House of the Day: Midwood Not Mid-Priced
This four-story limestone on Midwood Street in Lefferts Manor is the real deal but, man, $1.495 million is a lot of dough for this nabe, isn’t it? It looks like the extensive woodwork in the house (including several fireplaces) is in excellent shape. As usual, we’re not loving the kitchen reno, but that is what…
This four-story limestone on Midwood Street in Lefferts Manor is the real deal but, man, $1.495 million is a lot of dough for this nabe, isn’t it? It looks like the extensive woodwork in the house (including several fireplaces) is in excellent shape. As usual, we’re not loving the kitchen reno, but that is what it is. The house, which is of a grander scale than many in the area, also boasts inlaid parquet floors, pocket doors and stained glass. Still, $1.495 million? What do the locals think?
Update: This is 68 Midwood Street–the identical twin of #55. Both were built by W.A.A. Brown and were originally priced at $11,000 when they hit the market a century or so ago. According to Bob Marvin, the reason for the dumbwaiter is that these houses were built with TWO dining rooms–an informal one in the ground floor front and a formal one, over the kitchen, in the parlor floor rear.
Midwood Limestone [Brown Harris Stevens] GMAP P*Shark
franz,
Here we go again,
1) Ed’s crime (at least in my opinion) is the way he attacks anyone who disagrees with him.
2) And though he readily admits that PLG is not for everyone, Ed seems to think that anyone who would find PLG unappealing is intolerant, possibly even racist.
3) Ed frequently commits the very same sin that you did, which is the parting shot at Park Slope. Why is it that you PLG-ers find this so necessary. It completely destroys, what are sometimes compelling posts. But, for me, when I see that the author is coming from some kind of defensive smug superiority thing, it’s hard for me to accord any credibility to what you are saying.
what is ed’s crime here exactly?
he posits that PLG is in transition. if you find yourself resisting this rather obvious notion then you likely spend more time on brownstoner, in gorilla coffee or eating price gouged pizza at franny’s than actually getting to know plg.
he says gentrification is inevitable. well, it’s become quite clear that white people have developed a voracious appetite for areas that adjoin some sort of commercial strip, are in walking distance to prospect park, feature brownstones and tree lined streets, are near several subway stops, and are 30 mins or less from the city. you don’t have to be the love child of barbara corcoran and nostradamus to figure this one out.
he argues that those allergic to a heavy minority presence, to jay -z’s voice being emitted from cars with large rims, or to bodegas that don’t sell newman’s own, may find themselves sneezing violently in plg. those who don’t necessarily find these features that troubling may actually find the place tolerable. how is this at all controversial? like he said, younger folk are more likely to absorb this type of thing than manhattan transfers looking for something a bit more tranquil. nothing wrong with either position in my view.
but seriously, franny’s epitomizes all that is so intricately annoying about park slope’s alarming sprint towards smarm soaked yuppification.
in other words, ed stays on point like icicles.
PS diversity:
haitian domestics, affable panhandlers and latino restaurant staffers.
PLG diversity:
black neighbors.
Enough with the personal attacks on me – why don’t you e-mail me using the link above so we can discuss your beef with me, OK?
anon at 4:29pm,
Sorry, I did not mean to offend. Poor choice of words on my part. It’s just that I’ve lived in areas with similar characteristics, and I’m in no mood to settle relative to what I want in terms of location, amenities, schools, and yes, demographics matter(yes, I am well aware that makes me such a terrible person). Maybe it’s age, maybe I’ve lived in NYC too long. Call it what you will.
I was speaking for myself, not suggesting that others should follow. To each his or her own. There are obviously things that make PLG a good choice for some.
Ed,
The only nerve you are striking is with your holier than thou attitude. People aren’t allowed to disagree with you, without you getting all defensive and lashing out. People have some reservations about PLG. Maybe it’s changed, but not enough for many, otherwise prices would be even higher.
No problem with the fact that you are a proud resident of PLG. I have a problem with your rosy picture of PLG which ignores some very real concerns people have about the nabe, plus how about you try to stop with the PLG vs. PS superiority thing. It’s not an arguement you can win, not even a fair fight.
Anon 2:31: Couldn’t pay you to buy a house in PLG? I can see why the area has its detractors but ouch, that’s pretty hardcore.
I’m the 9:35PM poster who was raised in PLG (renting in CH now). I too, find it interesting how threads about my nabe manage to strike a chord with so many folks who frequent this site. Interesting POV from both sides.
I’m really not sure why some people are so intent on putting PLG “in its place” and then proceed to insult everyone who likes living there. If you prefer PS, then live in PS. Period. If you don’t believe PLG has changed, so be it – perhaps we aren’t interested in the same changes. I’ve offered some analysis as to what’s going on, and it’s interesting how it throw’s people into a “shame PLG” tizzy! All I’ll conclude is that all these responses, and anger and defensiveness on many sides are proof that we’re striking a very interesting nerve in this dialogue.
I don’t know I bother to try and share my perspective on this site. Such a waste of time and energy.