Brooklyn

Brooklyn Point, Extell’s first outer-borough tower rising at 138 Willoughby Street officially topped out this week at 720 feet, and the views from near the top are even more incredible than expected. The 68-story high-rise designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox will contain 458 luxury units, ranging from studios to three-bedrooms, starting at $850,000 and reaching over $4 million. On track to be completed by 2020, it’ll be Brooklyn's tallest building (at least until the 1,000-foot building planned for 9 DeKalb Avenue rises) and boast the highest outdoor infinity pool in the western hemisphere.
Check out the views!

Apply for 143 affordable units in East New York’s Spring Creek neighborhood, from $426/month

Rendering courtesy of Monadnock Development/ MHG Architects

April 16, 2019

Apply for 143 affordable units in East New York’s Spring Creek neighborhood, from $426/month

An affordable housing lottery launched on Tuesday for 143 units in Spring Creek, a neighborhood in East New York once known only for its landfills and undeveloped marshland. As part of a multi-phase, decades-long project by the city, the area has been slowly transforming into a community of mixed-income and mixed-use developments. The fourth phase of a development called Nehemiah Spring Creek is now accepting applications for studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, set aside for New Yorkers earning 30, 40, 50, 60, and 90 percent of the area median income. Apartments up for grabs range from a $426/month one-bedroom to a $1,660/month three-bedroom.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

My 1,000sqft: Preservationist Cristiana favors family heirlooms and antiques for her Brooklyn home

Our series “My sqft” checks out the homes of New Yorkers across all the boroughs. Our latest interior adventure brings us to Cristiana Peña’s Prospect-Lefferts Gardens apartment. Want to see your home featured here? Get in touch!

April 16, 2019

My 1,000sqft: Preservationist Cristiana favors family heirlooms and antiques for her Brooklyn home

By Dana Schulz

Cristiana Peña is one of those people who will make you feel like you've known her for years when you've only just met her--especially when you visit her at her equally warm Prospect-Lefferts Gardens home. After growing up in Rapid City, South Dakota (her father was in the Air Force) Cristiana moved to NYC for grad school in 2006 to study preservation. She quickly became a force in the field, working at Woodlawn Conservancy and Cemetery and lending her expertise and advocacy skills to countless groups across the city. Today, Cristiana also works as a social media strategist, a perfect fit for her creative and snappy personality and natural knack for striking up a conversation. So it comes as no surprise that her pre-war apartment is also full of personal stories. From a mobile that her dad got while deployed in Saudi Arabia to a lobster-shaped wine decanter she found while on a trip to Maine, nearly every eclectic find in Cristiana's home comes with a childhood memory or a great tidbit about an antiquing outing.
Get to know Cristiana and take a tour of her home

For $749K this Park Slope parlor co-op is an historic brownstone dream, outdoor space included

Photo by Allyson Lubow for the Corcoran Group

April 12, 2019

For $749K this Park Slope parlor co-op is an historic brownstone dream, outdoor space included

If you're dreaming of a Park Slope brownstone but don't have the required millions to spend, this one-bedroom co-op at 420 4th Street just a few blocks from Prospect Park asking $749,000 might be the answer. The parlor-floor home has 11-foot ceilings, pocket doors, stained-glass transom windows, a working wood-burning fireplace and even a private deck set in the neighborhood's verdant collection of back gardens.
Take a look inside

Distinctive Homes

Will the Wegmans obsession continue in Brooklyn?

Rendering courtesy of S9 Architecture

April 11, 2019

Will the Wegmans obsession continue in Brooklyn?

Wegmans is officially coming to Brooklyn this fall, more than four years after the beloved grocery store announced plans to open its first ever New York City location. The grocery store will open a 74,000-square-foot spot within Admiral's Row at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, a 300-acre site transforming from a waterfront warship building site into an industrial tech-hub. While the store already has a dedicated following outside of NYC, due mostly to its wide range of brand-name and specialty products, will the Wegmans obsession continue in Brooklyn?
Get the details

New Developments

This Park Slope garden duplex has funky vintage style within and a sweet back patio for just over $1M

Photo by Russ Ross.

