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April 30, 2007

Wanna See One Brooklyn Bridge Park? Get In Line

When the sales office at One Brooklyn Bridge Park aka 360 Furman quietly opened on April 4, there was already a list of 4,000 (!) people waiting to get a peek inside the 449-unit development which, controversially, is located right in the middle of what will be a waterfront park. At some point this week, the huddled masses will be able to get into the 1928 warehouse to peruse the condo offerings, which range from 588-square-foot studios to 4,638-square-foot penthouses. If the park ends up looking anywhere near as nice as this rendering (and there's reason to think it will, given what's already been built in Dumbo), this should be one of the most sought-after addresses this side of the East River. Time will tell. Does anyone know how many of these things are in contract already?
Park Condos, but the Park Comes Later [NY Times]
One Brooklyn Bridge Park Open for Business [Brownstoner]

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the dumbo portion of brooklyn bridge park was designed and built by the parks department. the rest of the park has been designed separately by the BBPDC and Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, so it's kind of dumb to equate one with the other. it was disingenuous for the parks dept. to call the dumbo portion "brooklyn bridge park," since it is a very small part of what the park will eventually be. you can hate on the park plan all you want -- I'm not crazy about it either. but this commentary is lazy, misguided, and useless.

Posted by: Anonymous at April 30, 2007 10:42 AM

Why is the commentary useless? - Its just an opinion that the park will probably end up looking good. I'd guess from your invective that your a mad old coot with some bone to pick, except you use the term "hate on" instead of "hate" which would put you in the yet-to-graduate school group. Calm down.

Posted by: Anonymous at April 30, 2007 10:47 AM

Cranky, cranky.

Regardless of the developer, I'd put money on the Brooklyn Heights Association and a lot of other floks that overlook the water doing a great deal to ensure whater's done is top notch and appropriately scaled. A lotta lawyers and money overlooking that devlopment.

Now I'll have somewhere to park my yacht ;-)

Posted by: John at April 30, 2007 10:56 AM

I can see how people currently living or wanting to live in a Battery Park City like area would love this. Isn't the walk to the subway fairly long from there? Will there be a water taxi?

Posted by: tag482 at April 30, 2007 10:58 AM

Where will the actual apartments be? In the big grey 'factory'-like building?

Posted by: Brenda from Flatbush at April 30, 2007 11:10 AM

11:10 -- Yes, in there. Half the bldg looks right at the BQE.

Posted by: Anonymous at April 30, 2007 11:22 AM

i agree about the building. it looks more institutional than factory, it would pass as a hospital rather than apartment building. it's got no personality at all.

Posted by: anon. at April 30, 2007 11:40 AM

whats the access, if any, to the promenade

Posted by: jroe at April 30, 2007 11:43 AM

It is important to point our that there is no park yet. The image is an architect's rendering of what it may look like, some day. Right now it is a huge parking lot with Port Authority sheds. It is the opposite of green and scenic.
The land is still owned by the Port Authority. It has yet to be transferred to the Parks Department, which seems less and less thrilled to take it over. There will be two highrises built to the south of the old warehouse, which is part of the "deal" (long story)
I notice those towers have not been included in the rendering.

Posted by: Anon at April 30, 2007 12:09 PM

At the right price, they would go like hotcakes.

I think that they are starting off a little on the high side.

Posted by: Anonymous at April 30, 2007 12:10 PM

The actual building is cream, not gray.

Posted by: Anonymous at April 30, 2007 12:30 PM

has anyone confirmed (or is it listed anywhere that i can confirm) that the new high rises will definitely be to the south of that building? there goes my view if so (NOT happy right now).

Posted by: busta at April 30, 2007 12:40 PM

The two new towers are definitely planned to go up just south of One Brooklyn Bridge Park, near the foot of Atlantic Avenue. That is the plan endorsed by the Brooklyn Heights Association and rejected by just about everybody else, including the Cobble Hill Association, the Boerum Hill Association, the Fulton Ferry people, etc etc.
Those new towers, if built as planned, will really block the views of the south facing units in number 1 BBP.
If the towers are not built, the park will not be built either as the financing for the upkeep of the future park is tied in to the new development. Hence the controversy, and hence my skepticism that the park will ever be built in our lifetime.

