All articles by Aaron Ginsburg

Huge cultural hub with galleries, performance spaces, new library opens in Fort Greene

All photos by Gregg Richards, courtesy of Brooklyn Public Library

February 5, 2025

Huge cultural hub with galleries, performance spaces, new library opens in Fort Greene

By Aaron Ginsburg

Some of Brooklyn's most influential arts and cultural institutions have a new home in the heart of Fort Greene. L10 Arts and Cultural Center officially opened last week, bringing a 65,000-square-foot facility with gallery and performance spaces for the Museum of Contemporary African Diaspora Arts (MoCADA), cinemas for the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM), rehearsal studios and performance space for 651 Arts, and a new Brooklyn Public Library branch to 10 Lafayette Street. The center sits within the mixed-use tower 300 Ashland Place, which opened in 2017.
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Waldorf Astoria welcomes first condo residents after renovation

All images courtesy of the Waldorf Astoria

February 5, 2025

Waldorf Astoria welcomes first condo residents after renovation

By Aaron Ginsburg

Nearly a decade in the works, the famed Waldorf Astoria is welcoming its first residents after a restoration converted the historic hotel into luxury condos. Closings have officially commenced at the landmarked Park Avenue hotel, which shuttered in 2017 as part of a revamp to bring 375 luxury condos atop a 375-key hotel. Building on the success of the first phase of sales, prospective buyers can now experience model residences designed by AD100 designer Josh Greene, with prices starting at $1,875,000 for studios.
see the residences

UN Plaza buildings to get $500M revamp

One and Two United Nations Plaza in center; United Nations Secretariat Building to the left; Photo via WikiCommons

February 4, 2025

UN Plaza buildings to get $500M revamp

By Aaron Ginsburg

Two United Nations buildings will undergo a $500 million revitalization, creating over 1,800 jobs and boosting New York City's economy by billions, New York officials announced this week. Mayor Eric Adams, Gov. Kathy Hochul, and the UN Development Corporation (UNDC) on Monday announced plans for the redevelopment, which will modernize One and Two United Nations Plaza—built in the 1970s and 80s—while consolidating its office space. As part of the plan, the UN has committed to long-term leases at the site.
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Real Estate Trends

City unveils design of new Hudson Square public plaza

Photo of existing Hudson-Houston Plaza by Tdorante10 on WikiCommons

February 4, 2025

City unveils design of new Hudson Square public plaza

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City is moving forward with plans to turn part of a parking lot in Hudson Square into a new public plaza. The city's Parks Department, DEP, and the Hudson Square Business Improvement District this week unveiled the design for Hudson-Houston Plaza, a new 0.26-acre open space at the intersection of Hudson and Houston Streets that will provide a much-needed public area for the neighborhood while allowing for continued DEP operations below ground. The northern half of the city-owned site will become an affordable housing development, known as 388 Hudson Street.
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Architecture And Design

NYC’s best spas and saunas to beat the cold

Winter pool house at The Rockaway Hotel. Photo credit: Kelsey Campbell

February 4, 2025

NYC’s best spas and saunas to beat the cold

By Aaron Ginsburg

With winter in full swing in New York City, it can feel disheartening to think about how many weeks of bitter cold lie ahead before the first signs of spring appear. Fortunately, plenty of tranquil escapes across the city can offer the warmth and relaxation needed to make it through the season. Whether you’re looking to shake off the winter blues or treat yourself to some much-needed self-care, these NYC day spas offer the perfect retreat to warm your body and lift your spirits during the colder months.
plan a spa day

Fordham’s Lincoln Center sculpture garden debuts new exhibition, including iconic ‘Hippo Ballerina’

“The Magis Sculpture Exhibition” at Fordham’s Lincoln Center campus. All images courtesy of Taylor Ha, Fordham University

February 3, 2025

Fordham’s Lincoln Center sculpture garden debuts new exhibition, including iconic ‘Hippo Ballerina’

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City's beloved hippo sculpture, and other whimsical works of art, can now be found at Fordham University's Lincoln Center campus. On display through December, "The Magis Sculpture Exhibition" adds 11 new pieces to the university's outdoor sculpture garden, between West 60th and West 62nd Streets. Inspired by fables, art history, music, modern animation, and more, the exhibition complements the garden's 10 sculptures on permanent display. A highlight of the new installation is Bjørn Okholm Skaarup’s "Hippo Ballerina"—a 15-foot hippo sculpture that draws inspiration from Edgar Degas’ "Little Dancer Aged Fourteen" and the dancing hippos from Walt Disney’s "Fantasia."
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Planet Hollywood returns to NYC with 360-degree video screens instead of movie memorabilia

