Meet LO-LO, a Capsular Microkitchen for the Home or Office
January 21, 2015

Meet LO-LO, a Capsular Microkitchen for the Home or Office

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LO-LO is a capsular microkitchen from designers Tanya Repina and Misha Repin of Aotta Studio in Moscow. The family of three standing pods was designed for the basic office kitchen, but we could easily see the stylish pieces in a studio apartment. Each module is intended for a specific electrical appliances -- a water cooler, microwave, and coffee pot -- and its corresponding accessories such as cups, plates, cutlery, tea, and coffee.
More about LO-LO ahead
Stuart Parr’s Ultra-Contemporary Clearhouse Brings the Outdoors In, Literally
January 21, 2015

Stuart Parr’s Ultra-Contemporary Clearhouse Brings the Outdoors In, Literally

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The stunning Clearhouse offers a dramatic, modern addition to Shelter Island's landscape. Envisioned by Stuart Parr Design, the dwelling elevates itself on a central plinth, taking in privileged views of the surrounding woodland and Peconic Bay. Much like Philip Johnson’s iconic Glass House, the Clearhouse boasts clean lines and glazed walls that blur the indoor/outdoor boundaries quite literally. Rising on stilts above the six-acre terrain, this ultra-contemporary home was also designed to cause minimal impact on the ground.
Learn more about this glass living box
Why Not Take a Helicopter to the Airport? An Ode to the Smells of NYC
January 21, 2015

Why Not Take a Helicopter to the Airport? An Ode to the Smells of NYC

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Empire Mayo in Prospect Heights looks to create the “must try” garlic truffle mayonnaise from Kevin Hart’s SNL parody of Bushwick gentrification. [DNAinfo] Two for the price of one: This tiny side table transforms into a full-on rowing machine. [Gizmodo] Forget hailing a taxi to get to the airport; a helicopter ride will cost you just $99. [NYP] […]

January 21, 2015

POLL: Do You Agree with How the MTA Gets Rid of Old Subway Cars?

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Yesterday, we featured the breathtaking photography of Stephen Mallon, who for three years documented decommissioned NYC subway cars being dumped into the Atlantic Ocean. What might initially seem like an act of pollution is actually an environmental effort to create artificial reef habitats for fostering sea life along the eastern seabed. Some readers, though, felt […]

Can Developers Still Make a Profit as Land Prices Reach Record Sums?

What Manhattan will look like in 2018, via CityRealty

January 21, 2015

Can Developers Still Make a Profit as Land Prices Reach Record Sums?

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Most landowners, especially those who have been in the development business for a long time, aren't easily persuaded to sell their holdings, but with sales reaching record sums, that's all starting to change. As Crain's recounts, back in November Jerry Gottesman, who has a property empire worth over $3 billion, sold a parking lot he owned between 17th and 18th Streets near the High Line for $800 million. He bought the site in the early '80s for $2.4 million. Influenced by the sale, other landowners are also looking to get in on the action; just last week three large residential development sites hit the market asking $1,000 or more per buildable square foot–a 50 percent increase in the price of Manhattan land from last year. And if the parcels fetch these sums, it will be the first time values per buildable square foot reach four figures. With these record sale sums, Manhattan condo builders would have to sell units at sky-high prices to make a profit. For example, a 1,000-square-foot apartment would need to sell for $3 million or more just to break even.
More on the trend here
Photo Series Captures Three Years of NYC Subway Cars Being Dumped in the Atlantic Ocean
January 20, 2015

Photo Series Captures Three Years of NYC Subway Cars Being Dumped in the Atlantic Ocean

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Who knew that the graveyard for decommissioned NYC subway cars was at the bottom of the ocean? If this is news to you, then you don't want to miss this photo series by Stephen Mallon, who documented the train cars being dumped into the Atlantic from Delaware to South Carolina over three years. But before you call 311 about this seeming act of pollution, let us tell you that it's actually an environmental effort to create artificial reef habitats for fostering sea life along the eastern seabed, which was started over ten years ago.
More photos and info right this way
Goldilocks Blocks: Lowry Triangle in Prospect Heights, Where the Gritty Meets the Gentrified

Between hyper-developed hotspots, main drags in up-and-comers, and those genuinely avoidable areas, there can often be found a city’s “just-right” zones. They aren’t commonly known, but these micro-neighborhoods often hide within them real estate gems coupled with perfectly offbeat vibes. Continuing our Goldilocks Blocks series, this week we look at Lowry Triangle in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn.

