Congress Street Townhouses Launch!


110-126-congress-street-051513
We’ve been following the Congress Street townhouse project for some time, and now Curbed brings word that sales have started! The nine townhouses at 110-126 Congress Street are on the market with a new web site and a new name, The Townhouses of Cobble Hill. Prices start at $3.65 million for a three-bedroom, five-bath home and go up to $3.875 million for a five-bedroom, five-bathroom home. (The prices are about a million higher than originally predicted.) Approved by Landmarks, they are traditional yet modern. What do you think of the design?
In Cobble Hill, Yet Another Crop of New Brooklyn Townhouses [Curbed]
110-126 Congress Street [The Townhouses of Cobble Hill] GMAP
More Details on Cobble Hill Townhouse Project [Brownstoner] (more…)

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Last Week’s Biggest Sales



1. BOERUM HILL $3,200,000
118 Wyckoff Street GMAP P*Shark
Here’s the listing for this Boerum Hill one family, which was owned by Corcoran senior vice president Deborah Rieders. According to the Real Deal, Rieders purchased the home for $999,000 in 2005. It was asking $3,200,000. Deed recorded on 5/10/2013.

2. PARK SLOPE $2,800,000
592 3rd Street GMAP P*Shark
Here’s the old listing for this one family. It was listed in December 2012 for $2,850,000 and entered contract by March. Deed recorded on 5/8/2013.

3. FORT GREENE $2,775,000
11A South Elliott Place GMAP P*Shark
An Open House Pick in March. It was listed in February for $2,750,000. The home’s a looker, check out the old listing here. Deed recorded on 5/9/2013.

4. WILLIAMSBURG $2,316,518.75
20 Bayard Street, PHB GMAP P*Shark
Here’s the listing for this three bed, two-and-a-half bath condo unit. It was listed in January for $2,250,000. The new owner got a parking space in the deal. Deed recorded on 5/7/2013.

5. COBBLE HILL $2,150,000
253 Pacific Street, #1 GMAP P*Shark
This is the last unit to sell at the modern build 253 Pacific Street. It went right at ask. The other two units sold for $2,495,528 and $2,647,450. Deed recorded on 5/7/2013.

By Emily | | Comment

Cobble Hill Rentals Debut



Aptsandlofts.com launched four two- and three-bedroom rental units at the shiny new building 11 Wyckoff Street in Cobble Hill. Each floor-through unit comes with private elevator access and a washer/dryer; some come with private balconies. The prices range from $5,900 a month for a two-bedroom to $7,400 per month for a three-bedroom. A sales rep tells us that one unit, the three-bedroom asking $7,400 a month, has already been spoken for. GMAP

By Emily | | Comment

Condo of the Day: 401 Hicks Street, #B6E



This two-bedroom duplex at The Arches in Cobble Hill is interesting — interesting as in it’s not your average cookie cutter apartment, and that has some good things about it and some not-so-good things. The living space features big windows and double-height ceilings (good!) but the upper level has some awkward dormer ceilings and oddly placed windows. The terrace is a nice feature, but unfortunately it’s off the master bedroom rather than the living room. Overall, the place is in very good shape (having been renovated in 2005) but the finishes are relatively charmless in our opinion (stuck in that ‘taint of the the design spectrum, neither vintage nor modern). Asking price for the 1,250-square-foot condo is $1,200,000.
401 Hicks Street [Corcoran] GMAP P*Shark

By Brownstoner | | Comment

House of the Day: 305 Degraw Street



If this house for sale at 305 Degraw Street looks familiar, that’s because it was a ROTD in February, when it was asking  $25,000 a month. The New York Times also did a big splash on the owner’s multi-year renovation, which included adding a green wall, above. Now the house is for sale for $8,000,000. The completely modern interior was designed by architect Michael Ingui and features oak floors, exposed brick, an elevator, a home theater, and mosaic tile bathrooms. What are the chances they will get the ask, do you think?
305 Degraw Street [Town Residential] GMAP P*Shark

