All articles by Dana Schulz

Five NYC Firms Named to Van Alen Institute’s International Council of Architecture & Urban Design
June 11, 2014

Five NYC Firms Named to Van Alen Institute’s International Council of Architecture & Urban Design

By
The Van Alen Institute has convened its new International Council of architecture, planning, and design leaders in Venice, Italy during the Biennale this month.  The inaugural group represents 13 firms from across more than 17 cities and ten countries.  Five of these Council members have offices in NYC — Allied Works Architecture, BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group), Jan Gehl Architects, Pei Cobb Freed & Partners, and Snohetta.
More details here
Philip Johnson-Designed Sony Building to Get 96 Luxury Condos by Chetrit Group
June 10, 2014

Philip Johnson-Designed Sony Building to Get 96 Luxury Condos by Chetrit Group

By
The Philip Johnson-designed Sony Tower at 550 Madison Avenue, one of the most notable postmodern office towers in New York City, is set to be partially converted to high-end condos, as states planes filed by developer Chetrit Group.  It's not known which of the building's 37 floors the residential units will occupy, but Chetrit, led by Joseph Chetrit, has said in the past that it will convert the upper floors and either keep the lower floors as offices or turn them into a luxury hotel. Construction likely won't begin for at least one to two years since Sony still leases office space.  When the developer purchased the building from Sony in 2013 for $1.1 billion at auction, Sony committed to remaining in the offices for around three years until moving to a new space near Madison Square.  Chetrit outbid 21 rivals and paid $685 million more for the building than Sony did in 2002.
Find out more about the development here
Country-Chic Apartment in Village Townhouse Finds a Buyer for $1.8M
June 9, 2014

Country-Chic Apartment in Village Townhouse Finds a Buyer for $1.8M

By
No, we didn't get these pictures from the pages of Country Living magazine, but this stylish home most certainly could grace its cover.  The 3BR/2BA apartment in a Greenwich Village Greek Revival townhouse recently sold for $1.795 million through a listing held by Corcoran.  Apartment 3FR at 288 West 12th Street is a 950-square-foot, floor-through unit that has been thoughtfully restored to emphasize the home's pre-war character.  Original details include three wood-burning fireplaces, wide-plank yellow pine floors, and leaded-glass windows.
Right this way for more design details
Palaces for the People: Where to See the Timeless Tiled Works of Guastavino in NYC

Photo by John-Paul Palescandolo 

June 7, 2014

Palaces for the People: Where to See the Timeless Tiled Works of Guastavino in NYC

By
In New York, many of the grand Beaux-Arts masterpieces — Grand Central Terminal, the Queensboro Bridge, the City Hall subway station, Columbia University, and the Cathedral of St. John the Divine — have one striking element in common: Guastavino tiles. Spanish architect and builder Rafael Guastavino and his son Rafael Jr. brought with them to New York at the end of the 19th century a Mediterranean design technique from the 14th century for thin-tile structural vaulting. The expertly engineered and architecturally beautiful vaults were lightweight, fireproof, load-bearing, cost-efficient, and able to span large interior areas. Today there are over 250 Guastavino works in New York City alone, not to mention the 1,000 throughout the U.S. The Museum of the City of New York's current exhibition, Palaces for the People: Guastavino and the Art of Structural Tile, explores Guastavinos's spaces in New York and showcases "never-before-seen objects, artifacts, photographs, and documents." We couldn't help doing a little Guastavino exploration ourselves, and have put together some of our favorite tiled sites that you can actually visit.
See our picks right this way
Historic Townhouse with Rear Carriage House Finds a Buyer for $6.25M
June 6, 2014

Historic Townhouse with Rear Carriage House Finds a Buyer for $6.25M

By
In one of the city's most charming residential pockets, a turn-of-the-century townhouse with a lovely combination of historic details and modern touches has sold for $6.25 million through a listing held by the Corcoran Group. 251 East 61st Street is a four-story brick home with an exceptionally rare two-story rear carriage house.  The 5BR/3.5BA townhouse went through a recent renovation that included refinishing the hardwood floors and repainting the front facade and interior walls.
See what else this beauty has in store
A Closer Look at NoMad – Manhattan’s “New” Neighborhood
June 5, 2014

