All articles by Dana Schulz

October 22, 2014

POLL: What Object Best Defines NYC’s History?

If you read 6sqft’s version of “A History of New York in 101 Objects” you know that we received quite a diverse mix of responses. But there were a few items that proved to be most popular. So we want to know which of these three you think is THE object that defines New York City.

October 21, 2014

Learn About Three Urban Projects That Could Transform the City at MAS’ Jane Jacobs Forum

As part of the Municipal Art Society's (MAS) 2014 Summit for NYC, the Jane Jacobs Forum: Projects That Ignite will showcase three unique urban interventions with the potential to positively impact the city. This free session, taking place on Thursday, October 23, was inspired by Jacobs' passion for livable cities and the ability of all people to change them. The three projects that will be highlighted are: Startup Box, a social enterprise and tech incubator prototype designed to increase opportunities for South Bronx community members; 9×18, a proposal that considers the city's parking lots as opportunities to help with the affordable housing crisis; and the Boogie Down Booth, a vibrant public space in a previously forlorn area under the low and loud 2 and 5 trains in the South Bronx.
More on the projects and the event here
October 21, 2014

Daily Link Fix: Photo Shoot at Philip Johnson’s Glass House; The Knicks are More Popular Than the Yankees

J.Crew does a photo shoot at Philip Johnson’s iconic Glass House. “Clean-lined modern architecture meets tailored coats and cozy sweaters,” says the fashion brand. The Knicks are more popular than the Yankees in New York City. And DNAinfo has the map to prove it. The Village Voice’s “Best of NYC” issue is out. Categories include […]

October 20, 2014

Complying with Current FEMA Regulations Could Cost the City $5 Billion

Following Superstorm Sandy, FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) updated its flood-zone maps for the first time since 1983, more than doubling the included buildings to 70,000. Therefore, many more property owners are facing the decision of whether to stormproof their homes or pay up for insurance premiums that would go up as much as 18%. But going with the former choice is not as easy as one may think. FEMA guidelines don't take into account the unique makeup of New York City with its rowhouses and high-rises, so to comply with the current regulations it would cost the city more than $5 billion, according to studies produces by Crain's. Those who would be absorbing the costs include middle-class homeowners; NYCHA, which owns more than 25% of rental units in the flood zone ;and owners of large apartment towers, which account for 61% of the 5.5 million properties in FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program. All of these entities must follow the same guidelines as the plan is laid out now, but the city and a group of nonprofits are asking the agency to make changes to the insurance program.
More about the issue ahead
October 18, 2014

Weekly Highlights: Top Picks from the 6sqft Staff

We take a look at the fast-changing Brooklyn neighborhood Bed-Stuy–From Harlem and hip-hop to hipsters, Hassids and high rents. Clive Wilkinson’s 4,400-square-foot “superdesk” winds it way through the Chelsea offices of the Barbarian Group, taking the idea of a collaborative and open work environment to a whole new level. A History of New York in 101 […]

October 17, 2014

Peeking into the East Village’s Marble Cemeteries

Today we think of cemeteries as spooky, haunted places that we avoid, or as sad, depressing spots reserved for funerals. But they were once quite the opposite--in fact, they were the earliest incarnations of public parks. In New York City, burials took place on private or church property up until the mid-1800's when commercial cemeteries began popping up. And in the East Village there are two such early burial grounds hidden among the townhouses and tenements--the New York Marble Cemetery (on the west side of Second Avenue just above Second Street) and the New York City Marble Cemetery (on the north side of Second Street between First and Second Avenues). Though their titles are extremely similar and they're located less than a block apart, the two cemeteries are operated separately and have their own unique history. And during openhousenewyork weekend, we were lucky enough to take a peek beyond the cast iron gates and into these important pieces of the East Village's past.
Explore the Marble Cemeteries
October 17, 2014

O’Neill Rose Architects’ Choy House in Flushing, Queens Is Three Homes in One

When O'Neill Rose Architects was hired to build a family home in Flushing, Queens there was one small challenge--to "design three homes under one roof, in a neighborhood of Queens which is defined by single family homes." The resulting Choy House is made of three disparate dwellings, connected and overlapping to reflect the relationships of the extended family--a husband (the client), wife, and two small children; the husband's younger brother and his wife; and the brothers' mother.
Details of the project ahead
October 16, 2014

A History of New York in 101 Objects: 6sqft Edition

As urbanists we tend to define the city by locations and the historic events that unfolded at them. But what about getting even more specific and looking at New York's past through tangible objects? That's exactly what New York Times urban affairs correspondent Sam Roberts has assembled in a new book, A History of New York in 101 Objects. And a corresponding exhibit at the New York Historical Society puts Roberts' choices, along with objects from the Society's collection, on view. We were so intrigued by this idea that we decided to put together a 6sqft version of the list. From preservationists to architects to real estate brokers, we've asked ten people to give us the ten objects that they feel best define New York City's history. There are definitely some favorites that emerged like cobblestones, Metrocards, and pizza, as well as an eclectic mix of items that speak to our participants' personal connections to New York.
See the lists here
October 16, 2014

