Brooklyn

Ta-Nehisi Coates’ Brownstone Purchase LLC Tells of Escaped Slaves’ Brave Journey
May 9, 2016

Ta-Nehisi Coates’ Brownstone Purchase LLC Tells of Escaped Slaves’ Brave Journey

By
Atlantic Writer, National Book Award winner and MacArthur Foundation Genius Grant recipient Ta-Nehisi Coates recently made an appearance in real estate news; Coates, who is among today's most prominent writers on African-American issues, and his wife recently purchased a landmarked five-bedroom townhouse in Prospect-Lefferts Garden for $2.1 million. Not one to miss an opportunity to explore a facet of cultural history, the couple worked an interesting story into the LLC they used to purchase the property, DNAinfo tells us. Buyers commonly register Limited Liability Corporations (LLCs) to purchase property in order to conceal their identities (celebrities, for example, or when making a big-ticket buy), and LLC names are often mundane, using the name of the property itself. But the Coateses LLC, "Ellen and William Craft Excursions LLC” has an inspiring tale behind it: The Crafts were an escaped slave couple from Georgia in the 19th century. Disguised as a white male slave owner and his slave, they escaped to Philadelphia in 1868.
Find out more
Former Bushwick Factory Gets a Stunning Designer Upgrade, Asks $3.5M
May 6, 2016

Former Bushwick Factory Gets a Stunning Designer Upgrade, Asks $3.5M

By
Bushwick has gained an international reputation for its creative and innovative culture; artists have lived and worked here for decades (long before Vogue magazine ponounced it hip), and the neighborhood's low-rise industrial infrastructure lent itself to the creation of open workspaces. Though we'd be more likely to see an impeccably designed carriage house on the market for $3.5 million in a neighborhood like Cobble Hill, rising property values and creative residents have always been inseparable. This converted two-story Swiss Army knife of a building at 326-328 Menahan Street justifies its ask by offering the "ultimate live/work home." The home's renovation was undertaken by its current owners, Norwegian artist Haavard Homstvedt and Stine Christiansen Homstvedt, an interior designer. Its 6,000 square feet are definitely configured unconventionally; the meticulous remodel that created this unique property is as modern and as creative as the pair behind it.
READ MORE
$250M Penthouse at 220 Central Park South Will Officially Be NYC’s Most Expensive Apartment
May 5, 2016

$250M Penthouse at 220 Central Park South Will Officially Be NYC’s Most Expensive Apartment

By
For over a year, it's been a guessing game with just how expensive 220 Central Park South's penthouse will actually be. Initial murmurings put the price at $175 million, but later reports that claimed hedge fund tycoon Ken Griffin was the buyer upped it to $200 million. The guessing is over, though, as The Real Deal has obtained an amended offering plan filed with the New York Attorney General, which shows that the 23,000-square-foot, four-floor "billionaire's bunker" will cost a mind-boggling $250 million (or $11,000 per square foot), making it by far the city's most expensive apartment.
Check out the insane floorplans
489 New Units of Affordable/Elderly Housing to Rise on Land in Brooklyn and the Bronx

Photo via Wiki Commons

May 5, 2016

489 New Units of Affordable/Elderly Housing to Rise on Land in Brooklyn and the Bronx

By
The de Blasio administration is expected to announce plans to lease New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) land to build nearly 500 apartments for low-income and elderly tenants in three buildings of up to 16 stories within existing housing projects in Brooklyn and the Bronx, according to the New York Times. The sites, on parking lots and grasslands within the projects, were included in the housing authority's initiative to improve deteriorating public housing, as well as increase the number of new affordable units. More controversial plans are also in the works to add market-rate housing within public housing projects in prime real estate locations.
Find out more
East River Skyway Proposal Gains Steam, Would Only Cost Riders $25/Month
May 4, 2016

