All articles by Devin Gannon

$2.3M duplex in a Brooklyn Heights brownstone has two outdoor spaces and three fireplaces

All photos courtesy of The Corcoran Group

February 18, 2021

$2.3M duplex in a Brooklyn Heights brownstone has two outdoor spaces and three fireplaces

A bright duplex in Brooklyn Heights that boasts two private outdoor spaces is now on the market for $2,325,000. The property at 174 Hicks Street sits within a brownstone in the neighborhood's historic district and about two blocks from the scenic Brooklyn Heights Promenade. The two-bedroom, two-bath home measures roughly 1,500 square feet, with flexible mezzanine space and three wood-burning fireplaces.
Take the tour

Distinctive Homes

Coney Island amusements can finally reopen in April

Photo by sebastien cordat on Unsplash

February 17, 2021

Coney Island amusements can finally reopen in April

By Devin Gannon

Looking ahead to warmer months, Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Wednesday said outdoor amusement parks, indoor family entertainment centers, and overnight summer camps in New York will be allowed to reopen. If the state's coronavirus positivity rate continues to trend downward, indoor entertainment centers can reopen starting March 26 at 25 percent capacity, outdoor amusement parks and rides on April 9 at 33 percent capacity, and eventually, overnight summer camps in June.
More here

Policy

See the new Long Island City condo tower anchored by Trader Joe’s

All renderings courtesy of Viserio

February 17, 2021

See the new Long Island City condo tower anchored by Trader Joe’s

By Devin Gannon

A new condo building in Long Island City is offering buyers a rare amenity in New York: private outdoor space. Located at 22-43 Jackson Avenue, The Prime contains 71 units, all of which boast balconies. And perhaps even more exciting for some, a Trader Joe's grocery store will open on the building's ground floor this year. Sales launched earlier this month at the building, developed by Circle F Capital and designed by Andres Escobar's Lemay+Escobar Architecture, with residences starting at $700,000.
Find out more

NYC releases vaccination data by ZIP code

Map shows the percentage of residents who received at least one dose of the vaccine by ZIP code as of Feb. 16, courtesy of NYC Health

February 16, 2021

NYC releases vaccination data by ZIP code

By Devin Gannon

New York City neighborhoods that have experienced the highest infection rates of COVID-19 are now seeing the lowest rates of vaccination, according to new data released by the city. For the first time, the city on Tuesday published a map of vaccination rates by ZIP code. According to the data, Staten Island and Manhattan have the highest vaccination rates, while "the South Bronx, parts of Central Queens, and Central Brooklyn lag behind," Dr. Torian Easterling, the city's First Deputy Health Commissioner, said.
Find out more

Policy

NYC subway to restore some overnight service

Photo: Patrick Cashin / MTA New York City Transit

February 16, 2021

NYC subway to restore some overnight service

By Devin Gannon

Overnight subway service in New York City will partially resume this month following more than nine months of closure. Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority announced on Monday plans for a phased reopening of the subway starting February 22, which includes closing the system for cleaning from 2 a.m. to 4 a.m. instead of from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. Cuomo last May ordered the closure of 24/7 service, a first for the system, as part of a rigorous coronavirus disinfection plan and an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Find out more

These early 20th-century Valentine’s Day cards are delightfully bizarre

The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Picture Collection, The New York Public Library. With loving greetings. NYPL Digitial Collections.

February 12, 2021

These early 20th-century Valentine’s Day cards are delightfully bizarre

By Devin Gannon

While jewelry, roses, and a steak dinner are always nice, a romantic greeting card remains one of the most popular, and affordable, ways to say "I love you." Instead of the typical heart and floral card designs, why not surprise your Valentine this year with a bizarre note from the early 20th-century that depicts delightfully weird cherubs and charming cupids? The New York Public Library has an amazing digital collection of vintage Valentine's Day cards, some of which stand the test of time and others that may not. Ahead, see some of our favorites from the collection and choose your own to exchange on February 14.
More here

Events & Things To Do

Plan for 900-foot tower with 1,325 rentals at 5 World Trade Center moves forward

Photo by bilderkombinat berlin on Flickr

February 12, 2021

Plan for 900-foot tower with 1,325 rentals at 5 World Trade Center moves forward

By Devin Gannon

Plans to build a 900-foot mixed-use tower with 1,325 units of housing at 5 World Trade Center are moving forward. The boards of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation voted on Thursday to approve the recommendation of the selection committee for the proposal from Brookfield Properties, Silverstein Properties, Omni New York, and Dabar Development Partners. The site is the former location of the Deutsche Bank building which was damaged in the September 11 terrorist attacks and later demolished. The developer will now enter negotiations for a lease for the residential tower, expected to measure 1.56 million gross square feet.
Find out more

