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June 28, 2006
A Woodie On, And For, MacDonough
As we paused in front of 336 MacDonough to soak up the architecture and charming front yard, an older gentleman emerged from the front door. When was thehouse built? 1860s, he replied. How long have you lived here? Since the Eighties. And so it went. His wife emerged from the garden to join in. They love the block and were particularly pleased when the owners of Brownstone Books around the corner purchased the old frame across the street last year (photo on the jump). Turns out our new acquaintance has been dabbling in real estate recently. He's got a couple of brownstones for sale right now in the area one at 603 MacDonough and one at 635 Macon. Since the firm he works for doesn't have a website, these probably qualify as under-the-radar in our book. Interested? Give Edward a call at 718-953-3254. GMAP
Comments
what a beauty!
Posted by: Anonymous at June 28, 2006 9:51 AM
this is without question one of the nicest blocks in all of stuy heights. it is always shortlisted for the greenest block in brooklyn comp. everyone takes great pride in the external appearance, which can make one only imagine what the inside of these homes must look like. the akwaba b&b is on the block as are many beautifully maintained lime and brownstones. i agree with brownstoner, it is certainly worth the trip.
Posted by: Anonymous at June 28, 2006 9:53 AM
The Atwells own both houses on that lot, wonderful family. I did a photoshoot at his place like 5 or 6 years ago. This is one of the most beautiful blocks in Brooklyn! Just my opinion.
Posted by: Freeform at June 28, 2006 10:00 AM
Don't quote me on this, but I remember when I lived on Macdonough it was said that the Akwaaba Mansion, owned by former Essence chief editor Monique Greenwood, was one of the first houses to be built in Brooklyn.
Posted by: Freeform at June 28, 2006 10:04 AM
I go two blocks out of my way just to drive down this beautiful block and gawk. It really is amazing.
Posted by: new bed stuy at June 28, 2006 10:09 AM
A beauty and all of the flowers are great.
But one quibble: Nothing looks worse in front of a brownstone or other old house as plastic pots/planters. Looks like some nice stone and terra cotta pots there ... Banish the plastic!
Posted by: Anonymous at June 28, 2006 10:10 AM
True enough Macdonough is one of the best looking blocks in brooklyn's Bed-Stuy..I went to JHS on Macdonough and even as a kid enjoyed walking up those lovely blocks.
Posted by: Anonymous at June 28, 2006 10:13 AM
You posted a NY Times video interview with the owners of the place across the street where they do a walk through. That block is really grea, and Akwaaba is a fantastic place to have visitors stay when there's no room at your own place.
Posted by: Drew at June 28, 2006 10:20 AM
Feels like a Brownstoner drive-by video might be in order...
Posted by: Anonymous at June 28, 2006 10:25 AM
LOVE this block so much. It is really a treat to walk down, especially in the height of summer.
Posted by: Anonymous at June 28, 2006 10:25 AM
i meant great
Posted by: Drew at June 28, 2006 10:25 AM
Everyone is right, that really is one of the most beautiful blocks in Brooklyn. One of last week's photos of Stuy Heights, with St. Phillips Episcopal Church rising in the background is this same block. You can see the corner of Edward's house on the left side.
My mother and I looked at the twin of this house, attached at the left, way back in the early 80's. It was a great house, but not what we needed at that time. I was always glad to see that both houses have always been well kept, and I also try to go down that block whenever possible.
It's one of the prime blocks to counter people who think Bed Stuy is a filthy slum. I would be proud to live here, any day, any time.
Posted by: CrownHeightsProud at June 28, 2006 10:50 AM
These old frame houses can look so good.
Posted by: Anonymous at June 28, 2006 11:29 AM
a woodie? talk about RE porn...
Posted by: Anonymous at June 28, 2006 11:29 AM
the former Essence chief manager does own akwaaba mansion and its always booked solid they're really nice over there. my mail goes over there somtimes (for some strange reason) and they're always really nice about it. this is the house next to the mansion it has a nice sized yard which I always envied since thats almost unheard of in brownstone brooklyn. I absolutely love this block no complaints at all.
Posted by: stuy blkbuttrflie. at June 28, 2006 12:15 PM
There is a brick building the next block over on MacDonough (between Stuyvesant and Malcolm X) that has been under renovation for a long, long time, but seems like it is almost done. Anyone know if these are going to be condos or what?
Posted by: Anonymous at June 28, 2006 1:46 PM
Re: brick building - if you mean the building on the corner of Patchen Place - it was renovated (very nice renovation) to be a school
Posted by: Anonymous at June 28, 2006 2:35 PM
re: brick building on mcdonough between stuy and malcolm x, there has been some prospective rentor/buyer activity there for the last two months. whether it is condos/co-ops/or rental no one i have spoken with seems to know. yet it does appear that the renovation is finished and people are ready to move in.
Posted by: Anonymous at June 28, 2006 2:43 PM
The brick building you speak of is owned by Charles Atwell and I heard it will be rental units when it is finished. Though you could always go see him for more info. His office is on Stuy@McDonough or you will often see him walking in the neighborhood.
Posted by: Dave BS at June 28, 2006 2:47 PM
the brick building is owned by the atwell brothers.it will be rentals
they also are the owners of stuyvesant heights realty . i bought my last property thru them on decatur st .. great people
Posted by: electricgreek1 at June 28, 2006 4:07 PM
The brick building on MacDonough St. between Stuyvesant & Malcolm X was renovated by Charles Atwell and has 18 newly renovated 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments. All of the 2 bedroom apartments have been rented but, the 1 and 3 bedroom apartments are available for August or September occupancy. You can contact Stuyvesant Heights Brokerage at (718)953-3254 or shbc364@aol.com or contact Eddie at ecraiga@gmail.com or Zareth at zedghill@aol.com
Posted by: Eddie at June 28, 2006 5:34 PM

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