A designation! And a demolition?

Great news from the LPC: they've designated the George B. and Susan Elkins House in Crown Heights! As their press release states:

"House Is the Only Known Freestanding, Mid-19th Century Wooden Country House Remaining in the Northwestern Section of the Brooklyn Neighborhood"

George B. and Susan Elkins House

This bodes well for the Crown Heights North Historic District and maybe for 70 Lefferts Place as well. I don't know if it's the only wooden house in that part of Clinton Hill, but I assume it's one of the few. (The press release is from 10/24 but I don't think this was posted until this week or the end of last week)

Now about that demolition.

On the LPC's agenda for 11/21, they will be hearing an application to demolish the house at 173 St. James Place in Clinton Hill. According to the LPC, 173 St. James Pl. is: "A wood frame house built circa 1852." They plan to replace it with a 3 story building (better than 9 stories of condos!). Now I don't actually know this building and hope to check it out soon. But an 1852 wood frame building? I assume it's not in the greatest shape if the owners think the LPC will approve a demolition. I wonder what the Society for Clinton Hill's take is.