Category Archives: District News

Storefronts on Myrtle Avenue Get a Facelift

Clockwise for top left: Peck's at 455A Myrtle, Bikes on Myrtle at 478 Myrtle, Storefront for Lease at 360 Myrtle, Humo Smokehouse at 336 Myrtle

Clockwise for top left: Peck’s at 455A Myrtle, Bikes on Myrtle at 478 Myrtle, Storefront for Lease at 360 Myrtle, Humo Smokehouse at 336 Myrtle.  Image Credit: Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership.

Myrtle Avenue in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill is seeing a lot of activity this week with new storefronts going in.  There are currently six projects underway within the district, several of which are receiving assistance from the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership.  The assistance comes in the form of matching grant dollars, provided through the New York Main Street (NYMS) grant program from the State’s Department of Homes and Community Renewal (DHCR).

Stay tuned for final photos of the new storefronts in the next couple of weeks.

Tibetan Rug Workshop and Sale at Weaving Hand

Image Credit: Weaving Hand

Image Credit: Weaving Hand

Join Weaving Hand for a celebration of the history and culture of weaving in Tibet this Saturday, December 7th at noon.

The event will be led by Pasang Tsaga, who is a teaching artist at Weaving Hand and an expert on Tibetan weaving. Ms. Tsaga was born in Tibet, grew up in Nepal, and immigrated to the United States in 1998. Having begun her weaving career at the age of 14, she is a true master of the art. Weaving Hand is fortunate to have her as a member of our team.

Ms.Tsaga will deliver a weaving demonstration and an in-depth talk on the practice of Tibetan rug weaving. A selection of beautiful carpets created by Ms. Tsaga will also be available for sale. This is a fantastic opportunity to pick up a one of a kind holiday gift for someone special, while also supporting local artistry. Tibetan refreshments will be served, and all are welcome!

For those who would like to continue to explore the rich culture and crafts of Tibet, we encourage you to visit 21 Tara at 388 Myrtle Avenue, a shop on Myrtle Avenue owned by Tashi Namgyal, Ms. Tsaga’s son. The shop offers a wide range of garments, tapestries and accessories that reflect Tibetan heritage and traditions.

New Resources for Local College Students

Many local businesses offer discounts with a valid student ID. Image Credit: Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership

Many local businesses offer discounts with a valid student ID. Image Credit: Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership

The new Myrtle Avenue website offers a handy section for local college students with local resources.  Students can find which local businesses offer student discounts, where to apply for jobs in the neighborhood and calls for artists to display work within the neighborhood.

Click over to the I Am A Student page to learn more.

#TBT to Brooklyn’s Wallabout Market

Image Source: Library of Congress

Image Source: Library of Congress

Thanksgiving can be stressful for a host who is charged with braving the supermarket crowds in search of the cranberry sauce, yams and the perfect turkey.  As this photo shows, one thing to be thankful for this year when prepping for your holiday, is that you don’t have to shop at the hectic Wallabout Market.

The Wallabout Market, located at Flushing and Washington avenues in what is now the Navy Yard, was open from 1884-1941.  The wholesale market, one of the largest in the entire world, was closed in the 1940’s to make way for the Navy Yard’s expansion in preparation of World War II.

Weekly #TBT on Myrtle Avenue

1940's Historic Tax Photo, purchased from the New York City Department of Records.

1940’s Historic Tax Photo, purchased from the New York City Department of Records.

In this 1940’s photo of 370 & 372 Myrtle you’ll find Landi’s Jersey Pork store and a historic wooden storefront, respectively.  The former pork store is now currently looking for a new commercial tenant.  And 372, which once sold Salada Tea according to a sign in the window, is now home to Manee Thai, which offers $7 lunch specials!

Art opening and tasting at Gnarly Vines

Image credit: Drawing by student Joan Furedi

Image credit: Drawing by student Joan Furedi

Stop by Gnarly Vines on Myrtle Avenue in Clinton Hill this Thursday, October 10 from 5-8pm to view new artworks and enjoy tastings from Breuckelen Distilling and Shinn Estate. “Figure Drawings” includes work from nine students from classes in the Renata Albertsen-Marton Gallery at the Village@Gureje in Prospect Heights, instructed by artist, friend, and GV neighbor Enid Braun.  Many began figure drawing for the first time in these classes, while others have some art school background.  Meet the artists and enjoy a glass this Thursday at the shop.

