we resisted upper cabinets in the alcove to enhance the feeling of openness we were aiming for, choosing instead to maximize the ample storage provided by cabinets installed in the rear of the island for dishes, etc. this is also where we store the toaster, which can be conveniently removed/restored and plugged in to one of two island outlets.

the one appliance we do use regularly if not daily, the juicer, rests permanently on the alcove counter top to the right of the stove. we don't use a microwave, so that was less of a consideration.

benno: we designed every element of the project ourselves, procured the materials and hired the contractor. owner involvement can vary...we are both career artists and renovation has become something of a passion for us...as well as our chosen profession.

Posted by: housebywe at August 13, 2007 3:03 PM in response to Parlor Floor Kitchen #9: White-and-Black in Bed Stuy

8:08: we found the table on craigslist--hand crafted by a couple in vermont. email: ntodres@yahoo.com. they come to nyc every so often to make deliveries.

Posted by: housebywe at August 14, 2007 7:03 PM in response to Parlor Floor Kitchen #9: White-and-Black in Bed Stuy

Good luck and welcome to the hood!

Posted by: housebywe at September 21, 2007 3:10 PM in response to Blog or Greek Epic?

Hi Amy,

We're a small brokerage on Macon Street but we got our start assisting FSBOs--simply as neighbors, we'd be happy to help you get started. We'll recommend a stager (if you need one)and you can borrow our camera if you like.

Ari and Erin
info@housebywe.com

Posted by: housebywe at October 30, 2007 9:31 AM in response to ISO Advice from people who chose to go FSBO route

It's a one family. If this could deliver rental income it might fetch a more aggressive price. A perfect high-end reno might break a million as a one family, even in the best of (recent) times. 100 Decatur last year didn't even break 1M and that was after a heated bidding war.

Posted by: housebywe at November 27, 2007 2:03 PM in response to House of the Day: 119 Bainbridge Street

A two family has significantly fewer code restrictions than a three family. It's effectively treated by code as a single family home, i.e. no enclosure required.

Posted by: housebywe at December 28, 2007 8:45 PM in response to Boiler Room Question

We like to recommend Terry Love's in depth consumer toilet reviews. Thorough analysis and testing as well as a wealth of owner reviews for various models: http://www.terrylove.com/crtoilet.htm
The Toto Drake consistently earns raves.

Posted by: housebywe at December 31, 2007 10:16 PM in response to Beating The Toto Drake

Gateway is very reliable, professional and generous with advice on this forum. If they are not too busy, we have called upon them several times and would highly recommend. Good luck!

Posted by: housebywe at January 6, 2008 1:06 PM in response to Master Plumber

We have used Leincester Contracting (Liam) many times and are alway happy with him and his crew. 917.843.3367.

Posted by: housebywe at January 17, 2008 10:12 PM in response to Demolition and asbestos removal

We love this post Green Roof Guy! Keep it up...would be great to see some cost analysis. What kind of cost differences are you seeing between the various options?

Posted by: housebywe at March 9, 2008 12:02 PM in response to Judgement Day . . . Maybe

I've gotta say - the 1.35mm ask on the Vanderbilt property above is a great price for the location - don't know much about the property itself - but good pricing....if only I had it!

Posted by: guest at April 6, 2008 9:36 AM in response to most up and coming neighborhoor?

swashbuckler - where in Bed Stuy did you go?

Posted by: guest at April 6, 2008 9:37 AM in response to most up and coming neighborhoor?

this is a rough map of the route i took:

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=111376449941137864423.00044a34fcc262dfc79fb&ll=40.689229,-73.970432&spn=0.052716,0.149174&z=13

there was a lot more traversing back and forth in ft. greene and into bed-stuy, but that would have been too many lines.

9:37 - i went over to marcy ave around madison and gates and maybe a few other streets. then i headed to clinton hill area around fulton and vanderbilt/wash ave.

Posted by: swashbuckler at April 6, 2008 10:35 AM in response to most up and coming neighborhoor?

seriously check out Franklin Ave. There is a big condo project being planned for the corner of Franklin and Eastern Parkway, right were the 2,3,4,5 trains stop.

There is a new bar being opened on St. Johns, a couple new cafes by Sterling and Park, Sushi down by dean and a brick oven pizza place being planned. Also, down by St. Marks there is a large development site that was just purchased (see a post on brownstoner from a week or so ago) where the developer may even put in a brew pub.

Good things are happening on Franklin.

Posted by: guest at April 6, 2008 11:39 AM in response to most up and coming neighborhoor?

My advice is worth what you pay for it, Swashbuckler...

...But Pioneer my ass! I would consider Bed Stuy if I actually wanted to make some money. Have you been inside the Tiny Cup on any day of the week at just about any time of day? It's freaking packed!

Add to that these facts:

1. Commercial property in Ft. Greene = outrageously expensive
2. You can get grant money/low interest loans to start a business and/or buy property in Bed Stuy
3. There are already more cafes in Ft. Greene than you can shake a stick at!
4. Recession + tight rental market = more "upscale" renters gentrifying Bed Stuy and other "Pioneer" neighborhoods

And the sound business decision seems to be Bed Stuy. And I am not just saying that because I want to get coffee without waiting ten or fifteen minutes on line.

I am saying that because every single time I go to the Tiny Cup, while I am waiting in line I think very seriously about how much money is to be made in the 'hood.

Low overhead + limited competition + a neighborhood full of people who love good coffee and panini = $$$$$$$

Posted by: guest at April 6, 2008 1:33 PM in response to most up and coming neighborhoor?

No one for the Far Rockaways, huh?

Posted by: guest at April 7, 2008 4:59 PM in response to most up and coming neighborhoor?

I can't believe nobody mentioned Kensington! It's as if there's a whole mafia of PLG and Bushwick people on the list urging folks over in that direction. Kensington is bordered by lower Windsor Terrace, which has two great cafes - Crossroads & Lonelyville, and Ditmas Park, which has an awesome stretch of shops and restaurants along Cortelyou Road (Vox Pop, Connecticut Muffin, The Farm, Trailer Park, Belle & Maxie, a wine shop, an organic market, etc.).
Kensington has nothing but Church Avenue, which is filled with many Polish, Russian, Mexican, Bengali, and Albanian establishments, but nothing geared toward all the ex-Park Slopers. There is a huge market for a little coffee shop over there. All the newbies go to Park Slope, Windsor Terrace, or Cortelyou Road since there is nothing within immediate walking distance. People are dying for a slightly upscale establishment. You'd be swamped! Plus Kensington's super safe.

Posted by: guest at April 8, 2008 10:13 AM in response to most up and coming neighborhoor?

^KENSINGTON...I live there and I love it.a good small town vibe in the big city..Oh and Ocean Parkway in the summertime is lovely when the trees are in bloom. Hey George's Coffee shop on CIA/Cortelyou is not bad at all. Granted we could use a few more stores/amenities but if this keeps it safe..I'll take it..

Posted by: guest at April 8, 2008 10:47 AM in response to most up and coming neighborhoor?

Great, thanks so much for the info!

Posted by: berlinesque at April 9, 2008 8:07 PM in response to Please recommend a good bookshelf builder!

I recommend Alan Dorsey. He did a cherry veneer wall unit in our bedroom for our books, television, files and clothes. There is even a secret compartment! Beautiful work at a reasonable price. (718) 243-9111

Posted by: guest at April 10, 2008 10:02 AM in response to Please recommend a good bookshelf builder!