Williamsburg

August 24, 2021

Wait list for 39 affordable apartments opens at rental near the Williamsburg waterfront, from $1,999/month

The 19-story rental at 321 Wythe Avenue opened in 2019, just two blocks from the South Williamsburg waterfront. After initially opening a lottery for 39 middle-income units, the building is relaunching its waitlist for these apartments. Currently, there are two vacant units, but all applicants will be placed on the list for future vacancies. Those earning 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the units that range from a $1,999/month one-bedroom to $2,459/month two-bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify
August 19, 2021

The world’s first air conditioner was invented in Brooklyn in 1902

Photo of Willis Carrier (left) courtesy of Wikipedia; Photo of air conditioners in NY building courtesy of Marcel Oosterwijk on Flickr It figures, but history shows us yet another way Brooklyn was cool, like, forever–though this particular example is a bit more literal. A classic New York City heatwave was just enough to turn up the Brooklyn ingenuity in a junior engineer named Willis Carrier, who devised a system of fans, ducts, heaters, and perforated pipes that became the world’s first air conditioner. The problem: blistering temperatures that were literally melting the equipment in a Williamsburg printing house. The solution was one that had eluded centuries of inventors through sweltering summers. The system was installed in the summer of 1902, according to the New York Times, and Carrier went on to found Carrier Corporation. He had hit on the idea while walking in the fog.
It's the humidity
July 13, 2021

Climate change-themed mini-golf course opens at Two Trees’ waterfront site in Williamsburg

On the site of a proposed mixed-use development in Williamsburg, a temporary climate change-themed miniature golf course has opened. Two Trees Management on Monday announced visitors can now enjoy Putting Green, an 18-hole course designed by local groups that focuses on sustainability and climate issues, as well as a 25,000-square foot sustainable farm. The pop-up mini-golf course sits on the future site of the developer's project "River Ring," which includes two huge towers designed by Bjarke Ingels with more than 1,050 units of housing, a new YMCA, and a public beach.
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June 2, 2021

This $8.25M five-bedroom condo in Williamsburg has an outdoor kitchen overlooking the skyline

The condo building at 2 Northside Piers was one of the first residential developments along the Williamsburg waterfront, which has afforded it completely unobstructed views of the Manhattan skyline. This 20th-floor, five-bedroom unit is perfect proof of this, with panoramic views of the river and the city. And in addition to three balconies, the duplex unit also has an 822-square-foot rooftop cabana complete with a full outdoor kitchen. It's for sale asking $8,250,000.
Check it out
May 11, 2021

New design for Marsha P. Johnson State Park adds more greenery, scraps rainbow-striped mural

A new design was unveiled last week for Marsha P. Johnson State Park in Williamsburg following backlash regarding the state's original proposal. During the local community board's Parks and Waterfront Committee meeting last Thursday, Starr Whitehouse Landscape Architects and Planners presented a revised plan that incorporates more greenery and plantings to the Brooklyn waterfront site and ditches the rainbow-striped plastic mural that opponents criticized, as first reported by Brooklyn Paper.
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April 27, 2021

See the new $7M park coming to the Williamsburg waterfront

Construction officially kicked off this month at a new section of the Bushwick Inlet Park in Williamsburg. The long-awaited two-acre green space, dubbed 50 Kent, is scheduled to open in April 2022. Designs of the parkland, which was promised by the city as part of the 2005 rezoning of the Greenpoint and Williamsburg waterfront, were approved in 2018, but work stalled due to COVID-related budget cuts, as Brooklyn Paper reported.
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April 22, 2021

New details for 100% affordable housing complex planned for historic hospital site in Brooklyn

New details and images of an affordable housing development planned for the site of an abandoned hospital in Brooklyn were released earlier this month, ahead of the project's expected public review. During an April 13 meeting, Hudson Companies and St. Nicks Alliance presented Brooklyn Community Board 1 with an updated proposal for Cooper Park Commons, a four-building 100 percent affordable complex that will be built at the long-vacant Greenpoint Hospital site at 288 Jackson Street in East Williamsburg.
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April 15, 2021

On the Williamsburg waterfront, this $4M penthouse has panoramic views and a private roof deck

It's been 12 years since the Williamsburg waterfront was forever changed when the two massive towers of The Edge were constructed. Located in the South Tower at 22 North 6th Street, this $3,999,999 penthouse shows that the condo hasn't lost any of its prestige over the years. At nearly 2,000 square feet, the three-bedroom duplex has 21-foot floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Brooklyn, as well as a 714-square-foot private rooftop terrace.
See it all
March 22, 2021

