Brooklyn

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

December 8, 2021

Trader Joe’s new Williamsburg store opens this week

By Devin Gannon

Brooklynites, rejoice: Trader Joe's third location in the borough is opening this week. Bright and early on Friday, December 10, the grocery store will open at 200 Kent Avenue in Williamsburg. Kicking off at 8 a.m., the grand opening celebration includes live music and a reusable bag giveaway.
Learn more

Uncategorized

119th annual polar bear plunge is back in Coney Island this New Year’s Day

Photo by Kim on Flickr

December 1, 2021

119th annual polar bear plunge is back in Coney Island this New Year’s Day

By Devin Gannon

One of New York City's oldest traditions may also be its coldest. The 119th annual New Year's Day polar bear plunge returns to Coney Island on January 1 for the first time since New Year's Day 2020. Hosted by the Coney Island Polar Bear Club, the oldest winter bathing club in the United States, the event draws thousands of New Yorkers brave enough to jump in the Atlantic Ocean during the winter.
Get the details

Events & Things To Do

For just under $700K, a cute Clinton Hill co-op designed by prolific NYC architect

All photos by Ben Fitchett

November 30, 2021

For just under $700K, a cute Clinton Hill co-op designed by prolific NYC architect

By Devin Gannon

The late architect Wallace Harrison had a major role in developing some of New York City's most iconic structures, including Rockefeller Center, the United Nations, and Lincoln Center. Harrison, who was a close friend to Nelson Rockefeller, also designed the Clinton Hill Co-ops, a 12-building complex spread across two campuses in Clinton Hill. A charming and sunny junior two-bedroom at the historic complex is now available for $699,000.
See inside

Distinctive Homes

This luxury-filled $15M Brooklyn Heights townhouse has passive house tech behind its historic grandeur

Photo credit: Evan Joseph for The Corcoran Group

November 30, 2021

This luxury-filled $15M Brooklyn Heights townhouse has passive house tech behind its historic grandeur

By Michelle Cohen

This 7,040 square foot townhouse at 37 Sidney Place in the postcard-pretty Brooklyn Heights Historic District spans six stories of living space–all accessed by a bronze-mirrored elevator. From the gym and sauna in the basement to the top-floor treehouse room, there are six bedrooms, nine baths, a landscaped garden, and two terraces. Asking $14,950,000, the Greek Revival-style home was built in 1846. A complete renovation by Baxt Ingui Architects has added every modern luxury and a sustainable future: The house is under review for passive house certification.
Hop on the elevator for a six-floor tour

Distinctive Homes

NYC plans to replace Coney Island boardwalk with sustainable plastic decking

Photo via Shinya Suzuki’s Flickr

November 29, 2021

NYC plans to replace Coney Island boardwalk with sustainable plastic decking

By Michelle Cohen

The New York City Parks Department announced this month $114.5 million in funding will be used to kick off the reconstruction of Coney Island's landmarked Riegelmann Boardwalk in the first such overhaul since the wooden walkway was built in the 1920s. But not everyone is on board with the reconstruction, which involves replacing the length of the hardwood boardwalk with recycled plastic decking as part of a sustainability plan. Some residents feel the synthetic material is a poor choice for the waterfront icon.
Find out more about the proposed new boardwalk

Uncategorized

NYC Council approves sweeping Gowanus rezoning

Photo by bobistraveling on Flickr

November 24, 2021

NYC Council approves sweeping Gowanus rezoning

By Devin Gannon

The New York City Council on Tuesday approved the biggest rezoning of Mayor Bill de Blasio's administration just weeks before his term ends. In a near-unanimous vote, the Council approved plans to upzone 82 blocks of Gowanus, a former industrial hub turned affluent residential neighborhood. As the first rezoning of de Blasio's administration in a predominantly white and wealthy neighborhood, the decision could pave the way for upzoning in similar communities, including the proposal to rezone Soho and Noho, scheduled for a vote next month.
Find out more

Policy

Lottery opens for 24 income-restricted condos in Bed-Stuy, available to buy from $204K

Rendering courtesy of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development

November 19, 2021

Lottery opens for 24 income-restricted condos in Bed-Stuy, available to buy from $204K

