By Emily Nonko, Fri, September 3, 2021 - By Emily Nonko
- , September 3, 2021
An illustration of the first Labor Day parade, via Wiki Commons
Though Labor Day has been embraced as a national holiday–albeit one many Americans don’t know the history of–it originated right here in New York City as a result of the city’s labor unions fighting for worker’s rights throughout the 1800s. The event was first observed, unofficially, on Tuesday, September 5th, 1882, with thousands marching from City Hall up to Union Square. At the time, the New York Times considered the event to be unremarkable. But 138 years later, we celebrate Labor Day on the first Monday of every September as a tribute to all American workers. It’s also a good opportunity to recognize the hard-won accomplishments of New York unions to secure a better workplace for us today.
Keep reading for the full history
By Devin Gannon, Fri, September 3, 2021 - By Devin Gannon
- , September 3, 2021
Photo courtesy of HPD
This week, Hurricane Ida brought record rainfall and historic flash flooding to New York City, which ultimately led to the deaths of at least 13 New Yorkers. A majority of the people killed lived in basement apartments, where water was able to get in and block the only way out. These “hidden” units have always been prevalent in New York City, which is home to roughly 50,000 basement apartments, although that number is likely much higher as many of them are considered illegal.
The tragic events of this last week have renewed calls from advocacy groups and elected officials to legalize basement apartments to make them safe for the more than 100,000 New Yorkers who live in them. Ahead, learn about the difference between a legal and illegal basement apartment, what can be done to protect tenants, and what the future holds for these homes, seen as a critical component of the city’s insufficient affordable housing stock.
More here
By Dana Schulz, Fri, September 3, 2021 - By Dana Schulz
- , September 3, 2021
Photo courtesy of Feltman’s of Coney Island
Several years back, 6sqft told the story of the original Coney Island hot dog. Started in 1867 by German immigrant Charles Feltman, who’s considered the inventor of the hot dog on a bun, the Coney Island eatery and amusement park Feltman’s eventually closed in 1954. But brothers Michael and Joe Quinn brought the brand back in 2015, in part because they themselves love Coney Island red hots but more so to honor the legacy of their late brother Jimmy, who died in the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks at just 23. This year, they’ll continue to honor Jimmy with a special fundraiser for the 3 Brothers Foundation, which supports veterans and service members, to which they’ll donate 100 percent of proceeds from the new Jimmy Quinn 2021 Memorial T-Shirt.
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By Dana Schulz, Fri, September 3, 2021 - By Dana Schulz
- , September 3, 2021
Listing photos by Rachel Kazuma at RISE Media
Designed by noted Tucson, Arizona-based architect Rick Joy, this Flatiron loft is “truly one of a kind,” as the listing states. Located at 60 West 20th Street, the 982-square-foot condo is one open space, with separate areas for living, dining, sleeping, and working. A freestanding bed surrounded by curtains, two full walls of hidden storage, and a sleek, minimalist aesthetic all help make the configuration work. The apartment is for sale asking $1,500,000, and it’s available furnished.
Check it out
By Devin Gannon, Thu, September 2, 2021 - By Devin Gannon
- , September 2, 2021
Photo courtesy of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office on Flickr
Less than two weeks ago, New York City experienced the most rainfall ever recorded in a single hour with 1.94 inches documented in Central Park on August 21. That record was smashed on Wednesday night when the remnants of Hurricane Ida hit the region, bringing 3.15 inches of rain to the park between around 8:50 p.m. and 9:50 p.m. The historic rainfall caused a flash flood emergency to be issued in the city for the first time ever, brought the subway system to a standstill, and ultimately left at least 12 New Yorkers dead.
Find out more
By Dana Schulz, Thu, September 2, 2021 - By Dana Schulz
- , September 2, 2021
Listing photos by DDreps
In Stuyvesant Heights, this beautiful brownstone was fully gut renovated and restored to perfection by Shakespeare Gordon Vlado Architects. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of historic details. From stained glass transom windows to tons of tracery to delicately carved moldings, the home is dripping in elegant 19th-century architecture. For the 21st century, there’s a large skylit extension on two floors and more than 5,000 square feet of living space, including a garden-level rental unit. All of this and more is asking $3,950,000.
See the whole place
By Dana Schulz, Thu, September 2, 2021 - By Dana Schulz
- , September 2, 2021
Rendering courtesy of NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development
A new affordable housing lottery has launched for 33 middle-income units at a new rental building in downtown Jamaica. Located at 148-37 88th Avenue, the building is convenient to public transportation and offers “one of the most panoramic views available in Queens,” according to the posting. Those earning 130 percent of the area median income are eligible to apply for the units, which range from $1,726/month studios to $3,612/month three-bedrooms.
See if you qualify
By Devin Gannon, Thu, September 2, 2021 - By Devin Gannon
- , September 2, 2021
Photo by Avi Werde on Unsplash
The New York State Legislature on Wednesday extended a temporary freeze on evictions until early next year during a rare special session. Expected to protect hundreds of thousands of tenants who have faced financial hardships as a result of the pandemic, the move comes one day after the state’s eviction moratorium expired and a week after the United States Supreme Court overturned the federal moratorium. Lawmakers also modified the moratorium so it complies with the court’s decision, which found it inconsistent with due process laws. Most evictions in New York will now be on hold until January 15, 2022.
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By Devin Gannon, Thu, September 2, 2021 - By Devin Gannon
- , September 2, 2021
Photo by Eden, Janine and Jim on Flickr
Joshua Kushner and Karlie Kloss are in contract to buy the largest penthouse at the historic Puck Building, a condo project in Nolita developed by the venture capitalist’s family’s real estate company. As first reported by the Wall Street Journal, Penthouse 1 measures an incredible 7,241 square feet and contains five bedrooms, seven and a half baths, and sprawling outdoor space. The final sales price hasn’t been released, but the home was last listed for $42.5 million.
More here
By Devin Gannon, Wed, September 1, 2021 - By Devin Gannon
- , September 1, 2021
Credit: ESI Design
A new installation dedicated to the life of legendary New York City fashion photographer Bill Cunningham will open this month. The immersive exhibit, called “Experience The Times of Bill Cunningham,” will feature large-scale reproductions of the photographer’s famous photos, audio and video segments, and artifacts, like his trademark Biria bicycle and his blue worker’s jacket. Coinciding with the start of New York Fashion Week, the exhibit opens at the South Street Seaport on September 12 and runs through October 30.
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