Author Archives: Chad Purkey

Ruthie’s Restaurant Closing Sunday Night, 8/23

Ruthie’s , the powerhouse of soul food and southern cuisine will close its Myrtle Avenue business for good on Sunday, August 23rd. Owners, John and Stephanie shared that “after 10 wonderful years on Myrtle Avenue, it is time for us to make a change. Change and growth is a good thing, it is always necessary.”

The business owners went on to say that “we are so grateful. we want to thank our customers for the love and patronage they have shown Ruthie’s all of these years as we could not have persevered without them.”

To remain connected to Ruthie’s Restaurant, please like them on Facebook. And although only 10 days until closing seems an extraordinarily small and unfair amount of time to enjoy the delicious cuisine of Ruthie’s, please come out and support them and let them know how missed they’ll be. Their doors will remain open until 8pm on the 23rd.

The restaurant is named after John’s mother, Ruth West, who started cooking out of her own kitchen the foods she grew up with as a child in Bayboro, North Carolina. Her delicious dishes quickly grew in popularity, resulting in her opening her first storefront nearly 40 years ago.

The business will hold a restaurant equipment auction on Tuesday, August 25th , starting at 3pm.

Ruthie’s , 560 Myrtle Avenue between Emerson Place & Classon Avenue, (718) 399-2400.

Bike Tours at BLDG 92

Bike your way through the green industrial terrain of the Brooklyn Navy Yard or take an eco -minded tour of the historical area. Start your journey in their LEED Platinum visitors center, BLDG 92 to learn about terrestrial ecosystems, urban farms, alternative energy projects and adaptive reuse of historic sites on our 300 acre campus. Advance ticket purchase is required for tours.

WHAT: Sustainable Architecture & Industry Bike Tour
Get a “handle” on sustainability at the Brooklyn Navy Yard! Pedal along with us and explore the Yard’s transition from one of the nation’s foremost naval shipbuilding facilities to a national leader for sustainable urban industrial parks. On this tour, you’ll learn about many of the yard’s green initiatives, including adaptive reuse of historic structures and materials, alternative energy projects, and sustainable practices in manufacturing employed by some of the yard’s 300 tenants. The tour will include visits to such sites as the yard’s historic 1851 dry dock (which is still in use for ship repair), the nation’s first green multi-story industrial building, and the LEED Platinum-certified Brooklyn Navy Yard Center at BLDG 92. Turnstile Tours hosts this tour in partnership with BLDG 92.
WHEN: Saturday, August 22nd, 11:30am
WHERE: Tour begins at Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 1 at the Bike & Roll kiosk
INFO: Click HERE

WHAT: Urban Ecology Bike Tour
Discover the natural world in the midst a thriving urban industrial park on a biking and walking tour of the Brooklyn Navy Yard, where you will explore New York City’s waterways, terrestrial ecosystems and urban farms. At the stunning 65,000-square-foot Brooklyn Grange rooftop farm, you will learn how they produce 20,000 pounds of vegetables annually – as well as honey and eggs – and are a national leader in the development of rooftop and urban farming techniques. Descending to the bank of the East River, you will visit an oyster restoration project led by a local school and discuss the improving health of the city’s waterways, and the challenges that remain. We will visit the historic Naval Hospital campus, where you will learn to identify plants and trees, both local and exotic, that have sprung up on this largely undeveloped site, making it a haven for birds and insects. The tour will reveal that the natural world truly is all around us, even in the heart of the city.
WHEN: Sunday, August 16th, 11am
WHERE: BLDG 92, located at the intersection of Carlton and Flushing Avenue at 63 Flushing Ave
INFO: Click HERE

Pic of the Week: Lucky Lotus Cafe

Start your summer morning with a cup of La Colombe, the coffee that critics constantly rave about. And spice it up with a jalapeño cheddar muffin from Lucky Lotus Yoga. The cafe offers everything from drip and espresso-based drinks to freshly brewed organic teas and bullet proofs (nutritional brain food made from coffee & coconut oil). Lucky Lotus is located near the Northeast entrance of Fort Greene Park and is a perfect place to visit after a morning walk.

Lucky Lotus Yoga on Myrtle Avenue, 334 Myrtle Avenue between Washington Park & Carlton Avenue.

Throwback Thursday: Myrtle Avenue’s Drive-Thru Restaurants

1999 photo of Kentucky Fried Chicken at 524 Myrtle Avenue.

