Old School
The Hartby began its life as St. John’s College, a longstanding institution nestled in the heart of Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn. The building’s academic past lives on through its enduring architectural features—soaring ceilings, arched windows, and exposed brick that tell a story of its historic past. Every detail reflects the timeless character of a place once devoted to learning and community.
New Life
Now reimagined as a 205-unit residential building, The Hartby offers a fresh chapter in its history—one centered around elevated living and thoughtful design. With private outdoor spaces, beautifully preserved interiors, and modern finishes, it offers the best of both worlds: historic charm and contemporary comfort.
People Restoring Communities (PRC), along with architect of record Woods Bagot, took great care in designing a robust amenity plan, tailored to complement the building’s unique personality and foster a connected lifestyle for every resident.
A Partner Who Gets It
Bringing a brand-new amenity to life meant finding the right partner. Advantage earned PRC’s trust through a proven record of success and curated, high-quality equipment offerings. What set us apart was our ability to transform the space and design details through our unique process, shaping an amenity that demonstrates PRC’s commitment to residents’ wellbeing.
“It was truly a pleasure working with Matthew and the PRC team. The Hartby is a special project and one that stands out in their portfolio. We had the opportunity to provide a fresh perspective for the fitness amenity, and our collaboration produced an impressive wellness solution—one that was intentional, design-forward, and impactful for all. The result not only complements the building’s aesthetic but also provides an immersive experience for the intended demographic.”
Joe Ciolino, Regional Sales Manager, Advantage Sport and Fitness
Strength in Collaboration
Joe Ciolino worked closely with PRC and their general contractor A.A.D Construction Corp throughout the process, listening to their ideas and collaborated to define their unique approach. He guided the team through layout options, refining the plan at every step. With his deep knowledge of fitness spaces and the local market, Joe ensured the design would function seamlessly and resonate with residents. Committed to quality and reliability, The Hartby prioritized equipment that complemented the building’s other luxury amenities and could handle frequent use.
“Advantage was super helpful throughout the process. They listened to our ideas, laid out several options for us, and adjusted their strategy based on our feedback.”
Matthew Linde, CEO/Principal, PRC
Performance in Motion
The equipment selection adds versatility, supporting both intense workouts and casual use. Designed for every level, the mix of strength, functional, and cardio pieces lets residents start where they are and progress at their own pace. Recognizing that strength and free-weight training would be essential, PRC ensured the layout included ample options for those workouts. The speed track doubles as a bold design element and a flexible training surface, giving residents space to move—and move in style.
"Joe and the team were great. Easy to work with, communicated their thoughts and objectives clearly, and on schedule. We would recommend Advantage. Working with them was a great experience!"
Matthew Linde
CEO & Principal at People Restoring Communities
Style Meets Sweat
Design elements that reflect the building’s unique identity make the space feel like home and deepen residents’ connection to their surroundings. Exposed brick and open ceilings highlight its architectural charm, while expansive windows and sleek finishes flood the room with light, keeping the look modern and chic.
Just as the building carries its signature character, some fitness elements reflect that same iconic quality—like the Hartby-branded dumbbells and the Peloton bikes—tying distinctive finishes to functional performance
“Beautiful touches like the custom branded dumbbells help elevate the space and remind residents of the experience they are immersed in at The Hartby.”
Joe Ciolino, Regional Sales Manager, Advantage Sport and Fitness
The Hartby Effect
Residents are already embracing the fitness center, and it’s quickly become a hub of activity within the building. Its role extends beyond exercise, becoming a key selling point for prospective renters and a reflection of PRC’s commitment to high-quality amenities and resident satisfaction.
“I’m thrilled to hear that utilization is already high as sales ramp up, and I would like to thank the PRC team for their trust and partnership on this project. It is an honor to be part of their build and story for years to come.”
Joe Ciolino, Regional Sales Manager, Advantage Sport and Fitness
A Space That Speaks
Advantage’s trusted process is designed to deliver more than just equipment—it creates tailored offering. At The Hartby, this approach resulted in a fitness space that meets practical needs with flair, while paying subtle respect to the building’s storied past and establishing its own place in the building’s history.
