Brooklyn

10 secrets of the Brooklyn Bridge

Photo by Ling Tang on Unsplash

January 4, 2024

10 secrets of the Brooklyn Bridge

On May 24, 1883, throngs of New Yorkers came to the Manhattan and Brooklyn waterfronts to celebrate the opening of what was then known as the New York and Brooklyn Bridge. It was reported that 1,800 vehicles and 150,300 people total crossed what was then the only land passage between Brooklyn and Manhattan. The bridge--later dubbed the Brooklyn Bridge, a name that stuck--went on to become one of the most iconic landmarks in New York. There's been plenty of history and secrets along the way. Lesser-known facts about the bridge include everything from hidden wine cellars to a parade of 21 elephants crossing in 1884.
All the secrets right this way

7 historic places in NYC recommended for state and national designation

William Ulmer Brewery, at the corner of Belvidere Street and Beaver Street, Brooklyn (ca. 1920). Image courtesy of DXA Studio

January 2, 2024

7 historic places in NYC recommended for state and national designation

By Aaron Ginsburg

Gov. Kathy Hochul last week announced the 36 properties and places in New York nominated for potential placement on the State and National Register of Historic Places. The seven New York City recommendations include Bushwick's historic William Ulmer Brewery, the city's first cast-iron office building, and a new historic district in Central Harlem that illustrates the neighborhood's development as a Black working-class residential neighborhood.
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Watch the sunset over the NYC skyline from the balcony of this $1.7M Williamsburg waterfront loft

All photos courtesy of DDreps

December 19, 2023

Watch the sunset over the NYC skyline from the balcony of this $1.7M Williamsburg waterfront loft

By Michelle Cohen

Williamsburg is known for amenity-enhanced waterfront living and Austin Nichols House at 184 Kent Avenue is no exception. One of only a few landmarked buildings along the Brooklyn waterfront, the former grocery trade and bourbon distillery building has been converted to a full-service condominium. Asking $1,700,000, the building's only waterfront one-bedroom unit with a private balcony features loft bones, modern conveniences, and unfettered river and skyline views.
Skyline sunsets, this way

Distinctive Homes

After 20 years, Pacific Park faces foreclosure and an uncertain future

Photo credit: Amaury Laporte via Flickr.

December 19, 2023

After 20 years, Pacific Park faces foreclosure and an uncertain future

By Michelle Cohen

As the massive Brooklyn megadevelopment once known as Atlantic Yards reaches its 20th anniversary, news of the project's progress has been scarce. But recent changes affecting the development anchored by Barclays Center may put the 22-acre site–now known as Pacific Park–back in the spotlight. As The Real Deal reported in a wrap-up of its progress over the past two decades, current developer Greenland USA has defaulted on nearly $350 million in loans attached to the project's second phase. With foreclosure imminent, an auction, scheduled for next month, may mean a new developer will be responsible for fulfilling crucial affordable housing agreements and inherit penalties for unbuilt units.
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For $750K, this Park Slope co-op has a working fireplace, lots of closets, laundry, and loads of charm

Photo credit: J. Alexander Photography for The Corcoran Group

December 12, 2023

For $750K, this Park Slope co-op has a working fireplace, lots of closets, laundry, and loads of charm

By Michelle Cohen

In many of New York City's pre-war co-ops, charm–and details like a cozy wood-burning fireplace in the bedroom–can mean a sacrifice in space and modern amenities. Asking $750,000, this one-bedroom home at 440 9th Street in Brooklyn's equally charming Park Slope neighborhood offers both delicious historic details and perks like a laundry room with an in-unit washer and dryer, a newly-renovated kitchen, and closets everywhere.
step inside

Distinctive Homes

Buy a piece of the NYC subway at the MTA’s memorabilia pop-up shop

Photo: Metropolitan Transportation Authority / Patrick Cashinhoto on Flickr

December 7, 2023

Buy a piece of the NYC subway at the MTA’s memorabilia pop-up shop

By Michelle Cohen

After two previous years as a holiday shopping success, New York City Transit is once again offering genuine used subway system items for sale at their Memorabilia and Collectibles Pop-Up Shop. You'll find subway signs, grabholds, and more, with no processing fees. Read on to find out how to score an authentic piece of transit history.
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21st-century Williamsburg loft living looks like this, for $1.9M

Photo credit: Celeste Godoy

December 7, 2023

21st-century Williamsburg loft living looks like this, for $1.9M

By Michelle Cohen

If you've got your sights set on living in modern Williamsburg, your loft is ready: This contemporary condo at 72 Berry Street in Brooklyn's coveted urban hub, asking $1,900,000, has all of the elements of loft living in a compact, curated package. Rear-facing to avoid the sound of neighborhood jubilance, the space is framed by 10-foot ceilings, original wood beams and brick, and wide-plank wood floors.
take the tour