East River Skyway Proposal Gains Steam, Would Only Cost Riders $25/Month

By
With public meetings about the impending L train shutdown beginning this week, much of the conversation is centered around alternate ways to shuttle people between downtown Manhattan and Brooklyn. One solution is the East River Skyway, an aerial gondola system that would run along the Brooklyn waterfront and into Manhattan, bringing commuters over the river in just 3.5 minutes. The proposal from Dan Levy, president and CEO of CityRealty*, first surfaced in 2014, then referencing the Brooklyn development boom that will bring tens of thousands of new residential units to the borough in the coming years. But now with a possible years-long shutdown of the L, along with skyrocketing subway ridership, the Skyway is drumming up support from investors, DNA Info reports. Levy told 6sqft, "We've completed some preliminary engineering and design work around the cars and the stations and how they could meld with their respective locations — and more broadly the city skyline. Given their high visibility we want to be context sensitive." He also revealed that, although the project would cost up to $134 million (per estimate from engineers), an unlimited monthly pass would cost only $25.
READ MORE
Alison Jennison’s Greenpoint Townhouse Reflects the Neighborhood’s Eclectic Vibe
May 3, 2016

Alison Jennison’s Greenpoint Townhouse Reflects the Neighborhood’s Eclectic Vibe

By
From its residents to living spaces, Greenpoint has become a diverse neighborhood across the board, and this cozy townhouse from designer Alison Jennison reflects these same vibes. The interior combines a modern color palette with an eclectic and well-curated mix of furniture and art, creating a balanced and comfortable place to call home.
See the full space here
Two Buildings and a Central Courtyard Make Up This $2.6M Williamsburg Property
May 2, 2016

Two Buildings and a Central Courtyard Make Up This $2.6M Williamsburg Property

By
It's a two-for-one deal at a Williamsburg townhouse property at 164 Ainslie Street. The lot holds both front and back buildings separated by a large, south-facing garden courtyard. They've been broken up into apartments with a total of 20 rooms, 11 bedrooms and six full bathrooms. And there are still some great historic details preserved inside, like fireplaces and carved wood mantlepieces.
Take a tour
First Look at StudiosC’s McGuinness Duo Near the Foot of Revamped Pulaski Bridge
May 2, 2016

First Look at StudiosC’s McGuinness Duo Near the Foot of Revamped Pulaski Bridge

By
Since the Pulaski Bridge's two-way protected bikeway officially opened on Friday, real estate values in Greenpoint are likely to see an increase. And at the foot of the bridge's Brooklyn side, a pair of well-positioned buildings are underway, ready to take advantage of the new and improved connection to Long Island City and its G-train free access to Manhattan. The duo uniquely spans three narrow lots along the western side of McGuinness Boulevard between Green and Eagle Streets, near where the bridge begins its rise above street level.
More renderings and details
Charming $1.15M Greenpoint Garden Duplex Arrives Just in Time for Spring
April 29, 2016

Charming $1.15M Greenpoint Garden Duplex Arrives Just in Time for Spring

By
If you find yourself drawn to the idea of living in Greenpoint, you're definitely not alone. An afternoon in the neighborhood that was until recently a sleepy north Brooklyn Polish enclave on the waterfront with artists' lofts and good schools would convince almost anyone that it's a perfect place to call home. There's a building boom happening along the river, new ferry service has arrived and the G train is becoming the popular underdog. All of that makes this two-bedroom condominium at 182 Huron Street a hot prospect, though the 1,250-foot duplex with a landscaped garden makes a good case all on its own.
More Greenpoint living this way
Live in a Lofty Triplex Apartment at a Former 1880s Firehouse for $4,500/Month
April 28, 2016

Live in a Lofty Triplex Apartment at a Former 1880s Firehouse for $4,500/Month

By
Before 735 Dean Street was anybody's home, it was the post of Engine Company 219, who moved in when the firehouse was built in 1880. The historic structure in Prospect Heights has since been converted to apartments, one of which is this 1,400-square-foot triplex being offered for rent. From the inside, though, you wouldn't guess this was in an old fire station; it looks like your typical Brooklyn loft.
See more
New Williamsburg Condos Tout Parisian Style and Industrial Craftsmanship
April 28, 2016

New Williamsburg Condos Tout Parisian Style and Industrial Craftsmanship

By
Near the corner of Union Avenue and Conselyea Street in East Williamsburg, a modestly sized six-floor condominium is underway. Addressed 476 Union Avenue, the project is designed and developed by the Meshberg Group, who purchased a four-story, walk-up building formerly at the lot for $2.4 million. Rising from the structural bones of the prior building, the 8,650-square-foot development will offer nine condos that the team proclaims are where "Parisian style meets industrial craftsmanship."
More details ahead
Lottery Launches for 181 Affordable Units in Pacific Park’s Modular Tower

