Bed Stuy House Tour On Saturday

I have been going every year for the last 5 years and I love it! Just to see how the neighborhood has grown and what people have done with there homes to maintain the orginality is very exciting to see.

Posted by: guest at October 19, 2007 11:09 AM

Thanks for that Bed Stuy House tour coordinator.

How unbiased of you.

Posted by: guest at October 19, 2007 11:13 AM

The Bed Stuy tour has momentum on its side. The Crown Heights Tour didn't go so well, the Prospect Heights Tour went much better...now we're prepared to be blown away by the Bed Stuy tour!!!

Posted by: guest at October 19, 2007 11:20 AM

will crack houses be part of the tour?

just wondering . .

Posted by: guest at October 19, 2007 11:20 AM

Has anybody been b/4? Is it basically the same as all the others? I'm wondering if it makes sense to go if we're considering a purchase or is it just "the nicest houses in the nicest part of bed-stuy"? Can someone give "unbiased, VALUABLE" insight?

Posted by: guest at October 19, 2007 11:21 AM

What was wrong with the Crown Heights tour?

Posted by: guest at October 19, 2007 11:22 AM

I prefer to go to house tours, where if I happen to wander off the beaten path, I don't have to be fearful of my life.

Posted by: guest at October 19, 2007 11:27 AM

To all you pesimissed - if you don't like Bed Stuy and think my comment was bias then don't come. We don't need your negative energy. There are some of us who enjoy the tour. Stay home.

Today before you say an unkind word -Think of someone who can't speak.

Posted by: guest at October 19, 2007 11:32 AM

I will try to give an unbiased insight... but in full disclosure I am biased as I have lived in bed-stuy for 4 years and have watched it grow and change. And tediously have continued to watch people such 11:13 and 11:20 try to bring the neighborhood down.

The two years I have been on the tour I have enjoyed it and gained a lot of info. The pluses for me were getting to see all types of houses in different areas of this very large neighborhood and also houses in various stages of renovation and decoration/style (not only your standard model homes). We have restored two houses over here and it has been really helpful to see what others with similar layouts have done. Also, people were very generous in telling us who they worked with for xyz and if they would work with them again, contact info etc. It was also fun to meet different neighbors and see how diverse this neighborhood really is.

The cons for me were that it was really spread out (because area so big) and it took forever. You may want to drive if you can. On second thought - for those of you who don't live in Bed-Stuy that could be a plus because you will get to see more areas of the 'hood and how different it is on different blocks. Also there were a lot more houses on the tour then (and businesses)- this seems like a select number and I haven't seen the map.

I hope everyone can make it and it is a beautiful day. It is always festive to walk around the neighborhood and see so many others doing the same thing.

Amy

Posted by: guest at October 19, 2007 11:36 AM

I truly wonder if it is even worth participating in this thread, since the first poster and the one at 11:21 are probably the only ones generated by intelligent beings.

For their sake, I will comment on 11:21's question. I have been going on the BS tour for years, and have seen incredible houses, average houses, and not so hot houses. It's like any other neighborhood, and any other tour. After 29 years, it probably gets harder and harder to find new homes, but the Brownstoners always come through. The architecture in BS is incredible, and the streetscapes are interesting and I'm sure anyone interested in buying in the area would benefit from going.

Their tour started as an expression of community pride, and to show people that BS was a worthy community to live in, especially back in the late 70's, early 80's,as it still is today, end even more so. I have no idea what we will see this year, but the tour is always enjoyable, and very well attended.

Since it is not a real estate open house, I don't see how the homes could be any more than a sampling of what's out there, and represent what you could get, just as visiting someone in any neighborhood would give you and idea of what you could get. Just go and have an enjoyable afternoon, meet people, and ask questions.

Posted by: guest at October 19, 2007 11:43 AM

Poster 11:20 were sorry no crack houses will be featured this year but for the first time we will have our whore house on tour, you know the one your mother works in she is running a special this week. Ill See you on line outside her house.

Posted by: guest at October 19, 2007 11:44 AM

FYI those of you going on the tour - I know some blocks are having their stoop sales to coincide - keep an eye out! The 200 block of Monroe (between Nostrand and Marcy), a block from start of tour, is one. Come on over!

Posted by: guest at October 19, 2007 11:46 AM

I prefer to go to house tours, where if I happen to wander off the beaten path, I don't have to be fearful of my life.

Posted by: guest at October 19, 2007 11:27 AM

It would seem that with one as yours you should always be fearful.

Posted by: guest at October 19, 2007 11:48 AM

I find it fascinating to contemplate that on the inside of some my brownstone-loving neighbors may lurk the personality and intelligence of a 12-year old boy.

