No one has to tell you how hot the real estate market is in Brooklyn…and it is especially so in several neighborhoods, including the historic area of Boerum Hill. So when you take such a desirable neighborhood and combine it with a newly constructed
By Marshall Slater
No one has to tell you how hot the real estate market is in Brooklyn…and it is especially so in several neighborhoods, including the historic area of Boerum Hill. So when you take such a desirable neighborhood and combine it with a newly constructed brownstone that blends unique design with a meticulous attention to quality and detail, you understand just how singular such a property can be. Such is the case with this four-story building at 231 Bergen Street between Nevins and Bond, whose transformation took more than three years. The change has created a showplace not only for the block and area but for this entire section of Brooklyn. Using old world craftsmanship, contemporary innovations and a stringent adherence to excellence in all facets of design and construction, the luxury units are now available for inspection. The renovation is all the more startling had you passed the site when it was completely boarded up awaiting completion. But, eventually, down came the protective façade, and this historic structure—which has known only one family and two owners (the daughter of the original occupants) since it was first constructed over a century ago—began its makeover. From structural replacements and enhancements to the virtual gutting of the interior in order to replace it with top-of-the-line everything, no detail of the construction effort went without the most intense planning and care during its execution. This was originally a two-family building that has been renovated into a three family-five floor showcase, not including a 600 square-foot roof deck. From the bricks to the joists, to the installation of fine maple floors, complete home entertainment systems and state-of-the-art security, the site now offers exactly what any discriminating condo owner is searching for. But if you know the history of the owner, developer and contractor, 43-year old Ron Faia, this should come as no surprise. Indeed, Ron was featured more than two decades ago in a newspaper article when he developed and created Distinctive Window Treatments Plus, which elevated this area of window fashions to a new plane of excellence. “The precise and well orchestrated details throughout 231 Bergen took longer to build than buildings that offer three times the units,” explains Ron. “Three years, to be precise…but the project was not about building mass or quantity but rather about building with a high degree of excellence and daring in design.” Ron and his project manager, Artiom Tomchin, worked in tandem to design what has become known as “The Distinctive Condominiums of Bergen Street.” Artiom’s dedication and endless hours to the pursuit and realization of this dream are greatly treasured. Mr. Tomchin’s ideas and concepts are revealed in many aspects throughout the space. Ron’s longtime partner and friend, Mark Robinson, “was deeply involved in the project, adding his expertise, support and design analysis. His help was very much appreciated and invaluable.” Combined Talents of Many Artisans and Craftspeople The project, done under the auspices of Ron’s and Mark’s development company, Dynamic Technical Concepts and Designs, also owes its success to others in the company who were directly involved; namely, Victor, Ronaldo, Alberto, Martin and Paul (known collectively as The Brothers), Peter and Stanley. “Each brought a unique vantage point and skills to the job site,” notes Ron. But the developer was quick to point out that “what made the project all the more successful was the teamwork and cooperation of the various members from different trades working together and enjoying the process.” Some of the sub-contractors worth noting, continues Ron, include Nick Makryllos from “Mak Bros. Mechanical Corp.,” who designed the plumbing layout and installed all piping and fixtures. “Nick and company created artwork with his skill and passion for his trade,” commented Ron. All of the custom design cabinetry was designed and manufactured by Cabinet Shapes Corp’s John Seretis, “a gem of an individual.” “Stratos (Steve) Viglis of Arista Iron Works and a good friend manufactured much of the structural steel and assisted in the difficult and unusual requests placed on him during this process. “There was also Riccardo Fiallos of Riccardo Iron Works Inc., who created the decorative and ornate railings, doors, flower box brackets, staircases, etc. He was very patient and cooperative during this very long process of stop, wait, and go.” Continues Ron: “A very talented artist, by the name of India Richer, created the unique Venetian plaster in the bathrooms and