An art deco gem in the heart of historic Fort Greene
With its grand art deco entrance archway featuring terra cotta animals and Middle Eastern-inspired motifs, the Griffin has stood out amid a sea of stately brownstones in Brooklyn’s leafy Fort Greene neighborhood since it was completed in 1931. “This is a building that a lot of people have a secret crush on,” says Lee Solomon, a broker with Brown Harris Stevens who recently listed a rental in the 204-unit property. One of only a handful of prewar co-op buildings in the area, the 17-story tower was designed in an exuberant style by architect Frederick H. Klie, who enhanced the brick-faced exterior with elaborate terra cotta ornament such as corbels and barley-sugar columns. In addition to the preserved historic architecture, the surrounding neighborhood is a major draw for residents. “Brownstones line the street, the park is one block away, and you have dogs and kids playing — it’s like living on Sesame Street,” says Steve Brady, a Corcoran agent and longtime resident who sold a one-bedroom in October 2024 for $1.2 million, a building record. “It allows for us to live in brownstone Brooklyn at a non-brownstone price.” Privacy, Brady adds, is another key selling point: “Since we have brownstones all around us in a historic district, everything above the sixth floor has unbridled privacy.”
A 204-unit property with mainly studios, starting at $435,000
Originally built as a hotel, the Griffin was converted in 1987 and now has three one-bedroom layouts per floor, with the rest being studios of five different floor plans with varying number of closets (between one and five). Common features include hardwood floors and casement windows, which are particularly popular with residents. Most units in the pet-friendly building do not have outdoor space, but the top two floors have residences with private terraces. Prices range from $435,000 to $600,000 for studios, and one-bedrooms going as high as $1.2 million. Managed by Tudor Realty Services, the building does not require formal board approval and has a flexible sublet policy, is pet-friendly and permits up to 90% financing. “Basically, we are co-op that feels more like a condo,” says Brady.
24-hour doorman and shared laundry room
The front desk is always staffed, allowing for easy package delivery and pick-up. The full-service building employs a super and porters as well, and there are a pair of elevators plus a basement containing a shared laundry room, storage and bike lockers. While there is not an on-site gym, there is a Crunch Fitness several blocks away. Brady says another benefit is a friendly community: “We have great neighbors who look out for each other.”
Steps to Fort Greene Park with acclaimed restaurants nearby
“Fort Greene is a small, landmarked neighborhood, and this building is on one of the premiere blocks surrounding Fort Greene Park, which has a wonderful farmers market, tennis courts and playgrounds,” says Solomon. The 30-acre green space was conceived by landscape architects Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, who also designed Central Park. Limited groceries can be found at two bodegas in the surrounding blocks, with a Whole Foods Market a 5-minute walk away along with a large Stop & Shop within the Atlantic Center Mall in Downtown Brooklyn. Restaurants are a big draw in the neighborhood, with many clustered on Dekalb Avenue, including Walter’s, Sailor, Evelina and Miss Ada. “Black Iris also has delicious Mediterranean food,” adds Brady. Notably, many apartments feature views of Lafayette Presbyterian Church, a Romanesque Revival landmark across the street that was once a stop on the Underground Railroad and boasts the borough’s largest collection of Tiffany stained-glass windows.
Three blocks from the transit hub of Atlantic Terminal
In terms of transit, the Griffin is positioned a block from the C and G trains at Fulton Street, and three blocks from the major hub of Atlantic Terminal, which is serviced by the 2, 3, 4, 5, N, R, D and Q lines as well as the Long Island Rail Road, making a good portion of the metro area easily accessible. Numerous bus routes converge in the area, among them the B25, B26, B69, and B54. Citi Bike docks are also plentiful in the vicinity, with one next to the building.
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Available Co-ops
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Quantarium
Current List Price
Sold Price
Area Factors
Moderate Crime
Crime Score®
5/ 10
Biker's Paradise
Bike Score®
94/ 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
Edmonds Playground
4 min walk
Basketball
Playground
South Oxford Park
5 min walk
Tennis
Playground
Underwood Park
7 min walk
Playground
Lafayette Playground
7 min walk
Basketball
Playground
Waterpark
Gateway Triangle
8 min walk
Fort Greene Park
8 min walk
Tennis
Trails
Events
North Pacific Playground
10 min walk
Picnic Area
Trails
Playground
Dean Playground
10 min walk
Basketball
Playground
Multi-Purpose Field
Oracle Playground
12 min walk
Basketball
Bike Trails
Picnic Area
Schools
Source:
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