Brooklyn

Portraits of Barack and Michelle Obama are coming to the Brooklyn Museum this month

(L) “Barack Obama” by Kehinde Wiley, oil on canvas, 2019. National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution; (R) “Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama” by Amy Sherald, oil on linen, 2018. National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution.

August 5, 2021

Portraits of Barack and Michelle Obama are coming to the Brooklyn Museum this month

By Devin Gannon

The famous portraits of President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama are coming to the Brooklyn Museum in Prospect Heights this month. At the beginning of 2020, the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery announced a five-city tour for the two popular paintings, which kicked off in June in the Obamas' hometown of Chicago. Kehinde Wiley and Amy Sherald are the first African American artists selected by the Portrait Gallery for the museum's official portraits of a president or first lady.
Details here

Events & Things To Do

On the 66th floor of the world’s tallest residential building, a carefully curated condo for $22M

All photos by Evan Joseph

July 29, 2021

On the 66th floor of the world’s tallest residential building, a carefully curated condo for $22M

By Devin Gannon

As residents start to move into the world's tallest residential building, we're getting another look at one of the impressive residences there. The three-bedroom, three-bathroom on the 66th floor of the Central Park Tower, the 1,500-foot tall condo tower on Billionaires' Row, has interiors designed by Australian-based Blainey North & Associates and features bold and elegant, but welcoming, elements throughout. The 3,165-square-foot sky-high home with incredible city and Central Park views is asking $21,890,000.
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$5.5M Arts & Crafts home in Bay Ridge has modern period interiors and a magical backyard

Listing photos by Nico Arellano for CORE

July 28, 2021

$5.5M Arts & Crafts home in Bay Ridge has modern period interiors and a magical backyard

It's always fun to see the big, suburban homes of Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, with their varying architectural styles. This six-bedroom Arts & Crafts beauty is on the market for $5.5 million, and it's certainly something different. Inside, a recent renovation restored period details from its construction in 1910 like coffered ceilings, marquetry floors, and built-ins, while adding modern takes on the style like barrel-vaulted ceilings and a wine cellar. Outside, the property feels like a magical garden, with a pool, waterfall, and fire pit.
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Distinctive Homes

Robert A.M. Stern’s affordable housing building Edwin’s Place opens in Brownsville

All photos of Edwin’s Place © Francis Dzikowski/OTTO

July 27, 2021

Robert A.M. Stern’s affordable housing building Edwin’s Place opens in Brownsville

By Devin Gannon

An affordable housing development designed by an architecture firm known for its pricey condo towers officially opened in Brooklyn this week. Located on the corner of Livonia Avenue and Grafton Street in Brownsville, Edwin's Place was designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects (RAMSA), the team behind renowned buildings like 220 Central Park South, 15 Central Park West, and 70 Vestry Street, all of which have apartments that cost millions of dollars. At Edwin's Place, there are 125 units of affordable and supportive housing set aside for formerly homeless families and low-income New Yorkers.
Find out more

Plants and pops of color make this $369K Williamsburg one-bedroom a happy home

Listing photos courtesy of Douglas Elliman

July 26, 2021

Plants and pops of color make this $369K Williamsburg one-bedroom a happy home

We could easily see this 464-square-foot Williamsburg apartment popping up on our Instagram feed, with its plethora of plants, rustic details, and pops of color. Aside from its visual appeal, the one-bedroom HDFC co-op at 330 South 3rd Street is priced to perfection, too, asking $369,000.
Check it out

Distinctive Homes

New Clinton Hill rental opens middle-income housing lottery, units from $2,431/month

All renderings courtesy of NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development

July 23, 2021

New Clinton Hill rental opens middle-income housing lottery, units from $2,431/month

A new rental building in Clinton Hill has launched a middle-income housing lottery for 13 units. The apartments, which are available to those earning 130 percent of the area median income, include $2,431/month studios, $2,592/month one-bedrooms, and $3,090/month two-bedrooms. By comparison, market-rate units in the building start around $3,000/month for studios and $4,800/month for two-bedrooms. The boutique building is located at 26 Quincy Street and offers tenants an on-site gym, rooftop, covered parking, and laundry in each unit.
Find out if you qualify

Uncategorized

Billionaire Joe Tsai revealed as buyer of $157.5M condos at 220 Central Park South

220 Central Park South as seen in May 2020. Photo by Jim.henderson (cropped) via Wikimedia Commons.

July 20, 2021

Billionaire Joe Tsai revealed as buyer of $157.5M condos at 220 Central Park South

