Wednesday, May 30, 2007

New bar at the old Handyman? (This week's TILT SIP ProLeGs)

Charles just posted an intriguing comment in last week's post about the PLG commute (and how it compares to Williamsburg). I didn't want it to get lost in the shuffle, so here it is, in all its glory:

"There is a notice of a liquor license application on the gated storefront of what used to be The Handyman bar on Flatbush between Hawthorne and Winthrop." (The Handyman was at 673 Flatbush.) Any word/rumors/speculation about what's going on here? And while we're at it, let's fire up this week's TILT SIP ProLeGs -- or Things I'd Like to See in Planet PLG. My latest fantasy: some sort of performing arts space. Yes, this was prompted by this morning's Times story about Williamsburg's Galapagos moving to Dumbo. I think the Times overstated the effect Galapagos had on Williamsburg -- the hipster revival was already off and running (and you could argue this as a chicken/egg thing, too) -- and I think they're overestimating the effect it'll have on Dumbo. That said, there's nothing like a destination, whether it's a top-notch restaurant, an intriguing gallery, a new performing arts space, to help introduce a neighborhood to the outside world.

5 comments:

Unknown said...

I think a perfect small performing arts space would be the massive building complex next to the Q stop on Lincoln. That place goes WAY back and could fit bars, stages and more. It's right on the Q (literally) and would be easy to get to for folks from other neighborhoods to come to shows. Also, any noise it would make would be drowned out periodically by the passing train :-).

The holy grail of nearby performance spaces though is my beloved Loew's Kings... Sigh.

Bob Marvin said...

A performing Arts AND Gallery space is one of PLG Art's goals. We've looked at space on Rogers Ave.which IMO would be an ideal street for this. This a long-term goal that'll take a while to accomplish.

Ed said...

I admire the pro-Rogers Avenue crowd, but let's face it - Flatbush is the strip that truly needs to be developed. It's the closest commercial strip to Prospect Park and the express trains to Manhattan. Rogers will develop as a natural extension once Flatbush is developed.

As landlords continue to prefer more financially stable tenants (of all races/colors/cultures, mind you), the Flatbush experience will be greatly enhanced - far more pleasant.

Now, if we could just reroute the dollar vans...

Unknown said...

I agree danc-p, that would be an ideal location...

Anybody got the skinny on the redevelopment status of the Loew's Kings?

Bob Marvin said...

Ed,

I have no problem with improving the Flatbush Ave. commercial strip, but, for a group operating on a relative shoestring, Rogers offers less expensive rents.