Weekly Highlights: Top Picks from the 6sqft Staff
March 7, 2015

Weekly Highlights: Top Picks from the 6sqft Staff

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Upstate Greek Revival Beauty Dating to the 1700s Can Be Yours for under $500K REVEALED: Asking Prices, Floorplans for 520 Park Avenue, the Next Billionaire’s Row Blockbuster Your Suspicions Are Correct, Subway Service Is Really Getting Worse Ikea Releases Furniture Collection That Will Wirelessly Charge Your Phone 220 Central Park South Penthouse Could Set a […]

New Yorker Spotlight: Carter Emmart Brings Us Aboard His ‘Starship’ at the Museum of Natural History

The Rose Center for Earth and Space via “From the Past” via photopin (license); Carter Emmart ©AMNH/R. Mickens

March 6, 2015

New Yorker Spotlight: Carter Emmart Brings Us Aboard His ‘Starship’ at the Museum of Natural History

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Here in New York, we think of space is terms of square feet and how little of it we have. But for Carter Emmart, space has an entirely different meaning. In his case, it refers to a space that is harder to quantify and infinitely large. Carter is the Director of Astrovisualization at the American Museum of Natural History, where he focuses on creating a means to visualize the universe based on what we currently know about it. He is responsible for giving us access to stars, planets, and galaxies through the museum's space shows in the beautiful Hayden Planetarium–like the currently running Dark Universe, overseeing the development of an interactive 3D atlas known as the Digital Universe, and running educational programs including the Digital Flight School. We recently spoke with Carter to learn more about his role digitizing the universe and why the American Museum of Natural History can be thought of as a virtual space ship.
Get beamed up with Carter here
Race Drives Gentrification and Neighborhood Boundaries, Study Finds

Photo by brandon king cc

March 6, 2015

Race Drives Gentrification and Neighborhood Boundaries, Study Finds

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Focusing in on just race can be taboo when looking at gentrification, but a new study finds that an area's racial composition is actually the biggest predictor of how a changing neighborhood is perceived. CityLab recently dissected the study conducted by sociologist Jackelyn Hwang to find that the way that blacks and whites perceive and talk about change in their neighborhood is often wildly different. This gap in perception has wide-reaching effects for changing neighborhoods because not only does it polarize the individual groups, but it can also have a tremendous effect on where neighborhood boundaries are drawn and investment is distributed.
Find out more here
Be Chloe Sevigny’s Upstairs Neighbor; Live in Emma Stone’s Old Chelsea Townhouse for $22.5M
March 6, 2015

Be Chloe Sevigny’s Upstairs Neighbor; Live in Emma Stone’s Old Chelsea Townhouse for $22.5M

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Live upstairs from Chloe Sevigny in this sunny Prospect Park pad asking $3.295M. Bonus: You’ll also get to call Senator Chuck Schumer your neighbor. [CityRealty] Derek Jeter is leaving his West Village rental at 56 Bank Street. [NYP] Construction defects abound in the city’s new buildings. [NYT] Numbers to back up millennials’ increasing interest in home ownership. [NYT] A Chelsea […]

Loathed and Lauded Robert Moses Gets His Own Anti-Hero Graphic Novel

Robert Moses and Jane Jacobs squaring off

March 6, 2015

Loathed and Lauded Robert Moses Gets His Own Anti-Hero Graphic Novel

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Love him or hate him, Robert Moses left an indelible mark on New York City's urban infrastructure. Most of us formed our opinions on the city's master planner after reading Robert Caro's Pulitzer Prize-winning book "The Power Broker." But if you're looking for a lighter (in both senses of the word; Caro's book weighs 3.3 pounds) read on Mr. Moses, you may want to check out the new graphic novel "Robert Moses: The Master Builder of New York City." Created by French writer Pierre Christin and Chilean artist Olivier Balez, the "anti-hero comic" is the perfect dramatic portrayal of Moses, both celebrating and criticizing his contributions to the city.
READ MORE
REVEALED: Massive Mixed-Use Development at Red Hook’s Revere Sugar Factory Site
March 6, 2015

