The urban explorer and photographer who goes by Gothamr snuck into the Coignet building, an abandoned 19th-century mansion in Gowanus that Whole Foods is supposed to be restoring. It is…pretty shitty looking. Here’s what Gothamr told Brownstoner about what he found.
For the most part the interior is characterless in terms of details and finishes, but it’s really neglected, which isn’t justified for it being such a badass New York City landmark. There’s a pretty cool spiral staircase that goes from the basement to the second floor and in the basement there’s a walk-in vault. For some reason I spent most of my time down there — a combination of incredible low light and the feeling like it was the only part that didn’t have a cheap 1950′s renovation. Didn’t Whole Foods make a deal whereby they can straddle the shit out of the Coignet Building as long as they help to restore it? Some of the floors and parts of the staircase are collapsing from water damage so clearly something needs to be done. I would hate to see this follow in the footsteps of Admiral’s Row.
See a few photos in the gallery and the rest on Brownstoner.
(Photos: Gothamr/Brownstoner)
