One of the most interesting properties that I have ever come across is now for sale. 78 College Street is located in Allentown, next door to another great property that was recently renovated by Noel Sutton. This particular building is an amalgam of garage and residence. The owner recently passed away – for years he kept his insane car collection inside, while living with his wife in a pad upstairs that would make Barbarella croon. The building’s layout allows for the owner to drive up a winding ramp to the second floor, where there is ample room to park. Multiple cars can be kept on two floors.
Aside from all of the garage space, the apartment is also vast. Filled with Grecian statues, an old world library, ecclesial stained glass windows, walls of mirrors, chandeliers, and a groovy bar.This place is a wonder unto itself. There’s a massive skylight, with a spiral staircase, a garage door that opens to a room off the kitchen. The 4500 square foot apartment boasts two full baths, an upper deck, central air, fireplace, architectural lighting, state of the art alarm system, and surprises around each corner.
There’s even a stripped down temporary apartment downstairs where the owners once lived for three years when the upstairs pad was being built out. The 20,000+ square foot building also comes with an expansive outside parcel that bounds Allen Street. This could either be used for parking or for a giant patio/yard. The building has a new rubber roof.
Obviously this building is also prime for apartments, although I am betting that there’s an eccentric expat looking to move home that would dig this place for numerous reasons. Whatever happens to the place – apartments, condos, or residence, I hope to one day see this apartment back in action. It’s really quite something.
The property, once a Brinks Armored Car depot, is being listed by Heidi Nuessle at Hunt Commercial. The asking price is $2 million. Heidi will be showing the property starting August 1, 2016. The building was originally used to store Brink’s trucks.
Get connected: HNuessle@HuntCommercial.com | 716.983.3202