BID Annual Meeting on Sept 30 at Pillow Cafe

2013 BID card_combined

Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership will be holding the 2013 BID Annual Meeting,with guest speaker Deputy Inspector Scott Henderson from the, 88th Precinct on Monday,September 30th, 5:30-8pm at Pillow Café-Lounge, 505 Myrtle Avenue, between Ryerson & Grand. Light appetizers and refreshments will be served. Open bar. The meeting is open to the public, but RSVP is required. To RSVP or register your membership for the 2013 BID Annual Meeting Click Here.

If you are unable to complete the online registration, click here to download the PDF form.  Fill it out, and fax it back to the BID office at 718-230-3674.

Back-To-School Happy Hours, Fridays on Myrtle Avenue

First Back-To-School happy hour at Dee & Ricky's. Image Credit: Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership.

First Back-To-School happy hour at Dee & Ricky’s. Image Credit: Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership.

Teachers really know how to party. Exhibit A is the picture on the left from Dee & Ricky’s Teacher Back-To-School Happy Hour last Friday. We had a blast.

Please join us on Myrtle Avenue for two remaining back-to-school Friday mixers on Myrtle Avenue. Next up: Friday, September 20th at Cielo Bar, 474 Myrtle.

 

Friday, September 20, 4-7pm

Cielo Bar, 474 Myrtle Avenue (between Washington and Hall) $4 draft beers / $6 cocktails www.cielobarbrooklyn.com

 

Friday, September 27, 4-7pm

Soco Restaurant, 509 Myrtle Avenue (between Ryerson and Grand) $5 draft beers / $7 cocktails + small plate specials + early bird specials www.socobk.com

 

 

Pushkin Creperie Hosts Artist Reception

Image Credit: Brooklyn Art Review

Image Credit: Brooklyn Art Review

Who: Presented by Brooklyn Art Review

What: Artist Reception / Candies and Vegetables Exhibition by local realist painter, Douglas Newton
Newton’s paintings offer more than just his love of depicting everyday objects.Newton’s focus on both foods combined with his treatment of atmospheric lighting creates an almost glamorizing of the mundane. In his subtleties, Newton has transformed his still life paintings from studies of light/subject to humorous social commentary.

When: Tuesday, Sept. 17th at 7pm

Where: Pushkin Creperie Cafe
541 Myrtle Avenue between Steuben and Emerson

Clinton Hill House Highlights Neighborhood History

Image Credit: Brownstoner.com (top), Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership (bottom)

Image Credit: Brownstoner.com (top), Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership (bottom)

This week, Brownstoner featured a beautiful Clinton Hill house as their “House of the Day.” The two homes, at 229 & 231 Washington Avenue, tell a perfect story of how the beautiful residential neighborhood at the “top of the hill” is a result of the industrial and working district down the hill in Wallabout, near the waterfront and the Navy Yard. Check out the piece on Brownstoner to learn all about the van Glahn brothers’ houses and their use of the same architect to design both their houses and company buildings on Washington Avenue in Clinton Hill and Wallabout.

More information on the architect and the van Glahn Brother’s Warehouse building can be found in the Wallabout Cultural Resource Survey.

FREE Family Event at Fort Greene Park on Sunday

tomorrow farewell photo

Looking for something to do this weekend with family and friends? Come out to Fort Greene Park’s Myrtle Avenue and Washington Park corner on Sunday, September 15, from 2-4pm for an afternoon of fun with the Tomorrow sculpture. We’re throwing a family-friendly‘ Farewell Party’ with free eco-friendly activities for all ages:
• Fruity Pop Workshop: Make healthy soda using farm-fresh fruit
• Postcards to Tomorrow: Using recycled cards, send an art-inspired message to tomorrow with SONYA (South of the Navy Yard Artists)
• Keepsake family Polaroids with the Tomorrow sculpture
• Eco-Friendly Craft Fun with Weaving Hand
• Facepainting
• Snacks with Myrtle Eats Fresh Community Chefs

Akihiro Ito’s Tomorrow sculpture has been a well-loved community fixture for the past year, and will be removed on September 19th after a year-long installation at the park.

