All articles by Devin Gannon

Macy’s July 4th fireworks: NYC to give out free tickets for front-row views of the show

Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks 2023- Photo by Kent Miller for Macy’s, Inc

June 25, 2024

Macy’s July 4th fireworks: NYC to give out free tickets for front-row views of the show

By Devin Gannon

The annual Macy's 4th of July Fireworks is set to dazzle New York City once again, with the spectacle taking place over the Hudson River for the first time in a decade. The Independence Day show's 48th edition will feature 60,000 shells and more than 30 colors, fired from five barges between West 14th Street and West 34th Street on the river. While there are plenty of viewing spots open to the public, Mayor Eric Adams this week announced the city will give away 10,000 free tickets for a front-row fireworks experience to be distributed on Wednesday on a first-come, first-serve basis.
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Events & Things To Do

Newark, NJ home featured in ‘The Sopranos’ can be yours for $580K

All photos courtesy of Christie’s International Real Estate Group

June 24, 2024

Newark, NJ home featured in ‘The Sopranos’ can be yours for $580K

By Devin Gannon

The New Jersey home of fictional mobster Tony Soprano's uncle is for sale. The center-hall Colonial at 380 Highland Avenue in Newark appeared in the HBO show "The Sopranos" as the home of Corrado John "Junior" Soprano, the boss of the DiMeo crime family. Asking $579,900, the four-bedroom property is located in the charming neighborhood of Forest Hill, a tree-lined suburban area north of downtown Newark.
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Distinctive Homes

NYC’s Russ & Daughters and Morgenstern’s team up for deli-style ice cream treats

Photo courtesy of Morgenstern’s

June 19, 2024

NYC’s Russ & Daughters and Morgenstern’s team up for deli-style ice cream treats

By Devin Gannon

A cool New York City collaboration was released this week just in time for the first heat wave of the summer. Century-old appetizing store Russ & Daughters is teaming up with another city favorite, Morgenstern's Finest Ice Cream, on a new collection of frozen treats sure to please New Yorkers. Available this Wednesday through the end of the summer, the ice cream treats are inspired by Russ & Daughters deli classics: bagels, halva, and babka.
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Food & Dining

Rent to increase for NYC’s one million stabilized apartments for third year in a row

Photo courtesy of Maxim Pierre on Flickr

June 18, 2024

Rent to increase for NYC’s one million stabilized apartments for third year in a row

By Devin Gannon

Rent is going up for about one million regulated apartments in New York City. The Rent Guidelines Board on Monday approved rent hikes of 2.75 percent for one-year leases and 5.25 percent on two-year leases. The increase will affect the leases of about two million New Yorkers and marks the third year in a row that rents on stabilized apartments will increase.
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Policy

Central Park Tower penthouse closes for $115M

Image courtesy of Extell

June 17, 2024

Central Park Tower penthouse closes for $115M

By Devin Gannon

A penthouse at Central Park Tower closed for $115 million, becoming New York City's fourth priciest apartment sale on record. Taking up the 107th and 108th floors of the tallest tower in the Western Hemisphere, the duplex condo on Billionaires' Row was first listed for $175 million last March and entered contract early this year.
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Real Estate Trends

NYC transit advocates, officials consider legal action to resume congestion pricing

Pro-congestion pricing rally held outside of 1 Centre Street on June 12. Photo courtesy of New York City Comptroller on Flickr

June 13, 2024

NYC transit advocates, officials consider legal action to resume congestion pricing

By Devin Gannon

A coalition of legal experts and transit advocates is considering legal action to resume congestion pricing. New York City Comptroller Brad Lander on Wednesday announced plans to explore "all legal avenues" to restart the program, which Gov. Kathy Hochul shut down last week less than a month before it was scheduled to start. The coalition is made up of legal professionals and potential plaintiffs, including residents and business owners within the central business district, MTA board members, and New Yorkers with disabilities.
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What to know about the NYC broker fee bill

James Whelan, President of REBNY, during Wednesday’s rally at City Hall. Photo courtesy of REBNY

