Decaying Mansions May Fall To Supermarket

Abandoned military mansions in Brooklyn are on the verge of being razed and replaced with a supermarket. Many historic preservationists are opposing the assertion that the late 19th Century mansions can't be salvaged.

1 minute read

October 20, 2006, 6:00 AM PDT

By Nate Berg


Unused except by vandals and wildlife since the closure of the Navy Yard in 1966, the once-grand mansions of Admiral's Row are on the brink of demolition, as the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation considers replacing the historic site with a supermarket.

"Even hidden by vegetation, the half-dozen houses that make up Admiral's Row are among the grandest remnants of Brooklyn's once-bustling Navy Yard. Dating from 1863 to 1901, the buildings include some of New York City's earliest and most impressive examples of the French Second Empire Style."

"Many preservationists say there's hope for the mansions of Admiral's Row. Alex Herrera, director of technical services at the New York City Landmarks Commission, allows that the houses 'are in deplorable condition' but says that 'they're very sturdy structures and are perfectly restorable. Many homeowners in the Fort Greene area have handled much worse. The problem is that there is no will on the part of the current administration to save them.' "

Friday, October 13, 2006 in Preservation Online

courses user

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges. Corey D, Transportation Planner

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges.

Corey D, Transportation Planner

Ready to give your planning career a boost?

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

Seattle Legalizes Co-Living

A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.

December 1, 2024 - Smart Cities Dive

Times Square in New York City empty during the Covid-19 pandemic.

NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project

Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.

December 1, 2024 - StreetsBlog NYC

'Vertical canyon' on glass-clad residential high-rise in Denver, CO.

Denver's New High-Rise Integrates Vertical Canyon in Architectural Design

Unlike other new builds in Denver, Colorado, a new high-rise reveals a unique “sculptural canyon” running vertically through the facade to foster a sense of community and connection to nature.  

November 29, 2024 - designboom

Sec. Deb Haaland speaking at dais outdoors with Colorado mountains in background and three officials standing behind her announcing protection of Thompson Divide.

Commentary: Colorado Will Forge Ahead With Conservation Work

While federal policy may become less friendly to environmental efforts, support from state legislators and agencies can prevent the state from backsliding.

15 minutes ago - Colorado Newsline

Group of children with backpacks walking toward colorful modern school building.

Expanding the Mission: Community Groups Serving Schools

Some community development organizations have added education to their traditional focus on housing and economic development, looking for ways to support families and children by partnering with local school districts. How is it working?

1 hour ago - Shelterforce Magazine

Aerial view of DeKalb County Courthouse and surrounding area in Auburn, Georgia.

DeKalb County Launches Housing Assistance Program

The $13 million initiative will support local organizations providing wrap-around services and housing assistance to residents at risk of eviction or experiencing homelessness.

2 hours ago - WSBTV

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.