Search Results for: brownstone

December 23, 2014

WE Design’s Brownstone Renovation Melds the Old with Mid-Century Modern Touches

We've featured the work of WE Design before, but here's another one of their Brooklyn beauties that's captured our attention. In a gut renovation of a historic brownstone, the architects brought a 19th century home right into the 21st by juxtaposing the old and the new and making way for spaces that are all about modern living.
Have a look inside this stunning home

December 5, 2014

Real Estate Wire: Taxi King’s Apartment Going for $27M; Flashback to ‘Home Alone 2’ Brownstone

By Diane Pham

New York’s taxi king lists his apartment at 101 Warren Street for $27M. [TRD] Reel Estate: A look at the brownstone-turned-battleground in Home Alone 2. [Brick Underground] Condos in starchitect Tao Ando’s first NYC building will start at $5.9M. [TRD] The massive 1929 Rothschild mansion on the Upper East Side is selling for $40M. [Curbed] […]

Real Estate Trends

December 4, 2014

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

By Dana Schulz

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

December 3, 2014

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

By Dana Schulz

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

November 18, 2014

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

By Rebecca Paul

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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Distinctive Homes

October 10, 2014

$3M Park Slope Brownstone is Perfect for Multigenerational Living

By Stephanie Hoina

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

September 17, 2014

Beautiful Brownstone Mansion on Prospect Park Asks $7 Million

By Aisha Carter

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

August 28, 2014

More and More Brownstone Owners Are Turning Their Homes into Condos

By Diane Pham

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

Real Estate Trends

August 15, 2014

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

By Stephanie Hoina

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

Distinctive Homes

August 13, 2014

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

By Stephanie Hoina

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

Distinctive Homes

June 19, 2014

Your Daily Link Fix: A Look Inside 12 Brownstones; James Corner’s Essay on the High Line

By Aisha Carter

Check Out Apple’s New Aerial App: Apple Maps has a new feature called Flyover City Tours… and its awesome. Gizmodo has more details on the app along with a video that might actually make you feel like you’re flying. The Rocky Road to Pre-K: Let’s be honest. The competitive process of getting tots into preschool […]

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June 19, 2014

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

By Dana Schulz

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

June 16, 2014

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

By Diane Pham

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

May 13, 2014

Decorative Brooklyn Heights Brownstone Closes for $7 Million

By Dana Schulz

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

Real Estate Trends

First look at The Morgan, an 18-story luxury condo rising on a tree-lined block in Murray Hill

Renderings courtesy of We Are Visuals

April 29, 2026

First look at The Morgan, an 18-story luxury condo rising on a tree-lined block in Murray Hill

By Aaron Ginsburg

The first images have been revealed for a new 18-story luxury condo taking shape on a tree-lined block in Murray Hill. Developed by the Continuum Company and Aksoy Holding and designed by INC Architecture & Design, The Morgan at 38 East 35th Street will include contemporary residences ranging from studios to three-bedrooms, along with select duplexes and penthouses. The developer has also launched a teaser website for the building along with the newly released renderings.
see it here

New Developments

Mamdani creates NYC’s first office to prevent deed theft

Mayor Mamdani and Council Member Ossé. Photo by Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

April 24, 2026

Mamdani creates NYC’s first office to prevent deed theft

By Devin Gannon

Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Friday announced the creation of the city's first-ever Office of Deed Theft Prevention to crack down on scammers who take ownership of homes through fraud and deception. The new office comes just days after Council Member Chi Ossé was arrested after defending a Bed-Stuy homeowner facing eviction from a brownstone she has called home for six decades.
details this way

Policy

One of the oldest wood-frame houses in Brooklyn Heights asks $4.9M

Photos courtesy of Virginia Carey for Brown Harris Stevens

April 21, 2026

One of the oldest wood-frame houses in Brooklyn Heights asks $4.9M

By Michelle Cohen

Among the oldest surviving wooden homes in Brooklyn Heights, this Federal-style home at 25 Cranberry Street was built around 1790 as a farmhouse. Beginning in 1995, preservation-minded residents carefully stripped away the layers to reveal many of the home's original details that lay hidden for generations, from painted plaster to wood-plank flooring. Now asking $4.9 million, the four-story, 3,200-square-foot home is ready for 21st-century owners to appreciate the history behind its walls.
take the tour

Distinctive Homes

All photos © Rafael Gamo unless otherwise noted

April 17, 2026

Green-Wood Cemetery opens new welcome center that surrounds Victorian greenhouse

By Michelle Cohen

Though some 583,000 people are buried there, the 478-acre Green-Wood Cemetery has always been more than a burial ground. The Brooklyn cemetery served as a verdant 19th-century escape, and it has since been a unique destination for events, nature study, and more. This weekend, the cemetery will officially open the Green-House at Green-Wood, a new $43 million welcome center that wraps around the renovated 1895 Victorian greenhouse. Designed by Architecture Research Office (ARO), the new L-shaped building, clad in glazed terra cotta and topped by a green roof, will help visitors navigate the cemetery's sprawling grounds. The new center will also serve as a venue for events, starting with a free grand opening weekend program and a MoonFest celebration in May.
Find out more

Events & Things To Do

Abolitionist Place Park. Photo courtesy of Downtown Brooklyn Partnership.

