A historical prewar co-op located near Clinton Hill’s Pratt Institute
Set in Clinton Hill’s historic district, one block from Pratt Institute, Francine Towers, a century-old, two-tower building, became a co-op in 1986. A local broker, Elizabeth Stile moved into the building in 1984 when it was still a rental. Alongside her family, she purchased her unit when the building was converted. “I lived there for over 20 years, and I’ve owned my unit for 40 years now,” she says. “When my sister and I moved in, there were a lot of students. That’s not so much the case now because it’s mostly owner-occupied.” Even so, Stile says that the building’s jovial spirit remains. “The community is a very creative bunch. A lot of owners are still connected to Pratt, so there are artists, writers, producers, architects.” Between its prewar construction, prime location and community, Francine Towers may be the ideal property for home buyers.
Practical amenities are located in the basement
The city’s Landmarks Preservation Commission protects the building, so its original Romanesque and Renaissance-revival exterior remains. The facade and roofs were recently restored to meet modern-day standards, but the building is unchanged aesthetically. In the lobby, prewar features include a decorative fireplace, an ornate tray ceiling and a patterned tile floor. In the basement, residents will find laundry, storage and bike rooms. Porters live on site, and residents can contact the co-op's part-time super for additional needs.
Units have desirable prewar features like high ceilings and moldings
Francine Towers has 66 units, mostly one- and two-bedrooms, spread across 2 towers, each with six floors. For the most part, the apartments are consistent. “They have high ceilings — nine feet, two inches — and every apartment has a cedar closet and original moldings,” Stile says. “In the front tower, the first-floor apartments are maisonettes with their own street entrances. They’re very charming and unique in that they have 11-foot ceilings. Units in the back building get really pretty views of Pratt’s campus.” One-bedroom units, roughly 600 to 780 square feet in size, typically cost between $600,000 to $775,000, whereas prices for two-bedrooms, roughly 900 square feet, have ranged from $760,000 to $872,000. Stile points out two attractive perks: “Not only is this a pet-friendly building, but the co-op also allows unlimited sublet opportunities after two years. So, it’s a great investment.”
Proximity to peaceful green spaces, restaurants and businesses
Residents enjoy a tranquil environment without sacrificing the convenience of living in a big city. Covering the former, Washington Avenue is a quiet, one-way street lined with beautiful, historical brownstones, mansions and townhouses. “Pratt’s campus is open to the public, and it’s a major draw,” Stile says. “They have a sculpture garden that’s really quite lovely, especially in the springtime.” One block north of the co-op and dead-ending at Fort Greene Park, Willoughby Avenue limits vehicle access and prioritizes pedestrians and bikers during daylight hours. As for city convenience, residents can cover their needs along DeKalb and Myrtle avenues, both moments from the co-op. “If you walk toward Fort Greene along DeKalb, that’s where everybody goes out to eat,” Stile says. Local favorites include Walters for elevated comfort food and Miss Ada for Israeli and Mediterranean dishes. “If you go to Myrtle Avenue, that’s where you have more of your to-do list: a lot of shopping like a hardware store, dry cleaners, the supermarket, art supply stores, the bank. There are some more restaurants along Myrtle, too.”
Easy access to trains, buses and bikes
The G-train subway station is only a three-minute walk away. To reach Manhattan, commuters must either transfer to the A, C train or walk directly to the A, C subway station, which is 11 minutes away. Numerous bus stops and Citi Bike stations are located throughout the surrounding blocks, and drivers can access the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway nearby.
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Current List Price
Sold Price
Area Factors
Low Crime
Crime Score®
3/ 10
Biker's Paradise
Bike Score®
98/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
97/ 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
Underwood Park
3 min walk
Playground
Lafayette Playground
3 min walk
Basketball
Playground
Waterpark
Pratt Playground
6 min walk
Playground
Edmonds Playground
7 min walk
Basketball
Playground
Classon Playground
8 min walk
Basketball
Playground
Oracle Playground
9 min walk
Basketball
Bike Trails
Picnic Area
Cuyler Gore Park
10 min walk
Lafayette Gardens Playground
10 min walk
Basketball
Picnic Area
Playground
Fort Greene Park
11 min walk
Tennis
Trails
Events
Schools
Source:
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Disclaimer: Please note that this building may not be in these schools' attendance zones.
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