All articles by Annie Doge

Zoe Saldana Sells Kew Gardens Co-op for $280K
April 14, 2016

Zoe Saldana Sells Kew Gardens Co-op for $280K

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"Star Trek" and "Avatar" star Zoe Saldana is letting go of her Queens roots, as the Post reports that the actress has sold her Kew Gardens co-op for $280,000. Saldana spent her early life not far away in Jackson Heights and has owned the apartment at 118-18 Union Turnpike since at least 2002, before she really hit it big. The two-bedroom spread is nothing fancy, but is located in a doorman building and features stainless steel appliances, spacious bedrooms, and lots of closet space.
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Madonna Sues Upper West Side Co-Op Board Because Rules Don’t Apply to Her
April 4, 2016

Madonna Sues Upper West Side Co-Op Board Because Rules Don’t Apply to Her

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Feeling above the law seems to be a new trend for Madonna. Just last week the lately-unpredictable superstar got ousted for posting fake "no parking" signs outside her Upper East Side mansion, and now the Daily News reports she's suing the board of her Upper West co-op "for changing the building rules on her and barring her children, guests and employees from using her apartment unless she is present." Madonna bought the apartment at 1 West 64th Street for $7.3 million in 2008, at which time she says the co-op rules didn't have such a stipulation. So she wants a court order saying the rule doesn't apply to her and her posse.
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Victoria’s Secret Model Amy Hixson Buys $875K Harlem Condo
March 28, 2016

Victoria’s Secret Model Amy Hixson Buys $875K Harlem Condo

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Over the summer, 6sqft discovered that model Amy Hixson, who has graced the pages of GQ and Victoria’s Secret, was looking to unload her custom-designed, bespoke East Village pad for $899,000. She purchased the home for $625,000 in 2010 and then undertook a three-month renovation with Own Entity designers. The pad sold in August for $916,000, and using that extra profit the blonde beauty has now snapped up a two-bedroom Harlem condo for $875,000.
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Actor Chris Lowell Sells Double-Height Greenwich Village Loft for $1M
March 28, 2016

Actor Chris Lowell Sells Double-Height Greenwich Village Loft for $1M

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Former "Veronica Mars" actor Chris Lowell listed his Greenwich Village loft for $1.195 million back in November, just three months before buying another loft, this time in Soho, with girlfriend and fellow actor Kerry Bishé (from the AMC drama “Halt and Catch Fire” and the film “Argo”). The cute couple's new home, a triplex with outdoor space and tons of exposed brick, cost almost double at $2.25 million, which is why it's perfect timing that Lowell unloaded his bachelor pad. The Observer reports that he got $1,050,000 for the co-op at 67 East 11th Street, which boats 16-foot ceilings, double-height windows, and cast iron columns.
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Madonna Caught Posting Fake ‘No Parking’ Signs Outside UES Mansion
March 24, 2016

Madonna Caught Posting Fake ‘No Parking’ Signs Outside UES Mansion

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Madonna seems to really be going off the rails lately, with multiple reports of wild performance antics and showing up late to concerts. But her questionable behavior isn't just reserved for the stage, as TMZ is reporting that she "concocted a scheme to snag precious parking spots in front of her super expensive NYC apartment, and the authorities came down on them like a brick." Reports say that her people put "Tenant Parking Only" signs along the block, as well as painted the curb yellow and embossed it to say "NO PARKING," despite the fact that these are all public parking spots.
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Light Installation Artist James Turrell Gets $2.2M for Classic Gramercy Co-op With Park Key
March 21, 2016

Light Installation Artist James Turrell Gets $2.2M for Classic Gramercy Co-op With Park Key

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In November, 2014, 6sqft reported that light installation artist James Turrell had sold an apartment at 26 Gramercy Park South for $2.1 million. The famed conceptual artist is based in Flagstaff, Arizona, so the sale didn't come as much of a surprise. However, now it's come to light (no pun intended) that he and his wife Kung Lim-Lee Turrell own more real estate in the neighborhood. According to city records released today, Turrell has sold his personal apartment at 2 Gramercy Park West (an historic Italianate mansion known as the James Pinchot House that's been divided into seven units) for $2,225,000. The artist's former home is a full-floor residence that comes with a much-coveted key to the park, a private garden, and, not surprisingly, an enormous skylight.
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Soap Star Cameron Mathison Sells Turn-Key Harlem Brownstone for $3.3M
March 21, 2016

