All articles by Devin Gannon

New York orders all state workers to be vaccinated or tested regularly

Photo: Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

July 28, 2021

New York orders all state workers to be vaccinated or tested regularly

All workers employed by New York State will be required to be vaccinated against Covid-19 or get tested for the virus on a regular basis, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Wednesday. The governor put in place an even more stringent mandate for state hospitals: all patient-facing healthcare workers must now be vaccinated, with no test option offered. The announcement comes days after Mayor Bill de Blasio rolled out a similar requirement for all city workers and as President Joe Biden plans to announce all federal employees and contractors must be vaccinated or submit to testing.
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Policy

Pigpen Theatre Co. performs in “The Amph”; Photo courtesy of Little Island

July 28, 2021

Free four-week arts festival with 160 performances headed to offshore park Little Island

By Devin Gannon

A month-long arts festival featuring more than 160 events and 460 artists will take place in New York City's newest public park next month. Called NYC FREE, the celebration will bring a variety of music, dance, and comedy performances to Little Island, the offshore park in Hudson River Park that opened this spring, over four weeks starting in August. The festival is the culmination of the state's "NY PopsUp" initiative, which launched earlier this year to revive New York's art and culture scene.
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Robert A.M. Stern’s affordable housing building Edwin’s Place opens in Brownsville

All photos of Edwin’s Place © Francis Dzikowski/OTTO

July 27, 2021

Robert A.M. Stern’s affordable housing building Edwin’s Place opens in Brownsville

By Devin Gannon

An affordable housing development designed by an architecture firm known for its pricey condo towers officially opened in Brooklyn this week. Located on the corner of Livonia Avenue and Grafton Street in Brownsville, Edwin's Place was designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects (RAMSA), the team behind renowned buildings like 220 Central Park South, 15 Central Park West, and 70 Vestry Street, all of which have apartments that cost millions of dollars. At Edwin's Place, there are 125 units of affordable and supportive housing set aside for formerly homeless families and low-income New Yorkers.
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Andrea Bocelli, The Killers, Wyclef Jean & a dozen more stars to perform at Central Park concert

Global Citizen Festival in Central Park on September 23, 2017.Photo by Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

July 27, 2021

Andrea Bocelli, The Killers, Wyclef Jean & a dozen more stars to perform at Central Park concert

By Devin Gannon

More than a dozen iconic musicians will take the stage in Central Park next month as part of a mega-concert celebrating the city's recovery from the coronavirus. Announced on Tuesday, the lineup for the concert, dubbed "WE LOVE NYC: The Homecoming Concert," includes major stars like Andrea Bocelli, Wyclef Jean, Barry Manilow, Earth, Wind & Fire, Jennifer Hudson, The Killers, LL COOL J, Carlos Santana, Paul Simon, Patti Smith, Bruce Springsteen, Rob Thomas, and more.
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Conversion of Chelsea’s historic Terminal Warehouse into offices moves ahead with new looks

Rendering by Gensler/TMRW

July 26, 2021

Conversion of Chelsea’s historic Terminal Warehouse into offices moves ahead with new looks

By Devin Gannon

With construction financing secured and new renderings released, the conversion of the historic Terminal Warehouse in Chelsea into a holistic office complex is moving forward. L&L Holding Company and Columbia Property Trust announced last week they closed on a $1.25 billion construction loan for the project, which involves restoring and adapting the former freight distribution hub into modern office space that incorporates original design elements. New renderings show off the project's planned cascading terraces and interior courtyard, rooftop amenity, and ground-floor cafe.
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New minor league baseball team officially headed to Staten Island next year

Richmond County Bank Ballpark, photo by Doug Kerr on Wikimedia

July 26, 2021

New minor league baseball team officially headed to Staten Island next year

By Devin Gannon

America's pastime will return to Staten Island next year. Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Friday a plan to reopen the former Staten Island Yankees stadium with a new minor league baseball team. The Richmond County Bank Ballpark did not open in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic. This year, the waterfront stadium sat empty after Major League Baseball removed the "Baby Bombers" from its parent team as part of a reorganization of its farm system.
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Uncategorized

For $15M, this 160-acre Upstate estate dates to 1775 and has amazing restored barns

