All articles by Devin Gannon

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.
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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.
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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.
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Events & Things To Do

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.
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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.
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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.
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Policy

For $4.5M, a palatial four-bedroom in prime Lincoln Square

All photos: Eytan Stern Weber, Evan Joseph Images

November 29, 2021

For $4.5M, a palatial four-bedroom in prime Lincoln Square

By Devin Gannon

Here's a rare opportunity to own a four-bedroom on the Upper West Side for under $5 million. A sprawling condo located at 155 West 70th Street, within the cultural hub of Lincoln Square, is now available for $4,500,000. Mixing classic design with modern upgrades, the home boasts coffered ceilings and handcrafted moldings, along with a new home automation system and motorized shades.
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Distinctive Homes

Lottery opens for 26 luxury middle-income units on the Upper West Side, from $2,135/month

By Devin Gannon

Applications are now being accepted for 26 below-market-rate apartments at a luxury rental building on the Upper West Side. Located at 101 West End Avenue in the Lincoln Square neighborhood, the recently renovated towers contain over 500 apartments and nearly 15,000 square feet of amenities. Qualifying New Yorkers earning 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the available units, priced at $2,135/month for studios, $2,485/month for one-bedrooms, and $2,760/month for two-bedrooms.
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Affordable Housing

Celebrate Hanukkah in NYC at these menorah lighting ceremonies and celebrations

Menorah lighting at Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn in 2016; Credit: Chabad of Park Slope / Chabad.org

November 27, 2021

Celebrate Hanukkah in NYC at these menorah lighting ceremonies and celebrations

By Devin Gannon

The Jewish Festival of Lights starts early this year, running from sunset on Sunday, November 28 through Monday, December 6. To mark Hanukkah, several organizations in New York City are hosting menorah lighting ceremonies and events throughout the eight-night holiday. Ahead, find a celebration near you, from the rival "world's largest" menorahs near Central Park and Prospect Park to a menorah made of ice at the Seaport.
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Events & Things To Do

The best spots to watch the 2021 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Map courtesy of Macy’s Inc.

November 24, 2021

The best spots to watch the 2021 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

By Devin Gannon

The 95th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade returns on Thursday, welcoming the public back following a spectator-free event last year. The parade kicks off at 9 a.m. from 77th Street and Central Park West and moves down its traditional route, ending in front of Macy's Herald Square. For those hoping to enjoy the parade in person, Macy's released a helpful interactive map highlighting the 2.5 miles of public viewing. The map also notes where parade-goers can find coffee, food, and restrooms.
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Events & Things To Do

NYC Council approves sweeping Gowanus rezoning

Photo by bobistraveling on Flickr

November 24, 2021

NYC Council approves sweeping Gowanus rezoning

By Devin Gannon

The New York City Council on Tuesday approved the biggest rezoning of Mayor Bill de Blasio's administration just weeks before his term ends. In a near-unanimous vote, the Council approved plans to upzone 82 blocks of Gowanus, a former industrial hub turned affluent residential neighborhood. As the first rezoning of de Blasio's administration in a predominantly white and wealthy neighborhood, the decision could pave the way for upzoning in similar communities, including the proposal to rezone Soho and Noho, scheduled for a vote next month.
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Policy

Sales launch for net-zero custom-built homes in the Catskill Mountains for under $1M

Photo: James Karpowicz

November 23, 2021

Sales launch for net-zero custom-built homes in the Catskill Mountains for under $1M

By Devin Gannon

One of the greenest new residential developments in New York launched sales recently, offering eco-conscious buyers a chance to custom design an energy-efficient dream home in the mountains. Located in Livingston Manor across 90 acres in the Catskill Mountains, The Catskill Project will feature 11 single-family homes designed to meet Passive House standards. Buyers will choose from three unique designs for their home, all of which will include solar energy and the opportunity for eco upgrades. Pricing starts at $895,000 for two-bedroom homes and $945,000 for three-bedrooms.
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Where to get takeout latkes and treats for Hanukkah in NYC

Photo by RODNAE Productions from Pexels

November 23, 2021

Where to get takeout latkes and treats for Hanukkah in NYC

By Devin Gannon

While many families were unable to gather for Hanukkah in 2020, this year, with vaccination rates high, getting together is possible again. The Festival of Lights arrives early this year, running from November 28 to December 6. If you plan to cook a big meal for Thanksgiving just days before and don't feel like doing it all over again, there are several New York City restaurants, bakeries, and specialty shops offering takeout holiday meals and treats. Leave the latkes and lox to the professionals and place a to-go order with a local business during Hanukkah this year.
Full list ahead

Here are the best books of 2021, according to the NYPL

Photo credit: Jonathan Blanc / NYPL

November 23, 2021

Here are the best books of 2021, according to the NYPL

By Devin Gannon

The New York Public Library on Tuesday released its annual list of the best books of the year, a tradition that started nearly 100 years ago. This year, committees of expert librarians selected nearly 300 titles across categories for kids, teens, and adults. From fiction to fantasy to graphic novels and poetry, the Best Books of 2021 list has something for every reader in your life.
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City Living

AMNH’s problematic Theodore Roosevelt statue will relocate to presidential library in North Dakota

Photo by Mike Steele on Flickr

November 22, 2021

AMNH’s problematic Theodore Roosevelt statue will relocate to presidential library in North Dakota

