Orrsuz and Greenwoodgeneral -- we are also looking for a fireplace insert for our house, and would be interested to see what you have. Please email me any photos/details at tzaluv@yahoo.com. Thanks!

Posted by: westminster at October 12, 2009 12:42 PM in response to Mantle Insert - Where to Find?

Hancockone -- I am definitely interested in the free radiator, if the OP does not take it. Please email me at tzaluv@yahoo.com. Thanks!

Posted by: westminster at October 12, 2009 12:30 PM in response to Need 2 Cast Iron STEAM radiators

Speaking of gut renovation, I walked by the Ditmas house yesterday and it was completely gutted down to the studs. It's really quite a shame because this was a cute house in decent condition with many attractive original elements (butler's pantry, fireplace, staircase, doors and moldings, bathroom fixtures, etc.) and, while it could have used some updating, there was really no need to rip the poor thing to shreds. Not sure what that says about the price...

Posted by: westminster at August 20, 2009 12:14 PM in response to Brooklyn Sales: Under a Million

We are interested. If it's still available, please email us with your contact information at tzaluv@yahoo.com. Thanks!

Posted by: westminster at August 12, 2009 11:06 AM in response to Beautiful antique radiator 4sale

There is a C-Town and a Key Foods near Newkirk Plaza, but I think standard grocery stores are, well, gross, so I would walk to Cortelyou for the Flatbush Food Coop or Natural Frontier Market. There are also many ethnic grocers around with good cheap fresh produce and other goodies.

Posted by: westminster at February 18, 2009 8:23 PM in response to 1304 Glenwood Road Sells 20% Below Original Ask

Who knows what will happen, but I don’t see why Cortelyou can’t support the number of businesses that Smith Street does. While there are many single family homes in DP, there are also many large apartment buildings, especially between Dorchester and Cortelyou. Having lived in Carrol Gardens for several years, I don’t recall there being very many large apartment buildings near Smith Street, unless you count the Gowanus and Wyckoff Houses. And the demographics of that neighborhood changed dramatically while I was living there, creating demand for services that didn't previously exist. While the heart of Cortelyou is a short stretch, there is also plenty of commercial capacity around the corner on CIA. Though Smith Street does have the distinct advantage of being closer to Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn.

Speaking of butchers, I just wanted to give a shout-out to R&R Meats on Cortelyou, which is a great old-school butcher that’s been in business for 25 years. They have lots of interesting cuts, as well as fish and Latino food products.

Posted by: westminster at February 18, 2009 7:36 PM in response to Cortelyou Road the New Smith Street?

No, I'm talking under 45 minutes with a walk on both ends and a wait. I used to live in Brooklyn Heights as well, and I was pleasantly surprised by how quick the commute is on the B and Q. There are more stops in Brooklyn, but they don't get bogged down in downtown Manhattan like the 2/3/4/5/A/C do. Being above ground to the park and then over the bridge is also refreshing.

The comment about looking over your shoulder doesn't justify a response, but I do wonder why anytime someone says something positive about Flatbush/Ditmas Park, someone always has to chime in touting Bay Ridge and putting down Ditmas Park with negative, often inaccurate comments. Seems telling to me.

Posted by: westminster at December 11, 2008 12:57 PM in response to A Sale for Victorian Flatbush

Also note that the original asking price was completely unrealistic, even based on peak prices, so the true haircut was much smaller. Prices have remained relatively strong in this area, perhaps because inventory is even lower than most brownstone neighborhoods.

Also, I know this topic has been done to death, but unless you're wearing lead shoes, the commute to midtown is under 45 minutes door-to-door.

Posted by: westminster at December 11, 2008 11:08 AM in response to A Sale for Victorian Flatbush

The house on Argyle looks pretty sweet, although it's a bit too close to Foster for my taste. For comparison's sake, 766 Argyle went for $925 a few weeks ago.

Posted by: westminster at November 21, 2008 1:35 PM in response to Open House Picks

There is also a wonderful little family-owned sandwich/salad/juice shop that just opened on Avenue H at Argyle called Salud. It's an adorable space and the staff is really sweet. They are a bit out of the way so I sure hope they suceed. Definitely check it out.

Posted by: westminster at November 14, 2008 4:26 PM in response to Business Boom for Ditmas Park

We got an opinion from a number of plumbers, and the IN7 seemed to be the consensus. Several wanted to give us an IN8.

Posted by: westminster at November 5, 2008 7:12 PM in response to boiler misinstalled?

Thanks for the advice, Master Plumber. Yes, the installation was less expensive than any of the other estimates we received.

The boiler has been cycling frequently and we suspected that it might be related to the piping. Are there any other adjustments to the boiler settings that we could make to mitigate this problem until we’re in a position to have the pipes redone?

Also, do you think we should demand that the installer redo the piping or would you expect that we would have to pay him extra (considering this is not something we discussed when we hired him)? Is there anything else we should be looking out for in addition to the takeoff piping?

Thanks again!

Posted by: westminster at November 4, 2008 3:08 PM in response to boiler misinstalled?

Hi. We might be interested. Are they for a one-pipe system or two? Could you please email photos to tzaluv@yahoo.com? Thank you!

Posted by: westminster at November 3, 2008 7:12 PM in response to Cast Iron Radiators

Hi. We would also be interested in purchasing one of the mantles for our home. Please email me at tzaluv@yahoo.com. Thanks!

