Williamsburg

We're guessing the words "genuine" and "Williamsburg" are spending less and less time together these days, but if you look diligently, you can find the odd authenticity–a big, pretty space that's actually live/work friendly and isn't a shiny, overpriced condo calling itself a loft. This one-bedroom-plus-office apartment at 119 North 11th Street looks to be just that. Occupying the third floor of a former paint factory taken over by artists over 30 years ago, it's approved for mixed use, allowing live/work opportunities. Seeking a rental tenant for $6,800 per month, the space has many of the comforts of those shiny new buildings–central air, a washer/dryer, a roof deck with great views–without the shiny new.
Take a look around

Distinctive Homes

Eight affordable units up for grabs in trendy South Williamsburg, two-bedrooms from $1,440

Image via Google Street View

August 4, 2017

Eight affordable units up for grabs in trendy South Williamsburg, two-bedrooms from $1,440

By Diane Pham

Starting August 7, qualifying applicants can begin applying for eight newly renovated units at 383 Hewes Street, a six-story, 23-unit brick residence constructed in 1927. The building is located in South Williamsburg along a quiet residential block, which like the rest of the neighborhood, is seeing an increasing number of new developments appear. 383 was recently redeveloped via Los Sures, a community-based, non-profit focused on rehabilitating the south side of Williamsburg for low-income families and individuals. Of the available affordable units, two- and three-bedrooms will be priced between $1,440-$2,198 and $1,664-$2,538 respectively, adjusted for household income.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

August 2, 2017

A jungle-like loft near the Williamsburg waterfront asks $4,500 a month

This apartment may not have an outdoor space, but it's boasting the next best thing. That would be tons and tons of greenery tucked into every corner of the apartment--a loft with more jungle-like vibes than industrial ones. It's located in a former warehouse at 63 North 3rd Street, just off the North Williamsburg waterfront. It's got the regular loft aesthetic: high ceilings, big windows, exposed pipes, and one wide open space, but it's all the interior landscaping that really makes the space unique.
You'll find plants everywhere

Distinctive Homes

July 21, 2017

In Williamsburg, an 1800s brick townhouse built for dockworkers asks $2M

This Williamsburg property comes from a row of townhomes along North 9th Street originally built in the 1870s for dockworkers. Those days are long gone, and the three-bedroom home is now asking $1.995 million. The interior, admittedly, isn't stunning--as the listing says, you'll need to "bring your architect and/or designer to realize this property's full potential." But the house does come with a prime 'burg location, air rights to build an addition, and a wonderfully deep, lush backyard garden.
You have to see this green space

Distinctive Homes

My 1150sqft: Tour Hungarian tattoo artist Balazs Bercsenyi’s peaceful Williamsburg apartment

6sqft’s ongoing series “My sqft” checks out the homes of New Yorkers across all the boroughs. Our latest interior adventure brings us to the Williamsburg apartment of Bang Bang tattoo artist Balazs Bercsenyi. Want to see your home featured here? Get in touch!

July 18, 2017

My 1150sqft: Tour Hungarian tattoo artist Balazs Bercsenyi’s peaceful Williamsburg apartment

By Diane Pham

Despite being one of the most in-demand tattoo artists working today, if you were to have sought out Balazs Bercsenyi several years ago, you would have found him washing dishes in a London restaurant. The native Hungarian, who now boasts more than 250,000 Instagram followers and a client roster that includes numerous bold-faced names, was "discovered" when another tattoo artist encountered him drawing the intricate, fine line designs that he today adorns to the bodies of a select few. With a simple "You should become a tattoo artist!" uttered by his newfound friend, Balazs quickly found himself on a trajectory that would propel him to the top of his industry and into a coveted position at the renowned Bang Bang studio in Little Italy. Now, with a year-and-a-half of NYC living under his belt, Balazs is making a home in Williamsburg. Ahead, he gives 6sqft a tour of his 1,150-square-foot Brooklyn apartment where bohemian vibes and his penchant for organic forms echo throughout.
tour Balazs' home

