HELLO, K O L O Y R N B Brooklyn Apartment Rentals
www.UrbanPadsNYC.com 77 Rogers Ave | Brooklyn NY 11216 ph: 646 • 561 • 4988 fx: 718 • 228 • 8971
TABLE OF CONTENTS 2
B edford-Stuyvesant
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C rown Heights
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D itmas Park
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L efferts Gardens
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B rooklyn Treasure Hunt
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M oving Hacks
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I mportant Numbers
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S ubway Map
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Yelp Reviews
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Who We Are
BEDFORD-STUYVESANT
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oday’s Bed-Stuy is becoming increasingly more economically and ethnically diverse. It boasts beautiful, well-preserved architecture that spans two centuries and numerous building styles. It also has a significant musical claim as the neighborhood’s central role, deeply rooted in the hiphop movement, and of specific note, it is the birthplace of Jay-Z and Notorious B.I.G. It is an area resplendent with historical brownstones and a community within easy access to the city. Bed-Stuy is attracting families now priced out of Manhattan and Brooklyn Heights, to a neighborhood that is intent on transforming itself into a desirable inner city destination community. The local residents’ ongoing commitment to improving and preserving the area has been the driving force intent on its survival. The gritty ghetto and musical aspects of the “hood” continue to bring in a flood of young, artistic, musically inclined, entrepreneurial transplants. The organic spillage of renters from nearby Williamsburg and Clinton Hill has consumed the area. Myrtle Ave. has transformed itself and is now lined with boutiques, wine bars and new development, while the Marcy Ave. projects and Fulton/Nostrand corridors are surrounded by condos and popular retailers. It’s certainly NOT your mom’s (or Billy Joel’s) Bed-Stuy, anymore.
SARAGHINA
Italian Restaurant, Pizza 453 Halsey Street, Brooklyn, NY 11233 (718) 574-0010 saraghinabrooklyn.com
Time to Manhattan
M
20 Minutes
2
J
27 Minutes
18 Minutes
A
TOP HOTSPOTS BEDFORD HALL
Traditional American Restaurant, Music 1177 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11216 (347) 461-9854 bedfordhall.com
DO OR DINE
American Restaurant, Bar, Breakfast & Brunch 1108 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11216 (718) 684-2290 doordinebk.com
GEORGES-ANDRE VINTAGE CAFE French, Coffee & Tea 558 Halsey Street, Brooklyn, NY 11233 (347) 762-5578
OAXACA TAQUERIA
Mexican Restaurant 250 4th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215 (718) 222-1122 oaxacatacos.com
CROWN HEIGHTS
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long-time diverse historical community and cultural mecca located in north central Brooklyn, Crown Heights has attracted throngs of young 20-somethings to the more than 50 bars, restaurants, boutiques and shops that have sprouted up along the renewed and booming Franklin Avenue corridor during the past few years. Known for its ethnic diversity, the neighborhood has indeed become a thriving melting pot. Crown Heights stretches in a broad arc, with Prospect Heights on the western side and Ocean Hill and Brownsville far to the east. The main promenade and thoroughfare is Eastern Parkway, which is also home to the Brooklyn Museum, the main branch of the Brooklyn Library at Grand Army Plaza and borders on the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens. It is the ChampsÉlysées of Brooklyn, sans the shops. The area has been famous for its Annual West Indian-America Day Parade on Labor Day, but now other events have been popping up and taking hold as well, including the Crown Heights Film Festival and the Franklin Avenue Reading Series. This mostly residential neighborhood is also the home of the Brooklyn Children’s Museum and the Jewish Children’s Museum. As Crown Heights continues to evolve, it will most assuredly retain its neighborhood feel and urban vibe, and continue to be a perennial contender in the Annual Greenest Block in Brooklyn event. It is a beautiful blend of beards, bards and bars, all within easy access to Manhattan.
