Great NYC Apartment Buildings: The Gretsch vs.Schaefer Landing

The Gretsch (pictured top right) vs. Schaefer Landing (pictured bottom right): Two popular entries into Williamsburg’s unprecedented boom era – one a former guitar factory, the other a pair of modern high-rise towers, both with enviable East River and city views – that have remained highly desirable addresses amid plenty of competition.

The Gretsch
Converted to condominiums in 2003, The Gretsch at 60 Broadway played a significant role in the ascent of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, to its current status as a desired neighborhood for well-heeled urban residents from hipsters to hedge funders. Its South ‘Burg environs at first lagged behind the district’s northern reaches in attracting new developments, though top neighborhood amenities like the famous Peter Luger’s steakhouse, Diner restaurant and a number of shops and bars have long been destinations. In recent years, South Williamsburg has become increasingly popular with new neighborhood draws such as the nearby ferry landing that provides a unique transportation option (the Marcy Avenue subway lines are nearby and the Bedford Avenue L is within walking distance) and a large grocery store, Urban Market.

Apartments at the Gretsch, built in 1916 as a factory building for Gretsch musical instruments, retain a loft-like feel and feature 12-foot ceilings and free-floating fireplaces. The building also offers state-of-the-art modern interiors and full-service amenities like a doorman, a double-height residents’ library, a 100-car garage and a health club. Kitchens have Sub Zero refrigerators, Wolf ranges, Asko dishwashers and Nero Impala granite countertops, but one of the best features of the 10-story, 120-unit building may be its landscaped roof terrace and sun deck from which dazzling river, city and bridge views are not soon forgotten.

Available apartments include #3U, a two-bedroom, 1,197-square-foot unit with loads of light and impressive Brooklyn and skyline views, an extra long balcony, central heat and A/C, a washer-dryer and top quality finishes in kitchens and baths, on the market for $1,300,000.

Live at the Gretsch if you:
Love the feel of a former factory loft building with prewar bones and high ceilings, modernized with unique touches like fireplaces.
Covet dizzying waterfront views from your windows and private balcony.
Want the convenience of a full-service condominium and interiors designed for modern living
Appreciate the history of South Williamsburg’s vibrant mix of old and new as well as the endless variety of restaurants, cafes, shops and cultural opportunities the super-hot neighborhood offers.

The Club at Schaefer Landing
This popular South Williamsburg development includes the north building at 440 Kent Avenue and the south building at 446 Kent Avenue. The condominium residence is served by its own East River Ferry landing, convenient for commuting and visits to Manhattan and Brooklyn points north and south. Offering unfettered views of the East River and the Manhattan skyline, the two buildings are recognizable by their pale blue glass façades rising above a neighborhood filled with industrial history and modern culture, amenities and social life.

Completed in 2006, the 25-story, 135-unit north building offers a doorman, a concierge, a state-of-the-art fitness center, parking and a roof deck. Transportation options include the aforementioned ferry as well as the L and J/M/Z subway lines, for which the building offers a shuttle service. Another unique perk is the public riverfront esplanade, an extension of the building’s private courtyard. This waterfront park is the site of many of the neighborhood’s outdoor cultural events like the Brooklyn Flea market and a summer concert series.

Currently available is #12D, a 1,222-square-foot corner two-bedroom unit with three exposures offering bridge and river views, custom closets, laundry and a large living/dining space, listed for $1,195,000.

Live at Schaefer Landing if you:
Love waterfront living with its stunning vistas and open-air parks and promenades.
Crave the convenience of modern full-service high-rise living with amenities like a gym, a roof deck and parking.
Appreciate the neighborhood’s wealth of cultural opportunities, shopping, restaurants and nightlife.