Most Popular Brownstoner Stories of 2018: Edwardian in Flatbush, Affordable Housing

We’re coming up to the end of 2018, which means it’s a time of reflection here at Brownstoner. And today, we’re thinking about our most popular stories of the past year. There were stories about affordable housing, celebrities snapping up pricey real estate and new developments like the opening of Williamsburg’s Domino Park.

Below, click through to find our top 13 stories of the year, and let us know: What was your favorite?

13. Jennifer Connelly and Paul Bettany Buy Brooklyn Heights Townhouse for $15.5 Million

The actors, who have been married since 2003, purchased a 1840s Greek Revival townhouse in Brooklyn Heights for $15.5 million. From 2003 to 2008, they owned a lavish Park Slope mansion at 17 Prospect Park West. Most recently, they lived in Manhattan.

12. Kelley Mansion Breaks Bed Stuy Record With $6.275 Million Sale

Patience is a virtue. After going on the market in 2014 for $6 million, one of Bed Stuy’s most prominent and notable buildings, the John C. Kelley mansion at 247 Hancock Street, sold for over ask and set a new record for the neighborhood.

11. Wegmans Inches Closer to Reality With Construction Under Way at Admiral’s Row

It’s been a long time coming, but new buildings are finally rising at the Admiral’s Row site at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Demolition on all but one of the historic Admiral’s Row houses was completed last year to make way for a Wegmans grocery store, parking lot and other retail and light manufacturing.

10. Did Matt Damon and His Family Move Into The Standish in Brooklyn Heights This Week?

Actor Matt Damon and his family moved into the penthouse apartment on top of The Standish — aka Superman’s building — earlier this week, according to sources cited by the Brooklyn Heights Blog.

9. Daniel Craig and Rachel Weisz Scoop Up Martin Amis’ Cobble Hill Brownstone for $6.75 Million

Back in August, Daniel Craig and Rachel Weisz purchased a landmarked four-story townhouse in the Cobble Hill Historic District. Property records show that it was purchased for $6.75 million through an LLC called On the Rows.

8. What to Do in the Garden Now for Fabulous Window Boxes, Bulbs and Shrubs All Year

Fall is the perfect time to give your yard, garden or window boxes a seasonal refresh.

7. Domino Park Opens on the Williamsburg Waterfront (Photos)

Domino Park officially opened — the fanfare included acrobatics, music and performances — and was flooded with children all weekend.

6. See What Your Home Once Looked Like With Newly Digitized 1940s Tax Photos

In a major boon for researchers, New York City history aficionados and old building lovers, the New York City Department of Records & Information Services has released a treasure trove of visual material online.

5. Celebrate the King of Pop at Spike Lee’s Annual Michael Jackson Block Party

Spike Lee, the director of classic Brooklyn films “Do the Right Thing” and “Crooklyn,” not to mention borough brand entrepreneur, hosted his eighth annual Brooklyn Loves Michael Jackson block party on August 25.

4. Where to Watch Fourth of July Fireworks in Brooklyn (2018 Edition)

One of the biggest questions each Fourth of July concerns where the best place might be to see the fireworks. Where are the biggest crowds? How early do I have to arrive to see anything? Is the spot kid friendly?

3. 6 Things You Must Know Before Installing a Fence

When the groundhog tests the weather in early February, it’s time to start thinking about the rotting fence you never got around to replacing.

2. Affordable Housing Lottery Opens for 240 Units in East New York, Starting at $395 a Month

240 newly constructed units opened in three buildings that are part of the second phase of East New York’s Livonia Commons complex. The Livonia complex was built on vacant, city-owned land; to accommodate the large buildings in this project, the city had to upzone 10 blocks.

1. Longtime Owner Sells Flatbush Edwardian for $5.15 Million, Corner to Become Apartments

Two houses in Flatbush were sold for a combined $9.95 million, according to public records. The house at 100 Lenox was asking $4.85 million and sold for $4.8 million; 94 Lenox sold for $5.15 million.

Related Stories

• Gentrification, High Prices, Beautiful Spaces and Celebs: 2016’s Top Stories on Brownstoner
• Gentrification, Mega-Projects and Bonkers Home Sales: Brownstoner’s Top Stories of 2015
• Year in Review: Biggest Stories of 2014

Email tips@brownstoner.com with further comments, questions or tips. Follow Brownstoner on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.