Crown Heights

Plans for a 17-story mixed-use project with 569 rentals in Crown Heights are moving ahead. Carmel Partners acquired $233 million in construction financing for the development of the new building at 54 Crown Street, which sits just one block east of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Work has already begun on the complex, which will include both commercial and community space as well as parking for 170 vehicles.
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New Developments

Brower Park Library reopens within the Brooklyn Children’s Museum

Photos courtesy of Gregg Richards

July 24, 2023

Brower Park Library reopens within the Brooklyn Children’s Museum

The Brooklyn Public Library's Brower Park branch has joined forces with another Crown Heights institution: the Brooklyn Children's Museum. After facing a hefty price tag of $5.6 million to make necessary improvements at its existing building, the library instead moved to the ground floor of the museum, according to Patch, with the branch officially open as of last week. Located at 155 Brooklyn Avenue, the library includes a main reading room, a community room, a colorful children's space for both reading and play, as well as an outdoor reading terrace.
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Uncategorized

Hypnotizing flower-themed sculptural exhibit coming to Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Jean-Michel Othoniel, view of the exhibition Treasure Gardens at Seoul Museum of Art and Imperial Palace Garden, Seoul (South Korea), 2022. Photo by CJY ART STUDIO. © Jean-Michel Othoniel / ADAGP, Paris & ARS, New York 2023.

June 28, 2023

Hypnotizing flower-themed sculptural exhibit coming to Brooklyn Botanic Garden

The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is hosting a new sculptural exhibition in three of its most well-known garden spaces this summer. Created by French artist Jean-Michel Othoniel, "The Flowers of Hypnosis" consists of six separate flower-like sculptures inspired by Othoniel's passion and observations of nature and work on a landscape scale. The sculpture series, Othoniel's largest exhibition in the United States since 2012, will be on view at the BBG from July 18 through October 22, 2023.
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Events & Things To Do

Lottery launches for 53 luxury apartments at new Crown Heights rental, from $1,576/month

Rendering courtesy of StudioSC

January 24, 2023

Lottery launches for 53 luxury apartments at new Crown Heights rental, from $1,576/month

Applications are currently being accepted for 53 mixed-income apartments at a new luxury rental in Crown Heights. Located between Grand and Classon Avenues, the building at 1010 Pacific Street, dubbed Pacific House, rises nine stories, contains 175 total units, and offers residents a fitness center, a unique library room, and a large landscaped rooftop. New Yorkers earning 80 and 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the apartments, priced from $1,576/month for studios.
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Affordable Housing

Leasing launches at Bedford Union Armory rental in Crown Heights, studios from $2,875/month

Renderings courtesy of Pax Brooklyn; Photos courtesy of QuallsBenson, unless otherwise noted

August 16, 2022

Leasing launches at Bedford Union Armory rental in Crown Heights, studios from $2,875/month

Leasing launched this week at a new mixed-income rental building that is part of the redeveloped Bedford Union Armory complex in Crown Heights. Located at 1101 President Street, The Arch rises 16 stories, contains 355 rental units, and offers residents amenities like a furnished rooftop, indoor-outdoor gym, and a work-from-home business center. The more than 160 market-rate apartments start at $2,875/month for a studio, $3,212/month for a one-bedroom, $4,514/month for a two-bedroom, and $5,675/month for a three-bedroom, according to the building's website.
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Apply for 160 affordable units at Bedford Union Armory complex in Crown Heights, from $465/month

Image courtesy of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development

July 21, 2022

Apply for 160 affordable units at Bedford Union Armory complex in Crown Heights, from $465/month

Applications are now being accepted for 160 affordable units at a new rental in the Bedford Union Armory redevelopment in Brooklyn. Located at 1101 President Street in Crown Heights, the building offers residents brand new units and a prime location near Prospect Park. New Yorkers earning 30, 40, 50, and 60 percent of the area median income, or between $18,515 for a single person and $99,300 for a household of seven, are eligible to apply for the apartments, which range from $465/month studios to $1,841/month three bedrooms.
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Crown Heights residents sue LPC over apartment complex on site of landmarked ‘crown jewel’

All renderings courtesy of Morris Adjmi Architects via the Landmarks Preservation Commission

April 12, 2022

Crown Heights residents sue LPC over apartment complex on site of landmarked ‘crown jewel’

A coalition of Crown Heights residents and preservationists last week filed a lawsuit against the Landmarks Preservation Commission for approving a major residential project on a historic Brooklyn property. Developed by Hope Street Capital and designed by Morris Adjmi Architects, 959 Sterling Place (aka 920 Park Place) consists of a seven-story complex with 158 apartments and community space that will replace a landmarked 19th-century building. On Friday, attorneys representing the coalition of opponents filed a lawsuit against the LPC and Hope Street Capital, claiming the commission violated the law by failing to hold a public hearing.
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Policy

Brooklyn Museum’s free First Saturdays program returns after two years

First Saturday at the Brooklyn Museum, April 2017. Photo: Kolin Mendez Photography; courtesy of the Brooklyn Museum

