Park Slope's Brooklyn Lyceum, which began its life as a public bath house before becoming a cafe and theater space, is soon to become condos. It's an entirely unsurprising denouement to the stately building's 100-plus year existence, but depressing nonetheless.
The long-struggling arts space was sold to property developers Greystone for $7.6 million at a foreclosure auction in October, though the company only today announced its (again, very expected) plans: "Greystone will restore the façade and transform the interior into townhouse-style condominium residences above first-floor retail space," reads a release from the PR firm Relevance New York. No kidding? It also acquired the adjoining lot at 225 4th Avenue, with plans to create a total 68 rental units and 3,500-square-feet of first-floor rental space.
The Lyceum's exterior is landmarked, so nothing about its outward appearance, emblazoned with separate men's and women's entrances, is permitted to change. The ghosts of bathers past can still lurk in the shadows, marveling at the sheer volume of canvas Whole Foods bags and decadently dressed babies being toted in the front door.
