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Ken and Julie Burns, with Uma Thurman, center. (Patrick McMullan)
A Brooklyn boy by birth, documentary filmmaker Ken Burns made an apt breakthrough in 1981 with his Oscar-nominated adaptation of David McCullough’s The Great Bridge, about the construction of Brooklyn Bridge. (Mr. Burns titled his film simply Brooklyn Bridge.) A borough resident still, he does not seem influenced by his love of history in his choice of accommodations. After living at 75 Clinton Street, a sleek Brooklyn Heights condo building, he and wife Julie are headed for Pritzker Prize-winner Richard Meier’s Prospect Heights creation 1 Grand Army Plaza—another sleek, Manhattan-flavored affair. The PBS darling has just dropped $2.75 million on a three-bedroom pad, according to city records. Kristina Leonetti, of Corcoran, had the listing.
The 2,107 square-foot apartment faces west, with floor-to-ceiling glass for sunset views of the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Arch. (Perhaps we spoke too soon about history’s effect on Mr. Burns’ real estate decisions?) There are walnut built-ins and plenty of light, an open kitchen with Corian cabinetry and fancy appliances. Above is a shared roof deck with the obligatory “jaw-dropping” views, and next door, an Olympic swimming pool, in the event that the eminent historian wants do a few laps. And that home office will probably come in handy from time to time, too. Not to mention the easy walking distance to the museum and library.
Brooklyn, of course—at least certain portions of Brooklyn—is increasingly becoming the preserve of investment bankers. But sellers Edward and Kathryn Kovalik were a bit ahead of the curve, picking up the Grand Army Plaza condo in 2011 for $1.73 million. The recent sale gives the couple a nice $1 million profit to dedicate to their next home, but Mr. Kovalik, the founder, CEO and managing partner of the KLR Group, an investment bank specializing in energy, was likely not terribly desperate for an infusion. Last month, he was appointed to the board of the Marathon Patent Group, his second corporate board position. He’s becoming so darn important, he might just have to move to Manhattan!
Then again, maybe not.
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Icons have to eat, too.
Image may be NSFW.
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Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