In the not so distant past, a number of stand-alone fast food restaurants could be found on Myrtle Avenue in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill. These included White Castle and two Kentucky Fried Chickens, one at the corner of Ashland Place and Myrtle Avenue, and the one pictured here near the corner of Myrtle Avenue and Steuben Street.

This photo, taken in 1999, shows the Clinton Hill outpost of KFC, which closed around 2007 when the property was redeveloped to house Pratt Institute’s new Myrtle Hall building. In it’s place, three Brooklyn-based businesses now operate, including Bergen Bagels, Khim’s Millenium Market and Blick Art Supply. The single-story, drive-through building had been built in the late 1980s.

Across the street, White Castle stood on the northwest corner of Steuben Street and Myrtle Avenue for 25 years. The building was demolished this year, and the site will be redeveloped with a five-story mixed-use building with ground-floor commercial space and 27 apartments above.

531 Myrtle Avenue, replacing the former White Castle building.

Rendering of 531 Myrtle Avenue, currently under construction at the corner of Myrtle Avenue and Steuben Street. Photo Credit: AB Architekten.

The other Myrtle Avenue KFC location, in Fort Greene, was replaced with The Andrea building which now houses CVS and Red Apple Supermarket on the lower floors, and 95 apartments above.

Former Kentucky Fried Chicken at 220 Myrtle Avenue (corner of Ashland Place), as seen in 2006 prior to its demolition.

Interested in more local history? Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to catch our weekly #ThrowbackThursday posts.

AFROPUNK FEST 2015

We’ve got the 2015 lineup for AFROPUNK FEST, taking place the weekend of August 22-23 at Commodore Barry Park in Brooklyn! Artists include Lenny Kravitz, Grace Jones, Kelis, Danny Brown, Suicidal Tendencies, Thundercat, GoldLink, Kaytranada, Curtis Harding and many more. Recent additions include Ms. Lauryn Hill, Death Grips, Gary Clark, Jr., Vintage Trouble, Kelela, Jessie Boykins III, SZA and Candiria. Tickets are available HERE.

Want to earn a FREE Ticket? Volunteer your ‘time, passion and talent’ to a designated cause, and get yourself one FREE entry to the festival. To find out how, visit afropunkfest.com/earn-a-ticket/.

In advance of the fest, AFROPUNK will be throwing their first annual AFROPUNK Fancy Dress Ball w/ Grace Jones, Cakes Da Killa & MikeQ and special guests to raise funds for their AFROPUNK Global Initiative: an alliance dedicated to moving the needle of progress closer to a holistic, democratic and enlightened representation of people of color within all facets of society with the goal to create unique programming that encourages diversity in media. The AFROPUNK Fancy Dress Ball will take place August 21st at Commodore Barry Park.

Myrtle Avenue Designated an Age-Friendly Neighborhood

Age-Friendly Myrtle Avenue in Fort Greene & Clinton Hill

Local seniors with Grace Tappin, owner of Move with Grace yoga studio and juice bar, after a senior friendly chair yoga class.

Myrtle Avenue, between Flatbush Avenue Extension and Classon Avenue, has been designated an “Age-Friendly” Neighborhood by the New York City Council and New York Academy of Medicine. This designation means that the entire Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Business Improvement District has many of the elements which make it a “friendlier” place for seniors living in the neighborhood. This includes places to sit and rest, merchants offering senior discounts, and nearby events or activities that welcome senior participation.

“We are doing what we can to make sure that Myrtle Avenue offers discounts, specials and community events that make staying home in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill easy, affordable and enjoyable for our neighbors as they age“, shared Meredith Phillips Almeida, Executive Director.

The Senior Advisory Council, a group of about 30 Fort Greene & Clinton Hill seniors, has been actively involved in guiding our work around senior issues. The recently released Senior Resource Guide to Myrtle Avenue 2015 – a 4-panel brochure which highlights many of these specials – is an example of their advocacy and activism. The Council has also helped gather signatures and worked with Community Board 2 to bring a USPS Mobile Unit to Fort Greene. “This is incredibly valuable given that the Pratt Station Post Office relocated from 524 Myrtle Avenue to 609 Myrtle Avenue in order to make way for a block of new development,” stated Shaquana Boykin, the Healthy Communities Program Manager with the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership. The USPS Mobile Unit will be located near the Senior Center on North Portland Avenue between Myrtle and Park Avenues, from 11am-2pm, on Monday, July 27th. Beginning Monday, September 28th the van will be there on the fourth Monday of each month.

