A controversial development on the site of a 19th century home for the aged in the Crown Heights North II Historic District appears to be wrapping up construction, and a housing lottery for pricey but income-restricted apartments has opened. Approved by the Landmarks Preservation Commission, the building at 959 Sterling Place was the subject of a lawsuit and has turned out much as expected, according to neighbors.
During a visit in June, the facade appeared complete on the new seven-story, 157-unit development, named Mason Gray. Workers were finishing the roof, and much of the red-brick building was still surrounded by a green construction fence.
So far, the building closely resembles the final renderings presented at the city’s Landmarks Preservation Commission hearing, where the divisive development was approved in 2020 after significant local pushback. After the developer and architect were told to tweak some elements and returned with a final design, Commissioner Michael Devonshire said: “They really hit the mark here.”
Developed by Hope Street Capital and designed by noted firm Morris Adjmi Architects, the complex echoes the historic building at 920 Park Place in color and design, incorporating zinc shingles, gables, and staggered massing. Built in 1889 in the Romanesque Revival and Gothic Revival styles, the Brooklyn Methodist Episcopal Home for the Aged and Infirm, most recently home to the Hebron Seventh Day Adventist School, was an impressive sight, standing in the center of landscaped grounds.
Constructed on top of formerly open green space, the new building abuts and covers the rear of the historic one, obscuring it from view. Built to the edge of the sidewalk with no setback, the apartment house takes up much of the block along Sterling Place.
Neighbor Meg Plikaitis, a volunteer with Friends of 920 Park, said she is pleased the residence isn’t metal and glass but it feels “hulking” and “imposing” on the block. The Victorian…
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