Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

(Fort Greene/Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, July 27, 2006) - This Friday, July 28th at 10:30 AM, the Myrtle Avenue Revitalization Project LDC (MARP), part of the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership, will unveil its first completed historic façade preservation project as part of the State’s New York Main Street (NYMS) Program. The unveiling will take place at the White Elephant Gallery, 572A Myrtle Avenue, whose owner, Sandra Graves, was the first of eight NYMS grant recipients on Myrtle Avenue to complete restoration work. A short walking tour to two additional NYMS projects currently underway, 505 Myrtle Avenue – the only building on the commercial strip to have its original retail storefront intact, and the Golden Key Apartments at 446 Myrtle Avenue – the district’s only building with a cast-iron façade, will follow the brief ceremony and reception.

In 2005, MARP was awarded $105,000 in the first round of funding of New York State’s NYMS Program, administered by the Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DCHR) through the Housing Trust Fund Corporation (HTFC). Through its NYMS Program, MARP will provide eight matching grants of up to $10,000 to property owners of mixed-use buildings on Myrtle Avenue for renovations to historic façades. The remaining $25,000 must be used for streetscape enhancements on the commercial strip. MARP received operating support in order to implement the program, which the NY State funds do not provide, from the Independence Community Foundation and Citigroup Foundation. Technical support, where needed, has been provided by the New York Landmarks Conservancy.

In order to receive the NYMS matching grant, Sandra Graves responded to a notice of availability of funds issued by MARP to all mixed-use property owners on Myrtle between Flatbush and Classon Avenues in early fall of 2005. More than twenty property owners initially expressed interest and attended information sessions run by MARP to explain the NYMS Program, its historic preservation requirements, and how funds would be distributed via reimbursement once work was completed. Grants were awarded based on the building’s need for exterior restoration, the property owner’s willingness to adhere to design guidelines based upon historic preservation, and financial need.

NYMS grant recipient Sandra Graves owns two adjoining buildings between Emerson Place and Classon Avenue that are home to her White Elephant Gallery, a quaint store filled with one-of-a-kind collectibles and antiques that she opened almost 19 years ago. To restore her façade, Sandra installed new windows, cleaned and repaired the brick, re-created historic wood doors, and installed a replicated storefront cornice and contextually appropriate signage. “I am extremely blessed that I can directly apply my interests and passions into a viable business,” shared Sandra. As an active community member and merchant, she often dispenses advice to newer business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. “There are two things that I find are tried and true: First, make sure it is something that you really want to do, as entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart; and second, I really advocate for property ownership to stabilize the business and shield it at least a bit against ups and downs.”

For more information, please visit the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership at www.myrtleavenue.org or visit NY State’s NYMS website at www.nymainstreet.org.

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Contact:
Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership, Michael Blaise Backer, Exective Director, 718.230.1689
Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership, Vaidila Kungys, NYMS Program Manager, 718.230.1689