39 Clifton Pl, Brooklyn, NY, 11238

About This Home

Simply put, 39 Clifton Place is a trophy asset in every sense. Earning the Lucy G. Moses Preservation Award in 2019 as the culmination of more than a decade and a half of immaculate care and upgrades. The award — one of New York City’s highest honors for historic preservation — recognizes not only craftsmanship but architectural integrity The building is a 5-unit corner mixed-use property totaling approximately 5,000 square feet, comprised of two retail spaces and three apartments. Its corner exposure provides exceptional light, scale, and presence, while two residential units benefit from private outdoor space. The property functions as both a residential building and a neighborhood anchor Early capital work began in 2004 with the rear retail space. The space was fully gutted with new structural beams and flooring, new bathroom and electrical systems. Work continued in the building in 2012 with foundational improvements, including cementing the basement soil floor, chimney repointing, replacement, and selective removal, and chimney relining for the boiler flue. These projects addressed core structural and mechanical systems well before cosmetic upgrades, setting the tone for the ownership’s long-term approach to the building. Around 2010, the main stair and banister were fully rebuilt, followed in 2014 by major structural, mechanical, and exterior improvements, including new roofing beneath the rear extension, upgraded electrical infrastructure, and comprehensive plumbing upgrades. That same year, ownership completed the construction of a 600-square-foot private roof deck, supported by steel beams and delivered with full drainage, utilities, engineering sign-off, and Landmarks approvals. In 2015, the third-floor apartment was fully gutted and rebuilt to a high standard, establishing a benchmark for quality throughout the property. Building-wide enhancements continued in 2018 with a new top roof, full brick repointing and stucco restoration, rehabilitation of the brownstone façade and cornice, storefront upgrades, and a complete structural rehabilitation of the fire escape. These efforts directly contributed to the building’s Lucy G. Moses Award recognition the following year. More recent work continued this same level of care. In 2022, the second-floor main apartment was fully gut renovated, including leveled floors, reinforced joists and select ceiling joists, repointed interior brick walls, new electrical service, and Runtal radiators throughout. The residential hot water heater was replaced in 2023, and common areas were refreshed in 2025. The building also received a Letter of No Objection from the NYC Department of Buildings in 2023, confirming legal occupancy and previously established condo eligibility. Every unit except the corner wine bar will be delivered vacant and impeccably maintained, while the wine bar itself remains a high-performing local institution. Taken together, 39 Clifton Place represents not a collection of renovations, but a sustained philosophy of ownership — one defined by preservation, permanence, and pride.