All photos courtesy of Planet Hollywood

February 3, 2025

Planet Hollywood returns to NYC with 360-degree video screens instead of movie memorabilia

By Aaron Ginsburg

Planet Hollywood, the iconic movie-themed restaurant chain that launched in the 1990s and closed during the pandemic, reopened in Times Square following a $20 million transformation. The new iteration of the restaurant won't be a total 90s throwback, with the walls and ceilings covered in high-definition screens that will transport diners to "thematic worlds" to make "every meal an epic journey." The reopening marks a fresh chapter for Planet Hollywood and the restaurant will replace its signature movie memorabilia-filled interior with over 692 video tiles showing interactive videos.
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Food & Dining

More New Yorkers will qualify for $100K down-payment assistance after program expansion

Credit: Michael Moloney on Unsplash

January 31, 2025

More New Yorkers will qualify for $100K down-payment assistance after program expansion

By Aaron Ginsburg

Mayor Eric Adams and the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) Commissioner Adolfo Carrion Jr. on Thursday announced the expansion of the HomeFirst Down Payment Assistance Program, which gives first-time homebuyers up to $100,000 to put towards the down payment or closing costs on homes within the five boroughs. The additional $82 million will fund the program for the next five years, expand income eligibility, and introduce a new nonprofit partnership to streamline the process.
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The highest private pool in NYC unveiled at Rafael Viñoly’s 88-story FiDi condo

All photos courtesy of Evan Joseph unless otherwise noted

January 31, 2025

The highest private pool in NYC unveiled at Rafael Viñoly’s 88-story FiDi condo

By Aaron Ginsburg

Care for a sky-high swim? The highest private pool in New York City is now complete at a new 88-story condo tower in the Financial District. The Greenwich by Rafael Viñoly this week unveiled "The 88," a stunning amenities suite occupying the building's 86th, 87th, and 88th floors, considered the highest condo perk package in the city. Designed by acclaimed firm MAWD, the exclusive space offers residents a private members club experience, featuring wellness, entertainment, and fitness areas, including a 50-foot indoor lap pool, all complemented by luxurious furnishings from Molteni&C, Poltrona Frau, Boffi DePadova, and Poliform.
Luxury in the sky, ahead

Fare evasion on NYC subway down 25% in last six months, MTA reports

Credit: Marc A. Hermann / MTA on Flickr

January 30, 2025

Fare evasion on NYC subway down 25% in last six months, MTA reports

By Aaron Ginsburg

Fare evasion in the New York City subway system has dropped by 25 percent over the past six months, according to MTA officials. During an MTA board meeting on Wednesday, Chair and CEO Janno Lieber announced that subway fare evasion has decreased from 14 to 10 percent in the last six months. Lieber also reported a 12 percent drop in bus fare evasion, from approximately 50 to 44 percent, marking the first significant progress the transit agency has made in reducing these rates.
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Popular Articles

NYC Council creates first-ever language bank for city’s immigrant communities

Credit: Gerardo Romo / NYC Council Media Unit on Flickr

January 30, 2025

NYC Council creates first-ever language bank for city’s immigrant communities

By Aaron Ginsburg

The New York City Council has introduced new resources to support and protect the city's immigrant communities, in response to President Donald Trump's attacks on immigration. Council Speaker Adrienne Adams on Wednesday announced the launch of the city's first-ever Community Interpreter Bank, ensuring that all immigrants in the five boroughs can access resources in their preferred language. Adams also introduced the Protect NYC Families initiative, which allocates $2 million to over 60 nonprofits to expand legal services, helplines, community training, and rapid response efforts.
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Policy

City seeks proposals for Meatpacking District development with 600 apartments

Rendering courtesy of NYC Mayor’s Office

January 29, 2025

City seeks proposals for Meatpacking District development with 600 apartments

By Aaron Ginsburg

A plan to replace a Manhattan meat market with hundreds of apartments, retail, and open space is moving ahead. Mayor Eric Adams and the city's Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) on Wednesday released a request for proposals for Gansevoort Square, a proposed mixed-use development with 600 apartments, half of which would be affordable, and retail on Little West 12th Street between Washington Street and 10th Avenue in the Meatpacking District. The project is part of the mayor's recently announced "Manhattan Plan," which aims to add 100,000 new homes in the borough over the next decade.
get the details

