All articles by Devin Gannon

NYC is putting the last ‘Redbird’ subway car up for auction

R33 #9075 on display at Queens Borough Hall; Photo via Wikimedia

June 23, 2022

NYC is putting the last ‘Redbird’ subway car up for auction

Here's a chance to own a piece of New York City history. The city's Department of Citywide Administrative Services is selling the last remaining "Redbird" subway car, which was in use from the 1960s until it was retired in 2003. The historic subway car is now up for auction online, with a starting bid of $6,500.
You can own an NYC icon

NYC’s stabilized apartments will see rent increases of 3.25% and 5%

Photo by Avi Werde on Unsplash

June 22, 2022

NYC’s stabilized apartments will see rent increases of 3.25% and 5%

By Devin Gannon

More than two million New Yorkers who live in rent-stabilized apartments could see their rent increase by the largest percentage in a decade. The Rent Guidelines Board on Tuesday voted to approve a 3.25 percent increase for one-year leases and 5 percent for two-year leases that start on or after October 1. For the roughly one million rent-stabilized apartments, the rent hikes are the highest seen in the city since 2013.
Details here

Policy

NYC’s iconic High Bridge will stay open later this summer

Photo by Shinya Suzuki on Flickr

June 20, 2022

NYC’s iconic High Bridge will stay open later this summer

By Devin Gannon

New York City's oldest surviving bridge will be open for two additional hours this summer. A new pilot program will extend the hours of the High Bridge, which provides a pedestrian link between Manhattan and the Bronx, to 10 p.m. daily through the end of September. Announced by Mayor Eric Adams and NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue last week, the new pilot moves the bridge's closing time from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., allowing New Yorkers to enjoy the scenic walkway over the Harlem River for longer during the hot summer months.
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City Living

All photos courtesy of Compass

June 15, 2022

Hall of Fame Yankees pitcher Mariano Rivera sells Westchester home at a loss

By Devin Gannon

Mariano Rivera, a Hall of Fame pitcher not accustomed to losing, sold his Westchester home at a significant loss this month. The former New York Yankee bought the mansion for $5.7 million in 2006 and listed it for $3.995 million in 2020. As the Wall Street Journal reported, the nine-bedroom home in Rye closed last week for $3.783 million, a loss of roughly $1.9 million.
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Ain’t Misbehavin; Designed by Derek McLane. Rendering courtesy of the Museum of Broadway

June 14, 2022

The Museum of Broadway announces November opening date

By Devin Gannon

The first permanent museum dedicated to Broadway has an official opening date. The Museum of Broadway will open its doors at 145 West 45th Street in Times Square on November 15. Along with an opening date, new renderings of the space were released on Tuesday, showing off the museum's immersive experiences and "behind-the-curtain" look at the history of Broadway.
Get the details

Events & Things To Do

Photo credit: Jonathan Blanc / NYPL

June 13, 2022

NYPL is giving away 500,000 free books to New York kids and teens this summer

By Devin Gannon

The New York Public Library will give away half a million brand new books to families, part of a series of programs aimed at keeping kids and teens engaged while school is out for the summer. The free books are available at all branches in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island, as well as during select outdoor programs. In addition to distributing 500,000 free books, NYPL's "Summer at the Library" program includes outdoor pop-up storytime, writing and reading challenges, and hundreds of free programs for readers of all ages.
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$4.8M Long Island City condo sets new sales record in Queens

All photos courtesy of Evan Joseph Photography

June 13, 2022

$4.8M Long Island City condo sets new sales record in Queens

By Devin Gannon

A penthouse in Long Island City sold this month for $4.8 million, becoming the priciest condo in the borough of Queens. The three-bedroom home, which was listed for $4,995,000 in January, measures 5,400 square feet across two levels on the top floor of the Arris Lofts at 27-28 Thomson Avenue. As the Wall Street Journal first reported, the sale beats the borough’s former title holder, a penthouse also in the neighborhood at 46-30 Center Boulevard, which sold for $3,451,000 in June 2020.
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Real Estate Trends