March 25, 2022

Brooklyn Museum’s free First Saturdays program returns after two years

For the first time since March 2020, the Brooklyn Museum's popular First Saturdays program will return next month. The program, which got its start over two decades ago, offers a night of free events, performances, activities, and more, on the first Saturday of every month. The famed program resumes on April 2 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
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Events & Things To Do

POPULAR Crown Heights BUILDINGS

1555 Bedford Avenue 1579 Bedford Avenue

960 Franklin Avenue 960 Franklin Avenue

608 Franklin Avenue 608 Franklin Avenue

876 Bergen Street 876 Bergen Street

409 Eastern Parkway 409 Eastern Parkway

916 Bergen Street 916 Bergen Street

12 Ford Street 12 Ford Street

1101 President Street 1101 President Street

1375 Dean Street 1375 Dean Street

615 Sterling Place 615 Sterling Place

1543 Dean Street 1543 Dean Street

267 Rogers Avenue 267 Rogers Avenue

40 Crown Street 40 Crown Street

1738 Pacific Street 1738 Pacific Street

1372 Dean Street 1372 Dean Street

915 Saint Marks Avenue 915 Saint Marks Avenue

808 Saint Johns Place 808 Saint Johns Place

971 Saint Marks Avenue 971 Saint Marks Avenue

85 Rogers Avenue 85 Rogers Avenue

1629 Pacific Street 1629 Pacific Street

Brooklyn Museum’s iconic ‘OY/YO’ sculpture is wrapped in blue fabric to show support for Ukraine

Deborah Kass (American, born 1952). OY/YO, 2015. Painted aluminum, 96 x 19 5 x 54 ½ in (243.8 x 495.3 x 138.4 cm). Courtesy of the artist. © 2018 Deborah Kass/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York. Photo: Courtesy of the Brooklyn Museum

March 3, 2022

Brooklyn Museum’s iconic ‘OY/YO’ sculpture is wrapped in blue fabric to show support for Ukraine

The bright yellow OY/YO sculpture that sits in front of The Brooklyn Museum has been partially wrapped in blue fabric to show solidarity with Ukraine. Deborah Kass, the New York artist behind the piece, joined museum staff on Wednesday to cover the letter "O" with the fabric, a nod to the blue and yellow Ukrainian flag. According to an Instagram post published by the museum, Kass' activation "aligns with her original motivation in creating this sculpture—to connect communities and to see our commonalities."
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Events & Things To Do

February 24, 2022

NYC reaches $2.25M settlement with notorious Crown Heights landlord duo

Mayor Eric Adams and New York Attorney General Letitia James on Wednesday announced a $2.25 million settlement against Gennaro Brooks-Church and Loretta Gendville, who attempted to illegally evict tenants at their Brooklyn property during the pandemic in violation of the state's moratorium, and reportedly ran an illegal hotel operation over the course of several years. By terms of the settlement, the property located at 1214 Dean Street in Crown Heights will be turned over to the city and transformed into affordable housing, with the previous owners paying $250,000 in fines.
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This $1.15M Crown Heights condo has a colorful Plain English kitchen and plenty of space for dinner guests

Photos courtesy of Douglas Elliman

December 13, 2021

This $1.15M Crown Heights condo has a colorful Plain English kitchen and plenty of space for dinner guests

By Michelle Cohen

This $1,149,000 Crown Heights condo at 720 Nostrand Avenue has high-floor light, a spacious layout, and a custom kitchen that transcends the ordinary. On the fifth floor of a six-story elevator building, the two-bedroom, two-bath home also has a private balcony off the master bedroom, a washer/dryer, and pale hardwood floors throughout.
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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

By Michelle Cohen

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

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.
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Events & Things To Do

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

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.
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NYC commission kills application for shadow-casting towers next to Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Rendering: NYC Department of City Planning

September 23, 2021

NYC commission kills application for shadow-casting towers next to Brooklyn Botanic Garden

The City Planning Commission this week voted unanimously to reject a rezoning application that would allow for two high-rise towers in Crown Heights next to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, ending the uniform land use review procedure for the project. First unveiled by developers Continuum Companies and Lincoln Equities in 2019, the plan called for a pair of 34-story towers with over 1,500 units of housing on a lot at 960 Franklin Avenue. The commission's decision came after a more than a two-year campaign against the project by the garden, which claimed the towers would block necessary light from shining on its greenhouses.
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Policy

Affordable housing lottery opens at Bedford Union Armory in Crown Heights, from $367/month

Rendering courtesy of NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development

June 24, 2021

Affordable housing lottery opens at Bedford Union Armory in Crown Heights, from $367/month

The city on Thursday launched an affordable housing lottery for 55 rentals at the Bedford Union Armory redevelopment in Crown Heights. Recently renamed the Major R. Owens Health & Wellness Community Center, the former home of the U.S. Army's Cavalry Troop C is being transformed into a mixed-use building with recreational and community space, as well as mixed-income apartments and office space. New Yorkers earning 30, 40, 50, and 60 percent of the area median income can apply for the units available in this first phase, ranging from $367/month studios to $1,472/month three-bedrooms.
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Affordable Housing

