All articles by Devin Gannon

Lottery opens for nearly 700 mixed-income units at huge Far Rockaway complex, from $388/month

All renderings courtesy of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development

December 20, 2021

Lottery opens for nearly 700 mixed-income units at huge Far Rockaway complex, from $388/month

By Devin Gannon

A housing lottery opened this week for 692 affordable apartments at a brand new development in Far Rockaway, Queens. Developed by Phipps Houses, the Rockaway Village Apartments consist of three buildings within a massive complex, which is currently under construction on site of a former abandoned shopping center. New Yorkers earning 30, 40, 50, 60, 80, and 100 percent of the area median income can apply for the lottery units, which range from $388/month studios to $1,885/month three-bedrooms.
Details here

Affordable Housing

As Covid cases surge, NYC to give out a million masks and 500K free at-home tests

Photo by Billie Grace Ward on Flickr

December 17, 2021

As Covid cases surge, NYC to give out a million masks and 500K free at-home tests

By Devin Gannon

With a sudden surge of coronavirus cases in New York City, Mayor Bill de Blasio on Thursday announced several new measures to curb the spread of the virus. The city will distribute one million free KN95 face masks and 500,000 rapid antigen self-testing kits, open new testing sites, and expand hours at existing sites. City officials say the new highly-contagious variant is to blame for the rising number of cases; the seven-day average for new cases has tripled in the last month. "It is clear the Omicron variant is here in New York City in full force," de Blasio said on Thursday.
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Policy

NYC Council approves plan to rezone Soho and Noho, which will add 900 affordable units

A rendering of West Broadway in Soho, looking downtown; courtesy of City Planning Commission

December 16, 2021

NYC Council approves plan to rezone Soho and Noho, which will add 900 affordable units

By Devin Gannon

The New York City Council on Wednesday voted to approve the plan to rezone Soho and Noho, a major policy win for Mayor Bill de Blasio in his final days in office. The rezoning aims to bring about 3,000 new homes, with roughly 900 of them permanently affordable, to the Lower Manhattan neighborhoods, which are two of the wealthiest in the city.
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New York City bans natural gas in new buildings

“Ally Block” will include the city’s first all-electric skyscraper; Rendering: Alloy Development

December 16, 2021

New York City bans natural gas in new buildings

By Devin Gannon

New York City is now the largest city in the United States to phase fossil fuels out of new construction. The City Council on Wednesday approved legislation banning the use of natural gas in new buildings under seven stories tall starting in 2023 and in structures over seven stories in the middle of 2027. The legislation means new buildings in the city, with very few exceptions, will be all-electric.
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Vote for 6sqft’s 2021 Building of the Year!

December 15, 2021

Vote for 6sqft’s 2021 Building of the Year!

By Devin Gannon

After New York City's construction and real estate industries ground to a halt last year because of the pandemic, 2021 saw a flurry of activity, thanks to the arrival of the coronavirus vaccine and federal funding for states and cities. This year, we saw positive signs that the road to recovery for New York real estate has started. More apartments sold in Manhattan in the third quarter of 2021 than at any point during the last 30 years. Brooklyn gained its first supertall. The priciest private development ever built in the Bronx opened. Records were broken, set, and broken again. As the city adapts to a new normal, so do residential projects. Amenities now focus on health and wellness, like stunning sky-high pools, curated fitness centers, and landscaped outdoor space. With work-from-home culture likely not going anywhere, developers offer designer-crafted co-working spaces, libraries, and lounges. Our picks are down to 16 of the most notable residential projects this year. Which do you think deserves 6sqft’s title of 2021 Building of the Year? Polls for our seventh annual competition will remain open through midnight on Sunday, December 26. A winner will be announced on Monday, December 27. Happy voting!
Vote here

New Developments

One year after NYC’s first Covid vaccination, 90% of adults have received at least one dose

Photo Scott Heins/Office of former Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

December 14, 2021

One year after NYC’s first Covid vaccination, 90% of adults have received at least one dose

By Devin Gannon

On December 14, 2020, Sandra Lindsay, a nurse at Long Island Jewish Medical Center in Queens, received the first coronavirus vaccine in the country. One year later, New York City has hit a significant milestone in its fight against the virus: 90 percent of all adults in the city have received at least one dose of the vaccine. "We've come a long, long way," Mayor Bill de Blasio said during a press conference on Monday.
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Policy

