Rendering of 171 South Portland to be "reminiscent of 1920s Paris" (East River Partners / MNS)
Work on a back-to-back pair of Fort Greene condos is in its home stretch, and the results leave much to be desired. After dodging a bullet with an even less inspiring design in 2014, the final outcome appears no more stylish than a La Quinta roadside motel.
The two buildings rise mid-block between Atlantic Avenue and Hanson Place, shouldering a hodgepodge of creations both good and mediocre. The project consists of two four-floor buildings — seven units at 164 South Oxford and nine at 171 South Portland — separated by a 60-foot long rear yard. The block understandably lies outside of the Fort Greene Historic District and the site once held an Italianate 1865 brownstone and a carriage house. East River Partners picked up the property in 2014 and commissioned Barry Rice Architects, whose better works include 100 Barrow and 21 East 96th Street.
Rendering of the Federal-stlyed 164 South Oxford building (East River Partners/ MNS)
Construction progress at 164 South Oxford as of late July (CityRealty)
CityRealty
The South Oxford building is faced with overbaked brown brick complemented with poorly-sized square windows. The building appears jammed onto its lot with little regard to the charming wood-framed neighbors on either side. The design supposedly echoes the Federal style but is topped by a bulging French-styled mansard roof that inflates like a carnival tent behind a setback. Despite the clunky proportions, we hope the installation of a large cornice and styled canopy will save the structure from a banal eternity.
171 South Portland Avenue (CItyRealty)
CityRealty
CityRealty
The South Portland building brings the charm of Jersey’s McMansions to brownstone Brooklyn. Said to evoke “Parisian 1920s,” this stucco pile is offensive to both "The City of Lights" and our intelligence. The heavy-handed detailing consists of horizontal striations accompanied by the best of Home Depot’s aisle 5. Thankfully, the new buildings are small and don’t greatly detract from their surroundings — the most we can ask from new construction these days.
Judging by the vast difference in quality from rendering to reality, we think this is one development not to buy on floor plans alone. However, new photos of the model unit show less disastrous interiors. Per the marketing materials, the layouts will be light-filled and have high ceilings and wood floors. Open kitchens feature marble countertops and Liebherr, Bosch and Bertazzoni appliances.
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Currently, there are five units on the market, all two- and three-bedroom layouts. The homes are spacious with a two-bedroom covering 1,609 square feet and priced at the $1.895M. A three-bedroom penthouse available in the South Oxford building has an ask of $2.395M. The duplex spreads 1,690 square feet and has a large balcony and private terrace.
The garden lying between the buildings will be designed by LDGN. We hope there will large trees. The project is near Pacific Park, Barclays Center Atlantic Terminal, and its hideous mall. BAM, the Brooklyn Cultural District, and Fulton Street are also within a short stroll.
164 S Oxford #1B via MNS
164 S Oxford #2B via MNS
171 S Portland #3A
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