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House of the Day: 159 Underhill Avenue
This brownstone at 159 Underhill Avenue is reasonably nice but lacking in the kind of historic charm we were hoping for when we clicked on the listing. The kitchen cabinets are pretty middle of the road and the parlor floor has very little original detail. That said, the house appears to be in good shape, it’s in a convenient location in Prospect Heights and there’s ample outdoor space. Plus, the asking price of $1,799,000 would surely be higher if this were a real show-stopper so it could be viewed as an opportunity to get a piece of the rock in this part of town for under $2 million.
159 Underhill Avenue [Halstead] GMAP P*Shark
05/23/2012 1:28 PM
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Co-op of the Day: 15 Clark Street, #4C
There’s something very pleasing about the almost perfectly rectangular layout of this three-bedroom co-op at 15 Clark Street in Brooklyn Heights. The fourth-floor apartment is organized around a center hall and features a stand-alone dining room in addition to three bedrooms and three baths. While some of the interior decoration is a little distracting, the place clearly has good prewar bones along with an attractively renovated kitchen. That kind of line-up doesn’t come cheap in The Heights: The asking price is $1,899,000.
15 Clark Street, #4C [Sotheby's] GMAP P*Shark
05/23/2012 12:57 PM
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Rental of the Day: 1 Grand Army Plaza, #16W
Sales are pretty impressive over at 1 GAP, so maybe this three bed/two bath for rent at $15,000/month isn’t too far off. This duplex penthouse looks pretty typical of the building: great views, big windows, a private balcony. According to Streeteasy, this is by far the highest rental price asked at the building in awhile. So, what do ya think?
1 Grand Army Plaza, #16W [Brown Harris Stevens] GMAP P*Shark
05/23/2012 12:30 PM
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Info on a New Restaurant for Franklin Ave, ‘Mayfield’
I Love Franklin Ave has been following the progress of the new restaurant opening in the former Franklin Roadhouse space, near the corner of Prospect Place and Franklin Avenue, and now has some inside shots of how the construction is coming, as well as news that it will be named “Mayfield.” Here’s the scoop from the blog:
“Back in March, local residents and NYC culinary-scene veterans Jacques Belanger and Lev Gewirtzman made news with the announcement that they were taking over the former Franklin Roadhouse Space. Yesterday, they gave ILFA a tour of their new restaurant, which they’ve dubbed ‘Mayfield’ ‘in honor of Curtis,’ according to Lev. The interior already looks completely different than it once did. …Unlike at the Roadhouse, you’ll be able to sit at the bar, which will serve a full lineup of beer, wine, and liquor, and will include, between the kitchen and the booze, a raw bar. …the menu is far from settled, but they still plan to serve seasonal American fare in what Lev called an ‘everyday, casual’ setting, focused around the raw bar and whatever fresh produce comes their way. Whenever they open, I think it’s a safe bet that they’ll be hotly-anticipated, even in a budding foodie scene…”
The hope is for it to be completed by the end of the year.
A Look Inside Mayfield [I Love Franklin Ave] GMAP
Photo courtesy of I Love Franklin Ave
05/23/2012 12:00 PM
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Juliana’s: Still Coming to Dumbo, but When?
Patsy Grimaldi, who originally operated Grimaldi’s out of 19 Old Fulton, sold the pizzeria and its name to Frank Ciolli back in 1998, which moved its operations further down the block several months ago; in the meantime, Grimaldi said he was returning to his roots at 19 Old Fulton and would open a pizzeria there called Juliana’s. Reportedly, Grimaldi intended to open in March. However, the pizza legend’s return to his old haunt is still very much under construction, as can be seen via the photo on the jump.
Juliana’s Marks its Turf in Dumbo [Brownstoner] GMAP (more…)
05/23/2012 10:30 AM
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Brooklyn Crab Making Progress in Red Hook
Here’s a peek at the Brooklyn Crab construction happening in Red Hook. The owners are readying for a summer opening. So far we know there will be free shuttle service between the Carroll St subway station and Brookyln Crab, 18 holes of mini golf, corn hole, bocce, a giant deck overlooking the harbor, a seafood menu and a raw bar. Hard to go wrong with all that! No official opening date yet, but you can track the progress on Brooklyn Crab’s Facebook page. And check out a few more pictures after the jump.
