Gowanus' Beloved 'Kentile Floors' Sign is Coming Down

After the city issued a permit last week to allow the removal of the "Kentile Floors" sign — a remnant of Brooklyn's industrial past and a much-loved landmark of Gowanus — community reaction caused owner Ely Cohen to reconsider its demolition.

Local councilman Brad Lander has said he reached a deal with Cohen to donate the letters to the nonprofit group Gowanus Alliance, which will find a new rooftop home for them.

Gowanus resident Pat White was relieved. He said there should be room for the decrepit, the old and the out-of-date. "Not everything needs to be taken out and changed or removed for the purpose of progression. So personally I think they should keep the sign to add some depth to the neighborhood."

Kentile Floors Sign, Relighted by Dan Nguyen 

Gowanus and the Kentile Floors Sign by Shawn Hoke