Fort Greene

Fort Greene's historic Brooklyn Paramount Theater, which once hosted legendary artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, and Duke Ellington, reopened last week for its first season in 60 years. A multi-million dollar restoration modernized the venue while preserving its opulent latticework ceiling, hand-crafted statues, and other Baroque features. For its first show in six decades, the Paramount hosted brothers Damian and Stephen Marley, who performed at the theater during their co-headlining Traffic Jam Tour.
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Brooklyn’s historic Paramount Theatre to reopen in March

All renderings courtesy of Brooklyn Paramount

February 23, 2024

Brooklyn’s historic Paramount Theatre to reopen in March

Fort Greene’s 100-year-old Brooklyn Paramount Theatre will reopen once again as a music venue next month following a major restoration. The historic theater's grand opening season officially kicks off on March 27, with tickets now on sale for more than 45 shows featuring performers like Busta Rhymes, PinkPantheress, Norah Jones, and Mariah The Scientist, as Live Nation announced. The renovation preserved the opulent Baroque features throughout the space, including the latticework ceiling and original hand-crafted plaster statues. Modern upgrades include a new stage, a state-of-the-art backstage facility, seven bars, and an exclusive VIP lounge.
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Apply for 87 income-restricted apartments in prime Fort Greene, from $910/month

Rendering courtesy of NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development; 142 South Portland Avenue site before construction, photo courtesy of MDG Design + Construction

January 5, 2024

Apply for 87 income-restricted apartments in prime Fort Greene, from $910/month

Applications are now being accepted for 87 affordable apartments at a new mixed-use project in Fort Greene. The Hanson Place Community Plaza development at 142 South Portland Avenue has 104 apartments, 10,000 square feet of community space, and a prime location, just a block from the mall and transit hub at Atlantic Avenue and the Barclays Center. Qualifying New Yorkers earning 50, 60, and 140 percent of the area median income can apply for the apartments, priced from $910/ month for studios to $3,654/month for three-bedrooms.
find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

After 20 years, Pacific Park faces foreclosure and an uncertain future

Photo credit: Amaury Laporte via Flickr.

December 19, 2023

After 20 years, Pacific Park faces foreclosure and an uncertain future

As the massive Brooklyn megadevelopment once known as Atlantic Yards reaches its 20th anniversary, news of the project's progress has been scarce. But recent changes affecting the development anchored by Barclays Center may put the 22-acre site–now known as Pacific Park–back in the spotlight. As The Real Deal reported in a wrap-up of its progress over the past two decades, current developer Greenland USA has defaulted on nearly $350 million in loans attached to the project's second phase. With foreclosure imminent, an auction, scheduled for next month, may mean a new developer will be responsible for fulfilling crucial affordable housing agreements and inherit penalties for unbuilt units.
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An 1870s Clinton Hill carriage house, rebuilt to Passive House standards, asks $7.5M

Photo credit: Frank Frances

November 15, 2023

An 1870s Clinton Hill carriage house, rebuilt to Passive House standards, asks $7.5M

This one-of-a-kind townhouse at 329 Vanderbilt Avenue on the border between Clinton Hill and Fort Greene, Brooklyn, is a showcase of innovative architecture and peerless modern design, undertaken by architecture firm Schiller Projects. The directive: re-imagining an 1870s carriage house with a focus on sustainability, design, and efficient engineering, in accordance with Passive House standards. The result is Brooklyn’s first mass timber single-family residence, currently asking $7,500,000.
tour this stunning and sustainable home

Distinctive Homes

This three-story modern townhouse with a yard in Fort Greene asks $2.75M

Photo credit: Russ Ross for The Corcoran Group

October 13, 2023

This three-story modern townhouse with a yard in Fort Greene asks $2.75M

As part of the Navy Green development in the northern part of Fort Greene, Brooklyn, in the Navy Yard and Wallabout neighborhoods, this single-family townhouse belongs to a unique community. The LEED-certified development is made up of townhouses and condos, with a 30,000-square-foot park at its center. The home at 19 Clermont Avenue, asking $2,750,000, offers four floors (finished basement included) of modern-design living space and contemporary comforts.
take the tour

