In most parts of the country, this pleasant two-story house at the corner of Voorhies Avenue and East 22nd Street, with a wraparound porch, gables, pitched roof and dormer windows, would be seen as a neighborhood attraction and a symbol of its desirability. There would be no talk whatsoever of tearing it down — it would be clamored over and desired if it were for sale.
Ned Berke of Sheepshead Bites, in Comments:
….that property is the former home of Frank Clair, the founder of the Circle Line. The Circle Line vessels were the first of Sheepshead Bay’s recreational fishing fleet, and also operated as ferries. The company expanded, eventually scoring the contract to operate the ferry to the Statue of Liberty. Although they sold the company (I believe), it still has the Statue of Liberty route.
That stretch of Voorhies Avenue was also once known as Millionaire’s Row, where the wealthy lived when this was still a resort and racing community. A lot of big awesome houses. Unfortunately, many have been torn down in similar fashion.
In modern-day New York City, however, developers and their political supporters think of houses like this as wasteful; only one person or family can live therein, and since the mayor has expressed his desire, or at least believes, that one million more people will live in New York over the next 30 years, room must be made.
Therefore the banks, the developers, and the local politicos find it beneficial to tear down buildings like this — they’re out of date. To them, we need buildings that will house five families or more.
Before too long, this relic of a disappearing Brooklyn will vanish, and stock housing with a rusting fire escape and concrete lawn will take its place.
5/28/13