If you’ve ever walked through Williamsburg and felt like you were staring at the set of a movie about "cool Brooklyn," you were probably looking at 44 Berry St Brooklyn. It’s this massive, imposing brick structure that basically anchors the corner of Berry and North 11th. Honestly, it’s one of those rare spots that managed to keep its soul while the rest of the neighborhood turned into a high-end outdoor mall.
People call it the Berry Street Lofts.
It wasn't always fancy. Long before the L-train crowd started fighting over $5,000 studios, this place was a factory. It’s a genuine piece of industrial history. You can tell just by looking at the windows. They're huge. They were built for light because, back in the day, if you were manufacturing something, you needed to actually see what your hands were doing. No LED strips back then.
The Reality of Living at 44 Berry St Brooklyn
Living here isn't like living in one of those new glass towers by the water. You aren't getting a "virtual doorman" who never works or a rooftop pool that’s closed half the summer. What you get at 44 Berry St Brooklyn is space. Real, honest-to-god square footage that feels like it belongs in an era when things were built to last.
The ceilings are high. Like, "I need a 12-foot ladder to change a lightbulb" high.
Most of the units are true lofts. This means open floor plans. If you’re the type of person who needs a door on every room to feel sane, this place might drive you a little crazy. But if you want to ride a bike from your kitchen to your bed? You're in luck.
Why the location is actually the best part
You’re literally a block away from McCarren Park. That’s the neighborhood's backyard. On Saturdays, it’s a chaotic mess of dog runs, farmers' markets, and people trying way too hard to look like they aren't trying at all. It's great.
You also have the Gristedes nearby for groceries, though most people end up at Whole Foods further down. The convenience factor of 44 Berry St Brooklyn is hard to beat. You're nestled right between the quiet, residential vibe of the north side and the absolute insanity of Bedford Avenue. It's the sweet spot.
The Architectural Bones
The building was converted into residential lofts around the late 1990s. This was the "Wild West" era of Williamsburg.
✨ Don't miss: Green Emerald Day Massage: Why Your Body Actually Needs This Specific Therapy
The developers didn't try to hide the building's past. You'll see exposed brick everywhere. Not that fake "thin brick" veneer they glue onto drywall in new condos. This is the real stuff—thick, dusty, 100-year-old masonry that holds heat in the summer and stays stubbornly cold in the winter.
The timber beams are another big draw. They are massive. Sometimes you'll see the original bolts or markings from when the building was a hub of production. It gives the apartments a texture that you just can't replicate with a renovation budget.
Hardwood and Concrete
The floors vary. Some units have kept the original wood, scarred by decades of heavy machinery. Others have been polished down to a smooth, gallery-like finish.
Wait.
There is one thing you have to know: the noise. Industrial buildings weren't designed with "acoustics" in mind. If your neighbor upstairs decides to take up tap dancing at 2:00 AM, you’re going to hear it. It's part of the trade-off. You get the aesthetic, but you lose the soundproofing. Most residents just buy thick rugs and call it a day.
What the Market Says About 44 Berry St
Let’s talk money. It isn't cheap. Nothing in this part of Brooklyn is.
Units at 44 Berry St Brooklyn don't come up for rent or sale that often. When they do, they go fast. Usually, you’re looking at prices that reflect the "loft premium." People are willing to pay more for the high ceilings and the historical street cred than they are for a gym in the basement.
Actually, the building is fairly low-frills.
🔗 Read more: The Recipe Marble Pound Cake Secrets Professional Bakers Don't Usually Share
- There is a common roof deck.
- The views are incredible.
- You can see the Manhattan skyline clearly.
- Laundry is usually in the building, not always in-unit.
If you’re looking for a "white glove" experience, go to the waterfront. If you want to feel like you live in the version of Brooklyn that hasn't been completely sanitized, this is where you look.
The Neighborhood Context
North 11th Street has changed a lot. You’ve got the Wythe Hotel nearby, and Brooklyn Brewery is basically your neighbor.
This means the foot traffic on weekends is heavy. Tourists love this corner. But once you step inside the heavy doors of 44 Berry, the city noise sort of melts away into that thick brick.
Surprising details most people miss
Did you know the building used to be associated with the Dr. Lyon’s Tooth Powder brand? It’s true. A lot of the manufacturing in this specific corridor of Williamsburg was dedicated to household goods and pharmaceuticals before the industry moved out and the artists moved in.
There's a specific kind of light that hits the building around 4:00 PM in the autumn. The red brick turns this deep, glowing orange. Photographers are always hanging out on the sidewalk trying to catch it.
How to Actually Get a Place Here
If you're serious about moving into 44 Berry St Brooklyn, you have to be fast.
- Set up alerts on StreetEasy specifically for this address.
- Have your paperwork ready: tax returns, pay stubs, the whole boring kit.
- Don't haggle. If a loft opens up here, someone else is standing behind you with a checkbook.
It's a "lifestyle" building. You aren't just renting an apartment; you're buying into a specific aesthetic. It’s for the person who owns a lot of plants, maybe a projector instead of a TV, and definitely a very expensive coffee maker.
Is it Worth the Hype?
Honestly? Yeah.
💡 You might also like: Why the Man Black Hair Blue Eyes Combo is So Rare (and the Genetics Behind It)
A lot of the newer construction in Williamsburg feels like it was built with cardboard and prayers. They look nice for two years and then things start falling apart. But a building like 44 Berry St Brooklyn has already survived a century. It’s solid. It has character that doesn't feel forced.
You do have to deal with the quirks. The elevators can be slow. The hallways are long and a little dimly lit. It feels like a warehouse because it was one. But that’s the point.
Steps for Prospective Residents
If you’re planning to tour a unit, check the windows first. Make sure they’ve been updated recently, or your heating bill in January will be higher than your rent. Also, ask about the specific unit's history—some were renovated more recently than others, and the "industrial" look can sometimes hide old plumbing.
Walk the neighborhood at night before you sign anything. See if you're okay with the noise from the nearby bars. If you can handle the buzz of the city, there really isn't a more iconic place to call home in North Brooklyn.
Secure your finances early. Loft buildings in this tier often require a higher credit score or more significant deposits because they are so high-demand. Talk to a local broker who specializes in the North Side; they often get "pocket listings" before things even hit the public market. Look for agents who have handled listings at 44 Berry or 118 North 11th (the sister building) in the past.
Check the roof deck access rules. Some buildings in the area have strict hours or guest limits, and if that skyline view is your main reason for moving, you’ll want to know the fine print.
Verify the square footage yourself. Loft "measurements" are notoriously creative in NYC. Bring a laser measure if you’re planning on fitting specific furniture.
Confirm the pet policy. While many older buildings are lenient, some converted lofts have weight limits or breed restrictions that aren't always publicized in the initial listing.
Finally, check the proximity to the L and G trains. You’re about a 7-minute walk to Bedford Ave (L) and roughly the same to Nassau Ave (G). It’s an easy commute, but it’s worth walking the route at your typical "rush hour" time to see if the crowds are something you can live with daily.