After Selling At A Steep Discount, Long Neglected Carroll Gardens Townhouse Finally Gets Renovated

Back in February 2016, the long neglected four-story brick townhouse at 351 Union Street right next to Smith Street Deli was being marketed by Douglas Elliman as a handyman special and "an investors dream come true."

It had first come on the market for $2,8000.000 a few months earlier, before the price was lowered to $2,6000.000 and then $2,5000.000.  It finally sold a year later for (only) $995,000, according to Zillow.  That is quite a steep discount.

The new owner has begun renovation on the townhouse. According to the permit, the work involves a "gut renovation to turn the existing building from a four family to a two family with a new rear extension and deck."
It's nice to see this old home get the attention it needs.

What do you think of the discounted price?

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The $2.6 Million Handyman Special In Carroll Gardens

Who here in Carroll Gardens has not wondered about the decrepit four-story brick townhouse at 351 Union Street right next to Smith Street Deli? For decades now, the building has looked neglected and uninhabited. The paint is pealing from the façade, the stoop is crumbling, and before some of them were replaced just recently, several windows were broken and open to the elements.
Yet, on very rare occasions, I would see an elderly gentleman walk in and out of the house.

A few days ago, PMFA received an email from reader Bob reported that the property has been placed on the market.  Bob writes:
"This mystery house is finally for sale. All the years walking by and never knowing whether just a storage or abandoned or recluse living there."

Douglas Elliman is the realtor for the brick townhouse. From the listing:
"This is the ideal handy man's special. An investors absolute dream come through. An architect's drafting board. It needs a FULL gut renovation but location, location, location is where its at. Measuring 20x40, this home is 3360sf and can be recreated as a beautiful 1, 2 or 3 family home. This sale is contingent on seller being in contract on another home. All cash only."

The price for this "handyman special"? It is listed for $2,600.000. That is down from $2,800.000 back in November 2015, when the property was first placed on the market.

One hopes that someone will restore this brownstone to give it back some love and dignity.

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