Spike Lee's Old Firehouse and the Unassuming One-Bedroom Condo

In the market for one of Fort Greene's most high-profile homes? Or are you a less-established artist in the hunt for a more run of the mill condo with a studio space — that still costs a handsome sum, of course. Either way, Greenelisted has you covered.

124 DeKalb Avenue at Fort Greene Place

When brokers and homeowners determine the asking price of a property, they examine similar abodes, which in real estate jargon are called "comps."

But some properties are so unique that there is nothing to compare them to — especially when Spike Lee used to work there.

124 DeKalb Avenue is an opportunity to own an entire building that was once a firehouse, a fallout shelter and, best of all, the production studio for Fort Greene's most famous filmmaker. This is no cookie-cutter condo.

The building, spanning five floors — including the basement and roof deck— is currently configured as two apartments and a ground floor two-car garage with two extra rooms.

A new owner could combine the two residential units to make one mansion or gut the first floor to create commercial space — other brokers on site were pondering an organic grocer, wine bar or microbrewery.

Each of the two residential units have large eat-in kitchens. The three residential floors each have 16-foot ceilings, while the basements have about 10-foot ceilings.

This building was listed in 2008 for $5.9 million and has been rented several times since.

Pros

• Great subway access to nearly all major lines.

• Spacious interior layouts and high ceilings, endless possibilities for using the spaces.

Cons

• Directly across the street from the Brooklyn Hospital ambulance entrance.

• Mezanine-level sleeping area in the lower unit creates a low-ceiling effect.

$3,900,000

For Showings:
Abdul Muid
Corcoran Group
718-210-4033

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252 Greene Avenue, between Grand and Classon avenues #1A

A perfectly simple condo in a low-key building is available in the eastern part of brownstone Clinton Hill.

The unit might match someone who works from home: an artist, drafter or writer. The main living spaces are upstairs with a separate kitchen, bedroom and large living room.

To be sure, the new owner will likely want to renovate the kitchen and bathroom and perhaps replace the hardwood floors upstairs that show signs of wear.

The basement could be tiled and finished for any number of purposes, or left  as is. It could certainly be made into another bedroom, it already has its own bathroom.

Pros

• The large basement could be a workspace or bedroom.

• The upper flight is bright and the rooms are spacious; free laundry in building.

Cons

• No outdoor space.

• While the apartment is in 'turn-key' condition, a new owner will likely want to renovate the apartment, especially the dingy hardwood floors.

$299,000, $481/month common charges

For Showings:
Julie Elizabeth Cohen
Brooklyn Heights Real Estate
917-885-3365