All articles by Dana Schulz

Inside the 1,000-bed temporary hospital at the Javits Center

Photo by Darren McGee- Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, via Flickr cc

March 27, 2020

Inside the 1,000-bed temporary hospital at the Javits Center

On Monday, Governor Cuomo announced that the Army Corps of Engineers began work to create a temporary hospital inside the Javits Center. And though he said the work would last a week to 10 days, today he held his daily press conference inside the completed 1,000-bed facility, which will officially open on Monday. After profusely thanking the men and women who worked tirelessly to construct this overflow hospital, the Governor said that he is joining all New Yorkers to "kick coronavirus' ass."
READ MORE

Policy

19 windows and a bohemian vibe make this $1.8M West Village loft a keeper

Photo credit: Elizabeth Dooley, Courtesy of Compass

March 27, 2020

19 windows and a bohemian vibe make this $1.8M West Village loft a keeper

By Dana Schulz

19 massive windows, three exposures, 11-foot ceilings, and one very stylish design--this $1.8 million West Village loft is bright, beautiful, and was designed by famed architect Aurelie Paradisio in collaboration with a bohemian fashion designer. Located at 99 Bank Street, it's in the heart of the West Village, just off Abingdon Square and has one bedroom, as well as a bonus lofted bedroom.
Have a look

Distinctive Homes

NYC removed 80 basketball hoops from parks

Rimless basketball hoops at Riverside Park and 74th Street on Friday, March 27. Photo © Dana Schulz for 6sqft.

March 27, 2020

NYC removed 80 basketball hoops from parks

By Dana Schulz

In the recent weeks, Mayor de Blasio and Governor Cuomo have taken different approaches when it comes to social distancing measures in public spaces, but one thing they've agreed on is that basketball games need to stop. In his press conference on Wednesday, the Mayor spoke about the specific problem related to basketball courts and announced that he'd received reports from the Parks Department and the NYPD that 80 courts around the city, out of a total of 1,700, were an ongoing issue. He went on to say that the basketball hoops at these locations would be removed, which they were yesterday.
READ MORE

Cobble Hill townhouse with European flair can be your ‘temporary paradise’ for $21K/month

Photos courtesy of The Corcoran Group

March 26, 2020

Cobble Hill townhouse with European flair can be your ‘temporary paradise’ for $21K/month

By Dana Schulz

From the outside, this corner Cobble Hill townhouse is classic Brooklyn with its 1899 brick and brownstone facade, ornate doorframes, and stately bay windows. But inside, it's like stepping into a Parisian flat, with floor-to-ceiling arched windows, historic mantles and moldings, and a design aesthetic full of gold accents, lush fabrics, and an eclectic mix of classical furnishings. That said, the best part of this $21,000/month, five-bedroom rental is that it comes fully furnished.
Take the tour

Distinctive Homes

$2.6M Williamsburg penthouse has a rooftop cabana and a private parking spot

Listing photos courtesy of Brown Harris Stevens

March 25, 2020

$2.6M Williamsburg penthouse has a rooftop cabana and a private parking spot

By Dana Schulz

How's this for views? From both the terrace and the rooftop cabana of a classic Williamsburg loft near the waterfront, you'll gaze at all five East River bridges, the Manhattan skyline, and a cool birdseye view of Domino Park. The interior of the penthouse at 58 Metropolitan Avenue isn't too shabby, either. Asking $2,595,000, the three-bedroom apartment has a huge living area with oversized windows on three sides, contemporary finishes, and a private indoor parking spot with an electric charger and storage space.
Lots more to see

Distinctive Homes

Photo by Daniel Schludi on Unsplash

March 24, 2020

NYC is asking community spaces to sign up as possible emergency management centers

By Dana Schulz

With four sites already identified as temporary hospitals--and construction underway on the largest, the Javits Center--the city is now looking for additional spaces that can be used to support NYC Emergency Management. The call is for community spaces with a large interior room such as community centers, places of worship, or campus facilities that can be utilized for outreach, training, or gathering during an emergency or as a disaster recovery center. Though it's not explicitly stated, NYC Council Speaker Corey Johnson noted on Twitter that some of these spaces could be "suitable for converting to temporary hospital rooms."
READ MORE

