Brooklyn

Photo courtesy of alihasadd25 on Pixabay

January 29, 2021

Bike lanes to replace car lanes on the Brooklyn and Queensboro bridges

New York City plans to ban cars from part of two major East River bridges and reserve them for cyclists. Mayor Bill de Blasio on Thursday unveiled a proposal to transform the innermost lane of the Brooklyn Bridge into a two-way protected bike lane and convert the north outer roadway of the Queensboro Bridge into a two-way bike-only lane. The "Bridges for the People" plan was announced as part of the mayor's final State of the City address, "A Recovery for All of Us."
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Transit

Two-story Williamsburg condo has a glass wall and grassy balcony for $1.2M

Listing photos courtesy of The Corcoran Group

January 27, 2021

Two-story Williamsburg condo has a glass wall and grassy balcony for $1.2M

By Dana Schulz

The six-unit condo building at 237 Devoe Street in Williamsburg was recently completed, and perhaps the most unique unit is this duplex that sits behind the entire double-story wall of glass. The other interesting feature is the balcony, which has a cool grassy extension. Asking $1,225,000, the 1,020-square-foot one-bedroom has 20-foot ceilings, modern finishes, and tons of storage space.
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Distinctive Homes

Plans for abolitionist memorial in Downtown Brooklyn park delayed again

Renderings by Hargreaves Jones, courtesy of NYCEDC

January 26, 2021

Plans for abolitionist memorial in Downtown Brooklyn park delayed again

By Devin Gannon

After being in the works for nearly two decades, plans to build a public park in Downtown Brooklyn with a memorial to the neighborhood's abolitionist history are delayed once again. The Public Design Commission last week tabled a conceptual proposal from artist Kameelah Janan Rasheed after preservationists and community members during an intense public hearing criticized both the design for missing details and the city's lack of transparency.
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Events & Things To Do

Brick and beams abound at this $1.75M Brooklyn Heights three-bedroom

Listing images courtesy of The Corcoran Group

January 22, 2021

Brick and beams abound at this $1.75M Brooklyn Heights three-bedroom

By Dana Schulz

It's not rare to find townhouses or apartments in Brooklyn with old-world details like exposed brick and ceiling beams, but we can't remember the last time we found such a home that's quite this cozy. Located at 80 Poplar Street in Brooklyn Heights, the duplex has three fireplaces--one wood-burning, one gas, and one decorative--two bathrooms, and a private terrace. It's asking $1,750,000.
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Distinctive Homes

January 13, 2021

Brooklyn Heights townhouse sells for $25.5M, breaks borough record

By Dana Schulz

As was first reported by The Real Deal, billionaire Vince Viola has sold his Brooklyn Heights mansion at 8 Montague terrace for a record-setting $25.5 million, according to city property records. The sale beats out the $20.3 million penthouse in Brooklyn Heights’ Quay Tower, which sold virtually back in April. Viola, an Army veteran who founded Virtu Financial and owns the NHL Florida Panthers, bought the home with his wife Teresa in 2007 for $8 million. At the time it was a multi-family dwelling, but they converted it to a single-family home. The new buyer is not identified, and it appears to be an off-market deal.
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Real Estate Trends

$1.75M Cobble Hill duplex combines its warehouse roots with trendy updates

Photos courtesy of The Corcoran Group

January 13, 2021

$1.75M Cobble Hill duplex combines its warehouse roots with trendy updates

By Dana Schulz

Cobble Hill's co-op building at 121 Pacific Street was originally built in 1879 as a life preserver and ring buoy warehouse. Known as the Atlantic-Pacific Building, it was eventually converted to 46 apartments. This top-floor unit is described as a "mini-townhome," with two floors, two bedrooms, and a 400-square-foot terrace. Asking $1,750,000, it's also a lovely combination of original architectural details and stylish, modern updates and decor.
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Distinctive Homes

Petition launches to save artifacts of Dead Horse Bay ahead of radioactive waste cleanup

Photo by James and Karla Murray exclusively for 6sqft

January 8, 2021

Petition launches to save artifacts of Dead Horse Bay ahead of radioactive waste cleanup

