Zohray

On Friday, we went to see 20 Bayard. This is that humongous building overlooking McCarren Park in Williamsburg.  As is the style in these days. these are more condos-turned-rentals.  However, some of the condos have already been sold and earlier Craigslist postings stating that these were the 20 Bayard apartments were pulled down and reposted without the building name.

The asking price is $3,600 for a 3 bedroom, featuring lush views, tons of light and even more of the standard amenities that condos were adding to compete with each other: on-site (outdoor, btw) parking for an additional $200 a month, free gym, pet spa (whatever the hell that is), shared roof top deck, and a playroom (which is a glass encased room in the gym where you can watch your child).  The gym had 3 treadmills, an elliptical, a bike and TV a well as adjustable dumbells and a workout bench.

The unit we saw was 8A, and the living room, sadly, was nothing like the Craigslist posting (shock!) which featured ceiling to floor windows.

Tons of pics and details after the jump…

	The building exterior, which features steps leading to the front.
	View from the doorway.
	View from the entrance way looking into the living room.  As you can see, nice amount of space but kind of retarded wall of windows: it’s curved so the sofa would best be curved.  Also, the building pushes the fact they have central AC/heat but that is an AC unit so…liars!
	View from the living room.  Overall, pretty spacious room.  Could easily fit a small dining table plus chairs at the kitchen bar.
	View from the living room window.  Gorgeous!
	This is the bedroom directly next to the living room. TINY.  Features ghetto AC and base board.  Also what the hell is with the weird zig zag wall?  You could fit a twin bed in here but it’d be directly next to the heat so Sarah would melt.  The room does have a closet but eh.
	View from the bedroom next to the living room, looking out.
	The kitchen is nice!  Subzero fridge, Viking stove, deep sink, dishwasher with the controls hidden, etc.
	Loving the window here.  No doubt, the apartment has plenty of windows and light.
	1st bathroom directly off the hallway.  That tub btw, which is known as a “soaking tub” is DEEP.  Prepare the raise your legs as high as your chest if you’re tiny to get in.
	View from hallway which also has a closet…oh, most closets if not all, have lights in them.
	2nd bedroom.  Window, closet and limited space.
	3rd and master bedroom which features a balcony, a regular closet, a walk-in closet and a bathroom off of it.   This I loved – now THIS is luxury!
	View from 3rd bedroom, looking out into the hallway.
	The 2nd bathroom.  LOVED this bathroom! Has both a shower and a tub.  Mmmm….luxury.
	View from bathroom looking out into the master bedroom.
	View from the balcony.
	View from the shared rooftop terrace which is accessible via the 18th floor.  Just walk out, fine stairs, and go up an additional flight, and you’re enjoying a fantastic view of Manhattan.
	McCarren park!  View from the rooftop.

Oh, and the broker Daniel NEVER showed up!  He just told us via text messages to go check out the apartment, head on up to the roof, etc.  We were able to find the gym and parking by asking the nice security guard sitting at the front desk.

Overall, I’d say that (a) certainly not worth $3,600 because it’s NOT a true 3 BR due to ghetto 3rd room and (b) it’s so far from the subway. We took the L to Bedford and walked.  It’s not a long walk but it’s through a desolate area, filled with other brand new developments that are empty and loft buildings covered in graffiti.  They want 1st, last and 1 month security deposit too, coming to $10,800 at signing. The building has residents, but doesn’t appear to be finished.

I did love the kitchen, the amount of light, the views, and the master bedroom set-up, with its 2 closets, en suite bathroom, and the balcony, but it’s location, far away from the school (PS 31, the best one in Greenpoint), the Starbucks and the G, just doesn’t work for us, particularly at that price point.

UPDATE: Brownstoner mentions that there are 21 rental listings for 20 Bayard in addition to 17 for sale units.  Well, at these high prices for not perfect apartments, it’s no surprise they’re having issues renting and selling.  A recent Craigslist listing had a 3 BR penthouse listed for $6,995 where they also helpfully listed valet and housekeeping prices.  For $7,000 I’d want that plus the parking thrown in for free.

20 Bayard’s Been Rental Since February (Brownstoner)

Rock Star Living on McCarren Park in Williamsburg (Craigslist)

[googlemap lat="40.718854" lng="-73.951558" width="300px" height="150px" zoom="15" type="G_NORMAL_MAP"]Brooklyn, NY 11211[/googlemap]