Distinctive Homes

Fort Greene’s historic Paramount Theatre to reopen as live music venue next year

Image used by Permission of Long Island University

July 13, 2023

Fort Greene’s historic Paramount Theatre to reopen as live music venue next year

The gilded Brooklyn Paramount Theatre is being restored to its original glory and will reopen as a world-class entertainment venue next year. Entertainment giant Live Nation, which will revive and operate the nearly 100-year-old theater, revealed plans and new renderings during a community board meeting last month. According to the company, the LIU Brooklyn Paramount Theatre will be able to accommodate 2,600 people. Located at 385 Flatbush Avenue Extension, the theater is scheduled to open in the first or second quarter of 2024, as first reported by Brownstoner.
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Architecture And Design

From firehouse to Spike Lee’s movie HQ, this $4.35M Fort Greene home has a century of stories to tell

Photos courtesy of The Corcoran Group

June 22, 2023

From firehouse to Spike Lee’s movie HQ, this $4.35M Fort Greene home has a century of stories to tell

This decommissioned firehouse at 124 Dekalb Avenue–currently asking $4,350,000–has a fascinating history that began in 1895, when it was built as a water tower. Converted into a neighborhood firehouse in 1903, the building's cellar was fortified as a bomb shelter at some point in the 20th century. After the firehouse was disbanded in 1974, the building became a live/work space for celebrated filmmaker Spike Lee, who headquartered his 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks studio here. In the mid-1980s, the building was converted into two duplex loft apartments–and a multi-car garage.
The full eyeful, this way

NYC announces plan for $20M biotech hub at the Brooklyn Navy Yard

Image courtesy of alh1 on Flickr

January 27, 2023

NYC announces plan for $20M biotech hub at the Brooklyn Navy Yard

During his State of the City address, Mayor Eric Adams on Thursday announced plans to open a $20 million biotech innovation hub at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. The "first-in-the-nation incubator" would include 50,000 square feet of office, lab, and programming space for biotech startups and companies at the former shipyard, as THE CITY first reported.
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Neighborhood Tours

Here are NYC’s best holiday markets and pop-up shops of 2022

Image courtesy of

November 16, 2022

Here are NYC’s best holiday markets and pop-up shops of 2022

FAD Holiday Market The holiday season has arrived in New York City, and with it comes the dozens of festive winter shops that offer unique gifts and locally-made goods for New Yorkers and their loved ones. Ahead, discover the city's best holiday markets and pop-up shops, from the long-revered markets at Union Square and Bryant Park to newcomers like the Brooklyn Borough Hall Holiday Market.
Find something for everyone on your list

Gaze at your fairytale garden from the glass atrium in this $6.1M Fort Greene brownstone

Photos courtesy of Serhant

October 4, 2022

Gaze at your fairytale garden from the glass atrium in this $6.1M Fort Greene brownstone

This 19th-century townhouse at 11A South Portland Avenue sits just steps from the entrance to Fort Greene Park. Asking $6,125,000, the 4,913-square-foot three-family property counts among its standout features seven fireplaces, a verdant garden, historic details, and modern upgrades like a dual cooling/heating HVAC system. Within, antique chandeliers, crown molding, and ceiling medallions are framed by high ceilings, herringbone hardwood floors with border inlays, tall mahogany windows, doorway arches, marble, and polished stone tiles.
Take the classic brownstone tour

Distinctive Homes

143 middle-income units available at new 34-story tower in Downtown Brooklyn, from $2,523/month

Rendering courtesy of RXR

January 19, 2022

143 middle-income units available at new 34-story tower in Downtown Brooklyn, from $2,523/month

A housing lottery launched this week for 143 middle-income units in a new building in Downtown Brooklyn. Designed by Perkins Eastman, The Willoughby is a 34-story mixed-use residential tower offering prospective tenants the opportunity to save money in the long term with rent-stabilized units. New Yorkers earning 130 percent of the area median income are eligible to apply for the apartments, which range from $2,523/month studios to $3,235/month for two bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

Former Fort Greene home of Notorious B.I.G. sells for $2M

All photos courtesy of Compass

December 21, 2021

Former Fort Greene home of Notorious B.I.G. sells for $2M

After just over three months on the market, the Fort Greene home that once belonged to the late rapper Notorious B.I.G. sold last week for $2,000,000, as the New York Post first reported. Located at 159 Carlton Avenue, the two-bedroom duplex sits within a former stable building and underwent a major renovation by the current owner, a well-known costume designer. The home, which is where Biggie lived when he released his iconic 1994 album "Ready to Die," was listed for $1,700,000 in September.
Get the details

