A Vintage Find in Greenpoint
While renovating a psychotherapy office in Brooklyn, construction workers stumbled upon a remarkable stained glass window that’s over a century old. This discovery sheds light on the history of Greenpoint.
“It was a complete surprise. A huge unexpected gift,” Karen G. Costa, who has leased the Brooklyn Psychotherapy offices at 705 Manhattan Ave. for several years, expressed her excitement. “I almost cried.”
This unexpected treasure emerged last month when Costa hired a crew to improve what she described as an “ugly” storefront that resembled a prison. She aimed to replace the unattractive corrugated metal and gates with wooden paneling for a retro feel typical of traditional therapy offices. What she got, however, was an even more delightful piece of history.
The stunning stained glass features three panels in white, green, and black, inscribed with the words ‘Perfume’, ‘Cosmetics’, and ‘Prescriptions’. This was first reported by Forgotten New York.
This beautiful glass complements a prominent “706” sign on the door of an apartment that sits above the therapy office, which has been in view for years. There’s also an original drug store sign that Costa’s landlord had kept hidden in the basement.
Historical tax records from 1940 reveal that this stained glass adorned a shop known as John H. Wienholz’s Drug Store. Newspaper archives show advertisements for the store dating back to 1920.
Interestingly, it appears Wienholz even made his own cough medicine. While it’s unclear when the drug store officially closed, tax photos from the 1980s indicate that an auto parts store had since occupied the location.
Since the discovery, several individuals have expressed interest in purchasing the stained glass panels, with one offer reportedly reaching $18,000. However, Costa described the situation as a finder’s keepers decision.
“I want to create a welcoming space for my patients, and this is a very pleasant surprise,” she shared. After repairing a few small broken pieces, she noted that the glass, while delicate, remains in excellent condition.
