New Report Says 56 Percent of 2015’s Airbnb Listings Were Illegal
June 28, 2016

New Report Says 56 Percent of 2015’s Airbnb Listings Were Illegal

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Last week, both houses of the New York City legislature passed a bill that would fine advertisers of illegal short-term rentals on Airbnb up to $7,500. Current state law dictates that an apartment can't be rented out for less than 30 days if the lease holder isn't present. And a new report from two housing advocacy groups -- MFY Legal Services and Housing Conservation Coordinators -- shows that of Airbnb's 51,397 listings in 2015, 28,765, or 56 percent, fell into this illegal camp. Of those, 8,058 units were considered "impact listings," homes that "are rented out for brief periods for more than a third of a year, making them virtual hotels," according to the Post.
More findings
58 Chances to Live in a Morris Adjmi-Designed Flatiron Building for as Low as $913/Month
June 27, 2016

58 Chances to Live in a Morris Adjmi-Designed Flatiron Building for as Low as $913/Month

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The latest project to come online from contextual king Morris Adjmi is an 18-story, block-through building at 7 West 21st Street in the Flatiron District. The two-tower design features a shared second-floor courtyard with ground-floor lobby and retail space. The lower facade is made of stone while the middle and upper portions are glazed terracotta. There are 288 rental apartments, 20 percent of which are reserved for households with a combined annual income of up to 60 percent of the area median income. These 58 units, created through the city's 421-a program, include $913/month studios, $980 one-bedrooms, $1,183 two-bedrooms, and $1,359 three-bedrooms. In addition to a stellar location, these affordable prices come with a 24-hour doorman, landscaped garden, roof terrace, game room, fitness center and virtual golf, media lounge and video game room. For an additional fee there's also a 200-car underground parking garage.
Find out if you qualify
Gramercy Tudor Castle Co-op, Now Twice the Size, Is Back for $6.25M
June 27, 2016

Gramercy Tudor Castle Co-op, Now Twice the Size, Is Back for $6.25M

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Built in 1929 and designed by architecture firm Schwartz & Gross, the landmarked 16-story building at 44 Gramercy Park North is "distinguished and eclectic," according to architecture critic Carter Horsley. Those adjectives certainly describe this out-of-the-ordinary home currently listed at $6.25 million, which 6sqft covered previously, marveling at the co-op's elaborate "Downton Abbey"-esque Tudor stylings. The sprawling 12th floor apartment was the residence of the building's owner/developer, so no expense was spared in its creation, which explains Neo-Gothic details like a limestone arch and casement windows, terra-cotta panels and brickwork. The home's current owners have lived here nearly 50 years. In its newest incarnation the apartment's listing offers a combination of units 12A and 12D, turning the size of this Gramercy aerie from grand to palatial at 2,500 square feet, claiming the largest amount of frontage (88 feet) facing south onto Gramercy Park through 14 enormous handcrafted stained glass windows. And the two-in-one situation looks like quite a find for the buyer who likes options.
Check out the amazing original details
Is the City’s New Ferry System Expansion Plan Full of Holes?
June 27, 2016

Is the City’s New Ferry System Expansion Plan Full of Holes?

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The new city-wide ferry system, scheduled to launch in summer 2017, has been lauded for creating 150 new jobs and spurring development in places like Astoria where it will shuttle the neighborhood’s transit-challenged residents to Manhattan for the cost of a MetroCard swipe. But will an unrealistic time frame and poor management choices and planning cause the Mayor's ambitious ferry plan to run aground? Maritime industry insider Tom Fox explains his concerns in an op-ed for Crain's.
What could possibly go wrong?
Interview: COOKFOX Partner Brandon Specketer on Biophilia’s Role in Building Design
June 27, 2016

Interview: COOKFOX Partner Brandon Specketer on Biophilia’s Role in Building Design

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You’ve certainly heard of LEED and Passive House in architecture, but what about biophilia? For COOKFOX, adding nature to a building and all the elements that surround it is a no-brainer. They strongly believe that humans have a deep, innate connection and love of nature, and in an urbanscape, they only way we can live fulfilled lives […]

New Renderings Show Supertall Status for Rafael Viñoly’s 125 Greenwich Street
June 27, 2016

New Renderings Show Supertall Status for Rafael Viñoly’s 125 Greenwich Street

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The new mixed-use tower to rise at 125 Greenwich Street will indeed be adding another supertall to the Financial District’s skyline. New renderings confirm a final height exceeding 1,000 feet, inching the tower above the the 977-foot 4 World Trade Center nearby at 150 Greenwich Street, according to YIMBY. 6sqft previously reported on the progress of the slender tower-to-be, designed by Rafael Viñoly Architects and developed by a joint venture comprised of Michael Shvo, Bizzi + Partners Development, and Howard Lorber’s Vector Group that will offer a limited collection of condominium residences with unparalleled views of the lower Manhattan skyline and beyond.
Check out the new renderings
New Owners May Close Waldorf Astoria for Three Years for 1,100-Room Condo Conversion
June 27, 2016

