Remodeled Sunset Park Finnish Co-op With Minimalist Elan, Built-ins Asks $445K

Built in 1924, this tidy one-bedroom co-op has two exposures and a walk-in closet.

Photo by Russ Ross via Corcoran Group

by Stephen Zacks

07/02/2019 3 minute 0

An apartment in one of the classic Finnish co-ops in Sunset Park is showing off lots of early-to-mid-20th-century minimalist design flair. They were built as affordable housing by Finnish immigrant associations, and this one incorporated as Riverside Homes Association and went up in 1924. It’s not among those on 44th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues recently designated by the Landmarks Preservation Commission, but it has a similar combination of modern space planning, simplicity and craftsmanship.

The unit is apartment 23 at 683 41st Street, a one-bedroom with modern updates and an overall serene feel, located across from Sunset Park. It’s a corner apartment with south and west facing windows. You enter into a small foyer with two closets facing the completely remodeled kitchen. The stone countertop-breakfast bar is nicely positioned perpendicular to the galley-style minimalist cabinets and appliances.

Except in the wet rooms, the floors are all parquet. The living room and bedroom have a walk-in closet opposite. The bathroom is also renovated in a minimalist modern style, with a oval vessel sink, contemporary faucets, original tub, and new tiles.

The corner bedroom features custom built-in wood cabinets that recall Alvar Aalto, especially in the context of the current owner’s mid-century decor. The new front door hardware has an Art Nouveau flavor — perhaps a nod to the Finnish Jugend style.

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The unit is located on the second floor of the four-story, 32-unit walkup co-op. The building has laundry, additional storage and bike parking in the basement.

The offering price is $445,000; an unrenovated unit on the same floor sold for $423,000 in 2017. There’s an open house from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday July 7, organized by agents Tim Stanard and John Wescott of Corcoran. With the $489 monthly maintenance, for someone with savings to plunk down, it may be a relatively affordable place.

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[Listing: 683 41st Street | Broker: Corcoran] GMAP