2015 USPS Postal Van Dates

The Council also helped to design bright blue Senior Specials decals which will be placed on the windows of Myrtle Avenue and other local stores offering specials. More than 50 Myrtle Avenue businesses have now signed on to offer senior discounts and services.

Classes are currently forming at Move with Grace Yoga, Dance & Fitness Studio and Juice Bar for Chair Yoga specifically for older adults. Brooklyn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu will be offering Self Defense classes for seniors.

Wine tastings, free grocery deliveries, free pharmacy deliveries and discounts of 5 to 10% and more on dining and other shopping options are also available on Myrtle. All of these deals and discounts for seniors can be found within the Senior Resource Guide to Myrtle Avenue 2015.

More than 40 public benches along Myrtle Avenue also make taking a rest from shopping or dining in the area easy for everybody. “The significant changes that Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership has made with community stakeholders and older residents on Myrtle Avenue is something that they should be very proud of. This kind of transformation does not happen easily. Myrtle Avenue is making Brooklyn better for residents of all ages in this borough,” shared Shauneequa Owusu, Director of Strategic Partnerships & Community Engagements at Age-Friendly NYC.

Nearly 6,000 older adults reside in ZIP code 11205, calling Fort Greene and Clinton Hill home, according to the Census’ 2013 American Community Survey.

Age-Friendly Myrtle Avenue is made possible with support from New York Community Trust and NYC Council Member Laurie Cumbo.

Storefront Renovation Work Slated for Myrtle Avenue

Thanks to a grant from New York State, several property and business owners along Myrtle Avenue in Clinton Hill will undertake some building renovation work this fall. Four projects are currently being planned to install new storefronts, renovate commercial interiors and restore historic building facades along Myrtle Avenue between Grand and Classon avenues.

The projects will also receive assistance from the Myrtle Avenue Revitalization Project LDC (MARP) through a grant that was awarded to the organization by New York State. The New York Main Street grant program, administered by NYS Homes and Community Renewal, allows property and business owners to receive matching grants to offset costs associated with building restoration and renovation work.

The first projects slated to begin work will be at Tepango Restaurant and Bella Rosa Flowers, which will both see new storefronts installed. In addition, the restaurant owner at Tepango will make some upgrades inside the restaurant throughout the dining area.

Other projects slated for assistance will involve restoring historic building facades and installing new storefronts at spaces that are currently vacant. The goal of these projects is to create new commercial spaces and attract new businesses to open new stores or restaurants in these ground-floor spaces.

MARP has been awarding New York Main Street grants to local property and business owners for the past eleven years. The grants provide a reimbursable 3-to-1 match, requiring that grant recipients cover at least 25% of the project’s total cost. To date, MARP has assisted 41 projects along Myrtle Avenue by awarding more than $827,000 in grants, which local business and property owners have matched with more than $2 million in private financing.

First Anniversary Celebration for a Kid’s Dream

A Kid’s Dream Hair Spa & Salon is celebrating its 1 year anniversary all day on Sunday, July 26!

In honor of the celebration, A Kid’s Dream will have a $26 special promotion all day — on hair cuts, wash and blow outs and/or basic styling and mani, pedi and facials. No walk-ins for the promotion, so please call now for a reservation.

Also — A Kid’s DJ will be spinning tunes from 12noon to 4pm. Free ice cream for all customers and well-wishers who stop in!

A Kid’s Dream Hair Spa & Salon is located at 549 Myrtle Avenue between Steuben and Emerson. They can be reached at (800) 927-1373.

Key Food to Open as Early as August, Clinton Hill

Key Food Supermarket (formerly Associated) at 490 Myrtle Avenue in Clinton Hill is planning to reopen as early as next month, shared one of its owners two weeks ago.

The supermarket, which was closed for well over a year due to redevelopment of the site (going from a one story commercial building to a 6-story mixed used building with 93 residential units and added commercial units including TD Bank, has been much missed. And with the closing of another local Key Food on Lafayette Avenue just this week, is also much needed.

Key Food on Myrtle Avenue will boast added store shelves, a salad bar, bakery and expanded meats section.