REVEALED: Massive Mixed-Use Development at Red Hook’s Revere Sugar Factory Site

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The housing-design experts at Magnusson Architecture and Planning (MAP) have hashed out a feasibility study to redevelop the Revere Sugar Factory site in Red Hook with a 1.7 million-square-foot development to include more than 900 apartments, 250,000 square feet of retail, and 400,000 square feet of parking. The six-acre site at 280 Richards Street is owned by the Joesph Sitt-led, Thor Equities, who purchased the parcel back in 2005 to the tune of $40 million, according to the New York Observer. The vacant parcel juts out 700 feet into the Erie Basin, and sits between the Ikea parking lot and the Red Hook Stores building home to Fairway Supermarket (and Michelle Williams, of course). Though MAP's rendering date back to 2007, they have yet to be publicized, and we have the first look here.
More information on the project here
Inside the Five Loew’s Wonder Theatres; The City’s Most Photogenic Building Numbers
March 6, 2015

Inside the Five Loew’s Wonder Theatres; The City’s Most Photogenic Building Numbers

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This video by the Office of NYCMedia takes us inside the city’s five Loew’s Wonder Theatres. [Untapped] Get your kicks this summer at the Brooklyn Museum with a new “Sneaker Culture” exhibit. [DNAinfo] Here’s the oldest film showing NYC being destroyed by a monster. [Gothamist] Check out this video about the inspirational art inside One World Trade Center‘s lobby. […]

$1.4M East Village Co-op Doesn’t Include This Adorable Dog (but You Can Bring Your Own)
March 6, 2015

$1.4M East Village Co-op Doesn’t Include This Adorable Dog (but You Can Bring Your Own)

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When we first saw the photos for today's Cool Listing we couldn't help but be reminded of the Craigslist ad that made headlines a couple of years back courtesy of the owners' photo-bombing pooch. Similarly, this bright and cheerful two-bedroom loft-like split at 99 Avenue B comes with lots of things to love—but the adorable pup pictured isn’t one of them.
Lots to love right this way

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What $4 Million Bought This Week in NYC
March 6, 2015

What $4 Million Bought This Week in NYC

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We've all come across real estate listings or recent sales that have us thinking either "Oh! I could live there!" or "What were they thinking?" Well we're going to make it a little easier for you to cast your judgements on the decisions of the rich—and sometimes famous—by rounding up some of the week's most interesting sales for you to compare and contrast. From a Greenwich Village pad purchased by a prolific '90s sitcom director to a classic Upper East Side co-op with crown moulding, this week we'll take a look at what $4 million bought in Manhattan.
See them all here
March 6, 2015

Your Suspicions Are Correct, Subway Service Is Really Getting Worse

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The platform pileups, the sick passengers, everyone's favorite recording, "we're delayed because of train traffic ahead of us"–subway service in New York City is getting worse, and it's not just in your imagination. In 2014, delays increased by a whopping 45.6 percent, and on the worst lines, the 4, 5 and 6, that number grows to 57 percent. The main culprits are right-of-way delays (caused by malfunctions of switches, signals, and rails) and overcrowding, the latter of which caused more than double the amount of delays in 2014, up from 6,942 to 14,843.
More details ahead
REVEALED: Asking Prices, Floorplans for 520 Park Avenue, the Next Billionaire’s Row Blockbuster
March 5, 2015

REVEALED: Asking Prices, Floorplans for 520 Park Avenue, the Next Billionaire’s Row Blockbuster

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Developers of 520 Park Avenue have revealed apartment prices for all units in the building, which is poised to become one of the city’s most expensive condominium towers and include a $130 million penthouse. The building, which will rise in the high-priced corridor flanking Central Park that has been dubbed “Billionaire’s Row,” is expected to gross $1.2 billion in apartment sales, according to initial offering prices detailed in documents filed with the Attorney General’s office. The $1.2 billion in total sales—which will make the building one of the most expensive in Manhattan history—is all the more impressive considering that current plans call for only 31 units, most of which will be full-floor residences.
Click here for full pricing information and floor plans
220 Central Park South Penthouse Could Set a New Record with $175 Million Price Tag
March 5, 2015

