Brooklyn

The New York City Council on Tuesday voted to approve rezonings Innovation QNS in Astoria and Innovative Urban Village in East New York, two mixed-use districts that will create more than 5,000 units of housing, with 65 percent of them designated affordable. Over 34 percent, or 1,900 of the new housing units, will be deeply affordable for extremely or very low-income households.
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Park Slope’s Lesbian Herstory Archives becomes first official LGBTQ+ landmark in Brooklyn

Street view of the Lesbian Herstory Archives at 484 14th Street in Park Slope; © Google Maps

November 22, 2022

Park Slope’s Lesbian Herstory Archives becomes first official LGBTQ+ landmark in Brooklyn

A row house in Brooklyn that is home to the country's oldest and largest collection of lesbian-related historic material is New York City's newest landmark. The Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) on Tuesday voted to designate the Lesbian Herstory Archives building as an individual landmark, the first in Brooklyn designated for its connection to the LGBTQ+ community.
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On a quaint cul-de-sac in Brooklyn Heights, this $14.9M townhouse doubles as an art gallery

Photos courtesy of Michael Weinstein/ Brown Harris Stevens

November 22, 2022

On a quaint cul-de-sac in Brooklyn Heights, this $14.9M townhouse doubles as an art gallery

With special windows to protect the art from sun damage and lighting fit for a museum, this Brooklyn Heights townhouse doubles as a gallery. Located on a historic mews block at 12 College Place, the brick home also has a drive-in garage, a fully furnished basement, and over 1,000 square feet of outdoor space. Asking for $14,975,000, the property is one of the priciest listings currently on the market in the borough, as first reported by the Wall Street Journal.
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Distinctive Homes

Two major projects that would bring 3,200+ affordable homes to Brooklyn and Queens get key approval

Rendering of the proposed Innovation QNS district. Image courtesy of VERO Digital

November 18, 2022

Two major projects that would bring 3,200+ affordable homes to Brooklyn and Queens get key approval

Two major housing developments proposed for Brooklyn and Queens are moving forward. The New York City Council Committee on Zoning and Franchises on Thursday voted to approve rezonings Innovation QNS and Innovative Urban Village, which together would create more than 5,000 units of housing, 3,200 of which would be affordable. The two developments also include over 1,600 apartments for extremely or very low-income households.
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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

New York City’s latest food hall opens in Williamsburg

All images courtesy of Lexi Lambros

November 16, 2022

New York City’s latest food hall opens in Williamsburg

New York City's growing list of food halls just got longer. The Williamsburg Market, located at 103 North Third Street, officially opened its doors last week. The 15,000-square-foot space features 17 well-known and upcoming vendors and craft cocktails in an industrial loft space. Designed by Ogawa Depardon Architects, the hall boasts a 360-degree bar, a cozy dining room, and kiosks for each vendor.
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Food & Dining

Quirky converted warehouse loft in East Williamsburg hits rental market for record $35K/month

Photo credit: Rachel Kuzma/REPN for Corcoran

November 11, 2022

Quirky converted warehouse loft in East Williamsburg hits rental market for record $35K/month

A quirky converted warehouse loft in East Williamsburg has hit the rental market for $35,000/month, a new record for the neighborhood. Since 2018, the property has been home to Casa Powers, a bohemian-chic community event venue created by brother and sister duo Sydney and Cole Blumstein, who are real estate agents with Corcoran. Located at 139 Powers Street, the home--which measures over 4,200 square feet, boasts 15-foot ceilings, and has several skylights--comes rented with all its funky furnishings.
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NYC is considering making Brooklyn’s Grand Army Plaza car-free

Photo courtesy of Jordan Rathkopf/ Prospect Park Alliance

November 11, 2022

NYC is considering making Brooklyn’s Grand Army Plaza car-free

Brooklyn's Grand Army Plaza may become the city's next car-free space. As first reported by Gothamist, the city's Department of Transportation (DOT) is considering connecting the Prospect Heights plaza to the Open Streets program on Vanderbilt and Underhill Avenues. The plaza, anchored by its ornate Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch and the official entrance to Prospect Park, has long been the target of safe street activists due to its vehicle traffic and poor sidewalk conditions.
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Apply for 77 mixed-income units in East Williamsburg, from $770/month

Image courtesy of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development

November 10, 2022

Apply for 77 mixed-income units in East Williamsburg, from $770/month

Applications are now being accepted for 77 mixed-income units at a new development in Brooklyn. Located at 269 Wallabout Street in East Williamsburg, the eight-story mixed-use building contains 58 modern apartments. New Yorkers earning 40, 60, and 115 percent of the area median income, or between $29,760 for a single person and $202,515 for a household of nine people, can apply for the apartments, priced from $770/month one-bedroom units to $3,250/month four-bedrooms.
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Affordable Housing