Summer Apprentice Teens Mean Business

Seventeen teens have completed their first week of our summer apprentice program. This is the third year of partnering with Emmanuel Baptist Church to make this program possible. The students work primarily with Myrtle Avenue based businesses, working fifteen hours each week and attending classes to learn about entrepreneurship.

This year’s teens are working with a wide variety of businesses, including: Green in BKLYN, Sandbox Pack & Ship, Brooklyn Sweet Spot, CVS, NYCPet.com, Emmanuel Baptist Church Daycare, Ingersoll Community Center, Clinton Hill Animal Clinic, Myrtle Drug Care Corp, the Brooklyn Museum, Neighborhood Housing Services of New York City as well as with MARP.

This is the 9th year of the program, and the third year in partnership with Emmanuel Baptist Church’s Teens That Mean Business Program (TTMB).

The summer program will culminate in student business plan presentations in mid-August.

To find out more about the summer apprentice program, please e-mail business@myrtleavenue.org.

Exhibition: The End of Printmaking at Pushkin

Art pairs well with sweet crepes, in our humble opinon! On view now through September at Pushkin Creperie Café: “The End of Printmaking” by Brooklyn based-artist, Richard Lebenson. The exhibition was curated by Josh Stulman, and is presented by Brooklyn Art Review. From their site: “Lebenson’s artwork is known for its realist inspiration and interest in architecture, reflections, and portraiture. He often chooses to focus on quiet moments. Whether an illustration of a single house, a man looking at his reflection in a window, or a leaking faucet still-life; Lebenson’s imagery carries a somber tone that offer the viewer a point of reflection.” For more information, click HERE.

1966-1975: The End of Printmaking
Richard Lebenson
July 15 – September 30, 2015
Opening Reception: Wednesday, July 22, 6:00-8:00 pm

Pushkin Creperie Café, 541 Myrtle Avenue between Steuben and Emerson Streets
Regular hours are 10pm-6pm, open daily.

Throwback Thursday: Former P.S. 4 at Ryerson and Myrtle

PS 69_Ryerson St south of Myrtle_1930_NYPL

A photo from the 1930s showing P.S. 69, formerly known as P.S. 4, at 155 Ryerson Street, between Myrtle and Willoughby Avenues. Photo Source: New York Public Library.

For over fifty years, there stood a beautiful three-story school building at 155 Ryerson Street, near Myrtle Avenue, in the footprint of where the new Key Food Supermarket is slated to reopen in September.

Originally opened in the 1870’s, Public School No. 4 served local children who lived between Lafayette Avenue and the Navy Yard in (what is now referred to as) the Clinton Hill section of Brooklyn. By 1876, the school had over 1,500 stude#Tnts enrolled.

By the 1920s, enrollment began to decline, making room available for other uses in the building. By 1929 sixteen of the school’s rooms were used as an annex space for the overcrowded Brooklyn Technical High School. The high school was so overcrowded that P.S. 4 (which had been renamed P.S. 69) had four annexes sprinkled throughout the neighborhood.

By 1942 the small school building and dwindling enrollment allowed the board of education to close the schedule and reassign students to other primary schools nearby. Shortly after, the Department of Sanitation opened offices in the building and remained there until the mid-1950s. At that point, the Willoughby Walk cooperative apartments were planned for the site, which were planned under Robert Moses’ watch as part of a city-wide redevelopment plan.

By the end of the decade, the school building had been demolished (along with everything else on the block). In its place stood a one-story commercial building which once housed an A&P supermarket. More recently, that supermarket space was occupied by Associated Supermarket. The same owners plan on returning to the site, within the new building at 490 Myrtle Avenue, and opening a Key Food grocery store before the end of September.

Corner of Myrtle Avenue and Ryerson Street, as seen in 1969, with the Willoughby Walk Co-ops in the background.

490 Myrtle Avenue, as seen in July 2015. By September, the new Key Food Supermarket plans to open in the building. Photo Credit: Aufgang Architects.

Senior Specials on Myrtle Avenue

We at Myrtle Ave care about the seniors of our community and have been working to partner with the mom and pops of Myrtle Ave. to capture more discounts and senior specials. For a printable version of Senior Specials on Myrtle Ave, click here Senior Guide 2020.

SOCIAL SERVICES

BROOKLYN FAMILY JUSTICE CENTER
350 Jay St, 15th Floor (718) 250-5113
Domestic violence-related case management, social services, legal counseling, housing, elder abuse & more.

