I guess it is easy to hate on Court Street when the real reason = competition.

Posted by: offthegrid at December 31, 2008 2:09 PM in response to Brooklyn Food & Drink Round-Up

Definately not a 2.2 reno but it is a nice looking place other than the ductwork. Isn't there a better way?
I am confused by the dissent on the bathroom, ever heard of charm? "ensuite master bath" sounds tacky to me. Does that come with jets?

Posted by: offthegrid at September 23, 2008 1:50 PM in response to House of the Day: 304 Union Street

No, bailouts will just encourage the same type of behavior that got them into this mess.
I agree with all your points suburbandude except I don't have sympathy for people who do "not understand a variable rate mortgage." Anyone who has the privelage to buy a house and get a mortgage should do their due diligence and read the fine print. I guess the only people I feel bad for are those who suddenly lost their jobs and ended up in a situation where their house would not sell but I imagine this is not the demographic we are really looking at.

Posted by: offthegrid at September 23, 2008 10:32 AM in response to Pop Quiz: Including Homeowners in the Bailout?

it is not asinine to say it is a 20k job, it is probably true. It is a cheapo job and that is pretty obvious. PC Richards special + some nasty cabinetry.
And woo, is it UGly! It is so depressing when people come in and do that. I would much rather get a house with a 60's kitchen so I would not feel guilty ripping out someone's work..

Posted by: offthegrid at September 22, 2008 5:51 PM in response to House of the Day: 147 St. James Place

yeah, anything wrapped in bacon is pretty much a dream come true, except in my case. I forgive the food prep guy for forgetting to wash his hands. It happens.

Posted by: offthegrid at September 22, 2008 4:50 PM in response to Streetlevel: A Name for Brooklyn Freemans?

oh goodie, more ironic mustaches and fedoras!!

fyi dates wrapped in bacon = devils on horseback. My friend and I got very ill from eating those at Freeman's a couple weeks ago...a 3 day colon cleanse, but damn, their grits are good!

Posted by: offthegrid at September 22, 2008 3:56 PM in response to Streetlevel: A Name for Brooklyn Freemans?

This is disgusting and anyone who thinks otherwise should be living in parts o Queens where this is the norm. I have seen high density needs satisfied in far more attractive ways. This builder, or someone with similar taste (or lack thereof) has a few similar atrocities in BedStuy and I think I saw one or two in red hook. They look like they should be on the outskirts of Dubai, not flanked by historic brownstones.

Posted by: offthegrid at September 22, 2008 3:52 PM in response to A Brownstone [Still] Dies in Brooklyn

I'm not hatin, just making an observation. I am a visual person and this simply struck me. If were in my hood, I would be sure to check it out.
I wish them luck and I hope their neighbors will support, envelop and patronize them...and enjoy munching down on those delicious, crisp, silky black shirts...I mean tapas.

Posted by: offthegrid at August 26, 2008 5:57 PM in response to Streetlevel: South Slope Gets a New Restaurant

wine lover -I am imagine the majority of people on a site called Brownstoner are not really seeing the appeal of a "brand new apartment." Triple yuck right back at you. Most 'brand new apartments' have little soul and probably have numerous identical counterparts thus making them invaluable in this market. I will reno my own thank you instead of entrusting a development company to make aesthetic decisions on a budget.
Maybe the price is high but I think you have maybe not spent much time in PH. It is quite nice on this block and well on its way. Someone could make this a nice pad without having to spend too much.

Posted by: offthegrid at August 26, 2008 3:24 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 193 Sterling Place

Cool! Love the stats. I am going to move to Buffalo and be the richest person in town! yeehaw! Me tatonka.
Oh, do you think they have a Choice market there? I might miss that turkey burger with chipotle mayo.

Posted by: offthegrid at August 26, 2008 3:07 PM in response to Can't Cut It In Brooklyn? Try Buffalo.

I am thinking this is high too..
My friend bought a 2nd story floor-through on Sterling between Underhill and Washington for a similar price and maybe a tad less in the height of the market. Theirs is a lovely wide building, has a large deck, 2 real beds, 2 full baths. It was newly renovated and the reno was high-end (and I tend to be picky about these so-called high-end renos but it was a job well-done). It seems like a slightly better block not being so close to flatbush but close enough to the amenities.

Posted by: offthegrid at August 26, 2008 2:38 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 193 Sterling Place

Maybe it is just me but their logo/branding does not scream delicious food to me...I would have assumed clothing like a "swank" (terrible word) menswear shop or something.

Posted by: offthegrid at August 26, 2008 2:25 PM in response to Streetlevel: South Slope Gets a New Restaurant

I am pretty sure the brokers know where this house is, they are just being douchy. Have you ever noticed Prudential lists most of their BedStuy listings as Clinton Hill?

The house is lovely (although personally not my style) and I would have rather designed my own kitchen and paid 200k less for a 15/20k job. I think the tag is a bit steep for Crown Heights. The hood, while beautiful in parts, is just not quite there in terms on amenities and polish to warrant that price in this market.

Posted by: offthegrid at August 26, 2008 2:15 PM in response to House of the Day: 1252 Dean Street

not bad. Would be a phenomenal price if there were 2 baths but alas, the world is not perfect.

Posted by: offthegrid at August 26, 2008 1:15 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 193 Sterling Place

Keep up the good work. I would love to see pictures of your green roof once it flourishes. I have seen a couple around that look like they have died so I am curious what plants will take well on our hot, exposed roofs.

You can insulate with used phonebooks but I am not sure how effective this is and I imagine they require some sort of fire retardant. Hell, why not bluejeans like Adrien Grenier's house! I am sure you will come up with something.

Best of luck and keep us in the loop.

Posted by: offthegrid at August 26, 2008 1:10 PM in response to Green on Brownstoner #1: Salvage on a Budget

Seems quite high for the size but then again a lot would depend on the rent roll, leases, floorplan, condition etc. so it is difficult to determine. I would say costing in the FAR is going to give you problems b/c it is that much harder to find a buyer interested in building...that requires architects, permits, and in the end, a lot of dough on top of it all. I am not sure if that is landmarked or not but that could affect the permitting and buyers simply might not want the hassle.
Good luck!

Posted by: offthegrid at August 25, 2008 9:45 PM in response to Carriage House