By Devin Gannon

Applications are now being accepted for 24 income-restricted condos available for purchase in Bed-Stuy. Located at 948 Myrtle Avenue, the apartments are open to New Yorkers earning 60 or 80 percent of the area median income, ranging from a single person with an income of between $37,500 and $50,160 and a five-person household with an income up to $103,120. Available as part of the city's Inclusionary Housing Program, the units include a mix of studio, one-, and two-bedroom homes, listed for between $203,682 and $355,811.
Find out if you qualify

Photo: FAD Holiday Market

November 18, 2021

The 15 best NYC holiday markets of 2021

By Michelle Cohen

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

See inside the condo-quality residences at Downtown Brooklyn’s newest rental

Photos by Nicholas Calcott unless otherwise noted

November 16, 2021

See inside the condo-quality residences at Downtown Brooklyn’s newest rental

By Devin Gannon

About six months after developers of One Boerum Place pivoted from condominiums to high-end rentals, new images were released this month that show off the condo-quality interiors. Developed by Avery Hall with SLCE as the architect of record, One Boerum Place rises 22 stories, contains 138 total rentals, and boasts a luxury amenity package. 6sqft got an exclusive first look at the tower's model unit, a $15,000/month four-bedroom designed by Gachot Studios and decked out by Brooklyn-based Cl-oth.
Find out more

For $1.25M this Flatbush pre-war co-op has a livable loft layout with custom storage and treetop views

Photo courtesy of Alex Staniloff at Greenehouse NYC

November 16, 2021

For $1.25M this Flatbush pre-war co-op has a livable loft layout with custom storage and treetop views

By Michelle Cohen

Located in the pre-war co-op complex known as Berkeley Square at 1701 Albemarle Road in Brooklyn's Flatbush neighborhood near Prospect Park, this pristinely renovated three-bedroom, two-bath apartment offers more than just living space for $1,250,000. With a loft-like layout, this three-bedroom home is also a corner unit with three exposures and treetop views, in an Art Deco building with gracious amenities like full-time door staff and access to dedicated parking.
Details this way

Distinctive Homes

94 middle-income units available at 27-story rental at Brooklyn’s Pacific Park, from $1,547/month

Renderings of Plank Road by VMI rendering for IF Studio

November 15, 2021

94 middle-income units available at 27-story rental at Brooklyn’s Pacific Park, from $1,547/month

By Devin Gannon

A new rental tower at the Brooklyn mega-development Pacific Park has opened applications for 94 middle-income apartments. Located at 662 Pacific Street, Plank Road is a 27-story residential building in Prospect Heights, with a total of 312 rental units and a public middle school at its base. New Yorkers earning 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the available studio, one-, and two-bedroom units, priced between $1,547/month and $3,219/month.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

First look at all of Brooklyn Point’s resort-like amenity spaces

All photos by Evan Joseph unless otherwise noted

November 12, 2021

First look at all of Brooklyn Point’s resort-like amenity spaces

By Devin Gannon

Earlier this year, the 68-story condo tower Brooklyn Point unveiled its rooftop infinity pool, the highest in the Western Hemisphere. This week images showing off all of the building's luxury amenity spaces were released for the first time, providing a peek at 40,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor perks for residents. In addition to a host of health and wellness and entertainment amenities, Brooklyn Point also has a 9th floor landscaped terrace with dining areas and a fire pit, in addition to the record-breaking rooftop retreat.
See more here

Gowanus rezoning deal reached, with affordable housing and sewer upgrades on board

Photo by Danny Navarro / Flickr cc

November 11, 2021

Gowanus rezoning deal reached, with affordable housing and sewer upgrades on board

By Michelle Cohen

Mayor Bill de Blasio’s ambitious plan for the rezoning of Brooklyn's formerly industrial Gowanus neighborhood was finally approved by the city's Land Use Committee on Wednesday, after a decade of debate and drama. As Gothamist reports, the rezoning plan, the current administration's largest, was given the green light after Council Members Brad Lander and Stephen Levin, the borough's Community Board 6, and members of the Gowanus Neighborhood Coalition for Justice reached a deal with City Hall that includes more investment in public housing and sewer infrastructure.
Find out more about what's ahead for Gowanus

Apply for 49 affordable apartments above a new library in Sunset Park, from $524/month

Rendering courtesy of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development

November 11, 2021

Apply for 49 affordable apartments above a new library in Sunset Park, from $524/month

