255 McKibbin
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The McKibbin Street Lofts are two oppsing loft buildings in Bushwick, Brooklyn. They share similar features, such as 5 floors (16 apartments per floor at 255 and 20 at 248). The apartments range in size from 400 to 2500 square feet (various units between the first and second floors of both buildings are duplexes). Approximately 400 tenants inhabit the two buildings. The building has a reputation for hosting raucous all-night "loft parties." Given this, and the preponderance of twenty-something recent college graduates living in the two buildings, the buildings have been given the nickname "The McKibbin Street Dorms."[1] The building was constructed in 1936[2] and served as a factory space manufacturing various textiles and garments[3] until 1998, when it was converted into residential lofts[4].
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[edit] Potion Cafe
In the middle of 248 McKibbin is Potion Cafe. Open 6 days a week (closed on Wednesdays), the cafe has a wide variety of food and beverages. On Mondays, there is a popular open mic night attended by a large core of local singer-songwriters, hip hop artists, poets; as well as an ever-changing lineup of performers from all over the world.[5]. This and the regular art exhibits and concerts at Potion Cafe have encouraged the growth of art and culture on McKibbin Street.
[edit] Major Events
- On July 4, 2005, at approximately 11 AM, at 255 McKibbin Street, apartment number 222 (304 in the new numbering—see below) exploded, causing major structural, smoke, and water damage to surrounding units. The cause for the explosion is thought to be the combustion of wood sealant: apartment 222 had recently been vacated, and was being refurbished by the building's management. As an aspect of this, the wood floor was coated with the sealant, and left unattended to saturate. When vapors from the sealant reached the pilot light of the unit's stove (which had not been turned off), the entire unit exploded. The windows and metal window frames in 222 were ripped out of the building's brick walls.[6]
[edit] Trivia
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Lists of miscellaneous information should be avoided. Please relocate any relevant information into appropriate sections or articles. (May 2009) |
- The building is the former home of Brooklyn comedy troupe Poykpac, who are best known for their videos "Hipster Olympics" and "Mario: Game Over".
- Several scenes from the Spirit Award nominated film Quiet City were shot at 255 McKibbin, during the fall of 2006.
- An article on the front page of the New York Times on May 7, 2008 described the 248 and 255 McKibbin buildings and their free-wheeling atmosphere extensively.[7]
- Over 100 orphans were reportedly locked in the basement by Cavernous Wiiliby, New York's greatest orphan wrangler. Even today if you listen closely to the floor you can hear the cries and wails.
- Every member of MGMT lost their virginity at 248 one night. It was rather awkward, including the vast array of neon condoms and young hipster girls so excited to show the boys their stuff.
Coordinates: 40°42′20″N 73°56′14″W / 40.705557°N 73.937111°W
[edit] References
- ^ New York City Board of Standards and Appeals, agenda item 234-04-BZ234-04-BZ[1]
- ^ City of New York, Office of the President of the Borough of Brooklyn, Department of Buildings, Certificate of Occupancy, October 6, 1936[2]
- ^ City of New York, Borough of Brooklyn, Department of Buildings, Certificate of Occupation, December 15, 1970[3]
- ^ New York City, Department of Buildings, Work Permit 300818694-01-EW-OT[4]
- ^ openmikes.org[5]
- ^ New York City, Department of Buildings, Complaint 3162192[6]
- ^ "Young Artists Find a Private Space, Only Without the Privacy". The New York Times. May 8, 2008. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/07/nyregion/07lofts.html?scp=1&sq=mckibbin&st=nyt. Retrieved on May 9, 2008