Hugh Jackman lists sprawling West Village triplex for $39M

All photos courtesy of The Corcoran Group

June 10, 2022

Hugh Jackman lists sprawling West Village triplex for $39M

By Devin Gannon

Australian actor Hugh Jackman has listed his massive triplex apartment in the West Village for an impressive $38,900,000. As first reported by the New York Post, the five-bedroom home takes up three floors of 176 Perry Street, a Hudson River-facing condominium designed by acclaimed architect Richard Meier. The A-lister, who played Wolverine in X-Men and is currently starring in a revival of The Music Man on Broadway, bought the palatial pad for $21,000,000 in 2008.
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New York looks for architect to design new $7B Penn Station

All renderings courtesy of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

June 9, 2022

New York looks for architect to design new $7B Penn Station

By Devin Gannon

The plan to modernize Penn Station has officially entered the design phase. Gov. Kathy Hochul on Thursday announced the state is now requesting proposals from architecture and engineering firms to redevelop the dark and crowded Midtown transit hub into a light-filled train station "worthy of being the epicenter of the most vibrant city on the planet," according to the governor. Proposals are due July 28 and a winning bid could be selected by late summer or early fall.
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Lottery opens for 235 mixed-income units at new Hudson Yards high-rise, from $690/month

Rendering credit: Douglaston Development

June 9, 2022

Lottery opens for 235 mixed-income units at new Hudson Yards high-rise, from $690/month

By Devin Gannon

Manhattan's largest rental development under construction launched a housing lottery this week for 235 mixed-income apartments. Located slightly south of Hudson Yards at 601 West 29th Street, the 60-story luxury high-rise is part of a two-building development known as 3ELEVEN. Developed by Douglaston Development and designed by FXCollaborative, the massive project includes 938 total apartments and more than 50,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor amenities. Qualifying New Yorkers earning 40, 60, and 100 percent of the area median income can apply for the units, ranging from $690/month studios to $2,342/month two-bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

Jersey City announces annual 4th of July fireworks celebration with concert headlined by Flo Rida

By Devin Gannon

New Jersey's largest Fourth of July fireworks display is returning to the Jersey City waterfront this year. Mayor Steven Fulop on Wednesday announced this year's Freedom and Fireworks all-day event will include a concert headlined by Flo Rida, with special guests Shaquille O'Neal aka DJ Diesel and Fun Flex, a massive fireworks show by Grucci, food trucks, and family fun.
Get the details

Events & Things To Do

Photo by Steven Pisano

June 8, 2022

New York’s largest Pride flag returns to Roosevelt Island’s Four Freedoms Park

By Devin Gannon

New York's largest Pride Month flag is back and better than ever this year. Found in Roosevelt Island's Four Freedoms Park, the 2022 Progress Pride Flag measures more than 100 feet long by 30 feet wide and features added colors to be more inclusive of the LGBTQIA+ community. The installation, which will be featured on the park's monumental staircase throughout the month of June, first debuted in 2019, the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, and is back for Pride Month 2022.
See it here

Events & Things To Do

Stunning Soho penthouse has three private outdoor spaces and pre-war loft charm for $3.7M

Photos by Travis Mark and Eitan Gamliely for Sotheby’s International Realty

June 1, 2022

Stunning Soho penthouse has three private outdoor spaces and pre-war loft charm for $3.7M

By Devin Gannon

In the heart of Soho, a historic loft penthouse effortlessly blends original prewar details with modern upgrades, including three enviable separate private outdoor spaces. From the double-height great room and exposed brick to the arched windows and the skylight hanging more than 23 feet above it all, the sprawling two-bedroom home at 477 Broome Street is quintessentially Soho, but with a twist. It's now available for $3,765,000.
See inside

Distinctive Homes

Apply for 268 mixed-income apartments at new 19-story East Harlem tower, from $625/month

Rendering courtesy of S9 Architecture

May 27, 2022

Apply for 268 mixed-income apartments at new 19-story East Harlem tower, from $625/month

By Devin Gannon

About three years since breaking ground, One East Harlem has launched a housing lottery for 268 affordable apartments. Designed by S9 Architecture, the 19-story tower is located at 201 East 125th Street and contains over 400 units of housing, an affordable grocery store, and a new home for the Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute. Qualifying New Yorkers earning 40, 50, 100, and 165 percent of the area median income can apply for the apartments, priced from a $625/month studio to a $3,142/month three-bedroom.
Do you qualify?

