Development Watch: Bill Ross Does 47 Dean Street
Back in 2006, a new permit was requested for a five-story, 10-unit building, directly across the street from the now fully inhabited Smith N Court at 52 Dean. The owner’s name on that permit was David Von Spreckelsen, which signifies one thing: Toll Brothers, but, says DVS, “It’s far too small for a Toll Brothers…
Back in 2006, a new permit was requested for a five-story, 10-unit building, directly across the street from the now fully inhabited Smith N Court at 52 Dean. The owner’s name on that permit was David Von Spreckelsen, which signifies one thing: Toll Brothers, but, says DVS, “It’s far too small for a Toll Brothers project.” There is, in fact, a Web site, promising two- and three-bedroom homes starting in the $980,000 range. So who is responsible for 47 Dean? Eric Brody, son o’ Van (hence the big Brody sign on the wall), is the developer’s rep, but the developer himself is Bill Ross, aka #36 on our most influential people in Brooklyn real estate. This is his first ground-up project, and the native son wants to make his building both luxurious and contextual. “I wouldn’t do anything that wouldn’t fit in,” he said (for an example of not fitting in, there’s always Smith N Court). The quarters will be large, including two- and three-bedroom garden apartments, duplexes and two-bedroom upper floor apartments with terraces that may or may not offer city views (gotta wait until they get up there to find out, Ross says). The architect is Perkins Eastman, and the facade, “one of the coolest ever to be built in the neighborhood,” will be made of Trespa and brick. GMAP P*Shark DOB
These units will stand out – we’re not looking at another glass and steel tower in palookaville. I live nearby and have followed this development with interest. Large 2 and 3 bedroom apartments are tough to come by in family magnet Cobble Hill – you either have to buy a townhouse ($$$$) or find a duplex in a condofied townhouse (and like the renovation: black granite counters and cherry cabinets anyone? Or is it white Caesarstone and glossy white cabinetry this year?). The proximity to Smith Street Court Street and Atlantic Avenue is a plus – you’re near all that but not in the actual thick of it. Plus PS 261 has earned a solid well deserved reputation and following. And you don’t have to deal with all those stairs stairs stairs that come along with living in a crumbly old townhouse. I bet he scores a few families who decide they’ve had it with trying to get around to fixing up the townhouse, may well come out ahead with selling it, but want to stay in the hood.
Perkins does really great work. It would be a shame if doesn’t get built. We could use some nice architecture in brooklyn for a change.
I doubt Bill Ross will ever get this project completed. The project across the street started at the same time and that one is fully occupied. Seems the equity partner is having a few problems, see below. It will probably get forclosed on or sold to some other developer that can actually finish the project.
http://www.thedeal.com/dealscape/2008/08/sec_charges_wextrust_capital_w.php
http://www.uslaw.com/library/International_Law/Wextrust_Ponzi_Expands.php?item=225077
looks pretty nice!