The CO OPs Est. 1960
The Home Guardian of New York who were developing the Pines initially zoned the Co Op area as business. They saw it as a hotel and retail spaces. After rethinking the plan they applied to Brookhaven town to modify the zoning and were approved. Construction began on the two acre parcel in March of 1960. Designed by Bertram Lee Whinston as architect. With a 60’s flair he set out to give it a completely modern feel. With star shaped roof lines and soaring ceilings there were to be six structures with 100 apartments according to Alexander Wolf Jr. executive vice president of Herbert Charles and Co. sales agent. Built by the Blitman Construction Company as general contractor with longtime Pines realtor Ted Taussig as managing agent.
Originally named Island Pines Apartments, they simply named themselves as the CO OPs.
New York Times reported:
Transporting the materials and supplies created a challenge. Using the Pathfinder from the Sayville Ferry service to transport it was stripped of its seats and superstructure it was fully loaded to make three round trips a day. With the fog in early morning the use of radar was applied at both docks to guide the boat. Time was a factor as they wanted completion by summer.
Suffolk County News 1960
The model home was designed by Julio Kaufman. It was slow going once they were completed. Advertised as a family community they soon saw the gays were migrating from Cherry Grove, and the upscale environment was attracting many gays from NYC.
And so the advertising began…
Storms and fires have always ben the enemy of Fire Island. Our Co Ops have weathered many. A community within a community was created there. Only co op dwellers are privy to it.
Hurricane Donna 1962
Intially oceanfront Co Ops had walkways to the beach seen here.
Somehow lost in the 1980’s.
Today simply known as the Co Ops they still are a haven for many. Some have moved onto home ownership, and many have stayed to enjoy and watch a community grow. In 2010-2011 a major $3.8 million renovation project replaced old aluminum siding with cedar siding, replaced all windows and exterior doors, replaced upper unit decks and lower unit deck railings, and completed the project to replace roofs on all the buildings. The Mid-Century Modern style of architecture that gives the buildings distinction was lovingly preserved in the renovation. The Co-ops have grown to become second homes for its affluent shareholders for six months every year.
2021 Photo by Isaac Namdar
