All articles by Devin Gannon

See what NYC’s new backyard apartments could look like

All renderings courtesy of NYC’s Department of Housing Preservation and Development

March 18, 2026

See what NYC’s new backyard apartments could look like

By Devin Gannon

New York City could gain roughly 25,000 basement, attic, and backyard apartments, also known as accessory dwelling units (ADUs), over the next 15 years under rezoning rules approved in 2024. The city on Wednesday released a series of new tools to help New Yorkers navigate the process, including a library of pre-approved ADU designs that are compliant with city code. The library currently has designs for backyard cottages, but more will be added once approved by the Department of Buildings.
tiny homes this way

Policy

Where to watch the Oscars in NYC

Metrograph. Photo by Mettie Ostrowski

March 15, 2026

Where to watch the Oscars in NYC

By Devin Gannon

Hollywood's biggest night comes to New York City. For a festive Oscars-viewing experience, hit one of the city's bars, venues, or movie theaters hosting watch parties in honor of the 98th annual Academy Awards this Sunday, March 15. Ahead, find our favorite spots to show off your red-carpet look, place your bets on this year's nominees, and sip a cinema-themed cocktail among fellow film fans.
See the star-studded spots

Events & Things To Do

21-story condo conversion in Tribeca moves ahead

Rendering courtesy of Steven Harris Architects

March 10, 2026

21-story condo conversion in Tribeca moves ahead

By Devin Gannon

A former city office building in Tribeca that has been vacant for about a decade is one step closer to becoming a luxury residential tower. Manhattan Community Board 1 on Monday approved the expansion and conversion of 101 Franklin Street (formerly 250 Church), which will turn a 17-story 1940s building into a 21-story condominium with 72 apartments. The proposal heads next to the Department of City Planning.
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New Developments

Championship rings and trophies on display at new AMNH exhibit celebrating objects of sports excellence

The Philip F. Anschutz MLS Cup Trophy, Major League Soccer’s highest honor, was awarded to New York City FC. Photo courtesy of New York City FC

March 9, 2026

Championship rings and trophies on display at new AMNH exhibit celebrating objects of sports excellence

By Devin Gannon

Natural history might not be the first subject that pops into mind when you think about sports, but a new exhibit at the American Museum of Natural History may change that. On May 15, the museum will open "For the Win: Objects of Sports Excellence," a new exhibition of championship rings, trophies, medals, and jewelry from winning teams and athletes. Opening within the Allison and Roberto Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals, "For the Win" will feature over 70 objects across more than a dozen sports, showing the evolution of trophies over 150 years, from one of Jesse Owens's 1936 Olympic gold medals to Breanna Stewart's 2024 WNBA Championship ring.
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Events & Things To Do

These beautiful NYC civic spaces are now available to rent for events

Surrogate’s Court at 31 Chambers Street. All photos courtesy of the city’s Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS).

March 6, 2026

These beautiful NYC civic spaces are now available to rent for events

By Devin Gannon

New York City is home to an abundance of stunning event spaces and venues, but there are a few hidden gems you may not know about. The city's Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) on Friday relaunched its "Halls of the City" program, which allows New Yorkers to rent landmarked civic spaces for special occasions. The program includes 13 city properties, from the grand neo-classical Tweed Courthouse in Manhattan to the 180-year-old Brooklyn Borough Hall, the oldest public building in the borough.
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7 commuter-friendly rentals in Westchester

March 3, 2026

7 commuter-friendly rentals in Westchester

By Devin Gannon

As New York City continues to see record-high rents, some New Yorkers are looking north of the city for a lifestyle that's more affordable and stress-free, but still commuter-friendly. Westchester County has responded with a wave of new developments in many of its municipalities, with 12,500 new apartments completed since 2021 and an additional 15,000 units under construction, as of 2024. With three Metro-North Railroad lines connecting to Grand Central Terminal, the region pairs easy access to Manhattan with revitalized downtowns, growing cultural scenes, and waterfront parks, making Westchester an attractive alternative for renters seeking more space and tranquility.
Westchester rentals this way

New exhibit celebrates 400 years of NYC history and the people who shaped it

Astor Theatre, 45th Street and Broadway, December 24, 1936. Courtesy of NYC Municipal Archives.

