638 Halsey Street
$1,550,000
MLS# RLS20117695 · Bedford-Stuyvesant
Listed September 28, 2026 · 38 days on the market
6 Beds 3 Baths 2,466 Sq.Ft.
About This Property
Set on one of the most storied blocks in the heart of Bed-Stuy, 638 Halsey Street is a legal two-family townhouse measuring 18’ x 42’ that offers a rare opportunity to restore a piece of Brooklyn history. This three-story residence over a full cellar retains an abundance of original pre-war detail, including ornamental plaster ceiling medallions, stained-glass windows, and other architectural touches, the kind of craftsmanship that’s increasingly hard to find. It’s a home in need of a full transformation, offering a new owner the chance to bring their own imagination and vision to reshape it for modern living while preserving its architectural soul.
The facade presents classic brownstone-block character, contributing to the unbroken streetscape that has made Halsey Street a beloved and, in sections, landmarked corridor within the neighborhood.
Located just moments from the A/C trains at Utica Avenue, with easy access to the J line as well, commuting into Manhattan or across Brooklyn is straightforward. The block is surrounded by the neighborhood’s best: acclaimed restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries, and boutiques along Malcolm X Blvd, plus Herbert Von King Park nearby for green space.
This is a cash buyers only opportunity, ideal for an investor, developer, or end-user ready to bring their vision to a home with tremendous bones and untapped potential.
Agent's Note
From Curtis Bain. Details about the apartment are drawn from the listing information provided through RLS by Compass.
At 18 by 42 feet, 638 Halsey Street is a townhouse with 2,466 square feet, six bedrooms and three bathrooms. The plaster ceiling medallions and stained-glass windows are already here, and they're the details I'd plan the rest of the house around. The house still needs a full transformation, so the first question is how you want daily life to run once the work is finished.
Separation across floors is one reason to look at a townhouse, since bedrooms and living space can sit apart from each other. Stairs and upkeep come with that layout, and both belong in your planning from the start.
Utica Avenue station is about 9 minutes on foot, with the A and C trains. Halsey Trader's Market is about a minute away, Trad Room is also about a minute off, and Royal Rib House is about 2 minutes. Jackie Robinson Park Playground is about 6 minutes on foot and Fulton Park is about 8, so green space is close by.
Restoring a house with this much original work takes time, and the period details are the reason to do it.
Quick answers+
How many bedrooms and bathrooms does the house have?
It has six bedrooms and three bathrooms, with 2,466 square feet of space.
Does the house have original period details?
Yes. There are ornamental plaster ceiling medallions and stained-glass windows, along with other architectural touches.
Is the house move-in ready?
No. It needs a full transformation.
Curtis Bain
Brown Harris Stevens
Estimate
Monthly Cost & Closing Costs
The rate is a placeholder, not a quote. Enter the one your lender gives you.
$8,261 / month
- Principal and interest$7,838
- Property taxes$423
Due at closing
- Down payment (20%)$310,000
- NYS “mansion tax” (1%)$15,500
- Mortgage recording tax (1.925%)$23,870
Not included: attorney, title insurance, lender and appraisal fees, board application and move-in fees, flip tax and prepaid items. Estimates only, based on the published New York State rates. Your attorney and lender will confirm the real figures.
About the Building
638 Halsey Street is a 2-story walk-up apartments in Bedford-Stuyvesant, completed in 1899 and home to 3 residential units.
The closest subway is Utica Av (A, C), about a 9-minute walk. Jackie Robinson Park Playground is roughly 6 minutes away on foot.
Compiled from NYC public records and open data.
- Year Built
- 1899
- Stories
- 2
- Units
- 3
- Building Type
- Walk-Up Apartments
Location & Nearby
Map
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638 Halsey Street
Subway
- ACUtica AvAbout 9 min walk · Accessible
Parks
- Jackie Robinson Park PlaygroundAbout 6 min walk
- P.O. Reinaldo Salgado PlaygroundAbout 7 min walk
- Fulton ParkAbout 8 min walk
Public schools · Elementary schools
- Ember Charter School for Mindful Education, Innovation and Transformation · CharterAbout 3 min walk
- P.S. 262 El Hajj Malik El Shabazz Elementary SchoolAbout 3 min walk
- Uncommon Excellence Boys Charter School NYC · CharterAbout 4 min walk
Middle schools
- Uncommon Bed-Stuy East Charter School NYC · CharterAbout 9 min walk
- M.S. 267 Math, Science & TechnologyAbout 9 min walk
High schools
- Nelson Mandela High SchoolAbout 10 min walk
- Boys and Girls High SchoolAbout 10 min walk
Walking times are estimates. Schools shown are the nearest public and charter schools and are not zone assignments; a nearby school is not necessarily the one an address is zoned for. Confirm zoning with the NYC Department of Education. Sources: MTA, NYC Parks and NYC Department of City Planning open data.
The Neighborhood
About Brooklyn
Bedford-Stuyvesant is covered by our Brooklyn guide.
A dynamic borough offering architecturally significant residences, world-class culture, and an unmatched creative energy.
Walkability
9/10
Public transit
8/10
Schools
7/10
Dining
9/10
Groceries & parks
8/10
Gallery
Property Photos
Listing Courtesy of Compass
This information is not verified for authenticity or accuracy and is not guaranteed and may not reflect all real estate activity in the market. ©2026 The Real Estate Board of New York, Inc., All rights reserved.