It has just come to our attention that the iconic 8 stories high "Kentile Floors" sign in Brooklyn is slated for demolition and scaffolding has been erected in front of it, likely for that purpose. This is a last minute attempt to preserve a beloved piece of the Brooklyn skyline.
The "Kentile Floors" sign, which has been an enduring, beloved landmark in Brooklyn for many decades has seemingly been slated for destruction.
While this sign has the black mark of demolition plans upon it, we the undersigned hope that you will "Pass over" the destruction of this historic landmark. In Yiddish, it would be considered a great "Shonda" (shame) to tear this down. If you do not keep it intact in its present location, please dismantle it in such a way that it can be reinstalled elsewhere by a new owner who recognizes the inherent value of this piece of NYC History.
Visible from the Gowanus Expressway and the F & G train lines where the NYC Subway reaches its highest elevated level, it was listed by the Municipal Art Society as "A place that matters" in this online article: http://www.mas.org/kentile-sign-a-place-that-matters/ . Many generations of NYers and those passing through looked forward to seeing this artful, literal signpost on their journeys.
Please reconsider this fateful decision. Respectfully, the undersigned:
Update #29 years ago
The first two letters of the sign were taken down on Thursday and first thing Friday morning, Councilman Lander went up to the roof and tweeted a photo showing that they indeed were taking the letters down intact: https://twitter.com/bradlander
Some letters may have to come down in pieces, it appears the last "E" of Kentile is partially down as of Saturday morning. While it is a loss to see this sign going away, we've had the effect of helping it to have a future, elsewhere. Thank you all!
Update #19 years ago
The Kentile Floors sign is coming down, but the owner has agreed to save the letters of the sign and donate them to a group that can find a new home for the sign in the future. A link to an article on the topic attached.
Your signatures helped to bring this about. Thank you!!!!
All best, Liz Shelton
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/13/nyregion/kentile-floors-sign-stalwart-remnant-of-a-grittier-brooklyn-is-coming-down.html?_r=0
