Brooklyn

Condo at 149 Skillman Avenue Lets Its Light Shine!
May 27, 2014

Condo at 149 Skillman Avenue Lets Its Light Shine!

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What kind of apartment needs custom blinds from the Shade Store? The kind with floor-to-ceiling windows flooding the unit with light! And we’re not talking any standard floor-to-ceiling windows. Architect Michael Muroff decided to throw us a beautiful curve ball by designing a wall-sized window in the living room accented with a giant, skylight – or more appropriately, an angled ceiling of windows. The result is a living space you could practically sunbathe in. An abundance of light isn’t the only thing 149 Skillman Avenue #4B has to offer. The 1,070-square-foot, 2BR/2BA unit has a few other surprises, including a steam shower and a private roof deck with a gorgeous view of the Manhattan skyline. That means a spectacular show for the apartment’s residents when the 4th of July fireworks return to the East River for summer 2014.
See what else this beautiful condo has to offer here
Penthouse Loft at 185 Plymouth Street in DUMBO Sells for $3 Million
May 23, 2014

Penthouse Loft at 185 Plymouth Street in DUMBO Sells for $3 Million

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Just in time for Alloy's penned Spring 2014 move-in date, the north penthouse (#PHN) at 185 Plymouth Street closed yesterday afternoon for $3.08 million, according to city records. All units in the former Brillo factory are officially now sold out. Units in the coveted DUMBO property hit the market March of last year, and after managing to sell eight units in less than a week without even listing the property, Alloy decided to raise the prices of the two remaining units, #PHN and #PHS, to $3.4 million and $3.95 million respectively. But that clearly didn’t slow buyers down from wanting to lay claim to some of DUMBO’s hottest new property.
Take a closer look at these lofts that are all the rage in Dumbo
Memorial Day Events for the New Yorker Who Wants to Stay Local
May 22, 2014

Memorial Day Events for the New Yorker Who Wants to Stay Local

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Memorial Day is just a few days away, and if you're like us, you can't wait to take a break from the daily grind. While many have made plans that will sweep them off to far flung places like Paris, for those looking to stay local, there are plenty of incredible events going on across all of NYC's boroughs — rain or shine. Keep reading for our top events to check out this Memorial Day weekend. It’s going to be a busy few days!
All the events this way
The Heights: One of Brooklyn’s Most Talked About Condominiums is Sold Out
May 22, 2014

The Heights: One of Brooklyn’s Most Talked About Condominiums is Sold Out

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The Heights is sold out! According to city records, the penthouse, and last available unit of the Brooklyn Heights condominium, has officially sold for $4.95 million. This extraordinary apartment at 30 Henry Street, listed by Corcoran Group's Deborah Rieders, touts one of the most expensive prices in Brooklyn, at approximately $1,730 per square foot. Getting a glimpse into this apartment is like trying to spot a rare bird, but from what we’ve gleaned, it’s pretty splendid. The luxury building replaced the home of the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, and has been the subject of a lot of speculation from the day the filings were discovered. At one point it was rumored that BKSK Architects was planning for the building to have a waterfall! From what we can see, it appears the waterfall ultimately became a fountain in the courtyard but hey, what’s a legend if not the subject of grandeur?
Take a peek inside this elusive penthouse here
Call Me Halal: Palatable Advice Straight from the Streets of Downtown Brooklyn
May 21, 2014

Call Me Halal: Palatable Advice Straight from the Streets of Downtown Brooklyn

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One of the saddest things I heard in the immediate aftermath of 9/11 was told to me by the wife of an acquaintance. She said, with a smug sense of pride, that her family — in an act of patriotic protest to the recent attacks on America — would be ending their long-standing Thanksgiving tradition of serving assorted meat and vegetable pies from Damascus Bakery on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. It was a heartbreaking statement of staggering stupidity, offensive on so many levels, not the least of which was personal. I lived next door to Damascus Bakery in my first Brooklyn apartment. This was before Barney’s, Urban Outfitters and Trader Joe’s arrived. It was when that section of Atlantic Avenue was overwhelmingly Arabic, and I frequented the eateries as often as I could, feasting on delicacies from the Middle East, learning some geography and culture and a little Arabic along the way. And, of course, I met many wonderful people, including the family who owned and operated Damascus Bakery.
Read the rest of Andrew's story here
Kirkman Lofts at 37 Bridge Street in DUMBO: Worth Getting on a Soapbox About
May 20, 2014