By Devin Gannon

If you have ever dreamed of living in one of New York City's libraries like the live-in branch superintendents of the last century, here's a chance to reside above one. A housing lottery opened this week for 49 affordable apartments in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. Located at 372 51st Street, the newly constructed mixed-use building includes a newly expanded Brooklyn Public Library branch. New Yorkers earning 40, 50, 60, and 80 percent of the area median income can apply for the units, ranging from $524/month studios to $2,096/month three-bedrooms.
How to apply

Affordable Housing

19th-century Brooklyn Heights brownstone with professional work-from-home space asks $5.5M

Photos: Allyson Lubow Photography for The Corcoran Group

November 10, 2021

19th-century Brooklyn Heights brownstone with professional work-from-home space asks $5.5M

By Devin Gannon

At this brownstone in Brooklyn Heights, a garden-level office could transform into a professional work-from-home space. Constructed in 1848, the four-story home at 159 Clinton Street contains five bedrooms, a private backyard, and a former doctor's office. With a separate entrance and flexible floorplan, the garden level could easily become the home office of your remote work dreams. The home is on the market for $5,500,000.
See inside

Distinctive Homes

A Brooklyn edition of Monopoly is now available

Photo courtesy of Top Trumps USA

November 9, 2021

A Brooklyn edition of Monopoly is now available

By Devin Gannon

A new edition of the classic board game Monopoly replaces the famous Atlantic City squares with beloved landmarks of Brooklyn. Making its debut Tuesday, Monopoly Brooklyn Edition features historic landmarks, like the Brooklyn Bridge and Soldiers Sailors Memorial Arch, entertainment spots, including Coney Island and Barclays Center, cultural institutions, like Weeksville Heritage Center and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and many more destinations.
Get the details

November 4, 2021

Actor Penn Badgley picks up pretty Park Slope pad for $1.83M

By Devin Gannon

Actor Penn Badgley has moved to Park Slope. Known for his roles in Gossip Girl and most recently, Netflix's You, Badgley paid $1,825,000 for a corner three-bedroom, two-bath at 140 Eighth Avenue, a 1930s co-op located just a block from Prospect Park. As first reported by real estate gossip blog Dirt, and confirmed by property records, the actor and his wife, musician Domino Kirke, paid $100,000 over the asking price.
Details here

Explore literary landmarks of Brooklyn with new self-guided walking tour from BPL

Screenshot courtesy of the Brooklyn Public Library

November 2, 2021

Explore literary landmarks of Brooklyn with new self-guided walking tour from BPL

By Devin Gannon

Discover the fictional places where novels are set and the real-life apartments where authors once lived as part of a new audio tour launched this month by the Brooklyn Public Library. The self-guided literary walking tour, which can be downloaded on your smartphone or opened via web browser, covers eight miles of the borough, from Fort Greene to Bushwick.
Learn more

History

A renovated, detached Ditmas Park Victorian with a front porch and backyard asks $3.1M

All photos by Allyson Lubow

November 2, 2021

A renovated, detached Ditmas Park Victorian with a front porch and backyard asks $3.1M

By Devin Gannon

A fully-renovated freestanding home with a private driveway and backyard is ready to make your Victorian dreams come true. Asking $3,125,000, the six-bedroom 110-year-old residence in Ditmas Park offers original details architecture buffs love, like woodwork and stained glass, while a renovation makes the house functional for today. Located at 477 East 16th Street, the house sits on a historic tree-lined street that feels like a suburban enclave but is just two blocks from the nearest subway station.
Take the tour

Distinctive Homes

This $2M Bed-Stuy loft in a 1930s box factory has a huge terrace and sweeping views

Photos courtesy of NestSeekers International

October 29, 2021

This $2M Bed-Stuy loft in a 1930s box factory has a huge terrace and sweeping views

By Michelle Cohen

This three-bedroom duplex at 105 Lexington Avenue on the western side of Brooklyn's Bed-Stuy neighborhood is a genuine loft in a 1930s box factory, complete with details like maple factory floors, century-old exposed brick, and an original freight elevator. Asking $1,995,000, the 1,818-square-foot condominium has thoroughly modern finishes, a private terrace, and amenities.
Get the details

