All articles by Devin Gannon

Lottery opens for 288 apartments at 71-story rental in Long Island City, from $2,132/month

Photo: The Durst Organization/ Giles Ashford

January 18, 2022

Lottery opens for 288 apartments at 71-story rental in Long Island City, from $2,132/month

Late last year, leasing launched at Sven, a 71-story rental in Long Island City and the second tallest building in Queens. This week, an affordable housing lottery for 288 middle-income apartments opened at the residential skyscraper located at 2959 Northern Boulevard. Qualifying New Yorkers earning 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the apartments, which range in price from $1,990/month studios to $3,843/month three-bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

Billionaire Daniel Och sells 220 Central Park South penthouse for $190M

220 Central Park South. Photo by Jim.henderson (cropped) via Wikimedia Commons.

January 14, 2022

Billionaire Daniel Och sells 220 Central Park South penthouse for $190M

By Devin Gannon

Billionaire Daniel Och has sold his penthouse at 220 Central Park South for an astounding $190 million, nearly double the amount he paid for the home in 2019. As first reported by the Wall Street Journal, the sale marks one of the most expensive deals ever in New York. The buyer has not been disclosed.
Get the details

Real Estate Trends

See inside a $10M penthouse at the record-setting Quay Tower in Brooklyn Heights

All photos courtesy of Donna Dotan

January 13, 2022

See inside a $10M penthouse at the record-setting Quay Tower in Brooklyn Heights

By Devin Gannon

A palatial penthouse at record-setting condo building Quay Tower in Brooklyn Heights has just hit the market for $10,000,000. Located at 50 Bridge Park Drive at the south end of Brooklyn Bridge Park, the waterfront development has made headlines for several title-grabbing sales, including a $20.3 million penthouse (the borough's second most expensive residential sale ever) and a $10.65 million home that went into contract last fall, a condo record last year. 6sqft got a first look at photos of this just-listed penthouse, which measures a stunning 3,553 square feet and includes four bedrooms, three and a half baths, and unmatched views of Manhattan.
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Distinctive Homes

The Russian Tea Room in Midtown is participating in Restaurant Week. Photo by Amy Lombard, courtesy of NYC & Company

January 12, 2022

NYC Restaurant Week returns with deals at more than 440 neighborhood eateries

By Devin Gannon

Reservations are now open at more than 440 local restaurants participating in New York City Restaurant Week this winter. The biannual program, which was first introduced 30 years ago, offers New Yorkers a chance to dine at highly acclaimed restaurants at a discounted price. Running from January 18 through February 13, the 2022 winter Restaurant Week includes prix-fixe deals for two-course lunches or three-course dinners for $29, $39, or $59, depending on the restaurant.
Get the details

Food & Dining

How to help victims of the Bronx apartment building fire

Gov. Kathy Hochul, Mayor Eric Adams, FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro and other leaders brief the press after Sunday’s deadly five-alarm fire Photo: Michael Appleton / Office of Mayoral Photography on Flickr

January 10, 2022

How to help victims of the Bronx apartment building fire

By Devin Gannon

A five-alarm fire ignited in a residential tower in the Bronx on Sunday morning, killing 17 people, including eight children, and marking the city's most devastating fire since 1990. According to Fire Department officials, a faulty space heater started the fire at the 120-unit Twin Parks North West building, located at 333 East 181st Street. In addition to dealing with the tragic loss of life and dozens of serious injuries, families in the building have now been displaced and are in urgent need of relief supplies. We've put together a list of organizations accepting monetary donations and emergency supplies for those affected by the fire.
More here

Events & Things To Do

For $1.8M, a co-op in a Lenox Hill landmark has two exposures and five-star hotel service

Photos courtesy of Douglas Elliman

January 7, 2022

For $1.8M, a co-op in a Lenox Hill landmark has two exposures and five-star hotel service

By Devin Gannon

A perfectly proportioned two-bedroom co-op next to Central Park is now available. The home sits in the iconic Sherry Netherland, a 38-story cooperative residential hotel at 781 Fifth Avenue built in the 1920s. Now asking $1,795,000, the residence boasts East and West exposures, pouring light into the home through its incredible 12 windows.
See inside

