Two Views: Kentile Floors Sign

Two views of the Kentile Floors sign in Gowanus. The land the sign and factory sits on is part of the Superfund Site. Apparently the soil is contaminated with asbestos.DSC_8202-001DSC_8193-001

Vandalism in LES

DSC_8147-001I guess this is some type of public scribbling? I don’t understand the need to vandalize occupied businesses, buildings and public surfaces in general? I might be missing something.DSC_8149-001DSC_8150-001

Faded Ad-Dumbo

The sun sliced a wedge-shaped piece out of this old, brick building in Dumbo. In the past couple of years I have shared of few of my NW Fading Ad images with Frank Jump. Since this one was in his neighborhood I thought he might have already published a copy. I love the cast iron window shutters. I’m not sure, but I don’t think there used to be glass windows behind them. Might be retrofitted with glass panes now, though. Also, (if you click to enlarge) note the star-shaped detail every few feet. It’s possible that attached to the back of the star is a long, iron bar that is used for stability in older brick buildings such as this. DSC_8091-001

Smallpox Hospital

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DSC_7848-001DSC_7853-001What remains of the Renwick Smallpox Hospital on Roosevelt Island. The building is on the National Register and is undergoing a stabilization project which should allow the public to walk through when completed. Has been abandoned since 1971.

Deserted Side Streets of Gowanus

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When you see grass growing in places it normally wouldn’t, it is a good bet that nature is on the march, slowing taking back the property that once was used by people. Graffiti, rust and grass/weeds are benchmarks of abandonment, I think. DSC_7700-001DSC_7702-001

More from Gowanus

Directly ahead on this sidewalk is the canal. Not a very inviting place. At about this point is where one picks up the scent of the canal. I think this sign is a Parks Dept. sign. Not sure if this sign just ended up here or that this SuperFund site is pretending to be a park.DSC_7718-001DSC_7725-001