Affordable Housing

New York officials challenge Trump’s federal funding freeze

Photo by Nout Gons on Pexels

January 29, 2025

New York officials challenge Trump’s federal funding freeze

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York officials are scrambling to respond to President Donald Trump’s federal funding freeze, a move that threatened essential services for millions of New Yorkers. The freeze, which was announced in a memo on Monday, would strip the city of billions in federal grants and loans, potentially putting funding for housing assistance, school lunch programs, and other vital resources at risk. Attorney General Letitia James joined attorneys general from 22 states and the District of Columbia in suing the Trump administration to stop the directive. A federal judge temporarily blocked the order on Tuesday before it would have taken effect. Update 1/29/25: On Wednesday, the Trump Administration rescinded the memo "to end any confusion on federal policy created by the court ruling and the dishonest media coverage."
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Policy

Sustainable rental in Greenpoint opens lottery for 251 apartments, from $1,537/month

Renderings by The Boundary

January 28, 2025

Sustainable rental in Greenpoint opens lottery for 251 apartments, from $1,537/month

By Aaron Ginsburg

Here's a chance to live on the Greenpoint waterfront at the largest geothermal residential project in New York. A lottery opened this week for 251 mixed-income apartments at the Riverie, a five-building development at 18 India Street with over 800 apartments, wellness-focused amenities, and a sustainable design. Also known as 1 Java Street, the development is fully electric and has a geothermal system that reduces carbon emissions by over 50 percent compared to traditional systems. New Yorkers earning 70, 125, and 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the units, priced from $1,537/month for studios to $4,395/month for two bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

The Frick announces April reopening date of Upper East Side mansion

The Frick Collection from East 70th Street; rendering courtesy of Selldorf Architects

January 28, 2025

The Frick announces April reopening date of Upper East Side mansion

By Aaron Ginsburg

The Frick Collection officially has a reopening date. The museum announced it will return to its historic Upper East Side home on April 17, following a five-year renovation of its mansion at 1 East 70th Street by Selldorf Architects and Beyer Blinder Belle. The project restored the original galleries, added new galleries to the second floor, expanded exhibition space, and revived the 70th Street garden. During the renovation, the Frick temporarily resided in the iconic Breuer Building from 2021 until March 2024.
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Bryant Park Grill closing this spring, will be replaced by a Jean-Georges restaurant

Credit: John Wisniewski on Flickr

January 28, 2025

Bryant Park Grill closing this spring, will be replaced by a Jean-Georges restaurant

By Aaron Ginsburg

After 30 years in business, the Bryant Park Grill is set to close and be replaced by a new Jean-Georges Vongerichten venture. As first reported by Crain's New York, the iconic 1,000-seat restaurant, which sits behind the New York Public Library and generates nearly $30 million in sales annually, will not have its lease renewed by the Bryant Park Corporation when it expires in May. Bryant Park officials said the restaurant had become "tired" and that it was time for a fresh start with a new operator.
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Food & Dining

First look at Chinatown’s new 16-story jail

All images courtesy of Tutor Perini Corporation/HOK

January 28, 2025

First look at Chinatown’s new 16-story jail

By Aaron Ginsburg

With office buildings in New York City still feeling the effects of the pandemic, the sight of a new, imposing office tower going up in Chinatown may leave you scratching your head. However, this generic-looking glass tower is a new jail. As first spotted by NY1, Los Angeles-based architectural firm Tutor Perini and O&G Industries released a video showing the preliminary design of the new Manhattan Detention Center, a 16-story facility set to rise at 124-125 White Street as part of the city's plan to replace the Rikers Island complex with four borough-based jails.
take a look

Architecture And Design

NYC speed cameras reduce speeding by 94%, new report says

Credit: Zoshua Colah on Unsplash

January 27, 2025

NYC speed cameras reduce speeding by 94%, new report says

By Aaron Ginsburg

Speed cameras have reduced speeding by 94 percent at locations across New York City, according to a new report from the Department of Transportation. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez on Thursday released the report on the city's speed camera program, which highlighted the critical role of speed cameras in improving street safety. The report found that locations with speed cameras installed in 2022 saw a 14 percent decrease in injuries and fatalities compared to areas without them.
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Conversion of historic Nomad office building into 65 condos moves forward

The Emmet Building at 95 Madison Avenue. Photo by Epicgenius on Wikimedia.

