Acme Hall's Architect

The history of Acme Hall, on the northwest corner of 9th Street and 7th Avenue, is well known by now, having been recounted on the old Gowanus Lounge and Here's Park Slope blogs.

It is well established from these previous accounts that Acme Hall was built in 1889-1890 by Charles Nickenig, who also built the adjoining mixed-use (flats over stores) row extending to 8th Street.

Acme Hall
Charles Nickenig, Owner/Builder
J. G. Glover, architect - 1889

However, we've never before seen the name of Acme Hall's architect. Perhaps someone has posted it elsewhere, but we're not aware that he has been identified, until now. According to the Real Estate Record and Builders' Guide, the architect is J. G. Glover:

"Buildings Projected - Kings County," RERBG v. 44, no. 1116 (August 3, 1889): p. 1094.
- 1693 - 7th av, n w cor 9th st, one four-story brick club house, 38.6x71, tin roof, iron cornice; cost, $30,000; Chas. Nickenig, 368 11th st; ar't, J. G. Glover.

J. G. (John Graham) Glover's name is familiar to us; he was the architect of C. B. Sheldon's great Verona apartment building at 7th Avenue and President Street. Glover's name also appears frequently in various historic district Designation Reports.

Introducing Cevedra Blake Sheldon

Today we introduce Cevedra Blake ("C. B.") Sheldon, a major developer in Park Slope history. It was Sheldon who erected the magnificent apartment house at the southeast corner of Seventh Avenue and President Street, just outside the boundary of the current Park Slope Historic District. The building was erected in 1888-89; the architect was J. G. Glover:

820 President Street - unprotected

The building is now known as "The Verona"; the name is carved on a stone panel beside the main entrance in President Street.

However, according to an early description of this elegant building in the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, the building was originally called "The Sheldon", after its owner:

Brooklyn Daily Eagle, February 2, 1889, p. 4 ("New Flats")

Sheldon was a prolific builder in Park Slope and we will be seeing much more from him shortly. A few of his buildings are protected in the current Park Slope Historic District, but a great deal of his work lies outside the current boundaries.