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January 31, 2007

Experiments in Affordable Townhouses: Freeman St.

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As we've mentioned before, we're always curious to see the different breeds of affordable townhouses that have been built around the borough over the last 25 years or so. Wondering what people think of this set on Freeman Street in Greenpoint. Hot or not?
Clearing the "Not That Bad" Hurdle [Brownstoner]
A New Model for Affordable Townhouses in Harlem [Brownstoner]




Posted by Brownstoner at 10:01 AM | Comments (10)
Categories: Greenpoint

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Comments

The townhouses are reminiscent of the two-level garden apartment complexes built during the fifties and sixties in Queens and Brooklyn. More functional than elegant. But the solid materials are a plus. Let's hope the builders didn't slap the old vinyl siding on the back to cut corners.

Posted by: H at January 31, 2007 10:21 AM

homely but generally unobjectionable

Posted by: anonymous at January 31, 2007 10:33 AM

I think these are pretty good. I like everything except the stairway. If it wasn't shared then an owner could upgrade it to be a bit less institutional but that's more difficult when you have to agree with your neighbor.

Posted by: Anonymous at January 31, 2007 10:38 AM

we have very good friends that live in this building. the space is great, and they have the added bonus of living on the ground floor with their own back yard. i think the exterior could be a little nicer, but overall its a great place.

Posted by: temtew at January 31, 2007 10:59 AM

agreed, aside from the stairs, these are perfectly acceptable.

Posted by: Anonymous at January 31, 2007 11:38 AM

Why not replace stairs w/ classic stoops?

Posted by: Anonymous at January 31, 2007 11:40 AM

The metal stairs are lower maintenance right? That might be why. These look nice. I agree they are institutional and thus slightly oppressive looking though. It would be nice if larger windows were used in housing complexes like this. I know big windows are expensive but it seems it would give a better "feel", more bright and uplifting, for the residents inside.

Posted by: Anonymous at January 31, 2007 3:23 PM

I live here.. yes, not enough light really but not too bad other than none in the kitchen or bath. these have standing room only kitchens. interior is one large room, laundry closet, large master and small kid room. great back yards if your lucky to get a ground floor. The cement in the stairs is falling apart and stairs have to replaced at huge expense which drives up our maintenance fees unfortunatley.

Posted by: free man at January 31, 2007 4:37 PM

H-
There is vinyl (or aluminum) siding in the back. They are really ugly from the back.

Posted by: X at February 1, 2007 12:30 PM

tolerable is the new black

Posted by: pfa at February 1, 2007 2:28 PM

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