April 6, 2026

A renter’s guide to Downtown Brooklyn

By Devin Gannon

Since being rezoned 20 years ago, Downtown Brooklyn has transformed into a dynamic mixed-use district, adding roughly 32 million square feet of new development in residential, commercial, cultural, academic, and open spaces. According to the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, since 2004, the area has seen over 27,000 housing units completed, with nearly 8,000 units under construction or in the pipeline. As one of the best transit-connected areas in New York City, along with its strong arts and cultural scene, Downtown Brooklyn is becoming a successful example of what a live-work-play neighborhood looks like. If you're looking to move to the neighborhood, we took a look at some of the best rental buildings to call home.
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NYC Guides

‘Hunger Games’ director Gary Ross lists his Cobble Hill townhouse for $10.6M

All photos by Hayley Ellen Day

April 2, 2026

‘Hunger Games’ director Gary Ross lists his Cobble Hill townhouse for $10.6M

By Michelle Cohen

Gary Ross, director of Hollywood hits like "The Hunger Games" and "Big," and his wife, designer Claudia Solti, have just put their Brooklyn townhouse at 197 Clinton Street on the market. Asking $10,600,000, the stately brick home offers 6,474 square feet of living space on six floors, from the private screening room to a top-floor "penthouse" with a patio. Behind its 1850s facade, the home has all the architecture and design features buyers look for in modern townhouse living, without having to change a thing.
turnkey brooklyn townhouse living, this way

Distinctive Homes

Photos by Chrysovalantis Skoufris of Uptick Multimedia unless otherwise noted.

March 25, 2026

Dine in a gold-domed cupola in this $13.5M Chelsea penthouse

By Michelle Cohen

In the landmarked O'Neill Building at 655 6th Avenue, this duplex penthouse condo is a 21st-century luxury home that pays homage to the Gilded Age. The building dates to 1887, when it was built as a Ladies' Mile department store. Asking $13,495,000, the penthouse is a 4,819-square-foot residence that was, until 2008, home to "Law & Order: SVU" star Mariska Hargitay. Anchoring the home's 2,500 square feet of outdoor space is a paved terrace with a view of the gold Neo-Grec-style cupola.
Take the tour

Distinctive Homes

24-story rental tower above historic Fort Greene church approved by Landmarks

144 Saint Felix, view looking up from the south. All images courtesy of FXCollaborative.

March 19, 2026

24-story rental tower above historic Fort Greene church approved by Landmarks

By Aaron Ginsburg

After revising their original proposal, developers won Landmarks Preservation Commission approval Tuesday to build an apartment building on top of a historic Fort Greene church. Developer Stretke, along with architects FXCollaborative and ADP Architects, got the green light for the project at 144 St. Felix Street, which will restore the facade of the landmarked Hanson Place Central United Methodist Church and construct a 24-story tower above it. The developers were asked to address concerns about the building’s height and massing, which the local community board and residents called “inappropriate” for the site and the surrounding Brooklyn Academy of Music Historic District. The revised proposal lowered the height by about 30 feet, from 27 stories to 24 stories.
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For $1.85M, this Chelsea co-op is a work of art

All photos courtesy of Brown Harris Stevens

March 17, 2026

For $1.85M, this Chelsea co-op is a work of art

By Michelle Cohen

This unique Chelsea one-bedroom at 255 West 23rd Street lives like a studio while offering the added distinction of a separate sleeping area, all on the top floor of an Art Deco gem. Inside, the home's curvaceous interiors are the work of designer Ghiora Aharoni, who envisioned it as a "residence as a work of art." Asking $1,850,000, the petite pied-à-terre blends design, art, and architecture, taking advantage of light and natural materials to create a peerless refuge.
Artful living, this way

Distinctive Homes

This $6.4M Chelsea condo is like having a library, cafe, and office in a three-bedroom loft

Photos by Joseph Velasquez from Five7 Media

March 13, 2026

This $6.4M Chelsea condo is like having a library, cafe, and office in a three-bedroom loft

By Michelle Cohen

This Chelsea loft condominium in the Spears Building at 525 West 22nd Street is as classic as it gets. Built in 1880, the former furniture warehouse sits next to the High Line, and the homes within have kept the warmth and architectural detail of the industrial era. Framed by exposed brick walls, massive wood beams, and cast iron-capped columns, this 3,033-square-foot residence, asking $6,400,000, has plenty of open living space, with the unusual convenience of three bedrooms and several flexible rooms for work and play. Full walls of shelving await a vast book or art collection, and many closets keep clutter out of sight.
take the tour

Distinctive Homes

Former Jehovah’s Witnesses Watchtower complex could become 600+ apartments

Renderings courtesy of CIM Group

March 12, 2026

Former Jehovah’s Witnesses Watchtower complex could become 600+ apartments

By Aaron Ginsburg

Brooklyn Heights’ iconic Watchtower Building, the longtime world headquarters of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, may soon be transformed into a waterfront development with hundreds of homes. Developer CIM Group is proposing a mixed-use redevelopment at 25-30 Columbia Heights that would include 661 apartments, some of them affordable, along with 113,000 square feet of commercial space. The project is expected to enter the city's uniform land use review procedure (ULURP). CIM presented the plan to Brooklyn Community Board 2 last June before filing a land-use application in December, according to city records.
get the details

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