As was first reported by the Wall Street Journal in June, a buyer shelled out $157,500,000 for two units at 220 Central Park South. Property records showed the $82.5 million purchase of the 60th-floor unit and the $75 million purchase of the 61st-floor unit, both made using an LLC. But CNBC has now revealed that the buyer is billionaire Joe Tsai, Alibaba co-founder and owner of the Brooklyn Nets. The sale is the second biggest in New York City history and the third-largest ever in the U.S. The number-one spot occurred at the same Billionaires' Row tower, with billionaire Ken Griffin's $238 million purchase in early 2019.
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Construction set to begin on five-building Alloy Block development in Downtown Brooklyn

Renderings courtesy of Alloy

July 19, 2021

Construction set to begin on five-building Alloy Block development in Downtown Brooklyn

By Devin Gannon

After securing $240 million in financing, Alloy Development announced construction will kick off this month on its huge mixed-use, multi-building project in Downtown Brooklyn. Formerly known as 80 Flatbush, Alloy Block includes five buildings with 850 apartments, 200,000 square feet of office space, 40,000 square feet of retail, and two public schools designed to meet Passive House standards. Since first announcing the project roughly four years ago, developers have cut the height of the residential towers, swapped out planned office space for additional residences, and pushed back the expected completion date.
Get the details

For $1.25M, an attached house in Bay Ridge with sunny interiors and a lush backyard

Listing photos by Joel Pitra of DDReps

July 19, 2021

For $1.25M, an attached house in Bay Ridge with sunny interiors and a lush backyard

In Manhattan (or many parts of Brooklyn for that matter), a three-bedroom townhouse would cost you at least three times the asking price of this home. But in still relatively affordable Bay Ridge, $1,250,000 goes quite a long way. This attached brick beauty was recently renovated and has airy, restored interiors, a finished basement, and a beautiful backyard that has a deck, patio, and garden.
See it all here

Distinctive Homes

Thomas Edison’s brother-in-law once owned this Prospect Park South Tudor, asking $2.9M

Listing photos courtesy of Brown Harris Stevens

July 16, 2021

Thomas Edison’s brother-in-law once owned this Prospect Park South Tudor, asking $2.9M

The original owner of this Prospect Park South Tudor was Charles Stilwell, an inventor and associate of Thomas Edison whose sister Mary actually married Edison. Located at 187 Marlborough Road and on the market for $2,895,000, the home spans 4,500 square feet and has five bedrooms, eight wood-burning fireplaces, a driveway, and a backyard carriage house. The interiors, which date to roughly 1905, have all been beautifully preserved, as has the facade and porch.
Go inside

On a private mews in Brooklyn Heights, this creatively restored carriage house is asking $5.5M

Listing photos courtesy of Compass

July 15, 2021

On a private mews in Brooklyn Heights, this creatively restored carriage house is asking $5.5M

The dead-end street known as Hunts Lane in Brooklyn Heights is a charming mews lined with former horse stables built in the 19th-century. One such carriage house, 4 Hunts Lane, is on the market for $5.5 million, and it might just be the most beautiful on the street. In addition to its gorgeous modern interiors, the four-bedroom home has a one-car garage, artist's studio, and soaring sky-lit spaces in the former hayloft.
Go inside

Distinctive Homes

Clinton Hill’s famous Pfizer mansion sells for $9.05M, setting neighborhood record

Listing images courtesy of Douglas Elliman

July 13, 2021

Clinton Hill’s famous Pfizer mansion sells for $9.05M, setting neighborhood record

After three years on the market, the grand Queen Anne townhouse at 280 Washington Avenue in Clinton Hill has closed for $9,050,000, setting a sales record for the neighborhood. The previous record-holder was 315 Vanderbilt Avenue, which sold for $7,200,000 in 2015. The 10,000-square-foot mansion is known as the Pfizer mansion as it was built in 1887 for Charles Erhart, co-founder of the Pfizer pharmaceutical company and brother-in-law to Charles Pfizer. The opulent home features historic details like an original Otis elevator, moldings and woodwork galore, eight fireplaces, and stained glass. There's also a sunken "speakeasy" party room, seven bedrooms, a wine cellar, and a beautifully landscaped backyard.
See the whole place

Real Estate Trends

Climate change-themed mini-golf course opens at Two Trees’ waterfront site in Williamsburg

All photos courtesy of Two Trees Management, unless otherwise noted

July 13, 2021

Climate change-themed mini-golf course opens at Two Trees’ waterfront site in Williamsburg

By Devin Gannon

On the site of a proposed mixed-use development in Williamsburg, a temporary climate change-themed miniature golf course has opened. Two Trees Management on Monday announced visitors can now enjoy Putting Green, an 18-hole course designed by local groups that focuses on sustainability and climate issues, as well as a 25,000-square foot sustainable farm. The pop-up mini-golf course sits on the future site of the developer's project "River Ring," which includes two huge towers designed by Bjarke Ingels with more than 1,050 units of housing, a new YMCA, and a public beach.
Get the details