Posted by: anon at April 30, 2007 1:01 PM

you can naysay all you'd like but clearly there are 4000 people interested in taking a look at this place.

they should have no trouble selling out. i love this area.

Posted by: anon at April 30, 2007 2:34 PM

Anon 12:10 - I would think the developers strategy would be to start off low and then hopefully tack on both passive and active appreciation over the entire marketing period. Best deals in a development of this size are usually upfront. The developer is probably interested in getting into contract with a number of units right away in order to show both his equity partners and debt providers that the project is as viable as projected.

Posted by: Anonymous at April 30, 2007 3:23 PM

The real question is how many of 4000 interested have the money to buy at about $1000 psqf

Posted by: Anonymous at April 30, 2007 3:24 PM

i'd say quite a few 3:24. 1000 psf is becoming the norm for something slightly above average these days.

people aren't going to trekk down to this location unless they are relatively serious, i don't think...

i'm not saying it's far...i happen to love it down there, but i'm just saying its in brooklyn, it's not within 3 minutes of a subway station.

brooklyn has gotten uber HOT

Posted by: anon at April 30, 2007 3:30 PM

Sorry to dissapoint all ya'll with East River sailing dreams, but that would be a pretty bad place to kkep a boat. Currents on the river are notorious, and there's no point in even trying unless you time the trip right.

Just saying...

Posted by: egs at April 30, 2007 3:35 PM

According to the BBPC, the marina is a wish list item. They have to find a private operator who would be interested in building and running the marina. Good luck.
I think 1 BBP will be succesful whether or not there is a little sliver park there. It will have its own parking, it's walking distance to the neighborhood amenities although something tells me most of the buyers will be more interested in the drive to Dean & Delucca and the Hamptons than the walk to the local eateries and subway.

Posted by: Anonymous at April 30, 2007 3:54 PM

I viewed the property and consider myself lucky to have gotten in, I am buying, the units and finishes are amazing, can't think of another comparable project, high ceilings, appliances, baths kitchens all top notch. Also noticed that the new york times was right, you cannot hear the BQE. This will be the best building in Brooklyn and maybe Manhattan as the view of manhattan is unbelievable.

Posted by: anon at April 30, 2007 3:59 PM

i love this area but to say it's the best building in brooklyn, or manhattan means you have a few screws loose.

seriously.

every building being built now has these finishes, fyi. you don't get out much, apparently.

but thanks for the comment, mr/mrs. real estate agent.

Posted by: anon at April 30, 2007 4:07 PM

I agree that this building will be awesome.
Much of Brooklyn Heights, Cobble Hill, and Dumbo are right next to the BQE. What's new?
If I had the money I would live there.
Screw those ditzy old row houses.
I'm so over it.

Posted by: Anon at April 30, 2007 4:10 PM

rumors today that this bldg will get a Trader Joes. And so the tradition of a rumored TJs or Whole Foods going into every damn development marches on

Posted by: Anonymous at April 30, 2007 4:15 PM

it's ridiculous that trader joe's would come down to this location with no nearby subway access and have to build a huge parking lot than put it in an already established neighborhood like the spot on 7th ave in park slope (which is CRAVING a trader joe's) where that deplorable key food is.

it's crazy. and not very green, i might add.

Posted by: anonymous at April 30, 2007 4:20 PM

Trader Joe's is sooooooo overrated. A bunch of frozen, prepared canapes, shrink-wrapped cheese, and their loss-leading Two-Buck Chuck (which is crap)--I mean, who cares? Give me Fairway any day.

Posted by: bob999 at April 30, 2007 4:53 PM

You know the building is right across the street from the Greek revival houses of Brooklyn Heights. It isn't in Timbuktu. All the subway lines in the world are a short, pleasant walk away. This isn't Clinton Hill where you have to walk a mile to get on the G train. This is a really nice and convenient location. It is a five minute stroll to Montague Street.

Posted by: anon at April 30, 2007 5:02 PM

Whoa, Anon 5:02--easy on the Hill-bashing transit myths. I walk about 40 seconds to the G, and about 8 minutes to the C. Not convenient like Boerum, but not exactly Siberia, and wayyyy cooler old buildings than a lot of hoods. No need to nabe-bash.

