Developer Frank Cretella is busy on North Avenue by the main train station, acquiring and rehabbing buildings, as these permits in one window attest.
This ornate building is one of his projects. Years ago it housed Jan and Henry Johnson's weekly, Plainfield Today. The Johnsons also had an art gallery there.
In one of the windows, a "Landmark City Living" for-lease sign is juxtaposed with the reflection of a building on the north side of the block (click any image to enlarge).
Note the heavily damaged rear of the building. This building suffered a mysterious fire on Dec. 17, 2011 and although its facade is largely intact, the rear is in shambles (
click here for an earlier post and photos on it). The building was slated for demolition until the owner called it off.
Speaking of windows, this Cretella project became the object of consternation when it was revealed at a meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission that vinyl windows had been installed instead of wood-framed windows. The issue will be taken up again at the HPC meeting on March 19.
Cretella's plans to redevelop the North Avenue Historic District
date back to 2006, but hey, better late than never.
Next time you are downtown, take a look at North Avenue between Park and Watchung avenues. Apparently a long-shuttered "window of opportunity" has finally opened and changes are taking place.
--Bernice
This is great for Plainfield. Hopefully, instead of having the negative naysayers who always think that there is an ulterior motive that will not benefit Plainfield (hence, here we are with nothing but trash in our streets and no business), we can pull together and support this development.
ReplyDeleteIf I recall, the present mayor was in office in 2006. Seems like economic development isn't her strong suit. Actually, other than kissing and hugging, not sure what is.
The HPC is whining over windows? Really? So for all the time the bldg was empty or underutilized, you sat back and said nothing. Now someone is fixing the place up and you worry about what kind of windows the guy is putting in? Priorities people. Windows should be the least of your worries. What did you say about the old theatre being torn down? Nothing.
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