While the classic streetscapes surrounding Prospect Park are protected by the Park Slope Historic District and two extensions, the blocks further out in Park Slope and South Slope have seen classic brownstone buildings give way to luxury condominiums. One such case is The Deermar, an 11-story condominium that rose on the former site of a Neo-Grec building dating back to the 19th century. Sales have launched on the 72 studio through two-bedroom units, with occupancy estimated for winter 2021.
Developer Joseph Banda bought 441 4th Avenue and the adjacent 262 9th Street from Good Shepherd Services for $15.5 million in July 2018. The religious nonprofit had used 441 4th Avenue as a family counseling facility and 262 9th Street as supportive housing for teens. Prior to this, a Brownstoner profile reports that the building was originally constructed in the 1870s as a Democratic ward clubhouse and sold to St. Thomas Aquinas Roman Catholic Church in 1893.
When it was originally constructed, the building at 262 9th Street had two deer sculptures flanking the entryway. That is no longer the case, but the design by Brooklyn-based N.A. Design Studio features a contemporary design with a red brick facade, oversized windows, and various setbacks that allow for private balconies.
The Deermar has been engineered for vibration and acoustical isolation from expressway traffic as well as the 4th Avenue F/G and 9th Street R trains, which allow for easy access to Manhattan and Brooklyn. However, there is plenty to offer in the surrounding streets. The extensive dining options of 5th Avenue are down the street, and Prospect Park is five blocks away.
Prices start at $599K for studios, $650K for one-bedrooms, and $1.15 million for two-bedrooms. The Deermar’s average price of $1,452 per square foot is slightly above the Park Slope average of $1,251 per square foot (per CityRealty data), but the building’s modern interiors, private outdoor space in almost every unit, and generous amenity offering could be factors here.