Removing Paint from Brick Wall

Despite the nice looking building exterior, many, many units inside don't look like they've been updated since the 80's. Most of the 1-bedrooms I've seen are indeed glorified studios. Maintenance is exhorbarantly high, I don't believe it's possible to find a 1-bedroom with less than $1,000 per month cc's. There is no doorman, no roof deck/common space. The only other building that might be comparable is 111 Hicks, but that has a full-time doorman and incredible views. There's a reason every single unit up for sale in this building gets chopped and chopped. Maintenance keeps going up, sale price goes down.

Posted by: fishermb at November 19, 2009 1:27 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 150 Joralemon Street, #5F

I live in 52 Clark as well, and everything about the building is miserable. Janoff does not return calls. When I finally spoke to someone about the fact that my apartment was not ready until 3 days after my lease started (gut reno'd), they REFUSED to credit me for those 3 days. My kitchen faucet has been broken for over 2 months now, and everytime I see the super, he says "oops forgot to order the parts again." The doorwomen (morning and evening) come late and leave early, the woman in the morning smokes cigarettes, the woman at night yells at her TV, neither ever holds a door open for you. I've got to say I cannot WAIT for my lease to be up in a few months.

Posted by: fishermb at October 29, 2009 7:36 AM in response to Water Damage at 52 Clark Street

sorry perhaps i wasnt entirely clear, but unless i was mistaken, the other side of the brick wall isn't actually outside. i just meant that the other side of the wall isn't a neighbor or another building. there is some sort of material on the exterior of the building between the brick wall and outside, if that makes sense.

Posted by: fishermb at October 27, 2009 4:30 PM in response to Removing Paint from Brick Wall

thanks all for the comments. the unit is in a brownstone, and the other side of the wall is outside, the building is on a corner so there is no adjoining building. i'm likely planning to renovate the kitchen and there would be at least a few weeks in between closing and moving-in, i guess if (again, i haven't bought the place yet) the time comes, i'll reach out to some of the people you suggested, thanks again.

Posted by: fishermb at October 26, 2009 7:27 PM in response to Removing Paint from Brick Wall

I don't comment very often, but an Open House experience in BK Heights has led to. I've been living/renting in the neighborhood for a solid 2 1/2 years now, the entire time looking to buy a 1-bedroom around the $400K area. Yesterday I went to an OH at 135 Willow Street for $425K and my jaw literally dropped at the fact that the bedroom was no more than 8' x 8', there was a full bed inside and not even enough room to walk around it. It was dark, limited closet space, and teeny kitchen. One positive thing was that it was perhaps the first 1-BR I'd seen in the neighborhood with monthlys/CC at $599, it's absurd what the average maintenance is in the neighborhood. 111 Hicks averages about $1000-1300/month for a 1 bedroom; who seriously will pay that? What have I figured out after 2 1/2 years of going to open houses? Unless you're spending $600K+ for a 1-BR with a decent amount of space, it makes absolutely no sense to buy in this neighborhood when you can continue to rent for hundreds of dollars less a month. Unless I'm missing something, this may be the most 1st-buyer-unfriendly neighborhood.

Posted by: fishermb at October 19, 2009 8:55 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 2 Grace Court, #4T

When they say "maintenance includes all utilities" does that assume heat, hot water, gas, electricity, television, internet?

Posted by: fishermb at October 14, 2009 1:59 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 70 Remsen Street, #7D

For the last 2 years I was living directly across the street from this building. While Court gets busy during business hours and weekend nights, this block of Livingston is pindrop quiet. Because Livingston starts here (and Aitken Place is only a small block), there is absolutely no thru-traffic. It's also very clean. I haven't personally lived in this building, but for someone who is OK dealing with foot traffic on Court Street, it's a great location, closer to Smith Street and the 4/5.

Posted by: fishermb at May 12, 2009 9:24 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 38 Livingston Street, #54

I checked this unit out at an open house a month or so ago. The building feels cold, the hallways aren't very nice, the exterior isn't very nice, there isn't much to like about it. As far as the actual unit, I was really turned off by all the built-in shelving, it forces you to have junk out. Kitchen needs work, bathroom needs work, bedroom wasn't anything special, $499K is a joke right now.

