March–April, 2008: Vol. 1, No. 1

Danny Simmons has a message for his new Clinton Hill neighbors. “You’re supposed to say ‘hello’ to people,” the philanthropist and Corridor Gallery owner said. “That’s how I was raised.”

Since moving into his apartment — really it’s more of a compound, with living quarters, a gigantic roof deck, a studio and a functioning art gallery — 14 years ago, Simmons said the neighborhood has definitely changed. “We have a lot more Yuppies and Buppies, so the neighborhood isn’t as open and friendly as it use to be.”

That may be true, but his 2,500 square feet of living space has seen quite a transformation as well. Walking into the apartment, you’re immediately struck by Simmons’s art collection — he has 1,500 pieces in his personal stash, much of it African art — which covers every wall and surface available. In just his sitting room, which had a wall removed and was opened up to have a “studio” feeling, everything from photographs to sculptures to a pair of pants designed by Black Panther Eldridge Cleaver is on display. But despite the decor dripping from all over, it isn’t his favorite room.

It’s his office — formerly a bedroom — guarded by his two rescued greyhounds, Peanut and Princess, that he said is the best room to relax in. “That’s where I read my comic books,” laughed Simmons, who has close to 2,000 comics in his collection and goes to Park Slope’s Galaxy comic shop each week to replenish his supply.

Bookshelves aren’t the only place that Simmons’s fondness for comics shines through. His completely renovated bathroom features a countertop full of action figures, and what doesn’t fit there is hanging from the walls.

What doesn’t fit inside the apartment is moved up onto the 2,200-square-foot roof, which houses a gazebo, three barbecues and enough tables to seat a wedding reception. Simmons said that the eight-year-old deck was an ideal spot for summer parties.

“I always have people in my personal space,” he said, and noted that he had fit as many as 400 people on the roof for events. It’s quiet up there now, though, since a neighbor complained to the police and Simmons was warned to keep the noise down up there.

“The demographic of the neighborhood is changing,” he said. The folks moving into Clinton Hill aren’t as open to a good time as the Bohemian types who drew Simmons there from Park Slope in the early 1990s, he said.

“Artists are fleeing not only this neighborhood, but all Brooklyn, because they can’t afford to be here anymore,” said Simmons, brother of hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons.

But Simmons is sticking it out. Despite the closing of local institution like Cino’s and the lack of affordable housing for the artists he wants in his gallery, he said, “I always want to live in Brooklyn.” After all, where else could he have a living space that is an extension of the art gallery down the hall?

“This place is pretty much open to the public — unless it’s not,” he said with a laugh. “I do have to have some private time, but you know I like to show people the collection.”

©2008 The Brooklyn Paper