keeping it real estate

Bushwick Gentrifiers Going Wild in Massive Victorian Mansion

Photo: Konstantin Sergeyev

What happens when a bunch of kids in Brooklyn move far enough east that they can inhabit a mansion that seems far beyond their means? According to our concerned property-snob pals at Brownstoner, they name it the Trip House and throw huge parties, where the guests get to tagging. “A remarkably intact 1890 Queen Anne in Bushwick that was a Building of the Day in 2010 has turned up in party pictures on Paper Magazine’s web site,” the blog notes, mouth agape at the house’s condition and its steal of a $275,000 sale this year. “We fear for the future of the building, whose otherwise pristine original bead board walls, fireplaces, wainscotting and other 1890s details have been marred by graffiti at the hands of party-goers.”

Although the site notes, “We don’t mean the art, but rather the stray spray paint on non-painted surfaces, such as mirrors,” the panic is palpable — and the walls are covered. “Douchebaggery,” a commenter chimed in, with another adding, “This is more evidence of a growing culture of entitlements and disdain for anything anyone else has achieved, as promulgated more and more by Obama.”

The residents are aware of the issue, if a recent Facebook invite is any indication:

FREE TO GET UR HEAD SMASHED IN IF U FUCKING DO SOME WACK GRAFFITI. SICK OF FUCKING LOSERS DESTROYING A NICE PLACE. THIS AINT SOME CORPORATE SHIT HOLE SLASH MCKIBBEN LOFTS AND OUR BOUNCERS WILL HELP PUT U TO SLEEP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET ON BUSHWICK AVE.

The landlords, though, are not too bothered, said 29-year-old Chris Goldstein, who’s lived in the space since September and helps plan the events. “Some Hasids bought the place — a few Hasids come to every party. They are very interested in what we do in terms of progressive culture,” he told Daily Intel. “And maybe they’re not concerned because they just know they’re going to tear it down and build on the spot for new rich losers moving out to Brooklyn?”

Of the wall art, he said, “People are bored and they just want to leave their mark.” But that doesn’t mean he’s down with trashing the place. “We care about the house because it has the potential to be the nicest place we’ve ever lived in,” he continued. “We’re as worried as we can be. It’s sixteen rooms, four floors, and we can’t be everywhere at once.”

Still, the parties aren’t going to stop. “Tonight, we’re having a get-together to paint the walls,” Goldstein said, “because we’re sick of the graffiti.”

Bushwick Gentrifiers Graffiti Massive Mansion