Игорь Грабарь. «Дубки». 1923 г. Холст, масло. Дальневосточный художественный музей. pic.twitter.com/9xLHDMDr7N
— Художники и Поэты (@Xudozhnikipoeti) December 16, 2024
Day: December 16, 2024
A sleek new addition to the Gowanus-Park Slope border, 655 Union Street is nearing completion and set to welcome residents in early 2025, just steps from the Union Street subway station.
Brian Ezra, principal and co-founder of Avery Hall, a Brooklyn-based real estate development company, told Brooklyn Paper that he was excited about completing the high-end mixed-use building, which broke ground in 2023.
The team purchased the half-acre parcel, once home to a gas station, in partnership with Gindi Capital in 2019. Ezra shared that the team had long eyed the site for its strategic and attractive development potential for residential space.
“We have recently launched our residential leasing, and residents should be able to move in in January,” Ezra said.
The 13-story building includes 193 one- and two-bedroom units, 50 of which are rent-stabilized and income-restricted, as well as approximately 14,000 square feet of ground-floor commercial space. Market-rate one-bedroom apartments start at $4,450 and go up to $5,100. Two-bedroom apartments start at around $7,000 a month and can reach the mid-$8,000 range, depending on size and layout.
Oversized windows allow for abundant natural light and stunning views of Brownstone Brooklyn, New York City Harbor, or the Manhattan skyline, depending on the apartment’s location. The kitchens feature marble countertops and custom wood cabinets that conceal state-of-the-art integrated appliances, and all units come with washers and dryers.
The building also offers a range of amenities, including 24-hour doorman and concierge service, a package room, and bicycle parking.
The Wellness Studio provides space for yoga, reformer pilates, and barre workouts, while the Sunset Garden offers a tranquil respite from the city’s hustle and bustle. Fitness enthusiasts can stay in shape in the gym, which is equipped with weights and cardio equipment, while yoga practitioners can find their zen in the adjacent yoga room. The dog-friendly building also includes an on-site dog spa with two pet showers and a grooming station.
Residents can use the “one-touch service,” an online portal to communicate with management, reserve space for special events, pay rent, find dog walkers, cleaning services, and more.
For residents who work from home, “The Study” offers a communal workspace with a modular couch, ample desk space, and four private Zoom booths overlooking the borough, providing natural front lighting for video calls. The connected outdoor patio offers additional seating and seamless indoor-outdoor living.
Club Union, located on the top floor, offers 360-degree panoramic views in a landscaped setting. During the summer months, residents can enjoy the 25-yard lap pool, canopy beds, lounge chairs, barbecue stations, an alfresco dining lounge, and an outdoor shower.
The private dining room and media room are perfect for gatherings with friends and neighbors. 655 Union will also offer a diverse range of programming, from workout classes and meditation sessions to DJ performances, game nights, and happy hours.
Ezra told Brooklyn Paper that their goal was to create an environment where people could connect with their neighbors and build a community.
“When you have these kinds of compelling spaces that many people in the building can gather at, it makes it feel like a more personal experience living in your building. It feels less anonymous, and people really appreciate having that connectivity to their neighbors,” Ezra explained.
The affordable housing lottery for 655 Union is open until Dec. 23. To apply, visit the New York City’s Housing Connect website. For more information on the building and availability, visit 655union.com.
“Among wealthier countries, Americans ‘die the youngest and experience the most avoidable deaths.’” https://t.co/MEJA0BwegC
— Brooklyn Eagle (@BklynEagle) December 16, 2024
You’ve gotta see it to “believe” it.
While freezing winds and frigid weather sweep over thousands of visitors to Dyker Heights this holiday season, a house in the neighborhood’s heart offers warmth — and peace — with a “believe” sign on the roof, captivating attention on 83rd Street.
What started as a humble display has evolved into one of the neighborhood’s most iconic and dazzling destinations.
Frank Mangano, 47, was Christmas shopping in 2020 when he saw the giant sign. Without hesitation, he bought it. After the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted the community, he wanted to add something big and meaningful to his holiday decorations.
“Unfortunately, it was a very bad year for a lot of people, so I knew I had to do the lights, and I had to do them big,” Mangano recalled. “I believe it was just meant to be because the sign fits perfectly up in front of the house, and people have branded this house as the ‘believe’ house.”
The sign’s meaning varies depending on who views it. For Mangano, it represents hope for brighter days ahead.
“I want people to believe that brighter days are ahead of them. And ever since then, that’s been one of the big hits of the house. And I’ll always have it there,” he said.
While thousands visit Dyker Heights each holiday season to see the elaborate Christmas lights, Mangano’s house at at 1023 83rd St. draws a special crowd. Visitors wait in long lines to take photos on the iconic red carpet in front of the house, at the bottom of the stairs.
The house is illuminated with large red, yellow and green lightbulbs hanging between the roof and a tree out front. Those giant lights add to the decorations throughout the property.
“That’s a staple decoration. We’ve modified every single one of those bulbs,” Mangano said. “Those bulbs had a little LED in them, so we removed that LED and basically put a bulb socket in every one of those.”
With an estimated 100 giant bulbs and over 50,000 lights, the decorations — including ornaments and figures — add a magical touch.
Among the display are eight wooden nutcrackers, dozens of penguins, and angels on the roof, who, according to Mangano, “are looking down on everyone, protecting them.”
Mangano’s tradition of decking out his home dates back to his childhood, when he helped his father set up Christmas lights in Bensonhurst.
“My father was my best friend. Unfortunately, he passed away in 2022,” Mangano said, noting the American flag on the side of his house as a tribute to his father, a veteran. “He used to help with the wiring. If a light went out or it was a problem I couldn’t fix, I would call him up and say, ‘Dad, I need your help,’ and he would come here and help me fix everything.”
Since moving to Dyker Heights in 2012, Mangano has continued to spread holiday cheer in the neighborhood as part of its famous Christmas lights display.
However, unpacking and setting up the decorations is no easy or inexpensive task. Mangano and his friend, Francis Buscema, begin preparations in early November, taking about two to three weeks to set up everything. Mangano also checks that all the lights are working.
“There is a price tag attached to that, but I view it as money well spent,” Mangano said. “It’s hard to estimate an exact dollar amount, but it would be tens of thousands of dollars through the years I have spent on decorations and lights.”
The reward, at least for the holiday season, is seeing his house featured on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, making it a must-see for visitors. Despite the daily crowds, Mangano hasn’t encountered any issues with tourists. Instead, he feels honored by the people who come to see something he has worked so hard on.
“I think there’s something magical about lights that just put you in a better mood,” he said. “It means a lot to me because I see its effect on others. I’m out there almost every night talking to and meeting different people. The children love it, and the adults do, too.”
Man shot on MTA bus in Brownsville
A 25-YEAR-OLD MAN WAS SHOT on a Brownsville MTA bus early Sunday morning, according to the NYPD.
The post Man shot on MTA bus in Brownsville appeared first on Brooklyn Eagle.
NYC ORGANIZATION OF PUBLIC SERVICE RETIREES ON Monday, Dec. 16, marched in protest from City Hall to the offices of District Council 37.
The post Public service retirees in protest march keep fighting for bill that would protect traditional Medicare coverage appeared first on Brooklyn Eagle.