Greystone Acquires 1-800-Lawyer Property

Although Sag Harbor Village has announced its intentions to pursue plans for the development of the John Steinbeck Waterfront Park on land being proposed for condominiums, a major player in the project says it is moving ahead.

Greystone Development, a New York-based real estate development and advisory company, announced on Monday it had acquired the property at 2 West Water Street in Sag Harbor for $4.94 million. The white building, a one-time motel that was converted into a home by Bruce Davis of 1-800-Lawyer fame, is proposed to be incorporated into a plan for 11 residences designed by architect Robert A.M. Stern on a string of waterfront lots.

“We remain deeply committed to the completion of this project and are looking forward to creating a beautiful addition to the waterfront landscape in Sag Harbor,” said Jeffrey Simpson, head of Greystone Development, in a release.

The condo project was originally proposed by East End Ventures, a development company headed by Emil Talel and Michael Maidan. They have long sought to develop the property behind the 7-Eleven convenience store known as 1,3, and 5 Ferry Road. Last summer, they teamed up with Greystone Development.

The proposed project calls for a staggered row of single-family houses evoking an early 19^th-century whaling village streetscape. The exteriors will be outfitted in New England shingle style with clapboard and cedar shakes. The 1-800-Lawyer building would be substantially renovated. The development will include a new dock and 11 boat slips, with public access to a landscaped park.

Last month, the village board unveiled plans to develop the parcels with a park instead, and said it would move forward with condemnation proceedings if the current owners are unwilling to strike a deal.