Brooklyn

May 19, 2017

$3M Boerum Hill townhouse is ready for summer with a deck, backyard, and roof deck

With the weather heating up and summer around the corner, it's time to start drooling over private outdoor spaces up for sale. A deck, backyard and roof deck designed by a landscape architect adorn this Boerum Hill townhouse at 459 Pacific Street, now on the market for $2.996 million. The 19th-century townhouse was gut renovated into a modern owner's triplex, with a separate one-bedroom apartment with its own entrance under the stoop. An open floorplan, built-in shelving, and fancy appliances complete the interior.
Check it all out
May 17, 2017

Coney Island’s landmarked Childs Restaurant reopening as huge food and drink space

It's been more than 60 years since Childs Restaurant left its historic home on the Coney Island boardwalk, but on Sunday the landmarked building will reopen as a massive new food and beverage concept called Kitchen 21 (h/t Eater). The formerly vacant and deteriorating space was redeveloped through a $60 million joint investment among the NYC Economic Development Corporation, Legends Hospitality (who run the dining programs at One World Trade Center and Yankee Stadium), and Cravable Hospitality Group (of David Burke Kitchen). It will hold five separate restaurants, all peddling "summer-friendly fare": casual take-out spot Coney Island Café; beer and seafood spot Community Clam Bar; gastropub Parachute Bar; rooftop wine bar Boardwalk & Vine; and a more formal restaurant called Test Kitchen.
All the details ahead
May 15, 2017

Apply for 14 affordable apartments in Bed-Stuy’s luxury Atrium rental, from $833/month

Located in the hub of Brooklyn’s Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood, 14 newly constructed affordable units are available to rent at The Atrium at 785 Dekalb Avenue. The six-story lavish rental contains 70 units and features a six-story brick atrium in the lobby, fitness center, lounge, wet room, game room and a spacious open roof deck. Qualifying New Yorkers earning 60 percent of the area median income can apply for the units, which range from $833/month studios to $1,043/month two-bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify
May 15, 2017

NYCxDesign 2017: The 6sqft guide to finding the best design events this month

NYCxDesign 2017, New York City’s official turn to celebrate all things design, hits town from May 3 – May 24. NYC is among the world’s design capitals and home to more designers than any other U.S. metro area. NYCxDesign spotlights the city’s diverse design community and its contributions to our economy and everyday life, and increases awareness of and appreciation for design with a collaborative mix of cultural, professional, educational and commercial offerings. This year’s celebration is the longest-running one to date. You can head in any direction and you'll stumble into a design-related event, but we've compiled a guide to a few of the top collaborative efforts and highlighted some of our picks.
Check out our NYCxD picks, this way
May 15, 2017

For $935K this Boerum Hill co-op is both Downtown loft and Zen retreat

In a classic pre-war loft building at 96 Schermerhorn Street known as Boerum Court, where Boerum Hill meets Downtown Brooklyn, this solidly-built co-op offers a flexible loft layout and the high ceilings and proportions to match. Custom additions have transformed the space into a unique home with Japanese-inspired details and modern conveniences. The apartment currently offers one bedroom and a home office but could easily gain a second bedroom.
Take the tour
May 14, 2017

$3M SHoP Architects-designed Red Hook townhouse is clad in zinc, concrete, and a hardwood screen

While we're used to seeing headline-stealing buildings from innovative design firm SHoP Architects–Barclays Center, the American Copper Buildings, and what will be Brooklyn's tallest tower, to name a modest few–we don't see SHoP-designed townhouses every day. This particular two-family home at 87 Dikeman Street in the heart of creative and laid-back Red Hook has at least four bedrooms and consists of an owners' triplex and a rental unit plus a garden and off-street parking. But it's the home's design that will likely attract the most attention, with an exterior comprised of zinc panels juxtaposed with polar white concrete planks and accented by a hardwood slat screen and full-height peerless windows. This 3,080-square-foot home, its innovative design–and design pedigree–can be yours for $3.15 million.
Tour this unique Brooklyn home
May 12, 2017

