Brooklyn Heights

Back in October of 2018, a $20 million penthouse in Brooklyn Heights' Quay Tower went into contract. It's now closed (virtually!) for $20,301,000, making it the borough's most expensive residential sale ever. It takes the crown from the $16.7 million penthouse Matt Damon bought in late 2018 at The Standish, also in Brooklyn Heights. Andrew Anderson of Douglas Elliman, who facilitated the sale, said: "Closing on the most expensive residential sale in Brooklyn history at this period in time is a testament to the beautiful, serene homes created at Quay Tower and the desirability of waterfront living in Brooklyn Heights."
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Real Estate Trends

Photo credit: Virginia Carey/ Brown Harris Stevens

April 7, 2020

$1.67M duplex is a woodsy escape in Brooklyn Heights

Some New Yorkers might be wishing they could escape to a cabin in the woods right about now, but awesome co-op gives off that feeling without having to leave the city. Located at 30 Willow Place in Brooklyn Heights, the two-bedroom duplex is asking $1,675,000. It's full of rustic charm, including huge swaths of exposed brick walls, wooden window frames, and wood-paneled ceilings. The bohemian-meets-folksy design aesthetic seals the deal.
Have a look

Distinctive Homes

Photo Credit: Al Siedman of VHT, courtesy The Corcoran Group

March 12, 2020

In a former church, $2.75M Brooklyn Heights co-op has cathedral ceilings and stained glass windows

Original stained glass windows, 23-foot vaulted ceilings, and cathedral-like arches--this incredible Brooklyn Heights c0-op has all the heavenly features you'd hope for in a church conversion. Located at 99 Clinton Street, the 1850 church was turned into residences in 1980, and this $2,750,000 unit is perhaps its most spectacular.
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Distinctive Homes

Photo credit: Drew Dies of Rise Media courtesy of The Corcoran Group.

March 5, 2020

188-year-old Brooklyn Heights home with trophy-townhouse renovation wants $9.5M

This landmarked 188-year-old wood-clad house at 59 Middagh Street in historic and lovely north Brooklyn Heights is among the borough’s oldest homes. But behind its iconic facade–now fortified with block and steel, the listing tells us–is just about every turn-key 21st-century perk imaginable, from an elevator and "penthouse" rooftop to a ground floor guest suite, yoga room and sauna, central air, two wet bars, two laundry rooms, an additional kitchen and five outdoor spaces. It's asking $9,496,000.
Take the new-old townhouse tour

February 24, 2020

Public gardens revealed at former Jehovah’s Witnesses HQ in Brooklyn Heights

By Devin Gannon

As the former Jehovah's Witnesses headquarters continues its transformation into a modern, five-building mixed-use complex in Brooklyn Heights, photos of the project's first phase have been revealed. Designed by landscape architecture firm terrain, the former Watchtower complex, now known as Panorama, features three public gardens at grade level, as well as an architectural staircase. An open-air courtyard facing Furman Street will serve as a landscaped pocket park steps from the Brooklyn Bridge and Brooklyn Bridge Park.
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Architecture And Design

In Brooklyn Heights’ Eagle Warehouse, live behind a 19th-century industrial clock for $2.35M

Listing photos by Donna Dotan, Courtesy of Compass

February 21, 2020

In Brooklyn Heights’ Eagle Warehouse, live behind a 19th-century industrial clock for $2.35M

The lucky new resident of this Brooklyn Heights loft will never have an excuse to be late again. As the listing correctly describes it, this is a "once-in-a-generation opportunity" to live behind the historic clock on the top floor of the Eagle Warehouse & Storage Company building at 28 Old Futon Street. The co-op is made even more incredible by its 17-foot ceilings, two huge skylights, exposed brick and millwork, and views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan skyline.
Lots more to see

Distinctive Homes

City seeks historic boat concession at Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 6

Photo by Lukas Schlagenhauf on Flickr

February 18, 2020

City seeks historic boat concession at Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 6

By Devin Gannon

A historic vessel could soon permanently dock at Brooklyn Heights' waterfront park. The Brooklyn Bridge Park Corporation this month issued a request for proposals (RFP) seeking operators for the long-term docking of a ship with historical significance to serve as an educational or cultural center at the park's Pier 6. Historic boats have previously operated at the pier on a seasonal basis, but the group is looking for a more permanent amenity, as the Wall Street Journal first reported.
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Uncategorized