Posted by: fishermb at March 5, 2009 5:09 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 220 Congress Street, #6D

I always try to be very positive (and thankful) when new restaurants open in the neighborhood, but my one experience with this place was walking in, looking at all the food, finding nothing that looked appetizing, and walking out. Hopefully others have had more positive experiences that will sway me to try again.

Posted by: fishermb at January 28, 2009 2:15 PM in response to Streetlevel: Reginella Now Open on Atlantic

Thanks christopher, I've been in the neighborhood for 2 years but don't want to leave. I don't believe that I can find your contact info through this site, could you possibly email me (my username @ gmail)? Appreciate you reaching out-

Posted by: fishermb at January 28, 2009 11:25 AM in response to Free Rent at J Condo

Does anyone have any idea what pricing is like at the Courthouse Apartments (Court&Atlantic) or the Archstone building (Montague&Clinton)? I need a 1-bedroom in May around $2,000 and would like to stay in Brooklyn Heights. Are these buildings negotiating?

Posted by: fishermb at January 28, 2009 10:19 AM in response to Free Rent at J Condo

I fit the meat-and-potatoes profile (first time buyer, looking in the $400s) but have been extremely discouraged by how little prices have fallen for 1-bedrooms. I'm looking to stay in BK Heights where I currently rent and am tired of brokers telling me that their 500 sq ft, $450K 1-br is 'extremely well priced for the neighborhood.' I continue going to open houses every week but with prices barely moving and most units needing a substantial amount of renovations which I don't want to commit time or money to, I'll just continue to attend open houses.

Posted by: fishermb at January 19, 2009 11:25 AM in response to Average Joes Giving Market a Heartbeat

Phase II, 600 square feet, for $625K, is that a joke?

Posted by: fishermb at November 20, 2008 10:20 AM in response to Belltel Lofts: 50% Percent Sold

While this unit is far beyond my reach, I did look at #4D. Also no longer listed on streeteasy was I believe #4F, a 1-bedroom that was for sale at $400K. My thoughts...

4D is a very nice, quiet unit with views of the back garden. The bathroom is tastefully re-done and the kitchen is new, but the fridge and freezer are dorm-sized cubes, side-by-side below the microwave as there is no room for a full unit. The $549K asking price isn't absurd, it's about 650-700sq. ft, but I doubt it will move at that price. If it was listed for $100K less, I would've made an offer.

4F (or C? G? whatever it was) was about 400sq ft, which may even be a generious guess, though the broker claimed it to be 500 (no way!). The bedroom was about 7 feet wide by 9 feet long (barely enough space for a queen bed...and nothing else), and the way the kitchen was set up, there was basically no room for a living room, just a small dining room table. They were asking $399K, I'm not sure I would pay $250K for it.

The main downfall with the building is how poorly the interior is looked after. Doors have wretched red paint which is cracked, and looks like it has been painted over multiple times. The lobby looks old and dirty, it's not a welcoming place to come home to. If the renters leave and the managers did a proper job of renovating the interior I would consider buying, but in the meantime, it's not worth it to have a nice unit in an ugly building.

Posted by: fishermb at October 27, 2008 2:18 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 19 Grace Court, #3B

Does anyone know why the 5 train doesn't go into Brooklyn late nights/weekends? Is this something that will ever happen?

Posted by: fishermb at October 14, 2008 5:16 PM in response to Closing Bell: Give the 4 Train Your Feedback

z: I know your comment was directed toward me, but buyers like ME are not greedy, we have a more realistic view of what property is worth. I don't think sellers are greedy, they are hopeful, but sooner or later they may need to be more realistic too.

Posted by: fishermb at October 8, 2008 12:51 PM in response to Attendence Falls at Brooklyn Open Houses

Dallas Jones on Alantic = Same Dallas Jones in the West Village, delicious BBQ.

Posted by: fishermb at October 8, 2008 12:46 PM in response to Brownstoner Food & Drink Round-Up

I went to an open house in Brooklyn Heights this Sunday around 1PM, 1-bedroom on Grace Court. 1 hour into the open house, I was the 3rd person to visit. The unit had updated kitchen and bathroom, but the fact was, $400K for a bedroom with no more than 100 square feet and a kitchen/living room/dining room area that was no more than 150 square feet is just ridiculous. I am in the fortunate position ready to pay cash in full for a place like this, but there is no way I'm ready to make a move until prices on a place like this come down a solid 25%.

