May, 2015 | 6sqft

Here's a $995,000 unique two-bedroom pad on coveted 7th Avenue, right near Prospect Park. It's a second-floor unit in a limestone 1880s Gothic revival townhouse, and it features original details like crown and ceiling moldings, 12-foot ceilings with medallions, hardwoods with walnut inlay, a marble mantel, and those windows. Not to mention, there's a peaceful private terrace overlooking a garden.
More pics inside

Distinctive Homes

May 14, 2015

New Yorker Spotlight: ‘Wildman’ Steve Brill Takes Adventurous Folks Foraging in the City’s Parks

By Susan Cohen

In the concrete jungle that is New York City, there's an entire world of wild, yet edible plants and mushrooms. For many, this is likely surprising news, but it's exactly the type of information the aptly named "Wildman" Steve Brill loves to share with New Yorkers. "Wildman" Steve has been foraging New York City's parks and surrounding areas for over 30 years. He even goes so far as to refer to them as his supermarket. However, he didn't always have wild in front of his name. In fact, it was a budding interest in cooking that led him to the edible world. Over the years, his interest blossomed into a business leading foraging tours in New York and beyond, where he introduces newbies to the activity and teaches them about ecology, nature, edible and medicinal plants, and mushrooms. His tours take him through many of New York City's parks including Central Park, Prospect Park, Inwood Hill Park, and Forest Park. "Wildman" Steve has the privilege of working on a regular basis with a wide range of New York schools, universities, institutions and camps, as well as hosting birthday parties for budding naturalists. We recently caught up with "Wildman" to learn all about foraging and the natural world that exists within the city (and even got a few recipes).
Hear about life as a professional NYC forager

May 14, 2015

This Freestanding Home in Manhattan Beach Is Fit for a Hobbit

By Emily Nonko

This freestanding home looks more like it belongs in a hobbit shire than New York City. But it's indeed up for sale in Manhattan Beach, Brooklyn, at 167 Beaumont Street. It's a cozy stucco house, set back and surrounded by a large, lovely lawn. It's also located just a few blocks from the shores of Brighton Beach. So how much for this unique piece of property at the edge of Brooklyn? $1.2 million.
Tour the interior here

Extell Shoots for a $4.4B Sellout with the Nordstrom Tower, the Most Expensive Ever

Image: the Nordstrom Tower penthouse

May 14, 2015

Extell Shoots for a $4.4B Sellout with the Nordstrom Tower, the Most Expensive Ever

Extell has plenty to brag about, from claiming fame to the city's top two most expensive sales to being credited with starting the whole superluxury supertall tower boom. But according to the Wall Street Journal, the development company's head honcho and mastermind Gary Barnett is vying for another record, aiming to make his next skyscraping creation, the Nordstrom Tower, the most expensive building ever sold at $4.4 billion.
more details here

May 14, 2015

Why Are There So Many Empty Storefronts in NYC?; LIC’s Citigroup Building May Become Condos

The Department of Buildings is getting a $120 million overhaul to help get stalled projects going again. [CO] A new shared bike lane will connect the East River Park to the Williamsburg Bridge. [Bowery Boogie] Here’s why there are so many vacant storefronts in trendy NYC neighborhoods. [Gothamist] Jared Kushner has made a $296 million […]

Real Estate Trends

May 14, 2015

Place a Bid to Ride in Norman Foster’s Helicopter or Smoke Up with Bjarke Ingels in Copenhagen

Want to get some one-on-one time with the world's most prolific architects? Well here's your chance to pick the brains of the world's leading creatives—and go on an adventure while you're at it! The Van Alen Institute's annual Auction of Art + Design Experiences is in full swing and they've got some great outings for you to lift your paddle for. A ride in Norman Foster's private helicopter, birdwatching with Jeanne Gang, and a private tour of Bjarke Ingels's ski mountain/smoke-ring blowing power plant are just some of amazing excursions being offered—although there are far more relaxed options as well. For lovers of leisure: How does soaking in a hot tub with Charles Renfro of Diller Scofidio + Renfro, cocktails and three of your best buds sound?
info this way, including how to bid