Meet the 7,000 ‘Invisible Hands’ delivering essentials to at-risk New Yorkers

Photos courtesy of Invisible Hands

March 24, 2020

Meet the 7,000 ‘Invisible Hands’ delivering essentials to at-risk New Yorkers

By Dana Schulz

If you needed more evidence that New Yorkers come together in a time of crisis, look no further than Invisible Hands. The premise of the volunteer group is that low-risk people can help to bring groceries and supplies to those in demographics at high risk for COVID-19. Simone, Liam, and Healy — "healthy 20-somethings in NYC" — started the group just nine days ago, and today have amassed 7,000 volunteers across New York City and parts of Jersey City. Yesterday, we spoke with Liam Elkind about what it's been like starting this incredible group, how New Yorkers have been able to "pull together when it feels like the world is trying to pull us apart," and what Invisible Hands hopes for the future.
READ MORE

$5.85M Tudor ‘castle’ in Westchester has a fireplace from the Vanderbilts and church bells from France

Photos courtesy of Houlihan Lawrence

March 24, 2020

$5.85M Tudor ‘castle’ in Westchester has a fireplace from the Vanderbilts and church bells from France

By Dana Schulz

It's hard to know where to start with this incredible Westchester county mansion. Situated on the Manor Park and Beach in Larchmont, the Tudor-style home has a unique quadrangle shape with a huge interior courtyard. When it was built in 1901, it was the carriage house for the Crocker Estate, and from 1955 to 1996, it was home to New York Times drama critic Walter Kerr and "Please Don't Eat the Daisies" playwright Jean Kerr. During the 1920s, it's owner salvaged 35 truckloads of architectural materials from the demolished Vanderbilt Mansion, and these pieces, like the two-story fireplace, are perfectly preserved. Recently listed for $5,850,000, this waterfront "castle" is truly a property that you need to see to believe.
Don't miss this tour

In the South Bronx, affordable housing lottery opens for 31 mixed-income units near Yankee Stadium

Photo by Dan Gold on Unsplash

March 23, 2020

In the South Bronx, affordable housing lottery opens for 31 mixed-income units near Yankee Stadium

By Dana Schulz

At 3120 Park Avenue and 451 East 159th Street, in the Melrose section of the Bronx, 31 affordable apartments are up for grabs for New Yorkers earning 30, 50, 100, and 110 percent of the area median income. The Park and Elton Apartments, which are located close to Yankee Stadium and many public transit options, have available units ranging from $359/month studios to $2,052/month two-bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

Photo credit: DDreps, Courtesy of Compass

March 23, 2020

Rich colors and a classic reno define this $2.9M Upper East Side co-op

By Dana Schulz

Located just off Park Avenue at 114 East 90th Street, a classic pre-war co-op, this three-bedroom apartment has all the elegance of a 1920s classic-seven, but it's received a modern renovation that has updated the layout for 21st-century living and added rich colors and patterns throughout. Plus it's prime Carnegie Hill location puts it right near both the 86th and 96th Street subway stations, as well as Central Park and the Guggenheim.
Look around

Distinctive Homes

Governor Cuomo says NYC must develop an immediate plan to address density issues in parks

By Dana Schulz

Within 24 hours from Sunday morning, NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio and City Council Speaker Corey Johnson must come up with a plan to address continued density issues in the city, especially in parks. "It has to be done quickly, and it's going to have to be dramatic action," said the Governor in a press conference, following a personal visit to the city on Saturday during which he observed a major lack of social distancing in places like Central Park and the Grand Army Plaza Farmer's Market.
READ MORE

The full list of New York’s essential services

Photo by Bianca Jordan on Unsplash

March 20, 2020

The full list of New York’s essential services

By Dana Schulz

Earlier today, Governor Cuomo announced "New York State on Pause," a new executive order aimed at flattening the curve of the coronavirus spread across the state. A big part of this order is a 100 percent closure of non-essential businesses statewide, (effective 8pm Sunday), meaning that all non-essential employees must either work from home or not work. Outside of the obvious answers like healthcare and grocery stores, many have been wondering what exactly the essential services are. Ahead, we've compiled the full list from the state to make this difficult time a bit easier.
READ MORE

Policy

New York State expands 90-day eviction moratorium to commercial tenants

Photo by Krisztina Papp on Unsplash

March 20, 2020

New York State expands 90-day eviction moratorium to commercial tenants

By Dana Schulz

In a press conference this morning in which Governor Cuomo issued the tightest shut-down measures yet, he announced that the State of New York would be expanding its 90-day moratorium on evictions to commercial tenants. After New York City took the step last week to stop eviction proceedings for 90 days, the State of New York on Monday halted residential eviction proceedings indefinitely. With this now expanded to commercial tenants for 90 days, there is a bit more hope for the city's struggling small businesses and restaurants.
READ MORE