$2.9M Clinton Hill brownstone is a first-rate example of 19th-century design

Photos courtesy of The Corcoran Group

November 9, 2022

$2.9M Clinton Hill brownstone is a first-rate example of 19th-century design

This four-story Brooklyn brownstone is a treasure trove of 19th-century architecture, both inside and out. From its triple-arched windows and brickwork to the wainscoting and intricate woodwork, the home at 206 Saint James Place rightfully sits within the Clinton Hill Historic District. Asking $2,985,000, the row house features four bedrooms, four baths, a garden apartment with a private entrance, and a deck and backyard surrounded by trees.
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Distinctive Homes

199 affordable apartments available at new Bed-Stuy rental, from $375/month

Rendering courtesy of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development

November 4, 2022

199 affordable apartments available at new Bed-Stuy rental, from $375/month

A housing lottery opened this week for 199 affordable units at a new housing project in Brooklyn. Located at 1921 Atlantic Avenue in Bed-Stuy, the 14-story mixed-use building has 236 total units, several community facilities, and a ground-floor grocery floor. New Yorkers earning 30, 50, 70, and 80 percent of the area median income, or between $16,218 for a single person and $132,400 for a household of seven people, are eligible to apply for the apartments which range from $375/month studios to $2,501/month three bedrooms.
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Affordable Housing

Jehovah’s Witnesses hotel-turned-affordable housing complex opens in Dumbo

Photo of 90 Sands Street from Brooklyn Bridge; Courtesy of Breaking Ground

November 3, 2022

Jehovah’s Witnesses hotel-turned-affordable housing complex opens in Dumbo

Breaking Ground on Thursday opened 90 Sands Street, a former Jehovah's Witnesses hotel in Dumbo that has been converted into 491 affordable and supportive apartments. Renovated by Beyer Blinder Belle Architects, the 30-story building will offer onsite social services to residents provided by the Center for Urban Community Services (CUCS).
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Affordable Housing

Image via WikiCommons

November 2, 2022

Brooklyn Council Member hopes to plant 3,400 trees in his district, and wants neighbors to chip in

Brooklyn residents should expect to see a lot more greenery over the next couple of years. Council Member Lincoln Restler on Wednesday announced a plan to plant 3,400 trees in vacant street tree pits across District 33 in an effort to max out the district's street tree capacity. The city's Parks Department has committed to planting 2,200 trees over the next four years, with Restler's office calling upon the community to help fund the planting of an additional 1,200 trees.
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City Living

Bushwick block with diverse 19th-century architectural styles may be landmarked

Streetview of 25-29 Linden Street © Google 2022

November 1, 2022

Bushwick block with diverse 19th-century architectural styles may be landmarked

A collection of rowhouses representing a variety of distinct architectural styles in Brooklyn may become the city's next historic district. The Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) on Tuesday voted to calendar the Linden Street Historic District, which consists of a group of 32 intact brick and brownstone row houses in Bushwick. Located on Linden Street between Broadway and Bushwick Avenue, the rowhouses are designed in varying late-19th-century architectural styles that give them a distinct look and strong sense of place, according to the commission.
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Policy

Photo by Rich Kaplan

October 31, 2022

This $3.5M new-construction Red Hook townhouse has a pool, a driveway, and a huge rooftop terrace

This 10-room home at 115a King Street in the charming Brooklyn waterfront enclave of Red Hook has townhouse proportions and the turnkey elements offered by new construction. Asking $3,499,000, the four-bedroom, 2,722-square-foot townhouse has a few features rarely found in any New York City home, including a private pool, a driveway, and a massive roof terrace with an outdoor cinema.
Backyard pool parties, this way

Distinctive Homes

Apply for 41 mixed-income units at new Clinton Hill rental, from $1,119/month

All photos courtesy of MNS

October 24, 2022

Apply for 41 mixed-income units at new Clinton Hill rental, from $1,119/month

A housing lottery opened this week for 41 mixed-income units at a new development in Clinton Hill. Located at 540 Waverly Avenue, the nine-story rental offers tenants brand-new luxury units and a wide variety of amenities. New Yorkers earning 80 and 130 percent of the area median income, or between $41,315 for a single person and $187,330 for a household of five, can apply for the apartments which range from $1,119/month studios to $3,344/month two bedrooms.
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Affordable Housing

For $3M, a two-bedroom Cobble Hill condo with a private roof deck and room to expand

Photo credit: Shannon Dupree/DDREPs for The Corcoran Group

October 20, 2022

For $3M, a two-bedroom Cobble Hill condo with a private roof deck and room to expand

This move-in-ready Cobble Hill condominium at 173 Amity Street, asking $2,995,000, offers the rare perks of private outdoor space, skyline views, and flexibility (if you're willing to do a bit of work). On the top floor of a historic limestone townhouse on a picturesque Brooklyn block, this 1,510-square-foot light-filled home offers three exposures, a 500-square-foot roof terrace, and central AC. Currently configured with two bedrooms and two bathrooms plus a home office and dining room, the unit could easily gain a third bedroom if needed.
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Brooklyn Heights modernist landmark Merz house is back on the market for $5.85M after total renovation

