Neighbors Show Support For Landmarking Former Hans S. Christian Kindergarten At LPC Hearing

Pamela Wong -

CARROLL GARDENS – Council Member Brad Lander joined Carroll Gardens neighbors on Tuesday at the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission‘s (LPC) public hearing on 236 and 238 President Street.

(L-R) 238 and 236 President Street (Photo: Pamela Wong/BKLYNER)

Back in March, Council Member Lander, Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon, Carroll Gardens residents and community groups gathered in front of the two historic President Street properties for a press conference calling on the LPC to grant the two buildings landmark status as well as expand the Carroll Gardens Historic District which currently encompasses only two blocks.

236 President Street was built in 1897 to serve as the first public kindergarten in Brooklyn—the Hans S. Christian Memorial Kindergarten. The two-story French Renaissance-style structure was later the home of the First Methodist Episcopal congregation—the first Spanish-speaking parish in Brooklyn that was founded by Joan Baez’s grandfather. The folk singer/activist penned a letter expressing her support in saving the two buildings.

The recent sale of 236 President to a developer who planned to demolish the building and replace it with a six-story luxury condo prompted locals to take action to preserve the building and its neighbor.

Carroll Gardens community members overwhelmingly testified in favor of 236 President Street, and the neighboring 1853 Anglo-Italian-style co-op building at 238 President Street, for almost two hours at yesterday’s hearing, Curbed reported. The only dissent came from the current owners of 236 President who have threatened to sue the LPC if they designate their building a landmark, adding that the facade of the building has been altered over the years, with the addition of a garage, making it unworthy of landmark status.

After the sale with the developer fell through, Corcoran put 236 President Street back on the market in April for $4.95 million. The price is currently listed at $4.45 million.

“We have a moment of opportunity to preserve a real part of our architectural, social & community history,” Lander said in message posted to Facebook on Tuesday.

Following yesterday’s hearing, LPC Commissioners are now expected to cast a final vote on the two properties.