All articles by Dana Schulz

Where I Work: Go inside Square Roots’ futuristic shipping container farm in Bed-Stuy
April 5, 2017

Where I Work: Go inside Square Roots’ futuristic shipping container farm in Bed-Stuy

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6sqft’s series “Where I Work” takes us into the studios, offices, and off-beat workspaces of New Yorkers across the city. In this installment, we take a tour of the Bed-Stuy urban farm Square Roots. Want to see your business featured here? Get in touch! In a Bed-Stuy parking lot, across from the Marcy Houses (you'll know this as Jay-Z's childhood home) and behind the hulking Pfizer Building, is an urban farming accelerator that's collectively producing the equivalent of a 20-acre farm. An assuming eye may see merely a collection of 10 shipping containers, but inside each of these is a hydroponic, climate-controlled farm growing GMO-free, spray-free, greens--"real food," as Square Roots calls it. The incubator opened just this past November, a response by co-founders Kimbal Musk (Yes, Elon's brother) and Tobias Peggs against the industrial food system as a way to bring local food to urban settings. Each vertical farm is run by its own entrepreneur who runs his or her own sustainable business, selling directly to consumers. 6sqft recently visited Square Roots, went inside entrepreneur Paul Philpott's farm, and chatted with Tobias about the evolution of the company, its larger goals, and how food culture is changing.
Take a tour of Square Roots and get the full story from Tobias
City spends nearly $7M a year on 15,000 rarely-used alarm boxes
April 5, 2017

City spends nearly $7M a year on 15,000 rarely-used alarm boxes

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To date, close to 700 LinkNYC Wifi kiosks have been installed throughout the five boroughs. Among their features are an app that lets users make free calls anywhere in the U.S., as well as a dedicated red 911 button for emergencies. Coupled with the fact that most New Yorkers have cell phones on them, it seems that the city's 14,813 red alarm boxes serve basically no purpose anymore. In fact, as Crain's tells us, last year, the boxes were used only 11,440 times to call the FDNY, which is an average of less than once per box. And, of these calls, only 13 percent were for actual emergencies and just 1.5 percent for fires. But yet, the city spends a whopping $6.8 million annually paying electricians to repair the call boxes and others to paint over graffiti.
What's the deal?
‘World’s first’ avocado bar headed to Brooklyn; take a helicopter to house hunt in the Hamptons
April 4, 2017

‘World’s first’ avocado bar headed to Brooklyn; take a helicopter to house hunt in the Hamptons

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It was inevitable–Industry City is getting an avocado bar that’ll serve toasts, salads, bowls and smoothies. [Gothamist] New Yorkers share their love of athleisure. [Business Insider] Meet the 21-year-old NYU student running for City Council. [NYP] Corcoran teamed up with helicopter company BLADE to fly prospective renters out to the Hamptons to look at properties. […]

Alexis Bittar, Clara Sunwoo ink leases at Industry City, bringing total fashion space to 350,000+ square feet
April 3, 2017

Alexis Bittar, Clara Sunwoo ink leases at Industry City, bringing total fashion space to 350,000+ square feet

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There's been much talk in the past couple months about the city's push to drive the fashion industry from its long-time home in the Garment District to new, lower-cost space in Sunset Park. The new, $136 million, 200,000-square-foot "Made in NYC Campus" has become synonymous with the shift, but the adjacent Industry City mega-development has been at the forefront since even beforeBelvedere Capital and Jamestown Properties took over in 2013. With tenants such as the Gap, Bauble Bar, and Rag & Bone, they've now announced that internationally known jewelry company Alexis Bittar will lease an additional 10,000 square feet (they already have 17,000), and a source tells us that women's apparel label Clara Sunwoo is leasing 14,000 square feet of space, moving completely from the Garment District. This brings Industry City's total space leased to fashion companies to 350,000 square feet, more than 200,000 of which is manufacturing space.
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11 New York-based firms bid to build Trump’s border wall
April 3, 2017

11 New York-based firms bid to build Trump’s border wall

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Despite the fact that Donald Trump received only 18 percent of presidential votes citywide, he's getting a surprising show of NYC support when it comes to his $20 billion border wall. Crain's reports that 11 New York-based firms, including contractors, architects, and "little-known small businesses," have expressed interest in the project, seemingly undeterred by legislation proposed last month that would bar the city from signing contracts with companies involved in the wall. Though some of these applicants support Trump's true intentions, others have taken a more creative approach, using the submission process as a way to support immigration and co-existence.
Hear from four of the applicants about their proposals and stances
Morris Adjmi reveals ‘The Warehouse,’ High Line-adjacent office complex
March 31, 2017

