522 Halsey Street,
Brooklyn,
NY
11233
Filled with incredible warmth and intact architectural detail, this beautifully updated two-family residence awaits its next chapter in the lovely Stuyvesant Heights Historic District. Currently configured with a three-bedroom, two-bathroom owner's duplex over a three-bedroom, one-bathroom garden flat, this is an ideal opportunity for investors, end-users or those wishing to convert the home to a grand single-family residence. A classic high-floor stoop opens to the charming owner's duplex, where open plan living and dining areas are surrounded by painted brick, a decorative fireplace, stained glass and a handsome Pottery Barn chandelier. Updated in 2016, the open chef's kitchen features extra-tall custom full-feature cabinetry and an oversized island topped in gleaming quartz counters, subway tile backsplash, a Franke Fireclay farm sink and Moen fixtures. Stunning pendant light and GE appliances, including a gas range, side-by-side refrigerator and dishwasher, complete the scene.
A full bathroom and a laundry closet with a full-size LG washer-dryer add convenience to the main level, and a large deck leads to the garden and patio below. On the top floor of the duplex, the rear-facing primary bedroom features an exposed brick, a roomy closet and direct access to the semi-private full bathroom. The front bedroom boasts three large windows overlooking the treetops of Halsey Street, and a lovely skylight illuminates the middle bedroom. The garden flat includes an open-plan living area and kitchen flanked by front and rear bedrooms. The unit also features a large full bathroom, in-unit laundry, a private street-level entrance and outdoor access. On the cellar level, you'll find a large rec room and full bath. The building's extensive renovations include a new sewer line and roof installed in 2015. A painted brick fa ade with delightful planter boxes adds wonderful curb appeal to this historic Brooklyn home.
Built in 1882 in the Italianate style, 522 Halsey was occupied by James F. Thomas and his family at the turn of the 20th century. Thomas had been born into slavery in Virginia in 1826 and, at the age of 21, was helped north by Quakers. He fled to Montreal and later to London, where friends secured his freedom for $1,000. After traveling the world as a valet on sailing ships, he returned to New York City in 1864 and gained employment as a porter at Fisk & Hatch banking house on Wall Street, where he was well-known. Thomas remained in the employ of the Fisk family for 47 years until his death in 1911. Three generations of his family resided at 522 Halsey Street. Located on a stunning block lined with trees and quintessential high-stoop brownstones, this two-family is at the heart of historic Stuyvesant Heights with easy access to Bed-Stuy, Bushwick, Clinton Hill, Fort Greene and Crown Heights amenities. Around the corner, the beautiful Macon Street Library houses the African American Heritage Center. Lovely playgrounds and parks dot the nearby streets, and Prospect Park is less than two miles away. Brooklyn's buzziest restaurants and nightlife are within easy reach, and transportation is excellent with A, C and LIRR trains, excellent bus service and CitiBike stations all nearby.