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October 4, 2007
457 Atlantic - Van Brody
Am considering 457 Atlantic in Boerum Hill but have a few concerns. I know the architect is not well regarded in this blog - just curious why that is. Also, does the fact that each apartment unit has it's own hot water boiler drive up the monthly cost? Would love to hear your thoughts, thanks.
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I don't know this building but I lived in a co-op apt that had its own water heater and boiler for 5 years. Its great - yes it does drive up the cost since its not included in the monthly maintenance but its a great thing to be able to control your own heat (there's no opening windows in the winter because you have too much heat or shivering because you dont have enough). Two pieces of advice. make sure to get a programmable thermostat - and find out if the coop takes responsibility for the repair and maintenance of the boilers. i owned a 750 square foot apartment and my key span bills averaged 75 a month in the winter and less than 50 during the rest of the year.
Posted by: guest at October 4, 2007 11:55 PM
Differences in heat temps on each floor in Winter is a huge problem in buildings, when heat isn't zoned. The lower floors are freezing and the top floors are overheating. And the building ends up fighting over the temps the whole Winter every Winter. So it's a big plus if you have your own boiler. Even if it's a bit wasteful of energy resources.
Posted by: guest at October 6, 2007 12:44 PM
I think the biggest issue with Van Brody on this board has to do with mismatching aesthetics, and some of Mr. Brody's rather dubious design choices.
The Atlantic is, while not spectacular, not too terrible, and the building at 647 Washington is alright. But the condos at 489 Atlantic are pretty spectacularly bad, even at half the price they are asking. Has anyone bought into this white elephant?
Interestingly, this building is developed by his son, so perhaps they are both incentivized to not cut too many corners (a la Mr. Scarano) and ruin the family name.
Posted by: downtown_denizen at October 6, 2007 4:34 PM
I am also considering buying in 457 Atlantic. The common charges are low because each unit controls its own hot water and heat. I prefer that. In my current apartment it is too hot in the winter. I am looking foward to having a comfortable temperature in my home, and only paying for the heat I am using.
Posted by: guest at October 8, 2007 12:53 PM
OP here. Thanks everyone for your comments. Very helpful to know the advantages of having a water boiler in the unit. The broker said that the projected gas bill is $200+/month for a 1140 sq ft duplex apt. That's what got me a bit worried, but I do need to factor in the low common charges. And if the main issue with Van Brody is aesthetics (which I agree with), I can live with that as long as the price is reasonable.
Posted by: hk4bk at October 8, 2007 5:30 PM
12:53 here. We are moving forward to purchase in 457 Atlantic. My attorney looked over the offering plan, and she thought that the estimated prices for gas are on the high side. She would not be surprised if they end up lower. That said, you never know until you get your first bill.
The exterior of the building is unremarkable, but the interiors are really nice. The bedrooms are actually a good size, unlike a lot of other new construction in that price range. And all the units have outdoor space, which was important to me.
Posted by: guest at October 9, 2007 9:52 PM
Any update?
Does anyone know if the laundry across the street (and parking lot) are sure not to be developed? That would ruin a lot of 457's views...
Posted by: funegirl at January 21, 2008 9:51 PM
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