New York real estate: South Slope

A row of clasical Brooklyn residential units along 7th Ave. between 15th Street and 16th Streets in South Slope Brooklyn. (RJ Mickelson, Newsday / March 12, 2008)

Most people don't differentiate between the two areas straddling Ninth Street; to them it's all Park Slope, with its trendy restaurants, abundant stoop sales, prominent gay community and proliferation of young families.

But North Slope and South Slope have distinct histories and populations, and though the differences are becoming less apparent, they do exist.

"For one, there are way less strollers and dogs," explained South Slope resident Jarrett Shamlian. "There's more of the remaining community present and it feels more authentic. There are more twentysomethings here, too."

South Slope's population is comprised of Puerto Rican, Latin American, Jamaican and Irish families who have called the neighborhood home since the last quarter of the 20th century, students taking advantage of the relatively lower rents and an increasing number of young professionals.

At the turn of the last century, a number of modest row houses were put up for those who worked in factories and at the Gowanus Canal. The structures stood in stark contrast to the sumptuous dwellings being built in North Slope, at the time referred to as Brooklyn's " Gold Coast."

But these days, South Slope is starting to look more like North Slope. Once-desolate Fifth Avenue is now populated with stores and restaurants, and even the area west of Fifth Avenue -- once a true no man's-land --is being revived, with plans for new constructions in the works.

"Many young professionals priced out of North Slope, are discovering South Slope and starting to move down here," said Debbie Fuka of Aguayo & Huebener Realty Group.

Adds Philip Meoli of Maximus Realty Group: "There are more coffee shops, pet food stores, clothing boutiques--particularly children's clothing boutiques--sprouting up in the area."

"This was always a family neighborhood, but it's different now," Meoli said. "When I opened my office here seven years ago, almost everything across the street was vacant and boarded up. There's not one vacant space there anymore."

Find it:

South Slope is defined by Ninth Street in the north, 17th Street in the south, Fourth Avenue in the west and Prospect Park West in the east.

TO EAT

South Slope's restaurant scene is defined by several good brunch outlets as well as ethnic eateries and pizza joints.

Applewood
Housed in a casual, airy and somewhat old-fashioned space, Applewood features changing menus that make the most of local organic ingredients (the farms' quirky titles are proudly listed on the menus). Savor succulent wild-caught fish, innovative vegetable creations, unique homemade drinks and the creamiest butter you ever dipped your spreading knife into. 501 11th St. 718-768-2044

12th Street Bar & Grill
One part mellow restaurant, one part loud bar with dartboard. Though it's the second choice for many brunch goers turned away from the crowded Dizzy's a few blocks north, devoted fans maintain it deserves a visit in its own right. Try the plump, tasty burgers. 1123 Eighth Ave. 718-965-9526

Java Indonesian Rijsttafel
This unpretentious, family-owned Indonesian joint is well liked for the low prices and friendly service. Try the rijsttafel ("rice table") sampler, a Dutch colonial version of the Indonesian dinner consisting of several small meat and veggie dishes. 455 Seventh Ave. 718-832-4583

Little D Eatery
A popular brunch outlet that serves small plates, soups, pancakes and larger fish-based entrees. Try the mac and cheese or the sardines. 434 Seventh Ave. 718-369-3144

TO PARTY South Slope's bar scene caters to a twenty-something crowd more interested in having a good time than posing on a stool all night or picking up dates. Compared to Smith Street, as resident Jarrett Shamlian puts it, "people don't come out on dates or talk about their jobs as much. You're more likely to see people giving high fives -- but not in that frat boy way." Also, "people are willing to get into more trouble."

