Transformation Of The Small Gowanus House At 441 Carroll Street

441 Carroll Street back in May 2011

and the new building, November 2011

The view of the new building from Nevins Street

The house at number 441 Carroll Street, between Nevins and Third Avenue in Gowanus, was never the prettiest on the block by any stretch of the imagination.  Actually, the two-story, aluminum-clad building was so crooked, its porch leaning so precariously, that one had to wonder how it held together.  And yet, it had a certain charm all its own.
In May of this year, a permit was filed with NYC Department of Buildings for "proposed horizontal enlargement at rear and front of 1st floor," but instead of enlarging the house, it was entirely demolished.  The D.o.B. eventually caught on and gave the site a violation for "work without permit. Work performed significantly exceeds scope permitted." To date there are two unresolved ECB violations  on file.  A new permit which encompasses the true extend of the work is being reviewed by the agency right now.
Take a look at the large gable on the lot line, facing Nevins Street and the Gowanus.  
What do you think?