In his new “My 2 Cents” column, Donald Brennan presents unbiased, hands-on evaluations of properties on the market that he’s visited and examined inside and out—and gives you his unique perspective as an architect, developer and appraiser.
Best in show.
Mark my words: This property won’t be around for long. Great renovation, good configuration, lots of natural light from the south, and another 1,800 square feet of buildable space. This two-family brick townhouse is priced at $1,645,000 or $809/square foot. It’s been tastefully renovated and thoroughly modernized, and it’s in move-in condition. Compared to the last few properties I looked at in the Gowanus / Carroll Gardens neighborhoods, this property is priced at a discount to the “in need of a reno” properties it’s currently competing with – such as 476 Degraw, 452 Sackett, and 291 Hoyt.
So don’t delay seeing this one—I was at the open house on Superbowl Sunday and it drew quite a crowd.
Local Externalities—70 Second Street is situated between Hoyt and Bond streets—closer to Hoyt—in a neighborhood that’s experiencing generational change due to an influx of young couples and families. Even though it’s only two blocks from the Gowanus Canal, the street has a nice residential feel to it. It’s also only a block from Smith Street and two blocks from the Carroll Street subway station. Adjacent homes are of the same vintage and size, and they’ve maintained their historic look, even though they are not part of the landmark district and not bound by its development constraints.
Architecture/Appearance— Built in 1867, 70 Second Street is a Federal-style brick row house consisting of three stories, including the garden floor. Built on a lot of 19’ x 100’, the property is 19’ x 35’, and is currently configured as an owner’s duplex—with three bedrooms and 1 ½ baths; and a rental simplex—with one bedroom and one bath. Some of the exterior features of this home include a lovely front garden, high stoop, iron fence, transom window, and original mahogany entrance doors. The interior features are, truthfully, almost too many to mention. The highlights: Working wood-burning fireplaces with marble mantles, alarm system, central AC, top-of-the-line appliances, sound system, radiant heated floors, exposed brick walls, and skylights. The wood window and door moldings that aren’t original are attractive and consistent with the Federal style. This home offers a large and spacious deck right off the kitchen, making it convenient for barbequing and entertaining. The garden is huge and landscaped—with no surrounding tall buildings that might shadow the yard–and includes a sprinkler system. This home has been totally and beautifully renovated with high-end finishes.
Rehabilitation—No renovations are needed here—they’ve done it all for you! Unless, of course, you want more space. This deep lot is approved for 3,800 square feet of space—and the existing structure is only 2,033 square feet. That leaves a lot to work with—and you could either build back or build up. You could also convert it to a grand single-family home. Plus, without landmark restrictions, feel free to be original and creative in your addition!
Donald Brennan 917-568-6525 dbrennan@brennanrealtyservices.com
Please contact me if you’re in the market to buy and would like to learn about my buy-side services, or if you’re thinking of selling your home and would like to learn more about my sell-side services and to receive a complimentary comparable market analysis.
For additional “My 2 Cents” columns, click here.
Our architect, CWB Architects, will present our development proposal for 2-4 Strong Place to the Community Board 6 Landmark/Land Use Committee on Thursday, January 26, 2012 at 6:00PM. The Community Board meeting will be held at 1 Prospect Park West, Brooklyn, NY 11215.
Join us as we pair wines with chat at this new evening session of 