Apply for 200 rent-restricted rentals in Far Rockaway, from $522/month

Rendering courtesy of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development

December 14, 2021

Apply for 200 rent-restricted rentals in Far Rockaway, from $522/month

By Devin Gannon

In the Queens neighborhood of Far Rockaway, a brand new mixed-use building with a host of amenities launched an affordable housing lottery this week. Located at 10-47 Beach 21st Street, the 10-story building features 224 rent-restricted apartments, a restaurant, a daycare and childhood center, and parking for vehicles and bikes. New Yorkers earning 40, 50, 60, and 100 percent of the area median income can apply for the apartments, ranging from $522/month studios to $2,121/month three-bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

Get a first look inside the tallest tower in Brooklyn

All renderings courtesy of Gabriel Saunders unless otherwise noted.

December 13, 2021

Get a first look inside the tallest tower in Brooklyn

By Devin Gannon

After officially becoming Brooklyn's tallest building in October, the Brooklyn Tower is now showing off its sumptuous interiors. When the 1,066-foot-tall tower, the first and only supertall in the borough, opens at 9 DeKalb Avenue next year, there will be 550 total residences, with 150 condos for sales and 400 rentals. New images provide a sneak peek of the interiors designed by Gachot Studio, which was able to manipulate the tower's unique hexagonal shape for sweeping incomparable city views.
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All New York businesses will mandate masks indoors unless there’s a vaccine requirement

Photo courtesy of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office on Flickr

December 10, 2021

All New York businesses will mandate masks indoors unless there’s a vaccine requirement

By Devin Gannon

As coronavirus cases and hospitalizations rise statewide, Gov. Kathy Hochul on Friday announced a new mask requirement for all indoor public places in New York that don't require proof of vaccination for entry. The new measure comes as the state experiences a "winter surge." Since Thanksgiving, the statewide seven-day average case rate has jumped by 43 percent and hospitalizations have increased by 29 percent. "I have warned for weeks that additional steps could be necessary, and now we are at that point based upon three metrics: Increasing cases, reduced hospital capacity, and insufficient vaccination rates in certain areas," Hochul said in a statement.
More here

Policy

15 holiday trees in NYC that are not at Rockefeller Center

Photo by Charley Lhasa on Flickr

December 9, 2021

15 holiday trees in NYC that are not at Rockefeller Center

By Devin Gannon

The Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center may be the most popular conifer in New York City, with 125 million people visiting the tree each year, but it certainly is not the only one. Every holiday season, spruces adorned with colorful lights and ornaments pop up across the five boroughs. The city’s many holiday trees each offer a unique take on the tradition, which began in NYC in 1912 when the first public Christmas tree was erected in Madison Square Park. For those looking to skip the Midtown crowds this year, we’ve rounded up 15 of the best holiday trees, from the origami tree at the American Museum of Natural History to the flotilla of trees in Central Park’s Harlem Meer.
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Popular Articles

Trader Joe’s new Williamsburg store opens this week

Trader Joe’s in Williamsburg. Courtesy of Trader Joe’s, ©2021

December 8, 2021

Trader Joe’s new Williamsburg store opens this week

By Devin Gannon

Brooklynites, rejoice: Trader Joe's third location in the borough is opening this week. Bright and early on Friday, December 10, the grocery store will open at 200 Kent Avenue in Williamsburg. Kicking off at 8 a.m., the grand opening celebration includes live music and a reusable bag giveaway.
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Uncategorized

353 mixed-income apartments available at 25-story rental in Jamaica, from $683/month

Rendering courtesy of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development

December 8, 2021

353 mixed-income apartments available at 25-story rental in Jamaica, from $683/month

By Devin Gannon

A housing lottery opened this week for over 350 units of mixed-income housing in Jamaica, Queens. The luxury 25-story rental, called Alvista Rise, is located at 147-25 94th Avenue, across the street from a major train station, home to the subway, Long Island Air Road, and AirTrain to JFK Airport. Qualifying New Yorkers earning 50, 120, and 165 percent of the area median income can apply for the apartments, priced from $683/month for studios and up to $2,804/month for two-bedroom units.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

