The
Red Hook StarªRevue
e n o G H C LI
JUNE 2014
SOUTH BROOKLYN’S COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
FREE
e 12 Story pag
Creating a cultural sanctuary in Red Hook by Micah B. Rubin
T
he Pioneer Works Center for Arts and Innovationstrives to build a thriving, inclusive community. Through classes, artist residency, workshops, lectures, exhibitions and other initiatives, Pioneer Works has created an incubator for creative exploration in the heart of Red Hook. In mid April, Pioneer Works hosted its first annual Hack Red Hook workshop. The “hackathon” brought together nearly 100 students, artists, developers and tech junkies – including the Red Hook Initiative’s Digital Stewards who provided logistical support – for 24 hours of learning and self exploration through technology. With the goal of creating apps to improve Red Hook resident’s lives, hackathon participants unveiled 12 apps. Of note: a community bulletin board for residents to share neighborhood information (especially in emergencies); an app that tracks street conditions and a low-cost DIY security system that alerts users if someone breaks into their property. For Pioneer Works, technology and science are as much a part of the arts as the more traditional mediums of paint and sculpture. Every year, Pioneer Works offers year-long residencies to emerging artists, scientists and innovators. They receive a workspace and access to Pioneer Works 3-D printer, recording studio, physics lab, metal shop, wood shop, digital and film darkroom, and a soon-to-be added observatory. (continued on page 10)
Noted artist Dustin Yellin is the brainchild behind the impressive Pioneer Works.
FEDS AUCTION SUMMIT STREET DRUG BUILDING by George Fiala On a recent Monday a steady stream of curiosity seekers were seen walking in and out of 41 Summit Street, a nondescript warehouse building next to the Chase. A bright red sign had gone up that morning announcing a public inspection of the property. A friendly young woman, who turned out to be an employee of the federal government, stood by the door welcoming people in and handing everyone a flyer. “SEIZED” the flyer proclaimed in bold, black letters. It advertised a public auction for this building and two others in Gowanus that were confiscated by the government in 1992 after the former owner of the properties was convicted on narcotics and other charges. 41 Summit Street is across from the Red Hook Container Port. It was home to Blue Chip Coffee. Blue Chip was a cof-
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
fee wholesaler that roasted and sold coffee to restaurants and stores back in the 1980’s. Someone who didn’t know the coffee business or Red Hook history would have no idea what they were looking at inside the warehouse. A large black coffee roaster and two large bean grinders faced the visitors as they walked in. Enormous metal ductwork lay on the floor. They were once used venting the smoke from the roasting machine. A dusty forklift sat forlornly in a corner. Assorted machinery lay hidden in the darkness of the back room. 20 year-old coffee beans still filled up one of the grinders. This place was shut in a hurry. Sealed for two decades, this was a walk into Red Hook’s past. There was a second floor, and we were invited up. All (continued on page 3)