All articles by Dana Schulz

220 Central Park South is the best-selling NYC condo by a long shot

220 Central Park South as seen in May. Photo by Jim.henderson (cropped) via Wikimedia Commons

January 7, 2021

220 Central Park South is the best-selling NYC condo by a long shot

In a year where the number of real estate sales dropped significantly in New York City, it was a few top-tier new developments that kept things afloat. According to the CityRealty 100 report—an index comprised of the top 100 condominium buildings in Manhattan—this includes closings in 15 Hudson Yards, The Park Loggia, and Waterline Square. It also includes 220 Central Park South, which accounted for the top 22 sales during the 12 month period of this report and had a total of $1.52 billion in cumulative sales in 46 units.
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Real Estate Trends

A gated driveway and six bedrooms complete this $2.6M family-friendly home in Prospect Park South

Listing photos courtesy of Brown Harris Stevens

January 7, 2021

A gated driveway and six bedrooms complete this $2.6M family-friendly home in Prospect Park South

By Dana Schulz

The single-family homes in Prospect Park South often offer a suburban-like living experience right in Brooklyn, and this charmer at 169 Stratford Road is no exception. Built in 1899 and listed for $2,595,000, the 2,844-square-foot house has six bedrooms, a front porch, side porch, a rear deck and lovely backyard, and even a gated driveway.
Go inside

Distinctive Homes

Trader Joe’s set to open at major new 125th Street project in Harlem

Rendering credit: Beyer Blinder Belle

January 6, 2021

Trader Joe’s set to open at major new 125th Street project in Harlem

By Dana Schulz

Trader Joe's will join Target at a major new mixed-use development in Harlem. It will be the grocery store's 13th location in New York City. The $242 million project is known as the Urban League Empowerment Center, as it will be home to a new headquarters for the National Urban League and the state’s first civil rights museum. It will also include 170 affordable and mixed-income apartments and office space for local nonprofits.
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New Developments

Sutton Place studio is a retro retreat for $450K

Photo Credit: Eitan Gamliely for Sotheby’s International Realty

January 6, 2021

Sutton Place studio is a retro retreat for $450K

By Dana Schulz

The current owner of this Sutton Place studio really wanted to harken back to the building's 1950s origins. Located at the 40 Sutton Place condominium, the 461-square-foot abode is full of mid-century furnishings, pop-art decor, and a very convenient Murphy bed. Add three closets, a high-end open kitchen, and a lovely foyer, and the $450,000 price tag feels just right.
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Distinctive Homes

All photos © Brake Through Media

January 5, 2021

Tom Fruin’s famous colorful glass house sculptures arrive in Meatpacking District

By Dana Schulz

American sculptor Tom Fruin has brought his famous "Icon" series to Gansevoort Plaza in the Meatpacking District. The installation, which is a welcome dose of color in the cold winter months, consists of one large "house" and seven smaller "satellite homes," all made in the artist's signature stained glass-esque design. During the day, the sun shines through the glass, casting colorful refelections, and at night, the pieces project multi-colored LED lights onto the cobblestone plaza.
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Events & Things To Do

January 5, 2021

Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen unload Tribeca condo for $37M

By Dana Schulz

Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen have long maintained a home in New York City, but now that the NFL quarterback has taken up with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, they're consolidating a bit. As the Post first spotted, the couple has sold their Tribeca apartment for $36,800,000 million, according to property records. Brady and supermodel Bündchen bought the five-bedroom, 12th-floor pad in Robert A.M. Stern's 70 Vestry Street in 2018 for $25.5 million pad. Just last month, though, they bought a smaller unit on the same floor for $3.5 million, which will presumably now serve as their NYC pied-à-terre.
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After 20 years, Sarah Jessica Parker sells West Village townhouse for $15M