Brooklyn Crab Construction Continues in Red Hook [Brownstoner]
Red Hook Getting Crabby [Brownstoner] GMAP (more…)
05/23/2012 10:00 AM
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Everett Ortner, Noted Preservationist, Has Passed
We received the following email in our inbox this morning: “Hello Friends of Mr. Everett Ortner — With sadness, I am informing you of Mr. Ortner’s passing on Tuesday, May 22. Kindly inform your organization. Thank you for your friendship and for your promotion of Brooklyn causes. Please view [above] photo by Mr. Levi Stolove.” Here is part of a write-up about Mr. Ortner via Develop Don’t Destroy Brooklyn: “Since 1963, when he and his wife, Evelyn, bought a brownstone in Park Slope, Brooklyn, he has been a missionary for the brownstone-revival movement in New York City, and for urban revival nationally. He was a leader in the early days of the revival movement in Park Slope, a photographer and public-relations man for the Park Slope Civic Council, and a founder, with Joe Ferris, of the Park Slope Betterment Committee, which organized many series of particularized house tours (hard-selling houses that needed work). With Ken Patton as chairman, he was a co-founder and first president (1968) of the Brownstone Revival Committee of New York, now the Brownstone Revival Coalition–a citywide organization devoted to the promotion and preservation of New York City’s older communities. He is currently its Chairman Emeritus. The BRC publishes a newsletter, ‘The Brownstoner,’ sponsors lectures and workshops on architectural history and preservation topics, and acts frequently as the voice of New York’s brownstone communities. He continues to write for and edit ‘The Brownstoner.’” Rest in peace, Mr. Ortner.
Everett H. Ortner [DDDB]
05/23/2012 9:30 AM
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Closing Bell: Bike to School Day Tomorrow
Tomorrow Park Slope school MS 51 is holding a Bike to School Day. The PTA and local bike store Bicycle Habitat are providing volunteers to escort students to and from school along three different routes, from Sunset Park, Carroll Gardens and Windsor Terrace starting points. The school is holding bicycling assemblies today on safety, etiquette, and bike locking. Parents from MS 51 ask drivers to remain alert to youth riding to and from school tomorrow, 7am to 4:00pm.
Photo by Dmitry Gudkov
05/22/2012 4:00 PM
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Building of the Day: 360 Schermerhorn Street
Brooklyn, one building at a time.
Name: The Baptist Temple, originally First Baptist Church of Brooklyn
Address: 360 Schermerhorn Street
Cross Streets: Corner of Third Avenue
Neighborhood: Boerum Hill/Downtown Bklyn
Year Built: 1893-1894, reconstructed after fire: 1917-1918
Architectural Style: Romanesque Revival
Architect: Weary & Kramer, reconstruction: Dodge & Morrison (1917-18)
Other Buildings by Architect: Weary & Kramer- Crawford Memorial United Methodist Church, Bronx, Buildings on Oberlin College Campus, Ohio. Dodge & Morrison – Large addition to the Bedford Presbyterian Church, Nostrand Ave, Crown Heights North.
Landmarked: No, but on National Register
The story: This congregation has the distinction of being the oldest Baptist church in Brooklyn, founded as the First Baptist Church of Brooklyn in 1823. It’s the second oldest Baptist congregation in all of Long Island. Their first church building was on Pearl Street, between Nassau and Concord Streets, in what is now DUMBO, and more specifically, an on-ramp to one of the bridges. They didn’t stay there long, moving to another site on Nassau Street, which was destroyed by fire in 1848. They rebuilt, only to lose this church to another fire in 1873. By this time, their DUMBO location was becoming an industrial area, so they joined with a splinter group that had broken off to become the Pierrepont Street Baptist Church, in the Heights. There, both congregations worshipped in a building designed by the great Minard Lefever. They soon outgrew this building too, and in 1892, the church sold their site on the corner of Pierrepont and Clinton Streets to the Brooklyn Savings Bank, and went looking for a new site. They found it here at the corner of Third Avenue and Schermerhorn Street. (more…)
05/22/2012 3:30 PM
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Associated Supermarket Addition Tops Off
Here’s the status of the Waverly Avenue supermarket addition, two months since construction began. And here’s the rendering back from 2010, which may or may not be outdated by now. It doesn’t look like any work is happening at the Associated itself, although the rendering would lead you to believe it’s getting a slightly fancier facade.