June 12, 2024

What to know about the NYC broker fee bill

By Devin Gannon

Broker fees are once again up for debate in the New York City Council. A seven-hour public hearing on Wednesday brought hundreds of tenant advocates and real estate professionals to City Hall over Intro 360, or the Fairness in Apartment Rental Expenses (FARE) Act. The legislation, sponsored by Council Member Chi A. Ossé, calls for shifting the payment of broker fees to the party who hired the broker, often the landlord or management company. Agents argue landlords would bake the fees into the monthly rent, threatening their livelihood and increasing the financial burden for renters.
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MTA to ‘shrink’ capital budget after congestion pricing halted

Views of Kings Highway on the Culver F line. Photo courtesy of Marc A. Hermann / MTA on Flickr

June 11, 2024

MTA to ‘shrink’ capital budget after congestion pricing halted

By Devin Gannon

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority will "shrink" and "reprioritize" its capital budget after Gov. Kathy Hochul paused the congestion pricing program last week that would have brought in $1 billion annually for infrastructure projects. On Monday, MTA Chief Executive Janno Lieber said the agency will reorganize the 2020-2024 Capital Program to prioritize basic repair work to ensure the "system doesn't fall apart." The MTA will also work on preserving federal grants that helped fund projects like extending the Second Avenue subway into Harlem and examine how the gap in the capital program will impact the operating budget.
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New York City officially lifts dancing ban

Couples jitterbug dancing in the 1930s. Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress Prints and Photographs division.

June 7, 2024

New York City officially lifts dancing ban

By Devin Gannon

New York City got its groove back. The City Council this week voted to end zoning regulations that ban dancing in nightlife establishments in many parts of the city. Although officials repealed the outdated Cabaret Law in 2017, zoning rules were not revised, leaving much of the Prohibition-era law in place at small bars and restaurants in 80 percent of the city. On Thursday, the Council passed Mayor Eric Adams' City of Yes for Economic Opportunity plan, which includes updates to zoning allowing dancing and live entertainment as of right in commercial establishments.
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Policy

The NYC transit projects affected by congestion pricing delay

Photo via Wikimedia

June 6, 2024

The NYC transit projects affected by congestion pricing delay

By Devin Gannon

With Gov. Kathy Hochul's last-minute decision to "indefinitely" pause the congestion pricing program, the MTA will lose out on an anticipated $15 billion in revenue. The governor's decision puts a huge gap in the agency's capital program, which planned to use proceeds from congestion pricing to make critical repairs and improvements to New York City's public transportation network. From making subway stations accessible and updating antiquated signaling to extending the Second Avenue Subway to East Harlem, several projects promised to improve the lives of millions of New Yorkers will now be delayed without dedicated funding.
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Popular Articles

Derek Jeter finally finds a buyer for upstate New York ‘castle’

All photos courtesy of Stephen Dolinsky

June 5, 2024

Derek Jeter finally finds a buyer for upstate New York ‘castle’

By Devin Gannon

Former New York Yankee Derek Jeter has finally found a buyer for his unique compound in upstate New York. As first reported by Mansion Global, the 50,000-square-foot waterfront estate in Greenwood Lake, known as Tiedemann Castle, sold last week after several years on and off the market. Jeter purchased the property in 2003 and spent 15 years renovating the "castle" before listing it for $14.75 million in 2018. While the final price is not known since it hasn't closed yet, the home at 14 Lake Shore Road was most recently listed for $6.3 million.
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City landmarks Victorian atrium at The Beekman Hotel

Photo by James and Karla Murray exclusively for 6sqft

June 4, 2024

City landmarks Victorian atrium at The Beekman Hotel

By Devin Gannon

The nine-story Victorian atrium at the Beekman Hotel is now a New York City landmark. The Landmarks Preservation Commission on Tuesday voted to designate the central atrium at 5 Beekman Street in the Financial District as an interior landmark, recognizing both its stunning architecture and the restoration project that returned the space to its 19th-century glory. Built as part of the commercial building Temple Court, and now the centerpiece for the converted Beekman Hotel, the space consists of eight tiers of galleries topped by a pyramid-shaped skylight.
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The G train is partially shutting down for six weeks this summer. Here’s what you should know

G train leaving Smith-9th Streets. Photo credit: Mtattrain, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

May 31, 2024

The G train is partially shutting down for six weeks this summer. Here’s what you should know

By Devin Gannon

The G train will partially shut down for six weeks this summer while the MTA replaces a 1930s-era signal system. The agency this week revealed the planned service changes, which will kick off in three phases starting June 28 through September 3 and impact the entire 11.4-mile line. To make it easier for the 160,000 daily commuters who rely on the G train, MTA announced plans to run free shuttle buses no more than every four minutes during peak weekday hours and allow for free transfers at certain stations during the shutdown.
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Policy

Reach the beach: Vintage subway trains will ride to the Rockaways and Coney Island this summer

All photos courtesy of the New York Transit Museum.