April 11, 2019

This Park Slope garden duplex has funky vintage style within and a sweet back patio for just over $1M

This colorful co-op at 487 6th Avenue in Park Slope three blocks from Prospect Park is brimming with vintage-modern charm throughout its two custom-designed levels. The duplex–currently being used as a two-bedroom–is asking $1,050,000, and it's uniqueness goes beyond decor. Just a few cool features in 1,100 square feet of indoor space include a customized office area with a built-in library nook with antique salvage doors and windows and an original mural hand-painted by a celebrated picture book maker; at the rear, a one-of-a kind treehouse overlooks a landscaped garden.
Have a look around

Distinctive Homes

Mixed feedback from LPC on proposed open-air pavilion at Fulton Ferry Landing

Rendering by Starling Architecture

April 9, 2019

Mixed feedback from LPC on proposed open-air pavilion at Fulton Ferry Landing

The Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) on Tuesday gave mixed reviews for a proposed new concession pavilion outside of the landmarked fireboat station at the Fulton Ferry Landing. The proposal, chosen last December by the Brooklyn Bridge Park (BBP), includes constructing an outdoor restaurant and bar that would connect to an adjacent utility shed and sit in front of the two-story fireboat station, previously home to the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory. While Alex and Miles Pincus, the operators of the proposed space, designed the outdoor concession to be simple and airy, some LPC commissioners expressed concern over the structure possibly blocking views of Manhattan and the need to keep the space as open as possible.
See the proposed project

PHOTOS: See Coney Island’s historic Wonder Wheel get ready for the season

The Wonder Wheel with no cars installed; photos © James and Karla Murray

April 9, 2019

PHOTOS: See Coney Island’s historic Wonder Wheel get ready for the season

By James and Karla Murray

Honoring a 60-year tradition of opening on Palm Sunday, Coney Island Amusement Park will be back in business this Sunday, April 14th. One of the many activities will be the annual blessing of the rides at Deno’s Wonder Wheel. The 150-foot-tall, 100-year-old structure is one of the most iconic pieces remaining at Coney Island. But there's a lot that goes into this seasonal opening than even the most well-versed New Yorker may not know. Each winter, the 200-ton ride is repainted, and all of its 24 cars are removed. But come spring, second-generation co-owner Steve Vourderis goes through the process of precisely reinstalling and aligning the cars. We were lucky enough to visit Steve and his brother Dennis on a recent frigid Sunday to watch the magic happen.
Go behind-the-scenes at the Wonder Wheel

Insider Tours

$3.2M historic Bed-Stuy home keeps the details and gets the designer treatment

Photos by DD Reps, courtesy of Compass

April 9, 2019

$3.2M historic Bed-Stuy home keeps the details and gets the designer treatment

The landmarked 1894 row house at 386 Stuyvesant Avenue, among the elegant Beaux-Arts limestones of Brooklyn's Stuyvesant Heights neighborhood, has the impressive layout and scale of a trophy brownstone and the interiors of a designer show house. Brought back to life by designer duo Dahill Bunce, the two-family home is asking $3.195 million. Rich in original detail, the 19' x 48' home has a few surprises that set it apart, like a convenient "summer kitchen" leading to an enviable back garden.
Take the tour

April 8, 2019

Aussie artist Jeremyville’s renovated Bed-Stuy brownstone asks $2.7M

This two-family townhouse at 408 Macon Street in Bed-Stuy's Stuyvesant Heights Historic District was renovated a few years ago by Australian expats Jeremy Andrew–the artist Jeremyville whose colorful feel-good graphics have a sizable following–and Megan Mair. The creative pair–she's a creative director, curator and brand strategist–bought the home for $1.5 million in 2013, when it was divided up into three units. They gave it a top-to-toe renovation, as featured in Brownstoner. The 3,400-square-foot four-story Neo-Grec brownstone was built around 1880 by local builder Charles Isbill.
Townhouse tour, this way

Distinctive Homes

Study for Utica Avenue subway extension launches four years after city secured $5M for it

Photo via Flickr

April 8, 2019

Study for Utica Avenue subway extension launches four years after city secured $5M for it

A study examining the feasibility of extending Brooklyn's Utica Avenue subway line has finally launched, NY1 reported. As part of the Utica Avenue Transit Improvement Study, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the city will look into extending the 3 and 4 train south of Eastern Parkway in Crown Heights to neighborhoods like East Flatbush and Marine Park. Funding for the study has been in place since 2015 when Mayor Bill de Blasio designated $5 million for it as part of his One NYC plan.
Details this way

April 5, 2019

$1.25M Williamsburg triplex comes with two terraces and dramatic curved glass walls

A curved wall of floor-to-ceiling windows is the centerpiece of this two-bedroom triplex at 117 Kingsland Avenue. The 1,127-square-foot Williamsburg pad offers some cool custom built-ins, two terraces, and a convertible mezzanine level. Located in a boutique condo built in 2007, the apartment is equidistant from both the L and G trains and within walking distance of McCarren and McGolrick Parks. Last sold in 2017 for $995,000, the unit just hit the market seeking $1,250,000.
Take a look inside

