Search Results for: brownstone

December 4, 2014

NYC Sees a 24 Percent Increase in Construction Loans, Especially in Brownstone Brooklyn

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It's that time again when everyone starts looking back on the year as it comes to a close, but it's also the time to look ahead to the new year. We already know 2015 will bring a slew of new developments to the New York City skyline, and right on trend with that forecast, Bloomberg has reported that construction loans are up 24 percent in the city. On-the-rise neighborhoods like Bed-Stuy and Harlem are being aided by the construction loan boom, especially for the renovation of multi-family buildings. The loans, often well over $1 million, are appealing for gentrifying areas because they usually require borrowers to only begin making interest payments once the renovation is complete. For example, a Clinton Hill resident secured a $800,000 construction loan to renovate a century-old multi-family brownstone and estimates that the value of the home will more than double to at least $2.2 million after the renovation.
More information here
Roman and Williams-Designed Brooklyn Brownstone is an Eclectic Mix of Curiosities
December 3, 2014

Roman and Williams-Designed Brooklyn Brownstone is an Eclectic Mix of Curiosities

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Interior design buffs are undoubtedly familiar with J. Crew Creative Director Jenna Lyons's former home; it was featured in countless magazines and blogs, hailed for its mix of traditional pieces with mid-century modern and pops of color. But in 2012, after a bidding war that included prospective buyers being asked to write personal essays, she sold the 19th century Park Slope pad for $4 million to Vince Clarke, founder of Depeche Mode, and his wife Tracy Martin, CEO of the Morbid Anatomy Museum. And needless to say, they gave the 4,000-square-foot home quite the overhaul, infusing it with a mix of historic styles and curious touches that could serve double duty in Martin's taxidermy-filled museum. The masterminds behind the transformation were Robin Standefer and Stephen Alesch, the founders of design firm Roman and Williams, who created a home that looks like it was furnished in the last century. Their goal was to embrace the home’s historic details while achieving an idiosyncratic and moody approach.
Tour the curiosity-filled home here
Picturesque Upper West Side Brownstone with Skylit Art Studio Asks $8.75 Million
November 18, 2014

Picturesque Upper West Side Brownstone with Skylit Art Studio Asks $8.75 Million

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Nothing says the Upper West Side quite like images of quaint townhouses above sidewalks of tree-lined streets, and this beautiful brownstone up for sale fits right in. Located at 139 West 87th Street, the grand, recently restored property is in perfect move-in condition. The home includes approximately 4,000 square feet, 4-6 bedrooms and an abundance of luxurious and historic details. The current asking price for this classic piece of New York architecture is $8.75 million.
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$3M Park Slope Brownstone is Perfect for Multigenerational Living
October 10, 2014

$3M Park Slope Brownstone is Perfect for Multigenerational Living

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Not only is this rare 1882 brownstone situated in the heart of one of New York City’s quintessential family-friendly neighborhoods, the home itself is perfectly suited for familial bonding of another kind – multigenerational living. With an owner’s triplex over a floor-through garden apartment, this lovely residence at 107 St. John’s Place in Park Slope speaks to the time-honored tradition of sharing space with extended family. But if you’re not quite ready for the whole “Everybody Loves Raymond” scenario, having a sought-after income-producing rental is still a wonderful perk, and only one of the home’s many charms.
See more of this classic 1882 brownstone
Beautiful Brownstone Mansion on Prospect Park Asks $7 Million
September 17, 2014

Beautiful Brownstone Mansion on Prospect Park Asks $7 Million

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What if you had the opportunity to live in a 7,000-square-foot brownstone mansion on a picturesque block just a stone’s throw away from Prospect Park? That’s just a taste of what 312 Garfield Place has to offer, for $6.995 million. It is believed that the brilliant home was built by developer William Flannigan for New York businessman J. J Galligan sometime during the turn of the 20th century. The resulting five-story building has a distinct Victorian charm with a light Renaissance touch.
Take a look inside, here
More and More Brownstone Owners Are Turning Their Homes into Condos
August 28, 2014

