The last House of the Week turned out to be a complete disaster. From now on, I’ll no longer be featuring any buildings that could possibly be rent-regulated, as they are simply far too problematic for the average homebuyer to manage. I’ll also be checking for violations. Thanks to those who chimed in with more information — please keep it up!
The block that hosts 221 Cornelia Street is average, as wood-frame Bushwick blocks go: drab but clean vinyl-sided homes with a few remaining details like cornices and ironwork, some trees, and relatively well-maintained. There is ugly 90s construction across the street but these are almost always owner-occupied. The house itself is spotless inside, with newer kitchens and baths and everything in order. A duplex unit takes up the first and second floors and has 4 bedrooms and 2 full baths; the third floor contains a two-bedroom apartment. It’s a good price, nice size, and walking distance to recently renovated Irving Square for dog walking and dominoes. Solid.
221 Cornelia Street | $399,000
2565sqft | 19ft-wide | 2-family, 3 bath | frame
Wilson L
John Dereszewski February 16th, 2010 at 9:44 am
While I agree that the aesthetics of the Partnership housing situated across the street are not the greatest – and have been clearly improved upon by more recent Partnership construction – they can hardly be described as ugly. In addition, they constitute the subject of a good story.
Back in the mid-1970′s, a terrible fire that occurred on a windy night destroyed about twelve or thirteen wood frame structures. (Those connected cocklofts are real killers.) The block leadership at the time played a very active role in advocating for the prompt demolition of the uninhabitable hulks and securing the construction of affordable infill housing in its place. Consequently, this was one of the first sites to receive Partnership housing.
If the current block leadership is anywhere as effective as was their predecesors, this would constitute an additional good reason to purchase this property. (The price is also pretty good.)