Live in Williamsburg’s trendiest corner starting at $722/month

Image via Smoragasburg

July 7, 2017

Live in Williamsburg’s trendiest corner starting at $722/month

Image via Smoragasburg Walk a block to sunbathe in McCarren Park; two blocks to play a game at Brooklyn Bowl; three blocks to schmooze at the trendy hotel trifecta of the Wythe, Williamsburg Hotel, and William Vale; and four blocks to hit up Smorgasburg at East River State Park. Normally a location like this would cost you a pretty penny, but as of today, New Yorkers earning 60 percent of the area median income can apply for 10 affordable units at 174 North 11th Street. The apartments range from $722/month studios to $900/month two-bedrooms, and building amenities include a common roof terrace, fitness center, parking, bike storage, and a coin-operated laundry room.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

July 3, 2017

Affordable housing lottery opens for 14 East Williamsburg units, starting at $589/month

Back in early 2016, 6sqft shared a new housing lottery for three Williamsburg buildings, one of which was 37 Ten Eyck Street in East Williamsburg between Union Avenue and Lorimer Street. The vacant lots were purchased in 2014, along with a fourth site at 33 Ten Eyck Street, by the Housing Development Corporation to build 100 percent affordable buildings. That final building is now complete and its 14 units are available to those earning 40 or 60 percent of the area media income. They range from $589/month one-bedrooms to $1,121/month two-bedrooms, and the building offers an elevator, outdoor area, intercom system, bicycle storage, and laundry facilities.
All the details here

Affordable Housing

June 30, 2017

$3,250/month Williamsburg apartment comes furnished with chic, tropical decor

This Williamsburg condo at 259 Ainslie Street isn't massive at 652 square feet, but it's furnished and full of chic, creative decor--from the sunny bedroom to a living room packed with patterned pillows, rugs and greenery. There's a little outdoor space, too, with a private balcony off the living room. If you're digging the zen, tropical aesthetic, this is up for rent at $3,250 a month.
Tour the space

Distinctive Homes

June 28, 2017

Map: Where to watch the Macy’s fireworks this July 4th

Here's a handy guide outlining some prime spots for experiencing Macy's Fourth of July live fireworks extravaganza this Tuesday evening; in addition, the folks that put on the show have provided a helpful interactive neighborhood finder so you're well situated when things go boom. Take a fun quiz here, then find out the best spots to watch from. Or just check out some prime spots here.
More info this way

June 27, 2017

Young Projects upended the traditional Brooklyn townhouse design for this Williamsburg renovation

You wouldn't guess it from first glance, but this property on the corner of Wythe Avenue in Williamsburg was originally a modest 1900s brick townhouse. Architecture and design firm Young Projects was tasked with modernizing and expanding the existing structure, for which they took a bold approach that they call "a radical break from Brooklyn’s traditional townhouse typology." The massive rear addition is clad in perforated, corrugated zinc, "subtly playing off the scale, proportion, fenestration and texture of the existing townhouse." The interior is just as dramatic, with a massive, curving staircase that wraps around a double height living room.
You have to take a look inside

The MTA considers a ‘car-free busway’ as L-train alternative

L train via Wiki Commons

June 7, 2017

The MTA considers a ‘car-free busway’ as L-train alternative

By Devin Gannon

L train via Wiki Commons To mitigate the nightmare commuters will face during the 15-month L-train shutdown, the MTA and the Department of Transportation presented four possible alternatives that would make a portion of 14th Street a car-free busway. Streetsblog NYC reported that during a Manhattan Community Board 6 meeting on Monday, the agencies laid out the following options: a standard Select Bus Service (SBS) along 14th Street, enhanced SBS that includes turn and curb restrictions, a car-free busway in the middle lanes along 14th and a river-to-river car-free busway. Agency officials predict between 75 and 85 percent of the daily 275,000 daily L riders will use other subway lines, with bus service possibly absorbing between 5-15 percent of displaced trips.
Find out more

Brooklyn developer Zproekt plans a craggy condo for East Williamsburg

Renderings created by the Vyater Group

June 6, 2017

Brooklyn developer Zproekt plans a craggy condo for East Williamsburg

By Devin Gannon

Renderings created by the Vyater Group Brooklyn real estate developers RYBAK and BK have laid out their collaborative plan for a new luxury condominium in East Williamsburg at 88 Withers Street. The building, when officially approved, will be called Element88 and will capture the neighborhood’s creative and eclectic residents. As CityRealty learned, renderings show a sculpted pile of floors, offset from one another. In addition to its 33 new residences, the building will also provide workspaces in its cellar that can be used for home offices, workshops, wine cellars or art studios.
See the electic renderings

