Brownstone apartments offer a perfect blend of intimate urban living, timeless charm, and modern convenience.
Manhattan's housing market often feels like a binary choice: Condo or co-op? Pre-war charm or post-war practicality? Sleek new construction or historic architecture? While many of the city’s new condos boast sweeping views, luxury finishes, and an array of amenities, their efficient, often sterile interiors and uninspired architecture can leave certain buyers wanting more.
On the other hand, renovated apartments in historic multi-family buildings or single-family townhouses offer character and craftsmanship, but this style of living may not be suitable or accessible for everyone.
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Classic brownstone buildings in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn
However, in recent years, a middle ground has emerged: historic brownstones, originally conceived as single-family homes, are being restored with their facades intact and mechanical systems updated. Inside, they are reimagined as modern apartments with state-of-the-art infrastructure and appliances. While these buildings may not boast an extensive list of amenities, their true appeal lies in their charm, spacious rooms, high ceilings, and privacy, along with prime addresses in NYC's increasingly sought-after rowhouse neighborhoods.
Because many of these brownstones are located in historic districts, any new building construction or exterior modifications must be approved by the Landmarks Preservation Commission ("Landmarks"). This includes minor changes like window replacements, adding or removing architectural details, or expanding existing structures with rear yard additions.
Such exacting standards also apply to new construction: Earlier this month, Landmarks reviewed an application to demolish a two-level garage at 164 Hancock Street in the Bedford Historic District and build an eight-unit rowhouse in its place. The new building, finished in brownstone and brownstone-colored stucco, is designed to echo the height, materials, and window patterns of the surrounding 19th-century rowhouses. Plans show there will be no more than two units per floor, and there will be a pair of duplex apartments on the third and fourth levels. Indeed, renderings from the presentation depict a respectful integration into the neighborhood's historic streetscape.
Local preservationists expressed support for the project, but the Historic Districts Council objected on grounds that it was inappropriately scaled and would crowd out a neighboring building. Landmarks acknowledged that the proposed lot was unusually shaped, and did not object to the demolition of the garage or the new building’s front facade. However, they took issue with the depth of the building and rear volume, and the project was not approved.
Local preservationists expressed support for the project, but the Historic Districts Council objected on grounds that it was inappropriately scaled and would crowd out a neighboring building. Landmarks acknowledged that the proposed lot was unusually shaped, and did not object to the demolition of the garage or the new building’s front facade. However, they took issue with the depth of the building and rear volume, and the project was not approved.
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One week later, Landmarks reviewed a proposal to construct two single-family houses at 50 Clifton Place and 302 Grand Avenue in the Clinton Hill Historic District. Renderings depict a pair of three-story brick buildings with scale and materials respectful of their neighbors. 50 Clifton Street has a more traditional look to it, while 302 Grand Street offers a more modern take on the surrounding prewar architecture.
Landmarks was largely supportive of the project when they reviewed it in July 2023, but did not approve it at the time because of concerns about materials at 302 Grand Avenue and the level of detail at 50 Clifton Place. The most recent presentation shows that the architect was able to integrate their concerns into the project. Local preservationists are happy about it, and so was Landmarks: The project was approved.
Landmarks was largely supportive of the project when they reviewed it in July 2023, but did not approve it at the time because of concerns about materials at 302 Grand Avenue and the level of detail at 50 Clifton Place. The most recent presentation shows that the architect was able to integrate their concerns into the project. Local preservationists are happy about it, and so was Landmarks: The project was approved.
As we await further developments, we explore other recently converted brownstone-turned-condos throughout New York and highlight available listings in these unique, desirable properties.
Condo and co-op listings in brownstones
The brick and stone building at 524 Halsey Street dates back to the late 1800s, when it was constructed as a stable for the Moser Palace Carriage Company. It was later adapted into a car repair workshop. Most recently, The Brooklyn Home Company has carefully preserved its historic facade while transforming the interiors into 33 modern condominiums, including duplexes, townhouses, and simplex units.
All interiors feature open-plan layouts, high ceilings, white oak flooring, recessed LED lighting, kitchens with Shaker-style cabinetry and high-end appliances, and in-unit Bosch washer-dryers. Select units have private outdoor space, and all residents have access to the building's attended lobby, fitness center, and roof terrace with views of the Manhattan skyline.
All interiors feature open-plan layouts, high ceilings, white oak flooring, recessed LED lighting, kitchens with Shaker-style cabinetry and high-end appliances, and in-unit Bosch washer-dryers. Select units have private outdoor space, and all residents have access to the building's attended lobby, fitness center, and roof terrace with views of the Manhattan skyline.
524 Halsey Street, #PH3
$1,825,000
Bedford-Stuyvesant | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,317 ft2
524 Halsey Street, #PH3 (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)
129 West 131st Street (Serhant)
129 West 131st Street is located on a historic Harlem brownstone block, and the building still looks much as it did when it was built in 1910. However, the interiors have been converted to two sprawling apartments with custom iron entry doors, hardwood flooring, bespoke kitchens with marble countertops and Bertazzoni stoves, spa-like primary baths, central HVAC with Nest thermostats, and in-unit laundry. Residence #1 has a private backyard, and Residence #2 is topped with two roof terraces.