Take a look inside the penthouses at the High Line-straddling Lantern House

A four-bedroom penthouse at Lantern House is on the market for $12.975 million. Credit: Related Companies

February 11, 2021

Take a look inside the penthouses at the High Line-straddling Lantern House

By Devin Gannon

Thomas Heatherwick's unique condo project on the High Line is showing off its collection of penthouses ahead of the building's impending completion this year. Lantern House, located at 515 West 18th Street in Chelsea, consists of two towers that rise on either side of the High Line, one at 10 stories and the other at 22. Last October we got a peek inside the bubbled residences, and now new images have been released of a four-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bath penthouse with a large outdoor terrace, currently listed for $12.975 million.
See more here

New York stadiums and arenas can reopen February 23 with COVID-19 testing

Photo by Ajay Suresh on Flickr

February 10, 2021

New York stadiums and arenas can reopen February 23 with COVID-19 testing

By Devin Gannon

Large stadiums and arenas in New York can welcome back fans and audiences starting February 23, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Wednesday. Venues that reopen must operate at 10 percent capacity and with coronavirus testing requirements in place. According to the governor, this could apply to sports, music, and performance venues. The Barclays Center has already been approved to reopen for a Brooklyn Nets game against the Sacramento Kings on February 23.
Find out more

NYC sees end-of-year residential sales surge, especially in Brooklyn and Queens

By Devin Gannon

After three consecutive quarters of decline, the total residential sales volume and residential transactions in New York City during the final quarter of last year increased considerably. According to a new report released this week by the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY), total sales increased to $9 billion in Q4 2020 from $6.5 billion in Q3, a roughly 40 percent increase in sales volume. Notably, the outer boroughs drove the surge in sales, with a sales volume increase of 90 percent in Brooklyn and 69 percent in Queens during this period.
Get the details

Mapping the NYC landmarks and historic districts related to Black history

Screenshot courtesy of NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission

February 10, 2021

Mapping the NYC landmarks and historic districts related to Black history

By Devin Gannon

The Landmarks Preservation Commission on Tuesday released an interactive story map that explores significant buildings, districts, and sites in New York City that are related to Black history and culture. The project highlights 75 individual landmarks and 33 historic districts associated with African American figures and historical events across the five boroughs dating to before the Civil War up to today, from the African Burial Ground in Lower Manhattan to the East 25th Street Historic District in Flatbush.
Find out more

You can stay overnight at Bryant Park’s Winter Village this Valentine’s Day

All images courtesy of Booking.com

February 9, 2021

You can stay overnight at Bryant Park’s Winter Village this Valentine’s Day

By Devin Gannon

Travel company Booking.com is transforming Midtown's Bryant Park into a unique overnight experience this Valentine's Day. As part of its "Love Letters to America" campaign, the company is celebrating cities across the U.S. that have been hit hard by the coronavirus and inviting others to share adventures they are looking forward to once it's safe to travel again. As a tribute to the Big Apple, Booking.com has converted the Polar Lounge at the Bank of America Winter Village into an après ski-inspired chalet, available to book for two nights only on February 13 and February 14.
Details this way

Lottery opens for 94 mixed-income units at new Bed-Stuy rental, from $667/month

Rendering courtesy of BFC Partners

February 9, 2021

Lottery opens for 94 mixed-income units at new Bed-Stuy rental, from $667/month

By Devin Gannon

A housing lottery launched this week for 94 mixed-income apartments at a new rental in Bedford-Stuyvesant. Located at 1620 Fulton Street, the Garnet rises 11 stories and contains 103 total units. Building perks include a landscaped terrace, fitness center, children's playroom, storage room, and on-site laundry. Qualifying New Yorkers earning 50, 100, and 150 percent of the area median income can apply for the apartments, ranging from $667/month studios to $2,741/month two-bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

‘Arts Revival’ program to include 300+ outdoor pop-up performances and events around New York

Photo of The Shed by Ajay Suresh on Flickr

February 8, 2021

‘Arts Revival’ program to include 300+ outdoor pop-up performances and events around New York

By Devin Gannon

Starting this month, more than 300 outdoor pop-up events and performances will take place across New York, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Monday. "NY PopsUp" kicks off on February 20 at the Javits Center with a special performance dedicated to healthcare workers and runs over the course of 100 days. The effort is part of the governor's "Arts Revival" initiative aimed at bringing back art and culture to the state and as part of its recovery from the coronavirus.
Find out more

