Brooklyn

If you're a fan of Williamsburg's food scene (what good New Yorker isn't?) and earn between $31,646 and $50,100 annually, you may want to apply for one of two affordable apartments up for grabs at the new boutique rental 94 South 4th Street. For just $923 a month you'll get a one-bedroom unit right near hot spots like Pies n' Thighs, La Superior, Sunday in Brooklyn, Maison Premiere, and The Woods.
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Affordable Housing

June 20, 2018

$4M Park Slope brownstone with interiors by Elizabeth Roberts embodies considered design

6sqft covered the stunning traditional-yet-modern design found in this Park Slope Italianate beauty at 359 Bergen Street nearly three years ago; a gut renovation by townhouse titan Elizabeth Roberts Architecture & Design brought custom architectural detailing with the designer's signature cool, clean backdrop and sophisticated, functional accents–and now it's for sale, asking $4 million. The 13-room house is set up as a two-family home, with a two-bedroom income-producing garden apartment and three floors above for the owners.
Brownstone envy, this way

Distinctive Homes

June 19, 2018

$7,000/month Dumbo triplex makes a splash with rustic details–and a rooftop beach

This classic industrial Dumbo loft at 50 Bridge Street is already ahead of the rental pack by being an extra-large one-bedroom, two-bath apartment that spans three levels. It has the prerequisite high ceilings and exposed beams plus a working fireplace, central A/C and large south-facing windows. It's asking $6,900 a month, which seems a bit steep (even with a swing in the middle of the living room), until you discover the massive private roof deck with all the summertime fun necessities including a hot tub, a cabana and more.
Let's take a closer look

June 18, 2018

Adorable Williamsburg rowhouse with a swimming pool and three decks asks $3M

This recently renovated late-1800s Williamsburg rowhouse’s future is so bright, you have to wear shades. Asking $2,899,000, natural light floods every room of this house and, best of all, it has an actual swimming pool in the backyard. And, if an owner needs more space, the house comes with unused air rights that could almost double it in size.
Get a look at the whole place

Distinctive Homes

June 18, 2018

Live in an affordable three-bedroom near Brooklyn College in Flatbush for $1,279/month

Via NYC HPD An eight-story affordable rental building in Flatbush is offering up seven three-bedroom apartments for just $1,279/month. Located at 1345 Rogers Avenue, just a short walk from Brooklyn College, Crystal Towers contains 91,100 square feet of residential space with a total of 123 apartments. Residents will have access to amenities like an on-site super, a rear garden, bike storage and on-site laundry. Qualifying New Yorkers earning 60 percent of the area median income can apply for the seven $1,279/month three-bedroom apartments.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

FREE RENT: This week’s roundup of NYC rental news

Images (L to R): EVGB, 19 Dutch, The Alexander and The Lawrence

June 16, 2018

FREE RENT: This week’s roundup of NYC rental news

By Ondel Hylton

Rent at 19 Dutch, FiDi’s New “Culturally-Inspired” Skyscraper with Early-Bird Bargains [link] Extell’s East Village Rental, EVGB at 510 East 14th Street, Already 50% Leased – See Remaining Listings [link] Beachfront Living at The Tides at Arverne by the Sea – Now Leasing from $1,775/Month [link] Glassworks Bushwick: Get to Know Brooklyn’s New Rental at […]

Real Estate Trends

The history of Brooklyn blackout cake: German bakeries and WWII drills

Photo via Kirti Poddar/Flickr

June 15, 2018

The history of Brooklyn blackout cake: German bakeries and WWII drills

Chocoholics all over the country know Brooklyn blackout cake, a three-tiered devil's food cake with layers of chocolate pudding and chocolate frosting topped with cake crumbs. In recent years, the rich cake has become re-popularized from its heyday in the first half of the 20th century. But most of us who gluttonously indulge in this tasty dessert have no idea where its borough-centric name came from or just how long this confectioner's delight has been around. It all started in 1898 at a German bakery called Ebinger's on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn, but it wasn't until World War II that the moniker took hold.
Get the full story here

History

Construction kicks off on Dattner Architects’ nine-story Brooklyn Navy Yard building