Distinctive Homes

Lottery opens for 36 mixed-income apartments in Park Slope, from $834/month

All images courtesy of S. Wieder Architects

November 29, 2023

Lottery opens for 36 mixed-income apartments in Park Slope, from $834/month

By Aaron Ginsburg

Applications are now being accepted for 36 mixed-income units at a new residential development in Park Slope. Located at 375 Dean Street, the building, dubbed "Signum," rises 17 stories and contains 143 luxury residences. New Yorkers earning 40, 50, 60, 100, and 130 percent of the area median income, or between $31,543 for a single person and $165,230 for a household of three, can apply for the apartments, priced from $834/month for studios to $2,852/month for two-bedroom units.
find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

New Downtown Brooklyn rental opens lottery for 22 middle-income apartments, from $2,924/month

All renderings courtesy of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development

November 27, 2023

New Downtown Brooklyn rental opens lottery for 22 middle-income apartments, from $2,924/month

By Aaron Ginsburg

A housing lottery opened this week for 22 middle-income units at a new residential development in Downtown Brooklyn. Located at 131 Concord Street, Amnia offers tenants brand-new residences, luxurious amenities, and a prime spot in the heart of one of Brooklyn's most popular neighborhoods. New Yorkers earning 130 percent of the area median income, or between $100,252 for a single person and $198,250 for a household of five, are eligible to apply for the apartments, priced at $2,924/month for studios, $3,126/month for one-bedrooms, and $3,733/month for two bedrooms.
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Affordable Housing

City unveils new bike boulevard on Berry Street in Williamsburg

All images courtesy of NYC DOT

November 22, 2023

City unveils new bike boulevard on Berry Street in Williamsburg

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City has transformed Brooklyn's Berry Street into a permanent two-way bike boulevard. Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez on Tuesday unveiled the new street design, which includes the reconfiguration of every intersection, new loading zones, and a series of one-way vehicle traffic reversals from Broadway to North 12th Street in Williamsburg. The street design builds upon the corridor's success as a pedestrian-focused open street and better connects to Domino and McCarren Parks and the Williamsburg Bridge.
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Escape to a tropical paradise in the solarium of this $3.3M Park Slope townhouse

Photo by Paul Widdowson

November 20, 2023

Escape to a tropical paradise in the solarium of this $3.3M Park Slope townhouse

By Michelle Cohen

Behind an ordinary brownstone facade, the four-floor home at 364 Douglass Street is a bit different from what you'd expect to find in a historic Park Slope townhouse. Asking $3.3 million, the home's interiors range from rustic industrial spaces with exposed brick and wood beams to a solarium that feels like a private Mediterranean terrace. The townhouse offers four bedrooms, and–in addition to the all-season solarium–surprising details that include brick arches, reclaimed wood joists, custom millwork, central A/C, a basement gym, a landscaped garden, a bedroom terrace, and a fabulously-finished roof deck.
Step into the solarium

Distinctive Homes

Warm up by the fireplace in this cozy $1.4M Brooklyn Heights co-op

Photo credit: DDREPS for The Corcoran Group

November 17, 2023

Warm up by the fireplace in this cozy $1.4M Brooklyn Heights co-op

By Michelle Cohen

Asking $1,399,000, this two-bedroom home at 54 Willow Street in historic Brooklyn Heights definitely has location going for it. And though it may not be huge, the classic co-op has central air and a wood-burning fireplace for all-season comfort. Two baths and an in-unit washer and dryer make it all you really need for a compact and carefree home base.
see more, this way

Distinctive Homes

Brooklyn Bridge Park’s new ice skating rink is now open

All images courtesy of @glidebk

November 17, 2023

Brooklyn Bridge Park’s new ice skating rink is now open

By Aaron Ginsburg

Strap on your skates! Brooklyn Bridge Park's first-ever ice skating rink is now open. Located under the Brooklyn Bridge at Emily Warren Roebling Plaza, the rink, called Glide at Brooklyn Bridge Park, offers skating for guests of all ages, rinkside food and beverages from the nearby Time Out Market, and spectacular Manhattan skyline views. The rink is open through March 1, 2024.
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Events & Things To Do

NYC’s first 100% affordable housing development with new public library opens in Sunset Park

All photos courtesy of Brooklyn Public Library

November 16, 2023

NYC’s first 100% affordable housing development with new public library opens in Sunset Park

By Aaron Ginsburg

The Brooklyn Public Library and Fifth Avenue Committee on Wednesday opened the Sunset Park Library and Apartments, a first-of-its-kind development with 100 percent affordable housing above a new state-of-the-art public library branch. The eight-story mixed-use building at 372 51st Street brings new affordable housing homes to Sunset Park for the first time in two decades. Officials say the project could establish a new model for co-located affordable housing developments in the city.
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Affordable Housing