Distinctive Homes

Sample the wares and see what’s new at NYC’s top flea and food markets

Image courtesy of Brooklyn Flea; photo credit: Scott Lynch

April 5, 2019

Sample the wares and see what’s new at NYC’s top flea and food markets

The city's local flea and food markets set up shop in springtime, bringing irresistible edibles and covetable goods to a neighborhood near you. Though dates and locations vary and favorite vendors come and go, the mighty market phenomenon keeps growing. The shop-and-nosh mecca Brooklyn Flea again changes locations (hello, WTC!), a favorite night market returns in Queens, and the Manhattan classics are back to offer more of what you didn't know you couldn't live without. Some of the best fairs are the most fleeting, and one-offs like the annual Renegade Arts and Crafts Fair are always worth the trip. The list below rounds up the city's top food and flea picks. Let the hunting and gathering begin!
Plan your market strategy

Events & Things To Do

$2.25M Park Slope penthouse comes with three outdoor spaces and an indoor jungle gym

Photos by Will Ellis of Donna Dotan Photography, courtesy of Compass

April 4, 2019

$2.25M Park Slope penthouse comes with three outdoor spaces and an indoor jungle gym

Photos by Will Ellis of Donna Dotan Photography, courtesy of Compass This beautifully renovated three-bedroom co-op at 421A Union Street sits atop a historic row house across the street from the Park Slope Food Co-op and a block from Prospect Park. Asking $2.25 million, the duplex-plus-roof-deck offers three outdoor spaces–including a gorgeous glass-walled sunroom–and stunning Manhattan views.
Fun in the sun, this way

Distinctive Homes

235-unit affordable building with farm and fresh food market coming to Atlantic Avenue in Bed-Stuy

Rendering of 1921 Atlantic Avenue via Dabar Development Partners.

April 4, 2019

235-unit affordable building with farm and fresh food market coming to Atlantic Avenue in Bed-Stuy

On March 27 the City Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve an application for a 14-story affordable development that will bring 235 residential units to 1921 Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn's Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood, New York Law School's CityLand reports. The mixed-use project is funded by private developers Dabar Development Partners and Thorobird in partnership with a program run by the Department of Housing Preservation and Development that creates affordable housing and set-asides for the formerly homeless. The proposed project, which will be located on city-owned vacant land and three adjacent private lots, will feature a community facility run by Oko Farms and NHS as well as a fresh food grocery store.
Find out more

Affordable Housing

Bjarke Ingels reveals new proposal for a park-covered BQE

Rendering courtesy of Bjarke Ingels Group

April 4, 2019

Bjarke Ingels reveals new proposal for a park-covered BQE

The latest proposal to fix the crumbling BQE comes from Bjarke Ingels Group, who unveiled their plan to a crowd of 1,000 at a town hall meeting hosted by the Brooklyn Heights Association and advocacy group A Better Way last night. Dubbed the BQP—with the P standing for Park—the firm wants to build a new, six-lane highway that would be topped by a public park, saving the promenade and expanding Brooklyn Bridge Park by more than 10 acres. The proposal comes on the heels of Mayor de Blasio hitting the brakes on a $3 billion DOT plan and instead convening a "panel of experts" to determine the best path forward.
Get all the details

A mix of rustic and industrial touches make this $539K Park Slope one-bedroom a cozy getaway

Listing images by Al Seidman for Corcoran

April 2, 2019

A mix of rustic and industrial touches make this $539K Park Slope one-bedroom a cozy getaway

The layout of this two-room residence may be straightforward, but rustic details—exposed brick, a barn door that is both decorative and functional, and bamboo floors—and industrial-inspired accents give this Park Slope co-op at 411 15th Street plenty of character and a cozy vibe. Asking $539,000, it's on the market for the first time in 10 years, after previously selling in 2009 for $285,000.
Get the tour

Distinctive Homes

Quiet studio in an 1870s Clinton Hill mansion is asking just $350K

Photos by Joel Pitra of DDreps for Compass

April 2, 2019

Quiet studio in an 1870s Clinton Hill mansion is asking just $350K

Photos by Joel Pitra of DDreps for Compass This bright top-floor studio sits within a perfectly-preserved historic limestone mansion at 269 Clinton Avenue on Brooklyn's grandest "mansion row." Asking $350,000, the co-op home at has lots of old-world charm and modern comforts. The building also offers storage space for each unit and shared laundry facilities.
Take a peek inside

Distinctive Homes

Mr. Chow founder lists Dumbo penthouse with private courtyard and roof terrace for $6.5M

Listing images by Will Ellis of Donna Dotan Photography

April 1, 2019

Mr. Chow founder lists Dumbo penthouse with private courtyard and roof terrace for $6.5M

