Modells, P.C. Richards to be condemned, demolished for Pacific Park tower

Get ready for the "Going Out of Business" sales.  Modell's and P.C. Richards will soon make way for another giant tower near Barclays Center.

Word that the two big box stores on Flatbush would make way for a 25-story office or residential building --most likely offices-- came at a community meeting Wednesday night in Brooklyn.

Norman Oder, critic and chronicler of the Atlantic Yards, now Pacific Park development, was at the meeting...

Sam Filler, Director of Atlantic Yards Project for Empire State Development announced tonight at the periodic Community Update meeting, "We are doing our final condemnation, two tax lots, including Modell's and P.C. Richard. That process is going to take about six months."

Asked why, Filler responded, "The developer requested that we move forward... and per our agreement with them, that's what we're obligated to do." It's unclear how long Modell's and P.C. Richard would keep operating, or when the new tower will be built.

Modell's of course has been a big fan favorite with its selection of Nets and NBA gear, but employees have been telling customers lately that they expected to close soon. As Oder writes, the news came as a surprise since the partnership between Forest City Ratner and Shanghai's Greenland had cited any previous urgency in developing the site.

The news is the latest indication of how the project has speeded up in recent months with Chinese investment fueling the construction of four residential buildings within two blocks of Barclays Center.

• Goodbye, Modell's & P.C. Richard; final condemnations are coming (in six months) for Site 5 development - Norman Oder - Atlantic Yards/Pacific Park Report