< Back | Next > 495 Flatbush Avenue (Denk Building, formerly Grossinger's Baking Building) On March 10, 2004, a committee of four visited the great clock tower on Flatbush Avenue: Marvin Schneider, the city Clock Master, his associate Forest Moskowitz, photographer Mark Lentz, and Tom Bernardin, founder of Save America's Clocks. East facade North facade Second tower Mechanism Inspectors From roof Detail Detail Attic Detail We were able to gain access to the clock chamber up an iron staircase from the roof of the building. The room is not in bad shape. The windows have been sealed so there was not too much pigeon droppings and we found only one dead pigeon. The original mechanism is there, very much in need of repair (which can be done on-site once the room is cleaned and a work table set up). We suspect that the mechanism is a Seth Thomas circa 1915, similar to the one in Pier A in Battery Park. At minimum, the clock must be restored and hooked up to an electric motor. New hands must be installed and gears from the mechanism to the hands installed. Electricity will have to be checked and brought up to code. In addition, we must consider the following: Scaffolding must be built to gain proper access to the clock chamber and the clock face space (attic) above it. Scaffolding will allow for the clock fades to be cleaned and painted and necessary repointing done. Electricity throughout must be checked, replaced and brought up to code. Clock chamber and (attic) must be completely cleaned. This must be done following OSHA standards. And painted. And lighting provided. A work station must be built to restore the clock. Estimates gathered from clock manufacturers to install the mechanism, provide new clock hands, etc.. Get the clock working once it has been restored. New staircase to the attic installed. This is a magnificent, high-profile clock and must be restored as soon as possible. Its deplorable state in such a prominent location is a perfect symbol of urban neglect and decay. Once repaired it would quickly become a symbol of a new Flatbush, proud of its heritage and serious in its commitment to the future. < Back | Next >

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