Posted by: westminster at September 10, 2008 7:11 PM in response to Late Victorian/Craftsman Mantels

Since we're new to the area, I don't know much about the other neighborhood associations, but I can tell you that our DPW association seems pretty active and welcoming.

Are you talking about 766 Argyle? We saw the inside and it's in good shape and pretty charming (loved the oak staircase and the fifties kitchen). I think it's looking pretty attractive at under a million and I know the sellers are anxious so you could probably make them an offer.

Posted by: westminster at July 25, 2008 12:34 PM in response to thinking of Ditmas Park

Thanks premadas -- as a newcomer to the neighborhood, it's always interesting to hear the opinions of those who lived here in the past. I really love how many old-timers still live in the neighborhood, but I also appreciate the mix of continuity and change. We recently met someone who was born and raised on our block but who had moved away a while back (although her family still lives in the same house) and she, like you, was expressing her astonishment at how much the neighborhood had changed in recent years -- but from her perspective, for the better! – with the recent influx of yuppies and amenities, decrease in crime, restoration of houses, etc. It's also interesting to think of the neighborhood as "newer" and “more vibrant” when you lived here in the sixties, since I would guess that the WASPs that colonized the area when it was first converted from farmland to suburban housing at the turn of the century would have viewed the next wave of Jewish, Italian, and Irish inhabitants as suspiciously as you do the recent waves of immigrants. By the way, the Jewish stores still abound, just a little farther south, and Pomme de Terre (the bistro on Newkirk) is excellent -- I recommend you check it out next time you're in the area!

Posted by: westminster at July 23, 2008 12:36 PM in response to thinking of Ditmas Park

OP: have you checked out the 2 family for sale on Argyle (listed with both Julie Kestyn and Mary Kay)? We recently moved to Ditmas Park West from Brooklyn Heights and agree it is a bargain compared to Brownstone Brooklyn. I have to say that I couldn’t disagree more with the earlier post, as we moved here precisely because it was a safe, quiet, beautiful, and friendly place to raise a family with decent schools (both PS 139 and 217), increasing amenities, and a diverse population. We have been more than happy with amenities in the neighborhood -- we are a very short walk to Prospect Park, the Sunday farmer's market, two organic grocery stores, two coffee shops, two great restaurants with more on the way, a great little wine store, an awesome artisanal Italian ice shop, several yoga classes, a great old-school watering hole, and much more. We also love the interaction with people of many different cultures and try and take advantage of the ethnic markets, bakeries and restaurants in the area (not only Mexican and Pakistani/Bangladeshi but also Tibetan, West Indian, Jewish, Turkish, Eastern European, and more). We frequent many of these establishments for groceries and cheap, delicious food and find them to be perfectly “clean” and inviting by our relatively high standards. Contrary to being “seedy” or “deserted” we think that this neck of the woods has some of the most beautiful blocks in Brooklyn, if not all of New York City, and some very active neighborhood associations, and we love sitting on our porch and watching the children play in the street and the parade of passersby, young and old. To the OP, best of luck with your search, and let us know if you have any more specific questions about the neighborhood!

Posted by: westminster at July 22, 2008 12:26 PM in response to thinking of Ditmas Park

As we are considering some DIY skimcoating as well, I have two related questions:
1. Has anyone had luck skimcoating a ceiling? We were planning to tackle our walls but were assuming that our ceilings might be tricky and best left to a professional. Any specific tips for skimming ceilings?
2. If you use a mix of compound and plaster, what brand/type of plaster do you recommend?

Posted by: westminster at July 21, 2008 3:24 PM in response to Skim coating yourself

Just keep in mind that waiting for prices to come down will also mean continuing to watch mortgage interest rates go up, which may offset any price reductions you’re able to realize by waiting (unless, of course, you’re buying with cash).

Posted by: westminster at July 11, 2008 4:43 PM in response to Open House Picks

Westminster, I will send you pic and dimensions this evening.

Posted by: hancockone at October 12, 2009 4:37 PM in response to Need 2 Cast Iron STEAM radiators

I have two steam radiators that we just took out of our 100 year old brownstone as part of a renovation. They are fairly tall and skinny (I don't have the measurements on me, but probably about 3 feet high x 2 feet wide). Let me know if you are interested and I'd be happy to send photos. you can reach me at 718 864 0799 or prlegendre@hotmail.com.

Posted by: prlegendre at October 12, 2009 7:23 PM in response to Need 2 Cast Iron STEAM radiators

I was just at New York Old Iron (Architectural salvage) which is right under the F train at the end of the Lowes parking lot (Roy Vaccaro).

I was there looking for fireplace inserts, but noted he had a huge selection/supply of steam radiators there in varying states.

You may want to check them out as he has a ton of different sizes, etc.

Posted by: sunspot19 at October 13, 2009 7:03 AM in response to Need 2 Cast Iron STEAM radiators

Well, Vaccaro didn't have an insert that worked, and Eddie's was not open yesterday (too bad).

I'll hopefully make it out to Eddie's some point this week.

Posted by: sunspot19 at October 13, 2009 7:05 AM in response to Mantle Insert - Where to Find?

I have 5 steam radiators left from our 1895 Harlem Brownstone. Some have nice floral ornaments, and the thought of giving them to scrap metal is killing me. For $25 a pop, you can have them. (Or $100 for all of them). Contact me at mail@wolfgang-schulze.de and I can send you pictures and dimensions.

Posted by: wschulze at October 13, 2009 12:40 PM in response to Need 2 Cast Iron STEAM radiators