FORT GREENE SNAP
324 Myrtle, at Washington Park (718) 694-6957
Grandparents support, computer classes, advocacy & more.

HEIGHTS & HILLS
57 Willoughby St, (718) 596-8789
Case management, caregiver support & more.

SENIOR SUPPORT PROGRAM
At the Ingersoll Community Center, 177 Myrtle, at Prince. (212) 602-4304
Legal assistance, grandparent support & more

THEATER

BROOKLYN ACADEMY OF MUSIC
30 Lafayette & Ashland (718) 636-4122
FREE 10AM movie on the 3rd Friday of each month to Ages 65+, with free popcorn & soda. Free transportation available to select NYCHA houses. Reservations required.

SENIOR CENTERS

WILLOUGHBY SENIOR CENTER
105 North Portland (718) 875-1011
FREE exercise & computer classes, meals, activities, & more

LOCAL RESOURCES

PHARM TO FARM
Through the NYC Pharmacy to Farm Prescriptions program, when a SNAP participant fills an RX for high blood pressure medication at a participating pharmacy, they can get a “prescription” for $30 worth of produce from a nearby farmers’ market. Visit these participating pharmacies to fill your prescription:

MYRTLE DRUG CARE CORP
355 Myrtle, at Adelphi (718) 855-2292
WHITMAN PHARMACY
329A Myrtle, at Washington Park (718) 938-0816

SILVER SNEAKERS
SilverSneakers is a fitness program that falls under many Medicare Advantage plans, for seniors of ALL abilities. Membership includes free access to 16,000 participating gyms and fitness centers in the network. This program is available at:

SOUTHBRIDGE FITNESS
322 Myrtle, at Washington Park (646) 232-4545

*10% daily discount

BAKERIES & CAFES

*BROOKLYN SWEET SPOT
366 Myrtle, at Adelphi (347) 916-0494
Senior delivery service available on Monday & Tuesday before 12pm. Minimum order applies.

*CALYER

519 Myrtle, at Grand (718) 576-3086

DUNKIN’ DONUTS
513 Myrtle, at Grand (718) 230-0099
Senior discount for AARP members.

*TB COFFEE HOUSE
578 Myrtle, at Classon (917) 397-2719

BANKING

BANK OF AMERICA
449 Myrtle, at Waverly (718) 852-1548
Advantage for Seniors custom checking

CHASE BANK
402 Myrtle, at Vanderbilt (718)237-2351
Sign up bonus for Social Security direct deposit

CITIBANK
430 Myrtle, at Clinton (347) 756-4622
Senior Citizens accounts available

TD BANK
490 Myrtle, at Hall (718) 622-3501
TD 60 Plus Checking available

EYEWEAR & EYE EXAMS

DC OPTICS
390 Myrtle, at Vanderbilt (347)504-1121
Seniors 65+, $80 eye exam (reg $149), $80 Single vision/bifocal lens selection

*OPTICAL GALLERY
446 Myrtle, at Waverly (718) 246-2020

FITNESS & EXERCISE

*MOVE WITH GRACE YOGA, PILATES & ORGANIC JUICE BAR
431 Myrtle, at Clinton (718) 230-0013

*SACRED BROOKLYN
334 Myrtle, at Carlton (718) 855-2973
Free community classes on Saturdays.

SOUTHBRIDGE FITNESS CENTER
322 Myrtle, at Washington Park (646) 232-4545
Senior classes thru “Silver Sneakers Medicare program.”

GROCERY STORES & FOOD

*BRAVO SUPERMARKET
331 Myrtle, at Carlton (718) 855-3715

*FARMER IN THE DELI
357 Myrtle, at AdelphI (718) 875-9067

KEY FOOD SUPERMARKET
492 Myrtle, at Ryerson (718) 857-5579
10% discount every Wednesday for Seniors. Must spend $75 for free local delivery

SALONS & BARBER SHOPS

MEGA NAILS & SPA
383 Myrtle, at Clermont (718) 596-1383
MTW Senior Specials for waxing, and manicure & pedicure packages.

*SALON RHED
374 Myrtle, at Clermont (718) 625-7433

MOBILE PHONES

Senior discounts available, inquire within:

AT&T
491 Myrtle, at Hall (718) 210-0211

T-MOBILE
436 Myrtle, at Waverly (718) 230-4748

PHARMACIES & HEALTH

CVS
218 Myrtle, at Ashland (718) 596-2460
15% discount.

