. At least they whited out their grammatical error.
Interested in the space?
A post of mine from Eater.com here. As of late, the gates have been kept down, with no sign to be seen. Have they thrown in the towel?
Noticed this intriguing storefront on Vanderbilt...south of Atlantic. The website says that one owner lives in Clinton Hill -- maybe that's why he named the business after the nabe? The projects featured online look pretty nice.
Anyone used them for anything?
Forgive me if this is old news, as I really didn't have time to read three weeks' worth of blogs while I was away. Looks like while the owners of Smoke Joint have indeed taken over the former Blimpie/Pan-m y Mas space, it won't be an expansion of the restaurant. Instead, it will be a separate market, called Little Piggy (Market). Per TimeOut:
Craig Samuel and Ben Grossman of Brooklyn’s Smoke Joint are back with this Southern country market and café next door to their Fort Greene ’cue house. Pop in for artisanal hams, Anson Mill grits and Greenmarket produce.
A Google search shows some coverage by the Brooklyn Paper as well. The new market will offer both desserts and air conditioning, both lacking at SJ.
Overall, I'm pleased with this. Smoke Joint offers really friendly service and mucho tasty food. Though the SJ is pretty cramped, and it might have been nice to offer more seating.
I peeked inside this morning, and it doesn't seem to be open yet. Also, no sign.
(Vanderbilt, looking towards the Navy Yard)
On the rare occasion I take a cab home from the city, I usually guide the driver to make a left on Myrtle. Those first few blocks of the former Murder Avenue look to be just that -- crumbling buildings, boarded up storefronts, garbage. It's an even stranger corner, given the luxury condo buildings nearby. Perhaps the property owners there heard the gossip that Brownstoner broke today in advance, and have been neglecting their buildings until the area changed a little.
More than a little. It seems the infamous Ingersoll and Whitman projects may eventually become middle income housing and/or co-ops! Holy crap.
Several months back, there was talk of razing Admiral's Row to make room for an enormous supermarket. Perhaps this was planned in advance for the new tenants? Where will the current residents go? Will it result in a more unified Fort Greene Park scene?
(Kiki's Pet Hotel, Washington between Park and Flushing)
Check out this huge isolated building on the northeast corner of Emerson and Park:
So much potential, but so little foot traffic over here. Looks like there's a few small storefronts and great apartment space potential.
(Lafayette Ave, Fort Greene)
Someone please buy this and do something cool with it!
It's a sad cement block that needs help. It's on Washington, near RePop.
(Washington between Park and Flushing - can anyone translate?)
Noticed a new storefront on Waverly just north of Myrtle, sporting a vinyl sign that says, "Annetta's Beauty Salon." Didn't have my camera with me. Just a heads up!
Clinton Hill Blog published from 2006 - 2010. Please enjoy these archives - a love letter to the neighborhood.