The 30+ best neighborhood shops in NYC for finding the perfect gift

Photo credits clockwise from top left: Park Deli; Frankie Marin/Verameat; Quality Goods; Michele Varian

December 10, 2021

The 30+ best neighborhood shops in NYC for finding the perfect gift

We've been shopping online for what seems like forever, and there's not a thing wrong with it–except when we crave that amazing experience of finding just the right thing and getting to take it with us now. While brick-and-mortar shops aren't going away anytime soon, we appreciate the good ones that much more. If you're lucky enough to live in New York City–where shopping is high art–some of the best shops on the planet could be just around the corner from where you live. You're sure to find something fabulous for everyone on your list among the local addresses below.
Amazing local NYC shops, this way

Events & Things To Do

Photo: FAD Holiday Market

November 18, 2021

The 15 best NYC holiday markets of 2021

Even a pandemic can't keep a New York City shopper down. The city's retail landscape may look different now, but that hasn't dimmed the sparkle of beautiful baubles, clever crafts, and the company of fellow shoppers. While most of the city's holiday markets went virtual last year, many of our favorites have returned in their fabulous original form. The big Manhattan markets at Union Square, Bryant Park, and Columbus Circle are still impressive, but smaller, more intimate neighborhood gems shine brightly on their own. They're all great places to find seasonal delights like ice skating, live music, drinks, food, and family fun designed to keep shoppers' spirits bright.
Find out where the goods are

Events & Things To Do

Leasing launches at The Willoughby, a new 476-unit rental in Downtown Brooklyn

All renderings courtesy of RXR Realty

September 20, 2021

Leasing launches at The Willoughby, a new 476-unit rental in Downtown Brooklyn

Ahead of its opening this fall, a sleek new rental building in Brooklyn has launched leasing. Located where Fort Greene and Downtown Brooklyn converge, The Willoughby rises 34 stories and houses 476 rental units. Developed by RXR Realty and designed by Perkins Eastman, the 435-foot-tall building sits within the Long Island University campus and overlooks a new athletic field funded by the project. Starting rents are $2,870/month for studios, $3,840/month for one-bedrooms, and $5,660/month for two-bedrooms.
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Beautiful Fort Greene apartment once home to Notorious B.I.G. lists for $1.7M

Listing photos courtesy of Compass

September 9, 2021

Beautiful Fort Greene apartment once home to Notorious B.I.G. lists for $1.7M

Not far from the Clinton Hill apartment where he grew up, the former Fort Greene home of the late rapper Notorious B.I.G. and his wife Faith Evens has hit the market for $1.7 million, as the NY Post reported. The two-bedroom duplex is located in a former stable building at 159 Carlton Avenue and is today owned by a well-known costume designer who infused the apartment with a gorgeous mix of historic architecture, art, and stylish upgrades. According to the Post, Biggie Smalls released his famous album "Ready to Die" while living here in 1994.
Check it out

Queen Anne townhouse in Fort Greene has lovely interiors and a garden apartment for $2.5M

Listing photos courtesy of Douglas Elliman

July 8, 2021

Queen Anne townhouse in Fort Greene has lovely interiors and a garden apartment for $2.5M

This townhouse on the Fort Greene/Bed-Stuy border is part of a row of 16 Queen Anne townhouses designed by famed Brooklyn architect Amzi Hill. Aside from its preserved historic bones that include ornate moldings and tin ceilings, there's a beautiful modern backyard, a five-bedroom owner's triplex, and an income-generating garden-level apartment. It's on the market for $2,495,000.
Look around

Distinctive Homes

This year’s best in-person and virtual holiday markets in and around NYC

Winter Village at Bryant Park; Photo by Angela Cranford

November 18, 2020

This year’s best in-person and virtual holiday markets in and around NYC

Like the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting, and the Times Square ball drop on New Year's Eve, many of the city's holiday markets will also be online-only this year because of the coronavirus pandemic. While nothing beats the magic of New York City during the holiday season and the traditions that come along with it, there are still ways to support local artists, businesses, and vendors this year. In addition to a few markets happening in-person this year, including the open-air shops at Bryant Park, a number have gone virtual, allowing you to shop safely from home, no matter where that is.
Full list ahead

