Deli To Open In Space Once Occupied By No.1 Dry Cleaner On Smith Street

What Is....

285 Smith Street today

Retail space soon to become deli

What Was...

In the 1920's when the store was James Butler's Grocery Store

Number 285 Smith Street in the 1940's

285 Smith Street in 2008 after No.1 Dry Cleaner closed



Building in 2008, looking down Sackett Street

Back in January 2008, the No.1 Dry Cleaner closed its doors at 285 Smith Street. Since then, the retail space in one of the nicest buildings on Smith Street has been sitting empty.
In February 2009, the building was sold to a young couple for $2 million. Judging by the big new red letters on the façade of the building, it now seems that a deli will open at Number 285. And not just any deli, but Smith Street's 'finest'! (I guess, we'll have to wait to decide for ourselves.).
Back in the 1920's, James Butler operated a grocery store at that very location, so it seems right that the space will once again be used for the same purpose. I rather like that.
In the late 1980's and through part of the 90's, there was a great little flower shop there. The owner of the store sold great postcards and more unusual dishes and vases. Does anybody remember her?

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Westchester Couple Did Move To Carroll Gardens, Just Not To Smith Street

285 Smith Street Sold in February for $2,000,000

The Miles Did Move To Carroll Gardens, Just Not To Smith Street.

And They Love Their New Neighborhood!

Do you remember, dear Reader, the article in the Brooklyn Paper about the Westchester couple who sold their suburban home and bought a house on Smith Street?
In the spring of 2007, wishing to simplify their lives, Mimi and Jeff Miles sold their house in Croton-on-Hudson and purchased 285 Smith St. on the corner of Sackett Street in Carroll Gardens. It may have seemed like an unconventional move, but Mimi, who was born in Brooklyn, has deep affection for the borough.

Intending to remodel the Smith Street house before moving in, the Miles rented an apartment in the neighborhood. However, there were several design issues which needed to be addressed to make 285 Smith workable for the couple. When those could not be achieved, they decided to put the house back on the market. But they were determined to stay in Carroll Gardens.

Last fall, the Miles closed on a beautiful brownstone on one of the neighborhood's nicest blocks. I have had the great pleasure of meeting Jeff and Mimi. They are a lovely couple and a great addition to the neighborhood. It is evident that they have fallen in love with Carroll Gardens. In a short time, they have met many people, learned much about the neighborhood's history and have gotten involved in local issues.

And what of Number 285 Smith Street? The Miles sold the building just this month for a modest profit. Originally purchased for $1.65 Million, the sales price was
$2 Million. It has been bought by a young couple who intends to rent out the apartments and the store. In a slow market, it is worth noting that good properties are still selling and that buyers are convinced that houses on Smith Street continue to be worthwhile investments.



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Corner Of Smith And Sackett Streets Back In The Days

Do you remember, dear reader, yesterday's incredible 1920's photo of the corner of Smith and Sackett Streets? There, at the corner, was number 285 Smith Street when it was the home of James Butler's grocery store. Jeff, the current owner of the building, told me that he had a photo of #285 from the 1940's. He sent it along for me to post. You can see it above. It looks as though Butler's was gone by then. I tried enlarging the photo, but couldn't make it out. Does anyone remember? When I moved into the neighborhood, a lovely lady operated a flower store there. She also sold beautiful greeting cards and some lovely old things. I still have a nice vintage bowl I purchased from her.


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Corner Of Smith And Sackett Streets Back In The Days

A Look Back In History: Before Smith Street Was Restaurant Row

Before Smith Street Was Restaurant Row: Part 2

View Of Smith Street Circa 1938

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