All articles by Dana Schulz

September 21, 2014

Bernie Madoff’s Infamous Upper East Side Penthouse Sells for $14.5M

The duplex penthouse at 133 East 64th Street on the Upper East Side, where Bernie Madoff notoriously was arrested by the feds and lived under house arrest, has just sold to Lawrence Benenson of Benenson Capital Partners for $14.5 million. Madoff  had lived in the home since 1984, but after the government seized it in 2008, it was picked up by toy mogul Alfred Kahn and his wife Patsy in 2010 for $8 million. Apparently, Mr. Kahn was superstitious of the "Madoff curse," but Patsy fell in love with the unit's terrace. They reportedly put the penthouse back on the market in August 2013 for $17.25 million, but reduced the price several times as well as filed for divorce.
Tour the infamous pad here
September 20, 2014

Weekly Highlights: Top Picks from the 6sqft Staff

The East River Skyway is revealed, and it could bring commuters from Brooklyn to Manhattan in under four minutes. Could it be the solution for increasing public transportation congestion? We talk to architect Adam Kushner about building the world’s first 3D-printed estate. See how a former Tribeca automotive garage was transformed into a space for living, art, and commerce. Sunset […]

September 19, 2014

INTERVIEW: Architect Adam Kushner on Building the World’s First 3D-Printed Estate

3D printing has been making the design and tech rounds lately, from ceramics and construction bricks to cars and mini castles. But there's one project in the works that's looking to blow the rest out of the water. New York City-based architect and contractor Adam Kushner of KUSHNER Studios plans to build the world's first 3D-printed estate in Gardiner, New York, which will include a pool, pool house, and 2,400-square-foot main house--all of which will be constructed using this new technology. Kushner has teamed up with Italian inventor and engineer Enrico Dini, who will ship a modified version of his D-Shape printer to New York in January. Dini's printer uses his patented magnesium-based binding process combined with a material like sand to render stone-like objects. Kushner also teamed up with Enrico's local contact James Wolff, co-founder of Deep Space Industries, which works with NASA on asteroid prospecting, mining, and processing. The three men, along with Nigel Woods, founded D-Shape Enterprises New York. Adam's construction company In House Group, Inc. will hire D-Shape Enterprises to build the estate.
Read our interview with Adam Kushner and get an inside take on the project
September 19, 2014

Norman Foster-Designed Yacht is a Sleek Way to Cruise the Open Seas

Norman Foster has designed some of the most futuristic structures in the world. From the Gherkin in London to the Heart Tower in New York, his creations are unexpected and tech-focused. But did you know that Foster + Partners dabbles in boat design? They've just launched (no pun intended) the new Alen Yacht 68. The sleek schooner is not quite as ground-breaking as the firm's architectural works, but it "combines the elegant social spaces of a cruising yacht with the fun of a day boat."
See what this expertly-designed yacht has to offer
September 19, 2014

Daily Link Fix: Hamster Wheel Desk Enters the Office; Owners of St. Mark’s Bookshop on Their Historic East Village Location

The beauty of…basements? That’s right, a new photo series explores the city’s underground digs, where superintendents often live with their families. More on Co.Design. Want to live next to Sandra Bullock in Soho? Soho Strut has the details. The SS Columbia, the oldest US passenger steamer, is returning home to New York from Detroit, reports […]

September 19, 2014

REVEALED: Skyline Views of KPF’s One Vanderbilt Near Grand Central

We've been keeping a close eye on One Vanderbilt, SL Green's new 65-story office tower planned for the entire block west of Grand Central and north of East 42nd Street. Designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox, it will be the second-tallest building in the city when completed. Now, Yimby has hot-off-the-press skyline views of One Vanderbilt from KPF, and the newest NYC supertall certainly stands out amongst the nearby Empire State Building and Chrysler Building.
READ MORE
September 19, 2014

Jackson Pollock’s Former Greenwich Village Apartment Hits the Market for $1.25M

You won't find any paint-splattered masterpieces here, but you will get the exclusive bragging rights of saying you live in the former home of Jackson Pollock at 46 Carmine Street. And if that wasn't enough of a conversation starter, the Greenwich Village building was once owned by Aaron Burr. Million Dollar Listing New York star Luis D. Ortiz announced the $1.25 million listing via Instagram, which is not surprising considering how photogenic this one-bedroom, top-floor unit is. The 800-square-foot home boats 14-foot, Tudor-style beamed ceilings with skylights; exposed whitewashed brick walls; and a cozy fireplace.
Tour the former Pollock pad
September 18, 2014