January 24, 2025

Conversion of historic Nomad office building into 65 condos moves forward

By Aaron Ginsburg

The conversion of a landmarked Nomad office building into luxury condos is moving forward after receiving a $99 million construction loan. As reported by The Real Deal, Sunlight Development and NuVerse secured the loan for their office-to-residential conversion of the historic Emmet Building at 95 Madison Avenue into 65 luxury homes. BHI, the U.S. arm of Bank Hapoalim, provided a $40 million senior loan, while two other financial firms provided the rest of the capital.
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Hoboken’s PATH station to close for 25 days

Photo courtesy of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey on Flickr

January 23, 2025

Hoboken’s PATH station to close for 25 days

By Aaron Ginsburg

Hoboken residents will have to find a different way to New York City beginning next week as the New Jersey city's PATH station closes for nearly a month. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s $54 million makeover of Hoboken's PATH station begins on January 30 at 11:59 p.m. and ends on February 25 at 5 a.m. The work includes comprehensive repairs to tracks, infrastructure, and stations. During this closure, the Port Authority will provide a variety of travel alternatives, including free shuttle buses, as well as supplemental PATH, light rail, and NJ Transit bus services connecting Hoboken and Manhattan.
plan ahead

Macaulay Culkin sells full-floor Noho loft for $7.75M

Streetview of 704 Broadway, Map data © 2024 Google

January 23, 2025

Macaulay Culkin sells full-floor Noho loft for $7.75M

By Aaron Ginsburg

A sprawling Noho loft purchased by "Home Alone" star Macaulay Culkin as a teenager has sold for $7.75 million, city records show. As first reported by the New York Post, the full-floor loft at 704 Broadway was purchased by the former child star in 1999 for $1.75 million—about $3.36 million today when adjusted for inflation. The home features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a spacious L-shaped living area spanning the kitchen, dining, and living rooms.
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244 apartments available at luxury Hunter’s Point rental, from $2,490/month

Image courtesy of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development

January 23, 2025

244 apartments available at luxury Hunter’s Point rental, from $2,490/month

By Aaron Ginsburg

A housing lottery launched this week for 244 middle-income apartments at a new luxury waterfront rental in Long Island City. Located at 2-21 Malt Drive in Hunter's Point South, the 38-story building is part of the three-tower Malt Drive development, which will add more than 1,000 new homes to the neighborhood upon completion. New Yorkers earning 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the units, priced from $2,490/month for studios to $3,590/month for two bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

Wollman Rink to celebrate 75th anniversary with year-long festivities

Credit: Pawan Thapa on Unsplash

January 22, 2025

Wollman Rink to celebrate 75th anniversary with year-long festivities

By Aaron Ginsburg

Central Park's iconic Wollman Rink is kicking off a year-long celebration in honor of its 75th birthday. Festivities begin on Saturday, January 25 with a "nostalgia-laced" party, featuring discount skating admission, an immersive photographic journey through the rink's history, and classic treats inspired by the past seven decades of winter fun.
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Events & Things To Do

Midtown South rezoning plan to build 10,000 new homes begins public review

Garment District. Photo © Ondel Hylton

January 22, 2025

Midtown South rezoning plan to build 10,000 new homes begins public review

By Aaron Ginsburg

The plan to transform Midtown South into dynamic mixed-use neighborhoods with thousands of new homes is moving forward. Mayor Eric Adams and the Department of City Planning (DCP) on Tuesday announced the start of the public review process for the Midtown South Mixed-Use (MSMX) plan, a proposal to rezone 42 blocks of the neighborhood to allow for roughly 9,700 new homes in areas where housing was largely prohibited under old zoning rules. The rezoning is part of the mayor's "Manhattan Plan" introduced in his State of the City address last week to add 100,000 new homes to the borough over the next decade.
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Policy

All photos courtesy of Chelsea Market

January 21, 2025

Japanese brand Muji opens first U.S. food market in Chelsea Market

By Aaron Ginsburg

Beloved Japanese brand Muji just launched its first-ever food market in the United States at Chelsea Market. The Muji Food Market, which opened on Monday, features Japanese-style sandwiches, specialty beverages, and an AI-powered coffee-making robot, all complementing the store's signature decor, beauty, apparel, and other popular products.
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Food & Dining

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