Distinctive Homes

Hochul wants to make to-go cocktails legal again in New York

Photo of New Yorkers drinking on St. Mark’s Place by Eden, Janine and Jim on Flickr

January 5, 2022

Hochul wants to make to-go cocktails legal again in New York

By Devin Gannon

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Wednesday plans to introduce legislation permanently allowing the sale of to-go alcoholic beverages. First permitted at the start of the coronavirus pandemic to support the restaurant industry during the lockdown, the state ended takeout cocktails last June, coinciding with the lift of Covid-related restrictions. Legalizing the sale of to-go drinks will help local restaurants and bars recover from the pandemic, according to Hochul's proposal. "Cheers, New York," Hochul said Wednesday during her State of the State address.
Get the details

$850M South Street Seaport project gets final approval

Photo credit: The Howard Hughes Corporation/SOM

January 5, 2022

$850M South Street Seaport project gets final approval

By Devin Gannon

The Howard Hughes Corporation last week got the official go-ahead from the city to build a mixed-use tower on a parking lot in the South Street Seaport. Originally proposed as a 1,000-foot-tall tower, the plan for 250 Water Street has changed many times over the last few years due to feedback from community groups and local officials, with the final result being a 324-foot-tall tower with roughly 270 apartments. The $850 million project is expected to break ground this year following remediation of the site.
Get the details

Photo by Daniel Lee on Unsplash

January 4, 2022

Manhattan housing market makes record rebound to close out 2021

By Devin Gannon

New York City real estate made a major comeback to close out 2021, experts say. According to a new report from Compass, condo and co-op sales volume hit $7 billion in the last quarter of the year, the highest of any fourth quarter on record. More than 3,400 apartments were sold in this quarter, between October 1 and December 31, up 79 percent from the previous year and the highest total in a Q4 since 2013. After Covid crippled much of the market in 2020, 2021 saw an impressive turnaround in Manhattan, particularly with the sales of luxury properties, new development condos, and townhouses.
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Brooklyn Heights co-op with charming bay window and original stained glass asks $825K

Photo credit: Shannon Dupre with DDreps

January 3, 2022

Brooklyn Heights co-op with charming bay window and original stained glass asks $825K

By Devin Gannon

This available, cozy Brooklyn Heights one-bedroom radiates pre-war charm, while also boasting modern interiors. Located at 149 Willow Street on a tree-lined block, the co-op features a renovated kitchen and spacious layout. A major highlight of the apartment is the living room's lovely bay window that overlooks treetops and features original stained glass at the top. It's currently on the market for $825,000.
See inside

Distinctive Homes

Hochul announces Covid ‘surge plan 2.0’ as New York sees record number of daily cases

By Devin Gannon

On Friday, the state of New York recorded over 85,000 new cases of the coronavirus, the highest daily total since the start of the pandemic. Nearly 50,000 of those cases were reported in New York City alone. Gov. Kathy Hochul announced over the holiday weekend a "winter surge plan 2.0," an attempt to strengthen the state's fight against Covid with more testing, additional testing sites, and an increase in access to vaccines.
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Policy

Walk-in Covid testing now available at 7 subway stations across NYC

Photo: Marc A. Hermann / MTA New York City Transit on Flickr

January 3, 2022

Walk-in Covid testing now available at 7 subway stations across NYC

By Devin Gannon

Pop-up coronavirus testing sites are now open at seven subway stations across New York City. After opening two walk-in PCR testing sites at Grand Central and Times Square stations last week, Gov. Kathy Hochul and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority opened additional sites at five subway stations, including Penn Station, Broadway Junction in Brooklyn, East 180th Street in the Bronx, and Roosevelt Avenue and Jamaica-179th Street in Queens. The state is currently experiencing a record surge in new Covid cases, which officials are attributing to the highly contagious Omicron variant.
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Policy

On the Upper West Side, an Emery Roth-designed co-op overlooking Central Park asks $7.4M

