June, 2014 | 6sqft

David Geffen has been dethroned as the person to have spent the most on a co-op in NYC, ever. Egyptian billionaire, a.k.a. the richest man in Egypt, Nassef Sawiris closed on the pad at 960 Fifth Avenue this afternoon through a listing held by Brown Harris Stevens. The penthouse apartment was originally going for $65 million earlier this spring, but power brokers Mary Rutherfurd and Leslie Coleman of Brown Harris Stevens managed to squeeze an extra $5 million out of Sawiris in a bidding war. Funnily enough, 960 has been cited as one of the city's 'A-plus' buildings, and in 1997 a New York Times article wrote that most residents in the building "are worth over $100 million" and that apartments cost about $15 million — my how times have changed!
Take a look inside the opulent apartment here

June 6, 2014

A Retro NY Home Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright Hits the Market for $795K

Frank Lloyd Wright has put his stamp on some of the world's most famous and recognizable structures, including New York City's own Guggenheim Museum. But did you know the prolific architect was also the forefather of a revolutionary style of residential housing that informed the airy, open floor plans seen in many modern homes today? Wright's Prairie style took hold in the Midwest during the early 20th-century and quickly spread across the country, profoundly influencing the built landscape we know today. If you've ever wanted to live in an iconic Wright home, this could be your chance: One of the few prefab Prairie homes designed by the architect has hit the market, and it's just a quick half-hour drive from Manhattan.
Take a tour of the retro, mid-century property

June 6, 2014

Jonathan Adler’s Chic Shelter Island House is Up for Rent This Summer

What happens when two of New York City's most creative minds — interior designer Jonathan Adler and fashion guru Simon Doonan — deck out a summer home? You get a colorful Shelter Island beach house that screams seaside chic. The couple's busy schedules take them all around the world, which is good news for New Yorkers still looking for a Hamptons rental — the playful pad is available for the month of July. Situated in a secluded area on Crab Creek, the airy 1,300-square-foot beach house is far more stylish than your average summer rental and probably a lot pricier, too — it's currently listed for $11,000 a month.
Peek inside the vibrant Hamptons home

June 6, 2014

Greenwich Village Star Asks $6.95 Million

Greenwich Village has long been touted as one of Manhattan’s most expensive neighborhoods, and a haven for the Hollywood A-List, with residents like Liv Tyler; Julianne Moore; and New York’s sweetheart, Sarah Jessica Parker. Well, the dazzling townhouse at 9 Commerce Street is ready for her close-up, and with assets like hers, Platinum Properties agents Tony Leondis and Daniel Hedaya are likely to attract a lot of attention. The GRADE Architecture + Interior Design renovated home boasts 3 stories and a basement, with outdoor space on 3 different levels.
Take a Look inside this Greenwich Village star here

Distinctive Homes

June 6, 2014

Your Art and Design Events Agenda, For the Week of June 6, 2014

By Lori Zimmer

We're welcoming the warmth of June with open arms. This week's listings are all about celebrating art in New York — indoors, outdoors, on screens in Times Square or on walls in Queens. Kick off the month with the family-friendly Figment art festival on Governors Island, or check out photographs by a rock star's kid, Mia Tyler. End your weekend by snagging a piece of affordable art at Cotton Candy Machine's annual Tiny Trifecta show, or checking out live street art in Long Island City.
All the best events here

June 6, 2014

Your Daily Link Fix: Hilarious Astronaut Pics; 123 on the Park Begins Leasing

Crown Heights Premium Rental is Now Listing: It’s been a 7 year wait, but the new rental building, set to begin leasing in July, has finally released the first listings and Curbed has them, along with some renderings. Drinking and Grocery Shopping: According to the Observer, the Whole Foods at Columbus Avenue will soon be […]

