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. This includes minor changes like window replacements, adding or removing architectural details, or expanding the structure with rear yard additions.
164 Hancock Street (Ana Maria Torres Architect via LPC)
A more dramatic example of new construction has come emerged for a lot at 164 Hancock Street in Brooklyn’s Bedford Historic District, where the Commission is reviewing a proposal to demolish a two-level garage and build an 8-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.
Renderings from the presentation show a respectful integration into the neighborhood's historic streetscape. As we await further developments at 164 Hancock Street, we explore other recently converted brownstone-turned-condos throughout New York and highlight available listings in these unique, desirable properties.floor.
Condo and co-op listings in brownstones
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)
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.
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)
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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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