Wednesday, February 20, 2008

One man's crap is another man's castle

This castle, located at 110-11 Astoria Blvd in East Elmhurst, is fit for a king. Maybe John Liu will his oversee his crap empire from here one day. Anyway, permits were granted to convert this two-family into a one-family, but denied to turn it into an office.
Here's the before shot, and admittedly, it wasn't much to look at, especially that paved over yard.

21 comments:

Anonymous said...

would look ok if it was made of real blocks of stone and had a maiden within who needed rescuing. :)

Anonymous said...

The turrets should have been placed at each of the 3 corners. They could apply to open a mini adult outpost of Medival Times with maidens in their chambers! A new take on the usual motels by the hour in the area.

Matthew M. Foglia said...

Dealing with the Building department has been a real learning experience! For over 2 years, we have been trying to put a Professional office into this building. In and out this building was a disaster! We fully renovated it, with all the regulations and set backs; still cannot even add 1 foot on either angle of the building. Inside is only 700 Square feet per floor. How this building is a Legal 2 family is Remarkable! We had to be creative, because of the location, Building & Lot's unique shape. We decided on a Castle. The only good thing is the Lot has plenty of space for private parking. We are still awaiting BSA approvals to move in. Thanks for the blog on the Castle. M. Foglia, Owner

Anonymous said...

i have been meaning to post this crap for weeks now. This would have been my first post/crap find. Even the cinder block surrounding the backyard is not to code.

Anonymous said...

while driving on astoria blvd. i happened to notice a beautiful castle. the castle stands out and adds to the area a certain mystery.at night with the lights on; it seems to transport you to medivial times. the style, design and aura of the lights seem to hold one's thoughts to ladies in trouble; when knights on horseback came to their rescue. simplier times when dreams were fulfilled. whoever designed this castle deserves credit for enhancing a neighborhood that was built with one style house which seems to breed boredom. to work in castle would be considered a privilege.

Anonymous said...

I HAPPEN TO PASS THAT CASTLE EVERYMORNING FOR WORK AND I HAVE TO SAY NOT ONLY DOES IT LOOK ALOT BETTER THAN THE CARDBOARD BOX THAT WAS THERE I THINK IT MAKES OUR COMMUINITY AS A WHOLE LOOK ALOT BETTER ESPECIALLY ON A MAIN CORNER LIKE ASTORIA BLVD

Anonymous said...

What a building.

Anonymous said...

I drove by it today and couldn't take my eyes off it. It is a good looking building that resembles a castle. I stopped the car and knocked on the front door this construction guy let me walk around to view it. Inside is amazing, stucco throughout but it looks like an office, how is this a 1 or 2 family house is beyond me. Stop you're car next time you are near and take a tour. It feels nice to see some class in the area.

Anonymous said...

Mr. Foglia, respect for you in putting up a building that you designed while still in pampers. Mama must be proud.

Anonymous said...

Me thinks the building's owners notified his friends to post comments here about how great it is. The rest of the 'hood thinks it's a joke.

Anonymous said...

I can't stop laughing. I'd rather work in that duck in the Hamptons.

Anonymous said...

It looks like
the "Coneheads" (remember them?)
live here!

Next time anyone has got
a hard to reach itch up their sphincter
they might jump up on that tower for relief.

Maybe the builder should emulate
and sit on it!

Anonymous said...

I'll have a dozen steam grilled burgers,
an orange crush, and two orders of fries.

Oh, sorry for my mistake.
You say there's a White Castle about a 1/2 mile away?

Anonymous said...

What is wrong with you people? Does anyone remember that horrible pink building that was there before. This corner lot was in need of some Home Improvement, or maybe just some improvement. There was nothing great about Astoria Boulevard before this building. I would bet that because of this building people will remember Astoria Boulevard. The rest of you are just closed minded people that hate to see change of any kind. Stop your "BELLY ACHING".

Anonymous said...

The building doesn't look pink in the "before" photo.

verdi said...

We're not "bellyaching" just stating fact.

This site was an eyesore before
and now it's a new improved eyesore "goombah" !

A real "castillo de cacinna" (shit castle) !
(I hope I spelled that right).

Helen Marshall said...

This is a nice Castle in East Elmhurst; it adds character to our neighborhood.

Astoria Blvd. needs a lift, this building in it's location is a good attraction of what to see first when exiting from the highway.

Derek, be careful what you write it can be misinterpreted.

This web site is a good thing for the community.

Anonymous said...

Nice to see someone being creative, and thinking out of the box. Accolades on he who dreams and acts rather than follow the herd.

Anonymous said...

It's definitly isn't shit, and not the best thing ever build, is just different.

Anonymous said...

Why do people have to knock anything different? Yes it's not your typical construction. That, however, is not necessarily a bad thing. This structure clearly shows imagination and initiative. It's alright to have your own opinion, but come on people learn to appreciate something a little different from what you're used to. Its called diversity. The building is unique and majestic. More importantly, the intent in bulding it is clearly positive. Try applauding instead of jeering.

Anonymous said...

All I think about when I pass this house is..some regular guy who lives there has a great pick up line to a girl he meets " Let me take you home to my castle" and when she goes she will see that he is not lying!!!