Prospect Heights building to rise from ashes

A Prospect Heights apartment building that was destroyed last year in a three-alarm fire is in the beginning stages of redevelopment, according to Brownstoner. ELH Management President Larry Hirschfield, who owns the property, located at 816 Washington Avenue, received approval from Community Board 8 for a variance to rebuild on the site of the demolished structure. He plans a five-story affordable housing building with four three-bedroom apartments and four four-bedroom apartments. 

Hirschfield will present his case before the Board of Standards and Appeals in mid-September.

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Despite the fact that the proposed building would replicate the size of the one damaged by the fire, Hirschfield needs a variance because the former building was overbuilt. While many of the tenants had already moved out the building because of renovations by the time of the blaze, they will still be guaranteed apartments when the project is completed. Any remaining units will be distributed by lottery. Rents will rage from approximately $1500 to $1700 per month. However, the commercial space on the ground floor will return at market rate. [Brownstoner]