Fort Greene

This decommissioned firehouse at 124 Dekalb Avenue–currently asking $4,350,000–has a fascinating history that began in 1895, when it was built as a water tower. Converted into a neighborhood firehouse in 1903, the building's cellar was fortified as a bomb shelter at some point in the 20th century. After the firehouse was disbanded in 1974, the building became a live/work space for celebrated filmmaker Spike Lee, who headquartered his 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks studio here. In the mid-1980s, the building was converted into two duplex loft apartments–and a multi-car garage.
The full eyeful, this way

NYC announces plan for $20M biotech hub at the Brooklyn Navy Yard

Image courtesy of alh1 on Flickr

January 27, 2023

NYC announces plan for $20M biotech hub at the Brooklyn Navy Yard

By Aaron Ginsburg

During his State of the City address, Mayor Eric Adams on Thursday announced plans to open a $20 million biotech innovation hub at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. The "first-in-the-nation incubator" would include 50,000 square feet of office, lab, and programming space for biotech startups and companies at the former shipyard, as THE CITY first reported.
See more here

Neighborhood Tours

Here are NYC’s best holiday markets and pop-up shops of 2022

Image courtesy of

November 16, 2022

Here are NYC’s best holiday markets and pop-up shops of 2022

By Aaron Ginsburg

FAD Holiday Market The holiday season has arrived in New York City, and with it comes the dozens of festive winter shops that offer unique gifts and locally-made goods for New Yorkers and their loved ones. Ahead, discover the city's best holiday markets and pop-up shops, from the long-revered markets at Union Square and Bryant Park to newcomers like the Brooklyn Borough Hall Holiday Market.
Find something for everyone on your list

Gaze at your fairytale garden from the glass atrium in this $6.1M Fort Greene brownstone

Photos courtesy of Serhant

October 4, 2022

Gaze at your fairytale garden from the glass atrium in this $6.1M Fort Greene brownstone

This 19th-century townhouse at 11A South Portland Avenue sits just steps from the entrance to Fort Greene Park. Asking $6,125,000, the 4,913-square-foot three-family property counts among its standout features seven fireplaces, a verdant garden, historic details, and modern upgrades like a dual cooling/heating HVAC system. Within, antique chandeliers, crown molding, and ceiling medallions are framed by high ceilings, herringbone hardwood floors with border inlays, tall mahogany windows, doorway arches, marble, and polished stone tiles.
Take the classic brownstone tour

Distinctive Homes

143 middle-income units available at new 34-story tower in Downtown Brooklyn, from $2,523/month

Rendering courtesy of RXR

January 19, 2022

143 middle-income units available at new 34-story tower in Downtown Brooklyn, from $2,523/month

By Aaron Ginsburg

A housing lottery launched this week for 143 middle-income units in a new building in Downtown Brooklyn. Designed by Perkins Eastman, The Willoughby is a 34-story mixed-use residential tower offering prospective tenants the opportunity to save money in the long term with rent-stabilized units. New Yorkers earning 130 percent of the area median income are eligible to apply for the apartments, which range from $2,523/month studios to $3,235/month for two bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

Former Fort Greene home of Notorious B.I.G. sells for $2M

All photos courtesy of Compass

December 21, 2021

Former Fort Greene home of Notorious B.I.G. sells for $2M

After just over three months on the market, the Fort Greene home that once belonged to the late rapper Notorious B.I.G. sold last week for $2,000,000, as the New York Post first reported. Located at 159 Carlton Avenue, the two-bedroom duplex sits within a former stable building and underwent a major renovation by the current owner, a well-known costume designer. The home, which is where Biggie lived when he released his iconic 1994 album "Ready to Die," was listed for $1,700,000 in September.
Get the details

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

Photo: FAD Holiday Market

November 18, 2021

The 15 best NYC holiday markets of 2021

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

POPULAR Fort Greene BUILDINGS

250 Ashland Place 250 Ashland Place

1 Flatbush Avenue 1 Flatbush Avenue

159 Carlton Avenue 159 Carlton Avenue

280 Ashland Place 280 Ashland Place

1 Hanson Place 1 Hanson Place

124 Dekalb Avenue 124 Dekalb Avenue

20 South Oxford Street 20 South Oxford Street

23 South Elliott Place 23 South Elliott Place

232 Adelphi Street 232 Adelphi Street

112 St. Edwards Street 112 St. Edwards Street

66 Rockwell Place 66 Rockwell Place

69 South Oxford Street 69 South Oxford Street

154 Lafayette Avenue 154 Lafayette Avenue

416 Clermont Avenue 416 Clermont Avenue

139 South Oxford Street 139 South Oxford Street

362 Clermont Avenue 362 Clermont Avenue

80 Adelphi Street 80 Adelphi Street

570 Fulton Street 570 Fulton Street

161 Adelphi Street 161 Adelphi Street

1 Rockwell Place 1 Rockwell Place

Leasing launches at The Willoughby, a new 476-unit rental in Downtown Brooklyn

All renderings courtesy of RXR Realty

September 20, 2021

Leasing launches at The Willoughby, a new 476-unit rental in Downtown Brooklyn

Ahead of its opening this fall, a sleek new rental building in Brooklyn has launched leasing. Located where Fort Greene and Downtown Brooklyn converge, The Willoughby rises 34 stories and houses 476 rental units. Developed by RXR Realty and designed by Perkins Eastman, the 435-foot-tall building sits within the Long Island University campus and overlooks a new athletic field funded by the project. Starting rents are $2,870/month for studios, $3,840/month for one-bedrooms, and $5,660/month for two-bedrooms.
Get the details