copper leaf ceilings in the entrances. Nick Moccia of Richmond Sound System brought music, entertainment and security to the building with audio and visual systems complete with LCD flat screen televisions in every room.” Amenities Abound EverywhereCritical architectural design and TLC combined to create this structure. But now, let’s get down to the specifics. Just a quick survey of some of the highlights includes: · Central A/C · Sprinkler systems · Maple floors · Home entertainment system (state-of-the-art speaker systems, installed flat screen TVs in the living room, kitchen and bedrooms, CD, DVD units; plus, the entertainment system is fed through a central tuner-A/V controller, so it can be accessed through the speaker systems in every room of the apartments, including the bathrooms. · Closed circuit camera systems which view the entire street are fed into the TV for viewing · Imported wood burning contemporary styled fireplaces from Denmark (with exposed flue) · Installed cellular/honeycomb shades with an option to motorize. · Cleverly designed, pocket doors with translucent glass inserts. · Laundry room with floor drainage, Bosch appliances. · Top name appliances in the kitchens including Bosch. · Full size, six-foot Ultra Bain jet action whirlpools. · Full width, walk-in showers. · Double sinks throughout with maple cabinetry. · Tankless toilets by Duravit · Natural stone tile in baths and kitchens · Custom-fitted closet organizers And the list continues. Even the mechanical room is fully tiled and there is a water filterization system that feeds each individual apartment. The interior was designed to integrate contemporary architectural clean, sharp lines while at the same time maintaining and enhancing the historic look of the façade. Three Distinctive Units Each of the three units, which comprise 231 Bergen Street, boast their own unique style: The street level unit is a 2,000 square foot two level duplex comprising of one bedroom, an additional room that can be used as an office, plus a full recreation room one flight below; two full bathrooms, plus a landscaped backyard with slate tile accents and a custom-made “Asian” inspired, geometric, wood fence. The 1,100 square foot middle unit is comprised of a bedroom plus office, 1.5 baths and a 180 square-foot glass covered terrace. The 2,000 square-foot upper unit has an easily accessed roof deck with the option to install solar panels, which are designed to operate its entire electricity needs (that is, you will never pay another electricity bill again). The unit consists of two bedrooms, two solariums, a patio, plus an open riser (free floating) staircase that connects the floors. Prices for the units range from $1.050 to $1.6 million. Brooklyn Bred, World Schooled Ron brings Brooklyn sensibilities to the project, having been born, raised and still lives in his native Bay Ridge. A graduate of Fort Hamilton High School and St. John’s University, he continued his studies in Italian art and design in Italy. With a firm background in high finance, Ron started his career in foreign exchange and bond trading on Wall Street, but was later drawn to develop his creative design side, moving into custom real estate projects that allowed him to express these talents. It all started when he and longtime friend and partner Mark Robinson further developed Distinctive Window Treatments Plus. DWT continued growing for 15 years in Brooklyn, designing, fabricating and installing for the retail, commercial and wholesale. During this time, they also became real estate speculators, purchasing buildings throughout Brooklyn and decided to combine both interests into becoming developers, thus furthering their creativity and hands-on style. Both realized it was time to move on and sell their thriving manufacturing business. Since then, they have expanded their real estate development in other states throughout the US and overseas. Future plans include developing a three level restaurant in the Park Slope area complete with a piano bar and entertainment, also developing a six family unit in Windsor Terrace with parking and gardens. For more information please visit www.cobbleheights.com and www.231Bergen.com or call Kirsten Syrett at Cobble Heights Realty at 718-596-3333 extension 17. The first open house will be happening this Sunday, February 25 from 1-4 p.m. This advertisement is not an offering. No offering can be made until an offering plan is filed with the Attorney General of the State of New York. This advertisement is made pursuant to Cooperative Policy Statement No. 1 issued by the New York State Attorney General. File # CP06-0272. The Sponsor is Bergen Holdings LLC, 323 Marine Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11209. The project is “The Distinctive Condominiums of Bergen Street” at 231 Bergen Street, Brooklyn, NY 11217.