Posted by: bob999 at April 30, 2007 5:06 PM

Can I afford a 3or 4br condo there?

Income over 400k (incl bonus), in the bank half a mill, around 300k equity in current condo and some money in 401k....

Can I afford a 2mill place?

Posted by: Anonymous at April 30, 2007 5:14 PM

talk to a mortgage broker dude.

jesus.

this site is turning into curbed.

Posted by: anon at April 30, 2007 5:18 PM

I don't think it's THAT ridic. Fairway doesn't have subway access and is doing great. Also this place is going to have a 500 space hourly parking garage in addition to the 125 resident parking garage.

I know Park Slopers feel entitled to EVERYTHING, but maybe owners don't like the idea of all those people buying 3 items and walking home.

Posted by: Anonymous at April 30, 2007 5:42 PM

well a lot of us brooklynites don't have cars and would like to keep it that way.

putting these fairways and trader joe's in such crappy areas when it comes to mass transit is not very helpful. i just don't understand the logic. park slope or not.

this is a walk up a very steep hill to the train which is not condusive for hauling groceries.

Posted by: anon at April 30, 2007 5:49 PM

I agree that it would be nice if Fairway were subway-accessible, but, then, it ain't easy to find affordable, bazillion-square-foot commercial space in the slope, ya know.

Posted by: bob999 at April 30, 2007 6:00 PM

i wish trader joe's would take over the key food on 7th ave in the slope. very centrally located for a lot of people who could walk and who do not necessarily enjoy fresh direct (i don't) don't want to work at the food co-op and like decent priced food. it seems like an amazing location, if you ask me.

i'm biased, of course.

Posted by: anon at April 30, 2007 6:06 PM

I dunno. I used to go to that Key Food on 7th Ave and it was pretty blah. The space isn't nearly large enough to support a WF or TJs.

I feel like people don't get basic econimics. What's next? You wish Ikea would move within walking distance?

Posted by: Anonymous at April 30, 2007 6:46 PM

I think you should all tour this place before you make a judgement i wasn't a believer until i got in and found that the Architects did a great job, the layouts are the best I've seen in Brooklyn, finally real rooms I am trying to get out of another contract on another Brooklyn Development and move here boy did I make a mistake not waiting. The Brooklyn view is great and there is no noise from the road the windows must be super thick and the value is there.

Posted by: dennis at April 30, 2007 6:54 PM

the land lease is the thing that puts me off.

Posted by: Anonymous at April 30, 2007 7:15 PM

anon 5:49,
this is Brooklyn sweetheart WE LOVE OUR CARS. If you have a problem with cars, then move back to your college campus our buy a burro and live in the third world.
Backward thinking loser, wanting to turn America into a nation of barefoot peasants. Screw you.
CARS ROCK! always have, always will.

Posted by: anon at April 30, 2007 7:21 PM

Many of who - you know who you are and, if you don't, then it's worse than I think - need help, psychopharmcological intervention and/or a hug. Lighten up.

Posted by: Anon at April 30, 2007 8:09 PM

"I think you should all tour this place before you make a judgement i wasn't a believer until i got in and found that the Architects did a great job..." (etc)

So you weren't a believer but you signed up on the waiting list? Because that's the only way to "get in" right now. It's certainly possible, but it would be odd to be skeptical, in contract somewhere else, and yet signing up on the list for this place.

Posted by: Anon at April 30, 2007 8:36 PM

why so little posting re: actual sales? Any time this topic comes up nobody has any actual numbers, projected move in time, etc. I'm seriously interested in the place and haven't gotten a call returned despite 5 phone messages over the last 8 weeks. They mailed me the brochure which has nothing about real numbers, units, etc. I suppose i have to visit the sales office in person which sucks for a lazy guy like me. I'd love any real info anyone can supply.

Posted by: Anonymous at April 30, 2007 8:39 PM

looks like a massive housing project! good luck with it, suckers!!!