129 West 131st Street, #2 (Serhant LLC)
The Quincey (Douglas Elliman)
The Quincey is the two-unit condo conversion of the early 20th-century brownstone at 53 West 119th Street. The garden triplex opens to a private backyard, and both interiors feature oversized windows, LED lighting, chef's kitchens with top-of-the-line appliances, luxurious primary baths with radiant heated floors, state-of-the-art HVAC systems, and Butterfly intercom access. Another perk is its central Harlem address near Marcus Garvey Park, Central Park, Harlem's Restaurant Row, and the 2/3 and 4/5 trains.
The Quincey, #GARDEN (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)
In the heart of Harlem, real estate development firm Roche Investors has launched sales at its first project, a brownstone turned boutique condominium that retains its historic charm amidst the conversion. The three units comprise a two-bedroom with a private balcony, a two-bedroom with a private roof terrace, and a triplex unit with three bedrooms, a private home theater, and three private gardens.
Roche Residences is not the most amenity-rich new development to take shape, but makes up for that with its full-service supplements: The building is providing the first buyers with a complimentary one-year subscription to meal delivery service Factor as well as a year of complimentary housekeeping service and a one-year Equinox gym membership. All units also come fully furnished, some with custom artwork and terrariums.
Roche Residences is not the most amenity-rich new development to take shape, but makes up for that with its full-service supplements: The building is providing the first buyers with a complimentary one-year subscription to meal delivery service Factor as well as a year of complimentary housekeeping service and a one-year Equinox gym membership. All units also come fully furnished, some with custom artwork and terrariums.
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583 Putnam Avenue (Keller Williams Realty Empire)
Behind its Italianate-style facade, the townhouse at 583 Putnam Avenue has been divided into four distinct floor-through residences with soaring ceilings, oversized windows, plank flooring, recessed lighting, gas fireplaces, and sleek kitchens with breakfast bar seating. Twenty-first century touches include virtual doorman service, high-quality home audio speaker systems, and split heating and cooling units. The building is topped with a common roof deck.
583 Putnam Avenue, #2 (Keller Williams Realty Empire)
76 1st Place (Douglas Elliman)
Carroll Gardens’ “place blocks” are home to some of the neighborhood’s most beautiful architecture, including 76 1st Place, a townhouse that has been reimagined into a five-unit boutique condominium. All full-floor units feature high ceilings, new windows, sustainable oak floors, kitchens with center islands and custom cabinetry, and beautifully appointed primary baths. Additional perks include video intercom system, multi-zone central heating and air conditioning, and full-sized Miele washer and dryer.
76 1st Place, #PH (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)
75 Eighth Avenue (Douglas Elliman)
75 Eighth Avenue is a classic Park Slope brownstone dating back to 1920, but was converted to a five-unit boutique condominium earlier this year. All five two-bedroom units feature open floor plans, open kitchens with top-of-the-line appliances, spa-like baths, generous closet space, and in-unit laundry. However, none of this comes at the expense of historic details like custom millwork, decorative fireplaces, and built-in storage.
75 Eighth Avenue, #PARLOR (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)
205 14th Street (Nest Seekers LLC)
205 14th Street’s limestone facade and prewar details belie the contemporary two- and three-bedroom units now housed inside the Park Slope building. All interiors feature expansive windows, Scavolini kitchens with eat-in peninsulas and premium integrated appliances, luxurious primary baths, and in-unit laundry. Select units have private outdoor space, but the building is well situated near Prospect Park.
205 14th Street, #MANSION (Nest Seekers LLC)
1235 Dean Street (Corcoran Group)
1235 Dean Street is located in the Crown Heights North Historic District, and this Queen Anne-style brownstone still looks much the same as it did when it was constructed in the early 20th century. However, it now houses four floor-through units, all of which feature original fireplaces and bay windows that fill the space with natural light. Contemporary perks include sleek galley kitchens with top-of-the-line appliances, in-unit laundry, built-in Bluetooth speakers, and private storage included.
1235 Dean Street, #4 (Corcoran Group)
Beautiful Brownstone Apartment Listings
25 West 71st Street, #2/3
$3,650,000 (-14.1%)
Central Park West | Cooperative | 4 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths
25 West 71st Street, #2/3 (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)
389 Bergen Street, #PH (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)
50 1st Place, #GARDEN (Compass)
21 Lincoln Place, #PH (Compass)
16 Lincoln Place, #1B (Park Property Advisors)
849 Carroll Street, #4 (Compass)
302 Garfield Place, #4 (Corcoran Group)
252 Gates Avenue, #2 (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)
719 Carroll Street, #2L (Corcoran Group)
Would you like to tour any of these properties?
Just complete the info below.
Or call us at (212) 755-5544
Would you like to tour any of these properties?
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