Photo credit: Julia Gillard with MW Studio, Courtesy of Compass

March 20, 2020

$749K Upper West Side one-bedroom is a brownstone beauty

By Dana Schulz

When you've got beautiful brownstone features like a huge bay window, crown moldings, and a classical fireplace, you don't want to compete with the architecture but you also want to find a design aesthetic that enhances these details. Which is exactly what's on view at this one-bedroom Upper West Side co-op at 111 West 82nd Street. For $749,000, not only is it easy on the eyes but the apartment has a spacious and efficient layout that would make for a great starter home.
Have a look

Distinctive Homes

Get Park Avenue elegance for just $625K at this Upper East side co-op

Photo credit: Chalom + Blaylock Photography, Courtesy of Compass

March 19, 2020

Get Park Avenue elegance for just $625K at this Upper East side co-op

By Dana Schulz

Located just off Park Avenue at 115 East 90th Street, this one-bedroom co-op has all the uptown elegance at a fraction of the price. Asking 625,000, the Upper East Side gem has tons of pre-war charm in the form of picture moldings, large windows, and an efficient layout. There's also a surprising amount of closet space and a brand new kitchen and bathroom.
See more

Distinctive Homes

‘The Rosie O’Donnell Show’ returns for one night to support The Actors Fund

Photo by Sudan Ouyang on Unsplash

March 19, 2020

‘The Rosie O’Donnell Show’ returns for one night to support The Actors Fund

By Dana Schulz

With all Broadway, Off-Broadway, and any type of performance suspended through at least April 12th, Broadway.com is bringing back The Rosie O'Donnell Show for one night to benefit The Actors Fund. When her show was on air from 1996 to 2002, O'Donnell was a strong advocate for performance arts and often showcased Broadway ensembles performing numbers from their shows. The one-night event will take place on Sunday, March 22 at 7:00 p.m. and will be live-streamed on Broadway.com and Broadway.com's YouTube channel.
Find out who's performing

Events & Things To Do

March 19, 2020

A historic Crown Heights Kinko House has hit the market for $1.6M

By Dana Schulz

What's a Kinko House you may ask? First off, the name comes from the developer--Kings and Westchester Land Company--who built them in the northern section of Crown Heights between 1905 and 1912, according to Brownstoner. Designed by architecture firm Mann & MacNeille, the two-family houses are unique in that each unit has its own front door, stairway, porch, and cellar. Each group of six houses also has its own architectural style, and 1040 Sterling Place, which just hit the market for $1,625,000, was done in a brick Arts and Crafts style. This home is being sold with both duplex units, so a new owner could potentially combine them for one large residence.
Find out more about this rare house

1,000-bed hospital ship coming to New York Harbor

U.S. Navy photo by Bill Mesta/Released

March 18, 2020

1,000-bed hospital ship coming to New York Harbor

By Dana Schulz

In a press conference on Wednesday, Governor Cuomo announced that he'd reached an agreement with the federal government for the USNS Comfort hospital ship to be dispatched to New York Harbor to help with the growing need for hospital beds, in particular ICU, as the number of COVID-19 cases continues to grow in New York City and New York at large.
READ MORE

Policy

Amidst massive ridership declines, MTA seeks $4B+ in federal aid

Photo credit: Billie Grace Ward via Flickr

March 18, 2020

Amidst massive ridership declines, MTA seeks $4B+ in federal aid

By Dana Schulz

Facing a 60 percent decline in subway ridership and a 90 percent decline on commuter rails, the already-cash-strapped MTA is seeking more than $4 billion in federal aid, according to a letter the agency sent yesterday to the New York Congressional Delegation. "Assuming ridership trends this week continue for six months," they wrote, the anticipated revenue losses to the MTA are $3.7 billion, along with $300 million in annualized COVID-19 expenses.
READ MORE

Apply for 35 affordable apartments in new Upper East Side passive house, from $747/month

Photo of Carl Schurz Park by CityRealty

March 17, 2020

Apply for 35 affordable apartments in new Upper East Side passive house, from $747/month