By Devin Gannon

Covered with bottles, ceramics, and other 1950s household items and debris, Dead Horse Bay is a treasure trove in southern Brooklyn for collectors and historians. Last August, the National Park Service closed the southern part of the refuse-filled spot after finding radioactive contamination. Now, a petition has launched urging the NPS to collect and preserve as much as the debris as possible at Dead Horse Bay ahead of its planned cleanup of the site.
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Uncategorized

A gated driveway and six bedrooms complete this $2.6M family-friendly home in Prospect Park South

Listing photos courtesy of Brown Harris Stevens

January 7, 2021

A gated driveway and six bedrooms complete this $2.6M family-friendly home in Prospect Park South

By Dana Schulz

The single-family homes in Prospect Park South often offer a suburban-like living experience right in Brooklyn, and this charmer at 169 Stratford Road is no exception. Built in 1899 and listed for $2,595,000, the 2,844-square-foot house has six bedrooms, a front porch, side porch, a rear deck and lovely backyard, and even a gated driveway.
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Distinctive Homes

Botanical and bohemian vibes create a serene space at this $1.8M Williamsburg three-bedroom

Photos courtesy of The Corcoran Group

December 23, 2020

Botanical and bohemian vibes create a serene space at this $1.8M Williamsburg three-bedroom

By Dana Schulz

Right across from McCarren Park in Williamsburg is the modern condominium 20 Bayard Street, notable for the fact that every unit has gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows. This three-bedroom apartment on the 10th floor is one that has a full-wall, curved window with views of the skyline, as well as a rear balcony. Add to that the abundance of plants and subtle bohemian vibe, and the 1,312-square-foot home is a serene escape, currently listed for $1,779,000.
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Distinctive Homes

In a win for the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, de Blasio says he opposes Crown Heights high-rise towers

Rendering: NYC Department of City Planning

December 22, 2020

In a win for the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, de Blasio says he opposes Crown Heights high-rise towers

By Devin Gannon

Mayor Bill de Blasio on Monday announced his opposition to two controversial high-rise towers proposed for a Crown Heights lot across from the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. As first reported by Gothamist, the mayor said the project would "harm the research and educational work carried out by one of this city’s prized cultural institutions."
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Real Estate Trends

For $4.4M, this unique Prospect Park West townhouse has a private driveway and garage

Photo Credit: Compass/Michael J. Franco

December 22, 2020

For $4.4M, this unique Prospect Park West townhouse has a private driveway and garage

By Dana Schulz

Just on appearances, this Park Slope townhouse stands out, with its unique neo-Federal style. But it's also rare for the fact that it comes with a private driveway and garage. Located at 15 Prospect Park West, the location's not too shabby, either. The home has four bedrooms, a finished basement, a backyard, and a roof deck, and it's asking $4,400,000.
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Distinctive Homes

Clinton Hill’s majestic Pfizer mansion returns for $9.2M

Listing images courtesy of Douglas Elliman

December 21, 2020

Clinton Hill’s majestic Pfizer mansion returns for $9.2M

By Dana Schulz

A little over a year ago, we featured this townhouse, one of the most incredible in Brooklyn, when it lowered its asking price to $10 million after first listing for $13.5 million in 2018. It's now returned for an even more reduced price of $9.2 million. Located at 280 Washington Avenue in Clinton Hill, the 10,000-square-foot Queen Anne mansion is not notable just for its opulent interiors but for the fact that it was built in 1887 for Charles Erhart, co-founder of the Pfizer pharmaceutical company and brother-in-law to Charles Pfizer. The home's current owner is a designer and undertook a magnificent renovation that retained historic details like an original Otis elevator, moldings and woodwork galore, and stained glass, as well as added modern upgrades like a sunken "speakeasy" party room, wine cellar, and meticulously landscaped backyard.
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Distinctive Homes

Oops! 2020 did it again! We have TWO Buildings of the Year

Photo of Hudson Yards by Dimitry Anikin on Unsplash; Photo of One South First via Two Trees Management; Frame image by Pete Linforth from Pixabay

December 17, 2020

Oops! 2020 did it again! We have TWO Buildings of the Year

By 6sqft

Earlier this week, 6sqft reported that 15 Hudson Yards was voted 2020 Building of the Year with a whopping 50 percent of the votes. However, after we discovered a glitch in our vote-counting system (how 2020!), the results are too close to call and it’s a virtual tie with One South First. If it were another year, we would extend the voting to call a single winner, but it is 2020, and we don’t want to think about voting anymore! The fact that our readers put these two buildings on par is fitting, as they are both prominent projects that have changed the trajectories of their respective neighborhoods--15 Hudson Yards at the Hudson Yards mega-development and One South First at the Domino Sugar development on the south Williamsburg waterfront. Ahead, learn more about the two buildings and what sets them apart.
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New Developments

