Corner of Strong Place and Kane Street circa 1930.

That is a question an anonymous commenter on the blog Brownstoner recently posed in reaction to seeing the design of the townhouses we are currently building on the corner of Strong Place and Kane Street in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn. The full statement of Grandarmyredux reads:
“The drawings look nice and I’m sure Donald Brennan is correct that many neighbors will be happy with the result. But, for my taste, it’s just too conservative. A dose of modernism in a historic neighborhood can inject much needed variety and energy to the streetscape. 19th century architecture isn’t inherently better than 21st century, or vice versa. It all depends on great design and craft. Btw, I believe this is Martin Amis’s block.”

Besides being mis-quoted – I never said “many neighbors would be happy with the result” – I understand where Grandarmyredux is coming from and don’t necesarily disagree that “a dose of modernism in an historic neighborhood” can add to the architectural fabric in a meaningful way.  That said, that is not how this particular community feels and since I, as a developer, do not have aesthetic agenda, I am more than happy to take clues and input from the community when proposing to build new. It is after all something they will have to live with, not me.

I strongly believe that our architect, CWB Architects, has designed a compelling collection of homes and that our builder will construct them with the same level of care so that the quality will be self-evident and their contribution to this established historic district will be forever lasting.