For more info contact meredith@myrtleavenue.org or 718-230-1689.

New Ornamental Plantings on Myrtle Avenue

Photo Credit: Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership

Photo Credit: Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership

Myrtle Avenue’s tree guards are receiving a fresh influx of ornamental plants. 25 tree beds are getting new perennials, including liriope, hostas, creeping thyme, and fountain grass (pictured).

Finding the right plants for urban tree beds is challenging. Not only are plants subjected to harsh conditions, but the microclimates are different from tree bed to tree bed. Moreover, a building can shade a tree bed in spring and fall but allow full sun in the summer – in effect creating multiple climates in the same tree bed.

We hope you enjoy the new plants as you stroll down the Avenue.

Artwork by PS20 Students at Le Petit Bakery

Le Petit Bakery Fort Greene Croissant

Looking for a place in Fort Greene to satisfy your sweet tooth and see some savory art? Swing by Le Petit Bakery,354 Myrtle Avenue, to grab a home made croissant and see the art exhibit collaboration between PS 20 Arts and PS 20 Farms.

Students from the 2nd grade practiced their drawing skills by sitting outside and closely observing the raised beds around the school. They were able to discover and reflect on the different physical properties of the crops they had planted, while working to capture them in colored pastel. The resulting artwork is rich and unique, highlighting nature through a child’s perspective. The exhibit is curated by teacher Magin Schantz and proceeds from sale of the pieces, which range from $15 to $40, will benefit the PS 20 Farm initiative, a PTA-run urban agriculture program that teaches students about gardening, healthy eating, and sustainability. Works will be there through the end of September. To purchase any of these works, please contact Meredith Phillips Almeida at meredith@myrtleavenue.org or 718-230-1689.

PS 20 Art Exhibit at Le Petit Bakery

Farewell Party for ‘Tomorrow’ Sculpture

tomorrow_lg3

We’re throwing a family-friendly ‘Farewell Party’ for the Tomorrow sculpture, a symbol of future generations, before she journeys on to her next home.

When: Sunday, September 15 from 2-4pm
Where: Fort Greene Park (Myrtle and Washington Park)

Free, family-friendly activities include:
• Fruity Pop Workshop: Make healthy soda using farm-fresh fruit
• Postcards to Tomorrow: Using recycled cards, send an art-inspired message to tomorrow with SONYA (South of the Navy Yard Artists)
• Keepsake family Polaroids with the Tomorrow sculpture
• Facepainting
• Snacks with Myrtle Eats Fresh Community Chefs

The Tomorrow sculpture has been a well-loved community fixture for the past year, at times serving as host to events like the Sing for Hope pianos and the P.S. 20 jazz band during Make Music NY. The sculpture, created by artist Akihiro Ito, will be removed on September 19th after a year-long installation at the park.

For more info contact meredith@myrtleavenue.org or 718-230-1689.

photo credit: NYC Parks Department

El Cofre Restaurant Installs New Storefront

El Cofre New Storefront 2013 (3) - Copy

El Cofre restaurant on Myrtle Avenue in Clinton Hill has just wrapped up a new storefront project, which includes larger windows and new signage. The restaurant, which has served the neighborhood Dominican cuisine for more than a decade, has upgraded their storefront with a more inviting design and improved lighting. While the restaurant’s look may be new, their menu, which features $4.99 lunch specials and notoriously delicious baked chicken, still remains.

El Cofre, 454 Myrtle Ave, between Waverly and Washington Avenues. Open 8am-10pm every day.

#TBT Myrtle Ave in Clinton Hill

 

According to this 1940 photo, not much has changed at 471 Myrtle, home now to The Joint on Myrtle. The space, which has a luncheonette sign in the photo, still serves great lunches and has a beautiful historic storefront 73 years later.

Follow us on Instagram and Twitter @MyrtleAveBklyn to catch more #ThrowBackThursday posts and other neighborhood news throughout the week.

Wine Tasting at Gnarly Vines

GnarlyVines

Ahhh, just when you were starting to pen epitaphs to the summer of 2013…

The mid-summer might tasting on Thursday, Aug. 22 demonstrates that , oh, no, my dear, Myrtle’s still in the glorious summer groove.