Barbés
Named for a neighborhood in Paris known for its large North African population, Barbés functions as a local bar and performance space, hosting film series and live music, including Tuesday night's popular Slavic Soul Party. The bar is in the front room, while the performances takes place in the small room in the back. 376 Ninth St. 718-965-9177

Commonwealth
Commonwealth is the essential no-frills, scene-free hangout with a great jukebox, cheap drinks and plenty of regular visitors. Smokers can enjoy themselves in the nice garden out back. 497 Fifth Ave. 718-768-2040

Bar 4
A solid neighborhood bar featuring comfy furniture, live music, open-mic nights and a foosball table to boot. 444 Seventh Ave. 718-832-9800

Café Steinhof
A cafe/bar serving large portions of "Austrian comfort food" (that's schnitzel and spätzle to you) and an excellent selection of Belgian, German and Austrian beer. Mulled wine can be enjoyed in the winter months, and there are music and movie nights year-round. 422 Seventh Ave. 718-369-7776

Lucky 13 Saloon
South Slope's premier kitsch-free, death-metal dive bar boasts a rowdy clientele, cheap drinks, TVs playing zombie movies, a jukebox full of punk music and a stripper pole. 273 13th St. 718-499-7553

Buttermilk Bar
A low-key bar, beloved for its $2 Yuenglings and free pizza on Wednesday nights. A great place to bring friends. Big Buck Hunter enhances the experience. 577 Fifth Ave. 718-788-6297

TO SHOP South Slope -- particularly the southern part of Seventh Avenue -- is crammed with stylish boutiques staffed by friendly, laid-back types. In addition to a number of specialty food shops, there's also Applewares (548 10th St. 718-576-2484), which is owned by the same folks as Applewood and stocks high-quality kitchen utensils and accessories.

Ladybird Bakery
Formerly known as Two Little Red Hens -- a name retained by the bakery's newer Manhattan outpost -- Ladybird hawks red velvet cakes with generous swaddlings of cream cheese frosting, all kinds of scones, tarts and mini-cupcakes, and the criminally bingey Brooklyn Blackout cake, topped with fudge and bursting with chocolate pudding. 1112 Eighth Ave. 718-499-8108

Pumpkin's Organic Market
Seasoned nuts, exotic sea salts, biodynamic produce, organic cotton baby clothes and a dedication to reducing waste (start bringing your own mug, as they're phasing out coffee cups) characterize this lovely, country house-style health food shop. 1302 Eighth Ave. 718-499-8539

Russo's
With a sister branch in the East Village, Russo's has been in operation for more than 90 years. It specializes in juicy handmade cheeses, delicious cured meats, roasted artichokes and mushrooms and fresh breads. The freezer full of homemade pastas -- including broccoli rabe ravioli and delicious lasagnas -- and the $13 rotisserie chicken special are particularly noteworthy. 363 Seventh Ave. 718-369-2874

Chocolate Girl
Gourmet kosher chocolates? That's right -- and that includes more than 10 varieties of chocolate-covered pretzels, chocolate-dipped candied fruits and prettily wrapped chocolate gifts. The kosher chocolate blocks are ordered from a special retailer in Belgium. 383 Seventh Ave. 718-788-4475

Rare Device
A small gift store with a limited but extremely well chosen selection of accessories, notebooks, calendars, design books, apparel, gadgets and bags from independent and artisanal designers representing a wide range of styles. 453 Seventh Ave. 718-301-6375

Sweet Charity
Exploring Sweet Charity is like wandering around a cheery, overstuffed closet. Whimsical, pastel-hued textiles, home accessories and bath products line the shelves; chairs piled high with cushions flank the narrow pathway to the back, where soft bags dangle from a curtain. The "charity" part refers to the animal rescue groups that Sweet Charity supports.
411 Seventh Ave. 718-965-9200

Greenjeans
A unique shop featuring handpicked household goods, soaps, wooden toys and sculptures by various independent artisans and designers. Super-friendly owners Amy Shaw and Jae Kim travel all over to track down the highest-quality designs, and promise that each piece sold at Greenjeans has a story behind it.
449 Seventh Ave. 718-907-5835

Bird
Bird's a delight for girls interested in clothes from a diverse collection of designers in a breezy, comfortable setting (the salesgirls, for a change, are honest -- they'll tell you when something's not right for you). The store carries 3.1 Phillip Lim, United Bamboo, Vanessa Bruno, Generra, Helmut Lang, Mayle, Steven Alan and a small selection of Acne jeans, among several other awesome labels.
430 Seventh Ave. 718-768-4940

TO HANG OUT
There's an unusually high concentration of loungey, atmospheric coffee joints perfect for doing homework, meeting a friend or just sitting around. Several host weekly events.

