An architectural stunner on an idyllic Brooklyn Heights block
Even on a Brooklyn Heights Historic District street that’s packed with stunning examples of 19th- and early 20th-century architecture, The Remsen at 70 Remsen St. is a standout. The 10-story building dating to 1928 features a striking Romanesque facade with a trio of imposing stone arches, marble columns, intricate carvings and doors framed by leaded glass windows. Known for attracting architecture-focused walking tours, the distinct, 103-unit building also lured a couple relocating from the Upper West Side. “They were particularly drawn to the architecture,” says Elegran Forbes Global Properties agent Michelle Halpern, who worked with them in their search for a new home. “They were looking for something with charm in a quiet area but close to the subway. This perfectly fit with their criteria. It’s old-world charm at, for New York standards, a reasonable price point.”
The character doesn’t stop at the facade of the H.I. Feldman-designed co-op, which originally functioned as a men’s hotel. “You come into the lobby and it’s almost like an old-world club-type atmosphere,” says Halpern. The entryway features a dark wood coffered ceiling with inlaid detail and intricate carvings, a rounded wood reception desk and soft lighting from metal sconces topped with delicate white shades.
The Remsen is one of the 2,500 New York City apartment buildings designed by Feldman, who worked on projects in Grand Concourse in the Bronx, Greenwich Village, Murray Hill and Yorkville, as well as several New York City Housing Authority developments. A graduate of Yale with a degree in architecture, Feldman endowed the H. I. Feldman Scholarship in architecture at the university.
The architect’s legacy is visible on the facade of The Remsen, as well. Not only is a building cornerstone etched with his name and title, but a small decorative head carved into the stone is none other than the architect himself.
Studios to two-bedrooms with high ceilings and pleasing views
Homes in The Remsen include studios to two-bedroom units. Studios measuring up to 500 square feet list for $300,000 and higher. One-bedrooms 700 square feet or less ask $650,000 or more. Two-bedroom units, created by combining apartments, can be as large as 1,200 square feet and prices start at $970,000. Select homes have outdoor spaces and the penthouse apartment features an impressive large wraparound terrace. Residences have high ceilings and hardwood floors and most kitchens and bathrooms are windowed. “The apartments feel very solid,” says Halpern. “They don’t have thin walls like they have in new developments these days.” Views include downtown Brooklyn and New York Harbor to the north, Grace Church to the south and surrounding residential streets of historic brownstones.
24-hour door attendant, live-in super and shared laundry room
The Remsen is staffed by a 24/7 door attendant and live-in super. The co-op has a shared laundry room and bike storage. Pets are permitted.
Brooklyn Heights charm near essentials and entertainment
The co-op’s location offers a unique mix of Brooklyn Heights’ picturesque blocks, public green space and incredible convenience. “The street itself is very residential. It’s quiet. It’s lovely,” says Halpern. “It almost seems suburban, in the best sense. You’re still close to good restaurants and transit an all of that. But you don’t hear all the noise that you would in other spots in Brooklyn or Midtown Manhattan. It has that really lovely, laid-back relaxed feeling there.” The commercial strip of Brooklyn Heights, Montague Street, is one block north. Businesses along the corridor include specialty food stores, coffee shops, restaurants, salons and the independent bookstore Books Are Magic. The closest grocery store, a Key Food Supermarket, is around the corner, while stores such as Sahadi’s and Trader Joe’s are nearby on Atlantic Avenue. Brooklyn Bridge Park is a few blocks to the west, and Borough Hall is three blocks east. Several notable schools are within walking distance, including the PS 8 and private schools The Packer Collegiate Institute and St. Ann’s School.
Easy commute and connections via numerous trains, bridges and roads
Public transit options are plentiful, with 10 subway lines, including the N, R, W, 2, 3, 4, 5, A, C and F trains, all within a 10-minute walk from the building. The Long Island Rail Road at Atlantic Terminal can be reached in about five minutes by train. Commuters to Wall Street can make the trip in about 15 minutes, and travel time to Midtown Manhattan is around 30 minutes. The Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge and Interstate 278 are nearby and easily accessible by car. Drive time to LaGuardia Airport is about 30 minutes.
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Quantarium
Current List Price
Sold Price
Area Factors
Low Crime
Crime Score®
3/ 10
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
87/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
94/ 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
Pierrepont Playground
3 min walk
Playground
Brooklyn Heights Promenade
4 min walk
Trails
Playground
Adam Yauch Park
5 min walk
Dog Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Columbus Park
6 min walk
Picnic Area
Trails
Events
Fort Stirling Park
7 min walk
Trails
Walt Whitman Park
8 min walk
Picnic Area
Trails
Korean War Veterans Plaza
8 min walk
Picnic Area
Trails
Van Voorhees Playground
8 min walk
Tennis
Playground
Cadman Plaza Park
10 min walk
Picnic Area
Trails
Events
Schools
Source:
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