See the dramatic amenity space at Robert A.M. Stern’s 35-story tower on the Upper East Side

All renderings: DBOX

December 7, 2021

See the dramatic amenity space at Robert A.M. Stern’s 35-story tower on the Upper East Side

By Devin Gannon

An indoor pool room with vaulted ceilings and floor-to-ceiling arched windows and French doors facing the city skyline is just one unique perk at Robert A.M. Stern's latest residential tower. Located on the Upper East Side at 200 East 83rd Street, the luxury condo launched sales in October for the building's 86 residences and soon after broke a record for priciest sale on Third Avenue when a penthouse went into contract for $27 million. Now, we're taking a look inside the amenity spaces, from the stunning 17th-floor pool room to the romantic "winter garden" and terrace.
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Turtle Bay two-bedroom with pair of enclosed terraces asks $1.9M

All photos by Rise-Media

December 7, 2021

Turtle Bay two-bedroom with pair of enclosed terraces asks $1.9M

By Devin Gannon

Next to the East River and just blocks to the United Nations, a recently renovated two-bedroom condo at 345 East 50th Street is available for $1,895,000. The Turtle Bay digs has a comfortable layout, with the two largest rooms, the living area and the primary bedroom, each benefiting from unique glass-enclosed terraces that stretch into balconies. While the building was constructed in 1900, the home, outfitted with modern conveniences like a built-in espresso machine and central air conditioning, very much meets a 21st-century standard of living.
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Distinctive Homes

Senator Schumer calls for free, at-home Covid tests in New York

Mayor Bill de Blasio is tested for COVID-19 in 2020. Credit: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

December 6, 2021

Senator Schumer calls for free, at-home Covid tests in New York

By Devin Gannon

Sen. Chuck Schumer on Sunday called for free rapid at-home coronavirus test kits to be available at community health centers across New York as the number of virus cases continues to grow. While last week President Joe Biden announced private health insurers will reimburse those who purchase over-the-counter tests starting January 15, Schumer said it's important to offer free tests to New Yorkers in the meantime, with the arrival of winter and the new Omicron variant.
Details here

Policy

New York City announces vaccine mandate for all private employers

Photo of NYC vaccine hub, The Jefferson by Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

December 6, 2021

New York City announces vaccine mandate for all private employers

By Devin Gannon

Mayor Bill de Blasio on Monday announced a new coronavirus vaccination mandate for all private-sector employers in New York City, described as a "preemptive strike" to stop the spread of the Omicron variant. The city has already put in place a vaccine mandate for all city workers and for most indoor activities. The new mandate, considered to be a first in the United States, goes into effect on December 27.
Get the details

Policy

New York Public Library honors Stephen Sondheim with new tribute display

Photograph of Sondheim at the piano by Friedman-Abeles (Firm) Courtesy of the New York Public Library Digital Collections.

December 3, 2021

New York Public Library honors Stephen Sondheim with new tribute display

By Devin Gannon

The New York Public Library has opened a new exhibit honoring the legacy of the late Broadway legend Stephen Sondheim, considered one of the best musical theater composers of our time. Sondheim, the mastermind behind works in West Side Story, Sweeney Todd, Sunday in the Park with George, Into the Woods, and many others, died last week at age 91. Free and open to the public until early next year, the display features letters and other objects related to Sondheim found in the archives of the Library of the Performing Arts.
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New rental with 400 units of affordable housing and a grocery store opens in Jamaica

Rendering courtesy of Omni New York

December 2, 2021

New rental with 400 units of affordable housing and a grocery store opens in Jamaica

By Devin Gannon

A new rental with nearly 400 affordable apartments and a low-cost grocery store officially opened in Jamaica, Queens this week. Located at 92-23 168th Street, Archer Green was developed by Omni New York and designed by ESKW/Architects. The development has 389 total apartments across two towers, one at 23 stories and the other at 20 stories, and will be home to an ALDI grocery store and 15,000 square feet of community space.
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Affordable Housing

Ice skating, sledding, fire pits, and more coming to new winter village on Governors Island

Governors Island in winter; Photo: Trust for Governors Island

December 2, 2021

Ice skating, sledding, fire pits, and more coming to new winter village on Governors Island