TOP HOTSPOTS BARBONCINO
Pizza, Bar 781 Franklin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11238 (718) 483-8834 barboncinopizza.com
FRANKLIN PARK
Coffee House, Beer 764 Franklin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11238 (718) 789-7070 breukelencoffeehouse.com
COOL PONY
Restaurant 764 Nostrand Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11216 (718) 773-3476 gloriascarribbeancuisine.com
Time to Manhattan
2
3
4
5
18 Minutes
18 Minutes
29 Minutes
Boutique Vintage Clothing & Records, Music & Open Mic 733 Franklin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11238 (347) 927-4718 coolponycrownheights.com
GLORIA’S CARIBBEAN CUISINE
29 Minutes
Bar, Beer Garden 618 St. John’s Place, Brooklyn, NY 11238 (718) 975-0196 franklinparkbrooklyn.com
BREUKELEN COFFEE HOUSE
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DITMAS PARK
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ree-lined streets and apparent deep concern for curb appeal is what you see as you traverse the neighborhood and view one grand Victorian home after another. It allows you a momentary glimpse back into the 19th century and a chance to breathe the elegance of that period. Ditmas Park was once the preferred residence of choice for the Guggenheims and the Gillettes, as well as their vast fortunes. That overall character still exists today and is certain to charm the individual looking for an escape from the inner city grind, at affordable prices. The architectural diversity includes many building styles evocative of the timeless grace of the period, and now is home to those seeking a place to call their own when attempting to escape the high prices that are Manhattan. The neighborhood is located east of Kensington and has been officially designated as one of several Historic Districts in Flatbush. For the younger demographic in search of an apartment, many spaces are large and boast wide-open floor plans. Diversification is what you can expect as a resident here. Primarily, Ditmas Park is residential, but there is a concerted effort underway to bring quality restaurants and shops to the area to help take the starch out of that Victorian community feel and make comfortable skinny jeans the new norm. Be certain to check out the nightlife and dining on Cortelyou Road and make it your destination of choice. Transportation to and from Manhattan is an easy 40-minute commute on the Q Line and on your way home, a chance to unwind from the stress of the day.
HARTWELL VEGETARIAN
Vegetarian, Vegan 1017 Cortelyou Road, Brooklyn, NY 11218 (718) 282-3931 hartwellvegetarian.com
Time to Manhattan
4
Q
27 Minutes
36 Minutes
B
TOP HOTSPOTS WHEATED
Pizza, Vegan, Cocktail Bar 905 Church Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11218 (347) 240-2813 wheatedbrooklyn.com
CAFÉ MADELINE
Coffee & Teas, French 1603 Cortelyou Road, Brooklyn, NY 11226 (718) 941-4020
CHURCH CAFÉ WINE BAR
Bar, Restaurant 416 Church Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11218 (718) 435-2574 churchcafewinebar.com
BROOKLYN INDUSTRIES
Clothing Store 1420 Cortelyou Road, Brooklyn, NY 11226 (718) 282-0697 brooklynindustries.com
LEFFERTS GARDENS
W
ith its stunning architecture and easy access to Prospect Park, Lefferts Gardens has become a primary example of turn-of-thecentury historical homes at a fraction of the price of similar Park Slope properties at the opposite end of the park. Brooklyn’s best kept secret is quickly becoming a haven for those escaping the masses in those better-known renewal neighborhoods. You can expect affordable rents, magnificent homes and the grandest of backyards—Prospect Park. Family oriented and close to the southeastern portion of Prospect Park, it is near the Parade Grounds, Tennis Center and baseball fields that are unquestionable Brooklyn landmarks, and not too far from the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens. The neighborhood has been home to many families for decades, attesting to the warm comfort that residents feel for their community. The residents continuously champion for their historical heritage and it shows. More Bugaboos than bars, this area is moving upstream with cute cafés and upmarket shops.