HEALTH POINT DRUGS
392 Myrtle, at Vanderbilt (718)855-5958
10% discount for OTC products.

*MYRTLE DRUG CARE CORP
355 Myrtle, at Adelphi St (718)855-2292

*MYRTLE PHARMACY
446A Myrtle, at Waverly (718) 237-4444

WALGREENS
379 Myrtle, at Clermont (718) 403-9112
20% discount on the first Tuesday of the month & 15% discount every Friday.
Does not apply to sale items.

*WHITMAN PHARMACY
329A Myrtle, at Washington Park (718) 938-0816

RESTAURANTS

THE CRABBY SHACK
154 Clinton Av, at Myrtle (718) 596-6555
10% discount Monday thru Friday.

*DAMAS FALAFEL HOUSE
407 Myrtle, at Vanderbilt (718)852-6677

*THE HALAL SPOT
474 Myrtle, at Hall (718) 230-4900

*KINARA INDIAN
368 Myrtle, at Adelphi (718) 237-4008

*VILLA PANCHO
472 Myrtle, at Washington Av (718) 623-9016

SHOPPING

*VOODO FE ART SHOP
572 Myrtle, at Emerson (631) 943-2370

Heartseat at Fort Greene Park

Stroll by the corner of Fort Greene Park entrance at Myrtle Avenue and Washington Park to see the Heartseat, a public seating element that made of a repurposed water tank. The eye-catching piece was created by Brooklyn based-design studio Stereotank, founded by architects Marcelo Ertorteguy and Sara Valente, both Brooklyn-based artists. Heartseat was originally commissioned for the juried Times Square Valentine Heart Design Competition, where it greeted thousands of visitors first as a heart-shaped participative installation. It then traveled to DUMBO to welcome visitors to the Pearl Street Triangle. Heartseat is on view Now – October 2015.

Pic of the Week: Move with Grace’s Red Zeppelin

This is the Red Zepellin from Move with Grace. The thirsty quenching zepellin is made with strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, goji berry and almond milk, perfect for summer day. The multidisciplinary space for yoga and movement offers fresh juice, smoothies, shakes, and farmacy shots from noon-on. Swing by to see the juice of the month.

Move with Grace, 469 Myrtle Avenue

Fort Greene Park Summer Concerts

Fort Greene Park’s Summer Concerts start this June.

Music in the Grove summer concert series kicks off June 24th. The series will showcase family-friendly concerts every other Wednesday from 10-11am from the end of June through mid-August. Performances will take place on the hill immediately across from the West side of the tennis courts.

Schedule:

June 24: Suzi Shelton
July 1: Rolie Polie Guacamolie
July 8: Mil’s Trills
July 15: CoCreative Music
July 22: The Rozz and Val Show
July 29: Baby in Tune
August 5: Hopalong Andrew

Fort Greene Park Jazz Fest in collaboration with Eric Frazier is also taking place this summer. It will be taking place on both Saturday, July 25 & Saturday, September 12.

Music in the Grove is made possible by a generous donation from The Butler Family Foundation in the name of Hugh & Karen Butler Connell.

Live Jazz This Saturday at Five Spot Soul Food & Supper Club

In what’s being called the Saturday Series, Five Spot has live jazz planned for several Saturdays this summer, kicking off this Saturday, June 20th from 7pm to 10pm with the Youngbloodz Jazz Quartet.

$7 pina coladas plus other drink and food specials all night.

Click here for more details about the live jazz event or other upcoming events at Five Spot.

Five Spot Soul Food & Supper Club is located at 459 Myrtle Avenue between Waverly and Washington Avenues, (718) 852-0202.

Rendering Revealed for 504 Myrtle Avenue

Rendering of 504 Myrtle Avenue, as seen on the construction fence.

A rendering for the new building at 504 Myrtle Avenue, between Ryerson Street and Grand Avenue, in Clinton Hill has been posted on the site’s construction fence. The eight story, mixed-use building will have retail on the ground floor, apartments on the upper floors, and parking in the basement. The new building will rise where the former Pratt Station Post Office once stood.

New building permits filed back in November 2014 called for a six-story mixed use building. However, as the rendering shows, building plans have changed and will include an additional two stories. The initial plans called for 20,000 square feet of new commercial space, 46 parking spaces, and 92 apartments – a number that will likely increase with an additional two floors.