Uncategorized

See the 900-unit affordable complex designed by Adjaye Associates coming to East Flatbush

July 12, 2021

See the 900-unit affordable complex designed by Adjaye Associates coming to East Flatbush

By Devin Gannon

A 900 unit affordable housing complex with public green space and community amenities is coming to Brooklyn's East Flatbush neighborhood. Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Friday announced the state selected the proposal to redevelop 7.2 acres of the Kingsboro Psychiatric Center Campus following a request for proposals last summer. Designed by Sir David Adjaye's Adjaye Associates and Studio Zewde, the $400 million project includes affordable and supportive housing, senior housing, opportunities for homeownership, and two new homeless shelters that will replace existing, outdated ones.
Get the details

Rustic-chic Park Slope loft has two floors, two balconies, and two bedrooms for $1.7M

Listing photos by Allyson Lubow, courtesy of The Corcoran Group

July 8, 2021

Rustic-chic Park Slope loft has two floors, two balconies, and two bedrooms for $1.7M

Park Slope's popular Ansonia Court co-op was once a clock factory, and today its apartments retain many of the old-world factory details like brick walls, beamed ceilings, and wide-open layouts. This two-bedroom unit on the market for $1,699,000 is no exception and it comes with the added perks of chic, modern upgrades, a duplex configuration, and two private outdoor spaces.
Have a look

Distinctive Homes

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

Construction to start on Daniel Libeskind’s affordable senior housing building in Bed-Stuy

Rendering of The Atrium at Sumner. © 2019 New York City Housing Authority

July 7, 2021

Construction to start on Daniel Libeskind’s affordable senior housing building in Bed-Stuy

Architect Daniel Libeskind, perhaps best known for the Jewish Museum in Berlin and the World Trade Center master plan, is one step closer to completing his first building in New York City. The New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) announced that they have secured financing for an all-affordable senior housing building in Brooklyn's Bed-Stuy designed by the starchitect. The 190-unit Atrium at Sumner will be built on NYCHA's Sumner Houses campus, with construction set to begin later this month on the $132 million project. The 11-story building will meet Passive House standards and feature a community garden, a year-round indoor garden, and a central atrium.
More details here

160-year-old wood-frame house in Clinton Hill is asking $3.75M

Listing photos courtesy of Douglas Elliman

July 6, 2021

160-year-old wood-frame house in Clinton Hill is asking $3.75M

Built in 1860, this pair of Clinton Hill houses is a rare example of a wood-framed Italianate, and number 357 is now on the market for $3,750,000. In addition to featuring its original clapboard siding on the outside, the interiors have been beautifully preserved over the years, from moldings and plasterwork to five marble mantles. And the magic continues out back, with a secret garden of hydrangeas, roses, lilacs, and a magnolia tree.
See it all here

On its way to becoming Brooklyn’s first supertall, 9 DeKalb is now the tallest tower in the borough

Photos by Michael Young

July 1, 2021

On its way to becoming Brooklyn’s first supertall, 9 DeKalb is now the tallest tower in the borough

By Devin Gannon

Brooklyn's first supertall hit a major milestone this week. In Downtown Brooklyn, the skyscraper under construction at 9 DeKalb Avenue reached 721 feet, developer JDS Development Group announced on Wednesday. Designed by SHoP Architects, 9 DeKalb is now more than halfway to its pinnacle of 1,066 feet, officially snatching the title of the borough's tallest tower from Extell Development's 720-foot-tall Brooklyn Point. A building is labeled as a supertall if it reaches over 300 meters, or 984 feet.
See more here

In Bed-Stuy, this lovely two-bedroom condo with a roof deck is asking just $925K with no monthly taxes

Listing photos courtesy of Brown Harris Stevens

July 1, 2021

In Bed-Stuy, this lovely two-bedroom condo with a roof deck is asking just $925K with no monthly taxes

A two-bedroom condo in Brooklyn for under $1 million with $0 in monthly taxes is probably a steal no matter how you look at it, but this Bed-Stuy home is also completely beautiful and has a massive roof deck. Located at 464 Hancock Street, the $925,000 apartment also has a wood-burning fireplace, contemporary kitchen, heated floors in the bathroom, and a bonus storage room that makes a great home office or gym. And in addition to the nearly 800-square-foot deck, there's also a lovely balcony off the primary bedroom.
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Distinctive Homes

Greenpoint tower with outdoor pool opens lottery for 127 middle-income units, from $2,370/month

All images courtesy of NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development, unless otherwise noted

June 30, 2021

Greenpoint tower with outdoor pool opens lottery for 127 middle-income units, from $2,370/month

By Devin Gannon

A housing lottery opened this week for 127 middle-income apartments at a brand new rental tower in Greenpoint. Two Blue Slip, one half of a pair of luxury towers developed by Brookfield Properties and Park Tower Group, is a 40-story building located on the waterfront at the northern end of the Brooklyn neighborhood. New Yorkers with combined household incomes between $81,258 and $192,400, or 130 percent of the area median income, can apply for the apartments, which start at $2,370/month studios, $2,542/month one-bedrooms, $3,063/month two-bedrooms, and $3,530/month three-bedrooms.
Do you qualify?