Affordable units and height slashed at proposed Brooklyn Botanic Garden-bordering towers

Rendering: NYC Department of City Planning

February 24, 2021

Affordable units and height slashed at proposed Brooklyn Botanic Garden-bordering towers

The developers behind a controversial proposal to build a pair of high-rise towers in Crown Heights next to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden have put forth a revised plan that would slash the building height and the number of affordable units offered. As first reported by The City, Continuum Company and Lincoln Equities launched a new project website that describes a 17-story residential building at 960 Franklin Avenue as an alternative to the 34-story project currently under review by the city.
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FEMA community-based vaccination sites open in Brooklyn and Queens this week

Photo by Jules Antonio on Wikimedia

February 22, 2021

FEMA community-based vaccination sites open in Brooklyn and Queens this week

Two coronavirus vaccination sites run by the state with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will open in Queens and Brooklyn on Wednesday, with appointments set aside for residents of specific ZIP codes. Appointment slots opened over the weekend for vaccinations at Medgar Evers College in Crown Heights and York College in Jamaica, starting this Wednesday. According to Gov. Andrew Cuomo, there are many appointments still up for grabs.
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Policy

Listing photos courtesy of Brown Harris Stevens

February 2, 2021

The huge backyard at this $2.65M Crown Heights townhouse is a family oasis

If you've been quarantined with kids for the past year, be prepared to drool over the backyard at this Crown Heights townhouse. Located at 1101 Park Place and listed for $2,650,000, the two-family home has a garden-floor apartment and a three-bedroom duplex on the upper two floors. The latter has a deck off the kitchen and a massive (it stretches through to the other block!) backyard with both a stone patio and a grassy space large enough for a swing set and trampoline.
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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

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

The backyard at this $1.1M two-family in Crown Heights is like a Floridian escape

Photos courtesy of the Corcoran Group

November 16, 2020

The backyard at this $1.1M two-family in Crown Heights is like a Floridian escape

There's something about the sun porch and decked-out backyard at this Crown Heights house that feels like visiting grandma at her place in Florida. The backyard has a romantic gazebo complete with twinkly lights, BBQ grill and dining area, and two sheds. Then, there's an airy sun porch, as well as a second-floor terrace. Located at 1954 Bergen Street, the home is currently set up as a two-family plus garage, and it's asking $1,100,000.
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Distinctive Homes

$499K Crown Heights condo got a makeover from a major plant influencer

Photos by Katherine Marks

August 27, 2020

$499K Crown Heights condo got a makeover from a major plant influencer

When 6sqft took a tour of model Summer Rayne Oakes' apartment in 2016, her home was filled with more than 500 plants. Today, that collection has grown to 1,100 and Summer has written a book on how to "cultivate green space in your home and heart." Most recently, she took this idea and applied her style to a studio apartment at the new Crown Heights condo 111 Montgomery Sreet (h/t NY Post). Listed for $499,000, the apartment is a cool mix of contemporary finishes, boho decor, and, of course, plants galore.
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Crown Heights residents rally against proposed 182-unit complex at site of 19th-century senior home

Southern facade; Photo credit: Simia Rassouli

July 15, 2020

Crown Heights residents rally against proposed 182-unit complex at site of 19th-century senior home

The fight continues over a proposed new development on a large stretch of land in the Crown Heights North Historic District II with an online petition opposing the project collecting over 4,000 signatures. A neighborhood group, Friends of 920 Park, hopes to stop the construction of a seven-story, 182-unit apartment building on land at 959 Sterling Place (920 Park Place), originally the site of the Methodist Home for the Aged and currently the home of the Hebron French Speaking Seventh Day Adventist School. The renewed fight against the project comes ahead of a Brooklyn Community Board 8 and Landmarks Preservation Commission public hearing on the plan later this summer.
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Real Estate Trends

June 25, 2020

Crown Heights subway stations to be renamed in honor of Civil Rights icon Medgar Evers

Two subway stations in Brooklyn will be renamed after Medgar Evers College and the Civil Rights activist for whom the historic black college is named. Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Thursday announced that Franklin Avenue and President Street stations in Crown Heights will formally be renamed this fall, with MTA maps and signage updated this summer. The new stations--Franklin Avenue-Medgar Evers College and President Street-Medgar Evers College--aim to honor the contributions of the institution ahead of its 50th anniversary.
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Lottery opens for 13 income-restricted units in Brownsville, from $800/month

Photo of Broadway Junction by Stanley Wood on Flickr

June 24, 2020

Lottery opens for 13 income-restricted units in Brownsville, from $800/month

A lottery has opened for 13 income-restricted apartments at a new rental located on the border of Crown Heights and Brownsville in Brooklyn. Designed by Samuel Wieder Architects, the seven-story mixed-use building at 2175 Bergen Street contains 38 total residences and boasts amenities like a fitness center, backyard, and bike room. New Yorkers earning 40, 60, 80, and 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the one- and two-bedroom apartments, priced between $800/month and $2,100/month.
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Affordable Housing

Image Credit: Warburg Realty/Jamie Fedorko

June 5, 2020

Crown Heights condo is a calming two-bedroom home for under $1M