“The difference between this building and the majority of the other loft conversions in New York is that a lot of those buildings were taken over by developers, and even if they had distinctive features, they were made into more cookie-cutter spaces. But that’s not how this building works,” says Marina Tatistcheff, an agent at Compass who has sold over half a dozen units at The Esquire. “It was owned by a woman who selected artists in the community to sell these spaces to and allowed them to build them out in whatever way they wanted to. So, every single space is completely unique, and I think when people are looking for that authentic Brooklyn vibe, this is one of the only buildings that still has that.” Although residents have modernized units with high-end finishes and appliances, like kitchen burners built directly into a stone countertop, common design themes — concrete floors, exposed brick and ceilings up to 35 feet — keep the over 100-year-old building grounded in the neighborhood.
Where open spaces serve as blank canvases
In this loft building, having more bedrooms doesn’t always equate to more space. Many one bedrooms are around 1,100 square feet, while studios start at 1,300 square feet, so buyers shouldn’t let those typical size labels limit their search. Duplexes are also common, including for units labeled studios that are really one bedrooms, with an open kitchen and living area on the first floor, and bedroom on the second floor. One-bedroom units are similar but might have additional walls on the upper floor to establish separate spaces. Also, units with one or more bedrooms have Juliet balconies, sometimes on every window. Two-bedroom units range from 1,300 to 1,700 square feet and either divvy up the second floor into several rooms or take extra space on the first floor to add another bedroom. Three-bedroom units are around 1,500 square feet and tend to have two large bedrooms and one that’s more of a home office size. At 2,500 square feet, one of the few four-bedroom units occupies three floors, with the top one looking down on the second floor over an internal balcony.
Preserving and rethinking industrial architecture
Finishes, like the floor plans, vary widely from unit to unit. Many retain the original concrete floors and most have at least some exposed brick, but hardwood flooring is a common upgrade. Kitchen islands could be covered in butcher block or stone, internal staircases could be floating and bathrooms could have walk-in showers or clawfoot tubs. Washer-dryers are rare, but there are common laundry rooms. And with HVAC units in each residence, there’s no need for bulky air conditioners.
Wide price ranges with low monthlies
Prices are more indicative of a unit’s renovation status, finishes and appliances, rather than its size. Studios have sold for $1.5 million to $4.2 million, while one bedrooms have been priced from $1.7 million to $3 million. Two bedrooms have gone up to $3.4 million, while three bedrooms have sold for $2.2 million. However, the building’s limited amenities and lack of a front door attendant reduce monthly carrying costs. “Monthlies are very low. They’ve kept them low on purpose,” Tatistcheff says.
Gardening and sharing with neighbors
“The whole building is based around having an intertwined community,” Tatistcheff says. That communal aspect shows up in the physical spaces, too, from the gardening plots and composting bin on the second floor’s outdoor patio, to the lobby’s offering stone, where residents donate items for their neighbors to welcome into their homes. More practical amenities include laundry rooms on the sixth and seventh floors, a pet washing room for dog owners and parking spots on the back side.
Near the East River in trendy Williamsburg
This block of Wythe Avenue is a sort of microcosm for Williamsburg, with prewar townhouses across the street, a combination denim store and boutique cafe next door and farther down, a vacant warehouse set to become condos. Many of the neighborhood’s higher end bars restaurants are just south, trendy stores are just east and two major music venues are just north. The playground down the street was renovated in 2023, and two blocks over, Domino Park, opened in 2018, has waterfront playgrounds, dog runs, volleyball courts and walking paths.
Walk, bike or drive the Williamsburg Bridge
The nearest subway stations are half a mile away, so residents have a short walk either to the L train or the J, M Z trains. The ferry is closer, and it goes along Manhattan’s east side up to 34th Street and down to Wall Street. When residents have more travel time, they can also go a few blocks down to the Williamsburg Bridge, which has routes for cars, cyclists and pedestrians.
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Quantarium
Current List Price
Sold Price
Area Factors
Moderate Crime
Crime Score®
5/ 10
Biker's Paradise
Bike Score®
92/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
99/ 100
Rider's Paradise
Transit Score®
100/ 100
Sources: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Walk Score
Sources: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Walk Score
WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Powered by CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks. Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Environmental risk data is provided by First Street Foundation® and is designed to approximate risk and not intended to include all possible scenarios.
Parks in this Area
William Sheridan Playground
1 min walk
Basketball
Trails
Playground
Domino Park
3 min walk
Trails
River
Berry Playground
5 min walk
Basketball
Trails
Playground
La Guardia Playground
10 min walk
Trails
Playground
Waterpark
Bedford Playground
11 min walk
Basketball
Trails
Playground
Bushwick Inlet Park
12 min walk
Football
Soccer
Trails
Sobel Playground
14 min walk
Trails
Playground
Strawberry Playground
14 min walk
Trails
Playground
Roebling Playground
15 min walk
Basketball
Trails
Playground
Schools
Source:
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