Bklyn Heights Townhouse Next to “Secret” MTA Air Shaft for Sale at $6M

 

 

By: Benyamin Davidsons

A townhouse on Joralemon Street, in the historic Brooklyn Heights neighborhood, is up for sale asking a cool $6 million.  As reported by the Real Deal, the house’s best selling point might be the structure next door.

The home at 60 Joralemon St., a four-floor single-family home is on the market.  It is currently owned by retired tax attorney David Miller and his wife, Judith, who does fundraising for nonprofit organizations. The couple had purchased the home in 1991 for $695,000, as per the NY Post.

Next door to the home is a not so well-kept secret.  The “house” right near it, at 58 Joralemon St., isn’t really a home.  On the outside it looks like just another multi-million dollar Greek-revival home.  But actually, it is pretty well-known within the neighborhood that it is a front for one of the MTA’s most valuable air shafts in the subway system.  Since the beginning of the 20th century, the property has provided ventilation to the tunnel below.  It also serves as an emergency exit for subway riders and workers, should the need arise.

Practically speaking, this means that on a day-to-day basis, 58 Joralemon St. does not use its backyard, so the house currently for sale enjoys use of the double backyard.  Essentially, 60 Joralemon St can enjoy a park-like greenspace, making use of the neighbor’s yard.

“There are so many things to love about this house. From the top floors, you feel like you’re living in a treehouse,” Mr. Miller told the Post. “The backyard extends to the end of the block, so it feels really open and airy, you don’t feel like you’re in a backyard. And we love the neighborhood — living here has been like living in a little village right in the middle of New York City.”

In its own merit, 60 Joralemon Street, boasts six-bedrooms, and five-baths, with an upgraded contemporary kitchen which includes high-end appliances. The 1845 townhouse also features four working fireplaces, and a Sonos speaker system.   The main bedroom spans the entire third floor of the home and has a study, a private dressing room, couples’ closets, and a marble-tiled bathroom with double sinks, a soaking tub, and a walk-in shower.