Bavarian Biergarten at Grand Prospect Hall

Back in May I noticed that property on 16th Street belonging to Grand Prospect Hall owner Michael Halkias was listed for sale at a mind-boggling fifteen million dollars.  The large and irregular lot consists of a house, and a wide span of space (set behind other properties on 16th) most recently used for rental parking. It is also close to Prospect Hall property on Prospect Avenue,   Ideal Properties is still listing the property at fifteen million, though it looks like a hard sell.  Another Halkias pipe dream?

In the meantime, Halkias has different plans afoot.  Tomorrow will see the grand opening of the Brooklyn Bavarian Biergarten, which directly abuts other properties Halkias has amassed on 16th. From the Prospect Hall website:

Located in Park Slope at the Grand Prospect Hall, the Biergarten will open on Friday, July 17. Honoring its New York and Bavarian roots, all 24 taps will feature mostly New York State drafts and some German imports. Local Red Hook Winery varietals, a full bar, and an eclectic German-themed menu will also be available. 
Brooklynites have enjoyed their brews in this authentic Bavarian Biergarten since 1892, when Prospect Hall first opened its doors. Then, Park Slope residents were referred to as the “Gold Coast Society,” which was largely German. Prospect Hall served as their Vaudeville, arts and entertainment center. Beer-themed oil paintings remain and have been restored, one of which boasts: ‘Brooklynites can’t live on water alone!’ 
Today, the outside garden is a visual delight with lush trees, colorful flowers, tranquil water fountains with abundant seating for large groups as well as tables for two. The garden can accommodate 500 people and surrounds a glass-enclosed inside area that can accommodate another 500 fun-seekers. This interior area looks out onto the green outdoors.  

Hours are advertised as 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Tuesdays - Thursdays, 3 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Fridays, Noon to 1 a.m. on Saturdays, and Noon to 11 p.m on Sundays.

I first saw mention of this on the South South Slope message board, and expect that more news will be up on the Concerned Citizens of Greenwood Heights blog shortly.  But I couldn't find anything in the press about it - just a mention of the opening on an events site that called it "arguably New York City's most Steampunk venue (my italics)."  It seems like this one's been sprung on the neighborhood with minimum notice.