1 Sunset Park, opinions?

photoplayer · October 2008

Hello,

I really like Sunset Park and am looking to buy within the next 6 months. I wanted to get people's opinion on some condos that just went on the market. http://www.halsteadpdm.com/detail/?id=68944&lprice=&hprice=

I think the price is still a bit high for the area and with everything going on in the economy right now I'm hesitant to jump on anything.

Anyone know this building, have the scoop on it? I'd also be interested to know what people think about their plan to slowly update the apts as they become available (it's a rent-stabilized bldg). They say their not pushing anyone out, and I pretty much believe them, but who knows. It is a concern of mine.

Any input would be greatly appreciated. Location, size of apt, price for sq/ft. etc. Thanks and enjoy this beautiful weather!!

kikintina · October 2008

Brownstoner had a blip about this on Friday (maybe Thursday?). Check that out.

jack krohn · October 2008

I don't know anything about these apartments, but Sunset Park is a great neighborhood. The park offers a beautiful view of the harbor, the food options are good, and there are a handful of dive bars left to fulfill your drinking needs (assuming that you have such needs).

Hope your purchase and subsequent move go well.

landlord · October 2008

I agree with Jack....Sunset Park has lots to offer. The apartments look really good and most importantly....the layout is well thought out. Seems like you are getting a good $$$/sq foot and the maint. is low as well.

brooklynpotter · October 2008

those apartments look gorgeous, and i don't think the prices are insane. i love the sinks in the bathrooms!

photoplayer · October 2008

Thanks for your comments everyone. Thanks Kikintina. I did see the blip on craigslist, there were a lot of comments, so that helped. Seems like they were mostly positive.

I did go see the place on Saturday and really liked it. Of course the main thing that I think about, like many others, is the commute. I'm thinking the negatives (commute, unknown return on investment with the economy as it is right now, less variety on dining) outweigh the positives (close to the park, great view of the city, safe neighborhood).

Do you know how it is walking home for a single woman around midnight from the subway from 9th or 36th?

Also, any vegetarians restaurants/options in the area?

Thanks!!!

kikintina · October 2008

Can't respond to the subway walk from there. For one, I haven't been out that late for a LONG time. Also, I'd probably choose to take a car service or cab if I were alone (or even not alone) that late. Of course...as times get tougher...

Most restaurants will accommodate veggie preferences. The Vietnamese sandwich place on 8th and 43rd will do a veggie only (it's still really good, get it spicy), all the Mexican places have veggie tacos/burritos/etc, and the other choices are obvious (Italian/Chinese). Just be wary of the refried beans. Places are pretty traditional.

jack krohn · October 2008

Coming home from the train at night should be no better or worse than any other place in the surrounding area. Fifth Avenue has several restaurants and diners that stay open late and the streets that border the park are generally safe. Plus, if you hang out in Park Slope, the B63 is a quick way home down Fifth Avenue (about 15-20 minutes at night).

photoplayer · October 2008

I love me some Vietnamese sandwiches, my g-friend is vietnamese so I've had my share over the years. I'm glad to hear her people are in the area too as the vietnamese community is very small in NYC it seems, most asians are Chinese, Japanese or Korean.

I'm from Texas originally so I was so excited to see so many Latin food choices when we were there this weekend. Good tip on the beans though.

Yes, I need to get my bus routes down, good idea.

photoplayer · October 2008

Anyone else gone to the open houses? Any opinions?

raedog · October 2008

I live a few blocks over and so was interested to see what was going on with that building. It looks--from the exterior and from the photos on the One Sunset Park website--like they've done a really nice job thus far. I'm not sure how condos and sponsors work, so I'd do research into that--know it can be odd if a sponsor owns most coops in a building. But do condos work the same way? The prices do seem a tad steep to me, considering the price of most other coops and condos in the area, but it looks like the finishes and appliances and such are pretty high end, which you would not necessarily get in one of the Finnish Coops, for instance. I walk home from the subway at 9th at 9 or so by myself and feel fine--of course, you have to exercise caution, like any other place in the city. Any later, I tend to take a car--and I also own a car, so I drive at least once a week to places like Park Slope for dinner or to hang out with friends. I don't wear my iPod, though, say, when walking from the train home. I'm really glad somebody is putting their money into a building like that, rather than razing it to build another Fedders-type building. Oh, and the D train at 9th is really great--stops at 36th Street, then Atlantic-Pacific, and then Grand Street in the city. Hope you become our neighbor!

photoplayer · October 2008

Oops! In one of my earlier posts I said that I thought the negatives outweighed the positives but I actually meant to type just the opposite! That is, I'm leaning towards the place. Probably going back this weekend.

Thanks Raedog for your post. It's good to hear positive feedback on what they're doing with the building. And I agree, I'm glad they seem to be doing such a good job on updating an older building. I've seen so many new developments (thin walls, shoddy, etc) so old charm with modern updates is up my alley.

I'm also a bit confused about the whole sponsor thing and need to do my research. I think it would be different for a condo vs coop. I'll post something if I find out.

The prices... I think with the economy the way it is and with articles I've read lately I could do a fair bit of negotiating on the price.

Hope to be a neighbor too!

seasidearms · October 2008

I live a block away from there and it a nice safe area. I think the price is reasonable but if you can afford to pay a bit more, you could actually buy a 2 familiy home in the area and even have a rental income to help pay your mortgage. I only say that because it is what I decided to do a few years ago and now my rental income covers my mortgage and then some!

photoplayer · October 2008

seasidearms, yes I've been thinking about that option too. Can't afford it myself but thinking about going in on a building with a friend. A townhouse on the park is available so I might go look at it. I'm sure a few years ago you got a SWEET deal!

dracomom · December 2008

photoplayer: I am interested in One Sunset Park also. Went to the open house the other day, and was very impressed with the building and workmanship on the model apartment. The location seems very nice, but since I don't live in the neighborhood, can't really make a judgement on that. Would like to hear more thought on the building/apartment/location from anyone.

photoplayer · January 2009

Hi dracomom. Looks like they've finally started moving and cutting prices. I'm interested to see what new floor plans they will add and when. I'm still interested in the place but with prices and mortgage rates going down I'm tempted to search closer in to wear I live now (Boerum Hill). 1 Sunset Park did have a great 2 or 3 bedroom with 2 baths on a high floor but at the same time they were asking too much 595k I think. Not sure that's even still available.

3rdgenbklynite · February 2009

Subject: price cuts

fyi -- the price cuts are for a 2nd tier renovation and/or an unrenovated apartment. totally up to everyone what's worth what.

1 Sunset Park, opinions?

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