January 20, 2015

Goldilocks Blocks: Lowry Triangle in Prospect Heights, Where the Gritty Meets the Gentrified

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It’s...gritty. But it’s Prospect Heights. Anchoring an oddly magical Brooklyn crossroads where Prospect Heights, Crown Heights and Clinton Hill meet, bisected by noisy, gritty Atlantic Avenue, Lowry Triangle and its surrounding blocks form a literal mashup of three neighborhoods, all of which began hitting their gentrification strides at slightly different times. On a map it’s legitimately Prospect Heights, whose border is a block to the east at Grand Avenue. It’s a small but decidedly cool zone, open and semi-industrial, where old brick buildings share space with a growing number of sleek, modern boutique condos, compact cubes fronted by vast expanses of glass; a fascinating juxtaposition of old and new.
What you might not notice if you're just passing through

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Tour the Chefs Club Restaurant by ‘Food & Wine’ Magazine at the Landmark Puck Building
January 20, 2015

Tour the Chefs Club Restaurant by ‘Food & Wine’ Magazine at the Landmark Puck Building

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There's been plenty of talk about the luxurious penthouses that top off the historic Puck Building. But just below these spectacular homes is an equally stunning space that's sure to take your breath away—or at least get your stomach rumbling. Archdaily brings us on a tour of the Chefs Club, a brand new dining experience dreamt up by the folks over at Food & Wine magazine. The sleek eatery opened just last fall to rave reviews, and it's no surprise; the Chefs Club by Food & Wine is exactly what you'd hope it is: the magazine's "Best New Chefs" and an international roster of rockstar cooks whipping up meals unlike any you've had before.
Take a tour of the spectacular interiors here
Miito Reinvents the Way We Boil Water in a Minimal and Sustainable Way
January 20, 2015

Miito Reinvents the Way We Boil Water in a Minimal and Sustainable Way

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Meet Miito, one of those objects that makes you think, "Why didn't anyone think of this before?!" Innovative, minimal, sustainable, and most importantly, logical, it works by simply heating up liquids directly in one's mug as opposed to a kettle. Invented by Copenhagen-based Studio Chudy and Grase, Miito's clean, innovative design saves both money and time.
Learn more about this innovative boiler
The New Design Project’s Upper East Side Apartment Has a Downtown Industrial Vibe
January 20, 2015

The New Design Project’s Upper East Side Apartment Has a Downtown Industrial Vibe

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At first glance, this urban-chic apartment with its industrial vibe and cool pops of geometric colors definitely appears to be located in trendy Soho or any up-and-coming section of Brooklyn. But it's actually in the neighborhood that's often considered the most unhip of all–the Upper East Side. A creation of The New Design Project, this 400-square-foot Uptown apartment was inspired by the urban features that the design team uncovered during the renovation at the landmarked Cherokee Apartments. Exposed brick walls and metal frames were left raw and are juxtaposed with bold colors, geometric patterns, and custom artwork. As the firm states, "the result is a space that does not take itself too seriously, where each room has a strong personality that delivers a happy experience."
Tour the apartment here
INTERVIEW: Architects Michael Loverich and Antonio Torres of Bittertang Farm on Their Wild and Colorful Designs
January 20, 2015

INTERVIEW: Architects Michael Loverich and Antonio Torres of Bittertang Farm on Their Wild and Colorful Designs

