Impeccably restored town houses still set the tone today for most brownstone neighborhoods. But it’s increasingly common to find vintage town houses sheathed in glass, aluminum and other relentlessly contemporary materials. Especially in Brooklyn, rear facades are being opened up — “blown out” is the term architects use — to provide large doses of light and air. Many of these reworkings take the form of sweeping glass rear walls, designed to transform spaces that for all their charm are typically small and dark. Some changes boggle the imagination: Preservationists still talk about owners who sought to install a lobster tank atop a newly acquired town house.
Showing posts with label brooklyn. Show all posts
Showing posts with label brooklyn. Show all posts
Friday, August 26, 2016
Crown Heights Condo coming to the market
Location:
Crown Heights, Brooklyn, NY, USA
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
New York City Rental Market outlook - 2013
The Rental Tide Subsides
By JULIE SATOW
Published: December 28, 2012
While some of this may be seasonal — the rental market tends to soften during the winter — the pace of rental growth year over year has also slowed. According to Streeteasy.com, median rents are 1.5 percent higher than one year ago, a marked drop from the 10 percent increase that rents posted two years ago and the 15 percent of three years ago. Inventory is also up, with 13,618 Manhattan apartments for rent in November, a 21 percent increase over November 2011, Streeteasy found.
Read Full Story Here: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/30/realestate/the-new-york-rental-tide-subsides.html?ref=realestate&_r=0
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
A look at today's brownstone
Rafael Vinoly Architects; Marilynn K.Yee/The New York Times
Left, a rendering shows East 64th Street with No. 162 razed and replaced by a fritted glass structure with a bowed facade by Rafael Viñoly. Right, No. 162 as it looks today.
By CONSTANCE ROSENBLUM
WHEN Charles Lockwood’s now-classic book “Bricks and Brownstones” was published in the early ‘70s, there was only one thing to do with an old New York town house — restore it to within an inch of its pristine 19th-century glory. The brownstone revival movement had started a few years earlier, and in Manhattan and growing swaths of Brooklyn, the talk on the street was of marble stoops, brass doorknobs, wide-plank pine floors and original wainscoting — the fancier the better.
Although the neighbors aren’t always thrilled about such developments, they don’t automatically storm the barricades in protest. Some even engage in cordial conversations with their neighbors and the architects, the goal being to end up with a design that makes everyone happy.
This is what happened on East 64th Street between Lexington and Third Avenues, a stretch of town houses edged by trees and graceful bishop’s-crook lampposts. Though not protected by the city’s Landmarks Preservation Commission, the block has its share of bay windows, decorative pediments and Juliet balconies. The ornate homes will soon be joined by a second Modernist facade.
No. 164, a five-story building owned by Anthony Faillace, the founder of a hedge fund, sits behind a boxy natural granite facade punctured by oversize maroon steel-framed windows, designed by Michael Rubin Architects. Next door at No. 162, a 19th-century town house will be razed and replaced by a six-story structure featuring a bowed facade of fritted blueish-gray glass. The architect is Rafael Viñoly, whose high-profile creations pepper the globe. The owner, Eduardo Eurnekian, a prominent Argentine businessman, plans to use the building for offices and residential space.
In Mr. Viñoly’s opinion, the new building will be a good neighbor, even if it initially turns some heads. “The facade being replaced is undistinguished,” he said. “And imitating an architectural vocabulary simply because it’s there isn’t an appropriate response nowadays.”
And Kenneth Laub, a commercial real estate broker who created and for many years led the block association, couldn’t be more pleased.
“Both Mr. Eurnekian and Mr. Viñoly consulted with us about the design,” said Mr. Laub, whose 8,000-square-foot town house across the street, complete with atrium, portable frescoes and eight working marble fireplaces, is on the market with Halstead for nearly $28 million. “Originally Rafael proposed a facade with dark brown metal louvers, which to be honest we weren’t crazy about. But we talked, and I suggested some ideas, and he was very cooperative. What they ended up with is much softer and nicer.”
Mr. Laub realizes that the story could have ended quite differently. “But both men say they love what this street has become and they want to get along with their neighbors,” he said. “Name a street as beautiful as this. And if Viñoly’s building is impressive and brings greater credence to the street, we’re happy.”
Ask architects and urban historians why infatuation with the look of the traditional 19th-century town house, a beloved feature of so many New York neighborhoods, seems to be waning in some quarters, and the answers are many and varied.
To start with, the city’s vintage town houses aren’t getting any younger.
“When the brownstone revival movement started, the effort was to restore buildings,” said Brendan Coburn, a Brooklyn architect who so radically transformed his Carroll Gardens row house that everything behind the red-brick facade is brand-new. “But in the past 40 years these houses have aged a lot. Many have fallen apart. They need major electrical and mechanical work.” If the innards of a building are being redone and a facade is crumbling, he said, an owner might choose to redo the entire look.
Read More Here:
Friday, November 2, 2012
I'm featured on Huff Post Live discussing Sandy aftermath
Today, I was featured on Huff Post Live discussing the difficulties of being and independent contractor and still trying to earn money In New York City post hurricane Sandy.