Elegant Brooklyn Heights one-bedroom is an easy starter home at $540K

Listing images courtesy of The Corcoran Group

February 5, 2020

Elegant Brooklyn Heights one-bedroom is an easy starter home at $540K

Original pre-war details give this Brooklyn Heights co-op its undeniable charm, but the price tag is pretty appealing too. For $540,000—well below the neighborhood average—this one-bedroom starter home at 55 Hicks Street is well maintained with a recently renovated kitchen and bathroom. Being on the fourth floor, the walk-up situation is a bit of a drag but for someone, it'll be well worth the effort. The elegant home features some of our favorite details, like picture frame moldings in the living room and a restored tin ceiling in the kitchen.
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Distinctive Homes

Luxury senior housing set to open in Brooklyn Heights’ former Leverich Towers Hotel

Photo courtesy of Watermark at Brooklyn Heights

February 4, 2020

Luxury senior housing set to open in Brooklyn Heights’ former Leverich Towers Hotel

A luxury senior housing community is coming to Brooklyn Heights at 21 Clark Street. Built in 1928 as the Leverich Towers Hotel (famous for hosting the Brooklyn Dodgers when they were in town for home games), the 16-story building was bought by the Jehovah's Witnesses in 1975 and used as a residence hall for about 1,000 local volunteers. The current project is being co-developed by Watermark Retirement Communities and Kayne Anderson Real Estate, who bought the building from the Witnesses for $200 million in 2017 and poured an additional $130 million into renovations across the 310,000 square-foot property. The revamped residences are on schedule to open in March with units starting at $10,000 a month, according to Commercial Observer.
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New Developments

January 28, 2020

Michelle Williams and Tommy Kail just bought a Brooklyn Heights townhouse for $10.8M

Actress Michelle Williams and her fiancé, theater and film director Tommy Kail (he directed the Broadway hit "Hamilton"), have just purchased a townhouse in historic Brooklyn Heights, the Wall Street Journal reports. The $10.8 million the pair reportedly paid for the 3,000-square-foot house, built in the 1820s, makes it one of the neighborhood's most expensive sales.
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Watchtower-replacing Welcome sign unveiled in Brooklyn Heights

All photos by Will Femia

November 25, 2019

Watchtower-replacing Welcome sign unveiled in Brooklyn Heights

Last month, Columbia Heights Associates unveiled renderings for a new "Welcome" sign that would replace the iconic "Watchtower" sign atop the building at 25-30 Columbia Heights in Downtown Brooklyn. The Jehovah’s Witnesses had operated their world headquarters here since 1969 but sold the building complex for $340 million in 2016. The new owners are transforming the site into Panorama, a five-building office complex that will also have retail and outdoor space. Their new sign is reminiscent of its predecessor, with 15-foot-tall bright red letters. This Wednesday, it will be officially lit on the 50th anniversary of the first lighting of the "Watchtower" sign.
But it might not be there for long

Uncategorized

Stunning 1845 Brooklyn Heights townhouse transformed by The Brooklyn Home Company asks $14.5M

Listing images courtesy of Lindsay Barton Barrett/Douglas Elliman

October 29, 2019

Stunning 1845 Brooklyn Heights townhouse transformed by The Brooklyn Home Company asks $14.5M

Recently renovated by The Brooklyn Home Company, this 1845 Greek Revival townhouse in the Brooklyn Heights Historic District strikes a beautiful balance between historic details and modern design. The 8,250-square-foot residence at 81 Pierrepont Street is filled with ornate millwork, organic finishes, and lots of natural light. The turnkey property is seeking $14.5 million, making it one of the most expensive properties currently on the market in Brooklyn.
Take a look around

Distinctive Homes

Images courtesy of The Corcoran Group.

