Historic telecommunications office tower turned prime residence
One of early 20th-century New York architect Ralph Thomas Walker’s best demonstrations of the Art Deco style, BellTel Lofts — the iconic “wedding cake” building in the heart of Downtown Brooklyn — was originally the headquarters of The New York Telephone Company, today’s Verizon. Having served different functions since its completion in 1931, the 400,000-square-foot structure was converted into a condo in 2005 by leading New York firm Beyer Blinder Belle for developer Berkshire Capital. Making the most of the particularly ornate brick facade and a precession of generously proportioned setbacks, the landmarked structure features 250 especially tall loft-like units with, in some cases, sweeping balconies. “People originally bought into the building because it was the first conversion in Downtown Brooklyn, and I think, the space — which is still competitively priced,” says Candia Herman, a Realtor with Compass and longtime building resident. “There are 11 subway lines that stop nearby, and for people who work in Manhattan, this combination is fantastic.”
BellTel Lofts was constructed as a shining 27-story monument to the rapidly expanding telecommunications industry of the early 20th century. Walker adorned the massive half-block-wide structure with an elaborate, yet unified facade made up of a whopping 2.6 million reddish-brown bricks arranged in various patterns. Borrowing from the transitional German Expressionist style, entrance bays are defined by intricately stepped arches. Three-dimensional parapets formed along the edge of setbacks are joined by cast-stone copings. In true Art Deco fashion, lozenge, starburst and chevron details can be found throughout. This overall design language carries through from the exterior to the carefully restored lobby.
Because the building's first nine stories fill in the full massing of the site, the 75 units on these levels are especially deep. What has been adapted into separate rooms closer to the center of the building can’t technically be called bedrooms because they don’t have windows. That said, residents have found clever ways to turn these rooms — technically defined as home offices — into sleeping areas. Higher-level units, including a few duplex penthouses, benefit from uniquely deep terraces positioned atop the setbacks; these corner residences tend to have windows on two sides. Though the finishes that were introduced during conversion were high quality, they might now seem dated. It isn’t really an issue, as most units have been updated by previous owners. “BellTel Lofts has really good bones, and the high 10 to 11 feet ceilings make it great for art collectors,” Herman adds. “Residents also tend to use a lot of color to break up the large interiors.” For her, another major draw is the ample amount of closet space introduced by Beyer Blinder Belle.
Lower floor “studios” that contain one to two “home office bedrooms” sell for around $1 million, while the previously mentioned penthouses are priced not that much higher, at $1.5 million. It all comes down to the level of finish, square footage and the amount of private outdoor space. A sprawling 2,450-square-foot unit with three bedrooms and a wrap-around terrace can sell for upwards of $2.6 million. It’s still good value when considering the comps in other area condo buildings, especially the newer high rises that have gone up along nearby Flatbush Avenue.
A well-appointed two-zone roof deck and more
“As a broker, I’ve seen many rooftops throughout New York’s premium offering, but nothing compares to our setup,” Herman says. Given BellTel Lofts’ stepped symmetry, its recently updated roof deck is broken up into two sections: one with built-in grills for entertaining and another “quiet zone” with plenty of lounge chairs. The building features a basement-level fitness center with top-line equipment, a dedicated yoga studio and an adjoining children's room undergoing renovation in summer 2024. According to Herman, the management company that took over from the initial developer a few years ago does a great job of maintaining and updating common spaces. There’s also a business center right off the lobby, which is attended by a 24-hour concierge and a live-in super. The neighborhood has several parking garages with fairly priced monthly rates.
Surroundings in transition
As a central transportation hub where many bus routes meet subway lines — the 2, 3, 4, 5, A, B, C, F, G, Q and R to be exact —Downtown Brooklyn tends to draw in many people, including those struggling with addiction and homelessness. Though the area — situated between the upmarket neighborhoods of Brooklyn Heights, Boerum Hill, Clinton Hill and Dumbo — is seeing significant commercial and residential development — certain pockets might still be viewed by some as seedy. City Point is a commercial center with a Target, Trader Joe’s, Alamo Drafthouse cinema and a basement-level food hall. Neighborhood restaurant Gage & Tollner is a historic late 1800s haunt that was shuttered for decades but reopened to much anticipation in 2021. A few blocks east of BellTel Lofts, Borough Hall hosts a green market on Tuesdays and Saturdays. There’s also a farmers market every Saturday morning in close-by Fort Greene Park, a green space that anchors a thriving commercial district with hip eateries, trendy bars and owner-operated boutiques. Just up the block from the building, the Brooklyn Commons and Metrotech Walk are parks utilized for a robust program of community activities, including wintertime ice skating and outdoor concerts during warmer months. The scenic Brooklyn Heights Promenade is in close proximity as well.
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Current List Price
Sold Price
Area Factors
High Crime
Crime Score®
8/ 10
Biker's Paradise
Bike Score®
91/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
98/ 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
Columbus Park
7 min walk
Picnic Area
Trails
Events
McLaughlin Park
8 min walk
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Playground
Korean War Veterans Plaza
8 min walk
Picnic Area
Trails
Walt Whitman Park
10 min walk
Picnic Area
Trails
Trinity Park
10 min walk
Picnic Area
Trails
Cadman Plaza Park
12 min walk
Picnic Area
Trails
Events
Fort Greene Park
12 min walk
Tennis
Trails
Events
Maritcha R. Lyons Park
13 min walk
Trails
Playground
North Pacific Playground
13 min walk
Picnic Area
Trails
Playground
Schools
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