Kirkman Lofts at 37 Bridge Street in DUMBO: Worth Getting on a Soapbox About

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In 1915, when this classic factory building was commissioned by the Kirkman & Son Soap Company in a gritty industrial section of Brooklyn, it’s doubtful anyone could have envisioned its reincarnation as a high-end luxury condominium with its locale now fashionably referred to as DUMBO. Quite frankly, with its simple brick façade, one still might be hard-pressed to equate the 7-story brick building at 37 Bridge Street with any kind of residential grandeur — but you know what they say about judging a book by its cover.
See the results of its stunning conversion
Catsimatidis’s 30 Year Development Plan on Myrtle Avenue is Finally Underway
May 20, 2014

Catsimatidis’s 30 Year Development Plan on Myrtle Avenue is Finally Underway

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Patience is a virtue; one that billionaire tycoon and former mayoral candidate John Catsimatidis clearly has in droves. Cats demonstrated this when he had the foresight to purchase a block of land on Myrtle Avenue in Fort Greene, over 30 years ago, back when the street was appropriately nicknamed Murder Avenue. Not many people would have seen the value in property in an area where Cats jokes that he had to carry two guns “just in case one of the guns runs out of bullets”. However, Cats saw it as a worthy investment. And boy was he right. A few decades and a change of zoning laws have allowed Cats to turn this once terrifying spot into the building site of 4 residential skyscrapers with retail stores on the ground floor. Not a bad deal for a piece of property purchased for under a million dollars says the understatement of the century.
Learn more about Catsimatidis' development project here
10 New York Neighborhoods for Artists Now

Update: Check out our 2017 edition for the latest!

May 20, 2014

10 New York Neighborhoods for Artists Now

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It’s become all too common in New York City — artists move into a neighborhood, make it trendy and culturally vibrant, and then are forced out by rising rents. It happened in Greenwich Village, Soho, the East Village, DUMBO, and Williamsburg. Do not be disheartened, though, there are still plenty of artist enclaves with thriving creative communities. Ahead are our ten current frontrunners — some may surprise you!
Where the artists are flocking
Park Yourself at this $32M Brooklyn Bridge Penthouse and You May Never Leave
May 20, 2014

Park Yourself at this $32M Brooklyn Bridge Penthouse and You May Never Leave

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In a city where parking is always at a premium, one might consider this $32 million penthouse at One Brooklyn Bridge Park for the two deeded spaces alone — although fortunately, that record-breaking price tag comes with a tad more to pique your interest. There's a long list of reasons to never leave this beautiful one-of-a-kind residence at 360 Furman Street in Brooklyn Heights, so let's just start with the view — or should we say "views". The Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty, New York City's glorious skyline... take your pick. Because in addition to the terrace's breathtaking panorama, you'll enjoy incredible views from just about every room in this sun-drenched 11,000-square-foot, 6BR/6BA home located on the waterfront.
See why a picture is worth a thousand words
Magical Garden at 645 Carlton Avenue Is Hard to Keep Silent About
May 19, 2014

Magical Garden at 645 Carlton Avenue Is Hard to Keep Silent About

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A few years before this limestone duplex was built, Prospect Heights was enjoying the success of one of its very own, the original “it” girl, famed silent film actress Clara Bow. And just as Clara became synonymous with the “Roaring Twenties”, the residence at 645 Carlton Avenue is typical of the classic row houses one finds throughout the tree-lined streets of its Brooklyn environs. From the moment you first enter through the gorgeous Palladian arch, there is no mistaking the timeless details that make this carefully restored 2BR/2BA parlor/garden apartment something truly special.
See why this duplex will make you
Downtown Brooklyn Continues to Boom: Tallest Residential Tower in the Borough Now 50 Percent Leased
May 19, 2014

Downtown Brooklyn Continues to Boom: Tallest Residential Tower in the Borough Now 50 Percent Leased

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Downtown Brooklyn is booming across the board, and buyers are keen to get in on the changes afoot. Five months after hitting the market, Brooklyn’s tallest tower is filling out fast, with half of the units now leased. The SLCE Architects-designed residential skyscraper at 388 Bridge Street rises 590 feet, with 234 rentals and 144 […]

It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane, No… It’s Sebastian Errazuriz’s Giant Golden Cow Piñata!
May 19, 2014

It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane, No… It’s Sebastian Errazuriz’s Giant Golden Cow Piñata!

