130-Year-Old Limestone Townhouse on the Upper West Side Asks $12.95 Million
December 16, 2015

130-Year-Old Limestone Townhouse on the Upper West Side Asks $12.95 Million

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It's hard not to be impressed by this 130-year-old limestone townhouse, built at 64 West 87th Street on the Upper West Side. The Jacobean Revival townhouse was designed by the 1890s architect Clarence Fagan True as a set of three—but this one is "the star of the show," according to Daytonian in Manhattan. There's an intricately carved facade with a four-story bay and an imposing stone porch with balustraded railings. It sold in 1895 to Lucius Nathan Littauer, a close friend of Theodore Roosevelt with his own political ambitions, and is known as the L. N. Littauer Mansion. Today, the facade is intact and the interior has been completely renovated by Zivkovic Connolly Architects to add some modern upgrades to the old world charm. Despite the modern upgrades, there are plenty of historic goodies left, including a truly impressive plaster ceiling that sits atop a ceramic-faced fireplace and parquet floors.
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<b>Designer Gift Guide: 10 NYC Creatives Share What They’re Giving (and Want) This Holiday</b>

Image: skyline illustration adapted from Linda Eliasen’s “There’s no place like home.” Prints available for purchase here.

December 16, 2015

Designer Gift Guide: 10 NYC Creatives Share What They’re Giving (and Want) This Holiday

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Who better to ask for unique gift ideas than those with an eye for the amazing? This year, 6sqft asked 10 New York City designers, architects and artists to share five things that they're gifting this holiday season—as well as what they'd love to get their hands on for themselves! Ahead you'll find 50 fantastic gift ideas for every budget and for every kind of person on your gift list, from the techie to the design buff to your pal with kids to the hip hop and "Star Wars" nerds in your life. Start checking off your holiday shopping list here!
Check out all the gifts here
NYC Municipal ID Card Holders Will Get Even More Free Stuff in 2016
December 15, 2015

NYC Municipal ID Card Holders Will Get Even More Free Stuff in 2016

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If you're one of the 670,000 people who took the time to apply for a NY municipal ID last year, give yourself a pat on the back and rejoice, because your industrious spirit will be rewarded for yet another year. Mayor Bill de Blasio and Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito announced yesterday that card holders will continue to benefit from free access and discounts to 33 cultural institutions and a slew of New York services through 2016. On top of that, seven top tier names have joined the ID benefits roster, including The Guggenheim, the New Museum, the MoMA, the Metropolitan Opera, the Museum of Chinese in America, BRIC Arts Media and the Pregones Theater. Yay, free stuff!
find out what else was added and how to apply if you haven't already
State May Reboot Plan for Penn Station Expansion at the Farley Post Office
December 15, 2015

State May Reboot Plan for Penn Station Expansion at the Farley Post Office

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In 2005, the state selected the Related Cos. and Vornado Realty to oversee a $900 million redevelopment of the Penn Station-adjacent James A. Farley Post Office. The project, which came to be known as Moynihan Station, would have turned the full-block structure into an annex for Penn Station. The developers twice tried and failed to move Madison Square Garden into the space; they were also unsuccessful attracting a community college or CBS to the location. And after a promise to close this year on the deal was left empty, Governor Cuomo seems to have had enough. The New York Times reports that he and state officials met with Related and Vornado last week to voice frustrations about the long-stalled project and express the possibility that they'll be replaced.
Details on the possible shakeup
Designer’s Boldly Renovated West Village Pad Asks $1.15M
December 15, 2015

Designer’s Boldly Renovated West Village Pad Asks $1.15M

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Let's start by saying we just might live in a paper grocery bag if it were on this street. Now that we've got that out of the way–this barely-big-enough one-bedroom co-op on a dreamy West Village block at 68 Barrow Street has more than location going for it. The double-exposure floor-through got a snappy makeover in 2013 by NYC designer/developers ASH–its owner is company founder Ari Heckman–and has been featured in New York Magazine among others. Bold design choices and a modern aesthetic set this co-op apart from the average Village aerie.
Check it out here
Pearl River Mart’s Closing Date; Greenpoint’s Gingerbread House
December 15, 2015

Pearl River Mart’s Closing Date; Greenpoint’s Gingerbread House

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It looks like Soho’s beloved Pearl River Mart may close in February. [Vanishing NY] Why people are pissed at Tina Fey about the Natural History Museum’s expansion. [DNA Info] Meet the guy who owns the gigantic gingerbread Christmas house in Greenpoint. [DNA Info] Mapping 2015’s celebrity moves. [Curbed] Images: Pearl River Mart (L); Greenpoint gingerbread house […]