Posted by: guest at October 19, 2007 11:50 AM

11:43 here again. I wrote my piece before Bob, Amy, and any other positive people wrote in, so please don't think my comment about you......

Just want to comment further that the tour always has shuttle buses to take people from the furthest places, if they are really spread out. Bed Stuy is a HUGE neighborhood, which is a blessing and a curse. Blessing because there is so much, many mini neighborhods, actually, curse because the entire neighborhood is unfairly lumped together by media and (changing) public opinion.

Posted by: guest at October 19, 2007 11:50 AM

was that english, 11:48?

Posted by: guest at October 19, 2007 11:50 AM

I live in Manhattan and went on the Bed-Stuy house tour in the past. Lots of beautiful homes in various states of renovation. Everyone was friendly and welcoming and I enjoyed seeing the variety (good and bad) of this dynamic neighborhood. I rode my bike which helped cover the distance between the houses.

If you do not know Bed-Stuy or haven't been there for a while, I recommend this tour.

Posted by: guest at October 19, 2007 11:58 AM

was that english, 11:48?

Posted by: guest at October 19, 2007 11:50 AM

The King's last time I checked, perhaps it passed you.

Posted by: guest at October 19, 2007 11:59 AM

The negative comments about certain neigborhoods is not about racism it is more about stupidity, ignorance and cowardice. Brownstones are worth touring, and travel across town or across the globe will always enlighten an open mind.

Posted by: guest at October 19, 2007 12:22 PM

You fucking morons are worthless. Go FYS and please don't come.

Posted by: guest at October 19, 2007 12:30 PM

aetienne,

Just go to Old Boys High on Marcy and Putnam at 9:30. Seminar is held inside.

Location not to be confused with Boys and Girls HS. That's an entirely different school and not the location of the kick off point of the tour, and is not involved with the tour at all.

Posted by: guest at October 19, 2007 12:36 PM

Sorry, that was 9 am, not 9:30. This heat and humidity is making me too sleepy to concentrate.

12:36

Posted by: guest at October 19, 2007 12:40 PM

Crown Heights is a wonderul, landmarked neighborhood filled with more architectural diversity than either Bed Stuy or Prospect Heights. Not suprisingly, the recent house tour was great, so much so that it has prompted bitterly envious remarks from uninformed posters to this site.

Posted by: guest at October 19, 2007 12:44 PM

envious of crown heights?

try again.

you been smoking the crackpipe, doll.

Posted by: guest at October 19, 2007 12:46 PM

Ok--so here's where I get confused. The house tour and classes are intended to, as the article states, "lure young buyers". However, these young buyers ARE the gentrification process that is later deemed harmful. You can't have it both ways. Also, I don't see many buppies buying these homes. It tends to be mainly white people that are later vilified for gentrifying a neighborhood.

Posted by: guest at October 19, 2007 1:32 PM

12:46 - No, YOU'VE been smoking the crack pipe, AND proving my point, besides.

Posted by: guest at October 19, 2007 2:05 PM

Well, will whoever has the crack pipe please pass it this way? This gloomy weather is making me sleepy.

Posted by: guest at October 19, 2007 2:20 PM

1:32 there are plenty of buppies as well as plain hardworking black folks buying these homes, it is insane to even make such an uniformed comment.

Posted by: guest at October 19, 2007 2:54 PM

2:54 - YES!

Sincerely, hard-working black professional who bought a home.

Posted by: guest at October 19, 2007 3:00 PM

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Posted by: guest at October 19, 2007 3:02 PM

I'm talking about NEW BUYERS. You see, at the last four open houses I went to in Bed Stuy, everyone except the realtor was white and in their 30s, early 40s.

Posted by: guest at October 19, 2007 3:12 PM

Bed Stuy has the best brownstones in Brooklyn, period. The homes are astonishing.Too bad you probably wont get to see those homes cause I wouldnt allow strangers in my home either but Chauncey,Bainbridge,Stuyvesant,those streets have the best brownstones , owned predominantly by hard working African Americans who keep them up as much as anyone else.As for the poster who asked will crack houses be on the tour,only if you let them in.

Posted by: guest at October 19, 2007 3:26 PM

Bed Stuy might have the best brownstones in Brooklyn, but it is also the most dangerous, crime-ridden neighborhood in Brownstone Brooklyn.

There is a trade off.

Posted by: guest at October 19, 2007 3:35 PM

If money were no object, no one would CHOOSE Bed Stuy over Cobble Hill, Park Slope, Ft. Greene, Brooklyn Heights or really any other neighborhood.

That says something, no?