Posted by: Anonymous at April 30, 2007 8:53 PM

Don't confuse "Brooklyn Bridge Park" — the condo extravaganza with a private park in the area of 360 Furman Street — with the very lovely park at the foot of Washington and Main streets in DUMBO. That park — and yes, THAT is a park -- is labeled "Brooklyn Bridge Park" but its development and upkeep has NOTHING TO DO WITH the condo "park" beneath Brooklyn Heights.

Posted by: Anonymous at April 30, 2007 8:56 PM

The building is three blocks to the 4/5/2/3/N/R trains. How can people say that there is no subway access????

Posted by: Anonymous at April 30, 2007 9:05 PM

no, it's not three blocks. it's much further. you can either look at a map, or better yet, walk from those stops to the site.
actually that will be difficult to do right now, since the pedestrian bridge that's supposed to bring you over the bqe and into the park, which puts you almost in your new luxury condo, exists only in an architect's rendering.
meantime you can walk from the subway down atlantic and cross under the bqe, and then up whatever the name of that nasty frontage road is to the site.
it's far away from everything except amazing views. presumably many of the would-be buyers here only use car services (maybe they will have personal jetpacks by the time its ready for occupancy!) but even they may want to walk somewhere, sometime.
still, nice views.

Posted by: Anonymous at April 30, 2007 9:48 PM

Agents at the major Brooklyn firms can help you get in to see this property. But the picture looks a lot like my idea of what it must be like to live in Weehawken. Since when did NYC get so friggin boring architecturally? It's just safe and boring. It's like I woke up in Ohio or something.

Posted by: Anonymous at April 30, 2007 10:20 PM

I visited the sales office last week. There are two model units; one with the water view and one with the Bklyn Heights view. I have to say, the apartments really are stunning. The finishings are very classy and the layouts of the units I saw are great. They are very selective about the information they give out but it looks like the water side is 1000+psf and the Bklyn Heights side at like 700+psf. Which, by the way, I was on the 7th floor and you would barely realize the BQE is even there. Move-ins will apparently being towards the end of this year, and they will continue through mid 2008. I hope that is helpful. I think I am going to go back this week as I am seriously considering purchasing. I will keep you posted. Oh, and for anyone who is interested in the subway commute, it took me 8 minutes to walk from the subway (2,3,4,5,R) to the building.

Posted by: Anonymous at April 30, 2007 10:21 PM

ugly ugly UGLY. it looks like the death star at the very very best. take away the artists rendering of the park for a minute and imagine what an ugly sight this building truly is. the only thing that helps at all visually is its surroundings and they're just artists renderings folks. also, i got inside to see these units and i didn't find them very satisfying, not at those prices.

Posted by: Anonymous at April 30, 2007 10:48 PM

Posted by: anon at May 1, 2007 7:45 AM

Who wants to live in a gigantic building with 500plus other apartment owners. I went to 110 Warren and really liked that thye carved a boutique building within the project with sep address and lobby/personnel.
This building is a funky location to walk to; I live nearby and I know the area. Once you dip below Hicks it's a weird downhill to Furman which is butt fuck ugly.
I think this would be creepy at night.
Agree that Trader Joe's is no big Kahuna. Wold much rather be closer to Sahadis, Damascus, and the Chinese fruit and veggie market on Atlantic.

Posted by: anon at May 1, 2007 7:52 AM

its still a warehouse - this time for midtown drones, each stored in a luxury apartment.

Don't worry about the BQE noise - its the hydrocarbon particles that are the problem.

The harbor views though are unbeatable. People pay more than 1000 psf in Manhattan just to look at another building the same as their own.

Posted by: Anonymous at May 1, 2007 8:05 AM

10.21, what is the maintanence fee for 700 sq ft brooklyn side?

Posted by: Anonymous at May 1, 2007 8:49 AM

As a Heights Resident and member of the Conservancy I would like to congratulate the Developer on taking what could have been a nightmare to the park and making it a positive by working with the park and stepping up to a cooperative arrangement. I can't understand why anyone would be in opposition to this conversion it could have otherwise continued to operate as the Jehova Witness facility in the midst of the park without any cooperative effort by the Jehovas as has been evidenced by the Developer.

Posted by: Heights Resident at May 1, 2007 9:12 AM

Every story I've read is that the developer stands to make a fortune off the back of this park.

So yeah, congratulations.

