All articles by Devin Gannon

Coney Island’s celebrated Mermaid Parade to be held in person this September

Mermaid Parade 2018; Photo Credit: © Norman Blake

June 17, 2021

Coney Island’s celebrated Mermaid Parade to be held in person this September

Following a virtual celebration in 2020 due to the pandemic, Coney Island's Mermaid Parade is back for an in-person event this year. Coney Island USA announced this week that the 39th annual parade will take place on September 12, ending, instead of kicking off, New York City's summer season.
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Events & Things To Do

16 NYC parks renamed in honor of Black Americans

Credit: NYC Parks /Malcolm Pinckney

June 17, 2021

16 NYC parks renamed in honor of Black Americans

By Devin Gannon

New York City this week renamed more than a dozen park spaces in honor of notable Black Americans. In every borough, select green spaces now bear the names of Civil Rights leaders, novelists, educators, LGBTQ+ leaders, and more. Last summer, the city's Parks Department pledged solidarity with the Black community and announced plans to rename parks across the city to honor Black Americans who have local or national recognition. Since then, 28 park sites have been given a new name.
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City Living

100 books with transgender, nonbinary, & gender nonconforming voices to read this Pride Month

Courtesy of the New York Public Library

June 17, 2021

100 books with transgender, nonbinary, & gender nonconforming voices to read this Pride Month

By Devin Gannon

The New York Public Library this month has released a new list of reading recommendations to commemorate Pride. Curated by expert librarians across the system, the book list includes 100 titles for adults, children, and teens that highlight transgender, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming voices. The new recommendations join the NYPL's previous recommended LGBTQ reads, which vary in genre, from memoirs to manga.
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City Living

Downtown Brooklyn’s tallest office tower officially opens

Photos by Joe Thomas

June 16, 2021

Downtown Brooklyn’s tallest office tower officially opens

By Devin Gannon

The tallest office tower in Downtown Brooklyn officially opened its doors this week. Developed by JEMB Realty and designed by FXCollaborative, One Willoughby Square rises 34 stories and contains 500,000 square feet of office space. Abbreviated as 1WSQ, the tower is also the first new Class-A office building built in the area since the rezoning of Downtown Brooklyn in 2004.
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Architecture And Design

Lottery opens for 534 mixed-income units at Hunter’s Point South development, from $537/month

Rendering of 5203 Center Boulevard & 5241 Center Boulevard courtesy of TF Cornerstone

June 16, 2021

Lottery opens for 534 mixed-income units at Hunter’s Point South development, from $537/month

By Devin Gannon

A housing lottery opened on Wednesday for 534 mixed-income apartments at a massive rental in Long Island City. As part of the latest phase of TF Cornerstone's redevelopment of Hunter's Point South, 5203 Center Boulevard is one of two buildings at the site designed by ODA, with SLCE as the architect of record. Qualifying New Yorkers earning 40, 50, 130, and 165 percent of the area median income can apply for the apartments, which range from $537/month studios to $3,065/month two-bedrooms. About 100 of the units will be set aside for senior New Yorkers aged 62 and older.
How to apply

Affordable Housing

With ties to the Harlem Renaissance, Dorrance Brooks Square is designated a historic district

Courtesy of the Landmarks Preservation Commission

June 15, 2021

With ties to the Harlem Renaissance, Dorrance Brooks Square is designated a historic district

By Devin Gannon

The Landmarks Preservation Commission on Tuesday voted to designate the Dorrance Brooks Square Historic District, an architecturally intact area of Harlem associated with notable Black Americans. The district is anchored by Dorrance Brooks Square, a small park named for a member of the Harlem Hellfighters who died in active combat during World War I. When it was dedicated by the city in 1925, the square became the first in New York City to honor a Black serviceman. The historic district designated on Tuesday is the first in the city to be named after an African American, according to the LPC.
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Policy

$90M project to renovate deteriorating docks at 79th Street Boat Basin moves ahead

Photo by Jim Henderson on Wikimedia

June 15, 2021

$90M project to renovate deteriorating docks at 79th Street Boat Basin moves ahead

By Devin Gannon

The city is moving forward on restoring the Upper West Side's 79th Street Boat Basin as a waterfront resource for the community. In December 2019, the Parks Department unveiled a $90 million proposal to reconstruct docks damaged by previous storms, add additional boating berths to increase capacity, make the area more resilient to climate change, and expand ecological research and education. To make this possible, the entire marina will be dredged to enable vessels to navigate it at all tidal cycles. With support from the local Community Board and many residents, the plan is now moving ahead, with construction expected to commence in 2023.
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The New York City flag, photo via Wikimedia Commons

June 14, 2021

The meaning behind every New York City borough flag

By Devin Gannon

The United States celebrates Flag Day as a way to remember the adoption of the country’s first official flag on June 14, 1777. Later in 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation that established June 14 as Flag Day. While all of us honor the American flag today, each borough in New York City has its own flag that can be celebrated. The city of New York also has its own flag, which features the colors of blue, white, and orange and has the city's seal on the front. The colors are derived from the flag of the Dutch Republic as used in New Amsterdam in 1625.
Get the scoop on the borough flags