All photos courtesy of Brown Harris Stevens

July 23, 2021

For $15M, this 160-acre Upstate estate dates to 1775 and has amazing restored barns

By Devin Gannon

An enchanting estate in Upstate New York that has 160 acres of land and a residence constructed in 1775 is asking $15,000,000. The property, dubbed White Bridge Farm, is located in Old Chattam, a historic hamlet in Columbia County. In addition to the 18th-century home, which has been renovated but maintains some original detail, the farm includes multiple converted barns, horse stables, and a stunning pool and pool house, all surrounded by a landscape that looks like it was pulled from the pages of a storybook.
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NYC will host 5 free concerts as part of ‘Homecoming Week’

Mayor Bill de Blasio speaks at the Global Citizen Festival in Central Park on September 23, 2017. Photo credit: Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

July 22, 2021

NYC will host 5 free concerts as part of ‘Homecoming Week’

By Devin Gannon

New York City will host five huge free concerts in every borough next month to mark the city's recovery from the pandemic. Earlier this summer, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced plans for a "mega-concert" on Central Park's Great Lawn in August and later revealed the show's three major headliners: Bruce Springsteen, Paul Simon, and Jennifer Hudson. On Thursday, the mayor said there will be four additional free concerts, one in each borough, as part of a weeklong celebration dubbed "Homecoming Week."
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16-story sustainable office tower 555 Greenwich breaks ground in Hudson Square

Renderings courtesy of Hudson Square Properties

July 22, 2021

16-story sustainable office tower 555 Greenwich breaks ground in Hudson Square

By Devin Gannon

With tenants like Google and Disney soon moving in, Hudson Square is on its way to becoming the city's next big business district. Joining the burgeoning campus is 555 Greenwich, a 16-story office tower designed by COOKFOX Architects that broke ground this week. Developed by Hudson Square Properties, a joint venture of Trinity Church Wall Street and Norges Bank Investment Management with Hines, 555 Greenwich is expected to be one of the most efficient buildings in New York City, projected to exceed the city's 2030 climate goals for office towers by 45 percent.
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New Developments

11 best spots for outdoor concerts in NYC this summer

Photo of the Rooftop at Pier 17 by Ryan Muir on behalf of The Howard Hughes Corporation

July 22, 2021

11 best spots for outdoor concerts in NYC this summer

By Devin Gannon

After a year without live music, it's finally time to move and groove again. As part of the recovery of New York City's arts and culture scene, outdoor concerts are back. From rooftops and islands to city parks across the five boroughs, there are lots of places hosting outdoor shows this summer. Take in the sounds of summer, whether it be DJ sets on the steps of the Brooklyn Public Library, jazz and classical tunes under the Manhattan Bridge, or silent discos at Lincoln Center's Josie Robertson Plaza.
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Events & Things To Do

Celebrity wedding planner David Tutera lists Connecticut estate for $1.45M

By Devin Gannon

The sprawling countryside estate of celebrity wedding planner David Tutera is on the market for $1,450,000. Located at 176 Tater Hill Road in the Connecticut town of East Haddam, the property contains four separate buildings, including a renovated main residence originally constructed in the 19th century. With a guest home, three-car garage with a loft, and a one-room schoolhouse surrounded by nine acres of land, the next owner has plenty of opportunities to turn the grounds into a dream residence.
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Cuomo’s $2.1B AirTrain to LaGuardia gets federal approval

Rendering courtesy of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office

July 21, 2021

Cuomo’s $2.1B AirTrain to LaGuardia gets federal approval

By Devin Gannon

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey can move forward with its proposal to build a $2.1 billion AirTrain to LaGuardia Airport, the Federal Aviation Administration announced on Tuesday. The 1.5-mile elevated rail would run between the airport and the eastern Queens neighborhood of Willets Point, with a connection to the subway and Long Island Rail Road. The agency's final decision was delayed last month after community groups and elected officials raised concerns about the review process and the logistics of building the AirTrain.
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New looks for the performing arts space coming to the World Trade Center