Labels:
brooklyn,
Huff Post Live,
Huffington Post,
Hurricane Sandy,
Marc Lamont HIll,
New York City,
self-employed
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Sandy's Aftermath
First and foremost, my heart goes out to all the people of New York City, New Jersey and the rest of the Eastern seaboard affected by Sandy.
I was fortunate to get through it unscathed. I've looked at my block and don't see any downed trees or damage. A tree is down in my neighbors back yard and is leaning on the cable TV wires. I hope I don't loose my Internet, although I don't think I will get much work done anyway! Despite that yesterday evening, during the height of the storm, I received an email from someone inquiring about an appointment! Very insensitive in my opinion; however this person needs to move immediately! *Blank stare at my computer screen*
There is no public transportation at all. Half of the City is without power. Schools are closed. Airports are closed. The New York Stock Exchange is closed and most of lower Manhattan and parts of Brooklyn, including Red Hook, Gowanus, and Dumbo were submerged in water.
You can help out by texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
Links: http://www.brownstoner.com/blog/2012/10/brooklyn-floods-loses-power-in-hurricane-sandy/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nype_jd_ZA&feature=youtu.be
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2012/10/30/nyregion/hurricane-sandys-aftermath.html
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/10/30/hurricane-sandy-brings-havoc-to-alphabet-city.html
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Friday, January 20, 2012
With Manhattan running out of buildable space, developers turn to Brooklyn
Residential developers increasingly turn to Brooklyn, but face different renters
January 18, 2012 10:30AMFrom left: renderings of Three Northside Piers, 388 Bridge Street and 88 Willoughby Street
Citing a report by Nancy Packes, a consultant to some of the city’s largest developers, the Journal said 14,000 new residential units are being planned for Brooklyn in the coming years, compared to just 5,000 in Manhattan. Read full story here:
http://therealdeal.com/blog/2012/01/18/residential-developers-increasingly-turn-to-brooklyn-but-face-different-renters/
Friday, January 13, 2012
Brooklyn and outer-borough sales outperform Manhattan
Outer borough housing markets hold up better than Manhattan’s: REBNY
January 11, 2012 10:00AM
Houses near the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway
In an unusual twist, home prices in the outer boroughs held up better than those in Manhattan in an overall dreadful fourth quarter, according to the latest figures from the Real Estate Board of New York cited by the Wall Street Journal.
While the median price in Manhattan tumbled 8.5 from the prior year quarter to $750,000, prices actually inched up by 2.9 percent in the Bronx to $350,00 and 1.4 percent in Brooklyn to $473,000. And while the median prices in Queens and Staten Island fell 4.8 percent and 5.2 percent, respectively, that’s still less than the declines in Manhattan. Citywide, the price drop measured 2.3 percent.
Read full story here: http://therealdeal.com/blog/2012/01/11/outer-borough-housing-markets-outperform-manhattans/
January 11, 2012 10:00AM
Houses near the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway
In an unusual twist, home prices in the outer boroughs held up better than those in Manhattan in an overall dreadful fourth quarter, according to the latest figures from the Real Estate Board of New York cited by the Wall Street Journal.
While the median price in Manhattan tumbled 8.5 from the prior year quarter to $750,000, prices actually inched up by 2.9 percent in the Bronx to $350,00 and 1.4 percent in Brooklyn to $473,000. And while the median prices in Queens and Staten Island fell 4.8 percent and 5.2 percent, respectively, that’s still less than the declines in Manhattan. Citywide, the price drop measured 2.3 percent.
Read full story here: http://therealdeal.com/blog/2012/01/11/outer-borough-housing-markets-outperform-manhattans/
Thursday, November 3, 2011
ING New York City Marathon
Photograph: Jean-Pierre Durand
Good news, couch potatoes: You don’t have to slog through all 26.2 miles to enjoy marathon festivities. This year, organizers have planned more events pegged to the annual contest than ever before, so whether you’re pounding the pavement or aching at the thought of it, our guide will get you prepped and pumped for race day.Health and Fitness Expo
The Javits Center will be transformed into a running mecca for the three days leading up to the race. There you can watch The Road to the Finish, a panoramic film that documents the marathon through all five boroughs; grab training tips from sports science experts; and purchase just about any type of jogging paraphernalia. 655 W 34th St at Eleventh Ave. Thu 3, Fri 4 10am–8pm; Sat 9am–5pm. Free.
Read Full Story Here: http://newyork.timeout.com/things-to-do/this-week-in-new-york/2166155/ing-new-york-city-marathon?package=80740
Friday, October 21, 2011
Real Estate Sales In Brooklyn Have Good Third Quarter
| Real Estate Sales In Brooklyn Have Good Third Quarter by Dennis Holt (edit@brooklyneagle.net), published online 10-17-2011 | ||||||
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Saturday, August 27, 2011
- BROOKLYN BRACES FOR IRENE -
***Side note - I'm getting 3 new exclusive listings next week. Two in Park Slope, one in West Harlem. If they are still standing, showings will begin once the subway is back up and running :)
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Atlantic Yard's Saga continues...