Ditch the Laundromat With This Eco-Friendly, Foot-Powered Washing Machine
December 15, 2015

Ditch the Laundromat With This Eco-Friendly, Foot-Powered Washing Machine

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Admit it–you've been that person who's gone out and bought new underwear to avoid lugging 40 pounds of dirty clothes down to the laundromat. But now you can avoid this wasteful temptation thanks to a compact, eco-friendly washing machine called Drumi. Plus, it's foot-powered, so you can burn some calories while watching Netflix. First spotted by TreeHugger, the machine was created Yirego, a Toronto-based sustainable household design company. It's electricity-free and low-water and can wash a five-pound load in just five minutes. Of course, this isn't much (it equates to one pair of jeans or eight pairs of boxers), but it'll certainly save you from having to wear a bathing suit as undergarments.
Find out more
Gramercy Duplex With Three Exposures and Lots of Light Asks $7,500/Month
December 15, 2015

Gramercy Duplex With Three Exposures and Lots of Light Asks $7,500/Month

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There's a certain prestige that comes with living in the Gramercy Park neighborhood. Sure, if you're renting an apartment a block away you're not going to get one of the prized keys into the park. But still, it's nice to walk by and take a peek at how the other half lives. This rental apartment, a duplex at 228 East 22nd Street, sure isn't inexpensive—it's asking $7,500 a month—but it's still less than the millions you'd pay to live in a condo off the park. Best of all, this apartment comes with plenty of exposures and big windows to soak in the beautiful neighborhood around you.
Take a look

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New York in the ’60s: Political Upheaval Takes a Turn for the Worst in the Village
December 15, 2015

New York in the ’60s: Political Upheaval Takes a Turn for the Worst in the Village

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"New York in the ’60s" is a memoir series by a longtime New Yorker who moved to the city after college in 1960. From $90/month apartments to working in the real “Mad Men” world, each installment explores the city through the eyes of a spunky, driven female. In the first two pieces we saw how different and similar house hunting was 50 years ago and visited her first apartment on the Upper East Side. Then, we learned about her career at an advertising magazine and accompanied her to Fire Island in the summer. Our character next decided to make the big move downtown, but it wasn’t quite what she expected. She then took us through how the media world reacted to JFK’s assassination, as well as the rise and fall of the tobacco industry, the changing face of print media, and how women were treated in the workplace. Now, she takes us from the March on Washington to her encounter with a now-famous political tragedy that happened right in the Village–the explosion at the Weather Underground house.
Read all about it
REVEALED: Domino Sugar Factory’s Tiny New Neighbor at 349 Kent Avenue
December 15, 2015

REVEALED: Domino Sugar Factory’s Tiny New Neighbor at 349 Kent Avenue

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In the shadow of the Williamsburg Bridge and across from the massive Domino Sugar Factory redevelopment underway by Two Trees, a tiny corner site at 349 Kent Avenue and South 5th Street will give rise to a six-story, 10-unit residential building designed by Brooklyn-based Workshop DA. The 4,000 square-foot lot was purchased for $1.3 million by Eugene Bushinger's 351 Kent Realty LLC in early 2011 and in May, it was reported that building permits were filed for a 15,300 square-foot residential building. The pre-existing, two-story structure that once provided a welcome splash of color along the Brooklyn Greenway has since been demolished. Its worn, brick faced boasted a geometric and robot-infused mural painted by R. Nicholas Kuszyk (a.k.a. RRobotsollaboration) with How and Nosm in 2011.
find out more about the development here
What if Broadway Was Turned Into a Giant Linear Park?
December 14, 2015

What if Broadway Was Turned Into a Giant Linear Park?

