Brooklyn

For $2.4M, a renovated Ditmas Park home with two porches and turquoise accents

All photos courtesy of Douglas Elliman

December 8, 2020

For $2.4M, a renovated Ditmas Park home with two porches and turquoise accents

A pretty, suburban-like home in Ditmas Park has hit the market for $2.4 million. Recently renovated by the current owner, 498 Westminster Road artfully mixes old and new, with stained glass windows, vaulted ceilings, and bay windows accompanied by all new appliances and top-of-the-line fixtures. Located on a tree-lined street that feels a ways away from city life but is really around the corner from the subway, the freestanding home--with its two porches, backyard, and basement--offers the best of both worlds.
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Distinctive Homes

Proposed Coney Island complex has 461 units and outdoor pool with ocean views

Renderings courtesy of LCOR

December 8, 2020

Proposed Coney Island complex has 461 units and outdoor pool with ocean views

By Devin Gannon

Real estate developer LCOR last week filed plans with the city to bring a 461-unit residential project to Coney Island. Located about a block from the beach and boardwalk at 1515 Surf Avenue, the proposed 16-story development will rise on the parking lot of Gargiulo's Restaurant, a 100-year-old neighborhood staple. Gargiulo's owner Louis Russo agreed to a 99-year ground lease for the lot late last year.
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Lottery opens for 58 affordable senior apartments near Brooklyn College in Flatbush

Photo of Brooklyn College Library by Beyond My Ken on Wikimedia

December 4, 2020

Lottery opens for 58 affordable senior apartments near Brooklyn College in Flatbush

By Devin Gannon

A housing lottery has launched this week for 58 affordable apartments for senior New Yorkers at a new Brooklyn rental. Located at 1488 New York Avenue, the Bishop Philius and Helene Nicolas Senior Residences rises seven stories and contains 89 studio apartments and social services for residents. To apply, New Yorkers must have at least one household member who is 62 years of age or older, qualify for Section 8 benefits, and earn $45,500 or less, annually. Eligible applicants will pay 30 percent of their income for the studio apartments.
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Affordable Housing

Well-known food columnist lists classic co-op on Grand Army Plaza for $850K

Photo credit: Brown Harris Stevens

December 4, 2020

Well-known food columnist lists classic co-op on Grand Army Plaza for $850K

By Dana Schulz

Wall Street Journal food columnist Kitty Greenwald has put her Park Slope co-op on the market for $850,000. Located at 1 Plaza Street West, just across from Grand Army Plaza, the charming one-bedroom is a corner unit on the 11th floor with lots of windows and, of course, a fully outfitted and renovated kitchen.
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Distinctive Homes

112 affordable apartments in East New York, from $331/month

Photo credit: The Arker Companies

December 3, 2020

112 affordable apartments in East New York, from $331/month

By Devin Gannon

A housing lottery launched this month for 112 affordable apartments at a new complex in the Spring Creek section of East New York. The building at 881 Erskine Street sits within The Fountains development, a mixed-use project of six buildings that will ultimately bring more than 1,100 affordable homes to the area. Qualifying New Yorkers earning 30, 40, and 60 percent of the area median income can apply for the apartments, which range from $331/month studios to $1,472/month three-bedroom apartments.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

Photo credit: Allyson Lubow

December 3, 2020

$1.9M Park Slope penthouse is shiny and new with skyline views

By Dana Schulz

After the current owners bought this Park Slope penthouse in 2011, they completed some beautiful renovations throughout, including a sleek kitchen, refinished wood floors, and even a "pet nook" underneath the stairs. The loft-style triplex is located in the Carriage House on the Slope, a 24-unit condo at 231 15th Street. It has three bedrooms, two large balconies, and incredible New York Harbor views.
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Distinctive Homes

Recently ‘gutted and studded’, this historic beauty in Boerum Hill is asking $3.25M