May 30, 2024

Reach the beach: Vintage subway trains will ride to the Rockaways and Coney Island this summer

By Devin Gannon

Beach and boardwalk-bound New Yorkers can ride to the shore in vintage style this summer. The New York Transit Museum announced two "nostalgia rides" in July and August that will bring beachgoers to Coney Island and the Rockaways via R-19 train cars from the 1930s. Tickets, which cost $60 for adults, go on sale Friday, May 31.
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Events & Things To Do

On ‘secret’ Sylvan Terrace in Washington Heights, a renovated wood frame townhouse asks $1.8M

Photos courtesy of Gloria Kilbourne | DD-Reps

May 29, 2024

On ‘secret’ Sylvan Terrace in Washington Heights, a renovated wood frame townhouse asks $1.8M

By Devin Gannon

One of New York City's best "secret" streets, Sylvan Terrace is a cobblestone block between 160th and 162nd Streets in Washington Heights. Originally the carriage drive for the adjacent Morris Jumel Mansion, the street has two rows of 20 wooden homes that were constructed in the 1880s for working-class locals and later restored in the 1970s and 80s. The home at 11 Sylvan Terrace recently hit the market for $1,800,000, offering a rare opportunity to own a home on one of the city's most unique and historic streets.
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Distinctive Homes

Manhattanhenge 2024: NYC’s stunning sunset returns

Photo by John Gillespie on Flickr cc

May 23, 2024

Manhattanhenge 2024: NYC’s stunning sunset returns

By Devin Gannon

New York City's most photographed sunset is back. Manhattanhenge, the cosmic phenomenon when the sun aligns perfectly with the Manhattan street grid and creates a magical, glowing spectacle among skyscrapers, takes place twice every year. This year, a full sun will be visible on the grid on May 29 and July 12, and a half sun seen on May 28 and July 13.
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400-unit rental at 250 Water Street in South Street Seaport can move forward

Images courtesy of The Howard Hughes Corporation/SOM

May 22, 2024

400-unit rental at 250 Water Street in South Street Seaport can move forward

By Devin Gannon

A 400-unit rental planned for a parking lot in the South Street Seaport historic district can officially move forward, ending a multi-year legal saga over the site. The New York Court of Appeals on Tuesday rejected a challenge from preservationists who opposed the Howard Hughes Corporation's $850 million project at 250 Water Street. With the ruling, and the extension of the 421-a tax break, the developer can proceed with constructing the 27-story mixed-use development.
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Colorful street mural depicts the vibrancy of Union Square

Photo credit: Jane Kratochvil

May 21, 2024

Colorful street mural depicts the vibrancy of Union Square

By Devin Gannon

After five days, 100 volunteers, and 85 gallons of paint, a new mural on 14th Street is now complete. The Union Square Partnership this week unveiled "Flowing Together," a colorful 7,500-square-foot mural on the pedestrian areas of the 14th Street Busway, between Broadway and University Place. Designed by Queens-based artist Talisa Almonte, the bold street art reflects Union Square as a spot to pass through and historically, a place rooted in social movements.
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Pulitzer Mansion penthouse where real-life Indiana Jones lived lists for $7M

Photos courtesy of Yale Wagner for Sotheby’s International Realty

May 20, 2024

Pulitzer Mansion penthouse where real-life Indiana Jones lived lists for $7M

By Devin Gannon

A penthouse on the Upper East Side owned by the explorer and naturalist who inspired the character "Indiana Jones" hit the market this month. Taking up the top two floors of the Pulitzer Mansion, a Venetian palace-inspired home built for Joseph Pulitzer and converted into co-ops in the 1950s, the penthouse was first owned by Roy Chapman Andrews, an explorer and director of the American Museum of Natural History who is said to have been the model for the adventurous film hero. Asking $6,975,000, the unique duplex at 11 East 73rd Street features oversized living spaces, three bedrooms, and a 750-square-foot private terrace.
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Distinctive Homes