Photo credit: REPN/Rachel Kuzma & Kellen Houde for The Corcoran Group

October 17, 2022

Brooklyn Heights modernist landmark Merz house is back on the market for $5.85M after total renovation

The modernist townhouse at 44 Willow Place in Brooklyn Heights is a New York City icon. Designed by renowned architects Joseph and Mary Merz in 1965, it is one of a trio of distinctive townhouses on a secluded historic Brooklyn Heights street known by locals as Willowtown. A true trophy home for lovers of modernism, the property was recently given a gut renovation while preserving its landmarked facade. Within the 3,036-square-foot house are three bedrooms, a 21st-century kitchen, artfully-designed living, dining and home office spaces, and a private garage. The reimagined home is asking $5,850,000.
Tour this updated modernist masterpiece

Distinctive Homes

Two-way bike lane opens on Downtown Brooklyn’s chaotic Schermerhorn Street

Photo © NYC DOT

October 13, 2022

Two-way bike lane opens on Downtown Brooklyn’s chaotic Schermerhorn Street

One of Brooklyn's busiest and most dangerous streets became safer this week. The city's Department of Transportation on Wednesday unveiled the Schermerhorn Street redesign, which includes a two-way protected bike lane, one-way vehicle traffic, and new pedestrian space. The street is an essential east-west route that connects cyclists to and from the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges.
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$3.5M triplex in a converted Cobble Hill church features original steeple

Images courtesy of Douglas Elliman

October 13, 2022

$3.5M triplex in a converted Cobble Hill church features original steeple

A triplex apartment found inside a historic Brooklyn church has hit the market. The unique apartment is within the adaptive reuse development The Arches at Cobble Hill, which transformed the former St. Peter's Church into condominiums in 2005. Now on the market asking $3,495,000 is a four-bedroom that boasts original details, like stained glass windows, wood beams, and the church's steeple.
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Distinctive Homes

Famed comedy club Second City to open first NYC location in Williamsburg

The Second City in Chicago; Photo via Wikimedia

October 11, 2022

Famed comedy club Second City to open first NYC location in Williamsburg

A famed Chicago comedy institution is set to open an outpost in New York City for the first time. The Second City, a 63-year comedy and improv enterprise that has kickstarted the careers of many celebrities, announced it will open in Williamsburg, Brooklyn next summer.
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Uncategorized

Apply for 37 mixed-income apartments at a new Williamsburg rental, from $1,576/month

Rendering courtesy of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development

October 10, 2022

Apply for 37 mixed-income apartments at a new Williamsburg rental, from $1,576/month

On the site of a former bank and large parking lot, a new 123-unit rental is rising in Williamsburg. Located at 416 Metropolitan Avenue, the eight-story building opened an affordable housing lottery this week for 37 mixed-income apartments. Qualifying New Yorkers earning 80 and 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the apartments, ranging from $1,576/month for studios to $3,733/month for two-bedroom units.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

10 things you didn’t know about Green-Wood Cemetery

Photo by Eden, Janine and Jim on Flickr

October 6, 2022

10 things you didn’t know about Green-Wood Cemetery

By Lucie Levine

What do Jean-Michel Basquiat, F.A.O Schwarz, Horace Greeley, Samuel Morse, Louis Comfort Tiffany, Boss Tweed, Peter Cooper, Leonard Bernstein, and Susan Smith McKinney-Steward have in common? All these notable New Yorkers are spending eternity in Brooklyn, specifically Green-Wood Cemetery, the stunning 478-acre "rural cemetery" that’s home to 560,000 “permanent residents” (and about as many truly spectacular mausoleums.) Since the best secrets are the ones you take to the grave, come dig up the dirt on Green-Wood, and read on for 10 things you didn’t know about Brooklyn’s most sensational cemetery.
Take it to the grave!

History

Brooklyn art installation turns old emergency call boxes into memorials for victims of police brutality

All photos courtesy of Bradley McCallum

October 4, 2022

Brooklyn art installation turns old emergency call boxes into memorials for victims of police brutality

A new public art installation in Downtown Brooklyn aims to bring attention to the fight against racism, violence, and the abuse of power within the criminal justice system. Created by artist Bradley McCallum, Witnessing transforms emergency call boxes once found on city sidewalks into memorials for victims and survivors of police brutality. McCallum's work will be on display in The Plaza at 300 Ashland through January 2023.
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Events & Things To Do

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

Take a virtual tour of Bed-Stuy’s turn-of-the-century brownstones

Photo courtesy of The Brownstoners of Bedford-Stuyvesant

September 29, 2022

Take a virtual tour of Bed-Stuy’s turn-of-the-century brownstones