For $1.4M, this modern Carroll Gardens duplex has light-filled nooks everywhere you look

Credit: Brown Harris Stevens

December 16, 2020

For $1.4M, this modern Carroll Gardens duplex has light-filled nooks everywhere you look

By Dana Schulz

"From the moment you walk through the door, your mood will be elevated by the natural sunlight streaming in through the grand 16-foot wall of windows," starts the listing for this three-bedroom duplex in Carroll Gardens. Its abundance of windows is made more striking by their location within several architectural nooks and by the apartment's double-height configuration. Another perk? it comes with a private roof deck. Located at the ultra-modern Satori condominium, the home is asking $1,398,000.
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Distinctive Homes

This $995K Red Hook loft has amazing views of the Statue of Liberty and World Trade Center

Listing photos courtesy of Douglas Elliman

December 9, 2020

This $995K Red Hook loft has amazing views of the Statue of Liberty and World Trade Center

By Dana Schulz

You don't have to be super high to get incredible skyline views. This one-bedroom condo's unique Red Hook location affords it with spectacular vantages of lower Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, and the Red Hook piers. Asking $995,000, it's part of the New York Dock Building. Built in 1910, this was the first reinforced steel and concrete building in the United States, and it was converted to modern loft residences in 2017.
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Distinctive Homes

For $2.4M, a renovated Ditmas Park home with two porches and turquoise accents

All photos courtesy of Douglas Elliman

December 8, 2020

For $2.4M, a renovated Ditmas Park home with two porches and turquoise accents

By Devin Gannon

A pretty, suburban-like home in Ditmas Park has hit the market for $2.4 million. Recently renovated by the current owner, 498 Westminster Road artfully mixes old and new, with stained glass windows, vaulted ceilings, and bay windows accompanied by all new appliances and top-of-the-line fixtures. Located on a tree-lined street that feels a ways away from city life but is really around the corner from the subway, the freestanding home--with its two porches, backyard, and basement--offers the best of both worlds.
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Distinctive Homes

Proposed Coney Island complex has 461 units and outdoor pool with ocean views

Renderings courtesy of LCOR

December 8, 2020

Proposed Coney Island complex has 461 units and outdoor pool with ocean views

By Devin Gannon

Real estate developer LCOR last week filed plans with the city to bring a 461-unit residential project to Coney Island. Located about a block from the beach and boardwalk at 1515 Surf Avenue, the proposed 16-story development will rise on the parking lot of Gargiulo's Restaurant, a 100-year-old neighborhood staple. Gargiulo's owner Louis Russo agreed to a 99-year ground lease for the lot late last year.
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Lottery opens for 58 affordable senior apartments near Brooklyn College in Flatbush

Photo of Brooklyn College Library by Beyond My Ken on Wikimedia

December 4, 2020

Lottery opens for 58 affordable senior apartments near Brooklyn College in Flatbush

By Devin Gannon

A housing lottery has launched this week for 58 affordable apartments for senior New Yorkers at a new Brooklyn rental. Located at 1488 New York Avenue, the Bishop Philius and Helene Nicolas Senior Residences rises seven stories and contains 89 studio apartments and social services for residents. To apply, New Yorkers must have at least one household member who is 62 years of age or older, qualify for Section 8 benefits, and earn $45,500 or less, annually. Eligible applicants will pay 30 percent of their income for the studio apartments.
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Affordable Housing

Well-known food columnist lists classic co-op on Grand Army Plaza for $850K

Photo credit: Brown Harris Stevens

December 4, 2020

Well-known food columnist lists classic co-op on Grand Army Plaza for $850K

By Dana Schulz

Wall Street Journal food columnist Kitty Greenwald has put her Park Slope co-op on the market for $850,000. Located at 1 Plaza Street West, just across from Grand Army Plaza, the charming one-bedroom is a corner unit on the 11th floor with lots of windows and, of course, a fully outfitted and renovated kitchen.
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Distinctive Homes