NYC’s gilded Crown Building is landmarked

Photo credit: Landmarks Preservation Commission

May 16, 2024

NYC’s gilded Crown Building is landmarked

By Devin Gannon

One of Midtown Manhattan's crown jewels is finally a city landmark. The Landmarks Preservation Commission this week designated the Heckscher Building at 730 Fifth Avenue as an individual landmark, officially recognizing the tower's ornate French Renaissance style, influence on Midtown's iconic commercial corridor, and overall impact on the New York City skyline. The tower, built 100 years ago and renamed the Crown Building in the 1980s for its gilded appearance, is now home to Aman New York, a luxe hotel-condo with 83 hotel rooms and 22 residences.
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50 West 66th Street is officially the Upper West Side’s tallest tower

All renderings courtesy of Recent Spaces

May 15, 2024

50 West 66th Street is officially the Upper West Side’s tallest tower

By Devin Gannon

The Upper West Side has a new tallest tower. This week the residential skyscraper 50 West 66th Street reached its pinnacle height of 775 feet, officially taking the title from its 52-story tower neighbor 200 Amsterdam. Developed by Extell Development Company, the building includes 127 condominium units and 50,000 square feet of amenities.
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A ‘portal’ to Dublin opens in New York City

All photos courtesy of the Flatiron NoMad Partnership

May 9, 2024

A ‘portal’ to Dublin opens in New York City

By Devin Gannon

The cultural bond between Ireland and New York got a little stronger this week. A new public art installation "The Portal" debuted in Dublin and Manhattan on Wednesday, with a 24/7 live stream connecting the two cities. The sculpture, on view in New York City's Flatiron District and on Dublin's O'Connell Street, allows residents and visitors of both places to interact in real-time, bringing together people on either side of the Atlantic Ocean.
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Events & Things To Do

The historic Bronx Post Office is for sale again

All photos courtesy of Avison Young

May 7, 2024

The historic Bronx Post Office is for sale again

By Devin Gannon

One of the most iconic buildings in the Bronx is for sale again. The Bronx General Post Office at 558 Grand Concourse is looking for a buyer five years after a deal to buy the landmark fell through. Developer Young Woo & Associates purchased the property from the United States Postal Service in 2014 with plans to revitalize the 90-year-old building and transform it into a mixed-use development with a food market. After a sale failed in 2019, the property has returned to the market, advertised as having the potential to become residential or a hotel with retail space.
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Iconic bridge views and remarkable light: Inside Annabelle Selldorf’s condo One Domino Square

All photos courtesy of William Jess Laird

May 2, 2024

Iconic bridge views and remarkable light: Inside Annabelle Selldorf’s condo One Domino Square

By Devin Gannon

Architect Annabelle Selldorf's first residential skyscraper, One Domino Square, features a striking iridescent porcelain tile facade that shifts the appearance of the tower, allowing it to simultaneously stand out and blend in with its Williamsburg surroundings, depending on the light. Following the launch of sales for the building's 160 condos last month, new images provide a look inside the residences, which flaunt stunning bridge and skyline views, airy open floorplans, and an abundance of natural light.
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Rent Guidelines Board backs rent hikes on NYC’s stabilized apartments for third year in a row

Photo by Andreas M on Unsplash

May 1, 2024

Rent Guidelines Board backs rent hikes on NYC’s stabilized apartments for third year in a row

By Devin Gannon

In a preliminary vote on Tuesday, the Rent Guidelines Board (RGB) backed rent hikes for New York City's roughly one million rent-stabilized apartments for the third year in a row. The nine-member board, appointed by the mayor, approved with a vote of 5-2 a motion to increase rents between 2 percent and 4.5 percent on one-year leases and between 4 percent and 6.5 percent on two-year leases. The two members of the board representing tenants abstained from voting and walked out of the meeting in protest. A final vote on the rent adjustment takes place in June.
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Policy

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