Morris Adjmi reveals ‘The Warehouse,’ High Line-adjacent office complex

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Morris Adjmi is no stranger to converting and reinterpreting industrial architecture, so it's fitting that Elijah Equities tapped the "contextual king" to redevelopment the Carolina Manufacturing Company's former distribution facility and apparel-manufacturing space at 520 West 20th Street, right next to the High Line in Chelsea (h/t ArchDaily). For the project, known as "The Warehouse," Adjmi will add a three-story, steel-framed addition to the current 65,000-square-foot structure, resulting in 100,000 square feet of office and retail space with more than 18,000 square feet of rooftop and outdoor amenity space.
All the renderings and details ahead
Kirsten Dunst chops price of Soho penthouse; Anthony Bourdain has no lease, no CEO for SuperPier food hall
March 30, 2017

Kirsten Dunst chops price of Soho penthouse; Anthony Bourdain has no lease, no CEO for SuperPier food hall

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New stormproof plans released for Battery Park City, including a new pavillion building designed by Perkins Eastman. [Tribeca Citizen] Kirsten Dunst first listed her vintage-cool Soho penthouse as a $12,500/month rental in 2014, and then as a $5 million sale last month. She’s now lowered the price to $4.5 million.  [Mansion Global] The CEO of […]

From the Westside Cowboys to the Oreo cookie: 10 secrets of Chelsea Market

Image courtesy of Chelsea Market

March 30, 2017

From the Westside Cowboys to the Oreo cookie: 10 secrets of Chelsea Market

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Today it seems like there's a new food hall popping up every day, but one of the first incarnations of this trend was at Chelsea Market, when Irwin Cohen and Vandenberg Architects transformed the former Nabisco factory in the 1990s into an office building, television production facility, and food-related retail hub. New York City history buffs likely know that this is where a certain famous cookie was invented, but there are plenty of other fun facts about the location that are much less well known. Therefore, 6sqft has rounded up the top 10 most intriguing secrets of Chelsea Market.
Find out everything here
Anbang taps Skidmore, Owings & Merrill for Waldorf Astoria renovation

Proposed rendering of the Park Avenue foyer, via Skidmore, Owings & Merrill

March 29, 2017

Anbang taps Skidmore, Owings & Merrill for Waldorf Astoria renovation

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On March 1st, the Waldorf Astoria closed its doors to the public so that its new owners, Chinese insurer Anbang (who just today backed out of an even larger project to redevelop the Kushner Companies' 666 Fifth Avenue) can undertake a two- to three-year renovation to convert 1,413 hotel rooms into 840 renovated hotel rooms and 321 condos, as well as spiff up the public spaces. This last part was worrisome at first, but earlier this month, these iconic Art Deco interiors were designated an official city landmark, meaning Anbang will need to preserve them and receive approvals for any work from the LPC. Wasting no time, they've now released plans for both the interior and exterior renovations and announced that architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) and renowned interior designer Pierre Yves Rochon (PYR) will "protect [the] beloved spaces and restore original features of the Waldorf not seen for decades."
See all the renderings
Chinese company Anbang backs out of 666 Fifth Avenue deal with Kushner Cos.

A rendering of 666 Fifth Avenue. Credit: Kushner Companies/Zaha Hadid Architects

March 29, 2017

Chinese company Anbang backs out of 666 Fifth Avenue deal with Kushner Cos.

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"Kushner Companies is no longer in discussions with Anbang about 666 Fifth Ave.’s potential redevelopment, and our firms have mutually agreed to end talks regarding the property," a spokesman for the developer told the Post. The timing of the Chinese insurance company backing out of the deal--which the Kushners hoped could increase the Midtown's skyscraper's value to a whopping $12 billion and include a flashy new Zaha Hadid design--is uncannily timed with investigations into Jared Kushner's supposed meetings with a scandalous Russian bank. But despite the controversy surrounding ex-CEO and current White House advisor Jared, Kushner Cos. "remains in active, advanced negotiations around 666 Fifth Ave. with a number of potential investors."
The full story ahead
‘Cash Cab’ will return later this year; Paul Manafort’s shady NYC real estate dealings
March 28, 2017

‘Cash Cab’ will return later this year; Paul Manafort’s shady NYC real estate dealings

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New York-based designer (and 13-year U.S. citizen) Karim Rashid said he had a “crazy journey” getting by US Border Control at JFK. [Dezeen] Discovery’s trivia show “Cash Cab” hasn’t aired new episodes since 2005, but it’ll return later this year with a series of guest hosts. [Huffington Post] 10 lost or never-built structures in Prospect Park. [Untapped] An […]

World Trade Center Performing Arts Center may be delayed again
March 27, 2017

World Trade Center Performing Arts Center may be delayed again

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It's been almost 13 years since Frank Gehry initially designed the Performing Arts Center at the World Trade Center (PACWTC). After his plans got shelved in late 2014 due to fundraising issues and construction delays on the transit hub below, it seemed like the last vacant site at the complex would forever remain that way. That is until this past fall when a $75 million gift from billionaire businessman and philanthropist Ronald O. Perelman brought the $243 million project back to life and made it possible to proceed with new designs. Despite this new optimism, it looks like the Center will be delayed yet again, as Crain's reports that unresolved issues between the Lower Manhattan Development Corp. and the Port Authority are setting things behind schedule, which could cost the project $100 million in federal funds.
Get the full scoop
Ai Weiwei will bring over 100 fence art installations to NYC this fall
March 27, 2017