Extravagant limestone mansion asks a whooping $13.25M in Park Slope

This 1890s limestone and brick mansion at 45 Montgomery Place, in Park Slope was built--and renovated--to impress. It's also asking an impressive $13.25 million after last selling a few years back for $10.775 million. (The last asking price, in 2013, was set at $14 million.) An impeccable renovation covers all 7,500 square feet of the 30-foot-wide home; everything from a refurbished, classic Otis elevator to restored stained glass to a wine cellar awaits in this townhouse, which was featured in the April issue of the French publication Marie Claire Maison.
Now see it for yourself
May 12, 2017

FREE RENT: This week’s roundup of NYC’s rental concessions

Heated Indoor Pool + More Fun Amenities at Greenpoint Rental Leasing with 1 Month Free [link] Striking Crown Heights Rental ‘The Dean’ Debuts; Loft-Inspired Homes from $2,605/Month [link] HOUSE39; Midtown’s “Best in Class” Tower Now Offering 2 Months Free [link] Haven at 875 Dekalb Avenue, Bed-Stuy Rentals with 1 Month Free & 1-Bedrooms from $2,249/Month […]

May 11, 2017

Comedian Chris Rock lists Clinton Hill carriage house for $3.85M

Chris Rock has just listed his cool carriage house in the Clinton Hill Historic District, according to the New York Post. The comedian, who has owned the three-story home at239 Waverly Avenue since 1994, has been renting it since moving out in '96. The historic 1901 property was last listed for rent in 2013 with an ask as high as $15,000/month at one point. The new sales ask is $3.85 million for the renovated residence with room for two or three bedrooms, a 23-foot-wide master suite with skylights, and the elusive urban perk of being above a parking garage for not one but two cars.
Find out more about the carriage house and its twin
May 10, 2017

This cute turn-key Greenwood home asks an ambitious $2.5M

It's houses like this renovated two-family brick townhouse at 213 29th Street in lovely Greenwood, Brooklyn, that make us stop and think about the current real estate market. The home is asking $2.5 million. Sure, it's a 2,379-square-foot townhouse–bigger than most apartments. And there are four bedrooms if you count the rental unit, though most of them are pretty small–and there's that rental income, of course. But though Greenwood is a solid choice for townhouse living, a 17-foot-wide, three-story house is a tough sell in any neighborhood–and a two-and-a-half million dollar property is a tough sell in this one. Also: The house has no cellar (less storage and other downsides). But it's awfully cute. And the crazy thing about home buyers is that it only takes one.
See more details
May 9, 2017

Did you know the idea for G.I. Joe was created in Brooklyn?

Did you know G.I. Joe, considered the world’s first action figure, was first conceptualized in Brooklyn? The famous toy was invented by NYC native Stanley Weston, who passed away this month at 84 years old. Weston, born in Brooklyn in 1933, sold his idea for a military-themed toy to Hasbro for $100,000 when he was just 30 years old. Hasbro later turned it into a $100 million success, with more generations of the dolls, comic books, a television series and movies following it.
Find out more
May 9, 2017

Freestanding home in Fiske Terrace Historic District asks $1.6M

This charming property comes from the Fiske Terrace-Midwood Park Historic District, where historic, freestanding homes are the norm. Fiske Terrace is an enclave of Flatbush, a Brooklyn neighborhood located just east of Ditmas Park. (Ditmas is also known for its freestanding beauties.) Here at 819 East 19th Street, which is now on the market for $1.595 million, there are historic details throughout formal living and dining rooms, as well as an enclosed porch, backyard, private driveway and garage.
Take a peek inside
May 9, 2017

You can rent this magical Clinton Hill townhouse with a renovation from loft heaven for a celestial $16K a month

There's no question about it, this Clinton Hill townhouse at 121 Saint James Place is a standout. The historic brownstone, offered for rent at $16,000, recently emerged from a complete renovation by Murdock Solon Architects, underscored by "an artist’s eye and architect’s mind" that incorporates industrial and rustic chic, open and casual loft style and the tall ceilings and endless rooms of a four-story 3,000 square-foot townhouse. Extra-magical additions include 22.5 feet high ceilings, double-height industrial framed windows and reclaimed wood throughout. The home offers four bedrooms, a home office, and a 1,500 square-foot landscaped backyard (which may or may not "make you feel you are in Narnia"). In addition to the stunning triplex, a one-bedroom garden apartment is included, great for guests.
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May 8, 2017

$2.75M Park Slope townhouse has a sky-lit glass extension and a wealth of options

