House of the Day: 1252 Dean Street

Ontheparkway, while I agree that the price is too high, I think this house is certainly worthy of both people's time and discussion. There have been many houses of the day here recently with less attractive facades, no interior photos whatsoever, and higher price tags. They just happen to be in tonier neighborhoods.

I would argue that a superior house, which truly is on "one of the most sought-after residential blocks in Crown Heights" is worth talking about. This place is gorgeous, and has other period details not shown in the photos. When Crown Heights takes its rightful place in the list of desireable neighborhoods, which won't be that long from now, although I find it quite desireable now, this block and every house on it, especially untouched gems like this, will be the place to be.

If the buyer really needs to sell now, I think they will get about what they paid for it. I would be surprised to see it go for much more than that, certainly not more than perhaps $1.1 million. Not because it isn't worth it, but because the comps and the market don't support it right now.

Posted by: Montrose Morris at August 26, 2008 3:05 PM

Oh, East New York, I agree on all points.

Posted by: Montrose Morris at August 26, 2008 3:07 PM

In regards to Crow Hill, there is an active move to get the area landmarked. It is certainly worthy, fine residential blocks with intact facades, some really good apartment buildings, homes and churches, as well as some important commercial and civic buildings, including the Studebaker Building, which is already an individual landmark, the factory complex on Franklin and Bergen, and the main Jewish Hospital building. Last week, a meeting was held through Community Board 8, with representatives from Landmarks, the Historic Districts Council, and other preservation concerns to introduce themselves to the community, and to have a Q&A on the topic. Landmarking is a long process, and must involve the community board, local politicians, as well as a consensus of approval from the community, both homeowners and business people. I wish Crow Hill well, and support their efforts.

In regards to the borders of neighborhoods, chny, I agree, for years local people referred to much of Crown Heights North as being part of Bed Stuy. Weekesville, which is technically in Crown Heights, has always been claimed by Bed Stuy. I think this is greatly due to the fact that the neighborhoods are very similar in income levels and demographics. We share the same transportation hubs, shopping areas, problems, and the city’s responses to those problems. We have a much different ethnic makeup than Crown Heights South, and the wide border of Eastern Parkway is an excellent boundary. Atlantic Avenue is a boundary, however, and makes a good border for the north end of Crown Heights.

If you look at both neighborhoods from a planning standpoint, the streetscapes and layouts and zoning of Bed Stuy and Crown Heights North are very different, and these borders do make sense. Crown Heights, as a name for the very large area it encompasses, is an old name, and is certainly not recent real estate speak.

Posted by: Montrose Morris at August 27, 2008 12:55 PM