This high-end Fort Greene condo had a rough introduction
When Forté hit the market in the late aughts, the housing market had just collapsed and the nationwide recession was spiraling into a global one. Needless to say, the timing was not ideal. The project suffered, and it faced more trouble when online chatter questioned the quality of finishes and amenities relative to the price point. Ultimately, the condo’s investor and developer (Goldman Sachs and The Clarett Group, respectively) were forced to forfeit control of the property to the bank lender. At the time, unit prices were cut to make up for the soft market and shaky reception. However, as the economy recovered, prices climbed back to normal. Today, condos sell for slightly less than Fort Greene’s average price per square foot of $1,133.
Units have unusual floor plans and large windows, but turnover is high
The 30-story, glass and concrete high-rise is shaped like the Flatiron Building, resulting in unique floor plans for many of the 108 total units. Many have triangular, curved great rooms, where the kitchen is connected to the living room and dining area. Large, wall-to-wall windows give residents panoramic views of Brooklyn and, for high-floor units, the Manhattan skyline. Kitchens were originally outfitted with either walnut or white lacquered cabinetry (some apartments have a combination of the two), granite counters and stainless steel appliances. The design did not include backsplashes, but many owners have since added them. Bathrooms feature marble tile and slate floors, and each unit has a stackable washer/dryer.
Studio and one-bedroom apartments typically hover in the $700,000s, while two-bedrooms, which make up most of the building, cost between $1.1 million and $1.39 million. Three-bedroom residences have sold for as much as $1.75 million. Although prices within the condominium have rebounded since its turbulent debut, the turnover rate is high. In the last five years, 48 units were put on the market. Subleasing is also common. In the same amount of time, 40 units were listed for rent.
Amenities are limited to a basement-level gym and a roof deck
While Forté was initially marketed as a luxury development, some people found the common spaces lackluster. Locals (including non-residents) can sit outside the building at Forté Public Plaza, whose triangular plant beds are wrapped with benches. Inside, the lobby features an odd mix of orange-hued wood paneling, shiny black floors, floor-to-ceiling red curtains and eclectic furniture. The gym, while spacious, is located in a windowless basement, and there are no design elements, unlike the sleek and airy fitness centers that many have come to expect in high-end properties. The only other amenity is a lightly landscaped roof deck, which has chaise lounges and nice city views. While Forté’s shared spaces are limited, the condo does offer concierge service and a full-time door attendant. A three-year building resident who did not wish to be named says, “I wouldn’t really call the building fancy, but it’s nice enough. The amenities are decent. I’m just glad I don’t need to pay for a gym membership.”
The area offers a blend of commerce, green space and residential streets
Set near the edge of Fort Greene and Downtown Brooklyn, Forté offers an ideal mix of residential charm and city convenience. The condominium partially fronts Fulton Street, a busy thoroughfare with bodegas, markets, bars, restaurants and cafes. Local favorites include Mr. Mango for fresh produce, SUKH for Thai food and Kofee for espresso drinks and baked goods. A few blocks west, there’s a bustling commercial scene at City Point, a shopping center that includes Trader Joe’s, Target, a movie theater, a food hall and more. Heading the other direction, they’ll pass rows of brownstones before reaching Fort Greene Park, with its tennis courts and weekly artisans and farmers markets. The Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM to locals) has a strong presence in the area. In fact, the renowned institution has owned and occupied the ground-level retail space below the condominium since 2010.
Proximity to 20 subway lines and bus routes
Located only 0.3 miles from the condominium, Atlantic Terminal is serviced by 10 trains (the 2, 3, 4, 5, B, D, N, Q, R, and W) and the Long Island Rail Road. Plus, 10 buses operate along nearby streets, including major thoroughfares like Flatbush and Atlantic avenues. For those with cars, the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway is also accessible nearby.
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Quantarium
Current List Price
Sold Price
Area Factors
Moderate Crime
Crime Score®
5/ 10
Biker's Paradise
Bike Score®
93/ 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
North Pacific Playground
7 min walk
Picnic Area
Trails
Playground
Edmonds Playground
8 min walk
Basketball
Playground
Fort Greene Park
8 min walk
Tennis
Trails
Events
South Oxford Park
9 min walk
Tennis
Playground
Gateway Triangle
12 min walk
Dean Playground
12 min walk
Basketball
Playground
Multi-Purpose Field
Underwood Park
13 min walk
Playground
Lafayette Playground
13 min walk
Basketball
Playground
Waterpark
Oracle Playground
14 min walk
Basketball
Bike Trails
Picnic Area
Schools
Source:
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