After all of that fighting, the never ending Atlantic Yards project could now end up just being a nondescript stadium and acres of parking. The project's developer, Forest City Ratner, filed documents with the SEC last week that warn of "further delays" to the non-stadium portions of the project that could lead to the scrapping of most or all of the rest of the 22-acre, $4.9 billion project. But hey, at least the city got rid of all that urban blight!
Basically the same cash flow issues (rising construction costs, rising financing rates, inability to meet government deadlines, trouble with sponsorships) that have caused Ratner to start looking into prefab construction may in the end entirely kill the project. Here is how the company's filing describes the situation if any any of those problems get worse:
Read Full Story Here: http://gothamist.com/2011/04/04/worst_case_atlantic_yards_could_jus.php
Basically the same cash flow issues (rising construction costs, rising financing rates, inability to meet government deadlines, trouble with sponsorships) that have caused Ratner to start looking into prefab construction may in the end entirely kill the project. Here is how the company's filing describes the situation if any any of those problems get worse:
Read Full Story Here: http://gothamist.com/2011/04/04/worst_case_atlantic_yards_could_jus.php
Friday, March 18, 2011
Go Green!
Green Fort Greene & Clinton Hill, together with the FAB Business Alliance, will give out Free Trees — March 26,
10a.m. to 12 noon, Putnam Triangle at Grand Ave. and Fulton St.
First come, first served ‘til they run out. Smaller flowering
species for planting on private property (not street tree pits.
For more information contact: tree@greenfgch.org
Rain date March 27.
10a.m. to 12 noon, Putnam Triangle at Grand Ave. and Fulton St.
First come, first served ‘til they run out. Smaller flowering
species for planting on private property (not street tree pits.
For more information contact: tree@greenfgch.org
Rain date March 27.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Curbed NY: Brooklyn Bridge Park Opens; Inside Pier 1!
Curbed NY: Brooklyn Bridge Park Opens; Inside Pier 1!
Check out Brooklyn's latest recreational effort. Just in time for spring.
Check out Brooklyn's latest recreational effort. Just in time for spring.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
When Love Is a Schlep - NYTimes.com
BIG cities like New York are both deeply convenient — two steps to the deli for milk in the morning — and deeply inconvenient. It is possible to live in the same city as the person you are dating, and have to travel an hour, or even two, to get together.
Click below for full story
When Love Is a Schlep - NYTimes.com
Click below for full story
When Love Is a Schlep - NYTimes.com
Monday, September 14, 2009
~Understated Elegance~

NEW TO MARKET: Quintessential Brooklyn brownstone located on a beautiful tree-lined street in the highly sort after and recently Landmarked area of Prospect Heights. This circa 1901 brownstone sits on a 17' x 131' lot, sprawling near 3100 SF over four floors and currently configured as three separate residences, the garden level and top floor apartments offer full floor 1 BR layouts, and the parlor & middle level are duplexed creating the ideal owners residence. With a versatile layout this could either be kept as is or easily reconfigured as a single family home.
A recent extensive restoration truly sets this home apart. Whilst being updated to include many modern day amenities, the elegance, grace, and charm have been meticulously preserved, as you enter the parlor level lobby, spectacular craftsman details immediately catch the eye, the hand carved door motifs and mirror surround really must be seen to be appreciated.
The spacious owner's duplex features a huge open kitchen, with custom all wood cabinets, granite countertops, a restaurant quality DCS range, stainless steel GE monogram dishwasher, wood paneled twin door fridge/freezer, and an LG washer-dryer combo unit. Enjoy your meals either on the adjacent patio deck or inside in the huge parlor level dining and living room area. Follow the spiral stairs to the upper level with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, of which the master suite is nothing short of breathtaking, this exquisitely designed bathroom has a cast-iron claw foot tub, glass waterfall inspired sink, and crystal chandelier. This residence also has 4 wood-burning fireplaces that have been stripped & restored to their original detail, and slimline A/C units on both levels.
The garden level apartment could either be left as a second rental unit or easily combined to triplex with the owners residence. The same high quality renovation continues throughout this 1BR apartment and the enormous bathroom features a large soaking Jacuzzi tub that is the perfect place to relax and unwind. However, if you prefer to be outdoors the backyard and garden itself are even more relaxing, this tranquil garden provides an ideal spot to sit and let the days pass by, it also functions as the ultimate entertaining area and is the perfect spot for that 4th of July BBQ.
On the top floor you have the option of further expanding the primary residence or reaping the rewards of a great 1BR rental unit.
Throughout this extraordinary home you'll find beautiful strip & parquet hardwood floors, wood trimmed window & doorways, and a total of 7 fireplaces each with its own uniquely crafted mantelpiece.
Occupying only 17' x 45' of this large lot, there is also an additional 0.65 FAR or 1472 SF of buildable space. New C of O effective 01/2007. Zoned as R6B.
Situated only blocks from some of Brooklyn?s best attractions including the Botanic Gardens, Prospect Park, the Brooklyn Museum of Art, Brooklyn Library, Grand Army Plaza farmer's market, and many of the area's finest restaurants. Also convenient to all major transportation.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Thursday, March 20, 2008
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