Distinctive Homes

Bedford Union Armory recreation center officially opens in Crown Heights

Photo credit: Brett Bayer

October 28, 2021

Bedford Union Armory recreation center officially opens in Crown Heights

By Devin Gannon

The transformation of a former armory in Brooklyn into a recreation center is now complete. Located in Crown Heights, the Major R. Owens Health & Wellness Community Center opened its doors on Wednesday, bringing a new 60,000-square-foot community center with an indoor swimming pool, three basketball courts, a soccer field, dance studios, and space for local nonprofits to the neighborhood. The long-awaited project also includes 415 units of housing, expected to open in 2023.
More this way

Brooklyn’s tallest tower tops out at 1,066 feet, becomes borough’s first supertall

Photo by Selvon Ramsawak

October 28, 2021

Brooklyn’s tallest tower tops out at 1,066 feet, becomes borough’s first supertall

By Devin Gannon

The tallest tower in Brooklyn officially topped out this week. Located at 9 DeKalb Avenue, newly christened The Brooklyn Tower reached its summit of 1,066 feet, the first and only supertall building (300 meters in height or taller) to rise in the borough. Developed by JDS Development Group and designed by SHoP Architects, the mixed-use tower incorporates the landmarked Dime Savings Bank of Brooklyn into both the skyscraper's design and use; the iconic bank building will hold new retail space and an entry to the residential tower through its colonnade. With occupancy expected next year, the 93-story Brooklyn Tower offers 550 residences, with 150 condos for sale and 400 rentals.
Find out more

900-unit mixed-use complex planned for MTA-owned site in Greenpoint

Image: FXcollaborative courtesy of MTA. This image is a conceptual rendering and is for illustrative purposes only.

October 21, 2021

900-unit mixed-use complex planned for MTA-owned site in Greenpoint

By Michelle Cohen

The MTA has announced a new 840,000-square-foot redevelopment project at Monitor Point in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. The project will feature 900 homes with 25 percent permanently affordable and more than 100,000 square feet of retail and commercial space at 40 Quay Street, home to the NYC Transit Mobile Wash Division site. The Gotham Organization has been selected for the project, which will also bring a waterfront walkway–and a new permanent home for The Greenpoint Monitor Museum–to the site.
More on the project, this way

Lottery opens for 138 mixed-income units a block from the Coney Island boardwalk, from $558/month

Photo of Coney Island by Shinya Suzuki on Flickr

October 21, 2021

Lottery opens for 138 mixed-income units a block from the Coney Island boardwalk, from $558/month

By Devin Gannon

Here's a chance to live a block from Coney Island's beloved beach and boardwalk of at a discount. A housing lottery launched this week for 138 affordable apartments at a new complex on Surf Avenue and West 20th Street in the Brooklyn neighborhood. Dubbed Raven Hall, the development has on-site laundry, a community center, a fitness center, and a rooftop terrace with ocean views. New Yorkers earning 40, 50, 60, and 100 percent of the area median income can apply for the units, priced from $558/month studios to $2,229/month three-bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

Take the elevator to a rooftop hot tub at this $12.5M designer townhouse in Cobble Hill

Photo credit: Donna Dotan for Workshop APD/The Corcoran Group.

October 20, 2021

Take the elevator to a rooftop hot tub at this $12.5M designer townhouse in Cobble Hill

By Michelle Cohen

On the market for the first time, asking $12,500,000, this 25-foot-wide new-construction townhouse at 57 Wyckoff Street in Cobble Hill is a modern dream home in historic Brooklyn. Designed by Workshop/APD, the 7,000-square-foot townhouse was built three years ago, a stunning addition to a classic tree-lined block. From the elevator and walls of glass to the rooftop hot tub, there's room for just about everything and everyone in this single-family five-bedroom home.
Start in the garden, work your way up

Distinctive Homes

For $1.3M, this bright Bed-Stuy garden duplex has a dreamy back yard with an outdoor kitchen

Listing photos courtesy of The InHouse Group.

October 19, 2021

For $1.3M, this bright Bed-Stuy garden duplex has a dreamy back yard with an outdoor kitchen

By Michelle Cohen

This one-bedroom garden duplex unit in a collection of five condo residences at 394 Kosciuszko Street in Brooklyn's Bedford Stuyvesant neighborhood offers plenty of space for living and recreation. In addition to a full lower level, there's a backyard oasis that's perfect for outdoor living, complete with a cook station, wet bar, and fridge.
Tour the duplex

Distinctive Homes

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Your Daily Doseof NYC Life!

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