More and More Brownstone Owners Are Turning Their Homes into Condos

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For all of you who've stared down a four-story brownstone and wondered "What family needs all that space?", the answer appears to be not many. According to the folks over at Douglas Elliman, more and more owners of Brooklyn brownstones are carving their homes into multiple condos for resale. The piecemeal move they say not only manages to bring in more bucks than an individual sale, but also welcomes more housing without compromising the integrity of a neighborhood—i.e. they help keep tall, glass towers at bay.
More on the trend here
$3M Turn-of-the-Century Clinton Hill Brownstone is Not Updated or Modern – and Absolutely Stunning
August 15, 2014

$3M Turn-of-the-Century Clinton Hill Brownstone is Not Updated or Modern – and Absolutely Stunning

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The minute we laid eyes on the interior of this 4,400-square-foot home at 331 Washington Avenue in Clinton Hill we knew we happened upon something special. While it’s true the million dollar listings we typically feature boast some of the most gorgeously renovated spaces in the city, there’s no denying the timeless beauty of this turn-of-the-century residence built in 1899. Located in the heart of the Clinton Hill Historic District, the dramatic scale and original details at every turn evoke the grandeur of Brooklyn’s most prestigious homes. The gracious parlor entrance with an original pier mirror and striking dark wood staircase sets the tone for the rest of the interior. Sure the treads on the stairs are worn and tattered, but look at that gorgeous wood; a little refinishing and your entryway will be transformed into a magnificent first impression.
Check out the incredible home here
Fort Greene Co-op Puts You Squarely in the Middle of Brownstone Paradise
August 13, 2014

Fort Greene Co-op Puts You Squarely in the Middle of Brownstone Paradise

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There’s a reason Forgotten New York toyed with the label “Brownstone Paradise” for Fort Greene’s South Portland Avenue and Time Out New York named it one of the “50 Best Blocks in NYC”: living here is like owning a little slice of heaven. When you think of a classic brownstone, 21 South Portland Avenue is exactly what comes to mind – along with all of its similar-looking neighbors on both sides of the street. On closer inspection, the varying ornamentation becomes apparent, and each building exudes its own distinct personality, contributing to the street’s reputation as one of Brooklyn’s most coveted and gorgeous.
Check out what's inside this beautiful brownstone
Brownstone of Park Slope’s “Original Gentrifiers” Sells for $3 Million
June 19, 2014

Brownstone of Park Slope’s “Original Gentrifiers” Sells for $3 Million

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When Evelyn and Everett Ortner bought their Park Slope brownstone at 272 Berkeley Place in 1963 for $32,000 they probably never imaged it would sell 50 years later for over $3 million.  But it was their own historically sensitive and forward-looking vision that helped revitalize the area and make it a much-sought-after Brooklyn neighborhood. The Ortners moved to Park Slope when brownstones were unfashionable and the rich turned their noses down at the area.  They convinced their friends to also buy brownstones in the neighborhood. Evelyn was an interior designer specializing in period interiors, and the couple meticulously restored their home down to every last historic detail.  After a 25th anniversary trip to France, where they were inspired by local preservationists working to conserve a crumbling castle in Normandy, Mr. and Mrs. Ortner dedicated themselves to historic preservation efforts in Park Slope until their deaths in 2006 and 2012.
See the results of the couple's tireless passion
Beautiful Clinton Hill Brownstone with an M.C. Escher-like Staircase Sells for $2M
June 16, 2014

Beautiful Clinton Hill Brownstone with an M.C. Escher-like Staircase Sells for $2M

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Can you make sense of this staircase? We're not sure what's going on here, but the rest of this Clinton Hill townhouse is a sight to be seen. Closed today by the Corcoran Group for $2 million and some change, the 4-story, 2-family brownstone was recently gutted and renovated to boast a modern design with cutting edge appliances and sleek finishes. If you love wood detailing, high ceilings, or just want to snoop around a historic home that has a pretty incredible backyard, hit the jump.
Take a tour of 441 Classon Avenue
Decorative Brooklyn Heights Brownstone Closes for $7 Million
May 13, 2014

Decorative Brooklyn Heights Brownstone Closes for $7 Million

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A beautiful, Italianate brownstone at 37 Remsen Street in the Brooklyn Heights Historic District sold for $7 million through a listing held by Brown Harris Stevens. It was originally listed for $6.2 million when it went on the market in January. The buyer is Jeremiah T. Healey, former Jersey City Mayor from 2004-2013, and his wife Megan McKee Healey, a tax law professor at NYU. Built in 1899, the 25-foot-wide, 7,000-square-foot home retains a wealth of historic details including fanlight windows, cast iron vent covers, etched pocket doors, and wood-paneled chair rails. The decorative elements such as ceiling medallions, painted borders, and fancy ceiling moldings were likely to the taste of the previous owner, but they certainly add a bit of whimsy to the classical home.
More photos of the five-story regal brownstone this way
Designers pick the best gifts: NYC creatives share their favorite finds
December 17, 2025