General photo of Charles Street by Spencer Means via Flickr cc

January 5, 2021

After 20 years, Sarah Jessica Parker sells West Village townhouse for $15M

By Dana Schulz

As was first spotted by the Wall Street Journal, Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick have sold one of their West Village townhouses for $15 million, according to property records. The couple bought the home on Charles Street in 2000 for just $2,995,000. This time last year, the rumor mill said that they'd been trying to sell the property off-market, as they were living in this home while construction took place combining two adjacent townhouses on West 11th Street that Parker and Broderick bought for $34.5 million in 2016.
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New York City has administered just 25% of COVID vaccine allocation

Mayor de Blasio attends first vaccinations at NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst in Queens last month. Photo by Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

January 4, 2021

New York City has administered just 25% of COVID vaccine allocation

By Dana Schulz

The latest city-state discrepancy comes in the form of vaccine distribution. Last week, Mayor de Blasio announced his goal of administering one million COVID-19 vaccine doses by the end of January. However, in a press conference today, Governor Cuomo turned attention to New York City, as their 11 publicly run hospitals have administered just 31 percent of their vaccine allocation. And on a whole, the city has administered a mere 25 percent of those doses received, according to its own vaccine tracker.
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Policy

For just $620K, this modern Jersey City Heights condo has three bedrooms and private parking

Photo credit: Visual Marketing and Design

January 4, 2021

For just $620K, this modern Jersey City Heights condo has three bedrooms and private parking

By Dana Schulz

The Heights section of Jersey City is definitely up-and-coming, with plenty of awesome restaurants and parks, but it's still more affordable than the Downtown part of town. Case in point, this three-bedroom condo at 209 Hutton Street. It occupies the first floor of a modern townhouse and has three bedrooms, a backyard, and private parking (a rarity even across the Hudson), and it's asking just $620,000.
See the whole place

Distinctive Homes

Listing photos courtesy of Brown Harris Stevens

January 4, 2021

Tulip columns and marble floors complete the mid-century look at this $2M Midtown East co-op

By Dana Schulz

This two-bedroom apartment is located at the Ritz Tower at 465 Park Avenue in Midtown East. Though this is a classic pre-war co-op, designed by Emery Roth nonetheless, this particular high-floor unit has been transformed into a groovy mid-century home, complete with tulip columns, white marble floors, and period-specific decor. Asking $1,995,000, it also boasts incredible northern, southern, and western views through its 14 windows, along with two outdoor terraces.
Look around

Distinctive Homes

$449K Gramercy studio is sleek and sophisticated

By Dana Schulz

Though this Gramercy Park apartment is a studio, the bedroom is in a separate nook and there are 11-foot ceilings, making for a seemingly much larger space. Located at the Foundry at 310 East 23rd Street, a converted factory building that's now a 136-unit condop, it's asking $449,000 and has been completely renovated into a sleek, contemporary home.
See more here

Distinctive Homes

A special outdoor dining pavilion in Harlem supports Black-owned businesses

Parklet designed by Brandt:Haferd for The Row and Alibi Lounge. All photos by New Kingston Media

December 28, 2020

A special outdoor dining pavilion in Harlem supports Black-owned businesses

By Dana Schulz

The stately brick homes lining West 138th and 139th Streets between Adam Clayton Powell Jr. and Frederick Douglass Boulevards are known as Strivers' Row. The historic Harlem enclave was once home to prominent, wealthy African-American performers, artists, and professionals. More than 100 years later, the neighborhood is once again leading the community with a new outdoor dining and recreation corridor that supports Black-owned businesses. Called the Renaissance Pavilion at Strivers’ Row, the winterized outdoor setup will help local businesses and restaurants serve customers safely through April of next year.
More details here

Food & Dining

For under $1M, this Greenwich Village co-op is 19th-century charm meets modern living

Photo credit: Evan Joseph Studio

December 28, 2020

For under $1M, this Greenwich Village co-op is 19th-century charm meets modern living

By Dana Schulz

This Greenwich Village co-op at 111 West 11th Street was built in 1873, and though the building's 20 units have been beautifully modernized, some still retain their historic details. This one-bedroom unit, for example, is anchored by the original wood-burning fireplace. Asking $995,000, the apartment has an open and sunny layout, complete with a contemporary kitchen and an office alcove.
Have a look around