New Owners May Close Waldorf Astoria for Three Years for 1,100-Room Condo Conversion

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Hilton Worldwide Holdings, who had owned the landmarked Waldorf Astoria since 1972, agreed in October 2014 to sell the 1,413-room hotel to Beijing-based financial and insurance company Anbang Insurance Group for $1.95 billion. The deal closed the following February, along with plans from the new owners to convert part of the Art Deco building into luxury condos, and now the Wall Street Journal brings additional details on the conversion. The overhaul, which could close the property for up to three years and cost upwards of $1 billion, would convert as many as 1,100 hotel rooms to condos, with the hotel portion featuring between 300 and 500 luxury guest rooms. Currently, the hotel employs about 1,500 people, but this major decline in hotel rooms will eliminate hundreds of jobs. Sources say Anbang and Hilton have already reached severance agreements totaling at least $100 million.
More details ahead
Matt Lauer Paid $36M for Richard Gere’s Hamptons Estate
June 27, 2016

Matt Lauer Paid $36M for Richard Gere’s Hamptons Estate

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Richard Gere has been trying to sell his 6.3-acre North Haven compound since 2013, when it was first listed for $65 million. Last week, reports of a $36.5 million sale came through, and the Post has revealed that Matt Lauer is the buyer. The "Today" news anchor will be getting a waterfront pool and pond, basketball court, 240-foot-long deep-water dock, island-inspired tea house, and a private beach, along with the 12-bedroom main house. Lauer, who's notorious for taking a private helicopter back and forth from the city to the Hamptons, also owns a 40-acre farm in Water Mill (where he recently had some beef with his neighbors) and is selling another Sag Harbor home.
Check out his latest acquisition

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Financial District Loft Rental Comes With Its Own 800-Square-Foot Patio
June 27, 2016

Financial District Loft Rental Comes With Its Own 800-Square-Foot Patio

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Located in the Financial District, just one block from the South Street Seaport, is this 1,800-square-foot pre-war duplex with a very cool private patio. The building at 324 Pearl Street was built in 1888 as a warehouse, so the apartment now boasts 14-foot ceilings, exposed brick and lots of open space. Even the patio has a lofty vibe, surrounded by greenery against more brick. Although this is a condo, you can now rent it for $6,495 a month.
See the entire pad
Boaz Gilad’s Bed-Stuy Rental Marcí Begins Leasing With $1,846/Month Studios
June 26, 2016

Boaz Gilad’s Bed-Stuy Rental Marcí Begins Leasing With $1,846/Month Studios

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Another one of Boaz Gilad's reported 40+ Brooklyn projects has met the finish line with leasing kicking off at the Marcí in Bedford-Stuyvestant. Rising eight floors from the corner of Marcy Avenue and Kosciusko Street, the 35,000-square-foot project presents an inoffensive Rubik's Cube design hashed up by Franklyn Estrella Architects. Inside are 41 studio, one- and two-bedroom no-fee apartments. Pricing of the building's seven active units are rather affordable for new construction, with available units ranging from $1,846/month studios, $2,862/month one-bedrooms, and $2,723/month two-bedrooms.
More on the building
Weekly Highlights: Top Picks From the 6sqft Staff
June 25, 2016

Weekly Highlights: Top Picks From the 6sqft Staff

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Donald Trump’s Secret ‘Public’ Gardens Gave Him Extra Height at Trump Tower Buy Christie Brinkley’s 21-Acre Hamptons Estate for $30M Sleep in a Cozy, Converted Taxi in Long Island City for Just $39 a Night Take in the Views From Extell’s 850-Foot-Tall One Manhattan Square Massive Maya Lin-Designed Tribeca Townhouse Gets Thumbs Up From Landmarks […]

Will the Brexit Vote Drive Up NYC Real Estate?
June 24, 2016

Will the Brexit Vote Drive Up NYC Real Estate?