An 1870s Clinton Hill carriage house, rebuilt to Passive House standards, asks $7.5M

Photo credit: Frank Frances

November 15, 2023

An 1870s Clinton Hill carriage house, rebuilt to Passive House standards, asks $7.5M

By Michelle Cohen

This one-of-a-kind townhouse at 329 Vanderbilt Avenue on the border between Clinton Hill and Fort Greene, Brooklyn, is a showcase of innovative architecture and peerless modern design, undertaken by architecture firm Schiller Projects. The directive: re-imagining an 1870s carriage house with a focus on sustainability, design, and efficient engineering, in accordance with Passive House standards. The result is Brooklyn’s first mass timber single-family residence, currently asking $7,500,000.
tour this stunning and sustainable home

Distinctive Homes

First look at Olympia Dumbo amenities, including NYC’s highest private tennis court

All photos courtesy of Pavel Bendov for Olympia DUMBO

November 14, 2023

First look at Olympia Dumbo amenities, including NYC’s highest private tennis court

By Aaron Ginsburg

The impressive amenities at Dumbo's latest luxury tower are now complete and new photos provide a first look at the stunning spaces. Olympia Dumbo, the neighborhood's tallest and most expensive residential building, offers 38,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor amenities spread across three floors, including New York City's highest private outdoor tennis court, indoor and outdoor pools, and a playroom, shipwreck-themed playground, and waterpark for kids.
take a look

517-unit luxury development tops out along Gowanus Canal

Renderings courtesy of PMG

November 10, 2023

517-unit luxury development tops out along Gowanus Canal

By Aaron Ginsburg

A huge mixed-use development with over 500 apartments has topped out along the Gowanus Canal. The two-tower, 21-story project at 267 Bond Street and 510 Sackett Street measures over 600,000 square feet and includes 57,300 square feet of retail space and a new park and esplanade along the famously polluted waterfront. Developed by PMG and Carlyle, the development is part of the 2021 Gowanus rezoning effort, which will bring thousands of new homes to the Brooklyn neighborhood. The development, dubbed Society Brooklyn and Sackett Place, has a completion date of 2025.
more about luxury canal living

Coney Island rental a block from the beach opens lottery for 299 units, from $410/month

Renderings courtesy of BFC Partners

November 8, 2023

Coney Island rental a block from the beach opens lottery for 299 units, from $410/month

By Aaron Ginsburg

Applications are being accepted for 299 mixed-income units at a new 100 percent affordable development one block from the beach in Coney Island. The 10-story mixed-use building at 1607 Surf Avenue is the second phase of a development project from BFC Partners that includes 1,000 new affordable homes. New Yorkers earning 30, 50, 70, and 120 percent of the area median income, or between $17,006 for a single person and $210,120 for a household of seven, can apply for the apartments, priced from $410/month studios to $2,656/month three bedrooms.
see if you qualify

Affordable Housing

All-electric 30-story tower with 324 apartments and academic space breaks ground in Downtown Brooklyn

Rendering courtesy of RXR

November 2, 2023

All-electric 30-story tower with 324 apartments and academic space breaks ground in Downtown Brooklyn

By Aaron Ginsburg

Construction has begun on an all-electric residential building in Downtown Brooklyn that includes 324 apartments and academic space for Long Island University. RXR on Monday broke ground on the 30-story tower at 89 Dekalb Avenue, which is set to be one of the developer's most sustainable projects as the building is fully electric, features a smart glass facade system, and has electric vehicle charging stations.
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Coney Island’s Luna Park will stay open this winter for the first time ever

Photo courtesy of Luna Park

November 1, 2023

Coney Island’s Luna Park will stay open this winter for the first time ever

By Aaron Ginsburg

Luna Park in Coney Island will stay open this winter for the first time in its 120-year history for an exciting holiday celebration. Starting on November 18, Luna Park will be home to Frost Fest, a winter festival that will let visitors ride some of the amusement park's iconic rides and attractions, glide across a brand-new ice skating rink, enjoy holiday shopping, eat festive food, and much more. Frost Fest runs through January 7.
learn more about frost fest

Events & Things To Do

Lottery opens for 40 middle-income units near the park in Prospect Lefferts Gardens, from $2,350/month

Rendering courtesy of Hill West Architects

November 1, 2023

Lottery opens for 40 middle-income units near the park in Prospect Lefferts Gardens, from $2,350/month

By Aaron Ginsburg

A housing lottery opened this week for 40 middle-income units at a new residential development in Prospect Lefferts Gardens. Located at 210 Clarkson Avenue, the eight-story mixed-use rental building offers residents modern apartments with state-of-the-art amenities and easy access to Prospect Park. New Yorkers earning 130 percent of the area median income, or between $80,572 for a single person and $198,250 for a household of five, can apply for the apartments, priced at $2,350/month for one bedrooms and $2,750/month for two bedrooms.
find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

