My Favorite Buildings: Old Pink
This simple building has been one of my favorites since I was a child. Somehow I remember this place from downtown trips during Main Street's more vibrant days. Even back then I am sure it was exhibiting signs of decline. If my memory serves me well this was a Liberty Shoe store. It seems like my parents always took us to Liberty for our shoes and I picture myself going to this building and getting my feet measured with tall stacks of shelves piled to the ceiling with shoes. I am not sure if this memory is correct but that is what comes to mind when I see this building.
There is something very basic and elegant about it. The highly regular pattern of windows on the south side is highlighted by very beautiful window top detailing. These traditional punched side windows contrast with the more modern front of the building featuring much more glass in the form of strips of windows across the front and wrapping the corner. This part of the building is very likely the result of a remodeling that was probably done in the 1910’s or 20’s. The base of the building has remnants of streamline modern improvements most likely carried out in the 40's. It is all topped off with a highly detailed cornice. That fact that this building still has a cornice is miraculous.
The building is being offered for sale by Hunt Commercial Real Estate. It is listed at $340,000 for 11,400 square Feet. Taxes are $3,200. Hunt has several images of the interior showing great wide open space just begging to be brought to life. I can never figure out how space like this can fall out of favor. Here is to hoping this building is someone else's favorite as well. It would be a tragedy to lose this one. The right person could turn this into a great "Then and Now" piece for BRO.
Thanks to WCP and Hunt for images.
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stargazer
Yes it is the old "Liberty Shoes" building!! I think it needs zebra stripes on it!!! Seriously......... What it really needs for it to turn into living lofts....the smaller the building, the eaiser it is to renovate. My son-in-law thinks there are great buildings in this city going to WASTE. An Australian native, who lived in Phialdelphia, Hong Kong, Singapore and London (working as an architect) sees dollar signs $$$ whenever he is downtown and is always talking about buying up old buildings. Six months here, six months in Australia....not a bad life...you get summer twice a year and a lot of bang for your buck!!
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Sullymon54
The only downside to the idea of renovating this is that there is absolutely no vehicular access to this building, what used to be Mohawk St. is now a "park" and on the other side is the Main St. debacle. Also there are a number of buildings in that area, namely the buildings that make up the 500 block and the ones adjacent to the red jacket building that are listed at a significantly lower price than this one and are of similar condition and size. These other buildings also have vehicular access, I just don't understand why this one is so expensive.
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Andrew
I have always loved this building and thought of potential whenever I see it. If i had a development company now this would prolly be one of my first buys. upper levels could be turned in to inexpensive appartments in the heart of downtown and i have my own ideas for the first floor. such a shame its sitting there ugly and empty. this could be a key piece in bringing YOUNG professionals living downtown. this alone with the big building on main st that has the "sizes" store on the first floor. my goodness if these were appartment buildings i'd live there in a second, i could care less about car acess, ride the train or a bike.
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needles
If I'm not mistaken, this is in the old McDonald's / Burger King area right? What potential for a nifty little 'hood with lofts. It's such a cool corridor between the buildings here, with the super-wide sidewalk, and boxed trees. There must be a solution to the poor access...
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Weezer
Steel, If I'm not mistaken, the building owner is seeking a variance from the ZBA to convert this building to a single family home. Not sure about the details or whether plans have been presented to the Planning Board.
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