City Council Announces New Task Force on Tracking and Preserving Affordable Housing

Image by Jorbasa Fotografie / Flickr

May 14, 2015

City Council Announces New Task Force on Tracking and Preserving Affordable Housing

By Michelle Cohen

City councilman Mark Levine announced Wednesday the creation of the Affordable Housing Preservation Taskforce, which will track existing affordable units across the city on the brink of becoming market rate. The task force is the latest in an effort to address the monumental task of preserving the city's affordable housing. According to Crain's NY, the 14-member task force, which will be led by Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, will work with residents, landlords and nonprofits to identify buildings headed toward market rate rent status. Rent regulation, for example, stipulates that rent can only be raised by a certain percentage each year as set by the New York City Rent Guidelines Board.
More on the new task force

May 14, 2015

See the Northern Part of Central Park on the S.S. Hangover; Citi Bike Stations Coming to UWS

By Alyssa Alimurung

Here’s an excuse to head up to Upper Manhattan. Setting sail tomorrow, the S.S. Hangover will launch its six-week installation showing people the wonders of the northern end of Central Park [Untapped Cities] 39 Citi Bike stations will pop up in the Upper West Side by late summer [DNAinfo] Sad to see the Snowden bust go? Now you can get a […]

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Distinctive Homes

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Pre-war warmth meets polished loft lines in this $4.25M Village co-op

Tribeca's iconic skybridge property is back on the market for $30M

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

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Art Nerd New York’s Top Event Picks for the Week, 5/14-5/20

In a city where hundreds of interesting happenings occur each week, it can be hard to pick and choose your way to a fulfilling life. Art Nerd‘s philosophy is a combination of observation, participation, education and of course a party to create the ultimate well-rounded week. Jump ahead for Art Nerd founder Lori Zimmer’s top picks for 6sqft readers, beginning tonight!

May 14, 2015

Art Nerd New York’s Top Event Picks for the Week, 5/14-5/20

By Lori Zimmer

The way-too-hecticness of an art fair week is upon us. If skipping around from Harlem to Randall's Island to the Lower Lower East Side isn't your jam, you can still get an art fix in the comfy confines of your usual spots. Rediscover Central Park with an art walk, or your old post office as it becomes a gallery. Check out architect-designed 3D-printed shoes while picking up new pumps, or discover a new street artist while checking out boutique jewelry. Whether you hit Frieze and the satellite fairs or not, there is an overabundance of art and design this week.
All the best events here

Official Rendering Revealed for Nordstrom Tower: No Surprises but Potential for More Height

Image of Nordstrom Tower/217 West 57th Street, via YIMBY

May 14, 2015

Official Rendering Revealed for Nordstrom Tower: No Surprises but Potential for More Height

By Michelle Cohen

Recent reports revealing a potential pinnacle bump for Extell's supertall planned for 217 West 57th Street, followed by a statement by Extell's Gary Barnett denying the new height report–which would have the tower outstreching One World Trade Center–have discussion once again focused on the world's tallest residential tower-in-waiting. Today NY Yimby reports that an official Extell rendering of the project confirms it will match earlier versions of the plans as well as previously-revealed in-house images.
Find out the latest on the tower's height

May 14, 2015

Own a Three-Unit Wing in the Historic Ansonia for $12M

Here's your chance to nab an apartment in the famous Ansonia for $12 million. The 4,500-square-foot pad is the place to entertain all your friends, boasting the tallest ceilings in the entire building, and stunning Upper West Side views from east, south, and west exposures. The space is actually a combination of three units that used to form their own wing of the building, representing the largest original layout ever designed by the building's architect, Duboy of Graves and Duboy. Its current owner, Michel Madie, spent nine years collecting all of the units to bring the space back to its former glory.
More pics inside

May 13, 2015

The Light Is Guiding You to This Chelsea Townhome Owned by an Emmy Winner

It's good to have options. Take this former "Guiding Light" actress's 4,000 square-foot early Greek revival townhouse on James Phelan Row, for instance. It can either be delivered to you as three separate apartments with a potential rental income of $20,000 per month, or you can convert it into one giant dream home. Either way you've got three large outdoor spaces waiting for you during the warmer months, and eight wood-burning fireplaces ready to warm you during New York's fierce winters. And all these options can be right at your feet for $9.5 million.
More pics inside

Move It Whole Foods, Brooklyn Is Getting a Wegmans!