The new building will cantilever over the pedestrian walkway that leads from Myrtle Avenue to Willoughby Walk Co-ops to the south. The cantilever portion of the building will abut the other new building at 490 Myrtle Avenue, which will house Key Food Supermarket. No commercial tenants have been announced for 504 Myrtle Avenue.

Both buildings are being developed by Silverstone Property Group, a Madison Realty Capital company.

Pic of the Week: Breakfast Burrito at The Joint on Myrtle

Have you tried the breakfast burrito at The Joint on Myrtle? If you have not — oh, baby, you’re doing yourself an injustice.

The delicious breakfast burrito is fresh, delicious, made to order and packed with a just right ingredients: flour tortilla, eggs, bacon, home fries, pico de gallo, avocado salsa and salad greens. Click here to check out their other delicious menu items.

The Joint is located at 471 Myrtle Avenue between Washington and Hall, (347) 763-1455.

Outdoor Film at Fort Greene Park kicks off this Friday

Fort Greene Park kicks off the summer outdoor movie season this Friday, 6/12 at 8:30pm with a screening of Oscar-winning film, Big Hero 6. Free event.

Bring a blanket or chair. Entrance at Myrtle Avenue and North Portland. More details: http://bitly.com/1JHWhhC ‪#‎outdoor‬ ‪#‎film‬ ‪#‎MyrtleAve‬ ‪#‎Brooklyn‬ ‪#‎fortgreenepark‬

Gift Ideas for Father’s Day

Father’s Day is a few weeks away and you will need an awesome gift! Think about doing a good deed and buying local for dad. Below are a few ideas for the family man.

Grab an assortment of delicious beer from Peck’s. Peck’s offers 64 oz. growlers for $23 or you can fill your own growler ($18) with the rotating selection of Saigons, Belgium Witbier, IPA’s, Pilsners and Porters. The shop also carries 40 different options of local and imported beer.
Peck’s, 455A Myrtle Avenue between Waverly & Washington Avenues

Green in BKLYN carries a wonderful collection of artsy cards. Eco-friendly ones include letterpress, photos, original artwork & more. Cards are either made locally and/or printed on recycled, tree-free or sustainable, archival, acid free, recyclable, or biodegradable paper.
Green in BKLYN, Myrtle Avenue between Clinton & Waverly Avenues

Instead of languishing in a landfill, the bicycle inner tube that makes up this wallet can have a second chance at life…in your back pocket. The not so average money holder is made in the USA from reclaimed inner tubes, is accompanied with a lifetime warranty, and sells for $36.
Green in BKLYN, Myrtle Avenue between Clinton & Waverly Avenues

dc optics will be offering 20% off ALL sunglasses during Father’s Day weekend. Pick up a set of stylish eyewear from quality brands like Modo, Randolph, and Brooklyn Spectacles.
dc optics, 390 Myrtle Avenue between Clermont & Vanderbilt Avenues

Leisure Life NYC: what better place to pick up a dad’s day gift than at a self-described “haberdashery men’s club.” Stop in for a full range of Father’s Day gifts including bow ties, artwork, sneakers, baseball caps, sweat suits, and varsity jackets. Swing by June 14 – Father’s Day to check out the Jacques Elliot Pop Up shop featuring handmade ties made in Brooklyn.
Leisure Life NYC, 559 Myrtle Avenue between Emerson & Classon

Grab a great red wine to go with his favorite steak! These quality reds are from Tipsy. Other wine boutiques include Corkscrew Brooklyn and Gnarly Vines,
Corkscrew Brooklyn, 489 Myrtle Avenue between Hall Street & Ryerson
Gnarly Vines, 350 Myrtle Avenue between Carlton & Adelphi

Mind & Body Treatments

Brownstone Spa declares that dads definitely need a little pampering too. And what better way than some massage table time. Can we say: 90 minute full body massage for $75, oh yes!
Brownstone Spa, 473 Myrtle Avenue between Washington Avenue & Hall
(718) 398-1968

Miracle’s Barber Shop is offering buy one, get one free. Two or more men customers stopping in for cuts. One pays, the other free – automatic half off. Offer is good from 9am to 3pm any day this week leading up and including Father’s Day.
Miracle’s Barber Shop, 470 Myrtle Avenue between Washington Avenue & Hall