Uncategorized

June 6, 2014

Former Bush Appointee Buys in Cobble Hill for $1.7 Million

Don't tell the crunchy neighbors in baby-laden Cobble Hill, but there's a Republican moving into the neighborhood. According to public records filed yesterday evening, Reuben Jeffery III, the former Under Secretary of State for Economic, Business and Agricultural Affairs, appointed by George W. Bush, and his wife Robin have purchased a unit in a pre-war co-op at 174 Pacific Street. Records also listed their daughter, Jocelyn — for whom we can only assume the purchase is made (Mamma and Papa Reuben bought a full-floor pad just last year at 620 Park Avenue for $9.16 million). The 2BR/2BA apartment, which is conveniently located near Trader Joe's, was purchased for $1.7 million through a listing held by Brown Harris Stevens.
A look Inside the Pacific Street Home this way

Distinctive Homes

Asking $2.8M, this two-family Bed-Stuy townhouse looks like a good place to spend a sunny afternoon

Steve Madden's former Trump Palace pad lists for $11.5M

This $15M penthouse is a 9,000-square-foot mansion in the Midtown sky

This $1.5M Woodstock compound was a recording studio for rock icons from Ozzy Osbourne to R.E.M.

From the pool to the pergola, this $1.1M Hudson Valley home blends Colonial with contemporary

For $6.75M, everything you'd want in a Park Slope brownstone

Park Slope 'pink house,' now in a more muted hue, asks $5M

$4M Prospect Heights penthouse has three bedrooms, a wraparound terrace, and views in every direction

$2M mid-century modern home in Westchester has 21st-century energy efficiency and zero carbon footprint

Amy Schumer paid $6.25M for Central Park West condo

VIEW ALL

June 6, 2014

Williamsburg Loft Has Private Rooftop Deck, Panoramic Views, and Cool Industrial-Style Details

When this steam factory was built in 1900 one might have been hard-pressed to convince anyone it would house elegant loft-style living over a century later -- with a monthly rent nearly 8x greater than what most New Yorkers made in a year! Preposterous! Yet, here we are in 2014, totally bowled over by this simply gorgeous Williamsburg penthouse at 500 Driggs Avenue in the heart of the North side.
See how early 20th century charm meets modern day living

Distinctive Homes

June 6, 2014

New Yorker Spotlight: Natalie Vie, the Bushwick Artist and Olympic Hopeful

By Susan Cohen

“New York is the meeting place of the peoples, the only city where you can hardly find a typical American.” - Djuna Barnes Natalie Vie is an Olympic hopeful, a sculptor, and a resident of Bushwick. On any given day, she can be found fencing epee at Fencers Club in Chelsea, sculpting in her studio in Bushwick, curating a show, or out and about in her neighborhood's coffee shops and bookstores. What's interesting about Natalie is that she sounds like a native New Yorker; able to masterfully pursue multiple undertakings in a single day. However, she is actually a native of the desert. Natalie, 28, grew up in Phoenix where she earned a B.F.A in Sculpture at Arizona State University, and was on the University's club fencing team. She possesses a deep love for her home, but set her sights on New York. The city is home to a number of top ranked Women's Epee fencers, and Natalie wanted to train alongside them. Almost three years ago, she moved cross-country and immediately felt right at home. Fencing is referred to as physical chess. It's complex, rhythmic, and demanding. Epee, one of three fencing disciplines, has an entire body for target. Natalie can score a touch on the hand, the leg, or even the foot. When she fences, she must analyze her opponent's every move to find an opening and make a touch. Currently, she is in the midst of the World Cup season.
Our interview with Natalie here

June 6, 2014

Naftali Group’s Upcoming Chelsea Condo References City’s Industrial Past

By Ondel Hylton

Here’s a first look at the Naftali Group’s upcoming 60-unit condominium building sited along 265 West 25th Street in Chelsea. The building will rise 12 stories along a charming tree-lined stretch between Seventh and Eighth Avenues. Residences will range from one to three bedrooms.
More on the Development Here

New Developments

June 6, 2014

Historic Townhouse with Rear Carriage House Finds a Buyer for $6.25M

By Dana Schulz

In one of the city's most charming residential pockets, a turn-of-the-century townhouse with a lovely combination of historic details and modern touches has sold for $6.25 million through a listing held by the Corcoran Group. 251 East 61st Street is a four-story brick home with an exceptionally rare two-story rear carriage house. The 5BR/3.5BA townhouse went through a recent renovation that included refinishing the hardwood floors and repainting the front facade and interior walls.
See what else this beauty has in store