Café Regular
Charming and intimate with its tin ceiling, little wooden tables, exceptional coffee drinks and boiled eggs arranged in a display on the counter, Café Regular is a rare treat in a city full of crowded, noisy cafes. The easy atmosphere is reinforced by the friendly service.
318 11th St. 718-768-4170

Red Horse Café
Situated on a quiet stretch of Sixth Avenue, Red Horse Café is so comfortable and calm it almost makes you wish you were a student with homework to do. It's understandably popular due to the free WiFi, excellent coffee topped with luxurious, frothy milk and atmosphere characterized by wood and leather furniture. There are film nights, too.
497 Sixth Ave. 718-499-4973

Tea Lounge
One of a trio -- the other branches are in North Slope and Cobble Hill -- South Slope's Tea Lounge offers beat-up furniture, indie tunes, a great selection of tea and small dishes, movie nights and live music.
350 Seventh Ave. 718-768-4966

Naidre's
Though it has limited seating, Naidre's brightly lit atmosphere, delicious food and free WiFi attract a number of South Slopers, including parents with children.
382 Seventh Ave. 718-965-7585

Café Eleven
A spacious cafe with high-ceilings serving pastries and Illy coffees.
381 Seventh Ave. 718-499-1709

TO DO
South Slope is adjacent to Prospect Park, home of the Prospect Park Zoo, the Celebrate Brooklyn! Performing Arts Festival, the Lake, and plenty of spots to play and picnic.

Gallery Players
In operation for more than 40 years, South Slope's affordable, nonprofit theater organization stages eight shows per season and has good opportunities for actors, directors and set designers; check the Web site for openings. Upcoming shows include Lysistrata (March 15–30), Man of La Mancha (April 26–May 18) and The 2008 Black Box New Play Festival (June 6-22). 199 14th St. 718-595-0547

Hootenanny Art House
A newly opened, innovative multi-purpose arts space for both kids and parents. Stop by for Open Family Art, unleash your little ones into the play area and watch them go to town with tissue paper, glue guns, string and other materials. HAH also offers art classes and music and dance lessons.
426-428 15th St. 718-369-0528

Pavilion Movie Theater
This old-school movie theater is a blessing for South Slopers who are sick of making the haul to Manhattan to catch first-run flicks. There's one big theater with stadium-style seating and a number of little theaters, comparable in size to "someone's living room," as many theatergoers put it. Bonus: There's an assortment of flavored salts to dump onto your popcorn at the concession stand.
188 Prospect Park West 718-369-0838

REAL ESTATE

"South Slope is up and coming," explained Debbie Fuka, sales manager for the brand new VUE condominiums at 162 16th St.. "There's a lot of development in the area. People are really seeing the potential and paying more attention to the area south of Ninth Street."

Adds Philip Meoli of Maximus Realty Group, "South Slope's been in transition over the last 10 years: old timers who have been here for 20 to 50 years are being bought out at really nice prices they never expected, with their houses being moved into or knocked down for condos."

"In order for anything to sell, it has to have all of the amenities: central air conditioning, hardwood floors, washer/dryer, parking, good closet space," Meoli said. "There are a lot of young professionals moving in and they want to live comfortably."

As for rentals? "They're hot," Meoli said. "We renovate them and they go immediately."

"If you're 20 to 27, you're renting," explained Meoli. "27 to 40 are the buyers, starting a family or thinking of starting a family."

RENTALS

Recently Rented:
$1,450 for a 425 square-foot studio (Prospect Park West and 13th Street)
$2,100 for a 1,000-square-foot two-bedroom
$2,850 for an 850 square-foot three-bedroom

Rentals on market: $1,700 for a renovated 625-square-foot one-bedroom (12th Street at Seventh Avenue)

$2,300 for a renovated 1000-square-foot one-bedroom with backyard (14th Street between Sixth and Seventh avenues)

$2,300 for a 1000-square-foot two-bedroom (Prospect Avenue between Seventh and Eighth avenues)

$3,300 for an 1800-square-foot three-bedroom duplex with backyard (Prospect Avenue)

