In the tapestry of Brooklyn’s residential architecture, few structures command as much presence—or carry as much history—as the Phillip Howard Apartments. Rising like a mid-century sentinel at 1655 Flatbush Avenue, this sprawling co-op complex has served as a cornerstone of the East Flatbush and Flatlands communities for decades.
To live in the Phillip Howard is to inhabit a specific chapter of New York City’s post-war narrative: an era of grand ambition, vertical living, and the rise of the middle-class cooperative. For those researching the building today—whether as prospective buyers or local historians—the story of this complex is one of resilience, community, and the enduring appeal of the Brooklyn skyline.
The Architecture of Ambition: History and Design
Completed in 1964, the Phillip Howard was born during the twilight of the “Great Migration” within the boroughs, as families sought modern amenities and more space away from the dense tenements of Lower Manhattan and North Brooklyn.
Named after the son of the original developer, the building was designed to be a “city within a city.” Standing 20 stories tall, it was one of the first truly massive residential high-rises in the area. Architecturally, it is a prime example of Mid-Century Brick Modernism. Its design utilizes a “tri-wing” or “Y-shaped” footprint, a strategic choice that ensures almost every apartment receives an abundance of natural light and cross-ventilation—features that were marketed as the ultimate luxury in the 1960s.
When the building first opened its doors, it was a rental property. However, in line with the sweeping trends of New York real estate in the 1980s, the Phillip Howard underwent a co-op conversion. This transition changed the narrative of the building from a transitory residence to a community of owners with a vested interest in the building’s long-term health.
Living at the Phillip Howard: Amenities and Resident Life
For residents, the Phillip Howard offers a lifestyle that feels distinct from the surrounding low-rise “tilly” houses and brownstones. The building’s scale allows for a suite of amenities that are rare for Brooklyn co-ops at this price point.
The “Country Club” in the City
One of the most iconic features of the complex is its outdoor swimming pool and sun deck. In a neighborhood where green space can be limited, the pool serves as the social heart of the building during the summer months. It is a place where generations of “Phillip Howard kids” have learned to swim while their parents socialized in the shade of the towering brick wings.
Security and Service
The building is a “Full-Service” co-op, featuring:
24-Hour Doorman: A luxury that provides peace of mind and handles the high volume of packages for the building’s 600+ units.
On-Site Parking: A multi-level garage helps alleviate the “Brooklyn parking struggle” for residents.
Professional Management: Unlike smaller self-managed co-ops, the Phillip Howard utilizes professional management to handle the complex logistics of a high-rise infrastructure.
Resident Information: The Co-op Board and Requirements
Purchasing an apartment in the Phillip Howard is not as simple as signing a deed. As a Cooperative, the corporation owns the building, and residents own shares in that corporation. This means any prospective resident must pass the “Board Interview.”
The Financial Narrative
The board at Phillip Howard is known for maintaining a stable financial environment. They typically require a 20% to 25% down payment, and applicants must demonstrate a solid debt-to-income ratio. The maintenance fees, while comprehensive, include property taxes, gas, and electricity—a “utilities included” narrative that remains a major draw for budget-conscious New Yorkers.
The Resident Profile
The demographic of the Phillip Howard is a mirror of Brooklyn itself. You will find “original” residents who moved in during the 1960s and 1970s living alongside young professionals and families who have moved in within the last five years. It is a multi-generational, multi-ethnic community that prides itself on being a “vertical village.”
The Neighborhood Narrative: East Flatbush / Flatlands
The Phillip Howard’s location at 1655 Flatbush Avenue is strategic. It sits at the intersection of several major arteries, making it a “commuter’s dream” for those who work in Downtown Brooklyn or Manhattan.
Education: The building is a stone’s throw from Brooklyn College, which adds a youthful, academic energy to the nearby streets.
Shopping: The nearby Target and various shopping plazas along Flatbush Avenue provide conveniences that aren’t always available in more “brownstone-only” neighborhoods.
Transportation: The 2 and 5 subway lines at the Flatbush Ave-Brooklyn College station are within walking distance, connecting residents to the rest of the city.
Modern Updates: The 2026 Outlook
As the building enters its seventh decade, the Phillip Howard hasn’t rested on its laurels. In 2026, the building has seen significant capital improvements, including:
Elevator Modernization: Upgrading to high-speed, energy-efficient systems.
Lobby Refresh: A renovation that preserves the mid-century charm while adding contemporary lighting and finishes.
Local Law 11 Compliance: Regular façade inspections and brickwork maintenance to ensure the towering structure remains safe and visually appealing.
| Feature | Phillip Howard Co-Op | Standard Brooklyn Rental |
| Ownership | Shareholder (Equity) | Tenant (No Equity) |
| Utilities | Often included in Maintenance | Typically paid by Tenant |
| Security | 24-Hour Doorman | Varies (often Buzzer only) |
| Amenities | Pool, Garage, Laundry | Varies (often limited) |
Conclusion: A Legacy in Brick
The Phillip Howard Apartments stand as a testament to a specific vision of New York: that you can live high in the sky, with a pool and a doorman, while still being part of a grounded, neighborhood-focused community. For the residents who call it home, it is more than just a 20-story tower; it is a landmark of stability in an ever-changing city.
Whether you are looking through old photos of the building’s construction in the 60s or viewing a modern listing for a renovated alcove studio, the narrative remains the same: quality, space, and a view of the world that only Brooklyn can provide.