Michael Chow, founder of the Mr. Chow restaurant chain, has just put his Dumbo penthouse on the market for $6,495,000. It seems the restaurateur is moving to the West Coast, as earlier this month Chow and his wife bought two Los Angeles properties from pop star Katy Perry, as Mansion Global reported. Chow bought his three-bedroom duplex at 1 John Street in 2016 for $5,760,000. The modern abode spans across 2,600 square-feet and is one of four homes in the 42-unit building to have a private courtyard and a private roof terrace. You’ll be able to enjoy the views from inside as well since every room overlooks the river and Manhattan skyline.
Take a look inside

Celebrate Coney Island’s opening day with a walking tour of its newly landmarked boardwalk

Photo by Jim McDonnell

March 28, 2019

Celebrate Coney Island’s opening day with a walking tour of its newly landmarked boardwalk

Keeping with more than 60 years of tradition, the Coney Island Amusement Park will open for the season next month on Palm Sunday. To kicks things off on April 14, historian Charles Denson will lead a tour of the Riegelmann Boardwalk, which was designated a scenic landmark last year. The opening day celebration continues the following weekend with an Immigrant Heritage Tour of Coney Island, with stops at Nathan's Famous, founded by Polish immigrant Nathan Handwerker and Deno's Wonder Wheel Park, purchased by Greek immigrant Denos D. Vouderis as a wedding ring for his wife.
Get the details

Events & Things To Do

March 28, 2019

Brooklyn Heights library tower One Clinton tops out

The Hudson Companies Inc. has just announced the topping out of the 38-story One Clinton condominium building in Brooklyn Heights. The new building, with entrances at 280 Cadman Plaza West and 1 Clinton Street, was designed by Marvel Architects, who gave the 409-foot tower a Flatiron building-inspired shape.
Check out more construction photos, this way

Real Estate Trends

Renderings courtesy of Citi Habitats New Developments

March 28, 2019

Eliot Spitzer’s Williamsburg-waterfront development opens lottery for 121 low-income units

By Dana Schulz

Back in June, an affordable housing lottery launched for 65 apartments at one of Spitzer Enterprises’ trio of rental buildings along the South Williamsburg waterfront known as 420 Kent. These apartments were located in the northernmost of the ODA-designed glassy towers. Now, a second lottery has come online (20 percent of the development's 857 units are affordable) for 121 low-income apartments at the southern piece of the complex. These residences are reserved for households earning 60 percent of the area median income and range from $867/month studios to $1,123/month two-bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify

See the five designs proposed for the Shirley Chisholm monument in Prospect Park

Design proposal by Mickalene Thomas

March 27, 2019

See the five designs proposed for the Shirley Chisholm monument in Prospect Park

The city announced last November plans to commission a permanent statue in Brooklyn of Shirley Chisholm, a Bed-Stuy native who became the first black woman to serve in the House of Representatives. On Wednesday, the Department of Cultural Affairs unveiled five finalist design proposals and asked the public for feedback. An artist will be selected next month, with the monument, which will be placed outside of the Parkside entrance to Prospect Park, completed at the end of next year. The statue of Chisholm will be the first monument constructed under the city's She Built NYC! initiative, which aims to increase the number of public monuments dedicated to NYC women. Currently, just five of the city’s 150 statues are of women.
See the designs

Central Park Tower rises above 432 Park, officially becomes tallest residential building in the world

Current view of construction via 6sqft (L); Rendering of the completed tower via Extell (R)

March 27, 2019

Central Park Tower rises above 432 Park, officially becomes tallest residential building in the world

Extell Development's supertall on Billionaires' Row is officially the tallest residential tower in the world. As YIMBY reported this week, Central Park Tower, at 225 West 57th Street, has reached its 92nd floor, surpassing the 1,396-foot-tall tower at 432 Park Avenue. Designed by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, Central Park Tower will top out at 95 stories, or 1,550 feet tall, making it stand out significantly among neighboring skyscrapers when construction wraps up next year.
Details here

David Adjaye to help design Bed Stuy’s Restoration Plaza revamp

Image courtesy of Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation.

March 26, 2019

David Adjaye to help design Bed Stuy’s Restoration Plaza revamp

Restoration Plaza, the commercial complex on Fulton Street in Bed-Stuy that has served as a neighborhood hub since it opened in 1972, is getting a major revamp, with British starchitect David Adjaye at the helm for its design. Curbed reports that the nonprofit Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation, which owns and operates the plaza, has announced the creation of a five-year plan for re-imagining the site, including improved services for the surrounding neighborhood and the addition of 400,000 square feet of office space to the complex that currently houses the Billie Holiday Theatre, office space, restaurants, grocery stores and the Brooklyn Business Center.
Find out more

Architecture And Design

Bay Ridge historic district to be considered for landmark status

Image courtesy of Landmarks Preservation Commission.

March 26, 2019

Bay Ridge historic district to be considered for landmark status