220 Central Park South Penthouse Could Set a New Record with $175 Million Price Tag

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It's a good day for Robert A.M. Stern, whose buildings seem to be bringing billionaires to their knees. The Real Deal has just caught wind of the offering plan for Stern's 220 Central Park South tower being developed by Vornado. According to the papers filed with the Attorney General and sources close to the development, the penthouse may ask $150 million to $175 million, bringing the building's total sellout to a staggering $2.4 billion. The $175 million price tag would by far blow the Sony Building's $150 million penthouse out of the water, and most certainly One57's record $100 million sale which currently holds the title for the most expensive unit ever sold in the city.
Find out more here, plus floor plans!
Woolworth Combo Apartment Wants $51M; Doggy Daycare and Spa Coming to the Abington House
March 5, 2015

Woolworth Combo Apartment Wants $51M; Doggy Daycare and Spa Coming to the Abington House

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A 29th-floor Woolworth Building apartment combo totaling 11,450 square feet is asking $51.4 million. [WSJ] Taking inventory in “the most powerful apartment building in the world”: Here are all the big shots that live in 15 Central Park West. [TRD] Related Companies plans on opening an onsite Dog City doggy daycare and spa in their ultra-luxe Abington House located right […]

Gluck+’s Adirondacks Lake House Is Partially Buried Under a Luscious Rooftop Garden
March 5, 2015

Gluck+’s Adirondacks Lake House Is Partially Buried Under a Luscious Rooftop Garden

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Simply called the Lake House, this unique, hidden getaway by NYC-based Gluck+ is completely immersed in the surrounding Adirondack Mountains. Designed for leaving the stress of urban life behind, it consists of a collection of buildings, each with its own purpose and style. Right at the top of the hill there is the Gatehouse Garage with its wooden skin, there are two smaller prefab Guesthouses within the woods, a big modern Family House and a wooden Boathouse on the lake's shore. But the most striking building of all is quite difficult to spot; the Recreation Building is concealed under its grassy green roof, sheltering an indoor swimming pool and art gallery.
Learn more about this green-roofed collection of guesthouses
James Burrows, Go-To ’90s Sitcom Director, Buys Handsome Greenwich Village Apartment for $4.2M
March 5, 2015

James Burrows, Go-To ’90s Sitcom Director, Buys Handsome Greenwich Village Apartment for $4.2M

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"Cheers," "Frasier," "Will & Grace," "Friends"... these are just some of the '90s sitcoms that director James E. Burrows has on his resume. The television maven and his wife, noted sitcom hairstylist Debbie Easton, have definitely met their fair share of celebrities, but it seems that now they're looking to trade in their Wilshire Boulevard address for a more low-key lifestyle in Greenwich Village...though they are moving to prestigious 1 Fifth Avenue. The couple picked up a one-bedroom apartment at the storied building for $4.2 million, according to city records released today. It's definitely not up to par with Will and Grace's elegant home or Monica and Rachel's kitschy apartment, but it's charming in its own right.
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Secrets of the Flatiron Building; Meet NYC’s Engagement Photographer
March 5, 2015

Secrets of the Flatiron Building; Meet NYC’s Engagement Photographer

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Did you know the Flatiron Building was once referred to as the Cowcatcher? Find out about this and other secrets of the iconic building. [Untapped] The “engagement photographer” makes his living sneaking around parks, hiding in bushes, and secretly photographing New Yorkers’ romantic moments. [BI] We’re not sure if this engagement was photographed, but one man proposed […]

$2.8M Greenwich Village Gem in Sought-After Butterfield House Features Non-Traditional ‘Walls’
March 5, 2015

$2.8M Greenwich Village Gem in Sought-After Butterfield House Features Non-Traditional ‘Walls’

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Greenwich Village has long been known for its charming nineteenth and early twentieth century architecture, part of what makes it one of the city’s most sought after locations. But sprinkled in amongst the classic townhouses are a number of tastefully designed post-war structures that have earned their own reputation as highly desirable residential abodes. With a series of handsome and deep bay windows dotting its façade and a lovely glass arcade connecting its two buildings, Butterfield House is one example of modern architecture that fits seamlessly into the fabric of the Village–and where you’ll find this gut-renovated (2012) and absolutely gorgeous two-bedroom apartment.
See inside this Butterfield gem
Pitch a story icon Know of something cool happening in New York? Let us know:
$19.05 Is the Perfect Amount to Load on a MetroCard so You Won’t Have Leftover Change
March 5, 2015