Photo of the construction progress at 461 Dean Street in January, via Field Condition

April 27, 2016

Lottery Launches for 181 Affordable Units in Pacific Park’s Modular Tower

By
After suffering delays, lawsuits, leaks and alignment issues, Pacific Park's 461 Dean Street (aka the B2 Tower) is finally wrapping up construction and has just launched its affordable housing lottery. The 32-story structure from SHoP Architects will be the world's tallest prefab tower, and of its 363 units, 181 will be available to low- and middle-income households. This will range from $559/month studios to $3,012 two-bedrooms and from individuals earning $20,675 annually to families of four earning $144,960.
Get a look at the apartments and find out if you qualify
Cheery Two-Bedroom in Boerum Hill Asks Less Than a Million
April 27, 2016

Cheery Two-Bedroom in Boerum Hill Asks Less Than a Million

By
Though not by much -- this pretty second-floor, two-bedroom co-op on a prime Boerum Hill street comes in at $925,000, to be exact. Friendly and quaint yet urban and diverse, this neighborhood was pricey and sought-after long before Brooklyn nabes were vying for “coolest in the world” status. The apartment for sale at 368 State Street has plenty going for it in the looks department. Pre-war details like decorative moldings, high ceilings and hardwood floors complement interiors that have been updated for modern comfort. It’s only one flight upstairs, and a common roof deck even puts outdoor space into the equation.
Get a closer look
Greenpoint’s 533 Leonard Condos Hit the Market Asking Above Neighborhood Average
April 27, 2016

Greenpoint’s 533 Leonard Condos Hit the Market Asking Above Neighborhood Average

By
Along the southern border of Greenpoint, near Williamsburg's McCarren Park, a once charming 19th-century school building at 533 Leonard Street is completing its adaptive reuse into 13 condominiums. Three two-bedroom units were just listed on the market this week asking an average price per square foot of $1,411, a bit above Greenpoint's current average condo asking price of $1,152 per square foot. The 21,000-square-foot development is a synthesis of the Italianate-style Horace Greeley School married with a modern addition and gut-renovated interiors handled by local architects MDIM.
Check out the available units
Another Stubby Shotgun House Hits the Market in Brooklyn, This One Asking $999K
April 26, 2016

Another Stubby Shotgun House Hits the Market in Brooklyn, This One Asking $999K

By
This shotgun house in East Bed Stuy (asking $775K last December) needs to move over: there's another stubby property in town. And by town, we mean the neighborhood of Greenwood Heights, Brooklyn, located just south of Park Slope. The two-story home comes with two bedrooms, one-and-a-half bathroom and the opportunity to expand. The question is, would you pay just under $1 million for it?
Take a look
$5K/Month Carroll Gardens Duplex in a Former Wine Cellar Has Plenty of Personality
April 26, 2016

$5K/Month Carroll Gardens Duplex in a Former Wine Cellar Has Plenty of Personality

By
In a rented apartment, visitors and friends won't necessarily hold you responsible for any infrastructure eccentricity–that's part of the ease of signing a lease. The problem is, it's often difficult to find a rental with any personailty. There's no floor plan available for this quirky Carroll Gardens garden duplex at 78 Douglass Street, but it certainly looks like there's a fair amount of space, and even if not, you've got two floors to call home. As is often the case with pre-war row house apartments, there do seem to be "plenty of unique features," as the listing says.
Check out the party-ready yard and the former wine cellar basement
A Photographer’s Eye Makes This $3.25M Carroll Gardens Townhouse Pretty as a Picture
April 25, 2016

A Photographer’s Eye Makes This $3.25M Carroll Gardens Townhouse Pretty as a Picture

By
When a photographer who's worked for Martha Stewart Living puts her creative skills to work crafting a home in a classic Carroll Gardens townhouse, the results tend to photograph well. That's certainly the case with this gorgeous three-story brick house at 189 Huntington Street. Lifestyle, food, fashion and interiors photographer Dana Gallagher has clearly trained her editorial and design eye on every detail. Comprised of an upstairs owners' duplex and a beautifully outfitted one-bedroom garden apartment below–each with an outdoor oasis–this 20-foot-wide two-family property could also be transformed easily into a single-family dream house.
Get a closer look
First Look StudiosC’s Bed Stuy Rental Underway at 1875 Atlantic Avenue
April 25, 2016