Rendering: Beyer Blinder Belle

May 13, 2015

Move It Whole Foods, Brooklyn Is Getting a Wegmans!

Everyone rejoice! East Coast foodie favorite Wegmans is finally coming our way, inking a deal to open its first ever NYC location in the Brooklyn Navy Yard. The New York Times reports that the supermarket giant will take up a whopping 74,000 square feet, anchoring the new shopping complex slated to replace Admiral's Row. Wegmans beat out three other proposals vying to enter the scene but was ultimately chosen because of the lack of affordable grocers in the area, and the store's commitment to bring 600 jobs to the area, 200 of which will be full-time—double what other proposals promised to deliver.
More on Wegmans coming to Brooklyn here

Real Estate Trends

May 13, 2015

Anthony Bourdain’s Food Hall Coming to Pier 57; Equinox Is Katz’s New Neighbor

No pain, no gain. Equinox gym is opening up next door to Katz’s Deli. [NYP] Not only is Google taking up space at the upcoming SuperPier Pier 57, but the location will also host Anthony Bourdain’s much talked about food hall. [TRD and CO] More millenials are renting but just as many want to own a […]

Real Estate Trends

May 13, 2015

Historic Fort Greene Carriage House in Need of Some TLC Gets over Asking Price

When we think of million dollar listings, visions of super modern or impeccably restored residences come to mind, but this Fort Greene carriage house fits into neither of those categories. In fact, it could easily serve as the backdrop for a ruin porn Instagram photo. But despite its fixer-upper status, two lucky ladies just picked up the 19th century home at 327 Vanderbilt Avenue for $2.6 million, $500k over the asking price, according to city records released today. When the listing first hit the market this past December, Curbed noted that it wasn't "exactly habitable at the moment," but fortunately for the new owners, the sale came with renderings for potential overhauls. It also comes with some surprising historic remnants from its days as a horse stable.
More details, plus find out the interesting history of this carriage house

May 13, 2015

$7.2M Tudor City Penthouse Boasts Amazing Gothic-Style Terraces

By Emily Nonko

If you want an apartment that will truly bowl people over, and you have millions to spare, look no further than this penthouse unit at 5 Tudor City Place in Turtle Bay (h/t Curbed). Massive windows, soaring ceilings, and a private terrace with griffins and gargoyles will definitely impress. The seller is Gordon Bowen, founder of the big-time advertising firm mcgarrybowen. He's unloading his Don Draper-worthy penthouse to the tune of $7.2 million.
See the interior

Distinctive Homes

May 13, 2015

Ikea Says New Yorkers Actually Like Cooking; Get Inside 125 Sacred Sites This Weekend

Ikea’s latest Life at Home report focuses on the kitchen. Turns out, 46 percent of New Yorkers cook almost every weekday and 81 percent enjoy the art of cooking. But, no surprise here, we hardly ever eat in our kitchens or dining rooms. [IKEA] Photos of ’90s newsstands show a grittier and cheaper New York City. [Daily Intelligencer] This Saturday […]

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POLL: Is the Reign of Whole Foods Coming to an End?