Photo credit: Ryan Lahiff

December 2, 2020

Recently ‘gutted and studded’, this historic beauty in Boerum Hill is asking $3.25M

By Dana Schulz

Situated in the heart of the Boerum Hill Historic District, this brick townhouse at 122 Bond Street was built in 1852 but was recently renovated to include the best in modern living. At the price of $3,250,000, the single-family home provides 2,340 square feet of living space including three bedrooms and a full finished basement. There's also a lovely rear garden that rounds out this perfect family residence.
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Distinctive Homes

ShopIN.nyc’s VP of Marketing, Andrew Tider, picking up an order from Shirley Bryant, co-owner of Geometry Kids; Photo courtesy of ShopIN.nyc

December 1, 2020

Brooklyn startup competes with Amazon this holiday season with same-day delivery from local shops

By Devin Gannon

Shopping local this holiday season is more important than ever as small businesses across New York City struggle to stay afloat during the coronavirus pandemic. A startup company is making it easier to stay home and avoid Amazon and other major online retailers by offering same-day delivery from Brooklyn-based stores. ShopIN.nyc is a one-stop-shop for every-day items like household supplies and pantry staples and even special occasion gifts and holiday decor, all from small businesses in Brooklyn.
More here

Events & Things To Do

NYC unveils $9M plan to restore Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn

Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Arch lighting design test in 2019; Photo courtesy of Jordan Rathkopf/ Prospect Park Alliance

November 23, 2020

NYC unveils $9M plan to restore Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn

By Devin Gannon

Plans to renovate Brooklyn's Grand Army Plaza were unveiled this week, the first major restoration of Prospect Park's historic entrance in decades. The $8.9 million revamp focuses on the Soldiers' and Sailors' Memorial Arch, including replacing the arch's roof, cleaning and restoring the brick and stone structure, repairing the interior staircases, and adding modern lighting to the exterior. Surrounding plaza and landscape berms that frame the plaza will also be restored and new native trees and shrubs will be planted.
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Architecture And Design

All 950 units at city’s Gowanus housing development will be affordable

Rendering courtesy of Marvel Architects/SCAPE Landscape Architects

November 23, 2020

All 950 units at city’s Gowanus housing development will be affordable

By Devin Gannon

The city's proposed six-building residential development in Gowanus will be 100 percent affordable, officials announced last week. The Gowanus Green project, part of Mayor Bill de Blasio's administration's plan to rezone the Brooklyn neighborhood, will contain 950 units of affordable housing, with at least 50 percent designated to extremely low and very low-income households. Previously, the plan called for roughly 74 percent of units to fall below the market rate.
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Listing images courtesy of The Corcoran Group

November 23, 2020

$4.85M Clinton Hill home is a fresh take on a classic Brooklyn townhouse

By Dana Schulz

Built in 1899, this Clinton Hill townhouse was completely renovated from the ground up in 2015, which resulted in a gorgeous mix of original architectural details and modern additions. Listed for $4,850,000, the five-bedroom home has a bit of a Scandinavian vibe, with its custom-designed kitchen and mid-century decor. It also has a large backyard perfect for dining al fresco.
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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

By Devin Gannon

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

Landmarks designates first historic district in East Flatbush

Photo courtesy of Landmarks Preservation Commission

November 17, 2020

Landmarks designates first historic district in East Flatbush

By Devin Gannon

East Flatbush now has its first historic district. The Landmarks Preservation Commission on Tuesday voted to landmark a section of the Brooklyn neighborhood on East 25th Street between Clarendon Road and Avenue D, home to 56 cohesive limestone and brownstone properties. As 6sqft previously reported, local residents led the landmarking effort of the block, which has been named the "greenest block in Brooklyn" by the Brooklyn Botanic Garden four times.
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Policy

Penthouse inside historic Central Park South tower’s copper roof to be auctioned off

All renderings courtesy of Concierge Auctions and Nest Seekers International

November 17, 2020

Penthouse inside historic Central Park South tower’s copper roof to be auctioned off