The Perelman at night, facing south © Luxigon

July 20, 2021

New looks for the performing arts space coming to the World Trade Center

By Devin Gannon

About a month after the Ronald O. Perelman Performing Arts Center (PAC) topped out at the World Trade Center complex, new renderings of the unique project were released this week. As first spotted by Yimby, images showcase the flexible cube-shaped building and its glowing marble facade, the grand staircase, theaters, bar and restaurant, and terrace space. First envisioned nearly two decades prior, PAC is expected to open in 2023.
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Ariana Grande’s former condo at Zaha Hadid’s High Line building sells for $12M

Photo by Tim Fisher, Courtesy of Related Companies

July 20, 2021

Ariana Grande’s former condo at Zaha Hadid’s High Line building sells for $12M

By Devin Gannon

The apartment where pop star Ariana Grande and ex-fiance Pete Davidson once lived has sold for roughly $12,000,000. Located at 520 West 28th Street, the condo building on the High Line designed by the late architect Zaha Hadid, the residence measures an impressive 4,000 square feet, with five bedrooms and four and a half baths. As 6sqft previously reported, the apartment was listed for $16,000,000 in 2018 when the Grammy Award winner moved in.
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New York City pol calls for renewal of indoor mask mandate as cases climb

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

July 19, 2021

New York City pol calls for renewal of indoor mask mandate as cases climb

By Devin Gannon

As New York City sees an uptick in coronavirus cases for the first time in months, an elected official is calling for the renewal of an indoor mask mandate. Council Member Mark Levine, who also chairs the Council's Committee on Health, plans on asking the state Health Department to reinstate the face-covering rule, even for those fully vaccinated, as the New York Post first reported.
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Construction set to begin on five-building Alloy Block development in Downtown Brooklyn

Renderings courtesy of Alloy

July 19, 2021

Construction set to begin on five-building Alloy Block development in Downtown Brooklyn

By Devin Gannon

After securing $240 million in financing, Alloy Development announced construction will kick off this month on its huge mixed-use, multi-building project in Downtown Brooklyn. Formerly known as 80 Flatbush, Alloy Block includes five buildings with 850 apartments, 200,000 square feet of office space, 40,000 square feet of retail, and two public schools designed to meet Passive House standards. Since first announcing the project roughly four years ago, developers have cut the height of the residential towers, swapped out planned office space for additional residences, and pushed back the expected completion date.
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Delta is now the dominant variant of Covid in NYC

Photo by Laura James from Pexels

July 16, 2021

Delta is now the dominant variant of Covid in NYC

By Devin Gannon

Data released this week by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene show the contagious Delta variant now accounting for a majority of new coronavirus cases. Of the cases analyzed by the city between June 27 and July 3, Delta made up 69 percent, as first reported by Gothamist. That is up from 44 percent of cases the week prior. City officials say the growing spread of the Delta variant is behind the city's recent uptick in new virus cases, reported in nearly all residents who remain unvaccinated.
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Policy

New York City’s marriage bureau will reopen for in-person weddings

Photo by Emma Bauso from Pexels

July 15, 2021

New York City’s marriage bureau will reopen for in-person weddings

By Devin Gannon

Save the date! New York City's marriage bureau will reopen next week for in-person appointments, nearly 16 months after the department closed because of the coronavirus pandemic. The city's five marriage bureaus had been closed since 2020, although the city did permit virtual license appointments and ceremonies. The marriage bureau will reopen on July 19 with the first marriage licenses given out starting July 23, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced during a press briefing on Thursday.
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Outdoor beer garden Smorgasbar is now open on the Jersey City waterfront

Photo courtesy of Smorgasburg

July 15, 2021

Outdoor beer garden Smorgasbar is now open on the Jersey City waterfront

By Devin Gannon

A massive new beer garden is now open along the Jersey City waterfront. Earlier this summer, open-air market Smorgasburg opened its first-ever New Jersey location at the Harborside campus. This month, the founders of the popular food market opened "Smorgasbar," a 300-seat outdoor venue with incredible Hudson River and Manhattan skyline views.
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Food & Dining

