The Butler Collection, 350 Butler Street

The Butler Collection is a contemporary condominium development on the cusp of Park Slope and Gowanus in Brooklyn, is developed by The Brooklyn Home Company, renowned for its bespoke craftsmanship and impeccable finishes. The smaller structure, 137 Fourth Avenue, comprises eight full-floor residences, each boasting three bedrooms and private outdoor space.

Adjacent to it, the larger 350 Butler Street features 34 studios to four-bedroom homes, constructed with rigorous Passive House principles — an energy-efficient European technique. These homes include triple-paned windows (great for temperature control and sound attenuation), highly-insulated walls, and individual ERV units for superior air quality. Larger layouts are generously proportioned, with foyers and a seamless flow that separates living and entertaining areas. Interiors feature gracious living space, kitchens with Shaker cabinetry and elite appliances, generous closet space, chic baths, and in-unit washer/dryers.

Amid the pressing challenges of climate change and rising sea levels, The Butler Collection adopts a commendable approach by incorporating Passive House features into its design. In the current landscape where sustainable design in luxury NYC real estate has somewhat waned, this development stands out for its commitment. While some buyers may hesitate to pay extra for green features, collectively, buildings and transportation contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Taking steps to reduce energy consumption, even in small ways, sends a crucial message to the industry.

The Brooklyn Home Company, a respected and eco-minded developer, has been at the forefront of designing aesthetically pleasing and comfortable abodes in Brooklyn. While The Butler Collection marks their largest ground-up project to date, the firm's portfolio often involves the adaptive reuse of historic walk-up structures, typically the greenest kind of development of all.

The Butler Collection is over 60% sold, with remaining one- to four-bedrooms starting from $1.45M. Recent releases on upper floors feature units with terraces and captivating views of the Brooklyn and Manhattan skylines. As available inventory diminishes, prices are on an upward trend. Even still, pricing blends to under $1,500 per square foot, a relative bargain for new construction, and just above Park Slope's overall condo average in Q3 2023. 

Amenities at The Butler Collection include an attended lobby with pieces by local artists, a fitness center with top-of-the-line equipment, a children's playroom with a rock-climbing wall, two bike rooms, and two furnished, landscaped roof deck. Its Brooklyn location puts it not far from Prospect Park, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, the Brooklyn Museum, the Brooklyn Public Library, the Park Slope Food Coop, Whole Foods, Threes Brewing, Dinosaur BBQ, The Sackett, and Blueprint.

The project's scale and massing can be attributed to the 2003 rezoning of Fourth Avenue, which permits larger and taller structures. This initiative has resulted in a series of predominantly unremarkable mid-rises, though recent years have seen an improvement in aesthetics as Brooklyn's property prices soar. While the rezoning aimed to enable moderate and middle-income families to either remain or return to New York City, it has faced criticism for not providing sufficient affordable housing. But it's worth pondering how much affordable housing Park Slope's brownstones have generated, particularly with many multi-family brownstones reverting to single-family mansions.

Looking ahead, Fourth Avenue edge condition will continue to diminish as a substantial construction boom unfolds in neighboring Gowanus. This surge is anticipated to yield over 25,000 rental apartments in the coming years, with 30% designated as affordable. Additionally, the Gowanue canal cleanup is underway, new parkland, and the implementation of new infrastructure to mitigate stormwater overflows.

Residential amenities include an attended lobby with an integrated art piece from Fitzhugh Karol, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a children's playroom with rock-climbing wall and jungle gym, bike storage, and a landscaped roof deck. It is located at the nexus of Park Slope and Gowanus near Prospect Park, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, the Brooklyn Museum, the Brooklyn Public Library, the Park Slope Food Coop, Whole Foods, Threes Brewing, Dinosaur BBQ, The Sackett, and Blueprint. Transportation options include the 2/3, 4/5, B/D, and N/Q/R trains.

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