June 5, 2014

A Closer Look at NoMad – Manhattan’s “New” Neighborhood

By Dana Schulz

New York's ever-changing culture is reflected in the surge of new neighborhood names that have sprung up recently — LeDel (below Delancey Street), RAMBO (right around the Manhattan Bridge Overpass), or, one of the most inventive, BoCoCa (the area that is intersected by Boerum Hill, Cobble Hill, and Carroll Gardens). Fortunately or unfortunately, none of these creative monikers have stuck. One that has, though, is NoMad (north of Madison Square Park), bound by 25th Street, 30th Street, Avenue of the Americas, and Lexington Avenue. NoMad has become a go-to place for culture, food, business, and residential opportunities. During the last five years, the neighborhood has seen price-per-square-foot averages rise by 40 percent; the average price per square foot for a condo is now $1,791 compared with $1,279 in 2010.
How did this transformation in NoMad occur? Find out here.

Uncategorized

June 5, 2014

Brighten Up Your Floors With AVO’s Bold Graphic Rugs

It's not often a rug becomes the star of a room, but when it's as stunning and unique as the graphic mats from AVO, we guarantee it'll quickly become a a topic of conversation. The gorgeous leather rugs are hand-painted by Brit Kleinman, a Rhode Island School of Design grad now working out of Brooklyn. Kleinman — once a handbag designer at Jack Spade — is founder of The Way We Carry, a website that looks at how we transport our everyday things, and her travels from around the world are also reflected in the designs of her Painted Plains collection.
Take a look at the entire collection

June 5, 2014

Gorgeous Gramercy Park Townhouse Fuses History with Modern Design

Turning a grand three-loft townhouse into a functional two-family home was no easy task for the architects at Fractal Construction. Built in 1848 and owned by the Isaly family, the Gramercy building was steeped in history and the many problems that come with old age. Not only did Fractal's Ulises Liceaga have to re-design the former triplex into two dwellings, he also had to replace the basics, like the electrical and plumbing systems. Liceaga added an entire new floor to make sure each family had enough space and gave each apartment open floor plans that connected the living room, kitchen and dining room.
Check out more photos of the transformation here

June 5, 2014

Your Daily Link Fix: The Stella Tower is Selling Out Fast; Was J.Lo’s Concert a Flop?

Tony Winner to Sell Luxury Duplex: Tony-winning composer Adam Guettel threw one last party before putting his apartment at The Osborne on the market. Page Six has his reason for parting with such a beautiful place. Brooklyn’s Newest Foodie Neighborhoods: Brooklyn Magazine has the newest neighborhoods to check out if you want to make your […]

Uncategorized

June 5, 2014

Jamestown Properties Wants to Turn Sunset Park’s Industry City Into the Next Chelsea Market

If you renovate, will they come? It’s been less than a year since Jamestown Properties, the developer behind the successful Chelsea Market, acquired a 50% stake in the mostly abandoned industrial warehouse complex in Brooklyn’s Sunset Park known as Industry City. Along with investment partners Belvedere Capital and Angelo, Gordon & Company, Jamestown plans to translate the success of Chelsea Market on a scale six times the size – 16 buildings encompassing over 6 million square feet formerly known as Bush Terminal. But while Brooklyn is currently the darling of the five boroughs, Sunset Park doesn’t quite have the cache of Chelsea – yet, and the viability of such an enormous undertaking is ten years in the making.
Watch a video interview with the developers this way

Real Estate Trends

Sunny Williamsburg Loft Has Views for Days

There’s no doubt this apartment knows what its best asset is: it's her eyes. The two-story unit features a wall of windows offering amazing views and flooding the sizable living room with light. 52 Ten Eyck Street #3B has a Swedish feel with its Nordic minimalist design. The kitchen marries stainless, wood and granite in a sleek and modern way, and it includes a dishwasher, a luxury a true New Yorker appreciates. And speaking of New York luxuries, this 1,100-square-foot, 2BR/2BA pad comes equipped with a washer and dryer, so you can put those quarters away. The main level also has a spacious master bedroom with a giant window boasting southern vistas and legroom for a large bed and furniture.
Take a look inside this cool pad here

