Condo/Co-op of the Day

Biggie Smalls' Loft With Library in Historic Fort Greene Stable Asks $1.7 Million After Reno

This duplex loft unit is large, attractively updated, and boasts a shelf-lined library as well as a wood-burning fireplace.

by Cate Corcoran

09/14/2021 4 minute 0

This one-bedroom duplex loft unit that once belonged to Brooklyn rapper Biggie Smalls is large, attractively renovated, and boasts a shelf-lined library as well as a wood-burning fireplace, but there’s a catch. (Several, actually.)

Billed as a two-bedroom in the listing, the unit at 159 Carlton Avenue appears to have only one legal bedroom, going by city records, and it’s currently in use as the living room. The downstairs, while it has a large window in front in a light well, appears to be underground recreational space rather than legal living space. As well, while the loft’s windows are large and attractive, there are only two to illuminate the entire home, which measures 1,701 square feet, the listing says.

The ground-floor apartment’s main living area is a great room with exposed white-painted brick, wood floors, large arched window and the aforementioned wood-burning fireplace. A well-equipped kitchen is tucked into a corner, and there is room for a dining room table.

A sliding barn door leads to the library or den, which is outfitted with a Murphy bed, wall-hung television, and floor-to-ceiling shelves painted blue. A full bath and a walk-in closet are also tucked away here.

Stairs lead downstairs to the finished cellar, where the recreational space includes bonus rooms such as an office, dressing room and walk-in closet. This level also has laundry and a large bathroom with freestanding tub and separate shower.

The unit’s costume designer owner renovated the raw cellar space after buying the home in 2011 for $749,000, she told The New York Post, which was the first to write about the sale.

Built in 1888 as the Feuchtwanger Stable, the red brick Romanesque Revival building was designed by architect Marshall J. Morrill and is on the National Register of Historic Places. After serving as a candy factory and car repair shop over the years, the building was converted to condos in 1988.

A certificate of occupancy from that time describes the building’s 12 apartments, including two on the roof not visible from the street, and specifies the cellar is recreational space.

Monthly common charges are $498 and tax is $1,176. Listed by Josh Doyle and Christine Toes Muldoon of Compass, the unit is asking $1.7 million. What do you think?

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[Listing: 159 Carlton Avenue #1A | Broker: Compass] GMAP