Designers pick the best gifts: NYC creatives share their favorite finds

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6sqft asked New York City designers, architects, and artists for their gift inspirations this holiday season–a selection of the stuff they’d love to give (or get). Below, you'll find a collection of out-of-the-ordinary items chosen by a few of the city’s most talented creatives. We hope you'll be inspired in your search for the perfect gifts.
NYC creatives' gift picks, this way
See plan for 27-story rental tower above historic Fort Greene church

Proposed view looking west. Credit: FXCollaborative

December 3, 2025

See plan for 27-story rental tower above historic Fort Greene church

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A developer is looking to build an apartment tower on top of a historic Fort Greene church. Strekte presented a proposal to the Landmarks Preservation Commission on Tuesday for a 27-story tower above the landmarked Hanson Place Central United Methodist Church. During the hearing, the commission reviewed plans to restore the facade of the church at 144 St. Felix Street and perform demolitions necessary to construct a 27-story tower above it. After extensive public feedback, including concerns from neighboring One Hanson Place condo residents about blocked views, the LPC asked the development team to return at a later date once it had reviewed the points raised during the testimony.
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$4M Prospect Heights penthouse has three bedrooms, a wraparound terrace, and views in every direction

Photos courtesy of Alejandro Leon with DD-Reps

December 3, 2025

$4M Prospect Heights penthouse has three bedrooms, a wraparound terrace, and views in every direction

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Occupying the entire 12th floor of 856 Washington Avenue, this sprawling condo has dazzling views of Manhattan, the East River, and beyond from 3,172 square feet of interior living space. Better yet, you can take your daily sunset views outdoors to the terrace. Asking $3,995,000, the Prospect Heights residence has plenty of amenities and a Brooklyn location just steps from Prospect Park, the Brooklyn Museum, and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.
take the penthouse tour
10 Jersey City rentals with easy commutes to NYC

Photo by Zoshua Colah via Unsplash

December 1, 2025

10 Jersey City rentals with easy commutes to NYC

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With waterfront parks, iconic views, diverse communities, and easy access to New York City, Jersey City's popularity is no surprise. Fueled by a development boom happening across Hudson County, Jersey City’s population increased by more than 20 percent between 2010 and 2024. Not only is there a plethora of new housing options, but the city is also a transit-rich area with PATH, NJ Transit, bus, and ferry options that reach Manhattan in minutes. If you're looking for a Jersey City apartment and an easy commute to NYC, here are some of the best rentals in the area to consider.
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Park Slope ‘pink house,’ now in a more muted hue, asks $5M

Photos courtesy of Russ Ross for The Corcoran Group

November 24, 2025

Park Slope ‘pink house,’ now in a more muted hue, asks $5M

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For decades, the first thing passersby would notice about the otherwise stately townhouse at 233 Garfield Place was its facade, painted a shade referred to as "bright magenta" in a 2006 New York Times article. The bubblegum-hued exterior was updated in 2012 with one more in keeping with its historic brownstone neighbors. The four-story Park Slope home, configured as a triplex above a two-bedroom garden flat, is now on the market for $4,995,000.
no longer pink, but still pretty
The best new apartment buildings near Prospect Park

Photo of Prospect Park by Steven Pisano on Flickr

November 17, 2025

The best new apartment buildings near Prospect Park

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With its 585 acres of woodlands, waterways, and meadows, Prospect Park is a serene escape in the heart of Brooklyn. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux in the 1860s, the public park is one of Brooklyn's most beautiful places to wander and connect with nature. As more renters and buyers prioritize access to green space, new residential developments have been popping up in neighborhoods around the park. For those looking to live near Brooklyn's Backyard, we rounded up the best new apartment buildings located within a mile of Prospect Park.
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College Point landmark that housed nation’s first free kindergarten gets $6.2M restoration