Rendering via Steiner NYC

June 14, 2018

Construction kicks off on Dattner Architects’ nine-story Brooklyn Navy Yard building

Just six months after filing permits for a nine-story mixed-use building at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, city officials and developers broke ground Wednesday on 399 Sands Street. Designed by Dattner Architects, the building will feature a parking structure on four levels, four floors of manufacturing space and one floor for creative office space. The construction of 399 Sands Street is a key part of the Navy Yard's $1 billion expansion, overseen by Steiner Equities Group, which will add $2 million square feet. Deputy Mayor for Housing and Economic Development Alicia Glen also announced Wednesday a $40 million investment from the city to fund 230,000 square feet of leasable space above the parking area. "New York City grew up around the Brooklyn Navy Yard - and thanks to the City’s $40 million New York Works investment in 399 Sands Street, the Yard will continue to fuel growth, and provide manufacturing and creative jobs for generations to come," Glen said in a statement.
Find out more

June 14, 2018

SHoP Architects design a food hall, co-working, and retail space for Midwood

Midwood might not yet be considered an up-and-coming 'hood, but this new mixed-use project from trendy architects SHoP might be the first step. CityRealty spotted renderings for a 10-story commercial building at 1508 Coney Island Avenue, which will be one of the largest in the area. Preliminary outlines detail three floors of medical offices, three floors for non-profit offices, and two floors for co-working. Plus, there will be two levels of parking, two levels of retail, an event space, restaurant, and, of course, food hall. And while SHoP's design for the exterior seems pretty straightforward, the interiors take on a bit more of a fantastical approach.
Check it all out

First look at the latest huge residential project proposed for Greenpoint’s waterfront

Rendering posted on the construction fence

June 14, 2018

First look at the latest huge residential project proposed for Greenpoint’s waterfront

On the site immediately south of the former Greenpoint Terminal Market, which was destroyed in a massive fire in 2006, three high-rise buildings are planned, containing hundreds of apartments. As of now, Halcyon Management Group has filed permits for a 19-story, 234-unit tower at 29 West Street, a 14-story, 92-unit tower at 37 West Street and a 33-story, 410-unit tower at 65 Private Drive. CityRealty recently uncovered the first renderings of the Brooklyn project, which show a total of four towers, with two 400-foot towers overlooking the East River, and two smaller buildings situated further inland. SLCE Architects is listed as the architect of record for the three buildings filed.
More this way

June 14, 2018

For $2.75M, a stately stunner in Prospect-Lefferts Gardens with a magical garden

Designed in 1889 by William M. Miller, a prominent architect for Cornell University during the late 1800s, this stately, single family home is located in the charming Prospect Lefferts Gardens Historic District, one block from Prospect Park. 52 Midwood Street is a 20-foot-wide home with almost 3,800 square feet on a deep, 100-foot lot asking $2,750,000. Totally renovated, the house perfectly blends old and new bringing together quintessential Brownstone Brooklyn charm with all the modern conveniences.
Take the tour

Distinctive Homes

June 13, 2018

Leasing launches for a glass-factory-turned-chic rental in Bushwick, from $2,500/month

Photo via N7 Bushwick’s newest rental development, Glassworks Bushwick, is a cool blend of new construction and reuse of the original Dannenhoffer Opalescent Glassworks stained glass factory. Located at 336 Himrod Street, real estate developer and designer ASH NYC, in partnership with Martin Lomazow and the owner of the factory, are developing the 77,000-square-foot mixed-use development in the bustling Brooklyn neighborhood. Ranging from $2,500/month studios to $3,800/month three-bedrooms, as well as a selection of penthouses, Glassworks Bushwick includes 63 rentals in the five-story building. The rental, currently under construction, will incorporate new construction, the rehabilitation of an existing factory space and the redevelopment of an existing garage building into a commercial space. The project is set to be complete this year.
See inside

