The Episcopalian Church of the Ascension is a Greenpoint institution dating back to the 1860s, but its parish hall across the street at 120 Java Street has experienced a livelier history as of late. In December 2015, a few years after it was used as a relief spot during Hurricane Sandy, Horrigan Companies purchased the site for $4.05 million. Their plan was for an 18-unit rental, but SL Development purchased the site in February 2017 with condos in mind. A $21.81 million offering plan was accepted in June 2020, and sales have just launched.
Prices start at $750K for studios, $1.055 million for one-beds, and $1.75 million for two-beds. 120 Java Street’s average price of $1,436 per square foot is well above the Greenpoint average of $1,217 per square foot, but the polished interiors and array of amenities might account for it.
“We’ve found Brooklyn residents appreciated adaptive reuse, blending old masonry with modern materials” - Ray Steffen, Managing Principal, SL Development
While the building is located just outside the Greenpoint Historic District, the redesign isn’t overly disruptive to its surroundings. SL Development says that the design was inspired by the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Amsterdam, a historic hospital turned hip hotel; indeed, both buildings feature brick facades and punched windows. Designer Rawlings Architects kept the original brick exterior walls and associated detailing intact, but replaced the interiors with exposed heavy timber construction.
120 Java Street enjoys a prime address in the heart of Greenpoint - residents have the dining and nightlife of Manhattan Avenue in one direction, and the cafes and shops of Franklin Avenue in the other. The building is located three blocks from the Greenpoint Avenue G train, and residents will gain another commuting option when the Greenpoint ferry terminal reopens next spring.
Rendering of new exterior showing the mostly-preserved base of the parish house with a echoing two-story addition above (via Rawlings Architects)
The adaptive-reuse development was designed by the very adept firm of Rawlings Architects and is composed of the preserved three-story base of the 90-year-old parish house and a new two-story addition set back above.
Facade of pre-existing parish house
↓ While the red-brick shell of the church annex remains, the interiors are entirely new with its pre-existing structure traded out for exposed heavy timber construction.
↓ All interiors feature exposed timber, restored red brick walls, white oak engineered plank flooring, oversized double-pane windows, LED lighting with Lutron dimmer, and washer/dryer hookup.
↓ Kitchens come equipped with quartz countertops, pendant lighting, custom Craftline cabinetry, and high-end appliances from Liebherr, Bosch, and Bertazzoni.
↓ Baths come with custom white oak floating vanities, bronze Signature Hardware features, and energy-efficient Toto toilets.
↓ A common roof deck features grilling stations and panoramic views of Manhattan.
↓ Indoor amenities include a gym, children’s playroom, bike room, and private storage lockers.
↓ Residential sale prices in Greenpoint have dramatically increased over the last decade.
Greenpoint data via CityRealty
↓ A studio with a private garden terrace is listed for $750K.
↓ One-bedrooms start at $1.055 million.
↓ A two-bedroom with a large private terrace is listed for $1.75 million.
↓ The East River waterfront is a five-minute walk away.
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