Behind the classic red brick facade of this 1910-era townhouse at 79 Saint Marks Place at the enviable crossroads between Park Slope and Boerum Hill, modern and industrial styles meet the home's original townhouse charm in features like a dramatic glass-and steel-extension that opens to a landscaped patio. Currently configured with three apartments, the 3,000-square-foot home could easily be combined into one single-family house with room for everyone–or one or both of the well-renovated apartments could be used to generate a sizable rental income while retaining one or both of the lower floors.
Take the tour, consider the possibilities
May 7, 2017

Parlor floor of an 1800s Park Slope brownstone is now a $1.5M two-bedroom co-op

There's nothing lovelier than the parlor floor of a brownstone, and this one at the historic 201 Saint Johns Place townhouse in Park Slope, is up for sale asking $1.5 million. The floor was converted into a two-bedroom co-op with some outdoor space, but it's still dripping with details like the wood-burning fireplace mantle, original doors, moldings, ceiling medallions, window shutters, archway details and hardwood floors. It's a long list of historical goodies, and they've all been well preserved within this four-unit cooperative townhouse, in which shareholders are expected to participate in taking care of the building.
Now it's time to take a look
May 5, 2017

$2.25M Windsor Terrace townhouse with front porch and landscaped backyard looks perfect for summer

This Brooklyn townhouse is unique in that it comes with a south-facing front porch. It's large enough to place some chairs and a small table and looks down over the front garden. And out back, there's a charming backyard with custom wood fencing and lighting, specially designed by a landscape architect to bloom flowers from spring into fall. All this excellent outdoor space--just as the weather starts to heat up--comes from the Windsor Terrace home at 225 Windsor Place. The interior isn't bad either, as it boasts a modern, renovated kitchen alongside some restored historic details. After last selling in 2008 for $1.497 million, the home is now asking $2.25 million.
Check it all out
May 5, 2017

FREE RENT: This week’s roundup of NYC’s rental concessions

Get Ready for Summer: Hells Kitchen High-Rise with Two Outdoor Pools Leasing with 1 Month Free [link] A Discussion with Winston Fisher on HOUSE39; Midtown’s “Best in Class” Tower Now Offering Two Mos. Free Rent [link] New Harlem Rentals Debut on 125th Street; Apartments from $1,994/Month [link] Live Near Prospect Park at The Parkline with […]

May 4, 2017

Mark Ruffalo sells charming Carroll Gardens townhouse at a loss

Academy-award winner Mark Ruffalo sold his townhouse at 319 Sackett Street in Carroll Gardens for $3.125 million last month, according to LLNYC, which he bought in 2015 for a higher price of $3.5 million. The home offers four bedrooms, several fireplaces, and an expansive blue stone garden. Ruffalo recently checked out a $10 million Upper West Side brownstone that underwent a contemporary renovation.
See inside of the beautiful Brooklyn townhouse
May 4, 2017

Williamsburg townhouse with a colorful Scandi-funk interior asks $3.75M

According to records, half of a certain early-aughts Danish dance-pop duo is selling this Scandi-funk-a-licious modern masterpiece of a 19th-century townhouse at 267 Berry Street, right in the middle of prime Williamsburg near the shores of the East River. The four-story, single-family brick townhouse spans 3,300 not-at-all-square feet and comes with some cool details like an open sunroom leading to a lovely roof deck, colorful minimalist kitchen, music room and media room, and master suite that spans an entire top floor. Even better, lots of original details have been preserved and invited to the party, which will set you back $3.75 million.
Move your feet this way for more
May 3, 2017

Bowerbird architects create a custom nest in a Boerum Hill loft with details in steel and reclaimed wood

"Everything evolves," begins the mission statement by architecture and design firm Bowerbird, explaining how their namesake (the bowerbird) evolved to design and decorate its home with an eye for detail. The firm explores the idea that good design and creativity similarly "does not spring forth in a single moment of inspired genius;" they work to produce an uncommon solution for each undertaking. Evolved design is definitely in effect in this Boerum Hill loft, resulting in a home with a fresh look that leaves crowded, overdone design and cold, unfinished lofts in the dust. Rooms are polished, elegant and comfortable without being fussy. And natural and reclaimed details aren’t contrived, but rather fit in well with the former factory’s big-shouldered loft bones.
See more of this timeless loft design
May 3, 2017