44 affordable senior apartments available at new rental in Williamsburg

Applications are currently being accepted for 44 affordable units in Brooklyn that are designated for seniors. The Debevoise Senior Housing building, located at 40 Debevoise Street on the border of Williamsburg and Bushwick, rises eight stories and includes on-site laundry, a recreation room, community center, and common outdoor space. To apply, applicants must have at least one household member who is 62 years of age or older, qualify for Section 8 benefits, and earn $51,200 or less, annually. Eligible applicants will pay 30 percent of their income for the studio and one-bedroom apartments.
Find out if you qualify
March 18, 2021

Plan for massive towers and public beach in Williamsburg moves ahead with new looks

The proposal to construct two mixed-use skyscrapers and a public beach on the North Brooklyn waterfront is moving forward, although with an updated design, timeline, and name. As first reported by Brooklyn Paper, Two Trees Management is preparing to start the city's uniform land use review procedure (ULURP) in the coming weeks for its project "River Ring," which includes two huge towers designed by Bjarke Ingels with more than 1,000 units of housing, a YMCA, and an environmentally-conscious park with a cove and beach.
Details this way
March 8, 2021

Domino Park unveils interactive art display that lights up when stepped on

Months after Domino Park painted circles on the lawn to keep park-goers socially distanced, a different type of ring has appeared at the waterfront Williamsburg green space. The park last week unveiled Reflect, an interactive sculpture designed by artist Jen Lewin made up of three concentric rings that react to the steps of visitors. Each jump, skip, and dance on the circular platforms triggers a new flash of light, with many people able to engage with the display at once.
See it here
February 16, 2021

$2.7M Williamsburg penthouse has four outdoor spaces and a rooftop sauna

While the interiors at this three-bedroom South Williamsburg condo are eye-catching on their own, it's the four outdoor spaces that really set the home apart. Located at The Smith Grey at 138 Broadway, the three-level apartment has two terraces, a balcony, and a huge roof terrace complete with an outdoor sauna. It's currently on the market asking $2,695,000.
Take the tour here
January 27, 2021

Two-story Williamsburg condo has a glass wall and grassy balcony for $1.2M

The six-unit condo building at 237 Devoe Street in Williamsburg was recently completed, and perhaps the most unique unit is this duplex that sits behind the entire double-story wall of glass. The other interesting feature is the balcony, which has a cool grassy extension. Asking $1,225,000, the 1,020-square-foot one-bedroom has 20-foot ceilings, modern finishes, and tons of storage space.
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December 23, 2020

Botanical and bohemian vibes create a serene space at this $1.8M Williamsburg three-bedroom

Right across from McCarren Park in Williamsburg is the modern condominium 20 Bayard Street, notable for the fact that every unit has gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows. This three-bedroom apartment on the 10th floor is one that has a full-wall, curved window with views of the skyline, as well as a rear balcony. Add to that the abundance of plants and subtle bohemian vibe, and the 1,312-square-foot home is a serene escape, currently listed for $1,779,000.
Look around
December 17, 2020

Oops! 2020 did it again! We have TWO Buildings of the Year

Earlier this week, 6sqft reported that 15 Hudson Yards was voted 2020 Building of the Year with a whopping 50 percent of the votes. However, after we discovered a glitch in our vote-counting system (how 2020!), the results are too close to call and it’s a virtual tie with One South First. If it were another year, we would extend the voting to call a single winner, but it is 2020, and we don’t want to think about voting anymore! The fact that our readers put these two buildings on par is fitting, as they are both prominent projects that have changed the trajectories of their respective neighborhoods--15 Hudson Yards at the Hudson Yards mega-development and One South First at the Domino Sugar development on the south Williamsburg waterfront. Ahead, learn more about the two buildings and what sets them apart.
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November 13, 2020

‘Blue’s Clues’ host Steve Burns lists his playful, converted-garage in Williamsburg for $3.35M

Remember the kids' show Blue's Clues from the late '90s/early 2000s? Well, host Steve Burns has been living right here in Williamsburg since then, creating one of the most unique homes in the entire city, where he's been busy making music. The former garage and woodshop at 19 Powers Street was transformed into a contemporary-meets-rustic abode, complete with a private parking garage, a magical courtyard, and two rooftop terraces. The two-bedroom home is now on the market for $3,350,000.
Don't miss this one
October 8, 2020

$6.5M ‘upside-down’ townhouse in Williamsburg takes mid-century glam to the next level

