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Creative House Hunters Contemplate Crafty Changes to Clinton Hill Condo

By DNAinfo Staff on November 26, 2012 1:55pm

252 Greene Ave., 1C

1 bedroom

$315,000

Common Charges: $285

CLINTON HILL — Though far too polished to be considered a "fixer-upper," creative house hunters on Sunday contemplated crafty — and sometimes, lofty — changes to this one-bedroom, one-bathroom condo.

Some concerns were more cosmetic: Would built-ins or stand-alone armoires bolster storage space better?

Other concerns were more structural: Would knocking down a wall in the living area foster a sense of roominess?

Overall, though, there was a positive concensus about the pet-friendly find, listed by Corcoran's Vicki Negron.

Indeed, the first-floor unit, which features a recently renovated bathroom and kitchen, hardwood floors, and in-building laundry and storage, was generally considered a good buy.

A 66-year-old retiree, who now resides near Central Park West, imagined all of the things she could do with the 540 square-foot unit.

"I was thinking of putting a Murphy bed in the living room," she said.

She thought about swapping the bedroom and living room, which would be perfect for entertaining — but only if she could refurbish the fireplace to be a functional, gas-burning unit.

"I'm sure it wouldn't be cheap, but I could do it," she said, "I think it has a lot of potential. I'd have to think about it."

Later, the former school teacher explained that she was very tempted to make an offer.

"I thought it was a really nice apartment," she said. "If you're looking for something that has historic charm, I think this has it. And that bedroom window is something I would love to have."

However, the woman was not quite as enamored with the kitchen cabinetry.

Though plentiful, she said, the style was "not my taste."

Also, she said kitchen size mattered — and was even a bit dismayed by the diminutive 12-foot by 7-foot culinary space.

"I do cook. You can't really have more than one person in there at a time," she said. "I guess it's in the eye of the beholder, but if it seems small, it's small."

A Boerum Hill renter, who said she was looking to purchase a home, was enchanted by the layout and detailing.

"I think it's cute!" said the 48-year-old architect. "And I think the price is OK for the market."

Asked if she had the liberty to change anything at all about the apartment, this woman also spoke of largesse — or perceived lack thereof.

"I would add some extra square feet," she laughed.