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New York has undertaken several projects over the years in an effort to beautify its stark, gridded streets. There was the Park Avenue Malls, turning major intersections like those at Madison Square and Times Square into seating and entertainment areas, bike lanes, and Summer Streets. But this new proposal from Perkins Eastman Architects certainly puts the rest to shame, as they'd like to turn a more-than-40-block stretch of Broadway into one big linear park. First spotted by Dezeen, the Green Line concept envisions a park that stretches along Broadway from Columbus Circle to Union Square, connecting these two hubs with Madison Square, Herald Square, and Times Square. The park would be open only to pedestrians and bicyclists, save for emergency vehicles needing to bypass traffic. Unlike other linear parks like the High Line and Lowline, the Green Line would be at street level, creating what the architects feel is "much needed active and passive recreational space in the heart of the city."
More details and renderings ahead
Living in a Micro Apartment Could Be Harmful to Your Health

New rendering of Carmel Place interiors, via Monadnock Development/nARCHITECTS

December 14, 2015

Living in a Micro Apartment Could Be Harmful to Your Health

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An apple a day may keep the doctor away, but living in a micro apartment may drive you to seek professional psychological help. A recent article in The Atlantic takes a look at the tiny living trend that has taken the nation—and in particular New York, with developments like My Micro NY and teeny renovations like this one—by storm, and finds that squeezing into an extra-small space could lead to health risks. “Sure, these micro-apartments may be fantastic for young professionals in their 20's,” says Dak Kopec, director of design for human health at Boston Architectural College and author of Environmental Psychology for Design, to the magazine. “But they definitely can be unhealthy for older people, say in their 30’s and 40’s, who face different stress factors that can make tight living conditions a problem.”
find out more here
Famed Tiny Transforming ‘Life Edited’ Apartment Sells for $790K
December 14, 2015

Famed Tiny Transforming ‘Life Edited’ Apartment Sells for $790K

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Early last year eco-entrepreneur Graham Hill placed what might be the world's most famous tiny apartment at 150 Sullivan Street (it's been featured in the Times, it's won awards, and it even has its own TED Talk) on the market for just under $1 million. While some people balked at the asking price that gave way to a price per square foot of $2,369, Hill has managed to make a sale—albeit for a much discounted $790,000. The lucky new owner will have plenty to muse over in this micro-dwelling, which packs the functional equivalent of eight rooms into just 420 square feet.
more this way
Staten Island Ferris Wheel Projected to Bring in More Revenue Than the Empire State Building
December 14, 2015

Staten Island Ferris Wheel Projected to Bring in More Revenue Than the Empire State Building

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Despite controversy, several delays, and a $30 million crowdfunding attempt, the New York Wheel is projecting major first-year revenue. According to The Real Deal, developers of the 630-foot Staten Island ferris wheel expect to bring in a staggering $127.85 million in 2017, a figure that will make it more lucrative than the Empire State Building's observation deck, which raked in $111.5 million last year. Of the total revenue, $96 million is projected to come from admission fees (which come in at $35 a person, as compared to the Empire State Building's $32); $10 million from sponsorships; and $8.7 million from gift shop sales. And if you're impressed by these numbers, annual revenue will likely grow to $166.52 million by 2021!
Find out more
VIDEO: 10 Days and 120 Subway Stations in Two Minutes
December 14, 2015

VIDEO: 10 Days and 120 Subway Stations in Two Minutes

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Most New Yorkers would be overjoyed if they only had to witness their subway station for a hot second. But since we can't teleport, this video from Snowday is the next best way to live out our fantasies (h/t Fast Co. Design). Titled "Stations: A Quick Scan Through NYC," this two-minute video was shot over ten days at 120 subway stations throughout the five boroughs, compiling footage as if the viewer were changing television channels. The quick scan, which features a somewhat odd blend of scripted scenes and documentary footage, is meant to evoke the "unique texture of New York...in a new and compelling way."
Watch the full video this way
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The ‘New Yawk’ Accent and Politics; Take a Nap With This Fake Hand
December 14, 2015

The ‘New Yawk’ Accent and Politics; Take a Nap With This Fake Hand

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IDNYC cardholders will get additional perks this year, like annual memberships for the Guggenheim, MoMA, and the Metropolitan Opera. [amNY] Getting to know NYC’s Christmas tree vendors. [Thrillist] How the “New Yawk” accent is playing into the presidential race. [Daily Intelligencer] This fake hand will let you take sneaky naps at work. [Design You Trust] The ghosts of […]

A Massive Living Room Defines This Two-Bedroom Soho Co-op, Asking $2 Million
December 14, 2015

A Massive Living Room Defines This Two-Bedroom Soho Co-op, Asking $2 Million

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This two-bedroom, two-bathroom loft comes from a historic building at 37B Crosby Street, between Broome and Grand in Soho, that's been converted to a cooperative. Like many other downtown loft apartments, it is distinguished by its massive "great room"–an open living room, dining room and kitchen. Unlike the traditional loft, the bedrooms are built out in separate spaces. The design is completely modern and refined, paired with those great old loft details like high ceilings, big windows and exposed brick (there are even two working fireplaces throughout the apartment). It's all up for sale asking a cool $2 million. The apartment last sold in 2008 for $1.495 million.
Check it out
Soho Loft Perfection ‘By the Same Designer as Barneys’ Asks $8.77M
December 14, 2015