October 28, 2019

Ample outdoor space and cozy pre-war interiors at this $949K Brooklyn Heights co-op

The intimate residential charm of the 19th-century Federal townhouse at 30 Remsen Street is immediately apparent even in the Brooklyn Heights neighborhood of picturesque row houses, starting with water views from the front stoop. This one-bedroom home, on the market for $949,000, has two choices in covetable Brooklyn outdoor space: a private back yard garden and a 55-foot mini-forest for residents of the nine-unit co-op building.
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Distinctive Homes

‘Welcome’ sign will soon replace the iconic Watchtower sign in Brooklyn Heights

Rendering courtesy of Columbia Heights Associates

October 24, 2019

‘Welcome’ sign will soon replace the iconic Watchtower sign in Brooklyn Heights

The Brooklyn skyline will soon get a new sign to replace the iconic ‘Watchtower’ one that was put in place by the Jehovah’s Witnesses in 1970 and removed in 2017. The 15-foot-tall red sign crowned the building at 25-30 Columbia Heights for nearly five decades while the Jehovah’s Witnesses owned the campus, which served as their headquarters. The new sign will read ‘Welcome’ in similar red lettering and will be installed before the end of the month, as first reported by the New York Post.
More details

Uncategorized

Image credit: VHT, courtesy of The Corcoran Group

October 8, 2019

This $765K Brooklyn Heights co-op may be narrow, but a private garden offers the great outdoors

Image credit: VHT, courtesy of The Corcoran Group Steps from the Promenade and Brooklyn Bridge Park in Brooklyn Heights, this one-bedroom co-op at 73 Columbia Heights, asking $765,000, doesn't transcend the average New York City shoebox. But a magical 335-square-foot private garden just out back is an urban outdoor space with room to roam.
Check out the private garden getaway

Distinctive Homes

Architect-transformed triplex in Brooklyn Heights’ landmarked Eagle Warehouse seeks $2.1M

Listing images by VHT; courtesy of The Corcoran Group

October 3, 2019

Architect-transformed triplex in Brooklyn Heights’ landmarked Eagle Warehouse seeks $2.1M

A co-op in Brooklyn Heights’ iconic Eagle Warehouse & Storage Company at 28 Fulton Street—described by CityRealty as “one of the city’s great Romanesque-style landmarks”—is now available for just under $2.1 million. With a private street entrance, the residence is technically a maisonette spanning over three levels. Inside, the architect owners have added their touches to an already character-rich space.
Take a peek inside

Distinctive Homes

October 1, 2019

This heavenly Brooklyn Heights duplex in an 1850 Gothic church asks $1.95M

Real estate is almost on a par with religion for many New Yorkers, and this $1.95 million co-op in a 1850 Gothic church at 99A Clinton Street in the heart of Brooklyn Heights could be the answer to your prayers. The stunning stone church was converted to a 10-unit co-op in the 1970s.
Become a believer

Distinctive Homes

September 18, 2019

Sublime interiors and two terraces make this $1.9M Brooklyn Heights brownstone duplex extraordinary

Asking $1.895 million, this circa 1844 brownstone duplex at 44 Remsen Street sits on one of the most sought after blocks in Brooklyn Heights. Situated on two floors of what was once a single-family home, the co-op's crown jewel is also what may have been the original home's grandest room: A 15-foot-by-20-foot great room is framed by a 12-foot-high coffered ceiling, paneled walls, intricately detailed oak trim and a southern elliptical wall featuring stained glass windows that depict the four seasons.
More brownstone beauty, this way

Distinctive Homes

September 13, 2019

$18M Brooklyn Heights townhouse is the borough’s most expensive listing

Brooklyn Heights is an expensive neighborhood to be sure, but the five-story townhouse at 88 Remsen Street, asking $18 million, takes the top spot for the entire borough, where the most expensive sale to date was around $15.5 million (h/t Curbed). For that price, you're certainly getting your money's worth. The five-story home offers a separate apartment on the ground floor, with an owners' quadraplex above, complete with decks and harbor views. The historic home has lots of restored original details. But the most unique part of this pricey property is the carriage house that's included in the sale; across a quiet alley, this quaint structure is thoroughly renovated and includes a garage, a full kitchen, and a skylit recreation room.
Tour this Brooklyn Heights compound

Distinctive Homes

$3.25M Brooklyn Heights loft mixes historic bones with surfer-chic style

Photo credit: Donna Dotan Photography courtesy of Compass.