This uber-modern townhouse at 107 South 4th Street looks nothing like any of its Williamsburg neighbors, with its honeycomb and concrete facade. And inside, the surprises keep coming. The layout was designed as an "upside-down house" so that the kitchen and main living spaces could take advantage of the East River and skyline views, and all throughout, you'll find "fine-art, high-design, and Mid-Century modern pedigree," as the listing puts it. The four-bedroom house is on the market for $6,500,000.
Don't miss the full tour
October 1, 2020

Williamsburg’s iconic Kellogg’s Diner is struggling to stay alive

One of the thousands of small businesses struggling to make ends meet in New York City's pandemic world is Williamsburg's Kellogg's Diner, which has been in business since the 1940s. The 24-hour restaurant at the corner of Metropolitan and Union Avenues says it's in danger of closing if the city doesn't increase its indoor dining capacity from 25 to 50 percent. Referring to the fact that restaurants in the rest of the state are able to operate at half capacity, owner Irene Siderakis told Pix 11, "Why is it fair for them and not for us? I don’t understand. I don’t get it."
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September 30, 2020

Williamsburg’s beloved City Reliquary museum is in danger of closing for good

The City Reliquary is a strange place. It's completely cluttered and full of oddities like the bones of a subway rat and schist cores, as well as local memorabilia like the original 2nd Avenue Deli sign and vintage seltzer bottles. But that what makes it so special and so New York. The small-but-mighty Williamsburg museum has been closed during the entire pandemic, as they're completely staffed by volunteers. And in order to reopen, they need to be able to pay their rent and show their financial stability. The Reliquary is asking New Yorkers to help them meet this goal so they can avoid closing their doors for good in November.
Find out how you can help
September 18, 2020

35 mixed-income apartments up for grabs at new East Williamsburg rental, from $924/month

Applications are now being accepted for 35 mixed-income apartments at a new apartment building in East Williamsburg. Located at 222 Johnson Avenue, the seven-story rental is located just one block from the L train and is surrounded by some of Brooklyn's best restaurants and entertainment venues. Qualifying New Yorkers earning 60, 125, 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the units, ranging from $924/month studios to $2,876/month two-bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify
August 25, 2020

See designs for the Brooklyn park dedicated to LGBTQ advocate Marsha P. Johnson

Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Monday dedicated Brooklyn's East River State Park to Black transgender rights activist Marsha P. Johnson, making it the first state park in New York named after an LGBTQ person and transgender woman of color. Located on the Williamsburg waterfront and known for hosting popular outdoor market Smorgasburg, the park will feature a new colorful public art installation honoring Johnson, who played a significant role in the Stonewall Uprising and was a founding member of the Gay Liberation Front. The dedication comes on what would have been Johnson's 75th birthday.
More here
August 4, 2020

Apply for 15 affordable apartments off Williamsburg’s Metropolitan Avenue, from $818/month

A housing lottery launched this week for 15 affordable apartments in Williamsburg. The rental at 31 Ainslie Street is currently accepting applications from New Yorkers earning 60 percent of the area median income, or an annual household income of between $28,286 and $73,680. Just steps from the Metropolitan G and L trains, the building is near a number of notable bars, restaurants, and vintage shops.
Do you qualify?
July 31, 2020

For $3M, this Williamsburg townhouse was designed as an airy artist’s home

At first look, you might assume that this townhouse at 580 Driggs Avenue in North Williamsburg is new construction, but it was actually built in 1899 and completely gut renovated inside and out in 2019. The "custom artist's home," as the listing calls it, was designed as "an airy open layout and plenty of room to spread out, work from home, or relax on the roof deck or in the garden." Listed for $2,950,000, it's just over 2,300 square feet and has four bedrooms.
See the whole place
July 14, 2020

Smorgasburg returns to Williamsburg next week as takeout-only ‘Smorg To Go’

Popular outdoor food market Smorgasburg returns to Williamsburg next week with a new takeout-only model. As Eater New York first reported, "Smorg To Go" will launch on Monday, July 20, with 10 vendors serving fare at 51 North 6th Street at Kent Avenue, a block from the market's typical summer location at Marsha P. Johnson State Park. The new takeout market will operate seven days per week with a rotating list of vendors.
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June 30, 2020

Starting tomorrow, you can get Levain Bakery’s famous cookies in Williamsburg

Tomorrow, Levain Bakery is opening a new location in Williamsburg, the first time New Yorkers will be able to get their hands on one of their six-ounce, deliciously gooey cookies in Brooklyn. Located at 164 North 4th Street, just off bustling Bedford Avenue, it will serve all their cookie varieties, along with bread, brioche, and coffee.
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