March 3, 2026

New exhibit celebrates 400 years of NYC history and the people who shaped it

By Devin Gannon

What makes New York City, New York City? That's one question a new online exhibit from the city's Department of Records & Information Services (DORIS) explores. Featuring more than 100 items from the city's archival and library collections, "NYC's Story: The City on Record" uses government records that reveal the 400 years of NYC history, from documents showing land transfers in 17th-century Queens to a 2025 primary election ballot.
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History

Mamdani pitches 12,000-unit Sunnyside Yard development to Trump

Rendering from 2020 Sunnyside Yard master plan courtesy of Practice for Architecture and Urbanism (PAU)

February 27, 2026

Mamdani pitches 12,000-unit Sunnyside Yard development to Trump

By Devin Gannon

A mammoth plan to bring thousands of affordable homes to one of the largest undeveloped sites in New York City was resurrected this week. In a meeting at the White House on Thursday, Mayor Zohran Mamdani pitched President Donald Trump on the Sunnyside Yard development, a proposal to build a deck over the 180-acre rail yard in Queens and create a new mixed-use community with 12,000 affordable apartments, new schools, and public space above a new regional rail hub. Former Mayor Bill de Blasio's administration released a master plan for the project right before the city shut down during the pandemic in March 2020, and it has been at a standstill since. Mamdani said he asked the president for $21 billion in federal grants to advance the project.
details here

Dumbo penthouse closes for $16.25M, new record for Brooklyn sponsor condo

All photos courtesy of Pavel Bendov for Olympia DUMBO

February 26, 2026

Dumbo penthouse closes for $16.25M, new record for Brooklyn sponsor condo

By Devin Gannon

A full-floor penthouse at Dumbo's tallest tower officially closed this week, setting a new record for the borough. Penthouse B at Olympia, a 33-story condo at 30 Front Street, sold for $16.25 million, becoming the highest price-per-square-foot ($3,297) deal ever for a Brooklyn sponsor condo. The home might look familiar; the condo was featured in Spike Lee's 2025 movie "Highest 2 Lowest" as Denzel Washington's fictional apartment.
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Real Estate Trends

Pan-American coastal restaurant opening on Governors Island

Six Coasts replaces Island Oyster, which closed in 2025. Photo © Julienne Schaer

February 24, 2026

Pan-American coastal restaurant opening on Governors Island

By Devin Gannon

Just weeks after Bad Bunny highlighted the diversity of the Americas during his Super Bowl halftime show, a new restaurant in New York City aims to celebrate Pan-American flavors. Run by Smorgasburg, Six Coasts will occupy a 32,000-square-foot waterfront space on Governors Island and offer food and drinks inspired by "six coastal identities across the Americas." The restaurant, which replaces Island Oyster, will open in May, the Trust for Governors Island announced Tuesday.
details this way

Food & Dining

Popular Articles

Ahead of blizzard, NYC announces snow day for schools, travel restrictions

Photo of Owl’s Head Park in Bay Ridge courtesy of NYC Parks/ Daniel Avila

February 22, 2026

Ahead of blizzard, NYC announces snow day for schools, travel restrictions

By Devin Gannon

Ahead of New York's first blizzard in a decade, Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Sunday declared a state of emergency, announcing closure of public schools and citywide travel restrictions. The National Weather Service predicts snowfall totals of 16 to 24 inches, with the highest totals at the coast, and strong winds up to 40 miles per hour. The mayor announced public schools will be closed on Monday, with no remote learning, giving students the first real snow day since 2019. Schools will be back open on Tuesday, the mayor announced.
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Policy

Mott Haven housing development is first to undergo new expedited review process

Rendering courtesy of STAT Architecture PC

February 20, 2026

Mott Haven housing development is first to undergo new expedited review process

By Devin Gannon

In last November's election, New Yorkers voted to approve four housing ballot measures, including one that speeds up construction by reducing the time it takes to review projects. On Friday, the city announced that the first-ever project to go through the new Expedited Land Use Review Procedure (ELURP), which shortens the review process from seven months to just 90 days, will be an affordable housing development in Mott Haven. Located at 351 Powers Avenue, the Powerhouse Apartments, first unveiled in 2024, will turn an empty city-owned lot into more than 80 affordable apartments, a community theater, and outdoor green space.
details here

