Saint Marks Place

Penthouses take everything up a notch. Whereas most of the residences were designed with brownstones in mind, the penthouses took cues from traditional artist lofts. This influence is felt in the high ceilings and the living room’s wall of windows. Not only do penthouses make the most of skyline views, but they all include outdoor space. Then there’s one 2,334-square-foot townhome with 15-foot ceilings and a 717-square-foot terrace, made extra special by an outdoor kitchen and fire pit. Prices reflect that this is a full-service, amenity-laden building in a sought-after location, where an entry level 412-square-foot studio sold for $640,000 when sales opened in 2022. The most expensive unit, a 2,895-square-foot penthouse, sold for $5 million the same year.

19,000 square feet of amenities, from a karaoke room to spa suites

The fully staffed lobby sets the building’s tone with contemporary sculptural pieces, travertine marble floors and earthy tones, while a marble-and-steel lenticular wall behind the front desk reveals glimpses into the garden. From the lobby, residents have the option to ascend a central staircase to the second-floor spaces, including a playroom that is arguably nicer than some daycare centers. The inviting space is fitted with massive windows and a larger-than-life replica tree that fills the room. There’s even a covered outdoor space just outside. This floor also contains a game room for watching sports or playing pool, a club room with separate spaces for quietly socializing, and a parlor with a full kitchen and space for throwing parties. “My wife had her baby shower here,” Simmons says. Both the club and parlor represent modern versions of traditional brownstone living, with the club representing a drawing room and the parlor channeling its predecessors. Back downstairs, the lobby leads to a garden courtyard landscaped by Terrain. The brownstone influence is on display here too, since the garden drew inspiration from the types of green spaces often tucked behind the buildings. The central garden is surrounded by glass-walled corridors with dedicated spaces for a library, coffee bar and art studio.

Residents frequently head to the lower level (which still provides natural light thanks to walls of windows), for the 2,000-square-foot fitness center designed by The Wright Fit, known for creating gyms that don’t feel like gyms in elite buildings. “Quite often I would see groups of residents working out together,” says Simmons. This space also includes the popular yoga and pilates studios, a massage room and two spa suites with a steam room and spa that can easily be booked through the building’s app. There are also two meditation rooms that don’t appear to get as much use, but Simmons notes how the soundproof karaoke room has been a Friday night favorite. It’s next to the equally soundproof music room. In nice weather, the astro turf roof deck beckons with movies and Manhattan skyline views. Not least, the building includes underground parking, which Simmons notes greatly appealed to buyers, and a Food Garden Market on the ground floor.

Traditional brownstone blocks close to busy retail sections

The condo’s location blends the best of brownstone living. The main entrance is located on a residential brownstone block, creating a neighborhood vibe, while busy Fourth Avenue offers the convenience of shopping for essentials. “We sold quite a number of units to buyers coming in from out of state, and they were only focused on Brooklyn,” says Simmons. He adds how the 4th Avenue redevelopment plan has improved this stretch with bike lanes and ongoing median landscaping. Rental buildings represent the majority of new construction, adding to the appeal of Saint Marks Place due to the limited number of condo buildings in the area. Simmons adds how residents also benefit from close proximity to Barclays Center, whether for trains or games, and the residential neighborhoods of Boerum Hill and Park Slope. Also close? Whole Foods and the public Douglass and DeGraw Pool in trendy Gowanus, the 526-acre Prospect Park and Atlantic Avenue for countless restaurants and interesting retail.

Barclays Center transportation hub and LIRR trains to JFK

Barclays Center is less than a 10-minute walk from the condo, a bustling train hub for the 2, 3, 4, 5, B, D, N, Q, R and W lines. Atlantic Terminal is in the same vicinity and enables residents to catch a Long Island Rail Road train to Jamaica Station in Queens for the AirTrain to JFK Airport.