Brooklyn

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.
Take the tour

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.
FIND OUT IF YOU QUALIFY

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.
Find out if you qualify

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.
Take the tour

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.
Get the details

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

The Brownstoners of Bedford-Stuyvesant is once again inviting architecture lovers and design buffs on a virtual tour of the neighborhood's most remarkable brownstones. Returning for its 44th year with the theme "Preserving Our Legacy, While Embracing Our Future," the house tour will be available starting on October 15, with ticket holders able to view the video until November 27. While it once was an in-person experience, the event has been held virtually since 2020 because of the pandemic.
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For $930K, this compact Greenpoint condo gets a lift from 14-foot ceilings, a loft, and a private terrace

Photo credit: Yoko Tsukasa of VHT for The Corcoran Group

September 29, 2022

For $930K, this compact Greenpoint condo gets a lift from 14-foot ceilings, a loft, and a private terrace

Just a few blocks from the Greenpoint waterfront–one of New York City's fastest-growing residential development areas–this two-level, one-bedroom condo at 182 Huron Street, asking $930,000, sits at a crossroads of old and new. South-facing light floods the home from wall-height windows, and 14-foot ceilings give the space a loft vibe. A sunny balcony overlooks the courtyards below.
Have a look around, and up and down

Futuristic trio of townhouses in Williamsburg hits the market for $6M each

All photos courtesy of Shannon Dupre of DDReps

September 28, 2022

Futuristic trio of townhouses in Williamsburg hits the market for $6M each

Three curvy townhouse-style condos in Williamsburg hit the market this week. Designed by Murat Mutlu, the principal of the International Office of Architects (INOA) and former protégé of the late, legendary architect Zaha Hadid, 74-76 South Second Street is a trio of architecturally unique four-bedroom homes, measuring 3,800 square feet and situated behind a modern facade of concrete and steel. The unique homes, listed for $5,995,000 each, are topped with an entertaining-ready roof deck and an outdoor kitchen.
See inside

An immersive art exhibit honoring Frida Kahlo is opening in Brooklyn

Images of the immersive Frida Kahlo exhibit in Barcelona, courtesy of the Frida Kahlo Corporation

September 27, 2022

An immersive art exhibit honoring Frida Kahlo is opening in Brooklyn

An immersive experience honoring one of modern art's most influential figures is coming to Brooklyn. Located within the Immersive Pavilion at 261 Water Street in Dumbo, Frida Kahlo, The Immersive Biography will transport guests into the life and work of the inspiring Mexican artist through a series of virtual reality experiences and "transformational spaces," according to a press release. Tickets can now be purchased for the experience, which officially debuts on October 27.
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Events & Things To Do

Brooklyn Nets’ Ben Simmons in contract for $13M pad at Olympia Dumbo

All renderings courtesy of Marchmade

September 26, 2022

Brooklyn Nets’ Ben Simmons in contract for $13M pad at Olympia Dumbo

Brooklyn Nets point guard Ben Simmons is moving closer to the Barclays Center. The basketball star has entered contract for a combined two-unit apartment at Olympia Dumbo, a new 33-story residential development next to the Brooklyn Bridge. The apartment was listed for $13 million, as the New York Post reported, but the purchase price won't be known until Simmons closes. While the Australian-born NBA star did not play in a single Nets game last season due to an injury, his new home in Dumbo is less than 15 minutes away from the team's home court.
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Bask, bathe, and BBQ in the backyard of this $5.5M Carroll Gardens duplex condo, parking included

Photo credit: Nikola Strbac

September 22, 2022

Bask, bathe, and BBQ in the backyard of this $5.5M Carroll Gardens duplex condo, parking included

Who needs the suburbs when you can park two cars in the garage and invite the whole gang over for a backyard bash with an outdoor kitchen, hot tub, and shower, plus dining and napping space? When the weather cools, there are two levels of indoor space with three bedrooms and a family-friendly layout. Though it feels like two floors of a townhouse, this Carroll Gardens home at 291 Union Street, asking $5,495,000, has condo amenities, too.
Outdoor living in the city, this way

A new Japanese market offering a taste of Tokyo opens in Greenpoint

All photos courtesy of GION

September 21, 2022

A new Japanese market offering a taste of Tokyo opens in Greenpoint

A new Japanese marketplace connecting New Yorkers to the trendiest Tokyo brands opened in Brooklyn last week. Located on Norman Avenue in Greenpoint, 50 Norman is made up of three separate stores, Dashi Okume, Cibone, and House Brooklyn, all making their New York City debut. Japanese architect Jo Nagasaka designed the 3,500-square-foot space to capture the authentic essence of Japan in New York City, with the use of reclaimed wood from a demolished house in Kyoto.
Details this way

This $995K parlor floor home is a slice of Park Slope brownstone living at a co-op price

Photo credit: Russ Ross for The Corcoran Group

September 15, 2022

This $995K parlor floor home is a slice of Park Slope brownstone living at a co-op price