By Cate | | Comment

A Clapboard Restoration Heading to the LPC



The Wooden House Project spotted a very interesting proposal to restore the facade of 122 Pacific Street, in Cobble Hill. Next Tuesday the owners and architects will submit plans to the Landmarks Preservation Commission to reclad the front facade in clapboard. Amazingly, the architects uncovered old clapboard underneath what appears to be a brownstone facade, which the blog id’s as stucco, during a recent probe. The Wooden House Project was able to check out the presentation slated for Landmarks, and notes that “the proposal contains a nice board that explains the history of alterations. If I’m interpreting it correctly, the house dates from ca. 1831 and received its mansard roof in 1860. The stucco was added in 1922.” To the left is how the home looks now, and to the right is the proposal with clapboard, which will be a grey-blue color. Clapboard restorations in historic districts are somewhat rare — especially of houses that have been redone to look like brownstone — but we are hoping more of them catch on. Have any readers undertaken a similar type of facade project?
Cobble Hill Gets a New Wooden House [Wooden House Project]

By Emily | | Comment

Checking in on the Henry Street Townhouses



The Henry Street Townhouses are close to finished and two of the three are still for sale. Interestingly, the asking price has gone from $4,300,000 for each of them to $4,600,000 for No. 359 Henry Street and $4,800,000 for No. 357 Henry Street, an increase of $300,000 and $500,000, respectively. Prices have certainly been rising in the area lately. Remember the $6 million sale of the townhouse and carriage house at 233 Warren Street? Above, a rendering of one of the kitchens. After the jump, a photo of the air conditioning units going in yesterday, from the blog 66 Square Feet. (more…)

By Cate | | Comment

Last Week’s Biggest Sales



1. BROOKLYN HEIGHTS $7,650,000
40 Willow Place GMAP P*Shark
The sale of this modern Brooklyn Heights property got its own post last week. The home was asking $7.95 million after selling for $7.35 million last summer. Deed recorded on 4/24/2013.

2. COBBLE HILL $3,100,000
132 Kane Street GMAP P*Shark
Here’s the listing for this unique property, which includes a three-story row house at 132 Kane Street, a single-story storefront at 6 Cheever Place, and a three-story house at 8 Cheever Place. The property was asking $4,500,000, then $3,995,000. Deed recorded on 4/23/2013.

3. BROOKLYN HEIGHTS $2,750,802.38
9 College Place, #1J GMAP P*Shark
A huge sale for the Love Lane Mews condo build. This unit is a three-bedroom, three-and-half bath. Deed recorded on 4/24/2013.

4. BROOKLYN HEIGHTS $2,749,275
9 College Place, #4B GMAP P*Shark
And another big sale for Love Lane Mews! No Streeteasy info on this unit. Deed recorded on 4/26/2013.

5. CLINTON HILL $2,600,000
556 Washington Avenue GMAP P*Shark
For your daily dose of Brooklyn brownstones selling over ask: This one was asking $2,225,000. (This sale beat out 32 Hicks Street, a home in the Heights that sold for $2,475,000.) Deed recorded on 4/25/2013.

By Emily | | Comment

New Lease on Life for Cobble Hill Hospital



In response to protest from community groups and unions, SUNY has withdrawn its application to the State Health Department to close its Long Island College Hospital in Cobble Hill, numerous outlets reported. The hospital could still close someday, but this move opens the path for the state to fund the hospital and for SUNY to find another medical group to operate the facility. SUNY is required by law to put together a long-term sustainability plan for the hospital by June. About 2,000 people are employed at the hospital, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Move to Close Long Island College Hospital Is Halted [NY Times]
SUNY Withdraws Plan to Close LICH [DNAinfo]
Doomed Long Island College Hospital May Get New Life [WSJ]

By Cate | | Comment

Two Plans in Works to Save Cobble Hill Hospital



Officials overseeing Long Island College Hospital in Cobble Hill and representatives of unionized workers and doctors there are negotiating on a deal to save the facility from closing, reported The New York Daily News. The unions and doctors would agree to drop a lawsuit against the hospital in exchange for SUNY officials working out a financial restructuring plan for SUNY Downstate that would include saving LICH. Meanwhile, the New York City Council yesterday passed a resolution asking SUNY and the State Department of Health to find another owner for LICH rather than close it, DNAinfo reported. In any event, LICH cannot close unless it gets the go-ahead from the State Department of Health.
Partial Save for Long Island College Hospital in Works [NY Daily News]
City Council Unanimously Passes Resolution to Save LICH [DNAinfo]