TOP HOTSPOTS
DELROY’S CAFÉ & WINE BAR
Cafes, Coffee & Tea, Breakfast & Brunch, Florist 663 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn NY, 11225 (347) 770-9746
Café, Coffees & Tea, Breakfast & Brunch 43 Lincoln Road, Brooklyn, NY 11225 (718) 786-4200 tipofthetonguebklyn.com
BLESSINGS
BLUEBIRD FOOD & SPIRITS
American (Traditional), Bar 504 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11225 (718) 484-9494
Time to Manhattan
B
Q
2
5
22 Minutes
25 Minutes
Café, Wine Bar 14 Duryea Place, Brooklyn, NY 11226 (347) 770-9300
Cocktail Bar, Gastropub, Pub 577 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11226 (718) 484-4466 Midwoodflats.com
23 Minutes
MIDWOOD FLATS
23 Minutes
TIP OF THE TONGUE BAKED & BREWED
5
LAZY IBIS Café & coffee shop featuring traditional American cuisine. 663 Franklin Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238 718 • 676 • 4150 Special Urban Pads Offer: Free quarter pound of coffee beans.
BROOKLYN BORN MINI MARKET Organic grocer. 1426 Bedford Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11216 718 • 622 • 8300 Special Urban Pads Offer: 10% off in-store shopping spree.
ISLAND BUBBLES Dry cleaner & laundromat. 88 Rogers Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11216 718 • 622 • 0353 Special Urban Pads Offer: 20% off your first load of laundry. For pick up or drop off.
PACIFICO’S FINE FOODS Seasonal American grill with a Brazilian flair. 798 Franklin Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238 917 • 966 • 2670 Special Urban Pads Offer: Two complimentary draft wine or beer.
n y l k o o r B TREASURE HUNT L O C A L S T OA S T YO U R A R R I VA L JUICE HUGGER CAFE Healthy lifestyle food, juice & smoothies bar. 85 Rogers Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11216 917 • 310 • 4847 Special Urban Pads Offer: Free “Antidote” drink and $4.00 off any entrée, plus 15% off first juice cleanse.
TINTO Coffee shop featuring local coffees, ice cream & pastries. 715 Nostrand Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11216 646 • 964 • 8179 Special Urban Pads Offer: One free croissant with purchase of any coffee.
The rumors are true …
We are that awesome.
* Offers are only valid with our coupons, and only for Urban Pads renters.
MOVING HACKS 1 Plan Ahead: De-clutter and donate. If you’re still holding on to your middle school wardrobe, it’s probably time to part with it. You’ll use less fuel if you transport only the things you actually use with the added benefit of more space. 2 Stock Up on Packing Material: a Have all of your packing supplies on hand (boxes, sealing tape, labels and bubble wrap). DIY and ask local businesses about giving you their packing boxes. Liquor stores are also a great source for boxes to pack your books and other small, heavy stuff. b If you don’t have time to scrounge around for boxes, UsedCardboardBoxes.com and RentAGreenBox.com are great alternatives, as well as the standard Uline.com for any packing supplies. c Additional eco-friendly options are recycled plastic bins. The websites EZBins, EcoBox.com and Zippgo are just some examples of where to procure them. Prices range from $2.50 to $5 per 4-cubicfoot box, per week. (U-Haul charges $3 for a 4.5-cubic-foot box.)
3 Pack the items you will need FIRST in a clear plastic bin. These include box cutters, trash bags, phone chargers, toilet paper and eating utensils. The clear bin allows you to see inside and differentiate from the myriad of other boxes. 4 Pack fragile items with plastic grocery bags or newspaper. GET CREATIVE with what you already have by using clothing, towels and bedding to protect them. You can even add extra padding by packing glasses in your socks (make sure they’re clean, so you don’t embarrass your mom).
5 In addition to labeling your boxes, add the room where they should be placed. Place the label on the box SIDE, not the top so you can identify where it goes when the boxes are stacked.
6 Consider using a color-coding system. Pick a color code for each room and label that room’s boxes accordingly. Label the door of each room with corresponding tape so that movers/friends know where to place the boxes.
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7 Pack all of your essentials in an overnight bag and include a change of clothes, toiletries and your laptop. Anything you need to have immediately without having to unpack (you will appreciate this one for certain).
8 If you can, pre-clean the bathroom and kitchen in your new place. Stock up on toilet paper and new bath towels, and clean the shower beforehand. You will indeed want to take a shower after a long day of moving (you’ll also probably need a massage therapist).