By Devin Gannon

For its first winter season ever, Governors Island is pulling out all of the stops. The Trust for Governors Island on Thursday announced it will transform its historic Colonels Row into a winter village with an ice skating rink, fire pits, sled rentals, games, festive food and drinks, and more. Dubbed Governors Island Winter Village, the seasonal destination will open on December 17.
Get the details

Events & Things To Do

$865K Greenwich Village studio is small in size, but big in style

Photo credit: Elizabeth Dooley

December 2, 2021

$865K Greenwich Village studio is small in size, but big in style

By Devin Gannon

Not all New York City studios are created equal, and this one in Greenwich Village, with its functional layout and exposed beams and brick, feels like a cut above the rest. Located at 43 East 10th Street, the co-op has been smartly renovated to include all of the essentials, including a surprisingly large kitchen with a dishwasher, a Sonos home sound system, and access to the shared roof deck. It's asking $865,000.
More here

Distinctive Homes

119th annual polar bear plunge is back in Coney Island this New Year’s Day

Photo by Kim on Flickr

December 1, 2021

119th annual polar bear plunge is back in Coney Island this New Year’s Day

By Devin Gannon

One of New York City's oldest traditions may also be its coldest. The 119th annual New Year's Day polar bear plunge returns to Coney Island on January 1 for the first time since New Year's Day 2020. Hosted by the Coney Island Polar Bear Club, the oldest winter bathing club in the United States, the event draws thousands of New Yorkers brave enough to jump in the Atlantic Ocean during the winter.
Get the details

Events & Things To Do

The 10 most over-the-top festive bars in NYC

December 1, 2021

The 10 most over-the-top festive bars in NYC

By Devin Gannon

When the weather outside is frightful, drinking seasonal spirits inside a cozy holiday-themed bar can be quite delightful. In New York City, there are many places to cure your winter blues while surrounded by over-the-top decorations and with an overpriced cocktail in hand. From Christmas classics like Rolf's and Pete's Tavern to high-end heated snow globes at the rooftop bar Mr. Purple, there is no shortage of festive spots to make the season merry and bright.
See the list

Events & Things To Do

For just under $700K, a cute Clinton Hill co-op designed by prolific NYC architect

All photos by Ben Fitchett

November 30, 2021

For just under $700K, a cute Clinton Hill co-op designed by prolific NYC architect

By Devin Gannon

The late architect Wallace Harrison had a major role in developing some of New York City's most iconic structures, including Rockefeller Center, the United Nations, and Lincoln Center. Harrison, who was a close friend to Nelson Rockefeller, also designed the Clinton Hill Co-ops, a 12-building complex spread across two campuses in Clinton Hill. A charming and sunny junior two-bedroom at the historic complex is now available for $699,000.
See inside

Distinctive Homes

New interactive installation in Flatiron asks New Yorkers to dream together

Photos by Martin Seck for the Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership

November 30, 2021

New interactive installation in Flatiron asks New Yorkers to dream together

By Devin Gannon

A new public art installation opened in the Flatiron Public Plaza as part of the neighborhood's yearly "23 Days of Flatiron Cheer" event. This year's artwork, called Interwoven, comes from design firm Atelier Cho Thompson and features colorful interactive archways. When two or more people pass through sensors of the same color, corresponding lights and musical compositions by local artists are activated. Interwoven, selected by the Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership and Van Alen Institute as the winner of the eighth annual Flatiron Public Plaza Holiday Design Competition, also has a story wall that invites New Yorkers to share responses to the prompt: "I dream of a world where together we can…"
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Hochul declares a state of emergency for New York to prepare for omicron variant

Photo: Mike Groll/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul on Flickr

November 29, 2021

Hochul declares a state of emergency for New York to prepare for omicron variant

By Devin Gannon

Gov. Kathy Hochul on Friday declared a state of emergency for the state of New York to prepare for the new omicron variant of the coronavirus. The order allows the Department of Health to stop non-urgent surgeries at hospitals with less than 10 percent of beds available. While the new variant has not yet been detected in New York, "it's coming," according to Hochul, who in her order said the state is now experiencing Covid transmission rates not seen since April 2020.
Get the details

Policy

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