Posted by: fishermb at October 8, 2008 10:45 AM in response to Attendence Falls at Brooklyn Open Houses

Do any these units have decent views? I've been looking for a 1-BR in the Heights/Cobble Hill/Downtown area, a few more months on the market and they might be ready for low-ball offers.

Posted by: fishermb at October 6, 2008 11:20 AM in response to Price Cuts at Be@Schermerhorn

How far could a 1-bedroom in Brooklyn Heights realistically drop? I am ready to buy my first place, somewhere in the 400K range. I have cash to buy in full and would like to stop feeling like I'm wasting money on rent each month. Any advice?

Posted by: fishermb at October 1, 2008 10:41 AM in response to Has the Bubble Finally Burst?

I am hoping to buy a 1-BR in Brookyln Heights soon...is the next 3-6 months the time to buy? Can prices in this nabe really drop much more?

Posted by: fishermb at September 22, 2008 12:15 PM in response to What Lies Beneath?

9AM seems late to open for a supermarket, do all TJ's open at 9?

Posted by: fishermb at September 19, 2008 9:01 AM in response to Closing Bell: We Heart Trader Joe's

daveinbedstuy: no worries, I was actually quoting an owner in the building, not a broker, when saying that common charges were raised for "meaningless building work." I have no idea what the work is, or the percentage that was raised for cc's.

Posted by: fishermb at August 11, 2008 4:22 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 150 Joralemon Street, #7B

I've been looking for 1 or 2-br's in Brooklyn Heights for a little while now. I've seen several sub-$500K listings in this building for 2-bedrooms, all look in fine shape, but like others mention, nothing really 'wow' about them. There is no doorman in the building, but the Super signs for packages. I spoke with someone who lives in the building and apparently they have raised common charges a few times recently, but for meaningless building work. CC's on a 1-br hover around $1,000, which is just as ridiculous.

Posted by: fishermb at August 11, 2008 1:54 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 150 Joralemon Street, #7B

So just so I have this straight.

We can't sell oysters and beer on Hoyt Street because it's 196 feet from a church.

But we can put Federal parolees in an armed building across the street from an elementary and middle school.

Posted by: fishermb at July 11, 2008 9:58 AM in response to Parole Facility Planned Next Door to St. Ann's School

re: 2:36pm...I am a 23 year old single male who loves living in Brooklyn Heights, along with one of my best friends, a single 23 year old female who works in the music industry. There's Brooklyn Law students, the NYU grad dorm on Livingston, and plenty of young professionals living in Cobble Hill.

BH is a 10 minute walk to many great bars on Smith and Atlantic. Am I the only one who would prefer not to have busy bars, and with it drunk people late at night, on the same street I live on? Whatever happened to a little peace and quiet at home?

For those who are complaining about the lack of amenities in BH and detracting from the attractiveness of the neighborhood...can you explain why DUMBO is so popular (read: overpriced) given its lack of amenities? BH is DUMBO without the projects or reliance on a single subway.

So to answer the question, I take the BH unit without much hesitation; living near a museum and a library is not enough to influence a $300k purchase for me.

Posted by: fishermb at June 30, 2008 8:34 PM in response to Co-ops of the Day: Head-to-Head Studio Battle

No word yet on availability/pricing/layouts?

Posted by: fishermb at June 30, 2008 1:44 PM in response to Development Watch: 194 Atlantic Avenue

What are people's thoughts on 150 Joralemon Street? I live down the block in a rental, looking to buy a 1-bedroom sometime in the near future, see listings in this building pop up somewhat frequently.

Posted by: fishermb at June 24, 2008 3:51 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 2 Grace Court

The new Monty Q's at 90 Livingston is now open.

Posted by: fishermb at May 28, 2008 12:53 PM in response to Wednesday Food & Drink Round-Up

Some other tidbits worth noting:

The formerly mentioned (http://www.brownstoner.com/brownstoner/archives/2008/02/streetlevel_new_5.php) new pizza tenant at 90 Livingston will be, unfortunately, another Monty Q's.

On Smith between Atlantic and Pacific, a clothing store is going out of business. Already up is signage for an Uncle Louie G's Ice Cream.