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Undeniably, there is much symbolism attached to artist designer Sebastian Errazuriz’s giant golden cow piñata on display in Industry City in conjunction with NYCxDESIGN, New York City’s official citywide celebration of – you guessed it – design. One look at the suspended shimmering beast and you’re likely to be reminded of the infamous golden calf Bible story about idolatry (Exodus 32:1–6, if you’re interested) or notice its uncanny resemblance to Wall Street’s iconic charging bull.
See more of this oversized golden pinata
Plans to Convert the Jehovah Witness Watchtower Complex Into a High Tech Incubator Revealed!
May 14, 2014

Plans to Convert the Jehovah Witness Watchtower Complex Into a High Tech Incubator Revealed!

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Leeser Architects, designer of the Museum of the Moving Image expansion in Astoria, seems to be single-handedly upping the architecture ante in the outer-boroughs. Fresh off the heels of demolition commencing on the site of their multi-faceted 30-story Marriott Autograph Collection tower in the BAM Cultural District, Leeser may also be busy in the conversion of DUMBO's five-building Jehovah Witness Watchtower complex into a high tech incubator and residential tower.
See the renderings we've uncovered after the jump
The Local Yokel Trap of New York City
May 14, 2014

The Local Yokel Trap of New York City

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As a Brooklynite surrounded by progressives, I'm well aware of the need to "think globally and act locally" on a whole lot of matters. This persistent mantra seems particularly true when it comes to commerce, prompting those of us who heed such calls to shop (and generally pay more) at farmer's markets and mom & pop retailers, especially those in our very own neighborhood. This is how vital local businesses can be sustained in an environment rife with soulless, big chain predators. OK. Fine. So I do my part by forking over ten bucks to a farmer for a bunch of kale and a handful of carrots, though I can't understand why it costs more to buy the stuff direct from the guy who grew it himself. And then there was the time a Hudson Valley hipster tried to sell me a three pound chicken for $27. “What was it,” I asked. “Raised on truffles?”  
Read more of Andrew's story here
5 Architecture Firms Envision an Ideal Atlantic Yards
May 13, 2014

5 Architecture Firms Envision an Ideal Atlantic Yards

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The creative mind is so spectacular. There’s nothing more fun for designers than to be given a project where they can allow their imaginations to run rampant. Never was this more evident than with The Warehouse Gallery’s new exhibit opening next month. Five architecture firms were asked to design an idealistic plan of Atlantic Yards, conforming to the same dimensions as the actual project headed up by developer Forest City Ratner. These proportions include 4,278,000 square feet of housing and 156,00 square feet of retail space.
Find out more about the project here
If These Walls Could Talk: The Former Home of Two Brooklyn Mayors Goes on the Market
May 13, 2014

If These Walls Could Talk: The Former Home of Two Brooklyn Mayors Goes on the Market

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A large part of the appeal of New York City is the historical nature of the buildings. However, how many buildings can boast that they were once own by not one, but two mayors? Well, the 4-story townhome at 405 Clinton Avenue has those bragging rights, and it’s on the market for a new owner. The townhouse was initially designed in 1889 by William Bunker Tubby, the architect responsible for Pratt Institute’s library. He designed it for Charles A. Schieren, one of Brooklyn’s last mayors. It’s rumored that the home was also the residence of Brooklyn’s jazz-Age mayor Jimmy Walker, many decades before its current owners purchased it in 2009. After paying $1.75 million for the landmarked building, owner Sean Wilsey and his wife Daphne Beal gutted the entire place, adding roughly 100 new windows and a patio among other things.
Check out more photos of this gorgeous renovation here
Works Commence on the BAM North and South Towers in Fort Greene
May 13, 2014