Four sustainably-produced wines that are equally perfect for winding down after a long workday, sipping throughout a lazy afternoon, a picnic in the park or an evening under the stars. Cheers!

2012 Chateau Valcombe Rose – Ventoux, Rhone Valley, France – $14

2012 Chateau Soucherie Cuvee L’Astree Rose de Loire – France – $16

2011 Castello di Monastero Coenobium – Lazio, Italy – $24

2011 Domaine de la Chapelle des Bois Chiroubles – Beaujolais, France – $20

 

As usual, 15% off all wines featured at the tasting. Order by phone or online if you cannot make it!

Gnarly Vines is located at 350 Myrtle Avenue between Carlton and Adelphi and can be reached by phone at 718.797.3183.

AfroPunk After Dark Events on Myrtle

AfroPunk after dark 2

Are you coming out to the AfroPunk Fest on Saturday, August 24th and Sunday, August 25th (12pm to 9pm each day) at Commodore Barry Park? You won’t want to miss it! Described by the New York Times as “the most multicultural festival in the US,” Brooklyn’s AfroPunk Fest, is celebrating its 9th year!

And guess what? The Park may close…but Afro Punk continues…

New for AfroPunk 2013: AfroPunk After Dark.

AfroPunk After Dark turns select venues in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill into captivating playgrounds of music, art, comedy, entertainment and culture — with drink specials courtesy Absolut and Grolsch.

Eight (count ’em!) 8 opportunities to enjoy after dark fun on Myrtle Avenue:

– SATURDAY, AUGUST 24 –

August 24 — Cielo Bar, 474 Myrtle Avenue, 9pm – until

a celebration of natural beauty. book signing, party and exhibition. Book: Afros by Michael July; music by DJ Hard “Hittin” Harry

August 24 — The Emerson, 561 Myrtle Avenue, 10pm – until

Afrobeats, Funk & Soul music by Mickey Perez

August 24 — Putnam’s Pub, 419 Myrtle Avenue, 10pm – until

Sesac presents acoustic performances by Adam Falcon, Shelley Nicole, Shea Rose, created by Trevor Gale

August 24 — Brooklyn Tap House, 590 Myrtle Avenue, 10pm – until

Connecting Africa & Latin America thru musical exploration. Africa Latina presented by Chief Boima and Geko Jones

 

– SUNDAY, AUGUST 25 –

August 25 — Putnam’s Pub, 419 Myrtle Avenue, 10pm – until

live the hype life. Vortex w/music by ManChildBlack. AfroFuturistic, ElectroFunk & Soul

August 25 — Dee & Ricky’s, 503 Myrtle Avenue, 10pm – until

Pull Up! Pepper Pot Sunday. Reggae & Dancehall music by DJ Gravy of Rice and Peas

August 25 — Lola’s, 387 Myrtle Avenue, 11pm – until

Purple Ferdinand Live, music by Siobhan Bell, acoustic performance by Purple Ferdinand

 

The Park may close…but AfroPunk continues…

PS20 Art Exhibit at Le Petit Bakery

PS20Farms Sketching1

Precious pastel drawings of garden herbs by local school children will be exhibited at our very own local French bakery, Le Petit Bakery (354 Myrtle Avenue). PS 20 2nd grade artists spent last spring sketching plants in their school garden, PS 20 Farms. This exhibition of student work features some of their best work, curated by teacher Magin Schantz. Proceeds from sale of the pieces, which range from $15 to $40, will benefit the PS 20 Farm initiative, a PTA-run urban agriculture program that teaches students about gardening, healthy eating & sustainability. Make sure to check out the works next time you’re at Le Petit for your morning coffee/cronut run! Works will be there through the end of September. To purchase any of these works, please contact Meredith Phillips Almeida at meredith@myrtleavenue.org or 718-230-1689.

#ThrowBackThursday on Myrtle Ave in Clinton Hill

455A Myrtle_Blog

This historic photo from the NYC 1940’s Tax Photo collection shows the storefronts for Maggie Brown, the under-construction Peck’s, and A-Rod Grocery. Peck’s, slated to open in September in the former Thai 101 space (now located across the street), is shown in the center of the photo with the large awning. The space to the right, now to home to A-Rod Grocery, is shown here as a restaurant, bar & grill. Although the storefronts look different today, the buildings themselves are still in great shape with beautiful brownstone facades. A support for the former Myrtle Avenue El, removed in 1969, is seen on the left side of the photo.