Olive Vine (same as Park Slope restaurant) opened on Court St between Degraw and Sackett, with outdoor seating.

Cucina La Traviata (Joralemon between Court and Clinton), the satellite mostly-delivery operation of La Traviata (on Montague) was recently closed and gutted. The verdict is still out as to what happened or if they're coming back, as this seemed to have been an overnight happening.

Posted by: fishermb at May 7, 2008 12:31 PM in response to Wednesday Food & Drink Round Up

Any word on if it will be 24hrs in Red Hook?

Posted by: fishermb at April 22, 2008 10:00 AM in response to Cheyenne Diner Has a New Lease on Life in Red Hook

Glad to see Hecho en Dumbo get some love, I've always been happy with their little plates and interesting drinks.

Posted by: fishermb at January 2, 2008 11:22 AM in response to Wednesday Food & Drink Round-Up

When I first moved to NY I was renting by Columbus Circle, and the noise at night caused me to seek quieter grounds. I'm not in Brooklyn Heights and think it's the perfect location - a quick 5 minute walk to Smith Street for restaurants/bars, or a 10 minute subway ride to the Village. There is absolutely no nightlife scene in BH at all which I like, but only given that I'm so close to other options.

Posted by: fishermb at October 8, 2007 9:54 AM in response to Darkness on the Edge of Town

I personally don't mind walking through Court Street - mainly because I live on Livingston and don't really have a choice. While there could certainly be better options than the Lowes/B&N, it at least brings people around and I always feel safer when there's a crowd. I do think it's a bit of a shame how crappy Joralemon to Montague on Court is, we definitely could use some better places to eat down in this part of BK Heights, I always wind up going down past Atlantic either on Court or to Smith for dinners.

Posted by: fishermb at August 21, 2007 9:54 AM in response to NYU Housing Expansion Reaching New Heights

Minard is right - PeelAway (and most other chemicals) require power washing to get out the good in the nooks and crannies. It can be done, but you need a good containment system to catch the run off (before it goes downstairs!) and dispose of it.

Posted by: WBer at October 26, 2009 9:46 PM in response to Removing Paint from Brick Wall

Cheap labor, wire brush, scraper, and water. PeelAway on the really tough spots. When you're finished spray on a couple coats of Thompson Water Sealer or a similar no shine product.

I've had it done dozens of times. Usually you only have to spot point the biggest holes afterwards.

I suggest doing the work before you move in. It creates lots of dust that you don't want all over your stuff.

Posted by: IronBalls at October 26, 2009 10:13 PM in response to Removing Paint from Brick Wall

Ooops, I said water sealer, but meant stone sealer.

Posted by: IronBalls at October 26, 2009 10:13 PM in response to Removing Paint from Brick Wall

Sounds potentially very chilly too.

Posted by: mopar at October 26, 2009 11:42 PM in response to Removing Paint from Brick Wall

Agree with Mopar -- If that wall is exposed to the outside it's going to get cold, and if you put your sofa next to it you are going to feel like someone is breathing down your neck all winter. Personal preference, obviously, but there are both aesthetic and practical reasons for putting up insulation and sheet rock.

Posted by: wyckoff at October 27, 2009 10:45 AM in response to Removing Paint from Brick Wall

I meant "goop" not "good". Regardless, it is a dusty and wet proposition to clean, but can be done (hopefully without pissing off your new neighbors!).

As for drafts and such, that may depend on whether or not this is a chimney wall or just an exposed exterior wall. Brick isn't a great insulator, but if it's a chimney wall it may be better (or at least as good as your other exterior walls, which may just be plaster over brick and masonry, without any additional insulation).

Posted by: WBer at October 27, 2009 11:06 AM in response to Removing Paint from Brick Wall

sorry perhaps i wasnt entirely clear, but unless i was mistaken, the other side of the brick wall isn't actually outside. i just meant that the other side of the wall isn't a neighbor or another building. there is some sort of material on the exterior of the building between the brick wall and outside, if that makes sense.

Posted by: fishermb at October 27, 2009 4:30 PM in response to Removing Paint from Brick Wall

If you need a great painter call Gabriela painting they repair any damage walls and ceilings great plaster work and also very affordable you can withhold it from your rent 718=331-3889

Posted by: max senises at October 31, 2009 12:58 PM in response to Water Damage at 52 Clark Street