A Closer Look at NoMad – Manhattan’s “New” Neighborhood

By
New York's ever-changing culture is reflected in the surge of new neighborhood names that have sprung up recently — LeDel (below Delancey Street), RAMBO (right around the Manhattan Bridge Overpass), or, one of the most inventive, BoCoCa (the area that is intersected by Boerum Hill, Cobble Hill, and Carroll Gardens). Fortunately or unfortunately, none of these creative monikers have stuck. One that has, though, is NoMad (north of Madison Square Park), bound by 25th Street, 30th Street, Avenue of the Americas, and Lexington Avenue. NoMad has become a go-to place for culture, food, business, and residential opportunities. During the last five years, the neighborhood has seen price-per-square-foot averages rise by 40 percent; the average price per square foot for a condo is now $1,791 compared with $1,279 in 2010.
How did this transformation in NoMad occur? Find out here.
Art Collector Sells Massive SoHo Simplex for $4.5 Million to Reportedly Pesky Neighbors
June 4, 2014

Art Collector Sells Massive SoHo Simplex for $4.5 Million to Reportedly Pesky Neighbors

By
It's New York. We live in close proximity and have all had those annoying neighbors — the man that moves his furniture around in the middle of the night, the college students that blast electronic music, and the couple with the dog that never stops howling. It's not every day, though, that you get neighbors operating a full-on filming studio out of their home, but that's exactly what Chelsea residents accused interior designer Betsy Morgan and her husband Jonathan Cary of, according to the New York Post. It was reported that Morgan was illegally advertising her $6 million West 21st Street townhouse on numerous websites for film locations and photography shoots at the rate of $850 per day, the ruckus from which did not make neighbors happy. The couple is now making headlines again by purchasing the city's largest available simplex at 84 Mercer Street. The $4.5 million, 9,000-square-foot loft is definitely camera worthy with its original wooden beams and columns, huge open layout, and remarkable potential for displaying art, but let's hope Ms. Morgan will not be bringing any outside cameras into her new pad.
More about the artsy past owners and the gorgeous digs this way
Perfectly Picturesque Tribeca Penthouse is Off the Market
June 3, 2014

Perfectly Picturesque Tribeca Penthouse is Off the Market

By
Finding your perfect apartment is much like selecting a significant other--it needs to be comforting, make you feel happy and safe, jive with your lifestyle, and, most importantly, be so attractive you can't keep your hands off it. We'd bet that the new owners of the penthouse at 47 Murray Street are currently in the honeymoon phase with their new digs.  They snatched up the 3BR/3BA home for $4.76 million through a listing with Douglas Elliman, and what they received is a 2,825-square-foot duplex loft with two terraces, 13-foot ceilings, 9.5-foot windows, modern finishes, and plenty of wall space for an art display.
The love story continues here
Set Designer for Saturday Night Live Buys Artsy SoHo Loft
June 2, 2014

Set Designer for Saturday Night Live Buys Artsy SoHo Loft

By
Leo Yoshimura, a set designer and art director for late night television shows like Saturday Night Live and the Late Show with Conan O'Brien, has purchased unit 5W at SoHo's 565 Broadway for $4.2 million through a listing held by Keller Williams.  This is a D2 class/artist in residence building, meaning it's a former industrial site that was converted to residential and now its apartments must be inhabited by a certified artist. The artistically designed loft seamlessly blends historic character with sleek modernism.  Original columns punctuate the 2,740-square-foot 3BR/3BA space, which retains its large windows and high ceilings.  The interior window cutouts let natural light traverse the entire unit, as does the contemporary frosted glass divider that leads into the boldly painted red den.
More details this way
The Great Outdoors: 6 Luxurious NYC Penthouses with Envy-Inducing Outdoor Spaces to Boot
May 30, 2014

The Great Outdoors: 6 Luxurious NYC Penthouses with Envy-Inducing Outdoor Spaces to Boot

By
Warmer temperatures are finally here, and New Yorkers are well on their way to planning their summer trips — to the Hamptons, Berkshires, Jersey Shore, and any other location where they can relax and soak up the sun. The one problem with all of these destinations, though, is the travel. No one wants to wait in traffic on the Jersey Turnpike or sit on a crowded Jitney bus. So wouldn't it be nice if you could enjoy the nice weather without leaving home? At these six stunning penthouses you can, thanks to their beautiful outdoor spaces.
All the urban oases right this way
Fifth Avenue Apartment with Views of the Met Changes Hands from One Financial Pro to Another
May 29, 2014

Fifth Avenue Apartment with Views of the Met Changes Hands from One Financial Pro to Another