Carnegie Hill co-op owned by MoMA’s original director lists for $2.3M

Listing photos are virtually staged. Photos courtesy of Coldwell Banker Warburg

February 19, 2026

Carnegie Hill co-op owned by MoMA’s original director lists for $2.3M

By Devin Gannon

The Carnegie Hill apartment that once belonged to one of the most influential figures of the modern art movement has hit the market. Alfred Barr Jr. was the original director of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) when it opened in 1929, where he championed all forms of art and became known for bringing Pablo Picasso's work to the United States. During his tenure as director, Barr lived in a high-floor three-bedroom co-op at 49 East 96th Street, which recently became available for $2,295,000.
see it here

Distinctive Homes

Work begins on East Harlem tower with 340 affordable apartments and new arts center

Photo by Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

February 18, 2026

Work begins on East Harlem tower with 340 affordable apartments and new arts center

By Devin Gannon

An affordable housing project first conceived as part of the East Harlem rezoning 10 years ago has finally kicked off construction. The city on Wednesday broke ground on Timbale Terrace, a 100 percent affordable tower with 341 apartments and a new theater and performing arts center for Belongó, formerly known as the Afro Latin Jazz Alliance. Located at East 118th Street and Park Avenue, the site sat vacant for decades before most recently serving as a police department parking lot.
details this way

Trump releases Gateway Tunnel funding, work can resume next week

Governor Hochul rallied with construction workers at the Gateway Tunnel site on Tuesday. Photo courtesy of Darren McGee/ Office of Governor Kathy Hochul on Flickr

February 18, 2026

Trump releases Gateway Tunnel funding, work can resume next week

By Devin Gannon

President Donald Trump has released the remaining federal funding for the Gateway Tunnel project, allowing work to resume on the new rail tunnel connecting New York and New Jersey next week, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Wednesday. In a statement, the governor said "preliminary court victories and repeated conversations" with the president pushed the federal government to release the remaining $127 million in overdue funding for the $16 billion project.
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Policy

NYC rent freeze likely: Mamdani announces six appointees to Rent Guidelines Board

Photo by Niv Rozenberg on Unsplash

February 18, 2026

NYC rent freeze likely: Mamdani announces six appointees to Rent Guidelines Board

By Devin Gannon

Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Wednesday announced the appointment of six members to the Rent Guidelines Board (RGB), making his central campaign pledge of freezing rents for stabilized apartments much closer to reality. The nine-member board, appointed by the mayor, sets the lease guidelines annually for New York City's one million rent-stabilized apartments by considering the economic conditions for tenants and landlords.
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Policy

Mamdani floats 9.5 percent property tax hike to close NYC budget gap

Photo by Ed Reed/Mayoral Photo Office on Flickr

February 17, 2026

Mamdani floats 9.5 percent property tax hike to close NYC budget gap

By Devin Gannon

Mayor Zohran Mamdani said New York City would raise property taxes if Albany doesn't tax the rich. The mayor on Tuesday released his first preliminary budget, presenting a grim outlook for the city's fiscal health, including a $5.4 billion budget gap. Mamdani framed the proposed 9.5 percent property tax as a "last resort" if he cannot convince Gov. Kathy Hochul and state lawmakers to increase income taxes on New York's richest residents.
details here

Policy

125 affordable apartments to replace long-vacant Clinton Hill building

February 17, 2026

125 affordable apartments to replace long-vacant Clinton Hill building

By Devin Gannon

Gov. Kathy Hochul last week unveiled plans to raze and replace an abandoned building in Clinton Hill with a new mixed-use tower with 125 affordable apartments. Following a request for proposals issued last year, the state has tapped a partnership of nonprofit groups, Fifth Avenue Committee, Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation, and One Brooklyn Health, to redevelop 1024 Fulton Street. Officials have tried several times to revamp the site between Grand and Classon Avenues since the 1990s.
details here

New Underground Railroad stop discovered at Merchant’s House Museum in Manhattan

All photos courtesy of the Merchant’s House Museum

February 13, 2026

New Underground Railroad stop discovered at Merchant’s House Museum in Manhattan

By Devin Gannon

A previously unknown site connected to the Underground Railroad was discovered in Manhattan this week. The Merchant's House Museum, a well-preserved 19th-century home-turned-museum on East 4th Street in Noho, unveiled a narrow passageway hidden beneath a built-in chest of drawers on the second floor that descends 15 feet to the ground floor. As NY1 first reported, the link to the Underground Railroad is the first uncovered in the city in over a century.
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Manhattan rents hit another high, median price near $4.7K/month

