« previous next »
Pages: [1]

Author Topic: GETTING A FEEL OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD  (Read 5006 times)

Offline bugsy

  • Tourist
  • **
  • Posts: 2
    • View Profile
GETTING A FEEL OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD
« on: June 13, 2013, 04:34:18 PM »
Hello Everyone,
I am in the market to buy a 2-3 bedroom apartment in Jackson Heights. I would like to stick to buying in the Historical
District. I have seen a few places so far... one in the GreyStone buildings and another in the Colonial Court. I loved the GreyStone buildings but the apartment itself wasn't right for me. The apartment I recently saw in the Colonial Court was ok but the building seemed to stick out like a sore thumb compared to the other buildings on that block 35-36 76th street. I'm wondering if anyone could give me some info on Colonial Court. It struck me as being a rather gloomy not well kept building and the gardens also seemed like nothing compared to the one other interior I've seen elsewhere. Seeing as I have not seen that many units I don't know if I'm being picky or if this is the norm.

i would most appreciate some feedback on what blocks in the Historical District tend to be quieter than others and what buildings have better reputations than others. I don't need super fancy but I would like to be fortunate enough to find a place in a building that is pretty and cheery and where I can take advantage of having a really pretty private green space to use. Also the block that Colonial Court is on seems like its too close to the main drag and would thus be rather noisy. thanks so much. Hopefully, I'll find a home here as I love the diversity of the neighborhood.

Thanks everyone!
Logged

Offline Shelby2

  • Mayor
  • *******
  • Posts: 4955
    • View Profile
Re: GETTING A FEEL OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD
« Reply #1 on: June 13, 2013, 05:23:05 PM »
If you are interested in gardens, you could try checking out some photo slide shows of the past JH Garden tours (just happened last weekend so too late to go this year).  Here is one tour that in most cases lists the names of the gardens in captions on the lower left side.  http://www.flickr.com/photos/judibean/5846721621/in/photostream/

EDIT: better link http://www.flickr.com/search/?w=9827685@N07&q=jackson%20heights%20garden

I happen to live in a garden-facing unit (towards the back, not towards the street) so my apartment is very quiet.  I do still hear some traffic noise but it seems faint, except for some occasional honking and sirens.  I would imagine if you are interested in quiet, that you would probably want to consider a garden facing unit instead of one that faces the street.

In terms of congestion, it seems to me that the '80s streets in the historic district are less congested than the ones in the '70s, but that's obviously a generalization.  I have also noticed that the bus streets, which I believe are 74th, 75th, 81st, 82nd and 83rd ( someone please correct me if I am wrong) seem to have more honking due to buses not being able to get around people who are double parked.

I would also highly suggest working with a LOCAL realtor, or several local realtors, instead of non-local realtors, because they will have more knowledge of features of individual buildings.
Logged

Offline Shelby2

  • Mayor
  • *******
  • Posts: 4955
    • View Profile
Re: GETTING A FEEL OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD
« Reply #2 on: June 13, 2013, 05:25:54 PM »
Here is a better link for the garden tour photo set http://www.flickr.com/search/?w=9827685@N07&q=jackson%20heights%20garden
Logged

Offline bugsy

  • Tourist
  • **
  • Posts: 2
    • View Profile
Re: GETTING A FEEL OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD
« Reply #3 on: June 13, 2013, 05:32:15 PM »
Thanks for reco's and link Shelby2. Will check them out for sure. Do you happen to know anything about the building Colonial Court in terms of its reputation. It just seems odd that its exterior seems to be so different from the other building on the block. I'm told it's pre-war but it really does not look it. Thank you again for taking the time here to lend me an ear.
Logged

Offline Shelby2

  • Mayor
  • *******
  • Posts: 4955
    • View Profile
Re: GETTING A FEEL OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD
« Reply #4 on: June 13, 2013, 05:50:09 PM »
I don't know its reputation, but I have always thought good things about the building.  :)  I was in one of the apartments a few years ago and liked it.  But if the building is not for you, then keep looking!

Here is some history of the Colonial Court building, including original floor plans. http://www.colonialcourt.org/jackson-heights/historical-information  Apparently it was originally called the Sherwood, and changed names when it became a coop.

Many of the pre-war floor plans for JH buildings are listed here in the Columbia University archives online http://nyre.cul.columbia.edu/neighborhoods/view/QN28  It's a very useful site if you need to see how the floor plans in different buildings compare.  Beyond that, it's not that useful as the brochures don't give much indication of how the buildings look today.
Logged

Offline Chuckster

  • Mayor
  • *******
  • Posts: 2807
    • View Profile
Re: GETTING A FEEL OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD
« Reply #5 on: June 13, 2013, 10:57:46 PM »
There's a real estate agent, agentarmen, who posts on JHL.   Earlier this year, he had a post on Colonial Court, and within that post, it states that the building dates back to 1939.  Below is a link to that thread.  Perhaps he can answer specific questions you may have about the building.

Colonial Court - 35-36 76th Street
Logged
The Chuckster has spoken!

