Matt Damon may no longer hold the record for the most expensive single home purchase in Brooklyn (the owner of Quay Tower’s penthouse stole that crown), but his penthouse purchase continues to take the borough by storm: Earlier this week, Page Six reported that his move into The Standish closed down an entire street. The unit is distinguished by its high floor and extensive private outdoor space, both of which observers saw firsthand: A crane in the middle of the street reached up over 14 stories high. Mr. Damon was not on the scene, but one onlooker told Page Six, "He had a huge team of contractors and there were shrubs, decking and huge crates filled with stuff going up in the air to the terrace. We were all waiting for the grand piano to be wheeled out.”
Originally built in 1904, the Standish was designed by Frank S. Lowe and conceived as the Standish Arms Hotel. Over 100 years later, the 122-room hotel was converted to a 31-unit condominium, though not at the expense of its Beaux Arts facade. All units feature expansive proportions, elevated ceilings, hardwood floors, and views of Brooklyn Heights and Lower Manhattan. Custom kitchens come outfitted with Italian Carrara countertops, premium appliances, and modern custom cabinetry.
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Residential amenities include 24/7 doorman and concierge service, a fitness studio, a children's playroom, and a landscaped rooftop terrace with views of New York Harbor. However, the building's greatest perk may be its Brooklyn Heights address. It is well situated near Brooklyn Bridge Park, the Brooklyn Heights Promenade, popular local restaurants, top schools, and myriad subway lines.
Closings at The Standish have come to an average price of $1,568 per square foot. Current availabilities range from a one-bedroom investment property listed for $550K to a four-bedroom home $5.4 million. At an average price of $1,775 per square foot, it comes in below the Brooklyn Heights average of $2,675 per square foot (all figures per CityRealty data). Between an influx of condo conversions and new construction, the number has spiked in recent years.
Typical Brooklyn Heights street of rowhouses (CityRealty
Upon moving into The Standish, Mr. Damon is the latest in a long line of bold-faced names who have chosen to make Brooklyn Heights their home. Truman Capote wrote In Cold Blood and Breakfast at Tiffany's two and a half blocks up the street from The Standish, and the house is now a New York City Landmark. Additional local luminaries have included Walt Whitman and Arthur Miller. More recently, a new crop of celebrities has been drawn to Brooklyn Heights for its rich history and idyllic atmosphere just a short subway ride from Manhattan. Many have been drawn to its historic townhouses, but the neighborhood’s gracious cooperatives and eye-catching condo conversions have proven irresistible for some.
Matt Damon
In fall 2017, Matt Damon entered contract on the penthouse in The Standish, which was listed for $16.645 million. The sale closed for $16.7 million at the end of 2018 and Mr. Damon has recently moved in. The penthouse spans three floors, including the roof, and looks out on spectacular views of the East River and the Statue of Liberty.
Jennifer Connelly and Paul Bettany
Until Matt Damon purchased the penthouse at The Standish, power couple Jennifer Connelly and Paul Bettany held the record for the most expensive Brooklyn real estate purchase with their Brooklyn Heights townhouse, purchased for $15.5 million in an off-market deal. They made the move after selling their Tribeca penthouse.
Emily Blunt and John Krasinski
Weeks after Mr. Damon bought his penthouse, celebrity couple Emily Blunt and John Krasinski bought two adjacent units, or an entire floor, in the building for $11 million. They made the purchase after selling a Park Slope townhouse that they liked but didn’t spend much time in.
Michelle Williams and Thomas Kail
At the end of 2019, Oscar-nominated actress Michelle Williams and Tony and Emmy Award-winning director Thomas Kail took the gossip pages by storm when the news broke that they were engaged and expecting a child together. They also raised eyebrows in the real estate world when they paid $10.8 million for a 3,000-square-foot Brooklyn Heights townhouse, one of the most expensive ever in the neighborhood, in an off-market deal.
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Shalom Harlow
Supermodel Shalom Harlow was always a trendsetter in the fashion world, a trait that appears to extend to real estate. Earlier this summer, the New York Post reports that she listed her apartment at One Brooklyn Bridge Park, a warehouse turned amenity-rich condominium, for $1.89 million.
Mary-Louise Parker
After selling her Greenwich Village apartment, stage and screen actress Mary-Louise Parker has found a new home in Brooklyn Heights. Her first move took place in Love Lane Mews, where she purchased a duplex in 2013. More recently, Curbed reports that she bought a $4.3 million Brooklyn Heights duplex co-op with five bedrooms, four baths, and spectacular skyline views.
Adam Driver
At the beginning of 2017, celebrity spotters saw Adam Driver checking out a Brooklyn townhouse described as a fixer-upper. While it has not been confirmed whether he bought that particular unit or not, future interviews reference meeting him near his Brooklyn Heights home.
Bjork
In 2009, Icelandic singer Bjork purchased a penthouse at 160 Henry Street for $4 million. She later bought her ex-partner’s share of the co-op for $1.6 million in 2015 following their split, and listed the penthouse in September 2018. It is not currently on the market, but a 6sqft article noted its “day and night spaces” as well as a private wraparound terrace with skyline and Statue of Liberty views.
Paul Giamatti
Sideways and Billions star Paul Giamatti was an early adopter of Brooklyn Heights, having bought a co-op in the neighborhood with his ex-wife in 2002. He transferred his share to her in 2016, but has not said good-bye to the neighborhood: He also owns a Brooklyn Heights condo, purchased for $1.3 million in 2010.
Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick
While most famous for their collection of West Village real estate, Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick’s taste for prewar New York architecture extends across the river: In 2012, the couple bought a pair of Brooklyn Heights townhouses in an off-market deal.
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Or call us at (212) 755-5544
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