112 affordable apartments in East New York, from $331/month

Photo credit: The Arker Companies

December 3, 2020

112 affordable apartments in East New York, from $331/month

By Devin Gannon

A housing lottery launched this month for 112 affordable apartments at a new complex in the Spring Creek section of East New York. The building at 881 Erskine Street sits within The Fountains development, a mixed-use project of six buildings that will ultimately bring more than 1,100 affordable homes to the area. Qualifying New Yorkers earning 30, 40, and 60 percent of the area median income can apply for the apartments, which range from $331/month studios to $1,472/month three-bedroom apartments.
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Affordable Housing

Photo credit: Allyson Lubow

December 3, 2020

$1.9M Park Slope penthouse is shiny and new with skyline views

By Dana Schulz

After the current owners bought this Park Slope penthouse in 2011, they completed some beautiful renovations throughout, including a sleek kitchen, refinished wood floors, and even a "pet nook" underneath the stairs. The loft-style triplex is located in the Carriage House on the Slope, a 24-unit condo at 231 15th Street. It has three bedrooms, two large balconies, and incredible New York Harbor views.
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Distinctive Homes

Recently ‘gutted and studded’, this historic beauty in Boerum Hill is asking $3.25M

Photo credit: Ryan Lahiff

December 2, 2020

Recently ‘gutted and studded’, this historic beauty in Boerum Hill is asking $3.25M

By Dana Schulz

Situated in the heart of the Boerum Hill Historic District, this brick townhouse at 122 Bond Street was built in 1852 but was recently renovated to include the best in modern living. At the price of $3,250,000, the single-family home provides 2,340 square feet of living space including three bedrooms and a full finished basement. There's also a lovely rear garden that rounds out this perfect family residence.
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Distinctive Homes

ShopIN.nyc’s VP of Marketing, Andrew Tider, picking up an order from Shirley Bryant, co-owner of Geometry Kids; Photo courtesy of ShopIN.nyc

December 1, 2020

Brooklyn startup competes with Amazon this holiday season with same-day delivery from local shops

By Devin Gannon

Shopping local this holiday season is more important than ever as small businesses across New York City struggle to stay afloat during the coronavirus pandemic. A startup company is making it easier to stay home and avoid Amazon and other major online retailers by offering same-day delivery from Brooklyn-based stores. ShopIN.nyc is a one-stop-shop for every-day items like household supplies and pantry staples and even special occasion gifts and holiday decor, all from small businesses in Brooklyn.
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Events & Things To Do

NYC unveils $9M plan to restore Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn

Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Arch lighting design test in 2019; Photo courtesy of Jordan Rathkopf/ Prospect Park Alliance

November 23, 2020

NYC unveils $9M plan to restore Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn

By Devin Gannon

Plans to renovate Brooklyn's Grand Army Plaza were unveiled this week, the first major restoration of Prospect Park's historic entrance in decades. The $8.9 million revamp focuses on the Soldiers' and Sailors' Memorial Arch, including replacing the arch's roof, cleaning and restoring the brick and stone structure, repairing the interior staircases, and adding modern lighting to the exterior. Surrounding plaza and landscape berms that frame the plaza will also be restored and new native trees and shrubs will be planted.
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Architecture And Design

All 950 units at city’s Gowanus housing development will be affordable

Rendering courtesy of Marvel Architects/SCAPE Landscape Architects

November 23, 2020

All 950 units at city’s Gowanus housing development will be affordable

By Devin Gannon

The city's proposed six-building residential development in Gowanus will be 100 percent affordable, officials announced last week. The Gowanus Green project, part of Mayor Bill de Blasio's administration's plan to rezone the Brooklyn neighborhood, will contain 950 units of affordable housing, with at least 50 percent designated to extremely low and very low-income households. Previously, the plan called for roughly 74 percent of units to fall below the market rate.
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Listing images courtesy of The Corcoran Group

November 23, 2020

$4.85M Clinton Hill home is a fresh take on a classic Brooklyn townhouse

By Dana Schulz

Built in 1899, this Clinton Hill townhouse was completely renovated from the ground up in 2015, which resulted in a gorgeous mix of original architectural details and modern additions. Listed for $4,850,000, the five-bedroom home has a bit of a Scandinavian vibe, with its custom-designed kitchen and mid-century decor. It also has a large backyard perfect for dining al fresco.
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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

By Devin Gannon

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

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