By Joseph Morales

                  If you walk down Joralemon St in Brooklyn Heights, you may find that it feels like your typical  Brooklyn street lined with brownstones. It is considered to be an ideal place to live with its quiet nature despite its proximity to Downtown Brooklyn and Manhattan.  It is also located in New York City’s first historic district, its historic district status indicated by the brown street signs in the neighborhood.  However, when walking you may notice a brownstone that wildly stands out from the others due to its pitch black windows inside.  You may think that there is something really secretive, peculiar or even suspicious going on inside.

In reality, it is an air shaft used to circulate fresh air in the subway system. What goes on inside that air shaft disguised as another townhouse is critical to subway operations as large amounts of air circulation are required for the subway to function.

                 Though there are no numbers or data on the usefulness of 58 Joralemon, possibly due to its secretive nature, it may be one of the most important ventilators in the NYC Subway System. There’s even a video game dedicated to the building made by Brooklyn Heights resident Ben Tupper called “58 Joralemon” In the game, something goes wrong in the building and the player must determine the cause of the issue to get the MTA’s subway trains back up and running!  A link to play 58 Joralemon can be found here: https://58joralemon.vercel.app/

                  Now, the house next door, 56 Joralemon Street, was on the market for almost $6,000,000 and is now under contract. This is a normal townhouse with many excellent features. The 6 Bedroom, 4 bathroom, 3 story, 3,280 sq ft townhouse includes  a fireplace, small outdoor promenade and an office and is accented with many chandeliers.  The real estate agent, Tricia Lee, described the home in the listing  as a home that has, “State Of The Art Sonos Speakers, an upgraded HVAC system, and new sash windows which blend with original pine plank floors and pocket doors, a quartet of marble wood burning fireplaces, and 19th century ceiling medallions brushed with 24K gold.” “Built in 1845, this four-story house has been expertly maintained and seamlessly weaves together contemporary upgrades with elegant original details.”

                     The owners who are selling the home David and Judith Miller spoke to the New York Post about their decision to move. “There are so many things to love about this house. From the top floors, you feel like you’re living in a treehouse,” David said. “The backyard extends to the end of the block, so it feels really open and airy, you don’t feel like you’re in a backyard. And we love the neighborhood-living here has been like living in a little village right in the middle of New York City. We’ll miss it, but it’s time for a new family to cherish the home we’ve had for the past 30 years”. Judith added, “I believe that with transitions comes new paths and opportunities. We wanted to make this move while we were still young and healthy enough to enjoy this next phase of our lives.” Indeed, this unique home will definitely give whoever moves in a story to tell about the house next door in addition to everything else Brooklyn Heights has to offer.

Air Vent/Secret Subway Exit disguised as townhouse on 58 Joralemon St in Brooklyn, NY.

FDNY/NYC Transit infrastructure indicating this is not a typical townhouse

Sign indicating townhouse next to 58 Joralemon St is under contract

                                                      

“60 Joralemon St, New York City, NY 11201 | realtor.com®.” Realtor.com, https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/60-Joralemon-St_Brooklyn_NY_11201_M34687-88320. Accessed 15 May 2022.