Price Cut at Neglected Lefferts Beauty
[nggallery id=”40093″ template=galleryview] 1860 Bedford Avenue has been sitting vacant and derelict for several years now, after a boneheaded miscalculation by the current owner who had wanted to move his medical practice into the building only to find, after buying it, that commercial uses are prohibited in Lefferts Manor. That was his first mistake. His…
[nggallery id=”40093″ template=galleryview]
1860 Bedford Avenue has been sitting vacant and derelict for several years now, after a boneheaded miscalculation by the current owner who had wanted to move his medical practice into the building only to find, after buying it, that commercial uses are prohibited in Lefferts Manor. That was his first mistake. His second was to be greedy on the resale back when the market was still strong: Back in the first half of 2008, when it was a House of the Day, the asking price was $900,000. As of the beginning of this year, the price tag has been reduced to $650,000. The potential is obviously amazing, but is the price still too high? Probably, but getting closer. At this point, the neighbors would probably be willing to kick in a few bucks just to get rid of this guy!
1860 Bedford Avenue [Fabrikant] GMAP P*Shark
House of the Day: 1860 Bedford Avenue [Brownstoner]
What’s Up with 1860 Bedford Avenue [Brownstoner]
The sister house on the Rutland corner (though attached on one side not freestanding as Bob Marvin said) is AMAzing. These are big houses with a layout that’s more airy and spacious than attached brownstones. With good windows the Bedford street noise inside that house is not at all what you think it would be. There’s a 2-story attached house on Lincoln that was a total gut renovation, a very elegant modern one, the owners bought it after a fire, and I always picture the interior of that house with the space and layout of this house when I walk by it, and wow what an image. The person who goes for this labor of love will truly have a spectacular house for generations.
“Are they waiting for it to be such an eyesore that Landmarks gives in and allows the change of use?”
FWIW it’s NOT landmarks that prevented the change of use–they don’t enforce zoning. AFAIK the regulations regarding medical offices in properties covered by R2 zoning changed several years ago so that only small auxiliary offices (something like 600, or 800 sq. ft.) are allowed.
“I still think it’s a good investment for someone who wants to someday have what will no doubt end up being a multi-million dollar house.”-MM
I have serious doubts that this house will become a multi-million dollar house in any time frame that will make this a “good” investment. –
Realistically this house would be a labor of love, not economics
“Maybe if the whole thing falls down they’ll let him build a new medical office or something in its place”.
That would be hard given the R2 zoning [which, aside from the limitation on a medical office permits a FAR of only 0.5, while the present building is grandfathered at 1.5]. In addition there’s the Lefferts Manor single family deed covenant. Lastly, while the Historic District status would not preclude a replacement building it would be rather costly/
The more I look at it, it’s starting to grow on me. I really hope someone gets this soon, and brings it back to life.
Everyone needs to spend more time in PLG! The house tour is always a great introduction to the area, but any other time is good, too! There’s a wine tasting tomorrow from 4:30 – 7 at 65 Fen (at 65 Fenimore St, just off Flatbush), our new neighborhood wine store — come by then, have a few sips, and then buy a bottle to take across the street to King of Tandoor for a good, plentiful, and cheap Indian dinner.
“At this point, the neighbors would probably be willing to kick in a few bucks just to get rid of this guy!”
I think we’d even be willing to erect a statue of the
buyer 🙂
M.M.,
Don’t worry about water damage; the place has already been gutted down to the brick.
Expert Textpert,
The broker, Georges Boursiquot, is a very patient man; I can’t imagine anyone else being able to put up with the present owner, for whom Mr. B’s description of “boneheaded” is, IMO, a gross understatement. I’ve known Georges for years, because of his previous membership on the Lefferts Manor Assoc. Board, and think highly of him.
Rob,
It wouldn’t make a very good squat; no utilities, no heat, no staircase to the second floor, etc. OTOH the owner DID dig out the basement.
Nevertheless, this is (potentially) a wonderful house on a great block. There are a few similar colonial revival houses on Bedford Ave., in LM, but this is the only one that’s free-standing. IMO it would be a great candidate for a spare modern renovation (something you won’t see me write very often. OTOH if someone wanted to do a period (quasi) restoration, I believe that colonial revival details are far more commonly available (and less costly) that similar material for earlier houses.
No, I’m NOT getting a commission from Georges,[ :-)] but I live only a few hundred feet from this house and very much want to see it no longer be an eyesore.
Thanks dt and Dave. Looked at streetview. Love those houses.
Sadly, I haven’t spend much time in this nabe. I need to pull out the AIA Guide and put on my sneakers.
WOW dt!!!!!! You’re right. People, go to Streetview and move down to the next block (left) and look at those two beauties!!!!!!