Modern renovations in pre-war brownstones are harder to find than you might imagine. That's why 33 St. Marks Ave. caught our eye. It's a large 4 story + basement walk-up that has been renovated from top to bottom. There are four units for sale: ground floor duplex listed for $1,485,000 (already under contract), two two-bedroom units listed for $925,000 each, and a final two-bedroom with access to a glorious roof deck, listed for $1,185,000.
The apartments have been decked out with carefully selected finishes: oak (we think) floors, modern cabinetry, stylish sinks and faucets. No expense was spared on the appliances: fine Bertazzoni ranges, Fisher & Paykel refrigerator and two-drawer dishwashers, an in-unit washer/dryers. There's even a wood-burning fireplace.
The layouts are sensible, with two-proper bedrooms in back, and a spacious living room that enjoys southern exposures through through bay windows.
The piece de resistance of this building is the roof deck on the fourth floor. With gas, water, and electrical hookups, this deck is going to make someone into the king or queen of the summer barbecue.
So what's missing here? Perhaps a soul. Whether it's the dry staging or the complete lack of original details, it's hard to say. But this place feels more like an Ikea showroom than a home. Perhaps a re-decoration would help, but it's hard to get back the character that's lost when a building is completely gutted and renovated.
Who It's For: A young, well-heeled couple, free of sentimental attachment to antique charms.
The Numbers: Unit 3 (without the roof deck) is listed at $822/sq. ft. Assuming 20% down, that's a monthly payment $4188 including common charges (which are $216/month).
The Intangibles: In the heart of the north slope, two-blocks from the Bergen St. 2/3 stop. Also close to some of our favorite restaurants and bars, including Taro Sushi and Flatbush Farm. The Atlantic Yards project is going up close-by, and the long-term effects on traffic and the neighborhood are difficult to guess.
The Bottom Line: For this much money, we can think of a few buildings we'd rather buy. Still, renovated condos in walk-ups like this are rare. If you like it, jump on it.
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