Distinctive Homes

The Village Voice is coming back next month

Photo (cropped) of the Village Voice’s Cooper Square offices by Ajay Suresh via Wikimedia Commons

December 23, 2020

The Village Voice is coming back next month

By Dana Schulz

In August of 2018, after 63 years as a NYC icon, The Village Voice folded. But in some good news for local journalism, the New York Times reports today that the Voice will "[rise] from the dead." Brian Calle, chief executive of Street Media which owns LA Weekly, has acquired the publication from its current owner Peter Barbey. Calle said he will start publishing online content next month, with a quarterly print edition set to launch in March. He also said he hopes to re-hire former Voice staffers.
More details here

City Living

Botanical and bohemian vibes create a serene space at this $1.8M Williamsburg three-bedroom

Photos courtesy of The Corcoran Group

December 23, 2020

Botanical and bohemian vibes create a serene space at this $1.8M Williamsburg three-bedroom

By Dana Schulz

Right across from McCarren Park in Williamsburg is the modern condominium 20 Bayard Street, notable for the fact that every unit has gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows. This three-bedroom apartment on the 10th floor is one that has a full-wall, curved window with views of the skyline, as well as a rear balcony. Add to that the abundance of plants and subtle bohemian vibe, and the 1,312-square-foot home is a serene escape, currently listed for $1,779,000.
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Distinctive Homes

The famous ‘2021’ numerals have arrived in Times Square

All photos courtesy of Times Square Alliance

December 22, 2020

The famous ‘2021’ numerals have arrived in Times Square

By Dana Schulz

2021 has arrived in Times Square. The famous, seven-foot numerals are in the plaza for folks to see up-close and take photos with before they're placed on top of One Times Square underneath the famous New Year's Eve ball. The four numbers use a total of 526 LED bulbs and will be in the Times Square Plaza between 46th and 47th Streets until tomorrow at noon.
Find out more here

Events & Things To Do

For $4.4M, this unique Prospect Park West townhouse has a private driveway and garage

Photo Credit: Compass/Michael J. Franco

December 22, 2020

For $4.4M, this unique Prospect Park West townhouse has a private driveway and garage

By Dana Schulz

Just on appearances, this Park Slope townhouse stands out, with its unique neo-Federal style. But it's also rare for the fact that it comes with a private driveway and garage. Located at 15 Prospect Park West, the location's not too shabby, either. The home has four bedrooms, a finished basement, a backyard, and a roof deck, and it's asking $4,400,000.
See more here

Distinctive Homes

Finnerty’s, popular Bay Area sports bar in the East Village, has permanently closed

The bar on opening day, courtesy of Finnerty’s

December 21, 2020

Finnerty’s, popular Bay Area sports bar in the East Village, has permanently closed

By Dana Schulz

Considered New York City's unofficial San Francisco sports bar, Finnerty's announced this morning that it's permanently closing its East Village location. For the past 11 years, the Irish pub on Second Avenue has been a go-to spot for Giants and 49ers fans, even hosting the Giant's World Series trophy three times. "The pandemic, along with being unable to reach an agreement with our landlord, forced our hand. There just wasn’t any way forward for us," said Finnerty's owners Dieter Seelig and Brian Stapleton.
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Clinton Hill’s majestic Pfizer mansion returns for $9.2M

Listing images courtesy of Douglas Elliman

December 21, 2020

Clinton Hill’s majestic Pfizer mansion returns for $9.2M

By Dana Schulz

A little over a year ago, we featured this townhouse, one of the most incredible in Brooklyn, when it lowered its asking price to $10 million after first listing for $13.5 million in 2018. It's now returned for an even more reduced price of $9.2 million. Located at 280 Washington Avenue in Clinton Hill, the 10,000-square-foot Queen Anne mansion is not notable just for its opulent interiors but for the fact that it was built in 1887 for Charles Erhart, co-founder of the Pfizer pharmaceutical company and brother-in-law to Charles Pfizer. The home's current owner is a designer and undertook a magnificent renovation that retained historic details like an original Otis elevator, moldings and woodwork galore, and stained glass, as well as added modern upgrades like a sunken "speakeasy" party room, wine cellar, and meticulously landscaped backyard.
See all this and more

