A rating for the building relative to other buildings of the same type throughout the country.Learn more
113Units
12Stories
2006Year Built
$590K - $1.9MValue Range
Available Units
For Sale
For Rent
No Units Available
Highlights
Concierge
Basketball Court
River View
City View
Theater or Screening Room
1 min walk to Washington Park Dog Run
This Park Slope condominium faced a rocky reception from the community
In 2004, the construction of Novo, a 12-story condominium, faced a four-year saga that left some locals with mixed emotions. When Brooklyn-based Boymelgreen Developers had the site cleared for construction, residents were hopeful that a new condominium might spur further development along Fourth Avenue. The four-lane thoroughfare (which divides Park Slope and Gowanus, and dead ends at Atlantic Terminal) was essentially the polar opposite of Fifth Avenue’s trendy commercial scene — locals were more likely to find auto shops and hardware stores than cafes or boutiques. A 2003 zoning law further stunted growth in the area, as it allowed residential developers to design multifamily buildings without retail at the ground level. Initially, Boymelgreen Developers won the community’s favor by including commercial space. But people were disappointed when the not-so-glamorous tenant was announced: NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.
Also, many weren’t pleased with the condominium’s architecture. Rather than buying into the charm of the area’s prewar brownstones or even committing to a shiny, modernist look, Novo’s firm, Bricolage Architecture & Design, opted for a brown-hued stone and brick facade that left something to be desired. The green space immediately surrounding the building was another point of contention. Part of Washington Park (renamed from J.J. Byrne Park) was damaged by builders at the onset of construction in late 2004, and the area remained closed until December of 2008 — four years later and over three years after the park’s expected reopening. Locals, no surprise, were perturbed. Although the results were long overdue, Boymelgreen Developers wound up improving the park, repairing the damaged handball courts and adding two basketball courts, a skate park and a dog run. According to a 2008 New York Times article, the developer spent $1.6 million on the park. Today, the upgraded park is one of Novo’s greatest assets.
Residents enjoy a semi-private entrance despite the building’s lackluster location
Since the building’s completion, Fourth Avenue has seen the arrival of a few casual eateries and glass-clad residential buildings. Otherwise, very little has changed over the last 20-odd years. Considering the relatively industrial setting, prospective buyers would be pleased to learn that Novo’s residential entrance is actually located around the corner on 5th Street, where a narrow, landscaped courtyard leads to a covered landing outside the lobby. During a recent visit, a couple of residents — or rather, their dogs — mingled outside the automatic sliding glass doors, passing to and from the dog run just beyond the stone courtyard wall. Inside, the lobby still feels somewhat unfinished, even 15-plus years after the condo’s opening, likely due to the minimal furnishings and decor. There is, however, a wood feature wall with a matching reception desk that’s attended by a concierge. Upstairs, the residents’ lounge and children’s playroom are similarly minimalistic. The former includes several couches, coffee tables and one wall-mounted television, while the latter has one mini table and a few games. Residents will also find a gym, yoga room and parking garage with 60 leased spaces within the building.
Everyone enjoys a nice kitchen and in-unit washer/dryer, but only some get balconies
Of Novo’s 113 units, only three are studios. The remaining condos are split among one-, two- and three-bedroom residences. Generally, residents can expect red oak floors and well-designed kitchens. Lower cabinets have a wood finish, while upper cabinets have a combination of white and frosted glass fronts. The counters and backsplash are also done in a bright white, and full-size appliances come in a stainless steel finish. Not all condos have the square footage for a dining set, but connected kitchens and living rooms make the main space feel open and airy. Some discerning buyers, however, would consider the bathrooms slightly outdated, including beige tiles and surprisingly small vanities. All units include LG washer/dryers, but only select residences have balconies — some face Fourth Avenue and offer distant views of the East River and Manhattan skyline, while others overlook Washington Park. One-bedroom condos do not come on the market often, but a couple of years ago, prices generally ranged from $645,000 to $875,000 for 562 to 895 square feet. Two-bedroom units measure roughly 800 to 1,400 square feet and cost between $919,000 and $1.27 million, while three-bedroom residences can reach up to 1,775 square feet in size and $1.95 million in price.
Residents head east for Fifth Avenue’s shopping and dining
Novo’s nearest (and perhaps best) perk, Washington Park, includes more than the rec courts and dog run installed by Boymelgreen. Months after the developer’s upgrades debuted, the city also added a synthetic grass field that locals now use for pick-up games, picnics and lounging. Stretching all the way to Fifth Avenue, the north side of the park also includes the Old Stone House, a historic, American Revolution-era home that’s been turned into a museum, as well as a small garden and a playground. On the weekends, the park often hosts artisan pop-ups and markets. Facing the park, the two blocks along Fifth Avenue include a pizzeria, wine shop, bakery, tavern, two cafes, two ice cream parlors, three eateries and a bodega. Dozens of additional local businesses are available in either direction. The first Brooklyn Whole Foods Market, includes a local produce farm and rooftop restaurant in addition to its usual groceries. Less than half a mile from Novo, residents can catch the F, G and R trains. Several Citi Bike stations and bus stops are available along the surrounding avenues, as well.
Collateral AnalyticsCollateral Analytics
Collateral Analytics AVMs (Automated Valuation Model) employ a number of statistical approaches combined with neighborhood-specific comparable selection guarantees the most up-to-date and precise valuations.
Black Knight®Black Knight
Black Knight’s AVM (Automated Valuation Model) is a state-of-the-art online residential property valuation tool that provides a quick and accurate estimate of the value of almost any home in the U.S.
First AmericanFirst American
First American Data & Analytics’ next-generation AVM combines unrivaled data assets with a blended ensemble of valuation models to produce highly accurate, reliable valuations you can trust.
Quantarium
Current List Price
Sold Price
Area Factors
Biker's Paradise
Bike Score®
91/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
98/ 100
Rider's Paradise
Transit Score®
100/ 100
Sources: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Walk Score
Sources: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Walk Score
WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Powered by CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks. Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Environmental risk data is provided by First Street Foundation® and is designed to approximate risk and not intended to include all possible scenarios.
Parks in this Area
Washington Park Dog Run
1 min walk
Dog Park
Picnic Area
Trails
J.J. Byrne Playground
4 min walk
Picnic Area
Soccer
Trails
Gowanus Canal Sponge Park
11 min walk
Bike Trails
Trails
River
Park Slope Playground
12 min walk
Basketball
Trails
Playground
Thomas Greene Playground
13 min walk
Basketball
Pool
Skateboard
St Mary's Playground
3 min drive
Basketball
Skateboard
Playground
Harmony Playground
3 min drive
Bike Trails
Picnic Area
Trails
Admiral Triangle Playground
3 min drive
Playground
Carroll Park
4 min drive
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Playground
Schools
Source:
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Disclaimer: Please note that this building may not be in these schools' attendance zones.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified.
