264 Webster Ave

264 Webster

When construction at 264 Webster Avenue finished in 2018, it was the first new condo building in Kensington, a neighborhood in central Brooklyn, in nearly 60 years. With mostly mid-century co-ops and houses that are now almost all above $1 million, the area has few options for homebuyers who want contemporary amenities and don’t have sky-high budgets. “We wanted to create a product that buyers are looking for. Open floor plans, contemporary finishes, great light and a full suite of amenities,” said developer David Marom in a 2018 Real Estate Weekly article. A 24-hour doorman is a rarity in this part of Brooklyn, and the gym, roof deck, pet spa and private underground parking garage create a comprehensive package that can draw residents from more popular neighborhoods such as Windsor Terrace and Park Slope. According to a PropertyShark report, 264 Webster was the eighth quickest-selling building in all of New York City the year after it opened, selling over 50% of its stock to beat out luxury developments in Manhattan. In hopes of meeting the needs of buyers with children, Marom pivoted from an original design of 72 rental apartments to 63 condo units — at least a third of them two bedrooms — according to a 2018 New York Times article. These units range from 900 to 1,100 square feet with two bathrooms and, typically, a balcony. The ground-floor two-bedrooms share a backyard with a raised deck for a touch of suburban living, while the three bedrooms reach up to 1,200 square feet and have terraces with room for compact seating. One bedrooms are sized from 600 to 850 square feet, and the larger units have walk-in closets and foyers that are big enough to hold coats, shoes and backpacks. The few studios, sized from 450 to 550 square feet, have their kitchens near the entrance to separate them from the combination living-sleeping area, and some have balconies that are nearly the full width of the unit. Past residents have had little reason to update interiors, as the units were built out with investment-worthy finishes and appliances — from oak flooring and Caesarstone countertops to Bertazzoni ranges, Bosch washer-dryers and fridges with water dispensers. Elevated touches include stone tiling in the bathrooms and wood tiling on some balconies, plus walk-in showers for primary bathrooms. Common spaces also reflect the high-end design scheme, most notably in the library’s chevron-patterned wood flooring and Art Deco reading lamps, and the lobby’s double-height ceiling. Prices at 264 Webster aren’t much higher than those in neighboring condos that are much older — and with far fewer amenities. Most recently, studios have gone for around $450,000, and one bedrooms have sold for between $530,000 and $625,000. Two bedrooms have sold for between $850,000 and $1.1 million, and the rare three bedrooms have gone for around $1.1 million. As of 2024, monthly common charges average $1.2 per square foot. And with the building’s 421A Tax Abatement, which expires in 2034, taxes have recently been as low as $150 annually. Aside from the 24-hour doorman, the building’s most useful amenity is the roof deck, which has a gas grill and outdoor sink that comes in handy for cookouts. A game lounge with pool table and wet bar helps for entertaining guests, and the fitness center has a window into the kids’ playroom so parents can keep an eye on children while exercising. There’s also a pet spa for dog washing and an underground parking garage with 34 spots that most recently sold for $60,000 each. Home to a stretch known as Little Bangladesh, Kensington serves both south-Asian specialties and, at 60-year-old Korner Pizza, New York City classics. Local Islamic centers provide space for worship, and at the north end, Prospect Park caters to all outdoor activities — from picnics, concerts and ice-skating parties, to biking, jogging and fishing. International grocery stores dot the neighborhood’s thoroughfares on the east and west sides, and just northeast is a Target for everyday essentials. Three subway stations on the F, B and Q lines are within a half-mile walk, so residents have a few choices for commuting into Manhattan. Car owners are rewarded by their proximity to Ocean Avenue, which feeds into the Prospect Expressway for connections to both the Hugh L. Carey Tunny and Brooklyn-Queens Expressway. Buses also run on Coney Island Avenue, but there aren’t express options.