This very pleasant duplex for rent in a Crown Heights brownstone may well exemplify the recent astonishing run-up in rents we have been hearing so much about lately — nationally as well as in Brooklyn. Regardless of the ticket, though, there’s no denying it’s a beauty with plenty of space and convenient modern updates.

The address is 680 Park Place, one of a row constructed circa 1904 by builder E H Bishop & Son. A Brooklyn Daily Eagle article from that year relates that high materials costs and labor troubles didn’t impede the development, and No. 680, built as a two-family, sold to an investor that year.

At some point in its history, the original configuration was flipped so the duplex occupies the top two floors of the three-story house rather than the bottom two, a more convenient and spacious arrangement. The entry and double parlor have a good amount of never-painted woodwork, a hall tree, fancy plasterwork, two screens (one with stained glass) and a pier mirror.

A modern kitchen with Ikea lacquer cabinets, dishwasher and green glass tile backsplash has been inserted into the rear, where a door leads out to a deck with stairs down to the garden. There is room for a dining table in front of the bay window overlooking the backyard.

Upstairs, an original five-room apartment now serves as the bedroom floor. Traces of bead board wainscoting remain in the original side kitchen, now a small bedroom.

The two largest bedrooms both have bay windows and Colonial Revival-style wood mantels with original mottled tile. The front bedroom is open to another room that could work as a sitting room, closet or office, and another small bedroom sits over the front door.

Each level has a full bathroom, one with a tub and one with a step-in shower. Both have been modernized with white subway tile, gray floor tile and Ikea fixtures. There is a washer/dryer, and original wood floors run throughout the unit.

Listed by Betty Jane Walsh of Compass, it’s having an open house this Saturday from 1 to 2 p.m.

Not too long ago, a townhouse duplex in central Brooklyn might have rented for roughly $2,000 per floor, plus more for luxurious extras. (Way back in 2014, this one was asking $4,000.) Keeping in mind the duplex comes with a deck and garden, although no central air, do you think the ask of $7,500 a month sounds about right?

[Listing: 680 Park Place #2 | Broker: Compass] GMAP

interior of apt 2 in 680 park place

interior of apt 2 in 680 park place

interior of apt 2 in 680 park place

interior of apt 2 in 680 park place

interior of apt 2 in 680 park place

interior of apt 2 in 680 park place

interior of apt 2 in 680 park place

interior of apt 2 in 680 park place

exterior of 680 park place

exterior of 680 park place

exterior of the house
The house in 2021. Photo by Nicholas Strini for PropertyShark

Related Stories

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

Brooklyn in Your Inbox

* indicates required
 
Subscribe

What's Your Take? Leave a Comment