Former Brothel Sells for $10.98 Million

By on March 27, 2008 9:43 pm in Brooklyn Heights

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The Herman Behr Mansion at 82 Pierrepont sold this week for $10.98 million slightly under its $12 million asking price.  Named after the industrialist who built it about 1888 the building had a sordid existence after its namesake died.  Under the moniker of The Palm Hotel the site was home to a madame and her working girls.  It redeemed itself (sort of) when it became the Franciscan House of Studies, a residence for monks.  Real estate agent Sandra Dowling of Brooklyn Heights Realty tells the Brooklyn Eagle that local rumors suggest the home was used for monks to "dry out".

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  • http://thepeachtreehandmade.blogspot.com/ thepeachtree

    I can’t believe I’ve gone this long living here without knowing any of that! I thought it was just the local high school stoop hangout….

  • anon

    The neighborhood could use a nice brothel again.
    Maybe with a nice organic snackbar and spa facilities.
    They could work out a reciprocity deal with the Heights Casino and Courthouse employees for reduced rates.

  • http://BrooklynHeightsBlog Karl

    Hopefully the new brothel will go public so me and my buddy, Eliot, can buys shares.

  • Eliot

    Only if it has parking.

  • lcd

    So who bought it??

  • elvisIII

    That place is huge. Some smaller brownstones sell for only* half that amount in this neighborhood. Is there something wrong with it?

  • Teddy

    Cheap rents, brothels, classy hotels, movie theaters, a lot of good bars, dance clubs, greasy spoons and a few good restaurants from a time when the Heights was “really fun”.

  • nabeguy

    The story that made the rounds when I was growing up was the “madame de la maison” was none other than Xaviera Hollander. However, this Voice articel only lists her as a tenant:

    http://www.villagevoice.com/nyclife/0525,oehler,64953,15.html

  • nabeguy

    The story that made the rounds when I was growing up was the “madame de la maison” was none other than Xaviera Hollander. However, this Voice articel only lists her as a tenant:

    http://www.villagevoice.com/nyclife/0525,oehler,64953,15.html

  • Joe

    That place is huge. Seems like a deal. Whats wrong with it?

  • cjp

    Peered into the street level apartment from Henry Street as I was walking by this evening. Looks like a lot of construction going on. Only reason I even pay attention to that apartment is that it was shown briefly on a Real World episode years ago.

    (And is it okay to peer into street level apartments if the lights are on and there are no window coverings!?!!!!)

    And speaking of peering… new store front going in for that Greek cosmetics place, construction is moving rapidly. Construction also proceeding on Happy Days and looks like the new nail place on Montague is ramping up construction. But just as puzzling is the apparent halt in any construction for Vital Dent. Not that I’m eager for a ground-level chain dental practice to come to Montague but what’s the holdup?

    And finally I see construction seems to be underway at the Thai place on Henry. What’s coming in there, another Tasty Pickle branch? Also what about 72 Clark. Looks like things have busy with construction there. Answers please!

  • http://na kenw

    I heard years ago that the house was built by Diamond Jim Brady for his mistress Lillian Russell. Anyone know about that?

  • Jonas Von Groucheau

    Not true.

  • elvis III

    cjp- I hear a busy chef is moving into the old thai place on henry. Busy chef is the new pharmacy/convenience store- one on every corner.

  • pj

    I’d like to see that monstrous awning removed from the front entrance. If that happens, it could be a beautiful building. Does anyone know whether they plan to go co-op? Probably isn’t the right time economically.

  • No One Of Consequence

    Vital Dent has been on “hold” for over 2 years. Maybe even >3.

    72 Clark? Tazza?

    Either I missed something or one of is in a time warp.

  • bornhere

    No One — The thread is from last year.