Addition to Clinton Hill’s Associated Rising Quickly [Brownstoner]
Waverly Associated Build-Out Revealed [Brownstoner] GMAP
05/22/2012 2:40 PM
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New Italian Spot Opens in Speakeasy Space
A tipster noticed the paper down at the former Speakeasy restaurant on Waverly and Greene in Clinton Hill. He wasn’t sure of the name or if the new spot is officially open. We peeked in this morning and it looks like a nice bar and restaurant set-up with a kind of “old Brooklyn” vibe that’s popular these days. However, there’s no name posted and the internet revealed very little. Who can fill us in? UPDATE: We should read our own blog! As a commenter points out, we already reported back in February that the chef from Fiore in Williamsburg is doing an Italian thing here. Judging from one commenter who’s already been, it’s quite good too.
Clinton Hill’s the Speakeasy Calls it Quits [Brownstoner] GMAP
Details on a Forthcoming Italian Joint in Clinton Hill [Brownstoner]
05/22/2012 2:00 PM
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House of the Day: 328 President Street
This new brownstone listing at 328 President Street in Carroll Gardens would have benefited from a little staging. It’s generally got good bones (along with a big front yard) but the combo unfortunate kitchens and dreary furnishings doesn’t help the cause. Still, given the location and the fact that there still’s a fair bit of original charm, the three-family house should still get some attention. Whether it’ll fetch the $2,650,000 asking price remains to be seen.
328 President Street [Town Real Estate] GMAP P*Shark
05/22/2012 1:28 PM
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Condo of the Day: 1 Main Street, #4A
This 2,200-square-foot loft at One Main Street in Dumbo has been on the market for a little over a month now with a the overly specific asking price of $2,497,500. It’s got a lot going for it–size, views, finishes, etc.–and is priced more than $800,000 cheaper than the same apartment on the 9th floor. We think that some more modern furnishings would help the sales cause a lot here. The current set-up is lacking in any sex appeal.
1 Main Street, #4A [Halstead] GMAP P*Shark
05/22/2012 12:57 PM
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Rental of the Day: 39 Pearl Street
Here’s a big, lofty Dumbo rental at 39 Pearl Street with a big, lofty price tag of $7,500/month. There are four bedrooms plus an office space. While the few pictures posted make the apartment seem pretty minimalist, the exposed beams and high ceilings have ample room for potential. What do you make of it?
39 Pearl Street [FRBO] GMAP P*Shark
05/22/2012 12:30 PM
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Aerial Shot of 29 Flatbush Construction Site
A reader sent in a photograph of the progress at 29 Flatbush Avenue. Not much to see, especially considering Dermot broke ground here very recently, in December 2010. One day this will be a 42-story tower with 327 rental units, 200 parking spaces, and 7,600 square feet of retail space on Flatbush Avenue and Fulton Street. GMAP DOB
05/22/2012 12:00 PM
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Last Week’s Biggest Sales
1. BROOKLYN HEIGHTS $5,450,000
26 Garden Place GMAP P*Shark
We covered this sale last week. It first asked $5,500,000 before a few price cuts. Entered into contract on 4/12/12; closed on 5/9/12; deed recorded on 5/16/2012.
2. MIDWOOD $3,400,500
1025 East 24th Street GMAP P*Shark
This one-family, two-story house is on a 5,000-square foot lot. Entered into contract on 2/29/12; closed on 4/30/12; deed recorded on 5/14/2012.
3. FORT GREENE $3,285,000
181 Washington Park GMAP P*Shark
A HOTD this September. Ask: $3,450,000. Entered into contract on 1/16/12; closed on 4/24/12; deed recorded on 5/14/2012.