Events & Things To Do

NYC restaurants can expand indoor dining capacity to 35% next week

Photo by Marcus Herzberg from Pexels

February 8, 2021

NYC restaurants can expand indoor dining capacity to 35% next week

By Devin Gannon

New York City restaurants can expand indoor dining capacity from 25 to 35 percent starting February 26, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Friday. "That will be consistent with New Jersey," the governor said during a press conference, referring to the 35 percent capacity. After closing indoor dining in December, Cuomo said city restaurants could serve customers inside again on February 12, citing the end of the "post-holiday" surge of coronavirus cases. The governor last week also extended the closing times for bars, restaurants, and other businesses from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Details this way

Three mixed-use buildings on historic Stone Street in FiDi ask $20.8M

All photos courtesy of Anthony Puopolo for Douglas Elliman

February 8, 2021

Three mixed-use buildings on historic Stone Street in FiDi ask $20.8M

By Devin Gannon

Here's an opportunity to influence the future of one of New York City's oldest streets. Goldman Properties is selling three of its mixed-use buildings located on Stone Street in the Financial District for $20.75 million. As the city's first paved street in New York, Stone Street's history dates back to the middle of the 1600s and today remains a car-free cobblestone-lined walkway with an outdoor dining scene that predates the pandemic. The portfolio includes three buildings with a total of ten free-market two-bedroom and three-bedroom loft rentals and three operating restaurants.
Get the details

See the mass vaccination site now open at Yankee Stadium for Bronx residents

Photo by Daniel Vargas on Unsplash

February 5, 2021

See the mass vaccination site now open at Yankee Stadium for Bronx residents

By Devin Gannon

As of today, the mass coronavirus vaccination site is open at Yankee Stadium. Appointments are reserved for Bronx residents only who meet phase 1a and 1b eligibility requirements, and the site will operate every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Gov. Mayor Bill de Blasio, wearing a Yankees cap (he's a vocal Red Sox fan), was at the stadium and spoke with Yankees president Randy Levine, manager Aaron Boone, and legendary player Mariano Rivera, all of whom encouraged people to sign up for vaccines. As of today, 13,000 of the 15,000 available appointments through next week had been filled.
Find out more

Policy

NYC seeks new operators for Central Park ice rink and carousel after canceling Trump contracts

Photo of The Wollman Rink by Shinya Suzuki on Flickr

February 5, 2021

NYC seeks new operators for Central Park ice rink and carousel after canceling Trump contracts

By Devin Gannon

New York City on Friday issued two requests for proposals to operate an ice rink and carousel in Central Park formerly run by the Trump Organization. Following the deadly insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the city would terminate agreements with former President Donald Trump's company for the operation of the Wollman and Lasker Rinks, the Central Park Carousel, and the Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point. The city's Parks Department this week announced it is looking for new companies to operate and manage the Wollman Rink and the Carousel.
Find out more

Policy

For $5.7M, this residence in Sag Harbor is a private oasis near the bay

All photos courtesy of Sotheby’s International Realty

February 5, 2021

For $5.7M, this residence in Sag Harbor is a private oasis near the bay

By Devin Gannon

A 7,000-square-foot home steps from the Peconic Bay in Sag Harbor is asking $5.699 million. Found down a long private driveway on over an acre of land, the South Fork mansion at 2244 Noyac Road contains five bedrooms, six full and two partial baths, and enough flexible space to make any dream home possible. Set back from the road and surrounded by trees, the property is private and not far from Sag Harbor Village’s historic downtown.
Take the tour

Distinctive Homes

$70M plan to build Manhattan’s first public beach moves forward

Credit: James Corner Field Operations, courtesy of the Hudson River Park Trust

February 5, 2021

$70M plan to build Manhattan’s first public beach moves forward

By Devin Gannon

What at first appeared a lofty dream is now closer to reality. The Hudson River Park Trust on Thursday announced three requests for proposals for the construction of Manhattan's first public beach. The project includes a 5.5-acre public park on the Gansevoort Peninsula in the Meatpacking District that would be home to a resilient "beach" with kayak access, a sports field, scenic lounge spots, and a large public art installation.
Find out more

Architecture And Design

Nomad’s glassy Virgin Hotel will have a rooftop pool and bar

All renderings courtesy of Virgin Hotels

February 4, 2021

Nomad’s glassy Virgin Hotel will have a rooftop pool and bar

By Devin Gannon

As the New York City hospitality industry continues to reel from the effects the coronavirus pandemic has had on tourism and business travel, plans are moving forward for a massive new hotel in Nomad. Fresh renderings of the 510-foot Virgin Hotel at 1225 Broadway, the first in the city, were recently released, showing off the hotel's resort-like rooftop pool and bar.
See it here

Events & Things To Do

The best ways to celebrate Black History Month 2021 in NYC

“Alphas Hold the Line.” Photo by Michael Young.