First Look StudiosC’s Bed Stuy Rental Underway at 1875 Atlantic Avenue

By
Over the next decade, Brooklyn's Atlantic Avenue will likely continue its transformation from high-speed deathtrap to high-density residential boulevard. With more than a dozen projects already taking shape near its western extents, such as the 16-tower Pacific Park project, Cobble Hill's LICH redevelopment, and a pair of towers at Brooklyn Bridge Park, it's not difficult to imagine infill developments progressing eastward, rising from the acres of underutilized land along the ten-mile artery. And in East New York, the City Council just approved a rezoning of the neighborhood that allows for 10- to 14-story apartment blocks to rise along Atlantic Avenue. In Bedford-Stuyvesant, in between the two much-discussed areas, StudiosC Architects has crafted an eight-story apartment block at 1875 Atlantic Avenue, which will contain 118 rental units.
Get all the details on the building
Award-Winning Contemporary Townhouse on the Columbia Street Waterfront Asks $3M
April 25, 2016

Award-Winning Contemporary Townhouse on the Columbia Street Waterfront Asks $3M

By
The Columbia Street Waterfront is a quiet and historic waterfront enclave, just west of Cobble Hill, that's filled with small businesses and lined with cobblestone streets. Despite it's old-time Brooklyn vibe, it's home to at least one very contemporary townhouse at 48 Tiffany Place. The single-family, three-story home underwent a reno in 2013 and recently won the Remodelista Considered Design Award for its unique and dramatic interior.
See more
Artist Hopes to Raise $25K to Build a Pedestrian Bridge from Red Hook to Governors Island
April 22, 2016

Artist Hopes to Raise $25K to Build a Pedestrian Bridge from Red Hook to Governors Island

By
From her back window on Columbia Street in Brooklyn, artist Nancy Nowacek could see Governors Island and Buttermilk Channel (the strait connecting Brooklyn to the island), and it seemed incredibly close. In fact, it's the equivalent of only about four city blocks away. So since 2012, Nowacek has been working on her vision of building Citizen Bridge over New York Harbor, a floating modular pedestrian bridge over the 1,400-foot span from Red Hook to Governor's Island. In what is currently planned as a one-day-only event, she sees Citizen Bridge as a completely new way to experience New York City harbor, rather than seeing it from the shore, from a bridge above, or from a boat. As noted by Mental Floss, Nowacek has turned to Kickstarter to raise money for a pilot phase. The project's goal of $25,000 would fund a proof-of-concept, which is the final phase before launching for real.  So far, they've prototyped seven bridge designs in full-scale sections.
Find out more about this plan to walk on water
First Look at StudiosC’s Boutique Condominium Underway at 187 Bridge Street
April 22, 2016

First Look at StudiosC’s Boutique Condominium Underway at 187 Bridge Street

By
Within Downtown Brooklyn's detached island of urbanity between the Manhattan Bridge on-ramp and the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, local architecture firm StudiosC has designed a modestly scaled, ground-up condominium at the corner of Bridge and Nassau Streets. Re-approved plans filed by the architect of record Karl Fischer detail an eight-story building with 12,000 square feet of gross floor area.
More details ahead
Ansonia Loft With Exposed Wood Beams and Big Brick-Framed Windows Asks $1.9M
April 21, 2016

Ansonia Loft With Exposed Wood Beams and Big Brick-Framed Windows Asks $1.9M

By
While keeping its turn-of-the-century industrial charm, this three-bedroom duplex loft was given an architect's renovation, with both details and space arranged to accommodate modern family life. The Ansonia Court Clock Factory at 420 12th Street may be a loft among the brownstones of Park Slope, but the co-op complex is a favorite in the area. A pretty central courtyard, warm-yet-industrial loft apartments and a laid-back, convenient South Slope location make homes here unique and sought-after. Residents generally put their own stamp on their own brick-clad lofts, and this three-bedroom duplex is no exception. The $1.9 million price tag does seem like a lot for the real space, and the co-op lacks the amenities of a full-service building, but people truly love the Ansonia's charm, so we're guessing this duplex will do pretty well.
Explore the lovely loft
First Domino Sugar Refinery Tower at 325 Kent Avenue Now Rising Above Williamsburg
April 21, 2016

First Domino Sugar Refinery Tower at 325 Kent Avenue Now Rising Above Williamsburg

