brmcnamara's Profile
- HerWayOrTheHighway
- 2004
- Brooklyn
- Park Slope
- Rental
- Male
- 36
- http://herwayorthehighway.blogspot.com/
Author's Posts
November 19, 2009
Building Sketch
Looking for an affordable solution to have someone rough sketch a multi-use proposal for R5D zoning in Kensington along Church Avenue. The proposal is for an academic (MBA) project.
November 12, 2009
Kensington
Does anyone care to share how they project the KENS rental market to look in 18-24 months? I'm working on a development project and I am trying to get a handle on the current supply and demand constraints along Church Ave. I suspect the area is being negatively hit with decreases in rents in PS and WT, no? Would like to discuss off-line for those interested. Thanks.
October 18, 2009
Maximizing Square Footage
Inquiring minds want to know..
-What constraints exist in lowering the foundation floor (unsure if it could even be called a "basement" since egress seems to exist at street level)?
- I am tasked with a foreclosure project and I'm hypothesizing converting a 3 story brownstone in Clinton Hill on Grand between Gates and Putnam into a 4 unit utilizing the street-level space; space I presume is currently part of the 1st floor (parlor?) layout.
- Does this seem do-able?
- Does any one know if any of these type of structures have been converted into 4+ residences? I suspect slicing an existing floor-thru into two studios isn't out of the question.
-Other concerns I should have? Thanks.
Author's Comments
Thanks to those that responded. food for thought - especially the line on comparing the KENS submarket to areas farther south of the park.
Posted by: brmcnamara at November 12, 2009 11:02 PM in response to Kensington
Thanks. Are your POVs retail or residential or both?
Posted by: brmcnamara at November 12, 2009 3:55 PM in response to Kensington
ps..this project is academic in nature.
Posted by: brmcnamara at November 12, 2009 2:18 PM in response to Kensington
Does anyone know who the architect/designer is? Thanks.
Posted by: brmcnamara at November 9, 2009 11:01 PM in response to Development Watch: 571 Carroll Street
does anyone know who the architect/designer is?
Posted by: brmcnamara at November 9, 2009 3:13 PM in response to Development Watch: 571 Carroll Street
Thanks Jim.
Posted by: brmcnamara at October 19, 2009 3:39 PM in response to Maximizing Square Footage
Responses to Author's Forum Comments
Thanks. Are your POVs retail or residential or both?
Posted by: brmcnamara at November 12, 2009 3:55 PM in response to Kensington
POVs?
Posted by: Kensingtonian at November 12, 2009 5:03 PM in response to Kensington
Clearly Kensington's rental prices are partially determined by the prices along the F-train closer to Manhattan. However, each of the neighborhoods you are talking about are very large, making comparisons very difficult. I would define the area bordered by mcdonald ave, e. 4th, ave c and caton to be "prime" kensington due to its convenience to stores and train. This area is most dependent on Park Slope and WT (as well as Carroll Gardens and Gowanus). With the possible exception of parts of WT that are somewhat isolated between the cemetary and park, each of these neighborhoods offer better amenities and proximity to Manhattan. As a result, there will always be a price comparison.
Apartments on Ocean Pkwy. are more easily to compared to the apts further south on Ocean Pkwy.
The housing east of Ocean Parkway is less dependent on the F-train so it's less contingent on comparisons to Park Slope and prime WT. Instead, its competitors are isolated WT or other neighborhoods further into Brooklyn with limited train access.
PS If you are talking about retail, Church Ave is a stable retail corridor that appeals to a different market than prime Park Slope or PPW so the comparisons dont hold up very well. Church Ave has a lot of foot-traffic driven business that wouldnt necessarily succeed in more prime areas like PPW that have fewer pedestrians walking by.
PPS If you are looking at an interesting academic endeavor, I'd like to see something about the potential impact of the much-discussed F-express on Kensington. It's my hypothesis that speeding up the F-train would impact kensington more than any other neighborhood along the route.
Posted by: slick at November 12, 2009 6:31 PM in response to Kensington
point of view!
Posted by: mopar at November 12, 2009 6:31 PM in response to Kensington
I would question the definition of "prime" Kensington above. Many prefer to be east of Ocean Parkway to have access to both F and B/Q trains and the dining on Cortelyou in Ditmas Park. The entrance to the Fort Hamilton stop on the F is on east 5th street - if you are using that station, Ocean Parkway is nice. Additionally, Kensington is a melting pot, quite a few people couldn't care less about Park Slope and would rather be close to Midwood/Borough Park.
That said, the Church Ave. is lined up with places that (I hope) wouldn't be interested in moving to Park Slope. And the vacant ones seem to be rented out fast.
Posted by: kensingtonka at November 12, 2009 8:10 PM in response to Kensington
Thanks to those that responded. food for thought - especially the line on comparing the KENS submarket to areas farther south of the park.
Posted by: brmcnamara at November 12, 2009 11:02 PM in response to Kensington
What would retail rents along the Church Avenue corridor be going for?
Posted by: brmcnamara at November 19, 2009 9:45 AM in response to Commercial Klutch: November Edition