Distinctive Homes

Mixed-use proposal for Long Island City would have a residential village, a waterfront pool, and oyster beds

All renderings by CAZA

December 18, 2020

Mixed-use proposal for Long Island City would have a residential village, a waterfront pool, and oyster beds

By Dana Schulz

First spotted by CityRealty, this mixed-use proposal for the Long Island City waterfront is part futuristic, part industrial, and part sustainable. The architects at Brooklyn-based studio CAZA conceptualized a plan for a swath of land just north of the site that was almost home to Amazon. Called Long Island City Oyster, their development would include an office tower, residential tower, and low-scale residential village. More distinctly, it would also include year-round indoor and amenities such as a waterfront ice skating rink that converts into a pool, a restored oyster-bed wetland, a sandy beach, and a ferry landing.
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Architecture And Design

For $800K, this Yorkville penthouse has roomy interiors and a wrap-around terrace

Listing images courtesy of Douglas Elliman

December 18, 2020

For $800K, this Yorkville penthouse has roomy interiors and a wrap-around terrace

By Dana Schulz

For well under $1 million, you're getting a lot of bang for your buck here. Not only is the one-bedroom spacious and elegant, but it has a 450-square-foot, wrap-around terrace. Located at 515 East 85th Street in Yorkville, the co-op building is just steps from Carl Schurz Park and a quick walk to the Second Avenue Subway at 86th Street.
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Distinctive Homes

All photos courtesy of Airbnb

December 17, 2020

On New Year’s Eve, you can sleep in a private igloo under the Times Square Ball

By Dana Schulz

"To honor the strength and resilience" of New Yorkers this year, Airbnb has teamed up with Nasdaq and Mariah Carey to offer two lucky locals (from the same household!) the chance to ring in the new year under the Times Square Ball. The 10th-floor terrace of the Nasdaq MarketSite will hold a heated igloo-like geodesic dome to get cozy in, as well as provide panoramic views of all the live, broadcasted events and performances that will be going on that night. The guests will also get a personal, virtual greeting from Mariah Carey, a $5,000 shopping credit, and dinner by a private chef.
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Events & Things To Do

In a former Hudson Square printing factory, this $2.3M condo is an old-world dream

All listing images courtesy of Douglas Elliman

December 17, 2020

In a former Hudson Square printing factory, this $2.3M condo is an old-world dream

By Dana Schulz

Located at 104 Charlton Street in the burgeoning Hudson Square area, this two-bedroom condo is located in a former printing factory and retains old-world details like wood-beamed ceilings, brick walls, and rustic wood floors. Though there are oversized windows, the 2,000-square-foot home has a cozy, cavernous feel. It also has a charming outdoor terrace, and it's asking $2,325,000.
Look around

Distinctive Homes

New York releases preliminary plan for distributing COVID vaccine to the general public

Photo of a Pfizer vaccine vial by Scott Heins/Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

December 16, 2020

New York releases preliminary plan for distributing COVID vaccine to the general public

By Dana Schulz

Photo of a Pfizer vaccine vial by Scott Heins/Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo On Monday, the first COVID vaccine in the nation was administered to Sandra Lindsay, an ICU nurse at Long Island Jewish Medical Center in Queens. New York's initial allotment of Pfizer vaccines includes 170,000 doses earmarked for those included in the first phase of distribution. Once these groups have received vaccinations, the state moves to phase two, which includes essential workers and priority general public (those with underlying health conditions, etc.). In a press conference today, Governor Cuomo said he expects phase two to begin in late January if the vaccine supply continues. He also outlined more details about this phase, including the establishment of Regional Vaccination Hubs and the launch of a new vaccine-focused website.
More details here

Policy

All articles by Dana Schulz

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