Iconic Kentile Floors Sign In Gowanus Might Come Down
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A sign that many consider to be synonymous with a Brooklyn neighborhood might soon be torn down.
As WCBS 880's Alex Silverman, the owner of the Gowanus building that houses the 60-year-old Kentile Floors factory sign -- featuring 20-foot-tall red letters -- has filed permits with the city's Buildings Department to remove it.
In its heyday, 400 people worked at the Kentile Floors which, made, among other things, asbestos tiles that were billed as the "easiest to keep clean," according to a 1950s TV ad.
Iconic Kentile Floors Sign In Gowanus Might Come Down
When the company went under in the 1990s, the sign, which is currently surrounded by scaffolding, stayed behind.
"It is the symbol of Gowanus," Heidi, who lives in the neighborhood, told Silverman.
"When you ride the subway and you see it, and it's just there. It says home," she said.
In a statement, City Councilman Brad Lander, D-Brooklyn, said the sign's removal would be an enormous loss for Brooklyn.
But in the Brooklyn of today, change seems to be the only sure thing.
"If they took Ebbets Field, I don't know why anybody cares about the sign," Tim said.
Rob went so far as to say if the signs goes, he might, too.
"I guess it's going to change around here," he said. "That's the idea. So it may be time to move."
The building's owner could not be reached for comment.
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