Glass vs. Stone: An Epic Architecture Battle

Decisions, decisions...sometimes there's just far too many in New York City. Thai or Chinese takeout? Subway or bus? Central Park or the High Line? The list goes on. And one of the most grueling decisions we make as New Yorkers is where to live. From choosing a borough and neighborhood to deciding on a price point, it's quite the undertaking. But what about the most elementary component of the building in which we decide to live--it's material. To be more exact, glass or stone. Glass tower dwellers are often drawn to the floor-to-ceiling windows, panoramic views, and clean lines, whereas buyers of apartments in stone buildings prefer a more traditional feel, with pre-war-style layouts that provide great separation of spaces. And some of the city's most prominent architects have become synonymous with one style or the other. Think Richard Meier for glass and Robert A.M. Stern for stone. CityRealty decided to take a closer look at this epic battle and see how pairs of glass and stone developments fared across the city.
See how these buildings battle it out
September 18, 2014

Daily Link Fix: The World’s Tallest Buildings in One Handy Infographic; A Jacket to Ward Off Transit Germs

Never worry about working late again. At 6:00pm the desks retract up to the ceiling in this Amsterdam office. Get ready to be jealous when you watch the video on Co. Exist. Architizer shares the super informative infographic, “The World’s Tallest Buildings.” Subway-riding germaphobes can rest easy this flu season. Gravitytank and Betabrand have released the […]

September 17, 2014

Carlo Sampietro Brings the Iconic NYC Street Barrier Indoors with the Police Table

Have a teenager who you're looking to keep out of trouble? This piece of furniture may be just the daily reminder he or she needs to stay on the straight and narrow. The custom-made Police Table Masterpiece by Carlo Sampietro is an elegant reinterpretation of the iconic and unique New York City police barrier. It also doubles as an ambient lamp.
More on the table here
September 17, 2014

Get Your Tickets for the Architecture & Design Film Festival

For the sixth year, the Architecture & Design Film Festival (ADFF) will take over the screens at Tribeca Cinemas, offering guests access to a special lineup of over 25 curated films from around the world. Running from October 15-19, this year's festival features an impressive panel of distinguished speakers, Q&A's, and special parties. It also will host the U.S. premier of Cathedrals of Culture, a 3D film project by German filmmaker Wim Wenders. Tickets go on sale today.
More details on this year's festival
September 17, 2014

POLL: Is the East River Skyway the future of NYC transportation?

Yesterday, Dan Levy, the president and CEO of CityRealty, presented his proposal for the ‘East River Skyway,’ an aerial gondola system that would run along the Brooklyn waterfront and into Manhattan, bringing commuters over the river in just 3.5 minutes. Now, we want to know what you think about the idea. Images: East River Skyway, courtesy of CityRealty […]

September 17, 2014

ANNOUNCED: Hudson Companies Will Buy Brooklyn Heights Library for $52M, Add Luxury Rental Complex

Just yesterday, the Brooklyn Heights branch of the Brooklyn Public Library announced that they will sell their building to the Hudson Companies for $52 million, along with the promise of 114 affordable housing units to be built at a different location in the neighborhood. The developer, who won the bid over 14 others, will convert the city-owned building at 280 Cadman Plaza West into a 20-story luxury rental complex with a new 21,000-square-foot library on the ground floor.
More details here
September 16, 2014

Event: Join Top NYC Architects and Artists at the 14+ Foundation Benefit to Build Schools in Zambia

The second Annual 14+ Foundation Benefit on October 2nd will support the building of schools in Zambia with the help of top New York architects and artists. Julian Schnabel, Rashid Johnson, and the Bruce High Quality Foundation have donated works for a live art auction, and Solange Knowles is set to perform. The event will take place at the Diamond Horseshoe from 6:00pm to 2:00am. It follows the organization's work on the Chipakata Children's Academy in Lusaka, Zambia, a new school, orphanage, and community facility that will provide arts-based learning programs, as well as daily meals.
More details on the benefit and 14+ Foundation's work
September 16, 2014

Line In-Between Is a New Album That Plays the Noises of New York City

We've heard about people who move out of the city in search of a more quiet lifestyle, but then can't think or sleep due to the silence. Well, there's a new album that might be just what the doctor ordered for these sleep-deprived NYC expats. Line In-Between is an album recorded entirely from the noises of New York City, highlighting that sounds and music are interconnected. And what makes us love this project even more is that while the urban tunes roll, striking images of the city's architecture play along.
More details on the album here
September 15, 2014

Historic Jones Alley Loft Offers All the Quirky Charms of Noho

The Noho Historic District is one of the most charming in Manhattan, with quaint cobblestone streets and an eclectic mix of historic lofts that once housed the city's dry goods centers and early-19th-century houses. And one of these quirky buildings is 3 Great Jones Street. The Greek Revival townhouse was erected in 1845, replacing a former stable building. It saw façade alterations in the 1920s, but the entryway to unit R1 still retains all of its old-time appeal, as it's situated on the side of the building on Jones Alley (formerly known as Shinbone Alley), a private, gated mews. A 14-foot, historic wooden door surrounded by welcoming plants leads to the duplex loft, on the market for $3.7 million.
You don't want to miss this home
September 15, 2014

