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March 30, 2009

Co-op of the Day: 200 Congress Street

200-Congress-Street-0309.jpg
We were surprised to see that over more than four years of writing about Brooklyn real estate, we've never mentioned the co-op building 200 Congress Street. Maybe that's because it's about as unsexy as they come, neither historic nor modern, low ceilinged and lacking charm. On the other hand, it's in a great location and isn't offensive in any way. It's just kinda of low-key and middle of the road. Which is the kind of building where you can sometimes find a deal. At $415,000, we're not so sure this 745-square-foot one-bedroom qualifies, but certainly is a good-sized place that appears to be in good shape; and with a monthly maintenance of $618, could be owned for about $2,000 a month given where mortgage rates are. Waddya think?
200 Congress Street [Halstead] GMAP P*Shark




Posted by Brownstoner at 12:39 PM | Comments (30)
Categories: Co-ops, Cobble Hill

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Comments

I hate when they put up a floorplan w/o measurements - makes it hard to determine if they are being accurate about the square footage. But, it does seem rather large from the photos - especially the living room. As a single person, this would be great space for me.

Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at March 30, 2009 12:43 PM

Charmless. The "dining room" gave me a chuckle, though.

Posted by: Brooklyn Chicken at March 30, 2009 12:44 PM

You have written about it - these buildings are connected.
http://www.brownstoner.com/brownstoner/archives/2008/03/coop_of_the_day_101.php

Posted by: wjcohen at March 30, 2009 12:44 PM

think you've mentioned this complex lots of time. maybe not the 200 building tho. someone always says, "I thought those were projects!! Who wants to live THERE?"

Posted by: Ringo at March 30, 2009 12:44 PM

Never mentioned the building?

Haven't there been at least 2 co-op threads from this builling lately?

Posted by: christopher at March 30, 2009 12:51 PM

sorry ... "building" not "builling"

Posted by: christopher at March 30, 2009 12:53 PM

this is one of the most maligned buildings on Brownstoner. Posters have written that the market values of nearby houses are diminished by its presence and some cannot believe it is not Public Housing -LOL! I suspect some of those posters have never ventured to far into Cobble Hill.
This may sell. Cobble Hill is still Cobble Hill. What a great opportunity for someone.
The building also has a garage and is across the street from Cobble Hill Park and a few steps to Court Street so it has got the location.

Posted by: sam at March 30, 2009 1:17 PM

"There is a large dining foyer"
That's a waste of space (at least, for me, it is). The building is fugly, and definitely has the "designed by the same guy who built the Gowanus Houses" look to it. However, it's actually not too close to the projects. I think the location is pretty good.

Posted by: broadwayron at March 30, 2009 1:33 PM

Oh this building, tee hee hee. This is the place that DIBS thought was some kind of project.

The apt is nice enough, efficient, won't get anyone's heart racing. The price seems decent for the location, but what do I know.

If the building had kept the original black iron windows it would be a lot more charming.

Posted by: mopar at March 30, 2009 1:34 PM

This building is out of context for the nabe, but it is a great location and the price is not crazy (relatively speaking)

Posted by: james_bong at March 30, 2009 2:01 PM

Not understanding from the photo how the kitchen is eat-in.

Posted by: Nomi at March 30, 2009 2:13 PM

Let's talk plainly, Cobble Hill is a completely white, middle-class neighborhood. That, and its close proximity to Manhattan, have been its two main draws. This is as close a match to living in the white suburbs as Brooklyn can offer. That is why there will be a market for properties in that little enclave even after much of the rest of Brooklyn tanks. I'm not passing any judgements, I'm just making that observation.


Posted by: sam at March 30, 2009 2:20 PM

> "Not understanding from the photo how the kitchen is eat-in."

You stand in the kitchen and hold your plate over the sink.

Posted by: SnarkSlope at March 30, 2009 2:27 PM

Nomi, It's eat in alright, it's just not sit down. You have to stand with your plate on the counter.

Posted by: TownhouseLady at March 30, 2009 2:28 PM

Jinx, you owe me a coke, THL.

Posted by: SnarkSlope at March 30, 2009 2:30 PM

LOL, I'll do you one better than a coke, and throw in a mixer!

Posted by: TownhouseLady at March 30, 2009 2:33 PM

You guys are joking about the kitchen, right? Then my closet is eat-in too. Well, no, not my closet . .. .

The floorplan has no counters on the right side. I guess on there it's eat-in.

Posted by: Nomi at March 30, 2009 2:37 PM

Sometimes when I have guests, one eats sitting on the toilet (with the lid down) while I'm in the kitchen cooking.

Maybe when I sell I can advertise an eat in bathroom...?

Posted by: 11217 at March 30, 2009 2:42 PM

Where can one find this magical 2.9% interest rate you speak of? Do tell...

Posted by: rhodes553 at March 30, 2009 3:06 PM

Please tell me that you're joking, 11217.

Please?

Even if you're not...

Posted by: SnarkSlope at March 30, 2009 3:16 PM

I have a beautiful bathroom, Snark.

If I do say so, myself...

Posted by: 11217 at March 30, 2009 3:19 PM

This looks like great space for under 450,000 in a fantastic neighborhood. My only hesitation would be that it appears to be a first floor unit, which I generally dislike.

On an unrelated note, is it possible for real estate agents to learn some basics of English grammer & spelling? "This park is EQUIPT with a large dog run..." Is equipped really that tough to spell?

Posted by: clintonhillbuyer at March 30, 2009 3:49 PM

I'm not questioning the beauty of your bathroom. It's just that an eat-in-bathroom is about as appealing as a poop-in-kitchen.

Posted by: SnarkSlope at March 30, 2009 3:55 PM

This is reminding me of the garbage disposal in the shower Seinfeld episode.

Posted by: 11217 at March 30, 2009 4:04 PM

Oooh this thread degenerated quickly.

Posted by: mopar at March 30, 2009 4:14 PM

Mea culpa.

Posted by: SnarkSlope at March 30, 2009 4:42 PM

Can't figure out where you get $2000 a month total. More like $2800. Yes, a tax deduction is to be considered, but you still have to come up with that mortgage payment and maintenance every month. But anyway, not inspiring, but lovely location and decent price for the nabe. And being right near the park is a plus.

Posted by: Carol Gardens at March 30, 2009 6:07 PM

Friends of ours own a one-bedroom unit in this complex. While the units aren't the sexiest I've ever seen, the location couldn't be better and the building and grounds are extremely well maintained. I would never pay almost half a million dollars for 745 square feet no matter how great the location, but I can definitely see the appeal of buying in this building. if prices on two-bedrooms were to drop substantially, we would consider it for sure.

Of course, when I first moved to Cobble Hill I used to walk by these buildings and assume it was some kind of rehab or retirement facility, so take that as you will...

Posted by: gracias at March 30, 2009 6:39 PM

I'm nostalgic for 750 square foot 1-bedrooms, since so much luxury new construction seems to consider that adequate for 2.

Posted by: Heather at March 30, 2009 8:28 PM

>"I'm nostalgic for 750 square foot 1-bedrooms, since so much luxury new construction seems to consider that adequate for 2."

Yes, I don't see how 750 sq. ft. for a 2-bedroom can be anyone's definition of "luxury."

Posted by: Nomi at March 31, 2009 1:37 AM

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