Posted by: Anonymous at May 1, 2007 9:42 AM

A part of the building forms a "U" (as seen from the rendering). So it looks like some units will only have a view of the apts directly opposite. How much are those units going for? Personally, I'd rather face the BQE than have my neighbor staring right into my apt. Plus, those units probably don't get much sun. $700 sqft is way too much for that scenario.

Posted by: Anonymous at May 1, 2007 9:54 AM

I don't think this would have been a nightmare in any case. I'm sorry the Conservancy had this view. The Jehovas have always been good neighbors with well-maintained facilities.

How this park ended up being home to not only this development (which was already there afterall), but also other buildings south of this AND at the north end is beyond me. And a marina! Ah, power to the people.

Posted by: Anonymous at May 1, 2007 10:17 AM

I like the building; I like the finishes; I like the location; I don't mind having 500 neighbors; I believe the park will be built; and on my salary, I am willing to compromise on my ideal and purchase a unit that either faced the highway, another unit across the light well, or the proposed buildings to the south ... but not at $700psf. At that price, it seems that all the compromise is on my side of the equation and none on the developer's. At that price, I'd just as soon live in LIC.

Posted by: Anonymous at May 1, 2007 10:27 AM

by the way, IF the park comes to fruition, it would be completed in 2012.

at the earliest.

this info is from the brooklyn heights community association.

Posted by: anon at May 1, 2007 11:02 AM

The comment about hydrocarbons is accurate. Dust and debris from the BQE also make it impossible to imagine opening a window--even on the water side. I am disappointed that the developers did not consider going green with this building--even something as basic as an air purification system. Anyone interested in this place for long term living--rather than short term flipping--should think about how hazardous living next to a dirty highway is. A propos the noise question: ask people who live on the Tiffany Place buildings whether they hear anything, or whether they open their windows. I understand that some people at 70 Washington have decided to brick up their BQE side windows. There are some locations, it should be remembered, that are just not suited for living.

Posted by: anon at June 28, 2007 10:32 PM

There are so many old buildings in Brooklyn with beautiful facades, brand new renovated interiors and close to transportation that, for the life of me, I cannot understand why anyone would want to live in the land of Far Far Away (truly not near ANYTHING) in a Ford factory knock off like this one. And to pay top dollar for it is mind boggling. You might not be able to hear the BQE with the windows closed, but what happens if you want to get some fresh air? Not that you could anyway. Who pays a million bucks for a place where you can't even open the window??? I'm starting to wonder if everyone in NY just has way to much money and nothing to do with it.

Posted by: JackieBlu at August 3, 2007 4:59 PM

The property was owned by Jehovah's Witnesses, Jehovah is God's name found at Psalms 83:18 in most bibles. The building was well kept and was above code,that's one of the reasons that it makes a beautiful residential now. If it wasn't well kept, like most buildings built in 1928, much more work would have to be done.

I would like to ask Heights Resident at May 1, 2007 9:12 AM, if they ever been in the building before it was sold. You didn't see trash outside, you did not see dirty windows. Many inspectors said it was the cleanest building they have ever seen. If you have a chance, since you live in Brooklyn Heights, ask for a free tour of the other Watchtower buildings . You may be impressed and be glad that such a well kept building is now available for others.

Posted by: guest at December 31, 2007 2:49 AM

I bought into the building, they had a party tonight to celebrate completion of phase 1. The finishes in the apartments and the new lobby are stunning. The location is still a mess since there is no park, it's hard to cross the street (highway?), there is nothing else around and you can't open a window. The apartment doors in the common area hallways are this weird baby shit brown color. Completely out of line with the rest of the colors. The paint is already chipping. Only 30% of the building has sold. I would never have bought into the building if I knew the hallways were going to resemble a hospital / prison / mental asylum, just to mimic the exterior. We can only assume that the developers have run out of money and can't afford to finish the common areas properly. Give me the beautiful character and timeless class of Bed Stuy over this any day..

Posted by: guest at February 27, 2008 9:30 PM

« After Rollercoaster Week, Damage Is Done at AY Front Page Forum: Meaning of the Crack »

April 30, 2007

Wanna See One Brooklyn Bridge Park? Get In Line

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