Last week, we learned that Whole Foods is planning to open a cheaper chain of stores, targeting millennials and vying to compete with other affordable stores like Trader Joes. And today, the internet is abuzz with the news that a Wegmans grocery store is coming to the Brooklyn Navy Yards. This northeast chain is popular […]

City Living

May 13, 2015

Jean Nouvel Says He Has ‘No Favorite Color’ at Event Honoring 53W53

Last night, MoMA held an event to honor Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel and his much talked-about project 53W53, which is also known as the MoMA Tower for its location next to the museum and the fact that the institution will occupy three of its lower floors. Furthermore, its developers bought more than 240,000 square feet of development rights from MoMA, as well as the St. Thomas Episcopal Church, for $85.3 million back in September, at which time they also secured a $860 million construction loan for the 1,050-foot asymmetrical tower. And now that construction has moved forward and interior renderings of the condos were revealed, what better time to pat this long-stalled project on the back. The celebration drew a diverse crowd, including Richard Meier, Martha Stewart, and broker to the stars Dolly Lenz. In a Q&A with filmmaker Matthew Tyrnauer, Nouvel discussed his inspiration for the forthcoming project. Dressed in head-to-toe black (down to his socks and tie), he also revealed that he has "no favorite color," according to the Observer.
Find out about Nouvel's inspiration for 53W53 here

May 12, 2015

Go Inside 190 Bowery This Saturday for an Art Opening

More good news from 190 Bowery! After finding out last week that the Landmarks Preservation Commission-approved plans for the building include keeping its iconic graffiti, we've now gotten word that the storied structure will open its doors to the public this Saturday evening, May 16, for an art opening. The Lo-Down reports that Aby Rosen, the developer who bought the building for $55 million last fall and who is also an avid art collector, is hosting an art opening on the ground-floor in collaboration with curator and art dealer Vito Schnabel. The event runs from 5 to 8pm, plenty of time to take a look around the historic former Germania Bank Building.
More details ahead

The Nordstrom Tower Will Not Be Taller than 1 World Trade Center, Says Developer Gary Barnett

Rendering of the tower NY Yimby

May 12, 2015

The Nordstrom Tower Will Not Be Taller than 1 World Trade Center, Says Developer Gary Barnett

Yesterday, new details on Extell's Nordstrom Tower were leaked, stating that the tower's height had been stretched 20 feet to trump the One World Trade Center. But it looks like the news was all fodder as Extell Development boss Gary Barnett has stepped out denying that his supertall slated for 217 West 57th Street will reach such heights. The NY Post spoke with Barnett late yesterday and the developer told the paper that the tower “will categorically not be taller than One World Trade Center.” Barnett clarified that the building will reach 1,775 feet (with its spire) as planned, which is just one foot shorter than the One World Trade Center.
More on what Barnett had to say

May 12, 2015

If Robert Moses Visited NYC Today, Here’s Where We’d Take Him

If you have even the slightest interest in architecture, urban planning, and NYC history, you know Robert Moses. Unforgettably profiled as the "Power Broker" by Robert Caro, Moses was the "master builder" of mid-20th century New York and its environs. He was a larger-than-life character who had very set ways of approaching urban design. He advocated for highways over public transportation (he built 13 expressways through NYC), dense housing towers over low-scale neighborhoods, and communities segregated by race and class over organic, mixed-demographic areas. Of course, there are plenty of much-loved aspects of the city that also came from Moses–Jones Beach, the United Nations, and ten public swimming pools like the one in McCarren Park. Regardless of your feelings on Robert Moses, though, we can all agree that the city would not be the same without him. But a lot has changed since he lost his post as director of the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority in the mid 1960s and even more so since he passed away in 1981. So we can't help but wonder what he would think of our fair city in 2015. To have a little fun, we planned a present-day tour for the ghost of Robert Moses.
See where we'd take the Power Broker here

May 12, 2015

19th Century Bed-Stuy Townhouse on ‘Doctors Row’ Is Swimming in Wood Details

When you're lucky enough to come across a gorgeous older home that has been lovingly restored like this eight-bedroom home at 126 Hancock Street, you grab your broker and run like the wind to claim it. And you just might do so after you've had a look at this brownstone. This stunning home was originally built in 1883 by architect Isaac D. Reynolds and has been carefully restored to its original glory by a team of interior designers from Pure Interior Design of New York. After this group was finished shining this baby up like a brand-new penny, we were left with a stunning home with all the modern updates, asking $3.195 million.
More pics inside

May 12, 2015

Brooklyn Bazaar to be Replaced by BMW Dealership; Affordable Hell’s Kitchen Apartments Start at $868/Month