REVEALED: Renderings for Santiago Calatrava’s Ground Zero Church

Ahead of the groundbreaking this weekend, a new video and renderings have been revealed for Santiago Calatrava's church near Ground Zero, which will overlook the 9/11 Memorial. The new St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church will be constructed of white Vermont marble, inspired by a mosaic of the Madonna and Child Enthroned at the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul.
More on the design here
October 16, 2014

New Woolworth Building Listing Reveals Additional Residential Details

First came the floorplans for the $110 million penthouse, then the first set of interior renderings, and now we have a new sneak peak inside the highly anticipated Woolworth Tower Residences. The Post has profiled unit 31A, a four-bedroom, full-floor unit on the market for $26.4 million. And along with a written description--"a kitchen with all the modern conveniences, a massive formal dining room, hidden bars, a library and...two terraces to enjoy the view from 31 stories up"-- come two new renderings, those of the terrace and the kitchen.
More details ahead
October 15, 2014

POLL: Will the QueensWay be the Next High Line?

A study released yesterday revealed that the QueensWay– the High Line-esque linear park and cultural greenway proposed for a 3.5-mile stretch of abandoned railway in central Queens– will cost $120 million, give a boost to the local economy, and provide nearby residents with a safer place to walk and bike. But opponents of the project say central Queens already has […]

October 15, 2014

Daily Link Fix: Battery Chair Design Winner Announced; Odin is a Stylish, 3D-Printed Dog Toy

NYC Parks and the Battery Conservancy announced that the Fleurt Chair by Canadian designer Andrew Jones is the winner of the first-ever design competition to create a moveable, outdoor chair for a New York City park. Rego Park has a new “green” playground, complete with colorful murals, fitness stations, and an outdoor classroom, reports DNAinfo. Get […]

October 15, 2014

NYU Gets Green Light for Village Expansion; Locals Vow to Appeal the Decision

The battle between New York University and local residents and community preservation groups just got a little fiercer, as just yesterday the appellate court overturned a previous decision by the New York Supreme Court that prohibited the university's $6 billion, 1.9 million-square-foot expansion plan. NYU now has the green light to move forward with their colossal project, which includes taking over "implied park land" that has been used by the public for years. Local community groups vow to appeal the decision. The Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation, Assemblywoman Deborah Glick, NYU Faculty Against the Sexton Plan, Community Board 2, and local residents, filed the lawsuit against the school in 2012.
More on the latest ruling and what it means for NYU and the Village
October 14, 2014

It’s Official: 432 Park Avenue is NYC’s Tallest Residential Building

NYC supertalls all over town are weeping: 432 Park Avenue is officially the tallest residential building in the city as of today, topping out at 1,396 feet, and the second-tallest tower after One World Trade Center. Concrete on the highest floor of the Rafael Viñoly-designed building is being poured, probably as we speak, cementing (no pun […]

October 14, 2014

Daily Link Fix: Colorful Urban Photography to Brighten Your Day; Inside the Brooklyn Army Terminal

Mitchell Funk’s super colorful urban photography is the perfect pick-me-up to brighten your day. Browse through the collection on Fubiz. Gothamist provides a virtual tour of the Brooklyn Army Terminal, designed by Cass Gilbert in 1919 as the country’s largest military base through WWII. Sen. Charles Schumer proposes a bill to protect landmarks. According to AM New […]

October 14, 2014

Study Says QueensWay Will Cost $120 Million and Help Local Economy

A new feasibility study, which is set to be released today by the Trust for Public Land, maps out the plan for the QueensWay--the High Line-esque linear park and cultural greenway proposed for a 3.5-mile stretch of abandoned railway in central Queens. The study points to the likely $120 million price tag and the park's benefit to the local economy. Through new renderings it also shows access points, exercise stations, food concessions, outdoor nature classrooms, bike paths, and an "adventure park," among other amenities.
More on the study here
October 13, 2014

Holiday Field Trip: Where to Find Christopher Columbus in NYC

It's easy to forget that Columbus Day is more than just a day off from work (which we're not complaining about), but rather a holiday celebrating Christopher Columbus' arrival in the Americas on October 12, 1942. But if you need reminding, look no further than these memorials scattered around New York City.
Take a tour of where to find Christopher Columbus monuments in NYC
October 13, 2014

$4M LES Loft Mixes 19th Century Architectural Details with Contemporary Design

While we always love a good listing in a Soho cast iron building, it's always exciting to see this type of architecture sprinkled throughout other neighborhoods. 345 Grand Street on the Lower East Side is one such example, built in 1888, and an available loft in the building has hit the market for $3.85 million. The 2,349-square-foot, full-floor apartment elegantly combines original 19th century architectural details with contemporary design elements like large, globe lanterns, sleek teak built-ins, and top-of-the-line appliances.
Tour the rest of this past-meets-present pad
October 13, 2014

Daily Link Fix: Vintage Photos of Hipsterless Brooklyn; Shoppable Construction Barriers by Kate Spade

Hipsterless Brooklyn: If the title wasn’t great enough, the vintage, post-WWII photos in Time’s online collection are pretty amazing. The Park Slope home of Dwell Magazine’s Editor in Chief Amanda Dameron is everything we’d expect, from hand-blown glass wind chimes to children’s book displays. Take the virtual tour on the New York Times. Archiwindows illustrations by […]