All articles by Devin Gannon

See the $700M climate research hub coming to Governors Island

Illustrative renderings courtesy of The New York Climate Exchange and Skidmore, Owings & Merrill

February 20, 2025

See the $700M climate research hub coming to Governors Island

A state-of-the-art hub dedicated to climate change research is moving forward on Governors Island. Led by Stony Brook University, the New York Climate Exchange is a cross-sector, nonprofit group dedicated to research and developing solutions to the global climate crisis. The Exchange on Thursday released new renderings of the 400,000-square-foot campus designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) to include classrooms, laboratories, student and facility housing, new open space, and more. The Exchange also announced the selection of Skanska USA as the construction manager for the climate center, which is scheduled to break ground next year.
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Restored mid-century modern home in Newburgh designed by Philip Johnson asks $2.9M

All photos courtesy of Gabriel Zimmer / Catskill Image

February 20, 2025

Restored mid-century modern home in Newburgh designed by Philip Johnson asks $2.9M

By Devin Gannon

A rare mid-century modern home designed by celebrated architect Philip Johnson is for sale. Designed in 1949, the Hudson River-facing home in Newburgh, New York, dubbed the Wolfhouse, resembles one of Johnson's most well-known works, The Glass House in Connecticut, with the architect's signature open floor plan and floor-to-ceiling windows. After a four-year restoration returned the home to its original condition, the Wolfhouse is on the market for $2,900,000.
take a look

Joan Didion archive opening at the New York Public Library

Joan Didion and John Dunne, 1970s. All images courtesy of NYPL

February 19, 2025

Joan Didion archive opening at the New York Public Library

By Devin Gannon

A collection of never-before-seen items belonging to writer Joan Didion and her husband, writer John Gregory Dunne, will be on display at the New York Public Library next month. The library, which acquired the archive in 2023 and spent two years processing the material, will make the items publicly available to researchers and writers on March 26 in the Manuscripts and Archives Division at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building.
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Events & Things To Do

Trump moves to reverse approval for NYC’s congestion pricing program, Hochul fights back

Photo courtesy of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office on Flickr

February 19, 2025

Trump moves to reverse approval for NYC’s congestion pricing program, Hochul fights back

By Devin Gannon

President Donald Trump's administration on Wednesday officially announced plans to reverse federal approval for New York City's congestion pricing program. U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy sent Gov. Kathy Hochul a letter rescinding the Federal Highway Administration's approval of the tolling program, which began charging drivers $9 to enter Manhattan below 60th Street on January 5. Early data released by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority following the toll's launch revealed less congestion and faster commute times. Shortly after Trump's announcement, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority filed a lawsuit to protect the program and Hochul, who said the move from the White House was an attack on the state's sovereignty, said the "cameras are staying on," referring to the toll cameras.
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City seeks proposals for 100% affordable development and new rec center in Hudson Square

Courtesy of NYC HPD

February 19, 2025

City seeks proposals for 100% affordable development and new rec center in Hudson Square

By Devin Gannon

The city is seeking proposals for a new mixed-use development in Hudson Square with 100 percent affordable housing and a new recreation center. Mayor Eric Adams' office on Tuesday released a request for proposals for 388 Hudson Street, a roughly 14,000-square-foot vacant lot owned by the Department of Environmental Protection. The housing and rec center is proposed for the northern portion of the site, with a new public plaza planned for the southern end.
details here

The world’s tallest Passive House building is coming to Brooklyn

All renderings courtesy of Alloy Development

February 18, 2025

The world’s tallest Passive House building is coming to Brooklyn

By Devin Gannon

The world's tallest Passive House building, a design standard aimed at cutting carbon emissions, is coming to Brooklyn. Alloy Development on Tuesday unveiled One Third Avenue, a 63-story mixed-use tower with 583 apartments, retail, and office space. Designed to be highly efficient, the project will complete the Alloy Block, a $500 million five-building development in Downtown Brooklyn with over 1,000 homes, the city's first all-electric skyscraper, 60,000 square feet of office space, and two Passive House public schools.
details this way

NYC’s only revolving restaurant reopens in Times Square

Photo by Jason Varney, courtesy of Rockwell Group

February 13, 2025

NYC’s only revolving restaurant reopens in Times Square

By Devin Gannon

New York City's only revolving restaurant is spinning again. The View, on the 47th and 48th floors of the New York Marriott Marquis in Times Square, reopened this week following a revamp by Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG) and David Rockwell's Rockwell Group. Formerly host to an all-you-can-eat buffet, the two-story restaurant has been reimagined as an upscale dining destination inspired by "American supper clubs and chop houses of earlier eras."
see it here

