Years later, 810 Washington (at St John's) finally emerges from the past as "Longevity."

Vanderbilly

I'm for it!

Franklin has these airy, cute upscale mini markets.  Even Bedford has at least one.  But all the supposedly 'yuppified' Vanderbilt has is everyone's last resort, Met Foods.  So great.  If I can walk one avenue over for a more organic selection of macaroni and cheese then I currently have access to, i say small victory. 

I think they nailed the location and are going to be very successful.

whynot_31

Don't forget St. John's Marketplace on Underhill at St. Johns.

...formerly known as Disassociated.


http://www.brooklynian.com/discussion/17544/the-former-associated-ass_c_a_ed-on-underhill/p1

Vanderbilly

Ha, yep.  I somehow have never been there though.  Being on the northern end of vanderbilt (in PH), st.johns may be just a bit to far to travel just to spite Met.

edit:  Just mapped it.  I thought this spot was up near dean, whoops.  I guess I'm stuck with my friendly bodega for the time being.

whynot_31

The United market at Washington and Lincoln was taking gradual steps toward becoming upscale, because it lacked the capital to do it all at once.

http://www.brooklynian.com/discussion/34198/united-deli-washington-ep/p1

If the new propietors of 810 Washington have an existing upscale location, (as stated above) they may have the expertise and capital necessary to effectively put United out of business.

Once 810 opens, United will not be able to go up or down market.

Kareem's (located on the NE corner of St. Johns and Washington) seems to effective meet the local demand for those seeking mainly lottery tickets and cheap beer.

naturegirlbk

Personally, I wish Kareem's & United would both fade away...those
two spots disappearing would go a long way toward eliminating the fairly constant
loitering, littering, dealing, and the uncomfortable commentary
many women receive from their patrons...

whynot_31

Those stores disappearing might have that effect, but I want you to be aware of why that stretch of Washington has so many idle, middle age, poor men.

The answer is that they reside in 781 Washington, and in apartments above the 828 Washington storefront. And, that many receive said housing as a result of long standing substance abuse and psychiatric diagnoses.

http://www.brooklynian.com/discussion/38068/video-store-on-washington-ave/p1

http://www.iclinc.net/search-results/washington-avenue-mica-supported-housing/

If Kareem's and United were to disappear, the clients would likely hang out not very far away.....

whynot_31

As if on cue, the landlord of 781 has apparently expressed an intention to withdrawal from the program: http://nypost.com/2014/09/09/landlord-trying-to-swap-renters-for-rich-white-tenants-suit/

mike dunlap

http://nypost.com/2014/09/09/landlord-trying-to-swap-renters-for-rich-white-tenants-suit/

It seems kind of racist to assume only white people would be able to pay market rate were Section 8 tenants removed.

whynot_31

If we use the word "only" it is racist, but if we use the words "the building will go from predominantly poor black to predominantly non poor, non black", we describe what is about to happen to that building (and likely the surrounding block) with politically correct language, and statistical accuracy.

BTW, the impact of this change is big enough that it has received its own thread and been awarded a spot on my Big 16 list:

Own thread: http://www.brooklynian.com/discussion/44907/781-washington-goes-market-rate#Item_1

Big 16: http://www.brooklynian.com/discussion/44634/links-to-the-big-16-developments-in-western-crown-heights/p1

whynot_31

810 Washington remains available for lease:

http://www.loopnet.com/Listing/17519931/810-Washington-Avenue-Brooklyn-NY/

This makes me believe that the renovations are being done in the hopes of attracting a future tenant, not in preparation for a specific tenant.

Perhaps the Greenpoint deli and the owner are still in the flirtation stage.

whynot_31

Entire property seems to have recently been sold:  http://bkmultifamily.com/810-washington-avenue-brooklyn-ny-11238-2/

Work continues on the facade of the first floor space of 810 Washington, and it seems to only be enclosed by a combination of plywood and tarps.

Whoever lives in the apartments above this space has to have freezing floors.

whynot_31

I was able to look in the space today. A brick wall has been exposed, the storefront elements are starting go in, and it appears that we are in the carpentry stage.

The old contractors are gone, and new ones have arrived.

All of which leads me to believe that a tenant has been secured, and their contractor is now at work.

whynot_31

Today, I learned the answer:

It will be an organic/healthy cafe. Table service.  Brunch.  Seats indoor and outdoor.

The windows can swing open in the summer months.



It is sounding like it will be similar to the nearby Sunshine restaurant.
 


Electrical and plumbing is roughed. No equipment in place yet.

A fireplace is mid space.

laddhalsey

Wow! I would have loved a healthy grocery store but this is wonderful too. The Sunshine Co. restaurant is such a lovely, quality build. I hope this is similar.

whynot_31

During the process of looking for a renter for this space, the building was sold.

http://bkmultifamily.com/810-washington-avenue-brooklyn-ny-11238-2/

...which makes me believe that the restaurant that is building out the first floor space bought the building.

Hence, they are willing to make the large investment we are now witnessing.

whynot_31

The storefront on the right side of the to-be-cafe is becoming a gallery. It shares the same address.

Plywood was painted today.

notsayin

Café will allegedly be called "Longevity"

Another weirdly-named restaurant for Washington Ave. At least it's pronounceable.

Hopefully not a jinx.

whynot_31

The entity seems to have been created in April 2014.
http://www.businesslookup.org/longevity_house_inc

...about the same time the present renovation began.

The name does make sense in relation to their health focus.

If they plan on serving alcohol, they will likely start the process soon. They usually provide a menu and describe their business concept to CB8 as part of seeking their support.

whynot_31

A kitchen is now taking shape midway through the space.  Plumbing and electrical appears finished, and appliances are arriving.

The 1995 version of me hopes that someone is sleeping over in the space, to protect it from people who steal restaurant equipment.

bikerchic650

here's some pics i took of the interior a couple of years ago at PACC's RUG event for small business owners. it was a dream to even be in there. very deep space with different levels and high ceiling, a designers dream.

whynot_31

Excellent pre-renovation photos.

[Readers, PACC used to do Rolling Up the Gates "RUG" tours with Heart of Brooklyn for potential merchants, back when such tours were needed in the area]

As you can see, the floor has three levels.

The kitchen is being constructed in the the middle of the space, on the mid level. This photo is taken from that level. The kitchen is being constructed on the left of the pillar, where the guy with the black jacket and dark hat is standing:

pacc11205

we still do the RUG program : )
will let you all know of the next event.

whynot_31

Brownstoner confirms Longevity has a relationship with a fancy bodega in Greenpoint, Brooklyn Standard.

http://www.brownstoner.com/blog/2015/07/brooklyn-standard-to-open-longevity-cafe-in-prospect-heights/

whynot_31

Every time I look in on this place, I expect to see an almost finished restaurant.

Nope.

This place still has a lot of work to do.

whynot_31

Meanwhile, the small gallery space is actively seeking pop up (aka temporary) stores and uses.

https://www.facebook.com/810-Washington-Gallery-1399071960419478/

Seems like a suitable place for a holiday gift shop.

whynot_31

The restaurant is now in one of the final stages: Floor tile.

via

The exterior plywood has been removed.

laddhalsey

I walked by this evening and it's really impressive looking, even in the dark. The tall Windows and doors are really first class.

whynot_31

I have not yet come across the DOH request for initial kitchen inspection.

whynot_31

Work the upper facade is happening today.