By
Crunching numbers all day as one of the leading financial advisors at USB can't be an easy task, so it makes perfect sense why Louise F. Gunderson chose to make this tranquil, inviting apartment her new home. The crystal-clear views of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Central Park Reservoir probably don't hurt either. Ms. Gunderson purchased a unit at 1035 Fifth Avenue for $4.75 million through a listing held by Lisa K. Lippman and Scott Moore at Brown Harris Stevens. The seller, Sylvan Schefler, head of the Investment Banking Department at Drexel Burnham Lambert Inc., likely had the same idea when he acquired the co-op in 1999. The large single-pane tilt and turn windows of this 2BR/3BA home let in tons of natural light and perfectly frame the uniquely Upper East Side views. High ceilings and hardwood flooring throughout are two of the lovely prewar details, while updated touches like custom built-in shelving and charming window seats create a modern, urban feel.
More on the apartment right this way
Loft in Former Celeb Haven at 30 Crosby Street Finds a Buyer for $7.8 Million
May 28, 2014

Loft in Former Celeb Haven at 30 Crosby Street Finds a Buyer for $7.8 Million

By
Alicia Keys hired a crane when she moved out; Lenny Kravitz reportedly liked to show off his abs to his neighbors; Courtney Love allegedly had a little too much fun in the lobby — this is just some of the gossip from the former rich-and-famous tenants of 30 Crosby Street. In recent years, though, the residents have shifted from A-list celebrities to "everyday millionaires", and instead of Grammy-winning singers and hard-partying actresses, the Nolita building is now home to rich guys like the recent buyer of unit 3B, Justin Leverenz, Director of Emerging Market Equities at Oppenheimer, who purchased the apartment for $7.8 million, according to city records filed yesterday afternoon. The seller was music industry executive Daniel Pelson who paid $2.55 million for the home in 2001. Mr. Pelson listed the property through Town Residential’s Tinnie Sassano. What Mr. Leverenz acquired is a 4,164-square-foot, 3BR/3BA loft full of original historic details, including 19th century rough-hewn wooden columns, pinewood flooring, and exposed brick walls, mixed with contemporary additions like an Italian limestone wood-burning fireplace and a sleek, retro kitchen complete with stainless steel appliances and slab marble countertops.
Check out the rest of the digs this way
Diane von Furstenberg’s Penthouse Sparkles Above Her Meatpacking HQ
May 27, 2014

Diane von Furstenberg’s Penthouse Sparkles Above Her Meatpacking HQ

By
The headquarters of the "Queen of the Wrap Dress" (ladies, you know what I'm talking about if you've ever stood in line for one of these sample sales!) is well known for the big, geometric glass structure that sits perched atop the traditional Meatpacking District building. Not so well known, though, is that inside this rooftop crystal is Ms. von Furstenberg's penthouse apartment.  And just as you'd expect, the space is full of all of the sleek, yet glamorous style that the designer expresses in her clothing. Conceptualized by Work Architecture, the Diane von Furstenberg headquarters was adapted from this landmarked meat market building to house the firm's flagship store, administrative offices, and production space. The re-imagined rooftop is not only an apartment, but a garden oasis. The staircase, dubbed the "stairdelier" by the architects since it is lined with Swarovski crystals, ties the live/work space together and is its crowning jewel. Descending diagonally through the building's six stories, it reflects light throughout the entire interior.
More about the sparkling staircase and all of the interior eye candy this way
Light-Filled Lincoln Center Apartment Gets Lucky New Buyer
May 22, 2014

Light-Filled Lincoln Center Apartment Gets Lucky New Buyer

By
At 3 Lincoln Center (a.k.a. 160 West 66th Street), residents have the bragging rights of living in the only residential building in the Lincoln Center of the Performing Arts complex. And wouldn't you brag too if right outside your window was the Metropolitan Opera House and Juilliard? Apartment 46A is home to the most recent boaster. Sold for $3.9 million, the 1,562-square-foot unit has splendid north - and west - facing panoramic views that can be taken in through the huge, wraparound windows. The 9.5-foot ceilings add to the bright openness of this 2BD/2.5BA apartment.
Check out all the magnificent views and interiors this way
Five Opulent and Ornate Spaces Looking for an Occupant
May 21, 2014

Five Opulent and Ornate Spaces Looking for an Occupant

By
Anyone who's gone apartment hunting in Manhattan knows it can get a little monotonous — the bone-white walls, standard hardwood floors, and typical layouts. Sometimes the blank canvas just isn't enough; sometimes you need a little oomph. For those of you who enjoy ogling beautiful homes that have been carefully designed and expertly decorated, we've rounded up five opulent and ornate spaces currently looking for an occupant.
See all the stunning spaces this way!
10 New York Neighborhoods for Artists Now

Update: Check out our 2017 edition for the latest!