By Dana Schulz

Photo of Carl Schurz Park by CityRealty In 2017, Sky Management filed plans to build a 22-story Passive House rental building at 515 East 86th Street, just off York Avenue near Carl Schurz Park and the East River. Designed by Arquitectonica with EP Engineering, the environmentally friendly building has tons of amenities, some of which include a pet spa, dog run, co-working space, fitness center, and yoga studio. In terms of outdoor space, there's a grilling terrace, landscaped interior courtyard, and roof deck. The 35 affordable units in the building are available to those earning 40, 60, 80, and 130 percent of the area median income and range from $747/month studios to $3,123 two-bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify here

Affordable Housing

How grocery stores are adapting amidst coronavirus: Product limits, senior shopping times, reduced hours

Photo by Boris Dunand on Unsplash

March 17, 2020

How grocery stores are adapting amidst coronavirus: Product limits, senior shopping times, reduced hours

By Dana Schulz

By now, we've all seen the lines wrapping around the block to get into Trader Joe's or the crazed shoppers buying 100 rolls of toilet paper. And all of this panic shopping and stockpiling, coupled with the state's new guidelines on businesses, has caused grocery stores in the region to adjust their hours and practices. From reduced hours to elderly-only shopping times to purchase limits, this is how businesses like Trader Joe's, Fairway, Whole Foods, Wegmans, and some more local spots are coping amidst the coronavirus health crisis.
READ MORE

City Living

Photo by Beyond My Ken via Wiki Commons

March 16, 2020

Soho’s iconic Vesuvio Bakery comes back to life

By Dana Schulz

Keeping in mind that the city's new restaurant policy will likely affect it, Gothamist has reported that a new bakery has opened in the former Vesuvio Bakery storefront at 160 Prince Street. They've called themselves Vesuvio Bakery and intend on preserving as much of the iconic, 100-year-old establishment's physical look and simple community aesthetic.
READ MORE

Food & Dining

New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut impose tri-state set of coronavirus rules

Photo by Chris Barbalis on Unsplash

March 16, 2020

New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut impose tri-state set of coronavirus rules

By Dana Schulz

The only region in the country so far to come together in such a coordinated way in the lack of federal uniformity, Governor Murphy of New Jersey, Governor Cuomo of New York, and Governor Lamont of Connecticut announced on a conference call this morning an overarching set of rules to "flatten the curve" of the coronavirus spread. This includes no gatherings of 50 or more people, no dine-in at restaurants and bars, and the closing of movie theaters, casinos, and gyms. Any non-essential travel between 8pm and 5am every day is also strongly discouraged.
More details available here

Moby’s former Central Park West turret penthouse is four floors of views for $5.75M

Listing photos courtesy of Douglas Elliman

March 16, 2020

Moby’s former Central Park West turret penthouse is four floors of views for $5.75M

By Dana Schulz

We've gotta hand it to Moby--he has had some killer taste in real estate over the years, from his "tiny but charming" Nolita penthouse to the incredible midcentury house in Westchester he sold for charity. But perhaps the most fabulous place of all was his four-story penthouse at the iconic El Dorado on Central Park West, where he lived from 2005 to 2008. Not only is the sprawling co-op located in the landmarked building's south tower (it occupies the entire 31st, 32nd, 33rd, and 34th floors), but it boasts four landscaped terraces with sweeping skyline and Central Park views. First reported by the Post, it's now back on the market for $5,750,000.
Get a full tour

48-year-old Chinatown restaurant Jing Fong temporarily shuts down

Photo by josh s jackson via Flickr cc

March 13, 2020

48-year-old Chinatown restaurant Jing Fong temporarily shuts down

By Dana Schulz

NYC's largest Chinese restaurant, Jing Fong, has temporarily shut its doors at 20 Elizabeth Street amid the coronavirus health crisis. The situation is two-fold for the iconic dim sum restaurant; not only is business down 30 to 40 percent, according to the Post, but since the restaurant has 800 seats, they fall under Governor Cuomo's order that gatherings of 500 or more be shut down. The effect of the pandemic has been especially hard for restaurants in Manhattan's Chinatown, as well as those Chinatowns in Flushing and Sunset Park.
Find out more

Food & Dining

All articles by Dana Schulz

Pitch a Story

Interested in seeing the property in person?

Interested in seeing the property in person?

Distinctive Post Form

Get in Touch

Send us a Tip

Interesting in learning more about purchasing a new home?

Thinking about selling your home?

Sell a Home (Footer)

Before You Move On from this Page.

Your Passport to NYC:Subscribe for Local Insights and Stories!

Before You Move On
from this Page.

Your Passport to NYC:
Subscribe for Local Insights and Stories!