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The vote by Britain to leave the European Union has shocked and confused the world to say the least. In addition to the political ramifications (Prime Minister David Cameron announced he will step down in October), the financial outcomes are staggering. The pound has already plummeted to its lowest level since 1985, with investors turning to the dollar and the yen and the entire European stock market dropping, according to reports from the Times. Though the Bank of England has earmarked roughly $344 million for potential stability measures, the world seems unsure of how the Brexit decision will affect international markets long term. London is currently one of the top locations for foreign real estate investment, but in the face of an uncertain future, Crain's presents the assertion that the vote could drive up real estate in New York City as "investors look for safe havens against the threat of a global recession."
More here
One of Only Three East Coast Joseph Eichler Homes Is Selling for $490K
June 24, 2016

One of Only Three East Coast Joseph Eichler Homes Is Selling for $490K

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The listing says this undeniably out-of-the-ordinary home at 130 Grotke Road in a wooded Rockland County, NY community is "Not for everyone except you!" Which means Eichler fans and modern house lovers will want to take note: This could be your chance to scoop up a modern classic for half the price of its California counterparts. 6sqft previously featured the rare trio of East Coast Eichlers and the story of their rise to popularity during the dawn of the American suburban heyday—and plans to expand to the East Coast starting with three homes in the quiet community of Chestnut Ridge. Inevitably weather conditions and other factors led to a decision to return the focus to the West, but those three homes have not only endured—they have encouraged a community of modern architecture lovers to grow around them. One of those three homes—a four-plus-bedroom, 2,000-square-foot 1962 slate grey beauty—is now on the market for $489,900.
Tour this unique modernist gem
Spotlight: Kristin Heckler Delivers Bouquets on Wheels at Uprooted Flower Truck
June 24, 2016

Spotlight: Kristin Heckler Delivers Bouquets on Wheels at Uprooted Flower Truck

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In a city where ever-rising rents often hamper potential small business owners from opening a storefront, mobile retail has become a popular alternative. Food trucks certainly led the way over the last few years, but the business model has spread beyond the culinary world and now includes a flower shop on wheels. A year ago, Ashley Custer and Kristin Heckler introduced New York to Uprooted Flower Truck. The business parks in neighborhoods around Manhattan to sell their New York-inspired, hand-tied bouquets available in three sizes: studio, loft, and penthouse. The driving force behind Uprooted is to not only bring flowers directly to New Yorkers, but to help people engage with and hopefully gain a deeper appreciation for them. 6sqft recently spoke with Kristin to learn more about this budding business and how it’s developing a unique identity in the city.
Read our interview with Kristin
New Renderings Show Rooftop and Courtyards at ODA’s Massive Rheingold Brewery Project
June 24, 2016

New Renderings Show Rooftop and Courtyards at ODA’s Massive Rheingold Brewery Project

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In March of 2015, the cube-happy architects at ODA revealed their design for 10 Montieth Street, part of Bushwick's 10-block Bushwick's Rheingold Brewery site. The 400,000-square-foot, 400-unit rental building from the Rabsky Group has a bow-tie shape with a sloping zig-zagging green roof and amenity-laden courtyard. Last week, renderings were released for a second project from ODA at the Rheingold site, this one with developer All Year Management. Inspired by a "European Village" and dubbed Bushwick II, this rental one ups 10 Montieth; it will encompass one million square feet over two city blocks and have 800-900 units, as well as an entire system of interconnecting courtyards and common spaces that break from the street grid, an 18,000-square-foot central park, and a 60,000-square-foot rooftop with an urban farm and recreational spaces including a pool. Dezeen has uncovered additional renderings of Bushwick II that showcase these outdoor spaces, and they do not disappoint.
More details and renderings ahead
For Just $30, the AeroPress Coffee Maker Might Be the Next Big Thing in Brewing
June 24, 2016

For Just $30, the AeroPress Coffee Maker Might Be the Next Big Thing in Brewing

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Espresso machines can cost thousands, and traditional drip coffee pots (we're looking at you Mr. Coffee), while inexpensive, can often yield a subpar cup of Joe. But a $30 coffee maker is well on its way to providing a happy medium for caffeine aficionados. Business Insider took a look at the AeroPress coffee maker from Aerobie, which uses an airtight plunger to push coffee or espresso through the filter. The company claims its success is in the product's ability to brew under "ideal conditions"--proper temperature, total immersion, and rapid filtering.
Find out more
$1M Murray Hill Co-op Features 15-Foot Barrel Ceiling With Terracotta Tiles
June 24, 2016

$1M Murray Hill Co-op Features 15-Foot Barrel Ceiling With Terracotta Tiles

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Having high ceilings is a common feature of many New York apartments, but this is something different: the 15-foot-tall, barrel ceiling that's lined with terra cotta tiles in this co-op for sale at 372 5th Avenue, in Murray Hill. It's a stunning feature of the one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment, and a lofted bedroom means you get to enjoy the ceiling from up close. The apartment comes from an 11-story co-op that was built for clothing store Best & Co back in 1910.
See the ceiling up close
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Ride the Coney Island Cyclone for Free This Weekend!

