Sitting atop one of Brooklyn’s highest points, Turner Towers was, purportedly, the borough’s first residential high-rise. Towering 16 stories over the Prospect Heights neighborhood and the monumental Brooklyn Museum right across the street, the luxurious prewar co-op has long been a fixture of ever-verdant Eastern Parkway. Modeled after a grand Parisian boulevard, perhaps even the Champs-Elysees, this winding thoroughfare became home to many distinguished Beaux-Arts-style rental buildings in the early 20th century. Most incorporated sprawling multi-room residences with quality finishes and sumptuous, era-specific design details. This development resulted, in part, due to the expansion of the New York subway along much of the parkway.
Emerging in 1926 as a more robust and modern yet still slightly ornate Art Deco structure, Turner Towers was designed by then fledgling architects Morris Henry Sugarman and Albert Berger with the aim of “bringing Park Avenue ideals to Brooklyn home seekers,” according to a 2022 Brownstoner article. Living up to that initial sales pitch, one publicized by its developer Turner Brothers Building, the eponymously named address became the envy of many, including well-heeled Park Slope brownstone owners looking for a little more space and urban convenience. Today, the 186-unit landmarked co-op still holds fast to that original persuasion. According to Jared Goodloe, an agent with Compass who has sold extensively here, it’s still popular with Upper East and Upper West siders looking for the same level of historical charm but at more competitive prices. “Some of my customers have children and need more room but don’t want to deal with the hassle of maintaining an entire house,” he notes.
Classic sixes with good bones but varying degrees of renovation
“Other prospective buyers are those that are newly affluent, working in tech or finance,” Goodloe adds. “They aren’t necessarily drawn to the compact layouts or sleek minimalism of newer condo buildings in the area. They want to be in a prestigious building with expansive interiors and distinct character.” Like any older building, especially one that is almost a century old, the state of renovation varies greatly from unit to unit. That said, many still reflect the sizable, multi-exposure “classic six” layouts popular in the early 20th century. The building’s unique “H” shape helps ensure that all units get ample amounts of natural light. Original herringbone-pattern hardwood floors and elaborate molding carry through as well. “What needs updating is often bathroom fixtures, kitchen cabinets and appliances,” Goodloe says. “Before the COVID-19 pandemic, customers had more appetite to carry out their own updates. Now, they tend to want the units to be move-in ready.” He’s worked with several sellers to introduce those improvements but notes that there are certain customizations that only a new homeowner can make based on their exacting specifications. Turner Towers has remained a luxury building throughout its existence and played host to a long list of famous real life and fictitious residents with especially discerning tastes and requirements to boot. Talk show host Joan Rivers lived here for a portion of her childhood as did Natalie Portman’s character in the 2010 film “Black Swan.”
Upper West Side layouts but with Brooklyn prices
Prices here reflect this prestige but are still significantly lower than Upper Manhattan comps. While a handful of studios have sold for just under $500,000, one bedrooms can fetch $800,000. Making up the majority of Turner Towers’ residences, two to three bedrooms with upwards of 2,000 square feet of space go for between $1.1 million and $2.5 million, depending on the condition and position in the building. Higher floor units have unobstructed views over Prospect Park, the rapidly growing Downtown Brooklyn skyline or Manhattan. A few combined four bedrooms, including a penthouse with an expansive wraparound terrace and triple exposures, have sold for just over $3 million. Some combined residences, such as unit 9H, have been cleverly re-laid out with large bedrooms on either side of an open-plan entertainment area. The 2,520 square-foot unit went for $2.9 million in early 2021.
The Brooklyn Museum of Art, Prospect Park, and an express subway station right across the street
Turner Towers has many of the amenities one would expect from an old-world luxury building. This includes a 24/7 attended lobby with white-gloved door staff, a basement gym which is periodically updated and a well-manicured garden toward the rear. A ground- level community room is often used by residents that primarily work from home. “There’s everything but a rooftop,” Goodloe says. However, the co-op’s main draw is its location. It’s positioned right across the street from the world-famous Brooklyn Museum and its subway station, served by 2,3 and 4 lines that go express once they begin to climb either side of Manhattan. As mentioned before, Prospect Park is also nearby. The 546-acre activity- rich green space’s main entrance, Grand Army Plaza, is home to the long-established Greenmarket, held every Saturday. There’s also the Brooklyn Library and Botanic Garden in the vicinity. Eclectic owner-operated restaurants and bars can be found along Washington, Franklin and Vanderbilt avenues. The latter has a Foodtown grocery store. Two blocks north, Social Brooklyn presented by Ample Hills is a locally beloved Ice cream shop.
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Quantarium
Current List Price
Sold Price
Area Factors
Low Crime
Crime Score®
3/ 10
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
89/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
95/ 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
Dr. Ronald McNair Park
3 min walk
Trails
Stroud Playground
7 min walk
Basketball
Playground
Lowry Triangle
13 min walk
Trails
Prospect Park
14 min walk
Bike Trails
Dog Park
Picnic Area
Dean Playground
3 min drive
Basketball
Playground
Multi-Purpose Field
Park Slope Playground
3 min drive
Basketball
Trails
Playground
Gateway Triangle
4 min drive
Crispus Attucks Playground
4 min drive
Basketball
Playground
Harmony Playground
4 min drive
Bike Trails
Picnic Area
Trails
Schools
Source:
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