9 Cover the openings of your toiletries with saran wrap and then put the tops back on to avoid spillage (from experience). Put a dry cotton ball into your cosmetics to prevent them from breaking during the move. 1 0 Keep your dresser drawers intact by sealing them with Glad Press ‘N Seal. 1 1 Pack plates vertically, like records. They’ll be less likely to break.
1 2 Take a photo showing how your electronics are connected, so you can remember how and where the wires go.
1 3 When disassembling items (furniture or your electronics) keep all of the parts together and labeled in resealable plastic bags (saves quite a bit of searching, especially when you are tired).
1 4 Vacuum seal out-of-season clothing. 1 5 If you do hire movers, be sure to read all of the fine print and see if they have any strange rules, like surcharges for moving items in garbage bags as opposed to boxes.
1 6 If you’re renting, take a photo of your cleaned out old home and your new home before moving in as it will save you lots of headaches when trying to get your security back. 1 7 Change your address at least two weeks prior to moving. 1 8 Don’t go grocery shopping for at least a week or two prior to your move.
1 9 Defrost your refrigerator at least a day before moving and wipe up any liquid.
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IMPORTANT NUMBERS
MOVER:
ELECTRIC SERVICE: Con Edison
Robert Thomas
Moving Solutions Corp
ask for customer service (800) 752-6633 coned.com/customercentral/ becomingacustomer.asp
serving the Brooklyn area (917) 573-0247
RENTER’S INSURANCE:
GAS SERVICE: National Grid
Alexa Santoro associated with
(718) 643-4050 www.nationalgridus.com
All Risk Brokerage
(212) 365- 4300 ext 104 alexa@allriskinsurance.com
CLEANING SERVICES: Green Environment Cleaning serving the Brooklyn area (347) 832-1740 GreenEnvironment CleaningCorp.com
CABLE SERVICES INTERNET & TV: Optimum Cablevision (718) 975-1179 www.optimum.net
PLUMBER:
Sal Vigilante associated with
HANDYMAN:
Vigilante Plumbing
Rick Lewis located in Crown Heights (413) 992-4747
serving the Brooklyn area (718) 530-0404 BestBrooklynPlumber.com
PAINTER: Paintzen.com
ask for customer service (855) 336-4389 $100 discount using coupon code URBAN PADS
www.UrbanPadsNYC.com 646 • 561 • 4988
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LYN K O RO D B YELP E T N O RA ST ENCY E H HIG L AG THERENTA
REVIEWS “My roommate and I needed something for a small budget, close to the subway, near a laundromat and grocery store. In one day, we looked at 5 places and found the perfect match for us in Crown Heights. Jacob was so knowledgeable and honest about the area which was extremely helpful in making the final decision.” — Lauren S.
“Eli helped us find the ideal place in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. He took us to visit several places and we learned a lot about this neighborhood before we came to settle at this place. Eli was incredibly helpful and clear about what documents we needed to get approved for the apartment. Thank you Urban Pads!” — Yan L. “Yuda helped me find my place in such a short amount of time with a great deal of patience and serious organization. His quality of work is persistent and his perseverance led me to my new place. I am deeply satisfied with the experience I had with Yuda.” — Angela K.
“Haim was wonderful to work with and helped us find a sweet place in Crown Heights. He answered all of our questions, and sent me information on paperwork several weeks ahead of time so I had everything in order. He is professional and hilarious. We had a ton of fun driving around with him looking at places. Highly recommended!!” — Emma C.
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WHO WE ARE Conveniently located in the heart of Brooklyn, Urban Pads is completely in tune with the resonating vibe of the renaissance of the king of all boroughs. As proud residents of Brooklyn ourselves, we realized the potential for a dynamic community. Carrying on in grand urban tradition, we use the latest creative methodologies that reflect and serve our clientele, with the utmost personal attention and extreme compassion—and it has worked. We are a community-based boutique firm. Our first priority is to build strong relationships with our clients and to continue fostering the very neighborhoods we serve. For the many who have left their hometowns to explore the creative, artistic and organic pulse of NYC, we aim to create a sense of family that is unparalleled anywhere else.
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$75 CASH REWARD for every friend you send to rent with us.
www.UrbanPadsNYC.com 646 • 561 • 4988