4. PROSPECT HEIGHTS $2,293,000
1 Grand Army Plaza, #7B GMAP P*Shark
A three bed/three-and-a-half bath unit. First listed as $2,200,000, then $2,175,000, then $2,395,000. Entered into contract on 3/6/12; closed on 5/3/12; deed recorded on 5/18/2012.
5. PARK SLOPE $1,800,000
937 Union Street, #10 GMAP P*Shark
A three bed/three bath unit. Asking $1,850,000. Entered into contract on 3/12/12; closed on 5/1/12; deed recorded on 5/16/2012
05/22/2012 11:30 AM
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Design*Sponge Goes Inside a Greenpoint Loft
Yesterday was a fun day, despite all the rain. We went out to Roberta’s, which in addition to being one of the best restaurants in town also houses an Internet radio station, to be interviewed by Design*Sponge founder Grace Bonney. You can hear the session here. Something else you might want to check out: This post on Design*Sponge yesterday about the Greenpoint loft of brother-design team Evan and Oliver Haslegrave. There’s one above and another of the bathroom on the jump. Check out the Design*Sponge post for lots more…
(more…)
05/22/2012 11:01 AM
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Tobacco Warehouse to St. Ann’s in Bridge Park Deal
An agreement reached [yesterday] will provide for the expansion of Brooklyn Bridge Park and for the preservation of historic structures at the Park, substituting new parkland for any lost if regulatory approvals are secured to re-use the structures for other cultural or commercial purposes. The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park Development Corporation, Brooklyn Heights Association, Fulton Ferry Landing Association, New York Landmarks Conservancy, Preservation League of New York State, and St. Ann’s Warehouse, a non-profit Brooklyn-based performing arts organization, have settled a disagreement over the process for developing part of the park, which houses two historically significant structures. The Agreement – which resulted from litigation brought by the Brooklyn Heights Association, the Fulton Ferry Landing Association, the New York Landmarks Conservancy, and the Preservation League of New York State — will require state legislation and National Park Service approval to effectuate any development and re-use of the structures. Subsequent to this agreement, State Senator Daniel Squadron and Assemblywoman Joan Millman secured an additional community planning process and expanded community participation. The agreement will allow for the preservation and adaptive re-use of the historic Empire Stores as a mixed-use retail and commercial development that will provide vital revenue to help fund Brooklyn Bridge Park’s operation and maintenance costs. These improvements will restore the Empire Stores, which is currently in deteriorated condition and closed to the public. The agreement also sets the stage for the preservation of the Tobacco Warehouse and starts a process to secure regulatory approval for re-use of that structure as a cultural and community-use venue. Redevelopment of the Tobacco Warehouse would create a theater space, an outdoor public garden, and a community room for use by schools, community organizations and the public. St. Ann’s Warehouse has been conditionally designated as the lessee of the Tobacco Warehouse.
The Daily News has a translation of the news in English that is comprehensible: “Under the settlement, the St. Ann’s plan, which includes a theater space and an outdoor garden, will be able to go forward – eventually. First, city officials will have to get state legislation and approval from the National Parks Service for the development, expected to take about a year. The city will move the paint shed and water meter testing facility currently located under the bridge and turn it into part of the park, a Bloomberg spokeswoman said.” Here’s hoping this all works out.
Brooklyn Bridge Park to Expand Under Deal to Settle Tobacco Warehouse Lawsuit [NY Daily News]
05/22/2012 9:30 AM
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Roof Damage at Landmarked Jay St. Firehouse
A reader sent in this picture of major damage to the southern roof of 29 Jay Street, the landmarked Brooklyn Firequarters. Pratt Area Community Council received a grant to restore this building back in 2010, but for now it is still under city ownership. Here’s Damon Strub, the architect for the project, with an update on its pending renovation:
“The sloped roof is damaged and has been for several months now. The firehouse is still owned by HPD and they are doing their usual level of maintenance. The project is currently scheduled to move forward into construction this June – however, it has been scheduled to move forward quite a few times in the past – only to be cancelled and backed up at the last minute – so we are not holding our breath. It’s a shame that HPD cant get their act together on this building. It and its tenants deserve better.”
Fix-Up for Jay Street Firehouse [Brownstoner] GMAP
05/22/2012 9:00 AM
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panyl
May 21, 2012 | 02:16 PM