Sawyer Berson’s Residence in Southampton is Composed of Calming Glass and Stone Pavillions

You might not think of a starkly modern home as calming or tranquil, but then you've probably never seen the Residence in Southampton by Sawyer|Berson architects. Built for designer Kelly Behun and her family, the home is characterized by its dramatic overhangs, large expanses of glass, and flowing, open floor plan. Part of a series of pavilions, the main house, pool, pool house, and guest wing are all oriented south to take advantage of the stunning beach views. The seven-bedroom home boasts a screening room, gym, and an an impressive collection of art. Perhaps the most interesting element of the residence is the infinity pool, which is visible from the gym and yard.
See what else this luxurious Southampton estate has in store
September 14, 2014

Fall House Tour Roundup: From Victorian Homes to Industrial Lofts

Though spring is typically considered the height of house tour season, the fall months offer their own roster of open-door events. It pretty much goes without saying that we love peeking inside all kinds of homes, so we've rounded up here the best of the upcoming tours. From industrial Tribeca lofts to Victorian homes on the Delaware River, there's definitely something for every interior design lover.
All the events here
September 13, 2014

Weekly Highlights: Top Picks from the 6sqft Staff

The Metropolitan Museum of Art unveils its dramatically redesigned plaza, complete with fountains, alleys of trees, new paving, and red, angular canopies over seating benches. Actress Kirsten Dunst and former Nets coach Jason Kidd both put their their apartments on the rental market. Take a deep breathe cheesecake lovers, Junior’s isn’t going anywhere. We talk […]

September 12, 2014

There’s a Cold War Bomb Shelter Hidden Under the Brooklyn Bridge

Just when we thought we'd seen it all, we get word that there's a Cold War-era bomb shelter hidden under the Brooklyn Bridge, amid the landmark's many secret passageways and forgotten rooms. The nuclear bunker is inside one of the massive stone arches below the bridge's main entrance on the Manhattan side, and it's chock full of supplies, including medication like Dextran (used to treat shock), water drums, paper blankets, and 352,000 calorie-packed crackers (that may be still be edible, in fact).
Find out what else lies beneath and how this hidden shelter was discovered
September 11, 2014

The Golden Age of Related: A Closer Look at New York’s Leading Real Estate Developer

Founded in 1972 by former tax attorney Stephen Ross, the Related Companies got its start securing funding for affordable housing upstate. Before long, the company moved to New York City, bringing affordable units to Battery Park City and the Upper East Side. When the boom years of the 1990's hit, Related got involved with luxury development, beginning with the renovation and conversion of an historic Beaux Arts building at Union Square into the W Hotel and then the development of 1 Union Square South. Today, the Related name is attached to some of today's biggest and most high profile projects, including One Madison and Hudson Yards. And with more than $15 billion in assets, the company is New York's leading real estate developer.
We take a closer look at Related's high-end portfolio
September 11, 2014

Sales at the Broken Angel Condo Conversion Will Launch Next Month

The Broken Angel House in Clinton Hill was one of Brooklyn's most unique landmarks. Artist Arthur Wood purchased the tenement building in 1979 for $2,000 and subsequently transformed it into a whimsical, livable sculpture, complete with stained glass windows made from bottles and glass, a cathedral-like glass addition, and brick wings. It was also the backdrop for the documentary Dave Chappelle's Block Party. Barrett Design and Development purchased the site at 4-8 Downing Street in January for $4.1 million. And it will be repurposed as a condo development, with sales launching next month and a new teaser site up and running.
More details on the development here
September 11, 2014

Bromley Caldari Architects’ A-Frame Re-Think Is A-OK on the Shores of Fire Island

Rising from the shores of the Fire Island Pines is an A-frame house, not an usual silhouette for a beach house, but a bit traditional, one may think, for the hip, modern vacation spot. Think again, though, because Bromley Caldari Architects transformed this existing beach rental into a contemporary retreat, rethinking the iconic 1960's architectural style, hence its name A-Frame Re-Think. The firm's main task was to remove the spiral staircase that split the home down the middle and created dark, cramped rooms. In response to the challenge, architects R. Scott Bromley and Jerry Caldari broke through the envelope of the three-story structure, weaving in a modern, sculptural staircase.
More on the A-Frame Re-Think here
September 11, 2014

FriendsWithYou Light Cave Provides an Interactive Art Experience at the Standard High Line

If you're already making Oktoberfest plans to hit up the Standard, High Line's beer garden, you might want to think about imbibing a bit earlier, as the new Light Cave art installation is only on view until the end of September. Presented by FriendsWithYou and commissioned by the Standard Hotel and the Art Production Fund, this public art project "is a symbol of light and connectivity in an architectural form." The inflatable work, which evokes a prehistoric figure and a cavern, spans the entire outdoor plaza in front of the hotel and pulsates with energy and light, creating a sensory rich experience.
More on the fun installation here