Prospect Park reopens Fallkill Waterfall trail after nearly 30 years

All photos courtesy of Caroline Ourso

October 26, 2023

Prospect Park reopens Fallkill Waterfall trail after nearly 30 years

By Aaron Ginsburg

New Yorkers can now access a waterfall in Prospect Park without having to hop a fence for the first time in decades. The Prospect Park Alliance on Thursday opened Fallkill Trail, a new woodland pathway leading to the scenic Fallkill Waterfall that has been behind fencing since 1995. The new trail was created by staff and volunteers from Prospect Park Alliance who worked to remove invasive plants, plant native species, haul logs, grade paths, and form the trail.
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Coney Island celebrates 200th birthday by displaying its oldest artifact

Image courtesy of the Coney Island History Project

October 26, 2023

Coney Island celebrates 200th birthday by displaying its oldest artifact

By Aaron Ginsburg

Celebrate Coney Island's 200th anniversary by honoring the neighborhood's oldest surviving artifact this weekend. The Coney Island History Project, located at 3059 West 12th Street next to the entrance to Deno's Wonder Wheel Park, is displaying the 200-year-old Coney Island Toll House sign from 1823. The artifact will be on view on Saturday, October 28, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.
MORE ON CONEY ISLAND's 200-YEAR HISTORY HERE

Work begins on Studio Gang-designed Shirley Chisholm Rec Center in Brooklyn

Rendering of the Shirley Chisholm Recreational Center in East Flatbush. Credit: New York City Department of Design and Construction

October 17, 2023

Work begins on Studio Gang-designed Shirley Chisholm Rec Center in Brooklyn

By Aaron Ginsburg

A new recreation center that will serve as a hub for learning, fitness, and recreation is coming to East Flatbush. City officials on Monday broke ground on the $141 million Shirley Chisholm Recreation Center, a new facility named after the late congresswoman and Brooklyn native who was the first Black woman ever elected to Congress. Located in Nostrand Playground, the roughly 62,000-square-foot center will feature a public plaza, indoor swimming pool, gymnasium, walking track, commercial teaching kitchen, and a media lab.
learn more about the rec center

Architecture And Design

Michelin adds 11 restaurants to its New York dining guide

Photo of Mischa courtesy of Evan Sung.

October 16, 2023

Michelin adds 11 restaurants to its New York dining guide

By Aaron Ginsburg

The Michelin Guide has added 11 new restaurants to its New York dining guide. Located in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Hudson Valley, the guide's new additions include Little Myanmar, a Burmese restaurant in the East Village, Peppercorn Station, a Szechuan restaurant in Midtown West, and the Apropos Restaurant at the Abbey Inn, a Mediterranean restaurant in Peekskill. No restaurants in the Bronx, Queens, or Staten Island were included in Michelin's latest update, according to Eater New York.
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Food & Dining

This three-story modern townhouse with a yard in Fort Greene asks $2.75M

Photo credit: Russ Ross for The Corcoran Group

October 13, 2023

This three-story modern townhouse with a yard in Fort Greene asks $2.75M

By Michelle Cohen

As part of the Navy Green development in the northern part of Fort Greene, Brooklyn, in the Navy Yard and Wallabout neighborhoods, this single-family townhouse belongs to a unique community. The LEED-certified development is made up of townhouses and condos, with a 30,000-square-foot park at its center. The home at 19 Clermont Avenue, asking $2,750,000, offers four floors (finished basement included) of modern-design living space and contemporary comforts.
take the tour

Distinctive Homes

Live in NYC’s first all-electric skyscraper in Downtown Brooklyn, from $763/month

Photos courtesy of Pavel Bendov Photos

October 10, 2023

Live in NYC’s first all-electric skyscraper in Downtown Brooklyn, from $763/month

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City's first all-electric skyscraper launched a housing lottery on Tuesday for 45 mixed-income apartments. The 44-story residential tower in Downtown Brooklyn, previously 100 Flatbush Avenue and now called 505 State Street, will run totally off electricity instead of natural gas and apartments will have sustainable features. New Yorkers earning 40, 60, and 100 percent of the area median income can apply for the apartments, which include studios ranging from $763 to $2,017/month, one-bedrooms from $812 to $2,155/month, two-bedrooms from $965 to $1,502/month, and three-bedrooms from $1,105 to 1,725/month.
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Affordable Housing

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One Domino Square

8 South 4th Street

Williamsburg

Spectacular living on the Williamsburg waterfront

1 beds starting at $1,925,000
2 beds starting at $2,055,000
3 beds starting at $3,030,000