By Cate | | Comment

Cobble Hill Residents Raising Funds to Rebuild Church



Cobble Hill residents are banding together to raise funds to help rebuild Cobble Hill’s Christ Church, damaged by lightning in July, The New York Daily News reported. The church is closed, and its iconic bell tower, a neighborhood landmark, was removed for safety. Church officials have not yet decided what to do with the property. “First an engineering study must be finished and renovation plans drawn up and put out to bid to determine if there’s expensive work required that’s not covered by insurance,” said the story. A musical event Saturday, “Spring Up: Bizet to Broadway,” at 75 Hicks Street will raise funds to pay a forensic engineer. About 40 community groups were displaced by the church closing. ”This was a tragic event,” said Susan Baxt, a neighbor and a member of Friends of Christ Church Cobble Hill, which is holding Saturday’s fundraiser. “We want to bring the building back from that and make it a resource for all of Brownstone Brooklyn.”
Cobble Hill Group Raising Cash to Rebuild Christ Church [NY Daily News]
Repair Work Continues at Lightning-Damaged Church [Brownstoner]
Photo by Friends of Christ Church Cobble Hill

By Cate | | Comment

SUNY Searches for New Operator for Hospital



Good news for residents close to Long Island College Hospital in Cobble Hill: The State University of New York, which owns the hospital, said it is searching for a new operator to take over the facility, rather than selling off the real estate and closing it, The New York Daily News reported. The about-face may be a bow to political pressure to keep the hospital open, according to the story. “It’s a big change from their prior position,” the Daily News quoted a source as saying. SUNY officials have already contacted every hospital operator in the New York metro area, including Mt. Sinai and North Shore-LIJ Health System, but they all said no, so now SUNY is casting its net nationwide. Brooklyn Supreme Court’s temporary restraining order to keep the hospital open is still in effect.
Hospital’s Owner Vows Broad Search for New Operator [NY Daily News]

By Cate | | Comment

Modern Build 253 Pacific Sells Out



After about eight months on the market, all three big-ticket units at 253 Pacific Street have sold. Last week, Unit #2 hit our Biggest Sales List after selling for $2,647,450. It was asking $2.6 million. And over the weekend a broker reported that the last unit, which was asking $2,150,000, sold. Both units #1 and #3 sold at ask, according to the broker. This townhouse building, which features private balconies, elevator entrances, lots of concrete and steel panels, was designed by architect James Cleary.
One Left at Modern Cobble Hill Condo [Brownstoner]
Modern Look for New Building at 253 Pacific Street [Brownstoner] GMAP

By Emily | | Comment

Last Week’s Biggest Sales



1. GRAVESEND $3,300,000
1954 East 5th Street GMAP P*Shark
No listing for this one-family home. Deed recorded on 4/11/2013.

2. COBBLE HILL $2,647,450
253 Pacific Street, #3 GMAP P*Shark
253 Pacific Street is the ultra-modern looking condo that recently went up in Cobble Hill. Early this year, there was only one unit left – both units two and three had entered contract. (Streeteasy now shows that the last unit is under contract.) #3 sold above ask, which was $2.6 million. Here’s the old listing for the 2,603-square-foot penthouse duplex. Deed recorded on 4/11/2013.

3. BROOKLYN HEIGHTS $2,140,325
20 Henry Street, #PH2-N GMAP P*Shark
This three bed, two bath condo unit was asking $2,100,000. Looking at Streeteasy, it appears that all the units at this new condo building have either sold or entered contract. Deed recorded on 4/11/2013.

4. MIDWOOD $2,100,000
1076 East 23rd Street GMAP P*Shark
No listing for this one family home. Deed recorded on 4/11/2013.

5. DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN $1,918,892.13
365 Bridge Street, #16A GMAP P*Shark
A three-and-a-half bedroom, two-and-a-half bathroom condo unit at the BellTel Lofts. It was asking $1,890,000. Deed recorded on 4/9/2013.

By Emily | | Comment

NYDN Finds Outrageous Conditions at Brooklyn Hospital



And the saga continues at the Long Island College Hospital in Cobble Hill. Recently the hospital saved the life of a 13-year-old boy in cardiac arrest; if the ambulance had to go elsewhere, he probably would have died, according to a paramedic. But, The Daily News reported, the hospital is running out of supplies and will not schedule elective surgery procedures after April 30th, even though a judge ordered the hospital to remain open. SUNY Downstate wants to close the hospital by June; a sale could bring in as much as $500 million for SUNY. As a LICH medical staff member told the News: “They’re crippling this hospital to the point where it endangers people’s lives.”
The State of Long Island College Hospital Is Outrageous [NY Daily News]
Cobble Hill Hospital Closure Delayed Again; March Sunday [Brownstoner]

