Fantastic 4th? Eh, We'll See
We think the upzoning of Fourth Avenue made a lot of sense, especially in the context of preserving the brownstone blocks near it. But if the Novo at 343 4th Avenue is any indication of what’s to come, this won’t exactly be a boulevard of beauty (unless your idea of beauty is early-80’s Holiday Inn…
We think the upzoning of Fourth Avenue made a lot of sense, especially in the context of preserving the brownstone blocks near it. But if the Novo at 343 4th Avenue is any indication of what’s to come, this won’t exactly be a boulevard of beauty (unless your idea of beauty is early-80’s Holiday Inn chic). Luckily for developers, though, looks don’t matter too much when it comes to selling condos in this part of town, if one is believe the account in today’s NY Post about the demand for units in the Boymelgreen building:
“It was crazy,” says Dave Bell, one of those who waited on line the first afternoon and made a bid. “I actually didn’t get [an apartment] at first … I called my broker that night and told her I wanted it and to make an offer, but someone had already gotten it. But I decided to put my name on the waiting list.” Three weeks later – after the first offers had fallen through – Bell’s offer was accepted.
Then again, with one bedrooms available in the low-$300’s, buyers were perhaps willing to compromise on design.
According to the same article, The Crest at 302 Second Street (right, top), sold eight (of 68) units in the first day on the market last weekend. Prices here start at $354,000 for a one bedroom. The Post includes a list of some other projects in the pipeline: The 49-unit Park Slope Court at 110 Fourth Avenue; 255 Fourth Ave., a 41-unit boutique Scarano Architects and Developers Group project at Carroll Street; The Argyle, 410 Fourth Avenue, at Seventh Street, a 12-story, 54-unit condo; and 500 Fourth Avenue, at 12th Street, a 137-unit, 12-story luxury building. And don’t forget the Andres Escobar-designed boutique hotel (right, bottom) on the west side of the street. Even the Fifth Avenue Committee is now located on Fourth Avenue! Columbia Prof and New York history expert Kenneth Jackson has a theory: “What you’re seeing is a move towards the water,” he told The Post.” “It used to be that people were always afraid to get too far down the hill. Now, it’s, ‘How can I get to work?'”
Fantastic 4th [NY Post]
petunia…I was told by an agent that my building which is located on 5th between 5th and 6th is not zoned for p.s. 321. If thats the case then the NOVO building should be outside that zone as well.
who knew David liked granola crunchy things such as ‘attractive trees and and bushes’.
The Novo is singularly unattractive and reminiscent of the early 80’s. They should call it the Oldo.
The school issue is a serious, one. PS 321 IS overcrowded (my children are students there). There’s no way it can support all the developements springing up on and near fourth avenue. Homeowner’s jaws will drop when the city is forced to rezone the area in a few years, and people who bought to be in the 321 catchment area are now zoned from some other school (which could be a great school, but not what they bargained for…).
Complain all you want about these buildings but don’t be surprised if in 2060 if Novo isn’t landmarked; just like they are now doing to the Manhattan House (which started the White Brick craze in Manhattan).
Personally, While I wish they were nicer I welcome the development and future foot traffic on 4th Ave. In reality the developers should be landscaping the street as some attractive trees and and bushes on the median and sidewalks will do more to improve the look of 4th Ave then any fancy architect could ever do.
What about cancer rates as you approach the canal? Seems like no one brings that up anymore.
They are really gross looking though, parking or not.
“The developers are correct in thinking
Brooklyn buyers aren’t as discerning as
Manhattanites.” –
Oh, sure – all those wonderful design new buildings in Manhattan. Maybe in the highest end price range – as in highest price range in this boro also are nicer. Otherwise just as bland.
” If you build, they will rent has been correct. Most of the new construction won’t last five years. ”
another stupid comment – construction today is superior to what was built 20 years ago. You’re tossing out unfounded comments when you know nothing about construction.
“The
Butler Street houses by Fourth are a shame. I pity anyone who bought those houses of ticky-tacky. ” I pity all their $ appreciation and parking in front of house. Those poor folks.
Although the building is truly ugly, it is refreshing if not everything along 4th is priced super luxe. For those who live in it, however, would it have killed the developers to provide bigger windows; the views must be stunning on the upper floors.