Former Macy’s CEO trades Park Slope townhouse, tops Brooklyn luxury 

Borough saw 13 signed contracts last week in another slow August week

Former Macy’s Exec Jeff Gennette Moves Park Slope Home
Corcoran’s Lesley Semmelhack, 615 3rd Street; Douglas Elliman’s Aran Scott, 280 St. Marks Avenue (Google Maps, Getty, Corcoran, Douglas Elliman)

A former CEO of Macy’s has gone from hawking slacks and tees to a slightly pricier item: his Park Slope townhouse. 

The home listed by Jeff Gennette, who retired from running the department store in February, snagged a signed deal after asking $6.5 million, according to Compass’ weekly report. The property, which had a $500,000 discount from its initial February asking price, was the priciest contract in another slow August week for Brooklyn’s luxury market.

The borough saw 13 total contracts signed for properties asking $2 million or more between August 5 and August 9, up from 10 the previous week. The 13 contracts — nine condos, two co-ops and two townhouses — were also up from the same week last year, which reported 10 signed contracts. 

Gennette bought his 4,600-square-foot home, located at 615 3rd Street, in 2009 for $3.2 million dollars, according to public records. The limestone townhouse dates back to 1899 and has five beds and four full baths sitting in its 20-foot wide footprint. 

The home recently underwent a multiyear renovation, which restored original details like parlor columns and a stained glass skylight. It also has three fireplaces and two private outdoor spaces including the rooftop. 

Corcoran’s Lesley Semmelhack had the listing. 

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The second most expensive contract went to a penthouse condo at 280 St. Marks Avenue with a last asking price of $4.4 million. Unit PHA has four beds and four baths across more than 2,100 square feet.

Built in 2015, the unit does not shy away from its skyline views with floor-to-ceiling windows and doors in the living room and primary suite, respectively. The primary suite opens up to a terrace that is part of the roughly 1,300 square feet of private outdoor space. The condo has a chef’s kitchen with 12-foot island and the 32-unit building has underground parking, a 24-hour concierge and fitness center. 

While the home was technically listed for all of two days, Elliman’s Aran Scott said the deal was done mostly off market.

“It’s really hard to find proper four bedrooms with that sort of light and amenities in Prospect Heights,” Scott said. 

Brooklyn luxury contracts signed last week had a median asking price of $3 million up year-over-year from $2.5 million. The number of days on the market more than halved since last year, falling from 197 to 74 and discount percentage also plummeted, from five percent to two percent. 

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