By Devin Gannon

A three-level penthouse apartment in a Billionaires' Row building with pre-approved, construction-ready designs will hit the auction block next month. Currently listed for $40 million and appraised at $100 million after renovations, the apartment at 150 Central Park South will sell with no reserve to the highest bidder during an online auction hosted December 18 to December 22 through Concierge Auctions. Plans from SPAN Architecture call for a five-bedroom, five and a half bathroom penthouse with four terraces and unobstructed Central Park views.
More here

Distinctive Homes

Photos by Paul Martinka

November 16, 2020

Prospect Park’s 150-year-old Endale Arch returns with stunning original details after restoration

By Devin Gannon

An original architectural element of Prospect Park that dates back to the 1860s has returned to Brooklyn's backyard. Following a five-year restoration, the Endale Arch reopened to the public last week, with parts of its stunning design envisioned by park creators Frederick Olmsted and Calvert Vaux on display for the first time this century.
Get the details

Architecture And Design

86 middle-income apartments up for grabs at new Downtown Brooklyn rental, from $2,241/month

Photo by LWYang on Flickr

November 16, 2020

86 middle-income apartments up for grabs at new Downtown Brooklyn rental, from $2,241/month

By Devin Gannon

A new housing lottery has launched for 86 middle-income apartments at a brand new residential building in Downtown Brooklyn. Designed by J Frankl Associates and Charles Mallea, 260 Gold Street rises 13 stories on a former parking at the corner of Tillary and Gold. Qualifying New Yorkers earning 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the apartments, which include $2,241/month studios, $2,362/month one-bedrooms, $2,848/month two-bedrooms, and $3,282/month three-bedrooms.
Do you qualify?

Affordable Housing

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

By Dana Schulz

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

Photo credit: MW Studio

November 13, 2020

‘Blue’s Clues’ host Steve Burns lists his playful, converted-garage in Williamsburg for $3.35M

By Dana Schulz

Remember the kids' show Blue's Clues from the late '90s/early 2000s? Well, host Steve Burns has been living right here in Williamsburg since then, creating one of the most unique homes in the entire city, where he's been busy making music. The former garage and woodshop at 19 Powers Street was transformed into a contemporary-meets-rustic abode, complete with a private parking garage, a magical courtyard, and two rooftop terraces. The two-bedroom home is now on the market for $3,350,000.
Don't miss this one

Dr. Anthony Fauci honored as ‘Brooklyn COVID Hero’

Official White House Photo by Tia Dufour on Flickr

November 12, 2020

Dr. Anthony Fauci honored as ‘Brooklyn COVID Hero’

By Devin Gannon

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious disease expert, was honored by his hometown borough this week for his work throughout the coronavirus pandemic. Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams on Tuesday named Fauci, who grew up in Bensonhurst and Dyker Heights, a "COVID-19 Hero," for helping others amid the health crisis.
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Uncategorized

November 11, 2020

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

By Devin Gannon

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

Contemporary Bed-Stuy townhouse has an income-generating rental for $2.7M

Images courtesy of Douglas Elliman

November 10, 2020

Contemporary Bed-Stuy townhouse has an income-generating rental for $2.7M

By Dana Schulz

Built in 1890, this townhouse at 639 Macon Street in Bed-Stuy has done a nice job of preserving some historic details while also completing a full designer renovation. Contemporary finishes and bright, open rooms now highlight both the three-bedroom owner's residence that occupies the home's top three floors, as well as the two-bedroom, income-generating rental on the garden level. For all this, the house is asking $2,695,000.
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Distinctive Homes