Distinctive Homes

June 5, 2014

An Artificial Beach Could be Coming to the Hudson River in 2016

Will New York City be taking a cue from Paris Plages? Living in the city doesn't mean giving up the pleasures of nature — at least that's how Blayne Ross sees it. The entrepreneur, along with his buddies Matt Berman and Andrew Kotchen of workshop/apd and Nathaniel Stanton of Craft Engineering, have conjured up a plan that will bring an artificial beach to a site on the Hudson River by 2016. The new "beach" would boast a food court, retail, and apparently a surf shop in case you forget your bathing suit (assuming you're brave enough to take a dip in the Hudson).
More on the project here

Architecture And Design

June 5, 2014

Rooms with a View: Sprawling West Village Penthouse Hits the Market for the First Time at $12.25M

Virtually every inch of this distinctively laid out 3,600-square-foot duplex at 140 Charles Street showcases some of New York’s most coveted views: the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, Freedom Tower, Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and Hudson River unfold before you in all their majestic splendor. It’s no wonder this home hasn’t been on the market since it was built as part of the The Memphis Downtown (designed by RKTB Architects) in 1985. Perched on the 21st and 22nd floors of the West Village’s tallest condominium, this dramatic residence was professionally designed by award-winning architect Henry Myerberg, founder of HMA2, and those exterior views are yours forever thanks to the visionary work of the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation.
See the rooms, see the views

Distinctive Homes

June 4, 2014

Even Without Matt Damon as a Neighbor, This Upper West Side Condo Gets Top Billing

The Bourne Identify star may have passed on being a neighbor but this 5BR/5.5BA apartment at 535 West End Avenue has star quality all its own, starting with the elegant gallery off a large and semi-private landing – what a way to make an entrance!
Step right this way to see more of this beautiful home

Distinctive Homes

June 4, 2014

An 80-Foot Slide Winds Through This Whimsical FiDi Penthouse

One of New York’s oldest landmarks is home to the city’s coolest apartment. Completed in 1896, 150 Nassau Street was originally designed as the headquarters for the American Tract Society. The religious printing house moved out of the beautiful Beaux Art skyscraper in 1914 and like a lot of historic New York City buildings, it has since been transformed into luxury condos. As with all penthouses, the top floor of the 23-story structure — appropriately dubbed the SkyHouse — boasts stunning views of the Big Apple’s most beloved landmarks, including the Empire State Building and the Brooklyn Bridge. What sets the four-story home apart, however, is its distinct layout and one-of-a-kind accents, courtesy of architect David Hotson and interior designer Ghislaine Viñas.
Take a tour of the cool FiDi penthouse

Distinctive Homes

June 4, 2014

Market Snapshot: The Week of June 4, 2014

NYC's first family is bidding adieu to Brooklyn. After six months in office, Mayor DeBlasio and his brood are moving into Gracie Mansion. Chirlane McCray, DeBlasio's wife, made it official on Monday by announcing the move on her Tumblr. A six-bedroom space at One Beacon Court is the city’s most expensive new listing of the week, asking for $32.5 million. But if that's too steep for you, you can always move into this one-of-a-kind, three-bedroom penthouse at 30 Bond, currently up for $5.5 million. During May 5th-11th, 79 condos sold for an average price of $2.3 million; while 103 co-ops changed hands for an average of a million. The market it quiet for this time of year, but a unit in One57 managed to sell for $20.4 million — the most expensive of the week. And what the heck is NoMad? You know your neighborhood has "arrived" once it's christened with a new name — particularly an acronym. We take a closer look at what's happening north of Mad. For market trends, the latest real estate listings, and an inside scoop on the city’s coolest buildings, we turn to CityRealty‘s Weekly Market Snapshot for the scoop.
the full details this way

Uncategorized

June 4, 2014

Join Us on a Tour of Battery Park City’s Brand New Mega Food Hall Hudson Eats