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
“It’s Ms. Hillbilly” … if you’re nasty.
Naaasty blog, don’t mean a thing…
It’s Ms. Hillbilly.
Mr. B.: I’m all for it – the big fat disclaimer (and a long hot shower afterwards) are all you need as far as I’m concerned. I think the tearing-a-new-one we gave to the poor folks at Weichert yesterday (I really do kinda feel bad for them… but not bad enough to keep from doing the same where warranted in the future…) keeps the balance in the editorial integrity column. Realistically, I agree with Mr. B. that we have more to fear for the future of Brownstoner without this sort of thing than with it.
Second, this is what the comments are for! If you don’t like this development or you don’t like Mr. B.’s post on it, then tear it apart! Seems pretty “fair and balanced” to me, and eveyone’s happy – a development still gets ragged on (if you want), and Brownstoner gets to keep existing.
Finally, a personal entreaty, Mr. Hillbilly, whether I’ve agreed, disagreed, or not even had the goddam time to read it all, I’ve always enjoyed your commentary. I hope you stick around to offer your insight and opinion, and reserve your ‘Stoner-directed vitriol for posts like this one. Happy compromise? Thanks!
Now seriously folks, speaking of paying the bills, I GOTTA get back to work.
I don’t object to the advertising on your site (there’s tons of it). I hope this become a profitable endeavor. I have a problem when the advertising oozes into the CONTENT. The content of this blog is what makes it compelling, and when you cross the line into sponsored content you are pimping your greatest asset.
Your writing is fun to read, but that entry is so obviously lame because it’s paid for. Your blog always pokes fun at realtors trying to pull a fast one. When you stifle yourself because you’re being paid off, it really undermines the whole project that you have obviously poured your heart and soul into. I’d hate to see brownstoner go away, but I’d also hate to see you continue down the path of paid content (vs. ads). it is a path of diminishing returns.
And now me and my high horse will ride off into the sunset.
ltjbukem. I think absolute black granite counters is about as muted as you can get. What would you suggest?
Me again. “dekalb”
And I was referring to:
http://brownstoner.com/brownstoner/archives/
2006/04/302_washington.html#comments
That place looks like a very very very standard boring condo conversion. Ugh. I’m so sick of these blond floors and “stainless steel” + cheap vinyl kitchens and that hideaously cheap window framing. Williamsburg (55 Berry anyone?) comes to mind.
I’m really psyched about the other building you guys were featuring, on Washington and Dekald in CH/FG. That place looks like it still has some details left.
Hey, it is what it is. We’re not hiding anything. As we’ve said before, as much as we enjoy this gig, if it can’t support us within the next six months, it’s not gonna be around any longer. We’ve spent upwards of 30-40 hours a week for 18 months working on Brownstoner to the great detriment of our day job. So when you’re ready to write us a fat check every month, Hillbilly, we’ll gladly stop taking advertising. Until then, you might want to climb down from that high horse of yours–or go start your own non-profit site.
ltjbukem,
Do you really think brownstoner would describe the place that way if he weren’t being paid? Small cramped apartments for high prices on a shabby block. Do you remember all the shit he has heaped on the St. Felix condos (and at least they’re in a decent location)? This place looks the same or worse.
Maybe you can get your condo report sponsored by realtors too. go for yours, bro…YAY!