By Devin Gannon

After standing on the steps of the American Museum of Natural History for more than 80 years, the statue of Theodore Roosevelt will be removed and relocated to North Dakota. The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, set to open in Medora, N.D. in 2026, announced on Friday it entered into an agreement for a long-term loan of the statue with New York City.
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Events & Things To Do

Apply for 60 affordable apartments at new Bronx rental, from $947/month

Rendering courtesy of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and D

November 22, 2021

Apply for 60 affordable apartments at new Bronx rental, from $947/month

By Devin Gannon

evelopment Applications are now being accepted for 60 affordable apartments at a newly constructed residential building in the West Bronx. The 16-story rental is located at 1769 Jerome Avenue in the Morris Heights neighborhood and is one of the first affordable housing developments constructed under the 2018 Jerome Avenue rezoning. Qualifying New Yorkers earning 60 and 80 percent of the area median income can apply for the apartments, which range from $947/month studios to $2,037/month three-bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

Lottery opens for 24 income-restricted condos in Bed-Stuy, available to buy from $204K

Rendering courtesy of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development

November 19, 2021

Lottery opens for 24 income-restricted condos in Bed-Stuy, available to buy from $204K

By Devin Gannon

Applications are now being accepted for 24 income-restricted condos available for purchase in Bed-Stuy. Located at 948 Myrtle Avenue, the apartments are open to New Yorkers earning 60 or 80 percent of the area median income, ranging from a single person with an income of between $37,500 and $50,160 and a five-person household with an income up to $103,120. Available as part of the city's Inclusionary Housing Program, the units include a mix of studio, one-, and two-bedroom homes, listed for between $203,682 and $355,811.
Find out if you qualify

Leasing launches at Queens’ second tallest tower, with rentals priced from $2,950/month

All photos: Durst Organization/ Giles Ashford

November 19, 2021

Leasing launches at Queens’ second tallest tower, with rentals priced from $2,950/month

By Devin Gannon

Leasing officially kicked off this week at the second tallest building in Queens, a 71-story rental in Long Island City. Located at 27-29 Queens Plaza North, the building, dubbed Sven, has 958 apartments, with a mix of studios to three-bedroom units priced from $2,950/month. Originally expected to become the borough's tallest building when plans were announced, the tower was surpassed by the Skyline Tower in 2019. Not only do the rentals come with stunning skyline views, but the building is the first in New York City to offer "Spireworks," an app that lets users change the colors of lights at iconic city skyscrapers.
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30th annual holiday train show returns to NYBG with more than 190 replicas of NYC landmarks

The Holiday Train Show® display in the reflecting pool of the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory’s Palms of the World Gallery; Courtesy of the New York Botanical Garden

November 18, 2021

30th annual holiday train show returns to NYBG with more than 190 replicas of NYC landmarks

By Devin Gannon

One of New York City's most popular holiday events will open fully this season after an abbreviated event last year. The New York Botanical Garden's 30th annual Holiday Train Show returns on Saturday, November 20 with 25 G-scale model trains and trolleys riding around more than 190 replicas of iconic city landmarks. Celebrating its 30th year, the train show features a showcase of the garden's LuEsther T. Mertz Library Building and the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory.
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Events & Things To Do

At this $6M Soho penthouse, lift and slide glass doors make indoor-outdoor living a breeze

All photos courtesy of Tim Waltman of Evan Joseph Studios for The Corcoran Group

November 18, 2021

At this $6M Soho penthouse, lift and slide glass doors make indoor-outdoor living a breeze

By Devin Gannon

With access to outdoor space and fresh air at residential spaces more desirable than ever, this penthouse on Soho hit the market at the right time. Located on the top of a landmarked condo building at 43 Wooster Street, the duplex loft features a massive set of lift and slide doors that allow the top floor to seamlessly connect to the expansive landscaped terrace. The stunning one-bedroom, two-bath home is now on the market for $6,000,000.
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Distinctive Homes

See billionaire Bill Ackman’s plan for a glass house atop a historic UWS building

All renderings designed by Foster+ Partners, courtesy of the Landmarks Preservation Commission

November 17, 2021

See billionaire Bill Ackman’s plan for a glass house atop a historic UWS building

By Devin Gannon

A plan funded by one of the world's wealthiest people and designed by one of the world's most famous architects still can't get approved in New York City. Billionaire Bill Ackman on Tuesday presented to the Landmarks Preservation Commission his plan to construct a new glass penthouse addition designed by Norman Foster on top of a 100-year-old Upper West Side co-op building where he owns an apartment. After hours-long public testimony, LPC Chair Sarah Carroll sent Ackman and his team back to the drawing board, calling for a scaled-down design.
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16-foot-tall ‘Flyboy’ sculpture from artist Hebru Brantley unveiled at The Battery

All photos: NYC Parks / Malcolm Pinckney

November 17, 2021

16-foot-tall ‘Flyboy’ sculpture from artist Hebru Brantley unveiled at The Battery

By Devin Gannon

A 16-foot-tall steel and fiberglass sculpture of a superhero has been installed at The Battery in Lower Manhattan. Designed by artist Hebru Brantley, the artwork, called The Great Debate, is part of a series featuring the character Flyboy, an aviator goggle-wearing, crime-fighter. The sculpture will be on display through November 13, 2022.
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Events & Things To Do

All articles by Devin Gannon

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