Posted by: guest at October 19, 2007 3:41 PM

"Bed Stuy has the best brownstones in Brooklyn, period."

WRONG - Crown Heights has more diversity of styles and types of structures, from mini-mansions to apartment houses to stately brownstones, designed by some of the country's most celebrated architects.

Posted by: guest at October 19, 2007 3:54 PM

where is bed stuy?

is that kinda near brownsville?

Posted by: guest at October 19, 2007 4:09 PM

Who says, 3:41? Just because you would not choose to live there, doesn't mean plenty of other people feel the same way. Most of the newcomers I've met wanted to move here, they didn't settle for something less. Nice neighborhoods all, but not everyone wants to live somewhere else. They chose to live in Bed Stuy, and don't regret a minute or a dollar of their purchase. Let's not project your opinions on the rest of the buying public.

That says something, yes.

Posted by: guest at October 19, 2007 4:11 PM

3:41, Money is no object to me. I CHOSE Bed Stuy over Cobble Hill, Park Slope, Ft. Greene, Brooklyn Heights, Tribeca, The Upper West Side. What you fail to understand is that althougth it may not be your cup of tea, there are people that actually love the place.

"Sad is the person whose Happiness depends on the permission of others"

Posted by: guest at October 19, 2007 4:13 PM

Thanks to all that actuall gave me that "unbiased, VALUABLE" insight. Why is it that some people inherently have the need to say something negative about a place that they happen to not like for themselves?

"Sad is the person whose Happiness depends on the permission of others"

If you think about this quote, it really is sad. Some people were saying the same thing about Fort Greene a decade ago. And that comment is not to liken Bed Stuy with Fort Greene. It is however to say that, places change... and a House tour is a great way to see first hand that change at work.

I hope it's sunny tomorrow, 'cause it SUCKS today!

Posted by: guest at October 19, 2007 5:06 PM

4:59=3:41=3:35=HATER

Posted by: guest at October 19, 2007 5:25 PM

what is the purpose of your email, 5:25?

Posted by: guest at October 19, 2007 5:49 PM

BORING!

Posted by: guest at October 19, 2007 5:49 PM

5:49=4:59=3:41=3:35=HATERS

Posted by: guest at October 19, 2007 5:53 PM

The negative comments about certain neigborhoods is not about racism it is more about stupidity, ignorance and cowardice. Brownstones are worth touring, and travel across town or across the globe will always enlighten an open mind.

Posted by: guest at October 19, 2007 12:22 PM

adding ridiculous divisions to the negative comments quote. Please go outside on Saturday and get some fresh air even if you avoid the tour.

Posted by: guest at October 19, 2007 6:07 PM

I lived in BedStuy for 20 years starting in 1976. I remember moving there with great trepidation, but was pleasantly surprised to find regular working class people and great neigborhoods with nice homes. Sure, it was a period of great crime in the city generally. I wanted to stay, but finally found something in Prospect Lefferts Gardens 10 years ago. My family still lives there, and I am amazed at all the changes there now. I also recall going on the house tour in the 1980s and found it enjoyable. What's all the fuss about one neighborhood being better than another? It's all the same Brooklyn, and most times one is unaware when leaving one and entering another. You are never too far from another neighborhood.

Posted by: guest at October 19, 2007 6:18 PM

there's too much segregation in brownstone brooklyn.

i'm moving to gravesend.

Posted by: guest at October 19, 2007 7:43 PM

Well,I went on the tour today and it was really nice. To see homes in various states of renovation or completed renos.. Beautiful day!

Posted by: guest at October 20, 2007 10:06 PM

It doesn't take long for the "ASSHOLES" to show up. The Tour was amazing. EVERY Home had its own identity and beautifully done.

And as long as idiots like 11:41 think like they think, we can continue to prosper in our own community with out the infectious hate that some new comers bring.

WELL DONE, Brownstoners of Bed-Stuy!!!

Posted by: guest at October 21, 2007 10:34 AM

yeah, it must have been a serious success with the ONE comment about the home tour.

Posted by: guest at October 21, 2007 11:54 AM

which houses were your favorites?

Posted by: guest at October 21, 2007 12:27 PM

You know, Manhattanites aren't this retarded and defensive about their neighborhoods. You people are just plain weird and totally infantile.

Posted by: guest at October 21, 2007 4:26 PM

Quite a few "favorites" on the tour. The first home, I think on Madison, had a "meditation room " with a Suana to die for. the other... house #4... was a bit like a Museum, but that bathroom was amazing. The Putnam house was absolutely tastefully done.

Can anyone post some pictures??

