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This three-bedroom on Dahill Road in Kensington is unusually spacious, with large and well-lit common spaces. And it’s got some nice prewar detail as well. It’d work for a family or would be a prime share for three roommates.

Said details include archways, parquet floors and moldings. The built-in bookshelves in the living room are a nice addition.

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Here’s a one-bedroom co-op for rent in Kensington that looks large and recently updated. The kitchen has stainless steel appliances and plenty of cabinets, and both the bedroom and living area are quite spacious. The building is also pet friendly, has laundry and a live-in super. It’s about five blocks from the Church Avenue F/G stop. What do you think of it for $1,750 a month?

310 Beverley Road [Halstead] GMAP

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Last week, the DOT unveiled a lengthy list of street changes to improve pedestrian safety in Kensington, including slow zones, one-way streets, improved signage, speed bumps and high-visibility crosswalks. Local parents and politicians were particularly concerned about safety at the soon-to-open P.S./I.S. 437 campus at Caton Avenue and East 7th Street (the corner shown above), where a hit-and-run driver struck and killed a 14-year-old boy in November.

Ditmas Park Corner and DNAinfo both wrote about the packed meeting last week at P.S. 130, which was attended by Councilman Brad Lander, DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg and Councilman Jumaane Williams, among others. By the end of the summer, the DOT is expected to implement curb extensions at East 7th and East 8th streets on Caton Avenue, convert East 7th and East 8th streets to one-way streets, and reduce speed on Caton Avenue, according to Ditmas Park Corner. You can also see the full DOT presentation here [PDF].

Major Safety Upgrades Planned for Area Roads; Hundreds Attend Meeting [DPC]
Kensington Street Safety Upgrades Will Be “Dramatic Improvement,” DOT Says [DNA]
Photo by DOT

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Here’s a very cute five-bedroom, two-bath house up for rent in Kensington, next to the border with Ditmas Park. The three-story detached home was renovated last year but still has a bunch of original details on the parlor floor, like wood paneling, a carved bannister and a lovely mirrored mantel in the dining room.

There’s a front porch, a huge backyard with a swing set and a finished basement that has a washer/dryer. The driveway on the side is a big plus too. One drawback is that it’s about nine blocks from any of the nearby trains — the Q at either Cortelyou or Newkirk, or the Ditmas Avenue F stop.

Also, one of the bedrooms can only be reached by going through another. Does it seem like a good deal for $4,900 a month?

527 East 8th Street [Corcoran] GMAP

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Brooklyn, one building at a time.

Name: Originally 72nd, then 74th, now 70th Precinct House, NYPD
Address: 154 Lawrence Avenue
Cross Streets: Ocean Parkway and Seton Place
Neighborhood: Kensington
Year Built: 1904
Architectural Style: Renaissance Revival/Beaux Arts
Architect: Washington Hull
Other Buildings by Architect: Grace Church Reading Room in Brooklyn Heights, Clark Mansion in Manhattan (demolished)
Landmarked: No

The story: Architect Washington Hull only designed a few buildings in Brooklyn. This was one of them. He won the commission in 1902, but the precinct house, prison and stable complex for the 72nd Precinct did not go into construction until 1904. Ironically, one of the first buildings in this young architect’s career turned out to be one of his last. Here’s the story:

The old 72nd Precinct house was on Coney Island Avenue and was thought by many to be haunted. Many officers there swore that the building was a “hoodoo station,” as they called it, with a curse on it that had caused the deaths of several patrolmen over the years. They said the building was haunted by the ghosts of past prisoners, and they pointed to the recent death of the precinct’s Captain Short, while in command of that station, as proof of the curse. Sources show the captain died from more mundane causes, but why let that interrupt a good story?

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Three bedrooms and a parking space for $695,000? Yes, please! That’s the deal at this top-floor condo at 614 East 7th Street in Kensington. The apartment looks to be about 1,000 square feet and also comes with a small private terrace.

The building complex and the apartment aren’t going to win any design awards but they look to be in fine shape. Clearly the size and amenities are what carry the day here. Seem like a good deal to you?

614 East 7th Street, #3D [Corcoran] GMAP

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There’s nothing fancy about this two-bedroom in Kensington, but it’s affordable and close to the train. The kitchen and bathroom are newly updated, and there’s enough space in the kitchen to fit a small dining table. Both bedrooms seem decently sized too. Transit-wise, it’s only two blocks from the F/G trains at Church Avenue. Do you think it’s a good deal for $1,550 a month?

549 McDonald Avenue, #1 [Citi Habitats] GMAP

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This two-bedroom co-op at 1212 Ocean Avenue in Flatbush doesn’t photograph well but that’s a good thing for buyers with a little vision. Beyond the clutter and flash lighting we see lots of prewar details and a lot of square footage (1,250) for the price ($285,000). In case you haven’t been following, $228 a foot for a prewar apartment is hard to find! Strong buy.

1212 Ocean Avenue, #6B [Fillmore] GMAP

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If you’re looking for an affordable prewar two-bedroom in Brooklyn you’re unlikely to find a better value than this place at 415 Ocean Parkway in Kensington. The pleasingly rectilinear floor plan includes an eat-in kitchen, dining area, and two bathrooms in addition to the two bedrooms. The 1,150-square-foot pad has a monthly maintenance of $999 and an asking price of $599,000. Sound like a deal?

415 Ocean Parkway, #5D [Brooklyn Hearth] GMAP