Soap Star Cameron Mathison Sells Turn-Key Harlem Brownstone for $3.3M

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In September, 6sqft uncovered the listing for 136 West 130th Street, the brownstone owned by Emmy-nominated “All My Children” regular and current "Entertainment Tonight" correspondent Cameron Mathison and his wife, Vanessa. The couple bought the four-bedroom home for $1.2 million in 2004 after house hunting and falling in love with Harlem's "Sesame Street” vibe. It had already been through a substantial developer-led renovation, but Mathison finished up the job, creating an urban oasis that's a mix of classic charm and contemporary fixes. Though the Canadian actor told the Times in 2009 that he “envisioned being in this place forever,” the plans changed when the TV show moved studios to Los Angeles. That same year, the couple listed the four-story home for $2.7 million, followed by a price cut to $2.5 million in 2011. There were no takers, so they rented the property out for $6,900 a month, before re-listing it this past fall for $2.9 million. Despite moving back to NYC, Luxury Listings NYC reports that the soap opera heartthrob has now sold the residence for $3.3 million, pretty significantly over ask.
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The Notorious RBG: Exploring Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s Brooklyn Roots
March 18, 2016

The Notorious RBG: Exploring Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s Brooklyn Roots

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Though news this week has been focused on President Obama choosing Merrick Garland as the next Supreme Court justice, it's Ruth Bader Ginsburg who's been grabbing headlines for most of the recent past. And as Brownstoner recently pointed out, "the Notorious RBG, as Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is known to her fans, shares a home borough with the original Notorious title holder — the late rapper Biggie Smalls, aka the Notorious B.I.G."
Learn all about RBG's Brooklyn roots
Richard Gere Picks Up $2.25M Old-World Condo With Keys to Gramercy Park
March 17, 2016

Richard Gere Picks Up $2.25M Old-World Condo With Keys to Gramercy Park

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Last week, news hit that Richard Gere's former Noho apartment in the Silk Building had finally found a renter. It took eight months to get a tenant in to the sprawling live/work space, which was last listed at $20,000/month. Good thing the transaction went through, because the Post is now reporting that the actor turned activist picked up a $2.25 million Gramercy condo. The sale at 34 Gramercy Park East, which comes with a coveted key to the park, actually went through back in July, according to city records, but apparently Gere is extensively renovating the two-bedroom home and has only stopped by a few times since the summer. Sources say that he found out about the apartment through his friend Jimmy Fallon, who owns a whopping five units in the building.
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Aaron Dessner of Brooklyn Band The National Gets $2.3M for Ditmas Park Beauty
March 17, 2016

Aaron Dessner of Brooklyn Band The National Gets $2.3M for Ditmas Park Beauty

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There's lots of big-name news happening in Ditmas Park this week. Just yesterday, 6sqft found out about Michelle Williams' plans to renovate her Colonial Revival mansion in the neighborhood, and now the Observer reports that Aaron Dessner of Brooklyn-based band The National has sold his beautiful, historic home for $2.35 million. The sale will affect the whole Grammy-nominated band, since their studio space is located in the converted garage. As the Observer notes, "A three-story Victorian-style house isn’t exactly where we pictured an indie rock band recording their album," but nonetheless Dressner bought the 3,282-square-foot residence for $700,000 in 2003. He then renovated and restored it extensively, doing most of the work himself. He configured it as a two-family home and at one point rented out the top apartment to band co-founder Matt Berninger, who now lives in Prospect Heights.
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Michelle Williams Submits Plans to Renovate Historic Prospect Park South Mansion
March 16, 2016

Michelle Williams Submits Plans to Renovate Historic Prospect Park South Mansion

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When word got around this past June that Michelle Williams had bought a $2.5 million Colonial Revival mansion in Prospect Park South, 6sqft noted that the grand home was in need of some TLC. So, not surprisingly, the Brooklyn-loving actress submitted a proposal to the Landmarks Preservation Commission yesterday, reports Brownstoner. Williams enlisted Matiz Architecture & Design (who have worked on numerous historic projects across the city) to draw up the plans for 1440 Albemarle Road, which include restoring the original clapboard siding, replacing a door with a stained glass window, fencing in the rear yard, and transforming the small back porch with four columns into a porch twice the size with three columns.
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10 Ways to Decorate an Exposed Brick Wall Without Drilling

6sqft’s series Apartment Living 101 is aimed at helping New Yorkers navigate the challenges of creating a happy home in the big city. This week we offer up ideas for decorating exposed brick walls without drilling.

