Top 5 Stories on Brownstoner This Week: Inside Revamped and Historic Homes Across Brooklyn

Delve Into the Time-Capsule Interiors of One of Brooklyn’s Oldest Houses (Photos)

Tucked among the 20th century houses of Marine Park is an amazing architectural time capsule that brings the lucky visitor forward from the farming days of the 18th century to the rapidly urbanizing landscape of the early 20th century.

–

Building of the Day: 49-65 Meserole Street

When the Zombie Apocalypse comes, I’d want to be here. What a bunker this is! Ironically, this fortress was designed by an architect who gained great international acclaim for his advancing of the practice of contextual architecture. More on that in a minute.

–

These Six Brooklyn Subway Stations Have Wi-Fi, and Now, Subway Reads

For the rest of the summer, the New York City subway will become a haven for bookworms thanks to the MTA’s new “Subway Reads” program. The program, a partnership with Penguin Random House, was announced by Governor Cuomo on Sunday and celebrates the milestone installation of Wi-Fi in 175 stations — including six in Brooklyn — by providing straphangers free access to five short stories and excerpts from 175 books.

–

The Insider: Architects Radically Rethink Bed Stuy Wood Frame House, Add Two-Story Extension

The two-story wood frame house in eastern Bed Stuy, built in 1879 and long used as a one-family, was structurally sound and clung to a few historic details, including a front porch, marble mantels, carved stair balusters and a “coffin niche.” But its mechanicals were hopeless. It was in need of a full-on gut.

–

Brooklyn Real Estate Listings Six Months Later: Three Sold, One Still on the Market

This week we’re looking back at four listings we featured six months ago to see how they fared. Three of the properties sold for ask or above, while one of the properties is still on the market at a reduced price.

Related Stories

• Top 5 Stories on Brownstoner This Week: Report Says Brooklyn Has One of Lowest Home Ownership Rates in U.S.
• Top 5 Stories on Brownstoner This Week: Whopping Heights Mansion Asks $14.15 Million
• Top 5 Stories on Brownstoner This Week: Mansion Sells in Two Hours, Guide to Buying in Brooklyn

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