$19.05 Is the Perfect Amount to Load on a MetroCard so You Won’t Have Leftover Change

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If you don't get an unlimited weekly or monthly MetroCard, you probably put random amounts on your card each time, or you might select one of the MTA's payment prompts–a $9.00 MetroCard with a $.45 bonus, a $19.00 card with a $.95 bonus, or a $39.00 card with a $1.95 bonus. If you fall into one of these two camps, you're likely always left with a useless amount of change on the card that will never add up to the $2.50 it costs for a single train ride. All of that leftover change going unused on thousands of MetroCards each day is being collected by the MTA, in what seems like a purposeful tactic. But now, thanks to statistician Ben Wellington, we have the solution to one of NYC life's biggest dilemmas–$19.05 is the is the perfect amount to load on your MetroCard so that you'll get eight subway rides without a penny left over.
Find out how Wellington arrived at this number
The History of Symphony Space: From the Astor Market to the Leonard Nimoy Thalia
March 4, 2015

The History of Symphony Space: From the Astor Market to the Leonard Nimoy Thalia

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We were saddened here at 6sqft to hear about the passing last week of Leonard Nimoy, an extraordinary actor, director, poet, singer, and photographer, known worldwide for his role as Mr. Spock in "Star Trek." Closer to home, though, Nimoy was also known as a dedicated philanthropist who adored the Upper West Side's Symphony Space. In fact, in 2002 the multi-disciplinary performing arts organization renamed its historic Thalia Theater the Leonard Nimoy Thalia to reflect their patron's generosity. Just like the storied career of Nimoy, Symphony Space has its own eclectic past, from its beginnings as a food market funded by Vincent Astor to the Crystal Palace skating rink and, finally, to a neighborhood institution frequented by the likes of Stephen Colbert and Cynthia Nixon.
Learn about this history of Symphony Space here
VIDEO: Walk Through Manhattan in 1968, Across the Brooklyn Bridge up to Central Park
March 4, 2015

VIDEO: Walk Through Manhattan in 1968, Across the Brooklyn Bridge up to Central Park

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It's hard to imagine New York City without its streets overflowing with people, but this "home video" we've uncovered from 1968 gives us an incredible look at the city during one of its most transformative periods. Although the video quality isn't all that great—the guy or gal filming this is using '60s technology, after all—the footage captured is pretty stellar nonetheless. Expect to see a near-desolate Soho, a Strand bookstore that amazingly looks exactly like it does today, and a lot of tucked shirts and knee-length skirts. Though there aren't any protesting hippies or riots in the near-30-minute video, there are signs of the politically contentious times, including a couple of poster boards urging citizens to join the U.S. Marines and Army. Starting at the Brooklyn Bridge, going up Broadway, and ending at the lake in a very crowded Central Park, you won't want to miss a second of this fantastic film.
Watch the video here
New Website Will Help New Yorkers Find Out if Their Apartment Is Rent Stabilized
March 4, 2015

New Website Will Help New Yorkers Find Out if Their Apartment Is Rent Stabilized

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Let's face it, we all feel that we're paying too much for our tiny NYC apartments, and while for most of us that's just the name of the game, for others who are living in a rent-stabilized unit but being charged market-rate rent, it's actually true. Want to know if you fall into that boat? A new website called amirentstabilized.com will help you find out. The site allows renters to search their building to see if it's on the city's list of addresses with rent stabilized units. Unfortunately, it can't tell you if your specific apartment is one of them, but it's a great first step and provides resources for confirming your unit's status, as well as filing a complaint if you're being overcharged.
Find out more here
How Brokers Benefit from Racial Tipping Points; Buying the Worst House in the Best Neighborhood
March 4, 2015

How Brokers Benefit from Racial Tipping Points; Buying the Worst House in the Best Neighborhood

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When does it make business sense for a broker to trigger white flight? Or: How do brokerage fees anticipate a neighborhood’s racial transition? A new paper investigates. [CityLab] A new eight-unit condo building at 150 Richardson Street in East Williamsburg will launch sales next week. [6sqft inbox] Real Estate crowdfunding could top $2.5B in this year. [Finance and commerce] […]

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