Ai Weiwei will bring over 100 fence art installations to NYC this fall

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Internationally renowned Chinese contemporary artist and activist Ai Weiwei was banned from leaving his home country for more than four years, but this past fall, a year after his passport was returned by police, he returned to New York with an unheard-of four gallery shows that all opened on the same day. As a metaphor for his personal travel ban--as well as the current political climate of the U.S., particularly as relates to immigration, and the global migration crisis--the Times shares news that Weiwei has been commissioned by the Public Art Fund for a major art installation opening in October. Titled "Good Fences Make Good Neighbors," the piece will be one of his most large-scale public art projects ever. He'll place 10 large fence-themed works and more than 90 smaller installations across Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn, all in an attempt to bring attention to "a retreat from the essential attitude of openness in American politics," as he explains.
Get more details ahead
Eight chances to live in a new East Williamsburg building, from $985/month
March 27, 2017

Eight chances to live in a new East Williamsburg building, from $985/month

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A state-of-the-art fitness center, yoga room, roof deck with cabanas, designer interiors, and a prime East Williamsburg location just a few blocks from the G, M, J, and L trains--this is all up for grabs for eight qualifying New Yorkers at 73 Montrose Avenue through the city's affordable housing lottery as of today. Those earning 60 percent of the area media income can apply for $985/month one-bedrooms and $1,114/month two-bedrooms.
READ MORE
Weekly highlights: Top picks from the 6sqft staff
March 25, 2017

Weekly highlights: Top picks from the 6sqft staff

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Swale floating park returns this spring with a new look Kushner Cos. vision for 666 Fifth Avenue has Zaha Hadid design and $12B ambitions Philip Johnson’s Rockefeller Guest House, a ‘secret’ modernist gem on Manhattan’s east side Artist who created Wall Street’s ‘Charging Bull’ angered by ‘Fearless Girl’ statue $5.5M ask for renovated Hamilton Heights […]

Judge once again stops work at Pier 55 over environmental concerns
March 24, 2017

Judge once again stops work at Pier 55 over environmental concerns

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If you thought the roller coaster that is Pier 55 was over since construction began in November, you may not want to step off the ride just yet. Just yesterday, a federal judge ruled in favor of the City Club of New York, who took legal action against the $200 million Barry Diller-funded offshore park way back in the summer of 2015. As reported by the Times, Judge Lorna G. Schofield agreed with the group's claim that the Army Corps of Engineers had not conducted a sufficient environmental review on how the 2.4-acre park would affect fish and wildlife. She ordered that work stop at the site and called for a review of alternatives for building along Hudson River Park, a maritime sanctuary.
Get the whole legal saga
Apply for 25 units at new affordable/supportive housing project in Brownsville, from $876/month
March 24, 2017

Apply for 25 units at new affordable/supportive housing project in Brownsville, from $876/month

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The Van Dyke Houses in Brownsville are a huge NYCHA compex, consisting of 24 buildings. Recently, a $56 million public/private investment went towards constructing the first new development here in decades, a 100-unit supportive and affordable housing building designed by Dattner Architects for a vacant parking lot on the site. Of these apartments, 45 will be leased to NYCHA tenants through a site-based waiting list, 30 to formerly homeless families, and 25 to those earning 60 percent of the area median income. This last group is now available through the city's housing lottery for $876/month one-bedrooms and $1,058/month two-bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify here
Former Citicorp Center might lose Sasaki fountain as part of plaza redesign
March 23, 2017

Former Citicorp Center might lose Sasaki fountain as part of plaza redesign

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Earlier this month, 6sqft revealed renderings of 601 Lexington Avenue's (the Midtown East skyscraper formerly known as the Citicorp Center) new "Market Building," comprised of an interior atrium to hold dining/retail space and a new outdoor plaza and terraces. Though the LPC landmarked the building this past December, the Architect's Newspaper has learned of a loophole in the designation regarding the privately owned public space, which could mean that amid the renovation, the sunken plaza and cascading fountain designed by Hideo Sasaki's firm--one of the iconic landscape architect's few remaining works--may be demolished.
The full story ahead
Starting Monday, three Brooklyn R train stations will shut down for six months
March 23, 2017

Starting Monday, three Brooklyn R train stations will shut down for six months

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Last January, Governor Cuomo announced a massive undertaking to "modernize and fundamentally transform" the MTA and the subway by adding more countdown clocks, contactless payment by next year, Wi-Fi at all stations (mission accomplished, here), and other high-tech features. It also included news that 30 stations would be revamped, requiring them to shut down entirely for six to 12 months, instead of just on nights and weekends. As of Monday, as amNY tells us, the first three on this list-- the R train stations at 53rd Street in Sunset Park, Bay Ridge Avenue, and Prospect Avenue--will close for half a year for a combined $72 million renovation.
Get the full scoop
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