Beautiful Fort Greene apartment once home to Notorious B.I.G. lists for $1.7M

Listing photos courtesy of Compass

September 9, 2021

Beautiful Fort Greene apartment once home to Notorious B.I.G. lists for $1.7M

Not far from the Clinton Hill apartment where he grew up, the former Fort Greene home of the late rapper Notorious B.I.G. and his wife Faith Evens has hit the market for $1.7 million, as the NY Post reported. The two-bedroom duplex is located in a former stable building at 159 Carlton Avenue and is today owned by a well-known costume designer who infused the apartment with a gorgeous mix of historic architecture, art, and stylish upgrades. According to the Post, Biggie Smalls released his famous album "Ready to Die" while living here in 1994.
Check it out

Queen Anne townhouse in Fort Greene has lovely interiors and a garden apartment for $2.5M

Listing photos courtesy of Douglas Elliman

July 8, 2021

Queen Anne townhouse in Fort Greene has lovely interiors and a garden apartment for $2.5M

This townhouse on the Fort Greene/Bed-Stuy border is part of a row of 16 Queen Anne townhouses designed by famed Brooklyn architect Amzi Hill. Aside from its preserved historic bones that include ornate moldings and tin ceilings, there's a beautiful modern backyard, a five-bedroom owner's triplex, and an income-generating garden-level apartment. It's on the market for $2,495,000.
Look around

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

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

November 11, 2020

Tired of roommates? Here are 5 studios in NYC renting for under $2,500/month

Sharing space with roommates in a small New York City apartment has never been easy. But doing so during a pandemic while many are still working from home? Almost impossible. As winter approaches and takes safe outdoor activities with it, now may be a good time to look for your own apartment. And with average rents still down compared to the same period last year, you're more likely to scoop up a decent deal. For those ready to ditch the roommates, we've found five studio apartments perfect for one, from a sunny Sutton Place rental for $1,538/month to a $2,479/month junior one-bedroom with amenities in Gramercy Park.
Details this way

Distinctive Homes

Photo credit: Shannon Dupre/DDReps, courtesy of The Corcoran Group

October 9, 2020

This dreamy $3.25M Fort Greene condo was made for live, work, and play

From an aesthetic perspective, this Fort Greene condo has a lot to talk about--gorgeous plaster ceiling moldings, original brick arches, and creative and contemporary flourishes. But it's also got quite a lot going for it in terms of practicality. For $3,250,000, the home at 407 Clermont Avenue has three floors, three bedrooms, a multi-tiered garden and deck, and a massive basement rec room that's been transformed into a home gym, crafting area, and home office.
See more here

Distinctive Homes

For $2.75M, this adorable Fort Greene carriage house is the perfect live/work opportunity

Photos by Alyson Lubow, courtesy of The Corcoran Group

September 16, 2020

For $2.75M, this adorable Fort Greene carriage house is the perfect live/work opportunity

Most New Yorkers have had to get creative with their remote work situations, but if you're on the #WFH train for the long haul, you may need to consider an upgrade. And if you've got $2,750,000 to shell out, consider this incredible Fort Greene carriage house. Built in 1925, the super unique residence was fully renovated in 2014 and now includes a conference room, three offices, and even a recording studio. It's not technically set up as a private home, but with a full kitchen, rear terrace, and tons of space, it easily could be.
Go inside

Distinctive Homes

37 middle-income units available at new Brooklyn rental with rooftop movie screen, from $2,370/month

Courtesy of Aufgang Architects

August 20, 2020

37 middle-income units available at new Brooklyn rental with rooftop movie screen, from $2,370/month

Applications are now being accepted for 37 middle-income units at a new rental in Brooklyn. Located on the Clinton Hill-Fort Greene border, 810 Fulton Street (also known as 475 Clermont Avenue) rises 12 stories and contains 363 apartments. The building boasts a number of amenities, including a parking garage, children's playroom, fitness center, and a large landscaped rooftop with grills, a catering kitchen, and an outdoor movie theater. New Yorkers earning 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the apartments, ranging from a $2,370/month studio to a $3,063/month two-bedroom.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

Photo credit: Gamut Photos

July 30, 2020

Second Empire brownstone in Fort Greene has been beautifully restored for $4M

There's something very romantic about this brownstone at 374 Vanderbilt Avenue in Fort Greene. The interiors have been beautifully preserved and the home modernized, but not so much so that it's lost its old-world charm. The five-bedroom Second Empire townhouse was built in 1899 and is part of the Fort Greene Historic District. It's asking $3,995,000, and has a studio apartment in the basement level for added income.
See the whole place

