Updated 3 years ago
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124 De Kalb Ave
Fort Greene, Brooklyn | Fort Greene Place & Saint Felix Street
10 Rooms4 Beds3 Baths5,121 Square FeetMulti-Family
$4,350,000
floors / apts3 / 2
Lot Size25'x81'
Built Size25'x77'
ZoneR6B
Building TypeTownhouse
RE Taxes$34,537
Price Per SF
$849
This property was sold for $4,350,000 on 08/31/23.
Listing Features
- Architectural Dtls
- High Ceilings
- New Windows
- Original Details
- Oversized Windows
- Skylights
- Spiral Staircase
- Central AC
- Gas Heat
Outdoor space and views
- Deck
- Terrace [23'x30']
Building Amenities
- Video Intercom
- Garage
- Pool
- Roof Deck
- Storage
Property Description for 124 De Kalb Ave
Press Mention:
https://www.mansionglobal.com/articles/spike-lees-former-brooklyn-home-and-headquarters-lists-for-4-35-million-cb7ca621
Nowhere in Brooklyn will you find the size and scale that this rarely found decommissioned firehouse offers. No. 124 is the perfect blank canvas for the next owner to create one of New York's most unique homes.
With a fascinating history dating back to 1895, No. 124 DeKalb was originally built as a water tower and then converted into a firehouse in 1903. A memento of its past is etched into the fa ade of the building as "Engine 256." At some point, likely in the 1940's, the cellar was fortified as a bomb shelter. The building remained in service to the public until 1974, when Engine No. 256 was disbanded due to budget cuts.
For 22 years, the building was the live/work space for the production studio 40 Acres and a Mule of celebrated filmmaker, Spike Lee. Do the Right Thing, Malcom X, Jungle Fever and Inside Man were amongst the films produced in the historically rich building.
In the mid 1980s, the entire firehouse was converted into 2 spacious duplex-lofts. The current owner occupies the entire 5,121 sq. ft. (approx. 5,775 sq. ft., including the 2 mezzanines) though the property is designated as a legal 2-family. This house is 25 ft. wide, and features wrought iron gates, a multi-car garage, barrel vaulted ceilings, exposed brick, art deco touches, and etched glass. Interiors are brightened by expansive windows and enhanced by airy ceilings that soar up to as almost 15 ft. Additionally, there's a spacious 1,700+ sq. ft. finished cellar, and over 1,500+ sq. ft. of private outdoor space overlooking Fort Greene Park.
The exceptional central location is just blocks from Brooklyn's best attractions, such as: Barclays Center, Brooklyn Academy of Music, City Point BKLYN, and Atlantic Terminal Mall. For creative minds, this relic of New York history provides the opportunity to make your own dream home.
Historical bullet points for No. 124 Dekalb Avenue:
Originally built as a water tower on May 27, 1895.
Relabeled to be water tower 1, FDNY on Jan 28, 1898.
Disbanded to be water tower on July 19, 1903.
Originally a firehouse for Fire Engine Company 156 on July 19, 1903.
Changed to house Fire Engine Company 256 on January 1, 1913.
Part of a public sale by the Collector of City Revenue, Department of Finance, there was a public sale on April 4, 1912.
Fire Engine Company 256 officially disbanded firehouse on December 16, 1974.
https://www.mansionglobal.com/articles/spike-lees-former-brooklyn-home-and-headquarters-lists-for-4-35-million-cb7ca621
Nowhere in Brooklyn will you find the size and scale that this rarely found decommissioned firehouse offers. No. 124 is the perfect blank canvas for the next owner to create one of New York's most unique homes.
With a fascinating history dating back to 1895, No. 124 DeKalb was originally built as a water tower and then converted into a firehouse in 1903. A memento of its past is etched into the fa ade of the building as "Engine 256." At some point, likely in the 1940's, the cellar was fortified as a bomb shelter. The building remained in service to the public until 1974, when Engine No. 256 was disbanded due to budget cuts.
For 22 years, the building was the live/work space for the production studio 40 Acres and a Mule of celebrated filmmaker, Spike Lee. Do the Right Thing, Malcom X, Jungle Fever and Inside Man were amongst the films produced in the historically rich building.
In the mid 1980s, the entire firehouse was converted into 2 spacious duplex-lofts. The current owner occupies the entire 5,121 sq. ft. (approx. 5,775 sq. ft., including the 2 mezzanines) though the property is designated as a legal 2-family. This house is 25 ft. wide, and features wrought iron gates, a multi-car garage, barrel vaulted ceilings, exposed brick, art deco touches, and etched glass. Interiors are brightened by expansive windows and enhanced by airy ceilings that soar up to as almost 15 ft. Additionally, there's a spacious 1,700+ sq. ft. finished cellar, and over 1,500+ sq. ft. of private outdoor space overlooking Fort Greene Park.
The exceptional central location is just blocks from Brooklyn's best attractions, such as: Barclays Center, Brooklyn Academy of Music, City Point BKLYN, and Atlantic Terminal Mall. For creative minds, this relic of New York history provides the opportunity to make your own dream home.
Historical bullet points for No. 124 Dekalb Avenue:
Originally built as a water tower on May 27, 1895.
Relabeled to be water tower 1, FDNY on Jan 28, 1898.
Disbanded to be water tower on July 19, 1903.
Originally a firehouse for Fire Engine Company 156 on July 19, 1903.
Changed to house Fire Engine Company 256 on January 1, 1913.
Part of a public sale by the Collector of City Revenue, Department of Finance, there was a public sale on April 4, 1912.
Fire Engine Company 256 officially disbanded firehouse on December 16, 1974.
Building Details for 124 De Kalb Ave
OwnershipMulti-Family
Building TypeTownhouse
Service LevelVideo Intercom
AgePre-War
AccessWalk-up
Year Built1900
Floors/Apts3/2
Transit and Citi Bike
Subway
Fulton St
0.2 miles
Nevins St
0.21 miles
DeKalb Av
0.26 miles
Lafayette Av
0.29 miles
Atlantic Av-Barclays Ctr
0.36 miles
Railroad
Atlantic TerminalLong Island Rail Road
0.43 miles
Citi Bike
DeKalb Ave & S Portland Ave
0.09 miles
Ashland Pl & Dekalb Ave
0.1 miles
Fort Greene | Brooklyn
Quick Profile
Conveniently situated just north of the beautiful and lush Prospect Park, Fort Greene is rich with history. Representative of an aesthetic that Brooklyn is often associated with--the brownstone and row house architecture being an institution of the community--Fort Greene is decidedly singular in visual style. As part of the National Register of Historic Places, this South Brooklyn neighborhood offers unique charm and plenty of character.
Beginning with its early military-oriented inception (the territory was central to the Battle of Long Island), Fort Greene has always been recognized for its spaciousness and a sense of openness. Filled with nature and greenery, it is also home to its very own eponymously named park in addition to being in close proximity to Brooklyn’s largest recreational area, Prospect Park (containing the beloved Prospect Park Zoo within it).
Many residents come from different socioeconomic backgrounds and commute to their workplaces in Manhattan, while keeping Fort Greene as their separate haven. The diversity of the area has proven to be one of the few examples of a Brooklyn neighborhood maintaining its roots in part thanks to its protected status.
All information furnished regarding property for sale, rental or financing is from sources deemed reliable, but no warranty or representation is made as to the accuracy thereof and same is submitted subject to errors, omissions, change of price, rental or other conditions, prior sale, lease or financing or withdrawal without notice. All dimensions are approximate. For exact dimensions, you must hire your own architect or engineer.
OLR ID: 26600TH
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