Works Commence on the BAM North and South Towers in Fort Greene

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It's going to be a noisy summer for those living in the BAM Cultural District. Works have started on not one, but two of the glassy towers planned for the area. The two towers will be located at 286 Ashland Place and 590 Fulton Street, and are designed by Ten Arquitectos and FXFOWLE, respectively. Heavy machinery was recently delivered to the sites and excavation has begun. The two projects are part of a major re-haul of the area around BAM into a new cultural hub for Brooklyn.
More on the two towers here
Decorative Brooklyn Heights Brownstone Closes for $7 Million
May 13, 2014

Decorative Brooklyn Heights Brownstone Closes for $7 Million

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A beautiful, Italianate brownstone at 37 Remsen Street in the Brooklyn Heights Historic District sold for $7 million through a listing held by Brown Harris Stevens. It was originally listed for $6.2 million when it went on the market in January. The buyer is Jeremiah T. Healey, former Jersey City Mayor from 2004-2013, and his wife Megan McKee Healey, a tax law professor at NYU. Built in 1899, the 25-foot-wide, 7,000-square-foot home retains a wealth of historic details including fanlight windows, cast iron vent covers, etched pocket doors, and wood-paneled chair rails. The decorative elements such as ceiling medallions, painted borders, and fancy ceiling moldings were likely to the taste of the previous owner, but they certainly add a bit of whimsy to the classical home.
More photos of the five-story regal brownstone this way
Your Daily Link Fix: Scarface Home on the Market for $35 Million; Williamsburg Edges Out Dumbo as Brooklyn’s Most Expensive
May 12, 2014

Your Daily Link Fix: Scarface Home on the Market for $35 Million; Williamsburg Edges Out Dumbo as Brooklyn’s Most Expensive

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Art Project Uses Graffiti to Spruce up Bronx neighborhood: The New York Daily news talks about how the Bronx Park East Community Association partnered with local artists to trade unsightly tagging for beautiful murals. Food Trucks Stuck in Park: Crain’s New York discusses how some of these New York staples are turning to brick and […]

Your Daily Link Fix: Designer Cat Beds Up for Auction; House Made of Bioconcrete Turns Rain Into Drinking Water
May 9, 2014

Your Daily Link Fix: Designer Cat Beds Up for Auction; House Made of Bioconcrete Turns Rain Into Drinking Water

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Not in Our Neighborhood: Crain’s reports that Brooklyn Bridge Park neighbors are up in arms over a proposal to build a 16-story residential building within the park, which could include affordable housing. Etsy Seeking a New Space: The e-commerce site may be expanding in Dumbo. Crain’s NY has the details. The Steepest and Cheapest: The Real […]

Uhuru Design Turned Coney Island Boardwalk Planks Into a Rollercoaster Chair
May 8, 2014

Uhuru Design Turned Coney Island Boardwalk Planks Into a Rollercoaster Chair

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When Coney Island was torn up in 2010 to make way for the glitzy new Luna Park, a part of its history was ripped out: the weathered, decades-old planks of the beach's iconic boardwalk. Luckily, two Red Hook-based designers — Jason Horvath and Bill Hilgendorf of Uhuru Design — took in the landfill-destined wood and used them to build functional pieces for the home.
Check out more of the cool pieces
Elegant Park Slope Townhouse Sells for $2.3 Million
May 7, 2014

Elegant Park Slope Townhouse Sells for $2.3 Million

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The polished, Italianate rowhouse at 354 10th Street in Park Slope sold for $2.3 million, according to city records filed yesterday evening. The listing was held by Corcoran Group. Built in 1899, the two-family home has a modest façade with carved window lintels and an intact cornice. One in a row of three similar houses, it's basement level is brownstone and the upper two stories are brick. Inside, the refined details continue with decorative picture moldings and original tin ceilings.
rowhouse eye candy this way
Will Brooklyn Be Home to a New Ace Hotel?
May 7, 2014

Will Brooklyn Be Home to a New Ace Hotel?

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Considering GFI Capital Resources' recent acquisition of several Bond Street parcels at the corner of Schermerhorn Street, downtown Brooklyn continues to be ripe for development in the vicinity of the Barclays Center. According to sources close to the deal, hotel developer Allen Gross, president and CEO of GFI, may be looking to bring Ace Hotel’s unique brand of lodging to the location, joining a growing list of hotels already planned for the area.
Read on for possible plans for the site
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