June 13, 2018

17-foot stacked, bronze rhino sculpture finds new home in Downtown Brooklyn

Photo via Goodbye Rhinos project The iconic stacked rhino sculpture is switching boroughs. Designed by artists, Gillie and Marc Schattner, The Last Three is a 17-foot-tall, bronze sculpture depicting the last three Northern White Rhinos Najin, Fatu and Sudan, and represents a protest of rhino horn sales. The artists announced on Tuesday that the sculpture will move from its current home at Astor Place and be permanently installed at Forest City New York’s MetroTech Center in Downtown Brooklyn. The first public viewing will start Wednesday at 6 pm.
Get the details

Events & Things To Do

June 13, 2018

Asking $3.75M, this corner townhouse in Clinton Hill has an art studio and romantic garden

Built 1892 by prestigious Brooklyn architect John G. Glover, the Romanesque Revival townhouse at 231 Washington Avenue in the heart of Clinton Hill anchors the corner of its block with a presence that matches the best of the historic neighborhood. With a three-sided projecting bay masked by an imposing arcade around arched windows on the parlor level, this one-time mansion of stone and Roman brick is accessed by a two-part stoop. The well-maintained 4,300-square-foot, three-family corner house is over 22 feet wide and filled with original details.
Take the tour

Distinctive Homes

June 12, 2018

Apply for 65 mixed-income units at ODA’s futuristic waterfront rental in Williamsburg, from $565/month

Via 420 Kent A residential tower found along the Williamsburg waterfront as part of a collection of three-Lego-like high rises known as 420 Kent, has 65 mixed-income housing units up for grabs. Designed by ODA-Architects, these elegant, smoky-glass facade, offset box buildings jet out in different directions and contain a whopping 857 apartments. Qualifying New Yorkers earning 40, 60 and 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the units at 416 Kent ranging from $565/month studios to $2,733/month two-bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify

Ride six different vintage trains in Brighton Beach this weekend to celebrate Father’s Day

Image via New York Transit Museum

June 12, 2018

Ride six different vintage trains in Brighton Beach this weekend to celebrate Father’s Day

Is there anything more dad-approved than trains and tattoos to celebrate Father’s Day? Not much! This weekend, celebrate with pop at the New York Transit Museum’s 4th Annual Parade of Trains. Hop on and off six different types of vintage train cars, including the oldest train cars in the Transit Museum fleet, dating from 1904. Visitors can also stop by the museum’s membership station to get a super cool, Father’s Day temporary transit tattoo while learning more about the New York Transit Museum's ongoing exhibits. The event takes place Saturday (6/16) and Sunday (6/17) from 11 am to 4 pm at the Brighton Beach (B/Q) station. The Parade of Trains shuttle rides are free with the swipe of a MetroCard and will run continuously to and from the Brighton Beach station B/Q platforms.
Get the details

June 11, 2018

16 chances to live in the center of Brooklyn, from $1,017/month

Photo via CityRealty Maple East New York Housing, located where the Crown Heights and East Flatbush neighborhoods of Brooklyn meet, is accepting applications for 16 affordable apartments. The building, found at 918 East New York Avenue, contains a blend of affordable and supportive housing, offering a mix of studios, one and two bedroom units. Qualifying New Yorkers earning 60 percent of the area median income can apply for the $1,017/month one-bedrooms and $1,224/month two-bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

Images (L to R): 325 Kent Avenue, House No. 94, 485 Marin Boulevard and 99 Gold Street

June 9, 2018

FREE RENT: This week’s roundup of NYC rental news

By Ondel Hylton

Images (L to R): 325 Kent Avenue, House No. 94, 485 Marin Boulevard and 99 Gold Street Two Months Free at 325 Kent Avenue; See New Photos [READ MORE] Prospect Lefferts Gardens Rental Debuts: The Lawrence Leasing from $1,938/Month [READ MORE] Leasing Kicks Off at Williamsburg Rental House No. 94 with 2 Months Free [READ […]

Real Estate Trends

June 8, 2018

Three outdoor spaces make this Park Slope triplex worth its $2.2M ask

This two-bedroom North Park Slope triplex at 694 Degraw Street has three extremely covetable outdoor spaces--two balconies and one gorgeous, sun-drenched rooftop deck. It also has plenty of indoor charm, with exposed brick walls, a cool library mezzanine, and a red metal staircase. At just under 1,600 square feet, the condo is asking $2,195,000.
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Distinctive Homes