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Mark our words: Bittertang Farm is a studio to keep your eye on in 2015. Led by Michael Loverich and Antonio Torres, Bittertang features two enterprising architects who are bringing us wild works that have more than once been described as "squishy," "vivid," "frozen," and "frothy." Definitely not your run-of-the-mill designers, Bittertang's work is all about using innovative materials—often filled with gases and liquids, or brimming with plant life—to create public spaces that get people thinking about daily life and living in a whole new way. The studio's whimsical works have won them everything from an exhibit at the Storefront for Art and Architecture to an "AIA New York New Practices Award" just last year, and Antonio himself was even honored as a TED Fellow in 2013. But if that isn't enough to convince you of their rising stars, the studio was also recently short-listed as a finalist in MoMA PS1's 2015 Young Architects Program, which, for those who don't know, has for the last decade seen its entrants grow into globally recognized names. Keep reading for our interview with the up-and-coming duo as they discuss their work, their mind-bending process, and a few of the projects they're most excited about.
Get a taste of Bittertang Farm here
Air Train to LaGuardia Airport Is in the Works; A Germaphobe’s Guide to Buying a MetroCard
January 20, 2015

Air Train to LaGuardia Airport Is in the Works; A Germaphobe’s Guide to Buying a MetroCard

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New York state will construct an air train connecting the 7 subway line to LaGuardia Airport. [WSJ] Afflicted with germaphobia? Here’s a guide to navigating the MetroCard vending machine while staying clean as a whistle. [Next City] Meet New York’s bail bond queen. [BuzzFeed] Renzo Piano’s restaurant underneath the High Line opens. [FC] Tour an inventively rustic […]

$4.8M ‘Duplex of Baronial Splendor’ Comes with a Dali Sketch on the Living Room Wall
January 20, 2015

$4.8M ‘Duplex of Baronial Splendor’ Comes with a Dali Sketch on the Living Room Wall

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One look at this richly decorated Central Park West maisonette in The Atelier and you'll be swept away into a scene harkening back to 18th century Vienna where couples minuet across the floor to strains of Mozart playing softly in the background. Turns out your imagination wouldn’t bring you too far from the truth, as in recent years this home has become a beloved gathering place for artists and art lovers alike, attracting opera singers, conductors, musical soloists, cabaret entertainers, diplomats, artists, aristocrats, and movie celebrities. The annual Christmas parties given here are legendary, as are frequent dinners and musical soirées for up to 150 guests.
Feast your eyes on more of this exquisite home
NYC Real Estate Firms Cater to Chinese Investors

The Oosten condos in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, overseen by Xin Development Group of China

January 20, 2015

NYC Real Estate Firms Cater to Chinese Investors

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It's no surprise that Chinese investors, who feel that New York City condos and other properties are a safe place for their money, are making major waves in the real estate market, so it makes perfect sense that high-profile real estate firms are tapping Chinese brokers to cater to this growing clientele. These international deals come with many complexities in addition to the traditions and language of the buyer, and having a broker who can easily navigate the process makes closing the deal that much more certain.
READ MORE
This Turn-Key Cobble Hill Townhome Comes with a Backyard Playhouse
January 20, 2015

This Turn-Key Cobble Hill Townhome Comes with a Backyard Playhouse

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What if we told you we found a beautiful move-in ready Brooklyn townhouse with a landscaped garden and a great location, and the only downside is it has one green bathroom? Well, you can’t have it all. But this four-bedroom townhouse in Cobble Hill comes pretty close. The owner “lovingly updated” the home, and it seems to have had a pretty successful run on the rental market over the last few years, but it's back on the market again, asking $12,500 a month.
More pics inside
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Take a Peek Inside Hundreds of Brooklyn Homes in the 1970s, Including Where Basquiat Grew Up

Mother and daughter in Flatbush

January 19, 2015

Take a Peek Inside Hundreds of Brooklyn Homes in the 1970s, Including Where Basquiat Grew Up

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An online gallery from the New York Public Library provides a stunning glimpse into domestic life in Brooklyn in the 1970s, courtesy of photographer Dinanda Nooney, who traveled through the borough from January 1978 to April 1979, capturing locals in their homes and asking them to then suggest other subjects. The black-and-white photos range from everyday scenes of Brooklynites to the residence of a local celebrity biker to the childhood home of Jean-Michel Basquiat.
Take a look at Dinanda Nooney's photos here
VIDEO: SNL’s Hilarious Sketch Pokes Fun at Bushwick’s ‘Grit’
January 19, 2015