Soho Loft Perfection ‘By the Same Designer as Barneys’ Asks $8.77M

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This 3,162 square-foot three-bedroom loft at 104 Wooster Street hits all the high notes when it comes to just-right modern interior design and what we love about lovely Soho lofts. With interiors, according to the listing, "by the same designer as Barneys," the apartment last changed hands in 2012 for $5.35 million (below its $5.7M ask) to a partner in a commercial law firm; it looks to have gotten its expertly turned-out design upgrade since then–perhaps part of the reason for the $3M price-bump. Ascending by key-locked elevator to the fourth floor of this eight-unit boutique condo building on a quintessential Soho block, you'll immediately notice the light from a wall of windows and the presence of condo comforts like central air, built-in speakers and a home automation system. For celebrity cred, Academy Award-winning director Barry Levinson ("Rain Man," "Diner," "Bugsy") owns a loft two floors below.
Get more loft inspiration this way
Newly-Renovated Townhouse Duplex Asks $6,500 a Month on the Upper West Side
December 13, 2015

Newly-Renovated Townhouse Duplex Asks $6,500 a Month on the Upper West Side

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You'd be hard pressed to find an architecture-loving New Yorker who hasn't dreamt about living in one of the incredible townhouses that line Central Park, especially those on the side streets of Central Park West. Here's one to start drooling over if you can't afford the multi-million-dollar price tag and are looking to rent. 14 West 95th Street is an elegant, four-story limestone townhouse that has been broken down into rental units. As for the location, the listing calls it "perfectly situated" and we'd have to agree–right on 95th Street, directly off of Central Park West. The rental apartment that's now on the market has been renovated, so it looks more modern than old-world New York. For three bedrooms and two bathrooms over both floors, it's asking $6,500 a month.
Check it out
Weekly Highlights: Top Picks From the 6sqft Staff
December 12, 2015

Weekly Highlights: Top Picks From the 6sqft Staff

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Could This Otherworldly 102-Story Tower Covered in Ornaments Be Coming to 57th Street? Chart Compares Suburb and City Commute Times–and How Much Extra We Pay for Convenience Mapping the Depressing Annual Salaries of Millennials Across the U.S. VIDEO: Watch Ironworkers Set Panels on Bjarke Ingels’ Via Tetrahedron This Pint-Sized Penthouse Has Two Terraces and a […]

A Wood Boat Hull Makes Up the Mezzanine of This Colorful Chelsea Loft
December 11, 2015

A Wood Boat Hull Makes Up the Mezzanine of This Colorful Chelsea Loft

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There is an abundance of cool lofts in Chelsea, and we love exploring the interiors of these impressive open spaces. The best part is that the design of each individual unit is often left up to the tenants, resulting in some truly unique layouts. However, it's not so often that we see two units with different owners following they same program, but for the families living in these two adjacent apartments it was the perfect solution. Together they hired SYSTEMarchitects to create two bedrooms in each of their narrow spaces, as well as access to an exterior deck that maximizes natural light and air. Plus, both spaces' 11-foot ceilings gave the design team enough room to create a sleeping and storage mezzanine, which was inspired by a wood boat hull.
See the entire space
Manure Heaps, Fat Melting, and Offensive Privies: Mapping NYC’s 19th Century Nuisances
December 11, 2015

Manure Heaps, Fat Melting, and Offensive Privies: Mapping NYC’s 19th Century Nuisances

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A New York City nuisance map today would consist of things like text-walking zombies, pizza rats, and Soul Cycle locations. But back in the 19th century, people had bigger problems, such as manure heaps, hog pens, and 400 families wading through "a disgusting deposit of filthy refuse" just to get home. Atlas Obscura uncovered these amazing maps that were created in 1865 by the Citizen’s Association of New York as part of a 300-page report on the city's sanitation and public health conditions in the wake of the smallpox and typhoid epidemics. "Rapid population growth, overcrowded apartment buildings, dirty streets and poor sanitation standards had meant that New York in 1860 had the mortality rate of medieval London," according to the blog.
See the maps and learn more

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