REVEALED: 23-story tower at South Williamsburg’s Dime Savings Bank site

Rendering of The Dime at 209 Havemeyer Street; rendering via Fogarty Finger Architects

May 31, 2017

REVEALED: 23-story tower at South Williamsburg’s Dime Savings Bank site

We know a little bit more of what to expect at one of Williamsburg's most important developments: The south 'burg site at 209 Havemeyer Street between South Fifth and Sixth Streets at the foot of the Williamsburg Bridge, anchored by the Neoclassical-style Dime Savings Bank of Williamsburgh building, will be getting a 23-story mixed-use tower with retail, office and residential space, CityRealty.com reports. The 109-year-old historic bank building will be preserved and restored, and will be integrated into the project at its podium according to details published by the developers. The 340,000 square-foot project will be known as the “the Dime.”
Find out more

Ahead of L train shutdown, developers flock to properties along G, J, M and Z lines

G Train at Court Square via Wikipedia

May 26, 2017

Ahead of L train shutdown, developers flock to properties along G, J, M and Z lines

By Devin Gannon

In response to the looming 15th-month L train shutdown, which will affect its nearly 225,000 daily riders beginning April 2019, real estate developers have started looking at Williamsburg’s hip and slightly cheaper neighbors, Greenpoint and South Williamsburg. Both areas sit nearby the G, J, M and Z trains, and in the past have offered a variety of housing options at cheaper prices. According to the New York Times, as developers begin their plunge into Greenpoint, sites along these train lines have become pricier and more difficult to lock down.
Find out more

May 26, 2017

This little renovated slice of Williamsburg could be yours for $360K

It's rare to see a habitable—much less chic and renovated—apartment in most of Williamsburg for anything even close to the $360,000 this cozy co-op is going for. There's a reason, of course; this "junior-one" at 648 Grand Street is an HDFC co-op, though the income cap isn't mentioned in the listing yet. For a qualified buyer the bright, cozy space offers a home that's easy on the eyes as well as the wallet.
Get a closer look

Distinctive Homes

3 chances to live in prime East Williamsburg, from $958/month

Renderings via RJ Capital Holdings

May 24, 2017

3 chances to live in prime East Williamsburg, from $958/month

Three units in East Williamsburg reserved for those earning 60 percent of the area median income have come online through the city's affordable housing lottery. Two $958/month studios and one $1,096/month one-bedroom are available at 387 Manhattan Avenue, a new six-story mixed-use development half a block east of the BQE, three blocks from McCarren Park, and right near all the local hot spots like the Llama Inn, Museum of Food and Drink, Pete's Candy Store, and Union Pool.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

May 23, 2017

$2.3M Williamsburg triplex is clad in cedar from NYC’s iconic water towers

This expansive Williamsburg triplex was once a part of the flagship retail space for a children's clothing manufacturer--when the cast iron building was constructed in the 1880s, the first floor held retail while the sewing machines, shears and bosses occupied the upper floors. Now the building, located at 138 Broadway, is known as the Smith Gray condominium, and this apartment is asking $2.3 million. Over 2,300 square feet, you'll spot tin ceilings, Corinthian columns and exposed structural brick. While those are pretty typical loft details, this apartment boasts one of the more unique lofts in Brooklyn. It's clad with reclaimed cedar from New York's iconic wooden water towers, which results in a cozy loft enclosure that can be opened via specially-designed casement windows.
See more of the apartment

Distinctive Homes

White Castle-replacing Williamsburg rental launches lotto, affordable units from $867/month

371 Humboldt Street via A&D Engineering

May 19, 2017

White Castle-replacing Williamsburg rental launches lotto, affordable units from $867/month