This $1.7M Park Slope condo is indoor-outdoor living at its finest

Listing photos courtesy of Douglas Elliman

November 6, 2020

This $1.7M Park Slope condo is indoor-outdoor living at its finest

By Dana Schulz

Every single room in this Park Slope duplex opens to outdoor space, a rare find anywhere in NYC. The condo at 580 Carroll Street has a 1,175-square-foot garden, as well as a huge upper terrace that spans the length of the building. In addition, the interiors of the two-bedroom home are impeccably designed in a cool, contemporary style. It's asking $1,700,000.
Go outside

Distinctive Homes

New Acme Smoked Fish factory proposed for mixed-use project in Greenpoint

Rendering of Acme Smoked Fish’s proposed new manufacturing headquarters. Credit: Gensler

November 4, 2020

New Acme Smoked Fish factory proposed for mixed-use project in Greenpoint

By Devin Gannon

Plans to build a new home for century-old Acme Smoked Fish in Greenpoint are moving forward. The Brooklyn company and developer Rubenstein Partners announced on Monday their proposed mixed-use project on Wythe Avenue that includes manufacturing and commercial space entered the city's uniform land use review procedure (ULURP), the first step in securing approval. The project would expand Acme's headquarters by about 30,000 square feet and create 580,000 square feet of "compatible" commercial space.
More here

New Developments

$3.2M Ditmas Park beauty is a modern and stylish take on the classic Victorian home

Photos courtesy of Douglas Elliman

October 30, 2020

$3.2M Ditmas Park beauty is a modern and stylish take on the classic Victorian home

By Dana Schulz

We always get excited when we see a Ditmas Park Victorian hit the market, but this home really took our breath away. The five-bedroom home at 554 East 18th Street has been completely reimagined by its owners, "husband/wife design enthusiasts," according to the listing. The eclectic mix includes industrial elements like exposed beams and pipes, playful wall coverings, Scandi-chic decor, and an open floorplan. There's a rare atrium extension, and the third floor has been transformed into a heavenly master suite. The home is asking $3,200,000.
Don't miss this tour

Distinctive Homes

$4.65M Park Slope carriage house is big on ‘Southern Charm’

Photos by Allyson Lubow, courtesy of The Lesley Semmelhack Team at The Corcoran Group

October 29, 2020

$4.65M Park Slope carriage house is big on ‘Southern Charm’

By Dana Schulz

Fans of Bravo's Southern Charm might confuse this home with one of the stylish Charleston pads featured in the show, but it's actually right here in Park Slope. Another surprising fact is that the two-family carriage house at 396 15th Street was built in 2014, however, it still has plenty of character including the elegant moldings, country-chic kitchens, and beautiful built-ins. Consisting of two, three-bedroom duplexes, the property also has a shared garage, garden, two terraces, and a roof deck. It's asking $4,650,000.
See more here

Distinctive Homes

Listing photos courtesy of Compass

October 21, 2020

$12.75M Cobble Hill townhouse has gated parking and a vineyard-like garden

By Dana Schulz

If townhouses were students, this Cobble Hill home would definitely be the teacher's pet. Unlike most townhouses anywhere in New York City, it has a 25-foot wide adjacent lot that's used as gated parking, as well as 3,500 square feet of outdoor space that looks like it could be right out of a Napa Valley vineyard. The $12,750,000 house is currently configured as an owner's triplex and an income-generating garden-level apartment, though it could easily be transformed into a grand, single-family residence.
Take the full tour

Distinctive Homes

The backyard at this $2.6M Park Slope condo has designer cachet

Photo credit: Melanie Greene

October 20, 2020

The backyard at this $2.6M Park Slope condo has designer cachet

By Dana Schulz

This three-bedroom condo has much of what you'd expect from a home within a Park Slope brownstone, but it's also got a couple of tricks up its sleeve. First, the lower level on the garden floor retains the home's original brick arches, which run the entire length of the space. And then, the gorgeous rear garden was designed by Future Green Studio, who also worked on projects at The Met, Nowadays, and the Brooklyn Children's Museum. Located at 134 Berkeley Place, the home is asking $2,575,000.
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Distinctive Homes

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

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Brooklyn

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