All photos: Compass/ Michael J. Franco

December 22, 2021

On the Upper West Side, an Emery Roth-designed co-op overlooking Central Park asks $7.4M

By Devin Gannon

A pre-war Upper West Side co-op designed by an influential architect with views of Central Park? It doesn't get much more classic New York City living than that. A stunning eight-room duplex at 15 West 81st Street is now on the market for $7,350,000. Stretching across floors 12 and 13, the spacious apartment not only benefits from a prime address, but also pre-war features, like herringbone floors, original banister, and moldings.
Take the tour

Distinctive Homes

Former Fort Greene home of Notorious B.I.G. sells for $2M

All photos courtesy of Compass

December 21, 2021

Former Fort Greene home of Notorious B.I.G. sells for $2M

By Devin Gannon

After just over three months on the market, the Fort Greene home that once belonged to the late rapper Notorious B.I.G. sold last week for $2,000,000, as the New York Post first reported. Located at 159 Carlton Avenue, the two-bedroom duplex sits within a former stable building and underwent a major renovation by the current owner, a well-known costume designer. The home, which is where Biggie lived when he released his iconic 1994 album "Ready to Die," was listed for $1,700,000 in September.
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East Village duplex with a dreamy garden and balcony asks $3.5M

All photos by Rise Media

December 21, 2021

East Village duplex with a dreamy garden and balcony asks $3.5M

By Devin Gannon

For many homebuyers in New York City, outdoor space is a must-have amenity. While most will settle for any slice of green space or sliver of a balcony, this available East Village duplex offers both. The two-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath condo at 62 East 1st Street offers a dreamy 1,000-square-foot backyard garden and patio, with a spacious balcony above it. The home is now on the market for $3,488,000.
Take the tour

Distinctive Homes

All renderings: James Corner Field Operations and BIG- Bjarke Ingels Group

December 20, 2021

Plan for Bjarke Ingels-designed high-rises and public beach in Williamsburg is approved

By Devin Gannon

Two massive high-rise towers with over 1,000 apartments and a resilient waterfront public park are officially coming to Williamsburg. The New York City Council last week voted to approve River Ring, a development planned for River Street between North 1st and North 3rd Streets on the Brooklyn waterfront. Developed by Two Trees Management, the project includes two mixed-use buildings designed by Bjarke Ingels Group that will hold 1,050 units of housing, with 263 of them priced below market rate, as well as a new YMCA and public park. Construction is expected to begin in 2024.
Get the details

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.
Find out more

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.
Find out more

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.
Find out more

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.
Learn more

All articles by Devin Gannon

Lottery opens for 288 apartments at 71-story rental in Long Island City, from $2,132/month

Billionaire Daniel Och sells 220 Central Park South penthouse for $190M

See inside a $10M penthouse at the record-setting Quay Tower in Brooklyn Heights

NYC Restaurant Week returns with deals at more than 440 neighborhood eateries

How to help victims of the Bronx apartment building fire

For $1.8M, a co-op in a Lenox Hill landmark has two exposures and five-star hotel service

Hochul wants to make to-go cocktails legal again in New York

$850M South Street Seaport project gets final approval

Manhattan housing market makes record rebound to close out 2021

Brooklyn Heights co-op with charming bay window and original stained glass asks $825K

Hochul announces Covid ‘surge plan 2.0’ as New York sees record number of daily cases

Walk-in Covid testing now available at 7 subway stations across NYC

On the Upper West Side, an Emery Roth-designed co-op overlooking Central Park asks $7.4M

Former Fort Greene home of Notorious B.I.G. sells for $2M

Sting's former Central Park West pad is back on the market for $45M

East Village duplex with a dreamy garden and balcony asks $3.5M

Plan for Bjarke Ingels-designed high-rises and public beach in Williamsburg is approved

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

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

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

New York City bans natural gas in new buildings

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

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

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

Get a first look inside the tallest tower in Brooklyn

144 Vanderbilt Avenue in Clinton Hill

All articles by Devin Gannon

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