Fear (of Condos) and Self-Loathing in Williamsburg
What happens when you mix the snide aspects of hipster culture with the gleaming new developments that have popped up in Williamsburg, Greenpoint, and Fort Greene? Condo shame, says the Observer. The hipsters who once scoffed at new developments like The Edge or nV are now—ironically, perhaps—experiencing a desire to buy units in these buildings…
What happens when you mix the snide aspects of hipster culture with the gleaming new developments that have popped up in Williamsburg, Greenpoint, and Fort Greene? Condo shame, says the Observer. The hipsters who once scoffed at new developments like The Edge or nV are now—ironically, perhaps—experiencing a desire to buy units in these buildings (gasp!). In the current market, it’s the modern units that are suddenly in the price range of 20- and 30-something new buyers, while the common brownstone fantasy still costs over $1 million. The article chronicles several 20-somethings such as Kendall Turner, 23, who bought a $449,000 one-bedroom in the Ikon building on McCarren Park in Greenpoint, or Nicole Ferejohn, 27, who refused to give in to her condo urges and continues to rent. Those profiled in the article make excuses and apologies; they feel guilt for their un-Brooklyn-y purchases; but in the end, perhaps the point is that if you price it low enough, they will (begrudgingly) come.
Condo Shame [NY Observer]
Another problem with williamsburg is that it is the epicenter for manchild anorexia malady that is plauging much of the city. im not sure how restaurants stay in business. tho i guess they survive because most of the girls in williamsburg are on the pasty-pudgey side.
*rob*
11217, no worries. You’re spot on in that last post. Unfortunately, developers almost never cater to lower incomes; the system in place gives them little incentive to. And you’re right, the changes in Williamsburg have come about much faster than in Park Slope, but for one, I’m looking forward to things slowing down and a more “organic” growth taking shape as we struggle with this economy.
The brownstone vs poorly built condo argument I get, but I think this meme gets WAY out of whack sometimes – not every new building is just “drywall.” It takes a little research to properly discern, and I can’t tell you the number of times people just glance at the exterior and pass judgment on the quality of construction. It’s hilarious.
For the record, I don’t find you to be judgy – I think it’s great you have your convictions and are willing to share them here. I’m enjoying this thread much more than our discussion on inventory, I must say!
I’m sure bitch mode will be back, Rob. Don’t you worry. Just tell wine lover or Muffy to post some more. 🙂
I guess the Italian in me has a hot temper, but deep down I’m a bunny.
Interesting jester – I’ve heard of it but I’ve never been. Looks cool.
11217, ive noticed youve considerably toned down your nasty catty remarks since that random lurker called you out on it yesterday. please go back into bi+ch-mode. it’s much more entertaining!
*rob*
hey dh, this is the bar I was asking you about, the East River Bar,
http://eastriverbar.com/images/East-River0011.jpg
Bjw,
I feel you. I’m sure I don’t know as much about it as I claim. 🙂
But as for the raping of money comment…Park Slope has been expensive for a while. It came into its own more organically, as many of the brownstone neighborhoods did. They developed. It also has historic homes which were built by skilled artisans over a 100 years ago. They should be more expensive than those built of drywall, don’t you think?
Williamsburg has been essentially built from the ground up in the past decade (or a little more) with regard to the condos, shops, restaurants, etc. Much of that stuff which has opened caters only to the new arrivals and not at all to those who have lived there and have a median income of 25K.
But that’s true all over, I suppose.
We don’t need to argue about it though. I’m really just trying to have a conversation, and I know I’m coming across more judgy than I mean to.
To each his/her own, right?
Thank god we all don’t like Williamsburg. And thank god we all don’t like Park Slope. World would be pretty boring….
This thread rules.
I’ve always liked W’burg, everytime I’m there I marvel how I could totally live there. I guess being older and happy about it, the young people haivng their young people moments just amuse me rather than infuriate me. So many baby faces in W’burg!
These condos are for people who stay home all the time, watchign TV, playing with kids, or surfing online. I can’t imagine a 23 year old who prefers to say in at home rather than enjoy life in New York. New York is outward-directed – the ONLY consideration for many people is keeping housing costs low so we can buy lunch/entertain ourselves/etc.
“dipster, what place was it that i told you i got dragged to a few saturday nights ago? gack. i thought i died and was in hell!! hahahha. ”
You were at Union Pool Rob. Hell on earth on a Saturday night.