September 2, 2015

Bed-Stuy Brownstone With Its Historic Details Intact Asks $1.9 Million

The days of finding an affordable historic brownstone in Brooklyn are long gone. Today, brownstones–like this one at 348 Gates Avenue in Bed-Stuy–are priced into the millions. Because the home has much of its historic interior details intact, like mantles, high ceilings and the original hardwood floors, it's especially pricey for the neighborhood, with an asking price of $1.9 million. It's also in a convenient area of the neighborhood, bordering Clinton Hill and off the main drag of Franklin Avenue. So, will this brownstone achieve its high ask?
See more to decide
September 2, 2015

Find Historic Brownstone Warmth and Manhattan Convenience at This Chelsea Duplex Rental

It's hard to resist historic brownstone interiors with their high ceilings, graceful plaster molding and tall townhouse windows. Living on two floors of a townhouse feels pretty much like you've got a whole house to yourselves. Throw in a wood-burning fireplace–and, even better, a tasteful renovation–and we can't imagine a better place to settle in and get ready for winter. Just one flight up, this gorgeous three-bedroom duplex at 322 West 20th Street is on the rental market for $9,800 a month; at 1,800 square feet, it's not house-sized, but it beats the average Manhattan apartment by a city mile–and many a sleek downtown duplex rents for as much or more.
Take a look inside this pretty brownstone apartment
September 2, 2015

VIDEO: Riding the Subway in the 1940s Wasn’t Much Different From Today

Here's a picture of the New York City subway–mobs of commuters crowding the platforms; train cars filled to the brim; passengers blocking the train doors; people walking while reading the paper, oblivious to their surroundings. Sounds like your commute this morning, right? But believe it or not, we're describing the subway from the 1940s. Unearthed today by Gothamist, this video from the New York Transit Museum archives shows just how little things have changed in the past 75 years.
Watch the video here
September 2, 2015

POLL: Would You Apply for an ‘Affordable’ $1,500/Month Studio in My Micro NY?

Yesterday, we reported that My Micro NY, the city’s first micro apartment complex, was accepting applications for its affordable units, which account for 22 of the building’s 55 studios. Located at 335 East 27th Street on the border of Gramercy and Kips Bay, the building has units that range in size from 260 to 360 square feet. One person […]

September 2, 2015

Karl Fischer-Designed Tower to Replace Beekman Place’s Piscane Seafood Building

Piscane Seafood, one of the oldest remaining fish markets in the city, closed this spring, and its humble 19th-century home at 940 First Avenue will be replaced by a 14-story residential building. According to permits filed with the city's Department of Buildings yesterday, the narrow 25-foot-wide lot will give rise to a 141-foot-tall tower developed by Brooklyn-based CS Real Estate Group and designed by the often-maligned architect Karl Fischer. The building will provide a commercial storefront at ground level and thirteen floor-through units above, likely condominiums.
More details ahead
September 1, 2015

NYC’s First Micro Apartment Complex Now Accepting Applications, Units $950/Month

We knew this day was quickly approaching; just a couple of months ago, we reported that My Micro NY (also known as Carmel Place), the city's first micro apartment complex, was fully stacked, reaching its 120-foot height at 335 East 27th Street on the border of Gramercy and Kips Bay. Now, Brick Underground reports that the $17 million development began accepting applications this morning for its 260- to 360-square-foot affordable studios. According to the site, the available units are "11 $950/month studios for one person earning between $34,526 and $48,350, or two people making between $34,526 and $55,250; and three $1,492/month studios for one person making between $53,109 and $78,650, or two people making between $53,109 and $89,830."
Find out how to apply here
September 1, 2015

Modern Two-Bedroom in Williamsburg Comes With a Dreamy Outdoor Space

If you're on the hunt for a modern condo unit (and aren't shopping on a strict budget), Williamsburg is one Brooklyn neighborhood that is full of them. Here's the top-floor unit at 317 South 4th Street, a boutique condo with four total units—a two-bedroom, two-bathroom on the market for $1.45 million. The floor-through apartment has all modern finishes, lots of glass, a private balcony and even a 700-square-foot roof garden.
See more of it
September 1, 2015

Live in the City’s First Crowdfunded Condo Tower; Staten Island Making Million Dollar Penthouse Sales

There’s a new app available that connects individuals with professional movers with half-empty trucks. [AT] Units at Manhattan’s first crowdfunded condo building will soon hit the market. [Bloomberg] Spike Lee officially unveiled Do The Right Thing Way in Bed-Stuy on Saturday. [BKPaper] Has Staten Island finally arrived? A slew of $1+ million sales reveal increasing interest […]

September 1, 2015

Fresh Futon From KARUP Is Fashionable, Functional and a Perfect Fit for Guests

Everybody wants to visit NYC, and as most New Yorkers know from firsthand experience, whether you like it or not, the couch often ends up being a crash pad for friends and family. That's why we love KARUP's Fresh Futon; not only does it provide a comfy place to relax after the daily grind, but it's also the perfect bed for out-of-town guests. Plus, unlike the futons you slept on in college, this one's actually stylish.
more on this fantastic design here
September 1, 2015

Loft Renovation in DUMBO’s Eagle Warehouse Building Is Playful and Strategic

This playfully decorated loft is located in DUMBO's landmarked Eagle Warehouse Building. Although the space has always been generous in square footage, prior to the renovation the original residence only had two small windows and very little natural light. To open up and brighten the home, Etelamaki Architecture removed the kitchen walls and introduced various design treatments to increase the presence of natural light and to define distinct functional spaces.
Check out the rest of the loft
September 1, 2015

Infographic: The Correlation Between Income and Access to NYC Public Transit

We already know that there are plenty of areas within the five boroughs that are underserved by public transportation, but a new visualization provides an interesting perspective on how this lack of service is related to income. The simple infographic by FiveThirtyEight shows how New Yorkers commute based on income and access to public transportation, revealing five broad categories that range from those with no good options at all to those who have their choice of Uber or public transportation.
READ MORE
September 1, 2015

Building Permits Decline by 90 Percent Following Changes to the 421-a Program

Early last month, we reported that building permits were soaring to levels not seen since the 1960s. Now Crain's tells us that the trend has taken a sharp decline with permits plunging a whopping 90 percent from June. The numbers, which were pulled from the latest stats released by the U.S. Census Bureau, point to changes in the very generous tax breaks provided by the 421-a tax abatement program as the culprit.
READ MORE
September 1, 2015

For $725K This One-Bedroom Chelsea Jewel-Box Is a Just-Right Downtown Dream

On a postcard-perfect tree-lined West Chelsea street, tucked among elegant, historic apartment buildings, this one-bedroom garden co-op at 433 West 24th Street has just what it takes to recharge and take refuge from the surrounding kaleidoscope of New York City life. The listing for this funky and fabulous flat offers no floor plan or square footage, but rooms appear well-designed to take advantage of the available living space–and look good doing it.
Tour the apartment here

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