How the cardboard box was accidentally invented in a NYC factory

55 Washington Street in 1907, courtesy of the Skyscaper Museum

June 7, 2018

How the cardboard box was accidentally invented in a NYC factory

New Yorkers are known for their innovative thinking: Inventions like Scrabble, credit cards, and even Baked Alaska all came from local creators. A little less exciting, but still a crucial contraption, the cardboard box was also invented in New York City. Like many discoveries, the box came to be only after a careless mistake. Scottish-born entrepreneur Robert Gair owned a paper bag factory on Reade Street in Manhattan. One day in 1879, a pressman accidentally cut through thousands of small seed bags, instead of pressing them. Following the accident, Gair, who moved headquarters to Dumbo, developed a method for the mass production of cardboard boxes and later supplied major companies like Kellogg and Nabisco.
Find out more

History

June 7, 2018

Live next to foodie-favorite Smorgasburg in Williamsburg, from $1,407/month

Photo via Harold Navarro on Flickr A lottery launched this week for affordable apartments across two multi-family apartment buildings in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn. Located at 27 and 34 North 6th Street, the 347-unit site sits just steps away from the waterfront as well as the East River State Park, home to stunning views and beloved weekly market, Smorgasburg. Qualifying New Yorkers earning 80 percent of the area median income can apply for the units ranging from a $1,407/month studio to a $1,820/month two-bedroom.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

June 6, 2018

Apply for 4 affordable apartments in blossoming Bushwick, from $985/month

Rendering via Andy McGee Design Located where Bushwick's bustling Myrtle and Central Avenues meet, a newly constructed rental building at 1164-1168 Greene Avenue is offering up four affordable apartments. The 20-unit, four-story building features amenities like a lounge, laundry room and terraces. Qualifying New Yorkers earning 60 percent of the area median income can apply for two $985/month one-bedrooms and two $1,114/month two-bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

June 6, 2018

Old and new meet at this $1.4M Greenpoint duplex with brick feature wall and glass-enclosed staircase

Located in 62 Norman Avenue, a three-story building built in 1898 on the border of Greenpoint and Williamsburg, this large, 1,250-square-foot duplex condo has been beautifully renovated, blending old and new. With an exposed brick feature wall and beautiful, custom glasswork around the stairs, the stylish two-bedroom is asking $1,395,000.
Get a look

Distinctive Homes

City’s Gowanus rezoning draft calls for more public space, residential development

The banks of the Gowanus. Image courtesy of Department of City Planning

June 6, 2018

City’s Gowanus rezoning draft calls for more public space, residential development

Attempts to rezone the area surrounding the Gowanus Canal, a neighborhood both affluent and in transition, have been in the works for over a decade. Now, Brownstoner reports, the long-anticipated Draft Planning and Land Use Framework of Gowanus has just been released by the Department of City Planning (DCP). The 188-page report is the result of 100 hours of outreach since the launch of the Gowanus PLACES Study in 2016 as well as information contained in a previous Bridging Gowanus Study released in 2014.
Find out more

Architecture And Design

Photo credit: Daniel Levin

June 6, 2018

REVEALED: First look at Williamsburg’s Domino Park ahead of Sunday opening

Two Trees Management announced today that Domino Park, the long-awaited new waterfront recreational public space at the 11-acre Domino Sugar Factory site, will celebrate its grand opening this Sunday, June 10. In April, 6sqft revealed renderings of the new park and esplanade that will anchor the three-million-square-foot Williamsburg mega-development at the Domino Sugar Factory site, designed by James Corner Field Operations (of the High Line fame). The quarter-mile long public park, located just north of the Williamsburg Bridge, celebrates the history of one of the city's most iconic industrial waterfront sites with adaptively reused syrup tanks, warehouse columns, and original cranes (now painted the park's signature turquoise color "untealed"). There will also be a taco kiosk from Danny Meyer, a water feature, bocce courts, and a children's playground designed by Mark Reigelman as a reinterpretation of the original factory.
Check out industrial artifacts, water features and more

June 5, 2018

Lottery opens for 13 middle-income units in Bed-Stuy, from $1,744/month