By Emily | | Comment

Cobble Hill Hospital Closure Delayed Again; March Sunday


A judge has for the third time temporarily prevented Cobble Hill’s Long Island College Hospital from closing, according to The New York Daily News. Monday the court issued a temporary restraining order preventing the shutdown, and set a new hearing date for May 2. Previously, hospital execs planned to close the facility as soon as June 17. Meanwhile, advocates for the hospital have been busy. They hosted a fundraiser at Montero’s Saturday night, put out a dramatic TV ad that shows a patient dying because the closest emergency room is too far away, and are planning a march for this Sunday, April 7, they told us. The march will start in Red Hook and end at the hospital; it is being organized by the New York State Nurses Association and Local 1199.
Fight to Save LICH Heats Up [NY Daily News]
Activists Fund TV Ad to Help Save Long Island College Hospital [NY Post]
Execs Vote to Close Cobble Hill Hospital — Again [Brownstoner]

By Cate | | Comment

Cobble Hill’s Infamous Rat-Squirrel House Gets Windows



As Lost City pointed out this week, Cobble Hill’s Rat Squirrel house (aka 149 Kane Street) is now “close to looking like a structural citizen.” Windows are in where the plywood once was. As you can see, the door still needs improvement. This rundown townhouse, which has gotten much attention from the blogs, received random improvements in the past few years but no significant rehabilitation.
Rat Squirrel House Gets Windows [Lost City] GMAP
Photo via Lost City

By Cate | | Comment

Second Strong Place Townhouse Debuts


It’s not yet built, but one of three townhouses slated to rise on Strong Place, No. 2A, the one with the red door, above, is now on the market. Buyers have the opportunity to customize the $4,150,000 single-family home, which Brennan Realty Services has characterized as having a “21st century interior wrapped in a 19th century exterior.” The five floors will include a fireplace, five bedrooms, radiant heat, central air, a large skylight in the stairwell, customizable cabinets and countertops, hardwood floors, and a large mudroom on the street side of the garden floor entrance. Here’s an old floor plan from next-door neighbor No. 2 Strong Place, which was on the market back in 2011. Work on the whole site started in January, and 2A should be ready for move-in early next year, according to the listing. CWB Architects is the architect. How do you like the blend of modern and traditional in this new development?
2A Strong Place Listing [Brennan Realty Services]
Builders Prep Cobble Hill Townhouse Site [Brownstoner]

By Cate | | Comment

Yet Another Brooklyn Hospital in Trouble



Now there is no money in the state budget for SUNY Downstate, the Central Brooklyn parent of Cobble Hill’s Long Island College Hospital, which SUNY Downstate officials just last week voted to shutter. “The state’s new budget — which the Senate began adopting Sunday — contains no new funds for the ailing Brooklyn hospital…SUNY officials…must submit a restructuring plan for the hospital by June,” said The New York Daily News. SUNY Downstate, located in East Flatbush, is the only academic medical center in Brooklyn and the borough’s fourth largest employer. SUNY Downstate is just the latest of Brooklyn medical centers to experience financial difficulties recently: Also troubled are Interfaith Medical Center in Bed Stuy and Wyckoff Heights Medical Center in Bushwick. Meanwhile, the Daily News reports, developers are salivating to get their hands on the prime Cobble Hill waterfront site currently occupied by SUNY Downstate’s Long Island College Hospital, and SUNY officials admitted real estate played a role in their decision to sell off the property. What do you think is ailing Brooklyn’s hospitals, and will we have enough to support the growing number of Brooklyn residents?
State Nixes Bailout for Ailing SUNY Brooklyn Hospital [NY Daily News]
Developers Licking Chop Over Cobble Hill’s LICH Site [NY Daily News]
Photo by Jim.henderson via Wikimedia Commons

By Cate | | Comment

Brooklyn’s Most Expensive Rental?


At first, we thought it was a typo: This row house at 305 Degraw Street in Cobble Hill, apparently a former stable, is renting for $25,000 a month. For all that, you get 5,300 square feet of sleek interior, including a two-story green wall. Not far behind in price, though, is 11 Cranberry Street in Brooklyn Heights. That rental is asking $22,000 a month.
305 Degraw Street Listing [Town Residential]
Going Green and Grand in Brooklyn [WSJ]
Rental of the Day: 305 Degraw Street [Brownstoner]
Photo by Claudio Papapietro for The Wall Street Journal

By Cate | | Comment