VIDEO: SNL’s Hilarious Sketch Pokes Fun at Bushwick’s ‘Grit’

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If you tuned in to SNL this past Saturday, you probably saw this hilarious sketch featuring Kevin Hart, Kenan Thompson and Jay Pharoah spoofing life in hipster-laden Bushwick. The trio are huddled on a street corner talking about all the "crazy things" they've been doing over the last week. SNL uses the opportunity to poke fun at everything that's gone granola in the 'hood, from handmade dog sweaters to the $8 artisanal mayonnaises that now dominate the area's once crime-ridden streets. "That last party was off the chain, bro!" Pharoah says. "There was drinking wine. It was painting landscapes, barriers, fruit. You know what I'm saying?" Hart: "Did you have any cheeses tho?" "You acting like somebody put gluten in your muffin."
Watch the video here
Russian Billionaire Roman Abramovich Buys Up Three UES Townhouses to Build a Makeshift Mansion
January 19, 2015

Russian Billionaire Roman Abramovich Buys Up Three UES Townhouses to Build a Makeshift Mansion

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While some billionaires are busy eyeing the glass penthouses of the city's up-and-coming and ultra-luxe towers, others are taking a more DIY approach to realizing their dream home. The latest to join the building-your-own-mansion trend is billionaire Roman Abramovich, who according to the  NY Post has just "secretly" purchased a 9,495-square-foot townhouse at 11 East 75th Street for $29.7 million from developer Larry Gluck. The buy follows Abramovich's December purchase of another 7,286-square-foot townhouse two doors down for $18.3 million, and word on the street is that he's in contract for the townhouse wedged right in between.
READ MORE
Construction Resumes at 432 Park; The Case Against Supertalls and Their Super-Long Shadows
January 19, 2015

Construction Resumes at 432 Park; The Case Against Supertalls and Their Super-Long Shadows

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Work has resumed on 432 Park. This follows last week’s stop work order issued after an eight-foot pole fell from tower and crashed into the street below. [Dezeen] Critics of supertalls blast NYC’s “as of right” development policy and what little has been done to protect the urbanscape from the shadows cast by these massive buildings. [The Guardian] A window washer […]

January 19, 2015

VIDEO: Santiago Calatrava Explains the Design of His Ground Zero Church

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Back in October, we revealed renderings for Santiago Calatrava’s Ground Zero Church, which will overlook the 9/11 Memorial. Now we have a BBC video that features Calatrava explaining his vision for Saint Nicholas Church. ArchDaily, who spotted the feature, writes that “the building, which broke ground last year, has been described by Calatrava as a ‘tiny jewel’ for lower […]

A Waterfall, a Bridge and a Moat Can All Be Found Inside David Ling’s Self-Designed Loft
January 19, 2015

A Waterfall, a Bridge and a Moat Can All Be Found Inside David Ling’s Self-Designed Loft

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“I wanted to create my own world.” Those are the words used by architect David Ling when describing the design inspiration for his Manhattan-based live/work loft. And he most definitely succeeded. As one meanders through Mr. Ling's "rough-around-the-edges-on-the-surface-but-oh-so-refined" dwelling there are surprises at every turn, all beautifully orchestrated into three distinct areas (work/live/sleep) with the bridge and moat, plus a cantilevered second story, providing the transitional elements.
See more of this home's unique design
Cyclists Petition for 32-Mile Greenway That Would Connect Southeast Queens to Brooklyn

Map of the proposed route via Southern Queens Greenway

January 19, 2015

Cyclists Petition for 32-Mile Greenway That Would Connect Southeast Queens to Brooklyn

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There's been a lot of talk lately surrounding the QueensWay, the High Line-esque linear park and cultural greenway proposed for a 3.5-mile stretch of abandoned railway in central Queens, but there's another planned greenway in Queens that's also making headlines. The proposed 32-mile path known as the Southern Queens Greenway would connect portions of Brooklyn with parks in southeast Queens, and a local group of cyclists is now petitioning for this vision to be realized.
READ MORE

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