457 Atlantic - Van Brody

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 in response to 457 Atlantic - Van Brody

Definitely appreciate the new "open house apartments" section.

Posted by: hk4bk at October 21, 2007 2:23 PM in response to Open House Picks: Apartments

i went to the open house and understood why the units weren't selling. although the price is probably reasonable for the amount of square footage, it is very hard to use the square footage efficiently. the living room and bedroom are very small (no dining space unless you count the breakfast bar) and the loft space is not very usable. you have to climb a very steep ladder to get to the loft space so even though the laundry room is up there - it would be very difficult to climb the ladder with my laundry. same with the outdoor spaces, great terraces, but if i can only get to it by climbing a steep ladder (or even two in the top units), i doubt i can enjoy a drink up there or have a grill (which is what i would want to use a terrace for). to be fair, the developer used good quality floors and appliances (GE Profile I think) and the high ceilings are great, but the layout is just not functional for me.

Posted by: hk4bk at November 9, 2007 4:07 PM in response to Prices Too Lofty on Warren Street?

I agree with 1:46, ventilation above the range is absolutely necessary if you cook. what's the point of a fabulous kitchen if you can't use the range? i'm currently looking to buy an apartment and ventilation or window in the kitchen is a must.

Posted by: hk4bk at November 29, 2007 8:53 PM in response to Inside Third & Bond: Week 15

I used IKEA last year when I replaced my countertops. The price was very reasonable and the installation was painless.

Posted by: hk4bk at March 5, 2008 10:59 PM in response to Granite Countertop

Thank goodness! Places like this is what makes NYC so awesome. I have some relatives visiting from another country this summer and this is at the top of my list for them to experience. Glad they'll be around for at least 6 more years!

Posted by: hk4bk at March 11, 2008 9:00 PM in response to Parks Department Hooks Up The Red Hook Vendors

I went to an open house after the price cut. The place was beautiful and well done, much better than some other new developments I've seen. I made an offer 50k below asking on a 2 bedroom and lost to a higher offer. I thought the location was very convenient to subways and the park. My mother lives two blocks from there and I know she loves the area.

Posted by: hk4bk at March 25, 2008 7:15 PM in response to First Closing at the Vermeil

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 in response to 457 Atlantic - Van Brody

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 in response to 457 Atlantic - Van Brody

If you can get out to New Jersey, I would recommend Marble Co. (here's their website: http://www.marble.com/). They were cheaper than any quotes I got in the city, and they had a much shorter turn around from template to installation too. You also get to wander around their lot outside and see thousands of slabs of granite stacked up to get a better idea of what your little swatch will look like as a counter.

Posted by: guest at March 6, 2008 1:16 PM in response to Granite Countertop

Agree with above poster, 3rd Ave and 19th behind Home Depot. We are going with Marble City recommended by our contractor who has worked with them for years. Prices were OK, we'll see how the finished product comes out.

Posted by: guest at March 6, 2008 1:30 PM in response to Granite Countertop

We used Wholesale Marble and Granite. It is off of McDonald Avenue and Ave Z in Brooklyn.

They have 4 full warehouses full of (dozens)granite slabs to chose from and they come to your place make a template, fabricate the granite themselves and instll the finished granite.

Very professional and cost effective.

Posted by: guest at March 7, 2008 2:12 PM in response to Granite Countertop