History

France is sending Lady Liberty’s ‘little sister’ to NYC for July 4

Photo courtesy of CMA CGM Group

June 14, 2021

France is sending Lady Liberty’s ‘little sister’ to NYC for July 4

By Devin Gannon

France is sending a mini version of the Statue of Liberty to the United States this month, 136 years after the iconic sculpture was unveiled on Liberty Island. The Embassy of France in the U.S., the Conservatoire national des arts et métiers, and shipping company CMA CGM Group announced last week that a replica of Lady Liberty will set sail from Paris on a nine-day journey across the Atlantic, arriving in New York City in time for the Fourth of July.
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78 affordable senior units available at supportive Passive House residence in the South Bronx

Rendering courtesy of NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development

June 11, 2021

78 affordable senior units available at supportive Passive House residence in the South Bronx

By Devin Gannon

A housing lottery launched this week for 78 units designated for seniors at a new South Bronx rental. Developed by affordable housing operator Breaking Ground and designed by COOKFOX Architects, the building at 445 East 142nd Street, dubbed the Betances Residence, is located within the Mott Haven neighborhood. Eligible applicants must qualify for Section 8 benefits, with rents for the studio and one-bedroom apartments set at 30 percent of household income.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

New York City looks to create a museum of nightlife

By Devin Gannon

Although nightlife has long been an integral part of New York City's culture, there is no organization dedicated to memorializing it. That could soon change. As first reported by the Wall Street Journal, city officials are calling for a new museum that celebrates the history of New York's late-night culture and the movements born from it.
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Macy’s 4th of July fireworks show returns to the East River

Photo by John Saeyong Ra on Flickr

June 10, 2021

Macy’s 4th of July fireworks show returns to the East River

By Devin Gannon

After a downsized celebration last year because of the pandemic, the Macy's annual 4th of July Fireworks show is "back and literally better than ever," Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Thursday. As part of the biggest Independence Day celebration in the country, Macy's will launch more than 65,000 shells and effects from five barges positioned on the East River in Midtown.
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Events & Things To Do

From tow pound to public park, Pier 76 officially opens on Manhattan’s West Side

Photo: Kevin P. Coughlin / Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo on Flickr

June 10, 2021

From tow pound to public park, Pier 76 officially opens on Manhattan’s West Side

By Devin Gannon

A former police tow pound on the Hudson River is now a public park. Pier 76 officially opened on Wednesday following a three-month, $31 million construction project that involved stripping the tow pound to its frame and removing the sides and roof. The structure's steel skeleton remains at the 5.6-acre site, with new areas to walk around, benches to sit and enjoy the waterfront views, and panels highlighting the area's history as a major shipping port.
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City Living

Lower East Side bialy bakery Kossar’s will open a second location in Hudson Yards

Photo credit: Kossar’s Bagels & Bialys

June 10, 2021

Lower East Side bialy bakery Kossar’s will open a second location in Hudson Yards

By Devin Gannon

Since 1936, Kossar's Bagels & Bialys has served Jewish specialty foods on the Lower East Side. For the first time, the iconic shop, considered the oldest bialy bakery in the United States, will open a second location in New York City. The bakery has signed a 1,200-square-foot lease on the ground floor of Ohm, a mixed-income rental building at 312 11th Avenue in Hudson Yards developed by Douglaston Development.
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Food & Dining

See the Museum of Natural History’s sparkling new Halls of Gems and Minerals

The Mineral Hall in the Allison and Roberto Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals at AMNH. Photo credit: D. Finnin/ © AMNH

June 9, 2021

See the Museum of Natural History’s sparkling new Halls of Gems and Minerals

By Devin Gannon

New York City is getting its sparkle back. The American Museum of Natural History will reopen its popular Allison and Roberto Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals to the public this weekend following a $32 million redesign. The galleries feature more than 5,000 specimens sourced from 98 countries, including a 563-carat Star of India sapphire, a 12-sided 632-carat Patricia Emerald, and a 14,500-pound slab with huge garnet crystals found in upstate New York.
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Events & Things To Do

Foo Fighters, Springsteen return to NYC this month for first full-capacity shows in over a year

Photo by Ralph_PH on Flickr

June 8, 2021

Foo Fighters, Springsteen return to NYC this month for first full-capacity shows in over a year

By Devin Gannon

June is turning out to be a good month in New York City for rock 'n' roll. In the coming days, Bruce Springsteen will return to Broadway, the Foo Fighters will perform at Madison Square Garden, and The Strokes are taking on Irving Plaza. All performances will be at 100 percent capacity and for fully vaccinated fans only.
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On a historic block in Chelsea, an elegant one-bedroom asks $1.6M

All photos courtesy of Heidi Solander for Sotheby’s International Realty

June 8, 2021

On a historic block in Chelsea, an elegant one-bedroom asks $1.6M

By Devin Gannon

An apartment on one of Chelsea's most historic blocks is now on the market. Located at 450 West 20th Street, the residence sits within the campus grounds of the General Theological Seminary, founded by the Episcopal Church in 1817. Asking $1,600,000, the available parlor floor one-bedroom features sophisticated touches throughout, from the 11-foot ceilings to the custom-made Parisian wall panels.
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Distinctive Homes