September 12, 2019

$3.25M Brooklyn Heights loft mixes historic bones with surfer-chic style

Asking $3.25 million, this authentic landmarked loft at 8 Old Fulton Street is also a well-kept two-bedroom co-op in coveted Brooklyn Heights. Along with historic loft bones it offers stunning Brooklyn and Manhattan views and gorgeous renovated interiors in a pre-Civil War building.
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Distinctive Homes

Waterfront dining options arrive at the ONE°15 marina in Brooklyn Bridge Park

All images courtesy of ONE°15 Brooklyn Marina

July 23, 2019

Waterfront dining options arrive at the ONE°15 marina in Brooklyn Bridge Park

All images courtesy of ONE°15 Brooklyn Marina Just as the summer months are hitting their stride, two food options have arrived at Brooklyn Heights’ ONE°15 Marina in Brooklyn Bridge Park: a waterfront bistro called Estuary and a more casual cafe called Ebb & Flow. With James Beard Award-winning chef Francois Payard as Culinary Director at both locations, the emphasis is on simple dishes highlighting seasonal, local produce, seafood, and meat. Payard is joined by Executive Chef Danny Brown, who earned a Michelin star for his own Danny Brown Wine Bar & Kitchen in Queens.
More info

Food & Dining

LPC approves Bjarke Ingels’ plan for a rooftop addition at a Brooklyn Heights landmark

Rendering via LPC

July 18, 2019

LPC approves Bjarke Ingels’ plan for a rooftop addition at a Brooklyn Heights landmark

By Devin Gannon

The Landmarks Preservation Commission on Tuesday approved plans from starchitect Bjarke Ingels to build a rooftop addition at a landmarked building in Brooklyn Heights. As part of a penthouse renovation of the 29th and 30th floors of the St. George Tower at 111 Hicks Street, Ingels would construct a fake water tower to hold a new elevator shaft, raise the roof deck, and add a pool. As first reported by Brownstoner, the Danish architect, whose firm is known for New York City projects like The Eleventh and the Spiral, presented his plan to the commission as a personal project. "I have a massive self-interest because I hope to make it my home," he said.
See the plans

Listing photos courtesy of Douglas Elliman

July 1, 2019

Brooklyn Heights’ third-oldest house, with a gut renovation, is asking $10M

This wood frame house at 59 Middagh Street, which, according to the current listing, is considered third oldest home in Brooklyn Heights, was built in 1832 for a New York University professor. The 6,300-square-foot home certainly appears quaint–if unremarkable–on the outside. And while it's a spacious 28 feet wide, the home's interiors have been completely reconstructed with a high-end builder-grade renovation, giving it every contemporary luxury–including an elevator, a wet bar, a sauna and a gym–and all of the historic charm of a suburban McMansion. The six-bedroom, single-family home's last recorded sale was for $3 million in 2014. It's been on the market for nearly a year, first asking $11.5 million. After a broker switch and a price chop, the house is asking a still-ambitious $10 million.
Have a look inside

Distinctive Homes

June 11, 2019

$340K Prospect Heights studio fits plenty of style and storage into its 300 square feet

At only 300 square feet, this Prospect Heights studio is very small, but its thoughtful design doesn’t miss a thing. The co-op at 400 Lincoln Place last sold in 2012 for only $85,000 and has been almost entirely reimagined since then. A custom built-in Murphy bed, storage solutions throughout, and a sleek stainless kitchen earn its $339,000 price tag.
Take a look inside

Distinctive Homes

May 30, 2019

This $6.5M Brooklyn Heights carriage house has modern interiors, a basement studio and a garage

On a perfect narrow Heights mews lined with similar houses, this turn-of-the-century carriage house at 4 Hunts Lane is in mint condition, including a garage for your carriage (or car). Inside, bright white walls and mid-century modern design join maximum comfort in a mint-condition renovation designed with an eye towards maximum comfort, light and privacy. The home is currently configured as a three-bedroom home with a large artist’s studio/guest space in the cellar. Asking $6.5 million, this little carriage house has a lot more going on than the average "condo alternative," starting with private parking.
Take the tour

Distinctive Homes

Listing photos by Russ Ross, courtesy of Corcoran

May 29, 2019

Asking $1.5M, this bright three-bedroom co-op in Brooklyn Heights overlooks an enchanting courtyard