Affordable Housing

Lottery launches for middle-income units at new Clinton Hill rental, from $2,431/month

Rendering courtesy of NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development

June 29, 2021

Lottery launches for middle-income units at new Clinton Hill rental, from $2,431/month

By Devin Gannon

A housing lottery opened this week for about a dozen apartments in Brooklyn's charming Clinton Hill neighborhood. Located at 445 Vanderbilt Avenue, the development is part of a larger complex that also includes seven three-story townhouses currently under construction on the other side of the property. The "affordable" units available through the housing lottery don't provide much of a discount, with apartments set aside for New Yorkers earning 130 percent of the area median income. Units include three $2,431/month studios, $2,592/month one-bedrooms, and $3,090/month two-bedrooms. The current median rental price in the neighborhood is $2,825/month, according to data from CityRealty.
Do you qualify?

Affordable Housing

Coney Island’s newest roller coaster the Phoenix will open July 4 weekend

Photo by Jim McDonnell courtesy of Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park

June 29, 2021

Coney Island’s newest roller coaster the Phoenix will open July 4 weekend

By Devin Gannon

In 1920, in the aftermath of a global pandemic, Coney Island's iconic Wonder Wheel opened. Now, over 100 years later, the Brooklyn amusement park is welcoming another new ride following a difficult year for New Yorkers. The Phoenix roller coaster will officially open at Deno's Wonder Wheel Amusement Park on July 1, just in time for the Fourth of July weekend.
Learn more

Uncategorized

Top-floor penthouse at 432 Park lists for $169M, double the previous sale price

Photo by Sebastiandoe5 via Wikimedia Commons

June 29, 2021

Top-floor penthouse at 432 Park lists for $169M, double the previous sale price

An $88 million profit? That's what the current owner of the 96th-floor penthouse at supertall tower 432 Park Avenue is hoping to achieve. As the New York Times first reported, billionaire Saudi real estate developer Fawaz Alhokair has listed his apartment at the 1,400-foot-tall condo for $169 million, double what he paid for it in 2016. If it fetches the asking price, it would become the second most expensive home ever sold in New York City and would set a record with its $20,500 per square foot price tag.
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$1M Bed-Stuy loft got some circus-worthy touches from its aerialist owner

Listing photos by Al Siedman at VHT

June 28, 2021

$1M Bed-Stuy loft got some circus-worthy touches from its aerialist owner

The circus has (sort of) come to town in Bed-Stuy. This two-bedroom loft at 689 Myrtle Avenue, the Chocolate Factory condo, is owned by a juggler and an aerialist who has outfitted the 1,222-square-foot pad with some quirky touches. These include an assembly used for aerialist silks that now holds a fun egg chair, as well as retro and industrial touches. The home is asking $1,050,000.
Look around

Distinctive Homes

254 mixed-income apartments come online at new affordable Flatbush project, from $567/month

Rendering courtesy of BRP Companies

June 25, 2021

254 mixed-income apartments come online at new affordable Flatbush project, from $567/month

On the border of Flatbush and Prospect Lefferts Gardens, just two blocks away from Prospect Park, a new affordable housing development has opened its lottery for 254 apartments, ranging from $566/month studios to $3,542/month three-bedrooms. Located at 800 Flatbush Avenue and called Caton Flats, the 14-story mixed-use building sought "to reinvigorate the local Caribbean-American community through an upgraded Flatbush Caton Market, new retail space, and new headquarters of The Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry," reported CityRealty. The homes are available to those earning 40, 60, 110, and 165 percent of the area median income.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

$3.3M Park Slope townhouse offers two serene duplexes with outdoor space

Listing photos courtesy of Russ Ross Photography

June 25, 2021

$3.3M Park Slope townhouse offers two serene duplexes with outdoor space

Though it was built in 1899, this Park Slope townhouse has undergone a renovation that's left it with a modern and minimalist aesthetic, which blends beautifully with the existing architecture like beamed ceilings and exposed brick walls. There are two duplex apartments, both with outdoor space. The owner's unit has three bedrooms and access to the backyard, while the garden-floor unit has two bedrooms and a terrace. It's asking $3,294,000.
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Distinctive Homes

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Bergen Brooklyn

323 Bergen Street

Boerum Hill

World-class design rooted in Brooklyn charm

studios starting at $825,000
1 beds starting at $1,200,000
2 beds starting at $1,925,000
3 beds starting at $3,050,000
4 beds starting at $6,000,000