February 4, 2021

The best ways to celebrate Black History Month 2021 in NYC

By Devin Gannon

During the month of February, the nation observes Black History Month as a way to celebrate and honor African American history and culture. While this year's commemoration will be different because of the pandemic, many New York City organizations and institutions are hosting virtual events, lectures, and exhibitions. Learn about the achievements and influence of Black Americans with an online walking tour featuring Black artists of Greenwich Village, a concert honoring composers of the Harlem Renaissance, a class on Black archaeology in New York City, and much more.
Get the full list

NJ loosens COVID-19 restrictions on indoor gatherings, lifts restaurant curfew

Photo of Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten by cogito ergo imago on Flickr

February 3, 2021

NJ loosens COVID-19 restrictions on indoor gatherings, lifts restaurant curfew

By Devin Gannon

Starting Friday, New Jersey restaurants and bars can serve more customers and stay open later. Gov. Phil Murphy on Wednesday signed an executive order relaxing some coronavirus restrictions for indoor gatherings, pointing to a decrease in new daily cases and hospitalizations across the state. Under the order, which goes into effect ahead of Super Bowl Sunday, indoor dining capacity can increase from 25 percent to 35 percent and the 10 p.m. curfew at restaurants will be lifted.
Find out more

Artist Swoon transformed a box truck into a diorama-style outdoor sculpture that will travel around NYC

Photo: Marshall LaCount/Swoon Studio

February 3, 2021

Artist Swoon transformed a box truck into a diorama-style outdoor sculpture that will travel around NYC

By Devin Gannon

A roving public art installation that explores the American experience has hit the streets of New York City. As part of the "American Portrait" initiative from PBS, Brooklyn-based artist Caledonia Curry, also known as Swoon, has designed a diorama-inspired sculpture on top of a 14-foot box truck. The installation, titled The House Our Families Built, features paintings and cutouts portraying domestic life. The sculpture debuted at Brooklyn Bridge Park last weekend and will travel to Prospect Park on February 6-7, Flushing Meadows Corona Park on February 13-14, and Union Square on February 21.
Find out more

Events & Things To Do

All articles by Devin Gannon

$2.3M duplex in a Brooklyn Heights brownstone has two outdoor spaces and three fireplaces

Coney Island amusements can finally reopen in April

See the new Long Island City condo tower anchored by Trader Joe’s

NYC releases vaccination data by ZIP code

NYC subway to restore some overnight service

These early 20th-century Valentine’s Day cards are delightfully bizarre

Plan for 900-foot tower with 1,325 rentals at 5 World Trade Center moves forward

New York stadiums and arenas can reopen February 23 with COVID-19 testing

NYC sees end-of-year residential sales surge, especially in Brooklyn and Queens

Mapping the NYC landmarks and historic districts related to Black history

You can stay overnight at Bryant Park’s Winter Village this Valentine’s Day

Lottery opens for 94 mixed-income units at new Bed-Stuy rental, from $667/month

‘Arts Revival’ program to include 300+ outdoor pop-up performances and events around New York

Park Avenue penthouse with enormous terrace owned by Maurice Tempelsman lists for $5.5M

NYC restaurants can expand indoor dining capacity to 35% next week

Three mixed-use buildings on historic Stone Street in FiDi ask $20.8M

See the mass vaccination site now open at Yankee Stadium for Bronx residents

NYC seeks new operators for Central Park ice rink and carousel after canceling Trump contracts

For $5.7M, this residence in Sag Harbor is a private oasis near the bay

$70M plan to build Manhattan’s first public beach moves forward

Nomad’s glassy Virgin Hotel will have a rooftop pool and bar

The best ways to celebrate Black History Month 2021 in NYC

NJ loosens COVID-19 restrictions on indoor gatherings, lifts restaurant curfew

Artist Swoon transformed a box truck into a diorama-style outdoor sculpture that will travel around NYC

144 Vanderbilt Avenue in Clinton Hill

All articles by Devin Gannon

Pitch a Story

Interested in seeing the property in person?

Interested in seeing the property in person?

Distinctive Post Form

Get in Touch

Send us a Tip

Interesting in learning more about purchasing a new home?

Thinking about selling your home?

Sell a Home (Footer)

Before You Move On from this Page.

Your Passport to NYC:Subscribe for Local Insights and Stories!

Before You Move On
from this Page.

Your Passport to NYC:
Subscribe for Local Insights and Stories!