Events & Things To Do

November 11, 2020

Tired of roommates? Here are 5 studios in NYC renting for under $2,500/month

Sharing space with roommates in a small New York City apartment has never been easy. But doing so during a pandemic while many are still working from home? Almost impossible. As winter approaches and takes safe outdoor activities with it, now may be a good time to look for your own apartment. And with average rents still down compared to the same period last year, you're more likely to scoop up a decent deal. For those ready to ditch the roommates, we've found five studio apartments perfect for one, from a sunny Sutton Place rental for $1,538/month to a $2,479/month junior one-bedroom with amenities in Gramercy Park.
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Distinctive Homes

Photo credit: Shannon Dupre/DDReps, courtesy of The Corcoran Group

October 9, 2020

This dreamy $3.25M Fort Greene condo was made for live, work, and play

From an aesthetic perspective, this Fort Greene condo has a lot to talk about--gorgeous plaster ceiling moldings, original brick arches, and creative and contemporary flourishes. But it's also got quite a lot going for it in terms of practicality. For $3,250,000, the home at 407 Clermont Avenue has three floors, three bedrooms, a multi-tiered garden and deck, and a massive basement rec room that's been transformed into a home gym, crafting area, and home office.
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Distinctive Homes

For $2.75M, this adorable Fort Greene carriage house is the perfect live/work opportunity

Photos by Alyson Lubow, courtesy of The Corcoran Group

September 16, 2020

For $2.75M, this adorable Fort Greene carriage house is the perfect live/work opportunity

Most New Yorkers have had to get creative with their remote work situations, but if you're on the #WFH train for the long haul, you may need to consider an upgrade. And if you've got $2,750,000 to shell out, consider this incredible Fort Greene carriage house. Built in 1925, the super unique residence was fully renovated in 2014 and now includes a conference room, three offices, and even a recording studio. It's not technically set up as a private home, but with a full kitchen, rear terrace, and tons of space, it easily could be.
Go inside

Distinctive Homes

37 middle-income units available at new Brooklyn rental with rooftop movie screen, from $2,370/month

Courtesy of Aufgang Architects

August 20, 2020

37 middle-income units available at new Brooklyn rental with rooftop movie screen, from $2,370/month

Applications are now being accepted for 37 middle-income units at a new rental in Brooklyn. Located on the Clinton Hill-Fort Greene border, 810 Fulton Street (also known as 475 Clermont Avenue) rises 12 stories and contains 363 apartments. The building boasts a number of amenities, including a parking garage, children's playroom, fitness center, and a large landscaped rooftop with grills, a catering kitchen, and an outdoor movie theater. New Yorkers earning 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the apartments, ranging from a $2,370/month studio to a $3,063/month two-bedroom.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

Photo credit: Gamut Photos

July 30, 2020

Second Empire brownstone in Fort Greene has been beautifully restored for $4M

There's something very romantic about this brownstone at 374 Vanderbilt Avenue in Fort Greene. The interiors have been beautifully preserved and the home modernized, but not so much so that it's lost its old-world charm. The five-bedroom Second Empire townhouse was built in 1899 and is part of the Fort Greene Historic District. It's asking $3,995,000, and has a studio apartment in the basement level for added income.
See the whole place

Distinctive Homes

$5M Fort Greene townhouse has three rental apartments and a luxurious owner’s duplex

All images by Udor Photography

July 21, 2020

$5M Fort Greene townhouse has three rental apartments and a luxurious owner’s duplex

There's quite a lot to love about this Fort Greene residence at 215 Clermont Avenue, just listed for $4,995,000. Not only does it have three income-producing rental units, but the owner's duplex is as luxurious as townhouse living comes. In addition to an incredible amount of preserved 19th-century architecture, the duplex boasts a large, landscaped rear garden, a wine room, and even a mudroom that doubles as a pet spa.
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Distinctive Homes

Brooklyn Navy Yard is selling PPE online and at West Elm and Wegmans

Photo of Crye Precision face masks, courtesy of the Brooklyn Navy Yard

July 15, 2020

Brooklyn Navy Yard is selling PPE online and at West Elm and Wegmans