Back in late 2014, East Williamsburg's much-loved White Castle outpost shuttered suddenly after the site sold the year before to an investment group for $6.72 million. Burgeoning Brooklyn developer Adam America then stepped in to create, in his own words, "the next hottest development in the area" thanks to its location "just minutes away from an endless amount of cool hangouts." Architects Issac & Stern designed his vision as a six-story brick and metal rental that makes a nod to the area's industrial past. Now that the building at 781 Metropolitan Avenue is nearing completion, twenty percent of its 58 units have come online through the city's affordable housing lottery. These 16 units are reserved for those 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

Affordable Housing

May 4, 2017

Williamsburg townhouse with a colorful Scandi-funk interior asks $3.75M

According to records, half of a certain early-aughts Danish dance-pop duo is selling this Scandi-funk-a-licious modern masterpiece of a 19th-century townhouse at 267 Berry Street, right in the middle of prime Williamsburg near the shores of the East River. The four-story, single-family brick townhouse spans 3,300 not-at-all-square feet and comes with some cool details like an open sunroom leading to a lovely roof deck, colorful minimalist kitchen, music room and media room, and master suite that spans an entire top floor. Even better, lots of original details have been preserved and invited to the party, which will set you back $3.75 million.
Move your feet this way for more

Distinctive Homes

April 28, 2017

Shop and nosh your way through 20 of NYC’s best flea and food markets

With spring weather in full effect, the city's flea and food markets roll out the red carpet and the irresistible edibles, and it's pretty likely there's one happening near you. The shop-and-snack mecca Brooklyn Flea has changed locations yet again, a night market returns in Queens and antiquing, arts and local maker standbys in all corners of Manhattan offer more of what you didn't know you couldn't live without. The goods may be odd, but they're out there, and the list below rounds up 20 of the city's top food and flea picks. Just don't blame us for the tchotchke overload—or the calories.
Find a market this weekend

Events & Things To Do

Second building in Domino Sugar megaproject to break ground next month; new renderings

260 Kent; rendering courtesy of COOKFOX

April 27, 2017

Second building in Domino Sugar megaproject to break ground next month; new renderings

Two Trees Management will break ground next month on 260 Kent Avenue at the corner of Grand Street and Kent Avenue, the second building to rise at the Domino Sugar Williamsburg megaproject site. Designed by COOKFOX Architects, the 462,000 square-foot, 42-story mixed-use tower on the site of the former sugar manufacturing facility will create "a prominent visual corridor that leads to the East River waterfront," according to a press release.
Find out more, more renderings this way

April 26, 2017

Bakery-turned-condo in Williamsburg holds an incredible apartment lined with exposed brick and beams

At the Sophia Lofts, a bakery warehouse in Williamsburg converted to 11 apartments in 2007, you could pick up this one-bedroom condo for $995,000. (It last sold in 2009 for $555,000.) For a hair less than $1 million the pad offers one bedroom, lots of exposed brick, wood beam ceilings, and those big warehouse windows. Although the apartment still has a bit of warehouse grittiness left to it, spaces like the bathroom and kitchen were modernized, while plenty of shelving was added to hold the owner's quirky collection of stuff.
Right this way for more of the interior

Distinctive Homes

April 20, 2017

First look at Domino Sugar Factory’s 11-acre park and waterfront esplanade

With building construction well under way at the Domino Sugar Factory site, Two Trees Management has now released details about the 11-acre park that will anchor the three-million-square-foot Williamsburg mega-development. To be known as Domino Park and designed by James Corner Field Operations, the quarter-mile open space will boast a new waterfront esplanade, six acres of parkland, a plethora of preserved artifacts, and easier waterfront access. In addition to sharing several new renderings, Two Trees also announced that the park will open in the summer of 2018.
All the details and renderings ahead

April 19, 2017

10 chances to live in hip East Williamsburg from $833/month

This rental building at 66 Ainslie Street may look like your quintessential warehouse conversion, but it was actually built from the ground up last year, designed by Aufgang Architects to blend in with East Williamsburg's trendy industrial vibe. Of its 50 apartments, 10 are reserved for those earning 60 percent of the area median income. These units include two $833/month studios and eight $895/month one-bedrooms and, as of tomorrow, are up for grabs through the city's affordable housing lottery.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

April 19, 2017

This bold corner loft will remind you of Williamsburg’s early artist outpost days