March 15, 2016

10 Ways to Decorate an Exposed Brick Wall Without Drilling

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Exposed brick is one of the most common architectural elements in NYC apartments -- even otherwise bland spaces often feature the material. Though it offers tons of character, it can make decorating quite challenging since drilling into brick isn't the easiest task. Renters especially have a tough time, as putting holes in a brick wall can be a big no-no for landlords. But 6sqft has come up with 10 ways to dress up such walls, no drill necessary. Thanks to decor like string lights and ladders, you'll never have to stare at a blank brick wall again.
See all the ideas ahead
Famed Fashion Photographer Steven Klein Snaps Up a $12.5M Condo at 150 Charles Street
March 14, 2016

Famed Fashion Photographer Steven Klein Snaps Up a $12.5M Condo at 150 Charles Street

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The rich, famous and those who love photographing the rich and famous are quickly flocking to 150 Charles Street, creating a modern-day celeb hideout in the heart of the Village. According to city records just released, famed fashion photographer Steven Klein has just purchased an eight-room condo for $12.5 million (the home was originally listed for $14 million). Klein joins other high-profile names including supermodel Irina Shayk who scooped up an apartment at the same address for $6 million just last month, and rocker Jon Bon Jovi, who paid $12.88 million for a 10-room spread in September. Fun side fact: In addition to shooting ads for the likes of Dolce & Gabbana, Louis Vuitton and Balenciaga, as well as editorials for Vogue and W magazines, Klein has also photographed new neighbor Bon Jovi!
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Katie Couric Buys $12M Upper East Side Condo
March 11, 2016

Katie Couric Buys $12M Upper East Side Condo

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News anchor darling Katie Couric and her husband of nearly two years, financier John Molner, have purchased a lavish Upper East Side condo for $12,168,087, according to city records released today. The five-bedroom, full-floor spread is located at 151 East 78th Street, a recently-completed building by Peter Pennoyer Architects that has only 14 residences spread across its 16 floors. Couric's new 3,966-square-foot digs are classically elegant, as the architect took a modern interpretation of the Rosario Candela-designed residences on Park and Fifth Avenues. The home begins in a private entry gallery and then opens to the entertaining and bedroom wings.
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Conservative Queen Ann Coulter Buys $577K Upper East Side Co-op
March 10, 2016

Conservative Queen Ann Coulter Buys $577K Upper East Side Co-op

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Most residents of the Upper East Side are Hillary supporters, but that didn't stop outspoken conservative political commentator Ann Coulter from buying a co-op in the 'hood. According to city records released today, she bought the two-bedroom home at 12 East 87th Street for $577,000. Interestingly, the sale is significantly under its $1.8 million market value, but it does have a tenant in place who's paying $1,600 a month, and the cash-only listing states that it's for "investors only."
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Supermodel Irina Shayk Buys $6M West Village Condo at 150 Charles Street
February 22, 2016

Supermodel Irina Shayk Buys $6M West Village Condo at 150 Charles Street

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If you don't know supermodel Irina Shayk from the pages of Sports Illustrated, you may recognize her as the often-photographed girlfriend of Bradley Cooper. Rumors have been circulating for nearly a year that the couple was looking to shack up together. First, Cooper was spotted checking out a sprawling $8.5 million spread at the Hubert in Tribeca in May, then Shayk listed her apartment at 166 Perry Street in the West Village for $4 million back in December. LLNYC now reports that the swimsuit model has picked up an off-market $6 million pad at 150 Charles Street, nearby in the West Village.
More on Shayk's (and likely Cooper's) new digs
Looks Like Sarah Jessica Parker Is Combining Two West Village Townhouses
February 17, 2016

Looks Like Sarah Jessica Parker Is Combining Two West Village Townhouses

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Carrie Bradshaw may not have been able to make her mind up about men, but Sarah Jessica Parker is more indecisive when it comes to real estate. The actress and hubby Matthew Broderick sold their Greenwich Village townhouse for $20 million back in March, which came after quite a few price cuts and almost three years on the market. And just a couple of weeks ago, they were seen checking out the Shephard, a new condo conversion in the 'hood. But it looks like SJP misses her townhouse, because broker-to-the-celebs Dolly Lenz shared an Instagram picture today, announcing that the couple is the buyer of two adjacent brick homes at 273 and 275 West 11th Street. Her caption implies that the power duo will combine the residences, which would result in a 50-foot-wide, 13,900-square-foot mega mansion, according to Curbed. The properties were last listed for $35 million total.
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Pro Golfer Cristie Kerr Gets a Hole in One With $6M West Village Condo Sale
February 17, 2016

Pro Golfer Cristie Kerr Gets a Hole in One With $6M West Village Condo Sale

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It's reported that pro LPGA golfer Cristie Kerr has over $15 million in career earnings, and it looks like her bank account is about to get even fatter, as city records show that she and her husband/agent Erik Stevens have sold their West Village condo for $5.9 million. The couple bought the impressive three-bedroom home at 1 Morton Square back in 2009 for $2.3 million, but then enlisted famed interior designer Thom Filicia to give the high-floor residence a luxurious, modern renovation that, according to the listing, cost more than $1 million.
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Notorious Novogratz Townhouse Where Heidi Klum Summered Sells for $14.5M
February 11, 2016