Affordable Housing

Contemporary artist Rashid Johnson lists Kips Bay townhouse for $5M

All photos courtesy of Evan Joseph / Sotheby’s International Realty

May 26, 2022

Contemporary artist Rashid Johnson lists Kips Bay townhouse for $5M

By Devin Gannon

Artist Rashid Johnson and his wife, fellow artist Sheree Hovsepian, are selling their brick townhouse in Kips Bay for $4,995,000. Located at 139 Lexington Avenue, the turn-of-the-century four-bedroom property measures more than 4,100 square feet across five floors. Every level boasts original details--like mantles, plaster crown moldings, and ceiling medallions--and, of course, tall ceilings and walls perfect for hanging artwork.
See inside

Distinctive Homes

Lottery opens for six income-restricted co-ops in Hamilton Heights, available to buy from $236K

Photo courtesy of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development

May 25, 2022

Lottery opens for six income-restricted co-ops in Hamilton Heights, available to buy from $236K

By Devin Gannon

Applications are now open for six income-restricted co-ops available for purchase in Hamilton Heights. The apartments, located at 601 West 148th Street, are available to New Yorkers who earn 95 percent of the area median income, or between $63,288 annually for a single household and $136,895 for a family of five. The units include a single one-bedroom for $235,856 and five two-bedroom apartments, priced at $283,192.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka sell Harlem townhouse listed for $7.3M

All photos courtesy of Will Ellis / DDreps

May 25, 2022

Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka sell Harlem townhouse listed for $7.3M

By Devin Gannon

Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka found a buyer this month for their five-story Harlem townhouse, which first hit the market last August for $7,325,000. As first reported by the New York Post, the home at 2036 Fifth Avenue is in contract for more than $7,100,000, likely setting a new record for a townhouse sale in the Upper Manhattan neighborhood. The home, constructed in 1908 as a bed-and-breakfast, measures 8,000 square feet and 20 feet wide.
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Giant ‘No Quit in New York’ letters pop up across NYC to show support for Rangers playoff run

All photos courtesy of MSG Sports

May 24, 2022

Giant ‘No Quit in New York’ letters pop up across NYC to show support for Rangers playoff run

By Devin Gannon

The New York Rangers are on the hunt for the team's fifth Stanley Cup, facing off this week against the Carolina Hurricanes in the second round. To keep fans excited about the playoff run, the hockey team is painting New York City blue with viewing parties, prizes, giveaways, appearances by alumni, and photo experiences. Giant letters spelling the Rangers' appropriate motto for the season, "No Quit in New York," have popped up across Manhattan, perfect for a pre-game photo op.
Get the details

May 23, 2022

New exhibit at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden features dozens of birdhouses made by artists and architects

By Devin Gannon

An outdoor exhibition featuring dozens of artist-made birdhouses will open at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden next month. Debuting on June 11, "For the Birds" highlights the connection between birds, plants, and the importance of protecting plant ecosystems. The installation coincides with the release of "For the Birds: The Birdsong Project," a multi-album collection of original songs and readings inspired by birds compiled by music supervisor Randall Poster.
Get the details

The Sill’s 10th birthday sale includes up to 30% off best-selling houseplants

All photos courtesy of The Sill

May 20, 2022

The Sill’s 10th birthday sale includes up to 30% off best-selling houseplants

By Devin Gannon

In celebration of its 10th birthday, The Sill, the direct-to-consumer houseplant company, is hosting a major sale event on some of its best-selling plants and planters. The company got its start in New York in 2012 with the idea that "plants make people happy," and has since expanded to several other cities, including Los Angeles, Boston, and Chicago. During the month of May, use the code BIRTHDAY to take 10 percent off one item, 20 percent off two items, and 30 percent off three or more items in the birthday sale collection, which includes favorites like the fiddle leaf fig, snake plant, and philodendron.
It's house plant season

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Teens take over the Met Museum with free art-making, silent dance parties, selfies, and more

Epic Theatre performs in the Velez Blanco Patio at The Met. Teens Take The Met! Fall 2019. Photo credit: Filip Wolak.

