Co-op of the Day: University Towers 2 Bedroom
University Towers is a three-building, 549-unit cooperative housing complex on the Fort Greene-Downtown Brooklyn border. Built as rental housing in the late ’50s for Long Island University faculty and staff, the group of buildings was converted to a moderate-income cooperative in 1989. At the time, prices ranged from $41,000 to $46,000 for studios; $67,000 to…
University Towers is a three-building, 549-unit cooperative housing complex on the Fort Greene-Downtown Brooklyn border. Built as rental housing in the late ’50s for Long Island University faculty and staff, the group of buildings was converted to a moderate-income cooperative in 1989. At the time, prices ranged from $41,000 to $46,000 for studios; $67,000 to $92,000 for one-bedrooms; $94,000 to $125,000 for two-bedrooms and $127,000 to $141,000 for three-bedrooms. Now there’s a, 1,100-square-foot two-bedroom for sale for $530,000. The apartment has been recently renovated, with a surprisingly decent job done on the kitchen and bathroom. As for comps, there were two apartments of undetermined size that sold in the high $500’s at the end of last year. What do people think of UT as a place to live in general, especially now that several luxury condos are springing up in the immediate vicinity?
University Towers 2 Bedroom [Craigslist] GMAP P*Shark
PERSPECTIVES: Downtown Brooklyn [NY Times]
Homepage [University Towers]
looks like a project
oops I meant southwestern
My ex lives there, too. I would agree with the cumulative perspective here. A few items that haven’t been mentioned: The staff tend to be agreeable but clueless (not a great attribute for door people); there is a broad mix of residents (i.e. lots of diversity); the views can be quite spectacular. My ex is in a nicely laid-out studio on the 14th floor with a rather magnificent southeastern view.
If you are used to brownstone proportions the apts feel very cramped. I have noticed over the years that 8 foot ceilings and modern apt proportions seem small as I got used to older, higher ceilings and large windows but that may just be me. The grounds are nice but the apartments have a very modest feeling – floors, kitchens, etc are very ordinary
My husband and I have lived in UT for 8 years and have been very happy with our choice. We bought a two-bedroom and parking spot (as shown in the listing) for $110,000 and you see how much values have increased. What’s the big deal with the windows?
My friend got 25,000 dollars to move out of a 2 b, 2bath apartment 7 years ago. He should have bought it. I didn’t realize that it was coop’d in ’89. I thought it was when he moved, but I guess it was coop’d and there were remaining rentals. True, it is a white box apartment with low ceilings and small windows but layout was OK and price was very good then. I never heard gunfire, but was sure to get “Black Pearl” car service home when I visited. It is a little desolate over there in terms of services; you are close to that little mall on Flatbush and there is a supermarket on Myrtle. One really good thing is that you get a parking lot there. Also, the complex is gated with security outside which seemed pretty good. I think it must be much nicer now.
Concur with Anon 2:28. We looked at a few units there and the no-pet policy was a non-starter, but also facts mentioned before (windows, etc.). Good if you’re married to the idea of a 2BR, but we preferred spending a bit less and getting a 1BR that was flexible, and more in the heart of Ft. Greene.
Not a bad location if you dont mind occassional gunfire.
I agree that University Towers is a great option for people whose incomes are more modest. My wife and I looked there in 2001. While the sales manager was rude and unpolished, the buildings and apartments were clean and attractive. With all of the development slated for the surrounding area, I think UT will only increase in value.