...So as I was minding my own business last week, innocently driving home from Jamaica, I cut through Holliswood. Originally developed by Fredrick W. Dunton in the late 19th century, the curvilinear roadways of Holliswood were designed to take into account the natural topography of the hillside created by the glaciers at the end of the last Ice Age. All in all, Holliswood was a leafy green neighborhood with winding, narrow lanes and a cross-section of homes from the reasonably humble 1950s and 60s ranch houses to quite excellent architectural showplaces from the first half of the 20th century. Over the last decade, like so many other neighborhoods in Queens, Holliswood has been under attack - with McMansions blooming like fungus despite a recent change of zoning from R2 to R1-2. Driving down McLaughlin Avenue, one can't help but notice the ridiculously out-of-proportion and *poorly-designed* "trophy" houses that have been constructed there recently. I caught this one in the act trying to hide as the light faded to dusk, with its shiny polished concrete block exterior. Clearly, a mansion for the ages - Rome and Athens, move over - Queens is on the G-R-O-W!
14 comments:
If a house like this was built along a coastal flood plain or in a California brush-fire zone, eventually, Nature would take its course in removing this eyesore! (Not that I wish its owners any misfortune). However, bad architecture, unlike a bad painting, cannot be hiddden in a closet, if it's ugly or tasteless. We're stuck with it. It insults and blights the landscape for a very long time (unless, of course, it's built so shoddily that it falls apart of its own accord)! It still amazes me, how a lot of money can still buy a lot of bad design!.........VERDI
What should be done is to organize Queens community by community to form new civics (or to add a dimension to existing civics) which would take away from the political appointees (community boards)the responsibility for local development.
Unlike the community board, which can be made up of people not living in an area, the property owners should have some control over what is going up next door.
By keeping things local, you avoid outsiders interfering with a community's texture.
Behind the houses on McLoughlin is a piece of city land that ends up along the Parkway. Had a bicycle path on it that you could enter from South Side of GCP at 188 St. The houses (some) are simply building fences on the city land. Annexing land is a novel idea. LOOK the next time you are on Grand Central heading East, between 188 and Francis Lewis. Find the back yard of the house pictured and then look for its fence
Downzoning from R-2 to R1-2 was a community decision. Rather than opt for smaller houses, the Holliswood community preferred larger homes to subdided lots. While you may not like the style, the neighborhood is getting exactly what it asked for.
Another Malba in process! Wanna-bes and Mc Mansions always go together. Butt-ugly no matter how you look at it. Unfortunately many of us neighbors have to look at it!
The suggestion of organizing Queens "community by community and forming new civics" was supposed to have already been done. Hence the formation of the "Queens Civic Congress" an umbrella group for our borough . Unfortunately, they're getting a trifle "weak-kneed" lately with "S.W." not being present as much at the helm! I think that also a lot of members seem to be taking a siesta under a beach umbrella somewhere (except for "P.D." and some other hard workers)! A new president might be needed to re-boot this otherwise pretty effective group! Maybe from Mid-Queens and not from the usually the "favored" North-East sector?
I grew up in Holliswood. We moved there in 1949. My father, a builder, built our house. My parents sold it, in 1990. Although the house had more than 4000 square feet above ground, the new owners enlarged it.
Sadly this was done in ways that did not respect the architecture, with a fairly ghastly result. An large aluminum dormer was slapped onto the brick and fieldstone front. Century old oak trees made way for bizarre additions. It's unrecognizable, and very sad.
This is a free country and people have a right to choose in what type of home they want to live in especially if they have the money to build it!. Maybe someone wouldn't like the home you live in. Most of the people complaining about homes like this one live in a wooden shack built in the
1940's. Get real people this is 2008 and don't player hate!
Sorry, but Holliswood houses are becoming old and its time many of them get remodeled. Holliswood is one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in the entire city, and I hope that "Mcmansions" continue to be built there so that it will avoid becoming a dump like other neighborhoods are. I hope more wealthly people go live there.
I live on McLaughlin and there is certainly nothing wrong with improving your home as many local homeowners have done, this house is unbelieveably ugly and ostentatious. There are many mcmansions on Marengo St that are tasteful and well maintained. I don't know what's worse, these mcmansions or people who own homes in Holliswood and refuse to maintain the lovely property that they are given or abuse parking regulations. Also, I have also noticed the gradual infringement on public land between McLaughlin and the GCP. Who does one report something like that to?
Yes, Holliswood is quite unique and it is sad to see some of these poorly designed properties being develop along McLaughlin. But overall once you enter into the heart of Holliswood you can see many well designed homes. Holliswood is undeniably aiming High and I must say that most people complaining are not really honest to themselves. Yes, many newcomers have no idea and no sense on style or design but there are many haters and I see them all the time. I wish I could move to Holliswood (well I live in Holliswood now, but the outskirts on off 188th), if you got the money it is a free country, spend it as you wish.
For those buying and renovating and building, please hire an architect that will meet not just your expectations but that can stay in tune with the designs, topography and overall character of Holliswood. Hey, you can build a 6000+ sq foot home if you like...I would love to have a 25' x 25' pool room and a wine cellar as well, but trying to outdo your neighbor without responsibly planing before moving forward is not fair to your neighbors either. Holliswood in my opinion, regardless of the actual houses or developments is by far one of the most beautiful of the neighborhoods in NYC.
Hey, I have a 1 bedroom unit in Holliswood Gardens for sale.
No Board Approval
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Sorrounded by really nice houses
$179,000 (price is negotiable)
$620 Maintenance covers all except electricity!
Fully renovated and an attic that can be renovated or use it for storage
See my add in craigslist.com
Search under Real Estate then queens and type Holliswood Gardens
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HOLIISWOOD _ PEACE IN THE CITY!!
It is 2008 people, times are changing and architecture is improving and becoming more advanced. That house being built is beautiful, i think its disgusting that people are criticizing an unfinished masterpiece. Malba in the process??? Look around you, there are many other areas that have beautiful exclusive houses. Holliswood is just trying to step their game up, dont be jealous or criticize others, if its not your house then DONT worry about it!
When I moved to Malba,it had a quiet elegance with charming homes and lovely trees.A quiet oasis situated close to the city.My heart breaks as everyday another home goes down replaced with a way oversized house for the size of the lot it's on..These homes are a minimum of 6000sf and many are 10 to 12,000 sf.In many cases..there are only 2 to 4 people living there.All the trees of course have been taken down .Sad for the homeowner next door who has now lost his view of the street or the sunlight that once entered his home.It seems to be a competition here in Malba to see who can build the largest memorial to themselves.Not taking into regard the integrity and character of the neighborhood.This doesn't happen in the beautiful neighborhoods of say...Manhasset at the Strathmore's..these homes were built in the 1930's and have so much character.and beauty..if you want to renovate your home...it must go before a board to ok the plans..therefore protecting your neighbors investment and keeping with the feel of the neighborhood.Every home compliments the next.The new money moving into Malba need to flaunt their wealth..some with taste...many without.There is no ryme or reason to the building..everyone is off building whatever..Malba association has done nothing to preserve it's community..it's already too late..the damage is done.If Malba had stricter zoning as much of Queens so desperately needs..perhaps it would be a much prettier place.All the mcmansion homes now are on top of each other..and the huge monstrosities are dwarfing the true beauty that was once there.All thats here now are huge walls of brick and cement with gawdy electric steel gates.. Of course everyone deserves to build their dream home..but 12,000sf on a small lot next to a 4000sf home which is big..but up against 8to 10,000sf ..they look like cottages!!Go buy a couple of acres and perhaps it would look more reasonable...
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