May 19, 2022

Teens take over the Met Museum with free art-making, silent dance parties, selfies, and more

By Devin Gannon

Teens will take over the Metropolitan Museum of Art on Friday for an evening full of free creative and educational events. "Teens Take the Met!" takes place at the Upper East Side museum on May 20 and offers a jam-packed schedule of art-making, music and dance, theater, and more, including a silent dance party in the Temple of Dendur and dance lessons from Ballet Hispánico. Welcoming teens aged 13 to 18, the event returns as an on-site experience for the first time since 2019.
Find out more

Events & Things To Do

Interior designer Muriel Brandolini lists attractive UES townhouse for $9.5M

All photos by Yoo Jean Han for Sotheby’s International Realty

May 19, 2022

Interior designer Muriel Brandolini lists attractive UES townhouse for $9.5M

By Devin Gannon

Celebrated interior designer and decorator Muriel Brandolini is selling her four-story brownstone on the Upper East Side for $9,500,000. Brandolini, known for her "modernist-tropical" style reflective of her French-Vietnamese upbringing, decorated her home at 167 East 80th Street with art, patterns, and statement lighting, creating highly-livable spaces on every floor. Outside, a long private rear garden surrounded by bamboo gives the home a vacation vibe.
See inside

Distinctive Homes

Nick Cave’s vibrant ‘Soundsuits’ subway station mosaics capture the energy of Times Square

All photos courtesy of MTA/Trent Reeves, unless otherwise noted

May 17, 2022

Nick Cave’s vibrant ‘Soundsuits’ subway station mosaics capture the energy of Times Square

By Devin Gannon

Two new mosaics by the artist Nick Cave were unveiled in Times Square on Monday, completing a permanent artwork and marking the largest mosaic project in New York City's subway system. Commissioned by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's public art program, the artwork, titled "Each One, Every One, Equal All," features Cave's wearable sculpture works "Soundsuits" translated into 4,600 square feet of colorful mosaic. The new artwork is part of a larger revamp of the 42nd Street station, including a new entrance and upgraded mezzanine level.
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East Village speakeasy PDT opens pop-up on 86th floor of the Empire State Building

Photo courtesy of the Empire State Building

May 13, 2022

East Village speakeasy PDT opens pop-up on 86th floor of the Empire State Building

By Devin Gannon

One of New York City's favorite speakeasies has opened at one of the world's most famous buildings. PDT (Please Don't Tell)--the cocktail bar hidden behind a phone booth in the East Village hot dog joint Crif Dogs--is operating a pop-up on the 86th-floor of the Empire State Building this month. In addition to enjoying sweeping city views and stellar signature drinks, guests can chow down on hot dogs from Crif Dogs.
Get the details

Food & Dining

Concrete floors and metal cladding make this $1.5M New Jersey home a modernist lover’s dream

Photos by Wiebke Martens unless otherwise noted

May 12, 2022

Concrete floors and metal cladding make this $1.5M New Jersey home a modernist lover’s dream

By Devin Gannon

For lovers of the sharp, streamlined design and open floorplans of modern architecture, this newly listed New Jersey home may be a perfect fit. Located just minutes from Princeton University, the property at 4580 Province Line Road consists of a 2,400-square-foot contemporary-style house, clad in metal and anchored by a central courtyard. Asking $1,499,000, the flexible two-bedroom home was designed by the New York City-based architects at Leven Betts.
Tour the home

Distinctive Homes

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