The DeKalb Mansion and the Clocktower Condo

The two properties featured this week in GreeneListed couldn't be more different: A four-story townhouse on DeKalb Avenue built in 1889 and selling for just under $2 million, and a 23rd-floor modern condo in Brooklyn's most famous clocktower selling for just over $500,000.

287 DeKalb Avenue at Waverly Avenue

There is nothing on the market like 287 DeKalb Avenue. The massive townhouse was designed by beloved-architect Montrose Morris in 1889 and has much of its original detail in pristine condition.

This townhouse gazes over over DeKalb Avenue like a confident, handsome castle. All of the classic amenities of eras past are here: powder rooms, a working organ (included with the sale if you wish — and who wouldn't?), multiple fireplaces, keyhole windows and glass-covered built-in shelving for displaying fine china.

The airy mansion has four large bedrooms, two sitting rooms off of the master bedrooms, which could easily be used as additional bedrooms, and six bathrooms.

Buyers will likely leave intact the grand rooms on the parlor floors. The entrance foyer, the open living room and lobby area are perfect entertaining rooms with high ceilings and intimate sitting areas.

Still, there are some elements new buyers will want to renovate. Most of the bathrooms awkwardly separate the sinks from the showers with superfluous walls, and the kitchen is situated awkwardly on the parlor floor and badly in need of a renovation.

According to the broker Sandra Friedman, these types of homes traditionally have their kitchens on the garden level. Because of city codes, this property is only allowed to have one kitchen and it would be up to its new buyer where to place it. Still, with all this space, walking down to the kitchen might not be so bad.

Pros:

• Incredible, rare original intact detailing.
• Could easily accommodate a large family.

Cons:

• New owners will likely undertake a substantial renovation of the kitchen and bathrooms.
• City code only permits one kitchen.

$1,995,000

For Showings:
Sandra Friedman
Halstead Property
212-381-3206

_____________

1 Hanson Place at Flatbush Avenue #13F

One Hanson Place is impossible to miss. The tower anchors the neighborhood and is one of Brooklyn's most prominent landmarks.

Built in 1927, the building was the tallest in Brooklyn. Historically called the Williamsburgh Savings Bank Tower, it held court as the borough's tallest building until 2010 when the 51-story rental tower, the Brooklyner, opened in Downtown.

Still, the clocktower is one of the most distinct structures in Brooklyn and no doubt one of the most conveniently located. The 37-story tower is directly adjacent to the Atlantic Terminal, which connects to 10 subway lines across the street as well as the Long Island Railroad.

The unit for sale is a one-bedroom, one-bathroom, 722-square-foot condo on the 13th floor.

The broker, Chris Benfante, who is also a resident of the building, said not many resales have come on the market yet. The first units were offered by the developer just about five years ago and they include modern layouts and amenities like a gym, common outdoor spaces and a children's playroom.

Pros:

• Modern layouts with sleek appliances.
• Outstanding views, superb transit access.

Cons:

• Some of the highest prices per square foot in Brooklyn.
• Smallish bedroom.

$515,000

Chris Benfante
Corcoran Group
212-941-2576