Notorious Novogratz Townhouse Where Heidi Klum Summered Sells for $14.5M

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It only took nine years and a $10 million price chop, but the notoriously-hard-to-sell townhouse at 400 West Street has finally found a buyer for $14.5 million, reports the Post. Husband-and-wife design team Bob and Cortney Novogratz bought the West Village townhouse for $4.3 million back in 2007, and then undertook a complete renovation, adding an indoor basketball court, eight-person elevator, and insane rooftop terrace complete with a pizza oven and hot tub. All these amenities, coupled with the colorful and funky decor, caught the eye of Heidi Klum, who rented the home several times over the years, most recently for $70,000/month this past summer.
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Actress and Comedian Ellie Kemper Buys $2.8M Classic Upper West Side Co-op
February 9, 2016

Actress and Comedian Ellie Kemper Buys $2.8M Classic Upper West Side Co-op

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In her critically acclaimed Netflix show "The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt," her character, a former abductee who ends up in NYC, lives in an eclectic Brooklyn apartment. In real life, actress and comedian Ellie Kemper goes for a more traditional look, as is evidenced by her recent purchase -- a classic six co-op at 325 West End Avenue on the Upper West Side. According to city records released today, Kemper and her husband Michael Koman, a writer and producer, paid $2.8 million for the three-bedroom spread.
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Rangers Goalie Henrik Lundqvist Sells Midtown West Penthouse for $5M
February 4, 2016

Rangers Goalie Henrik Lundqvist Sells Midtown West Penthouse for $5M

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King Henrik (as Rangers fans call him) is leaving his Midtown West palace, as the Post reports that the world-famous Swedish hockey goalie has sold the penthouse at 310 West 52nd Street for $4,995,000. Lundqvist originally listed the 2,035-square-foot duplex for $6.5 million back in 2014, reportedly because he and his wife Therese are looking for a larger place downtown for themselves and their two daughters. The uber-contemporary and strangely purple decor is a bit surprising, considering Lundqvist often makes it onto "best dressed" and "most beautiful people" lists.
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Famous Magician Tries to Escape His Greenwich Village Apartment for $2.3M
January 29, 2016

Famous Magician Tries to Escape His Greenwich Village Apartment for $2.3M

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Remember David Blaine –the magician who's pulled stunts like encasing himself in a block of ice for over 63 hours and sealing himself inside a plexiglass case for 44 days with no food? Well, apparently after all these wild endeavors he needed a nice, tranquil place to come home to. The Observer reports that Brooklyn-born Blaine has put his modern/cool Greenwich Village apartment on the market for $2.27 million. He bought the top-floor, corner two-bedroom unit at 41 Fifth Avenue back in 1998, just as he was gaining worldwide fame. And though he moved to Tribeca several years later, he's held onto the unit until now.
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Comedian Louis C.K. Buys Third Unit in West Village Brownstone for $565K
January 28, 2016

Comedian Louis C.K. Buys Third Unit in West Village Brownstone for $565K

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Louis C.K. is a self-professed lover of the Village, and he's certainly putting his money where his mouth is, as he's just picked up a third unit at 345 West 4th Street, a ten-unit co-op. The comedian and his ex-wife, painter Alix Bailey, paid $564,900 for the country-charming studio, according to The Real Deal. The former couple (C.K. has spoken publicly about retaining a good relationship with his ex for the sake of his two daughters) bought their first unit in the building in 2006 for $250,000, and then another in 2013 for $475,000.
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Facebook Co-Founder Revealed As Buyer of $23.5M West Village Townhouse With an Underground Tunnel
January 27, 2016

Facebook Co-Founder Revealed As Buyer of $23.5M West Village Townhouse With an Underground Tunnel

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When it was revealed last week that Facebook co-founder Chris Hughes sold his massive Soho loft for $8.5 million, it was also speculated that he and husband Sean Eldridge were the buyers of a $23.5 million West Village townhouse. When that sale hit records in September, the name on the deed was revealed as Tom van Loben Sels, the same person behind the recent Soho transaction. The Post now confirms through their sources that the power couple are in fact the lucky new owners of the historic home at 157 West 12th Street. According to the paper, the landmarked home has an underground tunnel. The ten-foot-wide and "well-lit" passageway apparently has "no tunnel feel at all" and starts in the home's finished basement, ending at a staircase that leads to the carriage house that can be used as a guest house. Other perks of the three-bedroom, 4,164-square-foot spread include a wine cellar, home theater, wood-burning fireplace, exposed brick, 19th-century columns, and a "book-lined library" (likely a selling point considering the men had a similar room in their last place).
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