May 20, 2014

10 New York Neighborhoods for Artists Now

By
It’s become all too common in New York City — artists move into a neighborhood, make it trendy and culturally vibrant, and then are forced out by rising rents. It happened in Greenwich Village, Soho, the East Village, DUMBO, and Williamsburg. Do not be disheartened, though, there are still plenty of artist enclaves with thriving creative communities. Ahead are our ten current frontrunners — some may surprise you!
Where the artists are flocking
Picture-Perfect Apartment in the Trump International Finds a Buyer
May 20, 2014

Picture-Perfect Apartment in the Trump International Finds a Buyer

By
The Donald has no shortage of high-rise real estate accolades, but the Trump International Hotel & Tower, located at 1 Central Park West, is considered by many one of his most successful developments. Adapted from a former office tower in 1997, it soars 44 stories above Columbus Circle with stunning views of Central Park and the Hudson River. The lower 22 floors are occupied by a hotel, while the upper 22 contain 158 modern, sunny private residences that are nothing short of trump-tacular. Unit 23D, which recently sold for $8.55 million through Ido Berniker at Mercer Partners, is no exception to the billionaire-worthy design. The 3BR/3.5BA apartment has 10-foot ceilings, as well as sleek modern finishes that really make the interior shine.
More about the spectacular home this way
Contemporary West Houston Street Duplex Loft Finds a Buyer
May 16, 2014

Contemporary West Houston Street Duplex Loft Finds a Buyer

By
According to city records, this spacious contemporary duplex apartment at 200 West Houston Street just sold yesterday for $2 million through a listing held by Douglas Elliman's Donald Kemper. Located at the gateway to the Village and Soho, 200 West Houston Street was built in 1869 and today has 29 apartments on four floors. The stunning 2 BR/2 BA modern apartment sits on the top floor and boasts 1,800 square feet of space filled with natural light that pours in from its expansive windows and skylights.
More about the inviting space right this way
Bonsai-Inspired Solar Charger Also Lights Up at Night
May 14, 2014

Bonsai-Inspired Solar Charger Also Lights Up at Night

By
The design of this compact solar charging lantern, called Electree Mini, was influenced by bonsai trees and fractal patterns found in nature. Created by French designer Vivien Muller, it "provides solar-derived power to environments typically void of renewable energy." On the movable branches are small solar panels which capture sunlight — a play on photosynthesis. The solar energy is then stored in small batteries that can directly power up your gadgets. Electree Mini has the capability to charge AA and AAA batteries and comes with a USB port that will charge smartphones. At dusk, the tree automatically lights up, and when rotated the LED light sensors change colors.
More design details this way
Decorative Brooklyn Heights Brownstone Closes for $7 Million
May 13, 2014

Decorative Brooklyn Heights Brownstone Closes for $7 Million

By
A beautiful, Italianate brownstone at 37 Remsen Street in the Brooklyn Heights Historic District sold for $7 million through a listing held by Brown Harris Stevens. It was originally listed for $6.2 million when it went on the market in January. The buyer is Jeremiah T. Healey, former Jersey City Mayor from 2004-2013, and his wife Megan McKee Healey, a tax law professor at NYU. Built in 1899, the 25-foot-wide, 7,000-square-foot home retains a wealth of historic details including fanlight windows, cast iron vent covers, etched pocket doors, and wood-paneled chair rails. The decorative elements such as ceiling medallions, painted borders, and fancy ceiling moldings were likely to the taste of the previous owner, but they certainly add a bit of whimsy to the classical home.
More photos of the five-story regal brownstone this way
A Jean Nouvel Chelsea Stunner Sells for $3.8 Million
May 12, 2014

A Jean Nouvel Chelsea Stunner Sells for $3.8 Million

By
When Jean Nouvel won the esteemed Pritzker Prize in 2008, the judges cited his "insatiable urge for creative experimentation."  His design of residential building 100 Eleventh Avenue is no exception to the boundary-pushing modern architecture for which he is celebrated. Completed in 2010, the shimmering masterpiece has the most technologically advanced and highly engineered curtain wall systems in the city. Mr. Nouvel describes it as a "vision machine," and considering its nearly 1,700 panes of glass — some up to 37-feet wide — each a different size and set a different angle, he is justified in doing so. The 21-story LEED-certified condo building, has 72 units each with south- and west-facing views, floor-to-ceiling window walls, and mechanized shade systems. Every apartment has a unique arrangement of powder-coated steel window mullions, which form specific views related to the space's location. Unit 5D, which recently sold for $3.8 million through a listing held by Douglas Elliman, looks west onto the High Line and has a spacious, elegant layout.
See the stunning interior this way
Uber Chic Apartment in W Downtown Sells for $2 Million
May 9, 2014