Photo by Chanan Greenblatt on Unsplash

February 12, 2026

Manhattan rents hit another high, median price near $4.7K/month

By Devin Gannon

While January is normally the best time to find deals on apartments, New Yorkers continued to face record-high rents in the first month of 2026. In January, the Manhattan median rent hit $4,695/month, according to the monthly rental report prepared by Miller Samuel for Douglas Elliman. While the price is down slightly from December, which saw median rents for the borough at $4,720, January marked the third-highest rent on record for Manhattan.
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Real Estate Trends

City opens Studio Gang-designed Shirley Chisholm Recreation Center in Flatbush

All photos © Alexander Severin unless otherwise noted

February 10, 2026

City opens Studio Gang-designed Shirley Chisholm Recreation Center in Flatbush

By Devin Gannon

Brooklyn's largest recreation center officially opened its doors in East Flatbush this week. Located within Nostrand Playground, the Shirley Chisholm Recreation Center measures 74,000 square feet and includes an indoor pool, basketball court, full gym, a media lab, outdoor spaces, and more. Designed by Studio Gang, the firm behind the Gilder Center at the Museum of Natural History and Brooklyn residential tower 11 Hoyt, the building features large arched windows, a curving brick facade, and a green roof.
see it here

The rentals reshaping Gowanus: A guide to the neighborhood’s new apartment buildings

Photo by Alan Harris on Flickr

February 9, 2026

The rentals reshaping Gowanus: A guide to the neighborhood’s new apartment buildings

By Devin Gannon

Thanks to a 2021 rezoning expected to create 9,000 new apartments, paired with an environmental clean-up of the long-contaminated canal, Gowanus is booming. More than 140 residential buildings are planned for the neighborhood, and several are already completed, attracting individuals and families seeking amenity-rich buildings and easy access to Manhattan and other parts of Brooklyn, while being relatively more affordable than neighboring Carroll Gardens and Park Slope. At the center of the community is the Gowanus Canal, which, as its federally-mandated Superfund cleanup continues, is expected to become a new waterfront park, flanked by a promenade, retail, and recreational space. As development continues to reshape the neighborhood, we're taking a look at the best new rental projects in Gowanus.
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NYC Council will bring back year-round outdoor dining

King, a restaurant in the Village. Photo by GuardianKC, CC BY-SA 4.0

February 5, 2026

NYC Council will bring back year-round outdoor dining

By Devin Gannon

The New York City Council will make outdoor dining year-round again. During a speech at A Better New York's (ABNY) Power Breakfast on Wednesday, City Council Speaker Julie Menin said she plans to advance legislation introduced last year that would bring back the pandemic-era program, allowing for roadway dining in winter and reducing the cost to businesses.
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$17.5M Dumbo penthouse seen in Denzel Washington’s ‘Highest 2 Lowest’ movie finds a buyer

All photos courtesy of Pavel Bendov for Olympia DUMBO

February 4, 2026

$17.5M Dumbo penthouse seen in Denzel Washington’s ‘Highest 2 Lowest’ movie finds a buyer

By Devin Gannon

Denzel Washington's fictional home in the 2025 movie "Highest 2 Lowest" has found a real-life buyer. A full-floor penthouse at Olympia, a sail-like condominium at 30 Front Street in Dumbo, entered contract this week. Last asking $17,500,000, the home's incredible views of the Manhattan skyline are on full display in the Spike Lee thriller, which stars Washington, A$AP Rocky, and Ilfenesh Hadera.
see the views

Real Estate Trends

Manhattan Municipal Building to open rooftop for free tours

Credit: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

February 2, 2026

Manhattan Municipal Building to open rooftop for free tours

By Devin Gannon

One of New York City's first skyscrapers will open its rooftop to the public for the first time this summer. Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Monday announced that the David N. Dinkins Municipal Building, the grand Beaux-Arts government building at 1 Centre Street, will offer free guided tours of its 36th-floor cupola starting in June. The mayor also announced a $6 million renovation of the building to prepare for its new public observation deck.
details here

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