Image via creative commons by Mark Hout

June 24, 2016

Ride the Coney Island Cyclone for Free This Weekend!

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If visiting Coney Island has long been on your list of NYC to-dos, this weekend might be the best weekend to head down to the famed beach and boardwalk. On top of what will be gorgeous weather, per the Coney Island Blog, the amusement park’s iconic wooden roller coaster will be offering FREE rides to 89 thrill-seekers. The roller […]

Affordable Housing Lottery Begins for Two Brand-New Bronx Buildings, Starting at $833/Month

2247 Walton Avenue (L); 280 East Burnside Avenue (R)

June 24, 2016

Affordable Housing Lottery Begins for Two Brand-New Bronx Buildings, Starting at $833/Month

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In the Mount Hope section of the Bronx, two under-construction buildings have kicked off a combined housing lottery  granting qualified renters the chance to snag nine $833/month studios, 12 $895/month one-bedrooms, and 34 $945/month two-bedrooms. The two buildings are located a half mile apart on opposite sides of the Grand Concourse and are being developed by the Walison Group under the alias 280 East Burnside Associates L.P. Newman Design Group (NDG Architects) are the designers of the two 11-story buildings, penning the mundane blocky masses with exteriors finished in red brick and stucco. The 2247 Walton Avenue building is situated midblock between East 182nd and East 183rd streets contains a total of 50 apartments, while the 280 East Burnside building rises between Ryer and Anthony Avenues and houses 40 apartments.
Find out if you qualify here
Take in the Views From Extell’s 823-Foot-Tall One Manhattan Square
June 23, 2016

Take in the Views From Extell’s 823-Foot-Tall One Manhattan Square

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Two Bridges, the area on the border of the Lower East Side and Chinatown, is seeing a wave of new, sky-high development, including a 900-foot tower from supertall team JDS and SHoP Architects and perhaps two 50-story buildings from L+M Partners. But the controversial surge in construction started with One Manhattan Square, an 823-foot tower from Extell. In anticipation of the 80-story condo building hitting the market this September, the developer has released a flashy new video that shows the sparkling Adamson Associates Architects-designed exterior, as well as the sweeping views from the upper floors. But as Curbed, who first spotted the video, notes, it ignores its potential supertall neighbors to make a point of just how much much it towers over its surroundings.
Watch the full video here
Buy Christie Brinkley’s 21-Acre Hamptons Estate for $30M
June 23, 2016

Buy Christie Brinkley’s 21-Acre Hamptons Estate for $30M

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Newsday reports that Christie Brinkley is looking to unload her massive, 20-acre Bridgehampton estate for $29.5 million. Known as Tower Hill for its 50-foot turret, the home was built in 1891 and was scooped up by the supermodel in 1998. Her ex-husband, architect Peter Cook, restored the home, but it's been on and off the market with no luck since 2002. It was originally listed for $25 million, but after the couple's split in 2007, Brinkley re-listed it for $30 million. The main gambrel-style house, which was built with "475 tons of local rock," has 11 bedrooms, and there's also an art studio, gym, pool, tennis court, greenhouse conservatory, four-car heated garage, and four-bedroom guesthouse.
More on the sale here
Art Nerd New York’s Top Event Picks for the Week – 6/23-6/29
June 23, 2016

Art Nerd New York’s Top Event Picks for the Week – 6/23-6/29

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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! Celebrate Pride Month with a Rubin Museum tour, by dressing as the Wizard of Oz at the McKittrick Hotel, or by joining Luke Neocamp at TransPecos for his video trilogy release. If you're Hamptons-bound, take in some international art at the annual Art Hamptons Art Fair. Free French Films continue in Greenpoint with Luc Besson's Subway this Friday, and adult storytellers share a little show and tell at Roger Smith Hotel. Finally, come meet me and enjoy Peter Gronquist's work at Joseph Gross Gallery!
More on all the best events this way
Live in Tennessee Williams’ Former East Side Townhouse for $1.85M
June 23, 2016

Live in Tennessee Williams’ Former East Side Townhouse for $1.85M

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This three-bedroom duplex at 151 East 37th Street with three fireplaces, skyline views and exclusive roof rights, listed at $1.849 million, has the added cachet of being in the townhouse where famed playwright Tennessee Williams lived in the 1940s (h/t New York Post) before the debut of "The Glass Menagerie" on Broadway. More historic firepower: The house was built in 1860 by President Martin Van Buren as a home for his daughter. A 1940 postcard from the scribe to his father describes the well-known strategy of living with roommates to defer steep housing costs in NYC: "Settled in lovely new apt., 151 E. 37 St. 3 big rooms and other a roof with skyline & view of river for $18.50 (3 of us) each (per month)..."
Have a look at the apartment

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