Credit: DDC

November 14, 2025

College Point landmark that housed nation’s first free kindergarten gets $6.2M restoration

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A historic College Point landmark that once housed the nation’s first free kindergarten has received a $6.2 million makeover. Built in 1868, the Poppenhusen Institute—listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated a New York City landmark—was among the first buildings in the country constructed entirely of cast, or artificial, stone. Located at 114-04 14th Road, the project included replacing and upgrading all 97 wood and steel windows, along with careful masonry restoration that preserves the building’s historic character.
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Turning cubicles to condos: The pros and cons of office-to-residential conversions in NYC

SoMA at 25 Water Street is the largest office-to-residential conversion in the U.S. to date. Rendering courtesy of Streetsense

November 13, 2025

Turning cubicles to condos: The pros and cons of office-to-residential conversions in NYC

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Across New York City’s five boroughs, office space occupies 730 million square feet (600 million of which is in Manhattan), according to CoStar data obtained by New York City Comptroller Brad Lander. This is the most of any North American city; runner-up Los Angeles has only 432 million square feet of office space. So, it’s no wonder that the conversation around post-Covid commercial real estate vacancies is such a hot-button issue, especially considering that Manhattan’s residential vacancy rate is just 1.2 percent.
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For $9M, a Noho penthouse that captures the spirit of the neighborhood’s past, and then some

Photo credit: Alejandro Leon, DD-Reps

November 12, 2025

For $9M, a Noho penthouse that captures the spirit of the neighborhood’s past, and then some

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Built in 1893, the six-story loft at 21 Bond Street, anchored by a street-level shop in the Noho Historic District, is a classic example of the neighborhood's commercial Renaissance Revival architecture, with brownstone piers framing its cast-iron storefront with Palladian-inspired second-story windows above. Asking $8,995,000, this top-floor unit has been completely overhauled to become a modern-day home, surrounded by the carefully revealed original character of the loft.
take the tour
For $5M, be the first new owner of this historic Cobble Hill wood-frame home in 40 years

Photo credit: Andrew Brincka | DD Reps

October 29, 2025

For $5M, be the first new owner of this historic Cobble Hill wood-frame home in 40 years

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There aren't many well-preserved wood-frame townhouses left in the city, and this circa 1842 home at 34 Bergen Street is a fine example. The two-family home hasn't changed hands in 40 years, though it has been lovingly updated by the current owners while retaining its original details. Asking $4,995,000, the four-story home in the heart of Cobble Hill offers outdoor space in the form of terraces and a backyard, and plenty of options for one- or two-family living.
take the tour
Lily Allen’s Brooklyn townhouse is for sale for $8M

Photo credit: Hayley Ellen Day

October 28, 2025

Lily Allen’s Brooklyn townhouse is for sale for $8M

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The celebrity news cycle is abuzz with the drama surrounding the breakup of singer Lily Allen and actor David Harbour (Hopper on "Stranger Things") after four years of marriage. Her just-released album gives voice to the star-crossed pairing and its demise–the New York Post calls it a "revenge album"–with the Carroll Gardens home at 381 Union Street symbolizing the blissful early days of the couple's brief union. Asking $7,995,000, the 22-foot-wide brownstone got a top-to-toe renovation by architect Ben Bischoff of MADE–and a not-for-everyone makeover by AD100 designer Billy Cotton.
get a closer look
Developer’s plan for 30-story tower behind row of 19th-century homes in Downtown Brooklyn is stalled for now

The Duffield Street Houses at 182-188 Duffield Street. Photo by Epicgenius on Wikimedia

October 22, 2025

Developer’s plan for 30-story tower behind row of 19th-century homes in Downtown Brooklyn is stalled for now

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A developer's plan to build a 30-story tower behind a row of landmarked homes in Downtown Brooklyn has been sent back to the drawing board. On Tuesday, the Landmarks Preservation Commission held a public hearing on Watermark Capital’s proposal for a glass and beige brick tower on a small lot behind the historic homes at 182-188 Duffield Street, four individual landmarks dating to the 1830s and 1840s. Commissioners and preservationists were skeptical of the proposal, which involves removing the rear facades of the four properties while combining the interiors to create a community space and a lobby for the 99-unit building behind them. The commission took no action on Tuesday and directed the developers to revise the design so it does not "overwhelm" the block's historic character.
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