Offline rhydewithdis

  • Council Member
  • ******
  • Posts: 384
    • View Profile
Re: GETTING A FEEL OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD
« Reply #6 on: June 14, 2013, 08:35:50 AM »
If I had to choose amongst the buildings in JH I would look at the Belvedere which has larger apartments, good location and nicely maintained grounds.
Examples here:
http://www.elliman.com/new-york-city/belvedere-84-12-35-avenue-unit-1c-queens-krqvdkz
http://www.elliman.com/new-york-city/35-16-85-street-unit-1g-queens-htncutx
http://www.mpcproperties.com/queenscooplistings.php?cid=196&m=1&i=411

For true charm, I love the Chateau
Check out this one: http://realestate.nytimes.com/sales/detail/46-1604856/34-05-80th-St-QUEENS-NY-11372

My one tip is don't by a run-of-mill place in JH because when it comes time to sell, you wil have a harder time attracting good offers. Buy a place that is within quick walking distance to the subway (not more than 4-5 blocks) and shopping. Buy in a building that is within the landmark district. Buy a unit that is larger, 1,100 sq ft with garden views is possible. Two bedroom + two bathrooms are the most desirable, but the inventory for those are low. Make sure the common areas are very well kept and the maintenance should be reasonable (~$0.65-$0.75 sq/ft.).
Logged

Offline Shelby2

  • Mayor
  • *******
  • Posts: 4955
    • View Profile
Re: GETTING A FEEL OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD
« Reply #7 on: June 14, 2013, 03:28:59 PM »
I would love to see photos of the inside of the Chateau unit that is for sale.  I've been in the Towers but never had the opportunity to go in the Chateau.

There is a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment for sale in the Belvedere East http://www.elliman.com/new-york-city/35-16-85-street-unit-5d-queens-yzhwwck

There are two separate coops with "Belvedere" in the name.  One coop, "the Belvedere" is on 35th Ave between 84th and 85th Streets.  The other coop is made up of "Belvedere East" (on 85th St.) and "Belvedere West" (on 84th St.) and the 84th and 85th St buildings own and maintain the beautiful garden (photo below) in between them. photo is from jacksonheightslistings.com


« Last Edit: June 14, 2013, 03:39:25 PM by Shelby2 »
Logged

Offline Shelby2

  • Mayor
  • *******
  • Posts: 4955
    • View Profile
Re: GETTING A FEEL OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD
« Reply #8 on: June 14, 2013, 03:36:22 PM »
Logged

Offline Matt

  • Council Member
  • ******
  • Posts: 378
    • View Profile
Re: GETTING A FEEL OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD
« Reply #9 on: June 14, 2013, 04:50:16 PM »
As for gardens, I'd recommend Hawthorne Court, which is a group of coops that share a large private outdoor space. They are located across from the building you looked in, Colonial Court, and also along the other side of their block on 77th. They are very close to the express trains if that is of interest to you. http://www.hawthornecourt.org/home

Around the corner is the Colton at 76-15 35th Avenue which has a roof garden that I've heard is very nice. It is definitely a feature that is unique for the neighborhood and I'm sure it offers Manhattan views. This building is a condo, not a coop and it appears to be very well maintained. There is currently yoga being offered at their roof garden which could be a nice way to check it out: http://www.jacksonheightslife.com/community/index.php?topic=8388.msg48719#msg48719

Best of luck with your search, bugsy!
Logged

Offline ellenpratt

  • Resident
  • ***
  • Posts: 23
    • View Profile
Re: GETTING A FEEL OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD
« Reply #10 on: June 14, 2013, 06:27:54 PM »
Bugsy, MPC Properties has 2 BR listings at the Fillmore and the Belvedere. I'd be delighted to show them to you if you would like. The Fillmore unit will require an income of about $130,000 and is a unique sort of industrial look to boot. The Belvedere is very nice, priced at $349K. Let me know if you would like to see one or both of these. You can see photos of the Belvedere at mpcproperties.com. The Fillmore is not on the website yet.

Regards,

Ellen Pratt
Agent, MPC Properties
718-440-9458
Cell/Text 434-989-7068
Logged

Offline agentarmen

  • Activist
  • *****
  • Posts: 185
  • Jackson Heights Real Estate Specialist
    • View Profile
    • JacksonHeightsListings.com
Re: GETTING A FEEL OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD
« Reply #11 on: June 26, 2013, 07:37:44 PM »
Hi Bugsy,

My business partner Armen K and I have closed seven deals at Colonial Court over the last three years, and have come to know the building very well as a result. What I know is that it's maintained very well, has solid finances as it just went through a major capital renovation of its facade and crown and did not pass an assessment and kept its monthlies stable. They have heat sensors, and as far as upkeep it's very well kept, they just finished building a children's playroom. The super there is top notch too. They have also just formed a committee to redo the interior decor. Also inventory there is low to none, MPC properties has one only available listing there which I personally favor.

Then again, you may be looking for something more specific and the building just may not be a match for you. But if your reservations were minimal I wouldn't miss the opportunity to buy in this building.

Best of luck
Armen M
www.jacksonheightslistings.com
Logged
Armen Meschian
Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker

CORE
149 Fifth Avenue, 11th Floor,
New York, NY 10010
t:     212-612-9694
c:     917-848-6928
am@corenyc.com

http://www.JacksonHeightsListings.com
Pages: [1]
« previous next »