SALES

Recently Sold:
$445,000 for an 800-square-foot two-bedroom (16th Street at Fourth Avenue)
$505,000 for an 825-square-foot two-bedroom with balcony (15th Street at Fourth Avenue)

On the market:

$399,000-$425,000 for a 605-square-foot one-bedroom condo (363 16th St. between Seventh and Eighth avenues)

$495,000 for an 898-square-foot duplex condo studio (363 16th St. between Seventh and Eighth avenues)

$539,000 for an 825-square-foot two-bedroom condo facing Prospect Park with balcony (101 Prospect Park Southwest at 16th Street)

$446,215 for a one-bedroom, one-bathroom fifth-floor condo with views of Manhattan (VUE, 162 16th St.)

Contact: Philip Meoli, Maximus Realty Group, 718-369-2040,
450 Seventh Ave. between 15th and 16th streets
parkwestpj@aol.com
www.maximus-realty.com

For Sale:

For apartment at VUE, contact Debbie Fuka, Aguayo & Huebener, 718-622-9300 Ext. 203.

THE BUZZ

It's no secret that developers are growing more interested in South Slope, with several new condos springing up in the southern part of the area.

One of the more prominent of these condos is VUE on 16th Street: At 10 stories, it's the tallest in the area, towering over the townhouses and small apartment buildings.

"At first some residents hated the idea of such a tall building," said Debbie Fuka, VUE's sales manager. "But then as soon as it opened, they all flocked to see it."

Constructions like VUE represent a shift in what are considered typical Park Slope living spaces: older brownstones and prewar apartment buildings.

"The newer residents of the area have demands that need to be met," explained Fuka. "The apartments have sold very well. We've received a lot of positive feedback."

Q & A WITH JARRETT SHAMLIAN

Jarrett is a mechanical engineering student/bartender who has lived in South Slope for four years.

What are your favorite spots in South Slope?
I like Café Regular and Red Horse Café -- they're great for doing work. I also love going over to the Gowanus Canal to chill and eat donuts and take in the almost post-apocalyptic sights. It feels the way a city ought to feel, and is completely different from Prospect Park (also great) a few avenues away.

What are your favorite aspects of the area?
This is an accepting community where it's easy to become a regular. There's a really enjoyable crowd and bars stay open until 4:00 a.m.

Do you see yourself staying here?
I'll stay until it stops feeling right. I'm not fed up yet. New condos are raising property value, but they are also raising rents. And after awhile, I won't be able to afford to live here anymore.

How has the area changed?
Four years ago it was more affordable -- my rent's raised $100 every year. The Latin community has been pushed out. For example, there was a small Latin cafe where I could get Tres Leches at 3:00 am that closed. The 99-cent stores are going under, with banks filling the empty spaces. People are being pressured into putting up new facades, perhaps in a community effort to "clean up" the area's image.

What's in store for South Slope?
It's getting more expensive. More affluent young people have moved in, perhaps kids who are still in school and whose parents are paying for their apartments. South Slope is up-and-coming but will get ruined, like everything else, fairly quickly. I give the area two years before it looks like everything in North Slope.

THE BASICS

Libraries
Brooklyn Public Library – Park Slope
431 Sixth Ave. 718-832-1853

Police Station
78th Precinct
65 Sixth Ave. 718-636-6411

Transportation
Subway: F to Fourth Ave.; Seventh Ave.; 15th St.
Bus: B103, 63, 75, 77, 75, 67, 69; X29.

Crime stats
The 78th Precinct reported no murders, 1 rape, 18 robberies and 29 burglaries so far this year. For the same period last year, there were 0 murders, 2 rapes, 22 robberies and 28 burglaries.

Schools
Public: MS 51, PS 39, PS 107, PS 124, PS 282, PS 321, Secondary School for Law, Journalism and Research 237 Seventh Ave.
Private: Berkeley Carroll School; Brooklyn Free School; Montessori School of New York; Poly Prep Lower School; St. Francis Xavier; St. Saviour Elementary School; St. Saviour High School.

Related topic galleries: Park Slope, Restaurant and Catering Industry, Family, Theater, Sales, Condos and Houses, Brooklyn (New York City)