The little Coal Shop building at 393 Hoyt Street before (photo courtesy of Google Maps)
Yet another sad demolition is currently taking place in Carroll Gardens, and this one really stings.
The sweet two story brick building at 393 Hoyt Street was once a former coal shop owned by a Mr. D'Agostino, who supplied the neighborhood at a time when coal was still used as a source of heating in many surrounding brownstones.
The sweet two story brick building at 393 Hoyt Street was once a former coal shop owned by a Mr. D'Agostino, who supplied the neighborhood at a time when coal was still used as a source of heating in many surrounding brownstones.
In recent years, the storefront was occupied by 'Brooklyn Workshop Gallery', home of the Workshop Gallery Artists Foundation, a non-profit organization founded by Martine Bisagni and Amani Ansari.
Bisagni and Ansari fell in love with the sun-drenched space the moment she saw it. Over time, they renovated it with repurposed materials that were found or donated. In time, the small back yard was turned into a charming green oasis, where children and adults could explore and create.
To pay tribute to the buildings history, Bisagni and Ansari always kept a few black coal lumps in the window.
In other words, the little house was well loved and its past respected.
The community atelier focused on cultural events and neighborhood outreach through lectures, art shows, concerts and free classes. It also hosted popular "Free Art Saturdays" for children and their families.
To pay tribute to the buildings history, Bisagni and Ansari always kept a few black coal lumps in the window.
In other words, the little house was well loved and its past respected.
In January 2018, 393 Hoyt Street sold $1,2 million according to Street Easy, Shortly afterwards, Brooklyn Workshop Gallery vacated the 'little coal shop'.
By the summer, demolition permits had been filed. In the last month, that work has started, though a stop work order has temporarily halted it.
No word yet on what will be built in its place, but the empty lot may be included in any future development
It is so sad to walk by, as a small section of the little coal house was still standing as we walked past on Sunday.
What do you say, dear Reader?
A look back in time at the interior of 393 Hoyt Street when it was home to the gallery:
What do you say, dear Reader?
A look back in time at the interior of 393 Hoyt Street when it was home to the gallery:
.JPG)