By
After breaking ground last spring, the first tower of Two Trees' three million-square-foot Domino Sugar Refinery Master Plan has finally lifted out of the ground. Addressed 325 Kent Avenue (Site E), the 400,000-square-foot building rises one block inland from the East River waterfront and the remaining five parcels of the master plan. The future 16-story, 189-foot-tall project covers three-quarters of its block bound by Kent and Wythe Avenues and South 3rd and 4th Streets. All in all, the two-winged tower will hold a whopping 522 rental units, making it the second largest residential building in Williamsburg after the also-in-construction 2 North 6th Street.
Find out more about the development
‘Gilmore Girls’ Alexis Bledel and ‘Mad Men’ Hubby Sell Brooklyn Heights Penthouse for $1.3M
April 21, 2016

‘Gilmore Girls’ Alexis Bledel and ‘Mad Men’ Hubby Sell Brooklyn Heights Penthouse for $1.3M

By
The media frenzy surrounding the "Gilmore Girls" Netflix revival is hard at work trying to predict which love interest Rory will end up with. In real life, though, Alexis Bledel is already settled down with husband Vincent Kartheiser (Pete Campbell from "Mad Men"), and the pair just unloaded their classy Brooklyn Heights co-op, according to the Post. The couple first listed the duplex penthouse at 105 Montague Street last year for $1,560,000, slightly higher than the $1,325,000 sale price. The one-bedroom spread with a 500-square-foot roof deck was meticulously renovated and boasts lots of custom built-ins, a myriad of eclectic light fixtures, and a very Restoration Hardware-esque furniture selection.
See the whole place
Enjoy the Sunlight Inside and Out at This $1M Clinton Hill Co-op
April 21, 2016

Enjoy the Sunlight Inside and Out at This $1M Clinton Hill Co-op

By
If you're the type of apartment dweller who wants their living space flooded in light, look no further than this Clinton Hill co-op at 451 Clinton Avenue. The two-bedroom unit comes from a prewar, landmarked building that offers gracious floorplans with nice big rooms. Large windows are nearly everywhere you turn, with views out onto the treetops. This apartment is probably looking picture-perfect with the sun out in full force this week.
See the interior
Checking in on Adam America’s Trio of Developments on a Single Boerum Hill Block
April 21, 2016

Checking in on Adam America’s Trio of Developments on a Single Boerum Hill Block

By
At the southern edge of Boerum Hill, where the quaint brownstone enclave meets Park Slope and Gowanus, a trio of sleek residential buildings is taking shape by developer Adam America Real Estate. Along a single block, bound by Third and Fourth Avenues and Baltic and Warren Streets, the Brooklyn-centric firm is busy constructing a 31-unit condo building at Six Ten Warren, a 70-unit rental at 595 Baltic Street, and a 21-unit rental 577 Baltic Street. 6sqft visited the block to see how construction is progressing and put together all the renderings and details for the projects.
Check it all out right here
Pitch a story icon

Pitch a Story

We love to hear from you!

"*" indicates required fields

Interested in seeing the property in person?

It’s free, with no obligation.

CityRealty Logo

"*" indicates required fields

or Call (212) 755-5544

Interested in seeing the property in person?

It’s free, with no obligation.

CityRealty Logo

Distinctive Post Form

"*" indicates required fields

or Call (212) 755-5544
Contact us image

Get in Touch

We love to hear from you!

"*" indicates required fields

Send us a tip image
Delivering New York stories focused on design, lifestyle & real estate.

Send us a Tip

We love to hear from you!

"*" indicates required fields

Interesting in learning more about purchasing a new home?

Let us know what you are looking for and we’ll help you find the home of your dreams. It’s free, with no obligation.

CityRealty Logo
or Call (212) 755-5544

Thinking about selling your home?

We’ll provide current market comps and connect you with a trusted expert.

CityRealty Logo

Sell a Home (Footer)

"*" indicates required fields

or Call (212) 755-5544

Before You Move On
from this Page.

Subscribe for NYC's Lastest Design, Lifestyle,
and Real Estate Trends!

No Worries. We Don’t Spam.

By providing your email address, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Your Passport to NYC:
Subscribe for Local Insights and Stories!

No Worries. We Don’t Spam.

By providing your email address, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
You can unsubscribe at any time.