81 Columbia Heights

Generously scaled homes with distinctive prewar details and varying degrees of renovation

“Units at 81-87 Columbia Heights still have unique original features like dumbwaiters from when the building was most likely a temporary residence or hotel of some sort, before becoming a rental and later a co-op,” Steele notes. “Most of the layouts, with fully enclosed kitchens, have been maintained but more cosmetic updates, finishes and appliances, have been periodically introduced over the past century.” Much of the prewar character — crown molding and ample square footage — remains a key feature throughout. Like any building of this age, however, the state of renovation varies greatly from unit to unit. On the market in winter 2025 for $600,000, unit 10 is a one-bedroom with at least 600 square feet of space, 10-foot ceilings, hardwood flooring and south facing exposures. “Most, if not all, residences have open views,” Steele adds. “There are tree-lined views around the building. Cranberry Street, from which 81 Columbia Heights is accessed, has especially tall old growth plantings.”

Other slightly larger one-bedrooms have sold for closer to $700,000. A handful of two- and three-bedrooms — some with over 1,000 square feet of space — have sold for between $850,000 and $1 million. Like many co-ops, the board allows for subletting after shareholders have maintained full occupancy for a certain number of years. Cats are allowed but dogs aren’t. Though the lobby and hallways recently underwent a complete restoration, there are no assessments currently in place.

The historic charm of common areas and especially attractive Brooklyn Heights

The co-op’s two canopied entrances give way to lobbies that take on the scale of grand townhomes. They are suffused in abundant but tasteful neoclassical detailing: intricate crown molding, coffered ceilings, black- and- white tile floors, marble accents, brass-plated mailboxes, colonnade-like sculptures and inlaid floral wallcoverings, evocative of the verdant parks right outside. The quaint Fruit Street Sitting Area across the street — cleverly dubbed to reflect the names of adjoining streets: Cranberry, Orange and Pineapple — anchors the picturesque and vistas-rich Brooklyn Heights Promenade. A walking bridge accessed just up the block leads down into the postindustrial, shipping pier-converted Brooklyn Bridge Park. The 85-acre greenspace cuts along the waterfront with undulating hillscapes, playgrounds, picnic lawns, a historic carousel and ample sports facilities.

While Brooklyn Heights has a surprisingly suburban vibe, there’s plenty in terms of dining and shopping along Montague Street, a commercial stretch reminiscent of a resort area such as Aspen or Sag Harbor. Popular haunts include Thai go-to Khaosan, classic Italian?trattoria Felice Montague and southern Mediterranean eatery Taboonette. While big box stores and essential service businesses are found in nearby Downtown Brooklyn, a few chains like Trader Joe’s are found along Atlantic Avenue. The closest grocery store, however, is the Gristedes on Henry Street, where there are also several neighborhood-favorite eateries and bars.

Express subways at Clark Street and quick access to the Brooklyn Queens Expressway

Commuter-friendly Brooklyn Heights benefits from having numerous subway stations. Those living in 81-87 Columbia Heights are only a few blocks from the Clark Street station, served by the express 2 and 3 lines that route through downtown Manhattan and up much of its West Side. Residents that street park or have hard-to-get monthly rentals in nearby third party-operated garages can access the Brooklyn Queens Expressway from the end of Atlantic Avenue.