165 St Johns Place

Built in 1881 by Thomas Fagan and acclaimed architect Robert Dixon in the Neo Grec style, 165 St Johns Place (aka 44 7th Avenue) is a gorgeous 22-foot wide, 5-story corner brownstone in the heart of the original Park Slope Landmark District. This palatial townhouse was once home to Bill Engeman, who made his fortune selling horses to the Union Army during the Civil War and went on to build and operate the colossal Brighton Hotel in Coney Island. Originally designed as a single-family home on a grand scale, 165 St Johns Place is configured with five floor-through apartments, and will be delivered vacant. Fifty-four windows facing south, east, and west bathe the interiors in natural light from dawn to dusk while framing storybook views of three majestic stone churches, with sweeping vistas stretching across Brooklyn and Manhattan beyond. This remarkable abundance of windows and triple exposure affords flexibility for a wide range of future uses, from a grand single-family residence to luxury condominium conversion and numerous other possibilities. Coming home to 165 St Johns Place, you’ll walk up a tall stoop that sits high up off the street, and through beautifully carved wood doors. Arriving on the parlor floor, where the ceilings soar over 12-feet high, feels like stepping back in time to Brooklyn’s Gilded Age. Original details abound, including the original newel post and staircase, intricately carved walnut woodwork, pier mirrors, encaustic tile floors, magnificent pocket doors, plaster medallions, crown moldings, tin ceilings, and elegant marble fireplace mantles. The garden level of 165 St Johns Place steps out at grade to a large wooded backyard which stretches over 44 feet deep and 28 feet across. This verdant oasis is a great place to relax, entertain, and enjoy everyday life. You’ll want to linger in this rare space and take in the cinematically stunning backdrop of St. John’s Church, with its stained glass, rusticated brownstone blocks, and gabled slate roof. The basement at 165 St Johns Place runs the perimeter of the house and includes stately brick arches that are a testament to the quality craftsmanship that runs throughout the building. 165 St Johns Place is close to the best of Park Slope’s restaurants, shopping, and other amenities, with Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Park, and the Farmer’s Market nearby. The 2/3/B/Q subways are a block away, and many other transportation options are all easily accessible for a quick commute to Manhattan and the rest of the city. Come see this rare corner brownstone and explore the possibilities for your next chapter in Brooklyn.