Rendering of 70 Henry Street via Mettle Property Group
Late last year, the Brooklyn Heights condo, 70 Henry Street quietly topped out construction. The boutique project, developed by Gerard Longo's Mettle Property Group in partnership with Jason Halpern's JMH Development is a marriage of old world Brooklyn and modern luxury. We recently sat down with Longo to learn about the history and vision of this rare new offering to one of the city's most beloved neighborhoods.
As a native Brooklynite, Gerard Longo tells us he chose acclaimed architect Morris Adjmi for his understanding and appreciation of the city's historic architecture. Mr. Longo and JMH first commisioned Adjmi for the nearby The Townhomes of Cobble Hill on Congress Street. "Adjmi is without question a professional who has a strong understanding of historic architecture and his name adds value that the consumer recognizes," says Longo.
As a native Brooklynite, Gerard Longo tells us he chose acclaimed architect Morris Adjmi for his understanding and appreciation of the city's historic architecture. Mr. Longo and JMH first commisioned Adjmi for the nearby The Townhomes of Cobble Hill on Congress Street. "Adjmi is without question a professional who has a strong understanding of historic architecture and his name adds value that the consumer recognizes," says Longo.
“Historic neighborhoods add challenges as a developer, but they also add quality and value” – Gerard Longo
70 Henry Street topped out as of December via CityRealty
The original two-story building at the site dates back to 1895 and has been used as a butcher shop, pharmacy, and Brooklyn Heights Cinema. Adjmi's design, guided by the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC), keeps much of the original façade intact, including an original cast-iron column in the front of the building, and builds a contemporary three-floor addition above. Mr. Longo explains that keeping the two original exterior walls intact was "both costly and time-consuming" and took many professionals to get it right. "Local residents are very conscious of historic value and we went to speak to them about their points of view, says the developer. "Previous developers failed but we were successful because we had the right team who were familiar with the challenges."
Rendering of typical living room (Mettle Property Group)
Kitchen via Mettle Property Group
Roof deck via Mettle Property Group
Now fully ascended, the enlarged structure contextually anchors the corner of the tree-lined Orange Street and charming Henry Street. "There has never been a time that Brooklyn Heights was not a premier area," says Longo. "Historic neighborhoods add challenges for developers but they add quality and value as well." Small storefronts with unique shops and restaurants still pepper Henry and Montague streets, and the Brooklyn Heights Promenade and Cadman Plaza Park are a short walk from the site. 70 Henry is also very close to the High Street subway station and the Clark Street station serving the A. C, 2, and 3 lines — both offering a one-stop commute to Manhattan.
Looking south down Henry Street (CityRealty)
This methodical wedlock of old and new has already attracted much interest. Two of the five condo-apartments are now in contract, and the remaining available units include a maisonette and penthouse. Contemporary interiors will be wired so that residents can control the entire apartment from their phones and each unit will enjoy direct elevator access. Interiors also feature top-of-the-line finishes, high ceilings, wide plank oak floors, and oversized custom windows to fill the apartments with natural light from multiple exposures. Custom kitchens are equipped with state-of-the-art Thermador appliances and quartzite backsplashes. Prices start at $4.45 million, which comes down to an average of $1,691 per square foot.
As for amenities, 70 Henry Street offers a residential lobby, a virtual doorman, a bike room, and storage. Occupancy is anticipated for spring 2018.
As for amenities, 70 Henry Street offers a residential lobby, a virtual doorman, a bike room, and storage. Occupancy is anticipated for spring 2018.
Exterior rendering of 70 Henry Street (Mettle Property Group)
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