Somehow the developers buying up the vacant brownstones on 126th Street in Central Harlem seem to all think modern alterations are the answer to renovating a classic home. Number 155-157 West 126th Street are both located just east of ACP/7th Avenue and the rendering on the plywood outside indicates that the two adjacent buildings will be completely transformed when finished. Does the market really ask for such extreme conversions? Our opinion is that an old house should have additions that complement it and not change it drastically. Otherwise, why even bother with buying a brownstone when empty land is readily available?
I agree - buy up a lot but to totally transform a brownstone like this takes away from the general architecture of the block.
ReplyDeleteAgree - this is why we need to expand the historic districts in harlem. I have no problem with a more modern interior if somebody is buying a shell but keep the outside period appropriate!
ReplyDeleteThat's assuming they (owners) care about the architecture on the block...
ReplyDeleteI so agree with your view. The architectural/aesthetic danger to Harlem occurs when new money arrives, more than when there was not enough to keep things up. Little by little, what we've loved about the place starts to disappear. Minton's Playhouse, Lenox Lounge and M&G Diner signs were all parts of our identity- now gone forever. And that only just symbolizes the many businesses and neighbors that are no longer here. We shouldn't live in the past, but we are richer by respecting it.
ReplyDeleteThese houses are just a few houses down from mine and, honestly, I'm delighted. They were abandoned and often police would have to chase out vagrants. On top of that, colonies of pests would take up residence. For them to be fully renovated, rebuilt and made habitable is a great thing for the block and, as a neighbor, I applaud!
ReplyDeleteClearly any renovation - either classical or modern - is better than an abandoned shell. The point of the post is questioning why there is the need to go the modern route? Looking at the record townhouses that have all been renovated, one would imagine that developers would get the message that classic garners top dollar in every record sale of the neighborhood when it comes to townhouses. Modern upgrades are sometimes found within renovated interiors but all of the best selling homes have had their facades restored to their original stature without any exceptions.
ReplyDeleteWhenever stoops are removed buildings just look. . . wrong.
ReplyDeleteA classic brownstone facade should not be too hard to replicate, stucco finish with pre cast window and door details attached.
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