For $750K, a charming home in the Bronx with a secret terraced garden

All photos by Christian Atherton

July 14, 2021

For $750K, a charming home in the Bronx with a secret terraced garden

By Devin Gannon

A single-family home in the Bronx with an enviable backyard is on the market for $750,000. Located at 3459 Irwin Avenue in Kingsbridge, the charming, shingle-sided home has just two bedrooms and one and a half bathrooms but feels more spacious thanks to the lush garden and tucked away deck. Constructed in 1932, the residence boasts original details, like a decorative fireplace and some doors, as well as modern features, like a gut-renovated kitchen and separate laundry room.
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Distinctive Homes

Over 8,300 Covid deaths prevented by NYC’s vaccination effort, study says

A vaccination site in Co-Op City in the Bronx on Saturday, March 6, 2021. Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

July 14, 2021

Over 8,300 Covid deaths prevented by NYC’s vaccination effort, study says

By Devin Gannon

New York City's coronavirus vaccination campaign saved more than 8,300 lives and averted roughly 250,000 cases and 44,000 hospitalizations, according to a new study by epidemiologists at Yale University. The analysis, which was supported by the Commonwealth Fund, determined the city's swift rollout of the vaccine has "played a pivotal role in reducing the COVID-19 burden and in curbing surges from more transmissible emerging variants," Dr. Alison Galvani, the director of the Yale Center for Infectious Disease Modeling and Analysis, said on Wednesday.
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Policy

NYC says unvaccinated young people are behind Staten Island’s uptick in Covid cases

Photo: Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

July 13, 2021

NYC says unvaccinated young people are behind Staten Island’s uptick in Covid cases

By Devin Gannon

Some neighborhoods in New York City are seeing a slight increase in the number of coronavirus cases for the first time in weeks, as vaccinations slow and the Delta variant continues to spread. According to the city's Health Department, the city's seven-day average rate of positivity increased to 1.28 percent as of Monday, the highest rate in nearly two months, with 363 new cases on a seven-day rolling average. With a seven-day positivity of over 2.4 percent as of July 9, Staten Island has the highest test positivity rate of any borough. City officials point to those who remain unvaccinated, "particularly younger people," as the reason for this uptick.
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Policy

Climate change-themed mini-golf course opens at Two Trees’ waterfront site in Williamsburg

All photos courtesy of Two Trees Management, unless otherwise noted

July 13, 2021

Climate change-themed mini-golf course opens at Two Trees’ waterfront site in Williamsburg

By Devin Gannon

On the site of a proposed mixed-use development in Williamsburg, a temporary climate change-themed miniature golf course has opened. Two Trees Management on Monday announced visitors can now enjoy Putting Green, an 18-hole course designed by local groups that focuses on sustainability and climate issues, as well as a 25,000-square foot sustainable farm. The pop-up mini-golf course sits on the future site of the developer's project "River Ring," which includes two huge towers designed by Bjarke Ingels with more than 1,050 units of housing, a new YMCA, and a public beach.
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Uncategorized

Mark Twain’s former Tuscan-inspired mansion in Connecticut asks $4.2M

Photos by Bernadette Queenan for William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty, unless otherwise noted

July 12, 2021

Mark Twain’s former Tuscan-inspired mansion in Connecticut asks $4.2M

By Devin Gannon

The Connecticut mansion once owned by the author Samuel Clemens, aka Mark Twain, is on the market for $4,200,000. Located in the Fairfield County town of Redding, the yellow home, built in the style of a Tuscan villa, sits on nearly 29 private acres and contains four bedrooms. Twain, who lived at the property from 1908 until his death in 1910, called the home "Stormfield" after his own short story titled "Captain Stormfield's Visit to Heaven."
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July 12, 2021

See the 900-unit affordable complex designed by Adjaye Associates coming to East Flatbush

By Devin Gannon

A 900 unit affordable housing complex with public green space and community amenities is coming to Brooklyn's East Flatbush neighborhood. Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Friday announced the state selected the proposal to redevelop 7.2 acres of the Kingsboro Psychiatric Center Campus following a request for proposals last summer. Designed by Sir David Adjaye's Adjaye Associates and Studio Zewde, the $400 million project includes affordable and supportive housing, senior housing, opportunities for homeownership, and two new homeless shelters that will replace existing, outdated ones.
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