Uber Chic Apartment in W Downtown Sells for $2 Million

By
Have you ever walked into a house and thought to yourself, "How do they keep it so clean?!" This is one of those houses. From the pure-white Italian lacquer cabinetry to the dark ebony wood floors, unit 52D at the W Downtown Hotel & Residence exudes impeccable sleekness. According to property records, the unit, which has never before been lived in, recently sold for $2 million. The sophisticated black-and-white interior design is contemporary, yet inviting. All furnished condos were designed by Louise Sunshine's Sunshine Group, whose motto is "all square feet are not created equal." Here this rings true, as each piece in the home is thoughtfully placed — the oversized steel lamp compliments the low marble coffee table in the living room, and plush, neutral fabrics warm up the bedroom.
design details this way
NoMad Penthouse with Panoramic Views Sells for $8 Million
May 8, 2014

NoMad Penthouse with Panoramic Views Sells for $8 Million

By
Two blocks north of Madison Square Park in Manhattan's increasingly trendy NoMad (north of Madison Square, if you're not up on your neighborhood acronyms) neighborhood is 241 Fifth Avenue, a 20-story boutique residential glass tower. Part of the Madison Avenue North Historic District, the building was designed by Perkins Eastman Architects and received landmarks approval in 2007. It was completed in 2013, and according to public records, its penthouse unit just sold for $8 million. Core originally held the listing at $9.75 million.
Check out the views
Elegant Park Slope Townhouse Sells for $2.3 Million
May 7, 2014

Elegant Park Slope Townhouse Sells for $2.3 Million

By
The polished, Italianate rowhouse at 354 10th Street in Park Slope sold for $2.3 million, according to city records filed yesterday evening. The listing was held by Corcoran Group. Built in 1899, the two-family home has a modest façade with carved window lintels and an intact cornice. One in a row of three similar houses, it's basement level is brownstone and the upper two stories are brick. Inside, the refined details continue with decorative picture moldings and original tin ceilings.
rowhouse eye candy this way
Ultra Hip Tribeca Loft at 137 Duane Street Sells for $2 Million
May 6, 2014

Ultra Hip Tribeca Loft at 137 Duane Street Sells for $2 Million

By
According to public records, unit 2D at 137 Duane Street in Tribeca was recently sold by photographer Sebastiano Tomada for $1,995,000 via Douglas Elliman. Located in the Tribeca South Historic District, the spacious apartment has a long, narrow floor plan, perfect for open-layout lovers or someone looking for a live/work space. 14-foot ceilings, natural oak floors, and entryways on both Duane and Thomas Streets are just a few of the other selling points. Is it worth its price tag? Find out more about the space ahead, and let us know your thoughts in the comments.
photos and design details this way
Pitch a story icon

Pitch a Story

We love to hear from you!

"*" indicates required fields

Interested in seeing the property in person?

It’s free, with no obligation.

CityRealty Logo

"*" indicates required fields

or Call (212) 755-5544

Interested in seeing the property in person?

It’s free, with no obligation.

CityRealty Logo

Distinctive Post Form

"*" indicates required fields

or Call (212) 755-5544
Contact us image

Get in Touch

We love to hear from you!

"*" indicates required fields

Send us a tip image
Delivering New York stories focused on design, lifestyle & real estate.

Send us a Tip

We love to hear from you!

"*" indicates required fields

Interesting in learning more about purchasing a new home?

Let us know what you are looking for and we’ll help you find the home of your dreams. It’s free, with no obligation.

CityRealty Logo
or Call (212) 755-5544

Thinking about selling your home?

We’ll provide current market comps and connect you with a trusted expert.

CityRealty Logo

Sell a Home (Footer)

"*" indicates required fields

or Call (212) 755-5544

Before You Move On
from this Page.

Subscribe for NYC's Lastest Design, Lifestyle,
and Real Estate Trends!

No Worries. We Don’t Spam.

By providing your email address, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Your Daily Dose
of NYC Life!

No Worries. We Don’t Spam.

By providing your email address, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
You can unsubscribe at any time.