About this home

Introducing 916 Putnam Avenue, a beautifully preserved late nineteenth-century brownstone built in 1899, located on a charming tree-lined block in the heart of Bedford-Stuyvesant between Ralph Avenue and Patchen Avenue. This elegant legal two-family townhouse offers a compelling opportunity to own a remarkable piece of Brooklyn's architectural history while enjoying a residence that has been thoughtfully updated and meticulously maintained, with tasteful renovations completed in 2016. Currently configured as a two-family residence, Unit One comprises a duplex spanning the parlor and garden levels, while Unit Two occupies the entire top floor, providing wonderful flexibility for end-users, investors, or those seeking the potential for a spacious single-family conversion. Inside, the home is rich with exquisite original details that celebrate its historic craftsmanship, including intricate millwork, carved wood paneling, pocket doors, stained glass accents, exposed brick walls, ornate mantels, and beautifully preserved inlaid hardwood flooring, all complemented by five decorative fireplaces that add warmth and character throughout. The parlor level of the owner's duplex features two bedrooms with a center room between them and two full bathrooms, creating a flexible layout ideal for bedrooms, offices, or additional living space, while the garden level serves as the primary living area, with a gracious living and dining room positioned toward the front of the home and an exceptionally large kitchen at the rear, a feature rarely found even in newly built properties and perfectly suited for entertaining. The kitchen is thoughtfully designed with stone countertops, rich wooden cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, dual sinks, and extensive prep space, along with a full bathroom and in-unit washer and dryer conveniently located on this level. Just beyond, the private backyard, currently unfinished, offers tremendous potential to be transformed into a beautiful outdoor retreat for dining, gardening, or relaxation. Above the duplex, the top floor residence features three bedrooms-including a center bedroom with a skylight-along with a full bathroom and its own living and kitchen areas, making it ideal for rental income, guests, or extended family living. Throughout the home, historic character and modern comfort coexist seamlessly, highlighted by elements such as the ornate carved staircase, exposed brick accents, decorative mantels, and preserved architectural detailing, while modern upgrades-including a luxurious primary bathroom with a Crawford soaking tub, glass-enclosed stand-up shower, and elegant marble tiling-provide everyday comfort. An unfinished cellar offers additional storage and mechanical space, while the home's location places it moments from neighborhood favorites such as Saraghina, Peaches, Trad Room, Bar LunAtico, and Grandchamps Kitchen & Market, along with convenient transportation via the J/Z trains at Gates Avenue and the A/C trains at Ralph Avenue. Situated on a 19.67' x 100' lot with a 19.67' x 58' building footprint, the property also offers approximately 1,102 square feet of unused FAR, presenting future potential for expansion or reconfiguration while remaining fully move-in ready today, making 916 Putnam Avenue a rare opportunity to own a thoughtfully updated historic brownstone that beautifully blends Brooklyn's architectural heritage with modern living. Select photos are virtually staged.

Facts and features

Schools

• Ps 309 George E Wibecan Preparatory Academy

  elementary · K-5 · 0.1 mi

  8

• Excellence Girls Charter School

  elementary · K-12 · 0.1 mi

  6

• Charles Churn Christian Academy

  elementary · K-12 · 0.3 mi

• Ps 5 Dr Ronald Mcnair

  elementary · K-5 · 0.2 mi

  9

• Brooklyn Excelsior Charter School

  elementary · K-8 · 0.2 mi

  4

• Excellence Boys Charter School Of Bedford Stuyvesa

  elementary · K-9 · 0.2 mi

  5

Price history

• Sep 27, 2026 · Price Changed$1,775,000
• Aug 17, 2026 · Relisted$1,875,000
• Aug 16, 2026 · Listing Removed—
• Jul 8, 2026 · Price Changed$1,875,000
• Apr 17, 2026 · Price Changed$1,975,000
• Mar 14, 2026 · Listed$2,050,000
• Aug 31, 2022 · Listing Removed$315,000
• Feb 1, 2017 · Listing Removed$1,489,000

Tax history

• 2026$7,997 tax · $119,280 assessed
• 2025$7,452 tax · $119,280 assessed
• 2024$7,320 tax · $124,560 assessed
• 2023$7,401 tax · $95,880 assessed
• 2022$7,018 tax · $86,340 assessed
• 2021$7,237 tax · $94,680 assessed
• 2020$4,979 tax · $85,500 assessed
• 2019$4,646 tax · $85,740 assessed

Home value

$1,906,200

• Cotality$1,906,200
• Collateral Analytics$1,992,000
• Quantarium$1,753,556

Where it is