Posted by: guest at October 21, 2007 4:28 PM

11:54

How about people have lives, and don't care to be on the web on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. Unlike you're loser self. (I, unfortunately, have to work today, and while waiting for a deal to close, I'm on line looking for home tips.)

But seriously, you could have done yourself a service by actually going on the tour, and then speaking from experience, you could hate on the neighborhood. But since your just talking out of your ass, it gives you much less merit.

The tour was great.

Posted by: guest at October 21, 2007 4:30 PM

take a look at the crown heights tour thread on here from last week.

you should find out some good info.

Posted by: guest at October 21, 2007 8:16 PM

I attended my first tour 7 1/2 years ago when I was looking to buy. I was very impressed with that particular tour because it displayed a variety of houses all over the neighborhood - as a single female, it made me realize that I could be a homeowner. There were houses in all $$$ ranges, condition (some with original details, some not) and so many different decorating ideas to draw from. I have attended only one since I moved to the neighborhood and found that unlike the first one, it mostly focused on houses in the Stuyvesant Heights area and on the border of Clinton Hill. Do not get me wrong, they were all beautiful, but many looked the same re the same wood, fireplaces, etc. Moreover, I felt it only focused on a certain part of the community. Looking at those houses, I would have never realized my dream to be a homeowner. As a newcomer, I also gladly signed up for membership to the organization. I received a mailing re upcoming meeting, but there was no info as to where/time the meeting would be held (and no return address). The next time I received mail from them, the meeting had already taken place and they were sending me a flyer re an upcoming fundraiser!

Posted by: guest at October 22, 2007 11:24 AM

Oh my GOD! The tour was FAB! some beautiful and clever designs, some brownstone classics, some works in progress, plenty of Museum worthy Art, and an apartment that brought absolute JOY to my heart. Congratulations BedStuy for hosting such a great event, and I met soooo many nice people. JOY! can you do more apartments next time????

Posted by: guest at October 22, 2007 12:22 PM

Then I am sorry I missed it, Putnamdenizen. But glad it did focus on the neighborhood as a whole (hey, I'm on Van Buren)!

Posted by: guest at October 22, 2007 12:31 PM

love all the bed stuyers tooting their own horns.

so cute.

Posted by: guest at October 22, 2007 12:54 PM

Putnamdenizen, I regret not getting the chance to meet you during the tour. We were house #7. You gave me a ton of advice on dealing with my "former tenant situation" back in April. As you can see, it all worked out and we have replaced the "Tenants from Hell" with the "Tenants from Heaven "!

The tour was amazing, even being a part of the tour was amazing. So many wonderful people coming through our home, just gave us an abundance of energy! As a "work in progress", the mini-tour gave us great ideas for our back garden, and maybe even a suana.

And I can't say enough about the weather. What a great time.

Posted by: guest at October 22, 2007 1:04 PM

12:54 whats wrong with people loving their own nieghborhood? did you go on the tour?

Posted by: guest at October 22, 2007 1:05 PM

Then I am sorry I missed it, Putnamdenizen. But glad it did focus on the neighborhood as a whole (hey, I'm on Van Buren)!

Posted by: guest at October 22, 2007 1:09 PM

is there an echo in here?

Posted by: guest at October 22, 2007 1:20 PM

12:54, Sorry people in your neighborhood don't love their neighborhood.

Posted by: guest at October 22, 2007 1:21 PM

Really nice tour, your park slope neighbor.

Posted by: guest at October 22, 2007 3:11 PM

This thread, much like the ones on the Prospect Heights and Crown Heights house tours, really begs the question of whether this site isn't just going to hell in a handbasket. Isn't this meant to be a place for people who love brownstones? How do people have the nerve to post such bitchy comments after home-owners have thrown their houses open to be viewed by hundreds of strangers (and probably spent months previously finishing renovation projects, cleaning and polishing)? Really, get a life. Either you dig brownstones (from the mansions of the Brooklyn Heights promenade to the equally beloved but less opulent homes of PH, CH or BS) or you don't. And if you don't love these houses, why should I care about your real estate envy, silly (often racist) ideas about neighborhoods other than your own, or other generally nasty, small-minded attitudes? Get thee to CURBED!

I adore the house tours and consider it a privilege and a pleasure to see inside private homes and to be able to walk the streets of a neighborhood I may not know and appreciate its architecture and community vibes.

Posted by: guest at October 22, 2007 5:44 PM

House #7 - you guys were great. Loved seeing how you two interacted, you both had great smiles, and the pictures of you as a couple on your wedding day,etc. were touching. Love you story about the viking fridge, and the challenges it presented.

You're home was lovely, so thanks for letting us in.

Posted by: guest at October 23, 2007 2:51 AM