First-ever flower festival will take over the Meatpacking District this weekend

Photo credit: Breakthrough Media for L.E.A.F and Meatpacking District

June 7, 2021

First-ever flower festival will take over the Meatpacking District this weekend

By Devin Gannon

Over a million flowers will blossom across Manhattan this weekend as part of the city's first-ever festival of flowers. Hosted by L.E.A.F in collaboration with the Meatpacking Business Improvement District and TF Cornerstone, the annual festival kicks off on Saturday, June 12, and features a European-style flower market and a series of design installations from 100 different florists that will be displayed across the neighborhood.
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For $8M, a century-old Park Slope townhouse with four outdoor terraces

All photos courtesy of The Corcoran Group

June 7, 2021

For $8M, a century-old Park Slope townhouse with four outdoor terraces

By Devin Gannon

Located on one of Brooklyn's best blocks, this Federal-style inspired townhouse in Park Slope is asking $8,000,000. The red brick home at 20 Prospect Park West was designed by early 20th-century architect Alfred Freeman. While the five-bedroom home maintains many of its century-old details, a recent renovation added contemporary elements, like a reconfigured finished basement and new outdoor terraces.
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Distinctive Homes

In the heart of Sag Harbor, a nautical gem designed by Steven Gambrel asks $7M

All photos courtesy of The Corcoran Group

June 4, 2021

In the heart of Sag Harbor, a nautical gem designed by Steven Gambrel asks $7M

By Devin Gannon

A designer cottage in the village of Sag Harbor is now available for $6,995,000. Built in 2017 by New York interior designer Steven Gambrel, the property at 52 Glover Street "echoes the charm and vernacular of a seafarer's home," according to the listing. Decked out in blue and gray tones, marble accents, and pine paneling, the Hamptons residence has a historic, nautical feel, all while keeping things modern.
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Distinctive Homes

June 4, 2021

After $200M overhaul, NYPL’s central circulating library opens in Midtown with public rooftop terrace

By Devin Gannon

The New York Public Library this week opened a new central circulating library in Midtown following a major $200 million renovation project. Located at 455 Fifth Avenue, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL) was built within the shell and steel frame of the existing building formerly known as the Mid-Manhattan Library. Designed by Dutch architecture firm Mecanoo in collaboration with Beyer Blinder Belle Architects & Planners, the new 180,000 square foot library boasts a dramatic light-filled atrium and an incredible rooftop terrace, which is now the only free and publicly accessible rooftop in Midtown.
Details here

Architecture And Design

Penn South co-op reveals plan to replace Chelsea McDonald’s with 200-unit mixed-income building

Rendering of 335 Eighth Avenue courtesy of COOKFOX and MAG Partners

June 4, 2021

Penn South co-op reveals plan to replace Chelsea McDonald’s with 200-unit mixed-income building

By Devin Gannon

A run-down commercial building in Chelsea will be replaced with a 200-unit mixed-income apartment tower. Affordable housing cooperative Penn South announced this week it tapped MAG Partners to redevelop 335 Eighth Avenue as a seven-story residential building with ground-floor commercial space, including a grocery store. The site, located on the corner of West 26th Street and 8th Avenue, is currently home to Gristedes, McDonald's, and a tennis center.
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There’s a landscaped outdoor oasis at this $7.5M penthouse loft in Nolita

All photos courtesy of The Corcoran Group

June 4, 2021

There’s a landscaped outdoor oasis at this $7.5M penthouse loft in Nolita

By Devin Gannon

This penthouse in Nolita offers the best of both worlds, with a massive outdoor space that feels secluded while still being in the heart of lower Manhattan. Located at 136 Baxter Street, a prewar building that once served as a police stable, the duplex unit boasts an incredibly tranquil wraparound terrace, packed with shrubs and flowering trees. The three-bedroom, three-bath is now on the market for $7,495,000.
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Distinctive Homes

$3.3M South Street Seaport penthouse will also accept bitcoin

All photos courtesy of Compass

June 3, 2021

$3.3M South Street Seaport penthouse will also accept bitcoin

By Devin Gannon

To appeal to more buyers, the owner of this South Street Seaport penthouse will accept digital currency as payment. The loft-style three-bedroom home at 130 Beekman Street is currently on the market for $3,295,000 or 88 bitcoin. The apartment is the first time a Compass listing in Manhattan is available for purchase with cryptocurrency, according to the agent marketing the property, Rachel Glazer.
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Distinctive Homes

NYC to launch vaccination pilot at public schools for students 12+

Photo: Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

June 3, 2021

NYC to launch vaccination pilot at public schools for students 12+

By Devin Gannon

New York City will open coronavirus vaccination sites at certain public schools as part of a pilot program aimed at increasing the number of young people who are vaccinated. The program will start at four schools in the Bronx on Friday with one school added each in Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn on Monday, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced this week. In the next few weeks, the city expects to expand the program.
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Policy

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