Follow us on Instagram and Twitter @MyrtleAveBklyn to catch more #ThrowBackThursday posts and other neighborhood news throughout the week.

Gnarly Vines’ New Loyalty Program + Wine Tasting

Gnarly Vines_loyalty program-3

Gnarly Vines kicks off its brand new loyalty program today!

Oh, the places you’ll go…Italy, Spain, South Africa, France, Chile, Australia, California, the Finger Lakes, Long Island…

Earn a $7 reward every $200 you spend! If you’re already in their system, every purchase under your name is retroactive to July 1st, 2013 counts towards the rewards program. Every time you hit $200, your $7 reward will automatically appear as a credit on your account.

Spend even more and the rewards are even sweeter!

Sign up the next time you visit for all the details!

Wine tasting tonight, Friday, August 9th from 5pm to 8pm

2011 Gen5 Chardonnay – Lodi, CA – $12

Easy-drinking, tropical, sustainably farmed, refreshing CA Chard with a pleasant dose of toasty vanilla and butter.

2012 Valckenburg Gewurztraminer – Pfalz, Germany – $12.50

Off-dry and full-bodied with pretty rose petal aromas followed by Gewurz’s tell-tale lychee/orange peel flavors and some subtle spice notes.

2009 Clayhouse Adobe Red – Central Coast, CA – $15

A full-bodied, yet soft, smooth blend of 32% Zinfandel, 25% Petite Sirah, 13% Malbec, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Syrah, and 9% Petit Verdot Rebellion 6 yr old Bourbon – Bardstown, KY (750ml) – $36 Rebellion Bourbon an amazing value 6 year old, 94 proof, small batch Bourbon made by the Willett Family. It’s distilled in a copper still and aged in oak from a mash bill of 70% corn and 30% rye and barley! Smooth and smoky!

Gnarly Vines is located at 350 Myrtle Avenue between Carlton and Adelphi. Store can be reached at: 718.797.3183.

Lulu & Po Opens Sidewalk Café!

SONY DSC

Myrtle Avenue diners have another option for al fresco dining with the new sidewalk seating at Lulu & Po (154 Carlton). Yesterday, the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Business Improvement District (BID) presented the restaurant’s owner, Chef Matt, with a grant of $1,000 to help offset the costs of the licensed café. The reimbursement grant is available to restaurants in the district as a 1:1 match, with a $1,000 limit, and is meant to assist with the opening of more sidewalk cafes. Outdoor seating, which requires permits from the city, brings activity out to the street, creating a more inviting and lively streetscape. Congratulations to Chef Matt on receiving the grant and for the new outdoor seating!

Society for Clinton Hill Sponsors Myrtle Avenue Tree Bench

 

SONY DSC

 

The Society for Clinton Hill has sponsored the tree bench at 464 Myrtle Avenue, at the corner of Washington Avenue.

The five-year sponsorship supports the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership’s efforts to beautify the public realm by providing additional funding for bench plank replacements, supplemental ornamental plants, and special tree care, as needed.

Myrtle’s tree guards are both functional and durable, and offer a ‘canvas’ that reflects local creativity. They were created with a modular design so that each set of panels can have a unique, laser-cut design, meeting the Partnership’s goal of creating more opportunities to incorporate local public art into the streetscape.

To learn more about sponsoring one of Myrtle’s unique tree guards or tree benches, please click here.

Peck’s Steadily Moving Toward Late Summer Opening, Featured In WSJ Today.

Peck's

Peck’s Delicacies, the new fresh and prepared food establishment due to open on Myrtle Avenue later this summer is featured in the Wall Street Journal today in an article by Lilit Marcus titled, Great-Grandson of Ratner’s Founder Plans New Eatery. Owner, Peck, is the great grandson of founder of stalwart Lower East Side deli, Ratner’s.

Click here to read the Wall Street Journal article.

Peck’s will be located at 455 Myrtle Avenue between Washington and Waverly. An August soft opening and September grand opening are planned.

 

photo credit: Peck’s