Distinctive Homes

$5M Fort Greene townhouse has three rental apartments and a luxurious owner’s duplex

All images by Udor Photography

July 21, 2020

$5M Fort Greene townhouse has three rental apartments and a luxurious owner’s duplex

There's quite a lot to love about this Fort Greene residence at 215 Clermont Avenue, just listed for $4,995,000. Not only does it have three income-producing rental units, but the owner's duplex is as luxurious as townhouse living comes. In addition to an incredible amount of preserved 19th-century architecture, the duplex boasts a large, landscaped rear garden, a wine room, and even a mudroom that doubles as a pet spa.
See more here

Distinctive Homes

Brooklyn Navy Yard is selling PPE online and at West Elm and Wegmans

Photo of Crye Precision face masks, courtesy of the Brooklyn Navy Yard

July 15, 2020

Brooklyn Navy Yard is selling PPE online and at West Elm and Wegmans

Face shields, ventilators, cloth masks, hand sanitizer--this is just some of the personal protective equipment being produced by manufacturers at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. To help their tenants who have shifted from their normal business models to make PPE during the pandemic, the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation (BNYDC) announced today a a new initiative called "Made at the Yard." The program includes an online e-commerce portal where tenants can market and sell PPE and related products, as well as PPE vending machines and partnerships with West Elm and Wegmans.
READ MORE

City Living

Brooklyn locals call for Barclays Center to be renamed for Jackie Robinson

Photo by Ajay Suresh on Flickr

July 7, 2020

Brooklyn locals call for Barclays Center to be renamed for Jackie Robinson

The Barclays Center has made many headlines recently, as it's served as a hub for the city's Black Lives Matter protests. And some locals hope to keep this momentum going and are pushing for the arena to be renamed for Brooklyn Dodgers player Jackie Robinson, the first African American Major League Baseball player. Arthur Piccolo of Park Slope actually began the effort back in 2006, but recently revived it, telling the Brooklyn Paper, "You’re seeing certain individuals being criticized and their statutes rightly removed, and here’s the opportunity to do something symbolic."
READ MORE

City Living

Photo credit: Melanie Greene

July 6, 2020

$999K Fort Greene co-op is super stylish with room to spare

From the just-under-a-million pricetag to the lovely historic features to the outdoor space, this Fort Greene co-op has a lot going for it. Located at 143 Lafayette Avenue, the apartment is currently configured as a one-bedroom plus home office, but that bonus space would also make a great nursery or sitting room. An added bonus--the private deck overlooks the pre-war building's English garden, which is complete with whimsical landscaping and seating areas.
Look around

Distinctive Homes

An outdoor deck and bonus basement make this $1.6M Fort Greene co-op a stand-out

Listing photos by Yale Wagner for The Corcoran Group

June 26, 2020

An outdoor deck and bonus basement make this $1.6M Fort Greene co-op a stand-out

Some people might snub the idea of living in the garden unit of a townhouse, but what that often affords is a private backyard, such is the case at this Fort Greene co-op. Located at 154 Lafayette Avenue and just listed for $1.6 million, the two-bedroom home also has a large lower level that's currently configured as a second living room but could be converted to a third bedroom suite.
Go inside

Distinctive Homes

20 mixed-income apartments available at new Downtown Brooklyn tower, from $690/month

Photo of 1 Flatbush Avenue courtesy of Alexander Severin

June 4, 2020

20 mixed-income apartments available at new Downtown Brooklyn tower, from $690/month

Applications are now being accepted for 20 mixed-income apartments at a new Brooklyn high rise. The 19-story tower located at 1 Flatbush Avenue sits between Downtown Brooklyn and Fort Greene, conveniently located near a dozen subway lines, major shopping thoroughfares, and entertainment venues like the Barclays Center and the Brooklyn Academy of Music. New Yorkers earning 40 and 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the units, ranging from a $690/month studio to a $3,063/month two-bedroom.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

Once a WWII ship-building site, Brooklyn Navy Yard returns to its ‘wartime factory’ days

Photo by Michael Appleton/ Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

April 7, 2020

Once a WWII ship-building site, Brooklyn Navy Yard returns to its ‘wartime factory’ days

During World War II, 70,000 workers at the Brooklyn Navy Yard built and repaired thousands of battleships and sent supplies to troops stationed around the world. Today, the 300-acre waterfront site is returning to its roots, with manufacturing companies coming together to create medical supplies from scratch for healthcare workers in support of the city's coronavirus pandemic response.
Get the details

Policy

This $3.5M wood-frame house in Fort Greene has high-end finishes and a delicious mint kitchen

Photo credit: DDreps for The Hudson Advisory Team courtesy of Compass

January 14, 2020

This $3.5M wood-frame house in Fort Greene has high-end finishes and a delicious mint kitchen