Sneak Peek at the Firehouse Condos on Dean
Remember when we said we’d let you know when we were shilling? Well, we suppose this qualifies, but we’re hoping there’s something in it for you. Namely, the first look that anyone’s had inside the Firehouse condos at 735 Dean. What’s in it for us? Listing broker Aguayo & Huebener is going to be taking…
Remember when we said we’d let you know when we were shilling? Well, we suppose this qualifies, but we’re hoping there’s something in it for you. Namely, the first look that anyone’s had inside the Firehouse condos at 735 Dean. What’s in it for us? Listing broker Aguayo & Huebener is going to be taking out an ad next week for the property. And so the world goes round.
Armed only with our camera and a healthy set of conflicts of interest, we crossed Atlantic early yesterday morning, headed up Underhill and hung a right on Dean. The original facade (not surprisingly our favorite design element of the project) is about all that remains of the old firehouse; the developer maxed out his as-of-right FAR in adding additional space atop the original structure to create seven units. In our opinion, the biggest selling points of the apartments–which include two duplexes, four simplexes and one triplex and range in size from 712 to 1,192 square feet–are light and outdoor space. We don’t get too excited about the finishes and fixtures that tend to dominate new condo offering promotional literature, but these looked decent enough to us (the word “European” kept cropping up).
Given the low density of the surrounding nabe, the terraces have good views, with the shabiness of some of the neighboring lots balanced out by the beauty of the cathedral on Pacific. Another consideration is the block-long group of affordable newish townhouses with driveways across the street. They are perfectly respectable as far as these things go but certainly don’t do anything to enhance the local ambience. Tavern on Dean is just a stumble away on the corner. As for convenience, if the C train is going your way, you’re in good shape. The offering plan is imminent, with Sunday the 23rd being eyed hopefully for a kick-off open house. From what we gather, asking prices are going to fall in the high-$600s to high-$700s per square foot, excluding what is in most cases significant exterior space. OK, time for a shower. GMAP
For the record, we didn’t run anything by A&H before we printed it and the broker was very clear that we could write what we want. That said, we clearly opted to write a post that was more informational than opinionated, though we did note what we thought were some drawbacks.
Of course Hillbilly’s entitled to her opinion–it’s not like we’ve banned her from the site or anything nor would we want to stop commenting. She certainly came on strong though–hence our reply. Compare her approach to how Victor 12:28 approached the subject. Which is more likely to resonate with us? It’s a good lesson in writing comments about touchy topics in general.
I’d rather the brokers pay the tab for this site than me. as soon as it this site becomes “only 9.99 per month” its downhill.
“Armed only with our camera and a healthy set of conflicts of interest” HILARIOUS! anyway, they just gave you the right to look right? if you’d said it sucked would they have still held up their end of the bargain?
I see ClintonHillbilly’s point and she’s entitled to her opinion it could be argued that he’s compromising his integrity but at the same time he addresses it by being honest. I think it was bold to say exactly how she felt and it should be just as respected as Brownstoner’s practice of full disclosure whenever he’s doing someone a solid or a lil’ old fashion wash my back and I wash yours. I’m all about the bottom line he’s gotta eat and if he can do that solely from this website by “shilling” then so be it. that being said can I have a job Browntoner? haha
Thanks for the input, everyone. Obviously it would be cleaner to have all non-broker advertising, but not sure that is realistic. We’ll see. The bigger worry, rather than the occasional clearly identified puff piece, is that we’d start toning down other posts about other listings from the brokers who are advertising. That’s certainly not our intention and we’re sure there are plenty of people who’ll let us know if they think it is.
Interviews are a cool idea…
With all due respect to Mr. B., the point is that he provides a forum for everyone, including himself, to debate the merits of a particular building – his opinion, at the end of the day, is only one of many, so big deal if he shills, and even better that he discloses it.
I have no problem with the sponsored postings. I always wondered how you do it brownstoner, you know, work ‘2’ full-time jobs, plus spend quality time with your family, plus renovate your home. I’m really impressed that’s why I’ve dubbed you the rock-star.
You’re providing a real service to the community. So, don’t even think of closing.
If anything, I would suggest that you try to line up real-time, interactive interviews with local power brokers. Maybe once or twice a month, you can schedule an interview with personalities like Tish, Marty, managing brokers at some of the top real estate agencies, architects & developers, people from the chamber of commerce, etc.
I think it would make a great addition in terms of ‘live chat with’ element. Plus, it might cut down on the need to go out and forage for new stories.
Hey Brownstoner,
I’m all for you making a living through brownstoner.com. Ever since you started letting us peak on your own reno I’ve been hooked. Check out your logs.. I’ve been hitting your server from diadian.com for a long time. I know that I’ve wasted away many many hours reading through your postings and commenting.
Let me make a few suggestions..
1. You should not perform the advertising for the agent. Let them write an ad and put it up on the site in the same area as you would have written your post. Make sure they identify themselves honestly.
If you make a pattern out of being a paid spokesperson, eventually your going to lose credabiliy.
2. Look into sponsors that are tangently connected to the real estate business or are looking to connect to peple who fit the brownstoner-reader profile. Carting companies, plumbers, architects, roofers, fire restoration companies (servicemaster perhaps?), alarm companies, brownstone repair companies and perhaps companies that cater to people who live in brownstone brooklyn like freshdirect or perhaps some of their newer competitors. Also consider HomeDepot, Loews or their smaller competitors that may be trying to get a grip or hold onto their turf in brownstone brooklyn. Perhaps Tillies, or the south african place on dekalb might be interested in advertising on brownstoner.
That’s just what came to mind in ten minutes. I’m just thinking about companies that would want to align themselves with a honest and cool website. Look for other businesses that seem simple and cool.
Yes this way is harder to accomplish but if you align yourself with the people who you are supposed to be critizing, eventually you are going to cross the line and lose your readership. Just think about what newspapers have done in the past to seperate advertising from content and try to apply the principles to bs’er.com.
Brownstoners assesments were full of disclaimers. And overall gave a reasonable plus and minuses to the project.
But I suppose if realtors started paying and advertising more. It might get tempting to pass off shit as ice cream.