Father’s Day Events

At Brooklyn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, dads and their kids are allowed to join the junior class (kids up to pre-teens) on Friday, June 19^th. A fun way to celebrate Father’s Day. No prior experience necessary.
Brooklyn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, 412 Myrtle Avenue between Clinton & Vanderbilt

Save-the-Date: SUNDAY, JUNE 21 #makemusiconmyrtle

Save-the-Date! Be sure to save Sunday, June 21st. On that day you can check out FREE live music all day at Make Music New York on Myrtle Avenue in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill. Music performances will be taking place all around the city with Make Music New York‘s annual music festival. Myrtle Avenue will announce performances later this week. Stay tuned to hear the different locations up and down the corridor and get ready to enjoy the summer day with jazz, blues, rock and soul.

CLINTON HILL

11am-5pm
Open Mic and Jazz/Bluesy musical band, iampopula
Leisure Life NYC, 559 Myrtle Avenue between Emerson & Classon Avenue

12pm-8pm
Chocolatt Jared & Friends (Soul Funk)
Soco, 509 Myrtle Avenue between Ryerson & Grand

12:30pm to 1:30pm
Tiffany Wilson
Green in BKLYN, 432 Myrtle Avenue between Clinton & Waverly

2pm-3:30pm
Edwin Vasquez (Latin)
Los Pollitos, 499 Myrtle Avenue at Ryerson

3:30-5pm
Brooklyn Conservatory of Music Suzuki Kids
Corkscrew Wines Brooklyn, 489 Myrtle Avenue between Hall Street & Ryerson

6:30pm-8:30pm
Walker Adams Band
Brooklyn Eats on Myrtle, 474 Myrtle Avenue between Washington & Hall Street

FORT GREENE

12pm-5:30pm
Afrikan Hip Hop Caravan
Fort Greene Park Monument Plaza

12pm-5:30pm
Mind Over Matter
The Lounge Act
Mary Carter
Brooklyn Sweet Spot, 364 Myrtle Avenue between Adelphi & Clermont

1pm-5:30pm
Open Mic
Humo Smokehouse, 336 Myrtle Avenue between Carlton & Washington Park

2pm-3pm
Kenn Lowy
Gnarly Vines, 350 Myrtle Avenue between Adelphi & Carlton

3pm-5pm
HeartSeat Beats: drums, pipes & xylophone keys
HeartSeat, Fort Greene Park, Northeast Entrance
corner of Myrtle Avenue & Washington Park

Pic of the Week: Duncan’s Fish Sandwich

There’s nothing like crunching into a delicious fresh fish sandwich at Duncan’s Fish Market. If the combination of the seasoned just right fish and the tangy store-made tartar sauce weren’t enough, at $4.25 the heaping sandwich is extremely affordable. Choose between whiting, porgies and snappers. Lots of tasty sides and desserts including macaroni and cheese, potato salad, string beans, banana pudding and red velvet cake available.

One side of the store is prepared foods. The other side of Duncan’s has fresh seafood, from shrimp, fish, scallops and more. And the store allows for custom fresh fish orders of items not regularly offered, such as wild salmon, as well.

Duncan’s Fish Market is located at 385 Myrtle Avenue between Clermont and Vanderbilt Avenues, and can be reached by phone at (718) 923-1115.

Sing For Hope Piano at Fort Greene Park

The beloved Sing For Hope Piano project returns to Fort Greene Park June 3rd thru June 21st! A piano painted by Brooklyn-based artist Henya Emmer will be placed at Fort at the corner entrance to the park at Myrtle Avenue and Washington Park.

With 50 locations throughout the City, including 14 in Brooklyn, we are excited to host a piano right here on Myrtle Avenue once again!

Whether you’re a trained pianist or not–hey, just stop by hit a key or two or create and dedicate an entire sonata to our fair neighborhood.

For a complete list of piano locations, click here.

Renderings Revealed for New Myrtle Avenue Building

Image Credit: Isaac & Stern Architects.

Renderings have been released for a new five story building at 491 Myrtle Avenue, between Hall and Ryerson Street, in Clinton Hill. The 7,000 square foot building will have a ground floor commercial space, with six apartments above. Isaac and Stern Architects have designed the 20-foot wide building. The developer, MLR Holdings Inc., is expecting the building to be completed by summer 2016.

The new building is rising on land that has been vacant for the past six years. Two other vacant lots sit to the east of this site and redevelopment plans have not yet been announced for them.