Workers begin switching out windows at 248 McKibbin Street. — Photo by Michael Boyd Stout248 McKibbin Street, half of the pair of converted loft warehouses Gawkerites think of as the totality of Bushwick, is getting an update sure to conflict its much-caricatured residents — the beautiful and ancient factory windows are being replaced with new, double-paned windows “that might actually retain some heat in the winter,” says tenant Michael Boyd Stout. Antique cool makes way for earth-friendly as owner Carnegie Management retrofits the entire building.
Stout, a photographer and set designer who has lived in the building for eight years, plans to keep some of the windows for various projects. “They’re beautiful and have become a part of me,” he says.
Tom February 19th, 2010 at 3:49 pm
Mckibbin is not the wild all night anything goes party loft it once was, and it hasn’t been that for a long time anyway.
They have cameras in the hallways, no smoking signs, an asshole “security force” comprised of resident hipsters with self righteous attitudes, the cops come in and out of the building as they please, it’s illegal to be on the roof even if you’re a resident.
This last aesthetic change won’t mean much in the grand scheme of mckibbin as a place but it will certainly make them worse to look at.
s February 21st, 2010 at 6:07 pm
For residents it’s a big deal. The windows also let an insane amount of light in, while being more insulating. Aesthetically it’s a huge shock. People have to put up curtains for the first time, which changes the way you interact with windows and the world outside. They also keep more sound in. Once both buildings have all new windows the vibe will be definitely changed for good.