$3M home in the urban suburb of Prospect Park South is a freestanding beauty

Want to live in a gorgeous suburban enclave that's attracted the likes of Michelle Williams? Then look no further than Prospect Park South, a neighborhood designed, as developer Dean Alford put it, to "illustrate how much natural beauty can be incorporated within the rectangular limits of the city." The landscaping and the homes have remained intact since this area was constructed more than 100 years ago, including this home built in 1907. Designed by the architect Arlington Isham, it's a Simplified Free Colonial style house with an enclosed porch and plenty of period details. For this escape into the finer pastures of Brooklyn, it will cost a cool $3 million.
This way for interior pictures
May 2, 2017

Acclaimed novelist Jonathan Safran Foer lists lovely Boerum Hill townhouse for $10.4M

Award-winning novelist Jonathan Safran Foer, author of "Everything Is Illuminated" and "Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close," has listed his brownstone at 374 Pacific Street in Boerum Hill for $10.4 million, according to Variety. When his first book in ten years, "Here I am," was published last year, the Times referred to it as "often brilliant, always original but sometimes problematic," and though we can't find anything at all problematic about this 1899 Greek Revival residence, the former two accolades certainly apply. It was brilliantly renovated to include a three-story atrium cut through its core and a full rear wall of kitchen windows that overlook the private garden, and it's full of original touches like a charming mix of mid-century-modern and rustic furniture and plenty of built-in bookshelves (of course). Perhaps all of this, plus the fact that there's a separate garden floor apartment, is why Foer thinks he can double his profits after paying $5.4 million for it just a few years ago.
Take the full tour
April 30, 2017

$1.095M duplex in a Park Slope brownstone boasts intricate stained glass and inlaid wood floors

This Park Slope duplex is located just one block from Prospect Park and Grand Army Plaza, and chock full of prewar details inside. Taking up two floors of a historic brownstone at 85 8th Avenue, the rooms are lined with detailed stained glass, the original moldings, hardwood floors with an incredible walnut inlay, and painted brick walls. In the wintertime there's a working fireplace, and for the summer there's a private deck. For such a dreamy Park Slope offering, something that's sure to make old house lovers swoon, it'll cost $1.095 million.
Now see inside
April 28, 2017

Five million dead in Queens: The history of New York City’s ‘cemetery belt’

You may have noticed when driving from Queens to Brooklyn that at some point you find yourself surrounded by a sea of headstones in every direction. The city's "cemetery belt"–reportedly visible from space–stretches for two and a half miles along the Queens/Brooklyn border and is so populous that there are more than twice as many dead people in Queens than living ones. What's up with this cemetery city?
Find out why the dead outnumber the living in Queens
April 28, 2017

FREE RENT: This week’s roundup of NYC’s rental concessions

Images (L to R): 461 Dean Street, AIRE, 26 West Street and Henry Hall 30-Story Hudson Yards Rental Opens with Unobstructed Views, Apartments from $3,200/Month + 1 Month Free [link] Views Galore at Top-Notch Tribeca Rental, Now Leasing with 1 Month Free [link] World’s Tallest Modular Building Now Leasing with 2 Months Free [link] Leasing […]

April 28, 2017

Shop and nosh your way through 20 of NYC’s best flea and food markets

With spring weather in full effect, the city's flea and food markets roll out the red carpet and the irresistible edibles, and it's pretty likely there's one happening near you. The shop-and-snack mecca Brooklyn Flea has changed locations yet again, a night market returns in Queens and antiquing, arts and local maker standbys in all corners of Manhattan offer more of what you didn't know you couldn't live without. The goods may be odd, but they're out there, and the list below rounds up 20 of the city's top food and flea picks. Just don't blame us for the tchotchke overload—or the calories.
Find a market this weekend
April 27, 2017

Park Slope townhouse Barack Obama once called home asks $4.3M

Before meeting Michelle, but after escaping his cramped rental on West 109th Street, President Barack Obama called this Park Slope brownstone home. Obama occupied the top floor of the three-story house with his then-girlfriend during the '80s, moving in shortly after he graduated from Columbia University. While the home was at the time split up into various rental apartments, in 1994, its new owners turned it into a single-family home. Now, as The Real Deal reports, the five-bedroom beauty has just listed for $4.295 million, up for sale for the first time in 23 years.
see inside here