Forces of Nature Dance Theatre. Photo by Solwazi Afi Olusola

February 11, 2025

NYC’s best Black History Month events

By Devin Gannon

Even as the federal government attempts to downplay the significance of Black History Month, New York City will continue to celebrate. Throughout February, honor the contributions of Black people in New York and beyond with live performances, art, conversations, exhibitions, and more.
our picks here

Fifth Ave’s highest condo fetches $11.5M

Photo Credit: Alden Studios

February 6, 2025

Fifth Ave’s highest condo fetches $11.5M

By Devin Gannon

The highest condo on Fifth Avenue has found a buyer. As first spotted by CityRealty, Penthouse 80 at 520 Fifth Avenue sits 880 feet in the air, surrounded by iconic views in every direction. The trophy residence first hit the market two months ago for $11,500,000; the deal will likely close by the end of the year when the building wraps up construction.
get the details

Governors Island oyster bar closing, new outdoor restaurant to open next year

Photo @ Julienne Schaer

February 4, 2025

Governors Island oyster bar closing, new outdoor restaurant to open next year

By Devin Gannon

The first full-fledged restaurant to ever open on Governors Island will close this year. Island Oyster opened its doors in 2017 and became a summer destination for seafood, island-inspired cocktails, and stunning skyline views. This week the Trust for Governors Island issued a request for proposals seeking a new seasonal food and beverage operator for the 32,000-square-foot waterfront site starting in 2026. The James Beard award-nominated Island Oyster will operate one final season before ending its run on October 31, 2025.
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Food & Dining

Waitlist opens for affordable apartments at Bjarke Ingels’ Harlem rental, from $1,056/month

By Devin Gannon

Applications are now being accepted to replenish a waitlist for affordable apartments at The Smile, an 11-story rental in East Harlem designed by renowned architect Bjarke Ingels. Named for its grin-like shape, the building opened in 2020 and contains 233 apartments, 77 of which are priced below market-rate. New Yorkers earning 60 and 130 percent of the area median income can apply to be considered for current and future vacancies; prices range from $1,056/month for studios to $2,849/month for two-bedrooms.
do you qualify?

Affordable Housing

Real estate developer Aby Rosen loses the Chrysler Building

Photo by Luca Bravo on Unsplash

January 30, 2025

Real estate developer Aby Rosen loses the Chrysler Building

By Devin Gannon

Aby Rosen and Michael Fuchs' RFR Holding officially got evicted from the Chrysler Building. On Monday, a Manhattan judge terminated the company's ground lease and ordered them to leave the building, as The Real Deal first reported.
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Nation’s largest office-to-residential conversion starts leasing for 1,300 apartments in FiDi

All renderings courtesy of Streetsense

January 30, 2025

Nation’s largest office-to-residential conversion starts leasing for 1,300 apartments in FiDi

By Devin Gannon

The largest office-to-residential conversion in the country officially began leasing in the Financial District. The former 1960s office tower at 25 Water Street, once home to JPMorgan Chase and the New York Daily News, is now a luxury apartment building with 1,320 homes and 100,000 square feet of amenities, following a two-year redevelopment designed by CetraRuddy. Dubbed "SoMA," for its location in "South Manhattan," according to a press release, the rental is the first to take advantage of the 467-m tax break, a new incentive for converting offices to residential space.
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First full-scale recreation of Anne Frank annex opens in NYC

All photos courtesy of John Halpern

January 27, 2025

First full-scale recreation of Anne Frank annex opens in NYC

By Devin Gannon

One of Europe's most visited historical sites has come to New York City. Coinciding with International Holocaust Remembrance Day, "Anne Frank The Exhibition" opened at the Center for Jewish History on Monday, marking the first full-scale recreation of the secret annex where Anne Frank and her family spent two years hiding during World War II. Through a mix of artifacts, photos and videos, sound clips, and a replica of the annex, the stirring exhibit covers Anne's early years in Frankfurt and the rise of the Nazis, her move to Amsterdam, and her arrest, deportation, and death at a concentration camp in Germany at age 15.
details here

Events & Things To Do

Trump reinstates classical architecture demand for federal buildings

The U.S. Capitol. Photo by Quick PS on Unsplash

January 23, 2025

Trump reinstates classical architecture demand for federal buildings

By Devin Gannon

With the signing of a flurry of executive orders targeting birthright citizenship, the environment, and transgender Americans during his first week back in office, President Donald Trump is wasting no time pushing through his MAGA agenda. One particular order has architects and design groups concerned. On Monday, Trump issued an executive order promoting a classical style for federal buildings. He had issued a similar order in 2020 but the measure was repealed by President Joe Biden.
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A corpse flower is about to bloom at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Amorphophallus gigas at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden on January 22, 2025. Photo credit: Peter Slattery/BBG

January 22, 2025

A corpse flower is about to bloom at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden

By Devin Gannon

New York City's favorite funky-smelling flower is preparing to bloom in Brooklyn. "Amorphophallus gigas," nicknamed the "corpse flower" for the rotting flesh odor it emits, is expected to blossom at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden this week. The foul flower blooms every two to 10 years and only lasts a few days.
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Events & Things To Do

Hayden Panettiere’s charming childhood home in Palisades, NY asks $4M

Photos courtesy of Ian Nelson

January 16, 2025

Hayden Panettiere’s charming childhood home in Palisades, NY asks $4M

By Devin Gannon

The childhood home of Hayden Panettiere in Palisades, New York is now on the market for $3,999,5000. The "Heroes" and "Nashville" actress lived at the charming French-style home at 129 Washington Spring Road in the private Snedens Landing enclave from 1998 to 2013, according to the listing agents. The four-bedroom turnkey home was built in the late 1980s but has a European-style design with storybook details, like a mansard roof and casement windows.
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City approves gate for Village townhouse to keep ‘Sex and the City’ fans out

66 Perry Street in 2022. Photo by Jim.henderson on Wikimedia

January 14, 2025

City approves gate for Village townhouse to keep ‘Sex and the City’ fans out

By Devin Gannon

The city's Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) on Tuesday approved an application to install a gate at the foot of a townhouse in the Greenwich Village Historic District. Not just any home, the property, located at 66 Perry Street, appeared as Carrie Bradshaw's apartment on the HBO show "Sex and the City." Despite being off the air for 20 years, the show's popularity continues today, leading tourists and TikTokers to visit the front stoop at all hours and film themselves on the famous steps. When a chain and a "no trespassing" sign at the base of the stoop failed to stop the mayhem, the brownstone's owner, Barbara Lorber, asked the LPC to approve a new gate for the landmarked property and commissioners agreed.
details here

More NYC migrant shelters to close this year, including controversial Clinton Hill facility

An Asylum Seeker Application Center in Midtown, August 9, 2023. Photo by Michael Appleton/ Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

January 13, 2025

More NYC migrant shelters to close this year, including controversial Clinton Hill facility

By Devin Gannon

Mayor Eric Adams last week announced the closure of more than a dozen emergency migrant shelters by June, including a facility in Brooklyn that housed roughly 3,500 people and led to protests by residents. The closures come as the number of asylum seekers in the city's care has decreased for 27 straight weeks and is currently at its lowest point in 18 months.
details here

Policy

NYC Restaurant Week is back with discounted meals at more than 500 local spots

Tin Building. Courtesy of The Seaport

January 9, 2025

NYC Restaurant Week is back with discounted meals at more than 500 local spots

By Devin Gannon

Cure your winter blues with a cheap meal. Reservations are now open at more than 500 local eateries participating in NYC Restaurant Week, the semi-annual program that offers a chance to dine at some of New York's best restaurants at a special price. This year, book prix-fixe two-course lunches and three-course dinners for $30, $45, and $60 at restaurants across the five boroughs from January 21 through February 9.
book a table

Events & Things To Do

Announcing 6sqft’s 2024 Building of the Year!

All images courtesy of Naftali Group

December 23, 2024

Announcing 6sqft’s 2024 Building of the Year!

By Devin Gannon

The votes have been counted. 6sqft's 2024 Building of the Year is One Williamsburg Wharf, one of five 22-story luxury residential towers coming to the Williamsburg waterfront. The Naftali Group-developed building easily nabbed first place, receiving 302 votes out of the total 1,294 votes cast. Designed by Brandon Haw Architecture, with Hill West as architect of record, One Williamsburg Wharf offers 89 modern condos and a collection of amenities, including a waterfront park and a rooftop pool deck.
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New Developments

James Whelan, President of the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY), at a rally opposing the FARE Act in June. Courtesy of REBNY

December 17, 2024

REBNY sues to block NYC broker fee law

By Devin Gannon

The Real Estate Board of New York sued the city on Monday to stop a new law that would shift the payment of broker fees from renters to landlords. The Fairness in Apartment Rental Expenses (FARE) Act, which requires the party who hired the broker to pay the fees, became law over the weekend and takes effect in six months. In a lawsuit filed in Manhattan federal court, REBNY argues the FARE Act violates brokers' rights to free commercial speech under the First Amendment and will lead to "higher rents, fewer properties advertised, and decreased overall transparency of the markets for consumers."
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Policy

See inside $19.5M Dumbo penthouse, Brooklyn’s most expensive condo for sale

Photo credit: Pavel Bendov for Olympia DUMBO

December 16, 2024

See inside $19.5M Dumbo penthouse, Brooklyn’s most expensive condo for sale

By Devin Gannon

New photos released this week provide a first look inside the most expensive condo currently for sale in Brooklyn. On the market for $19,500,000, Penthouse B takes up the entire 32nd floor of Olympia Dumbo, a new 33-story luxury development at 30 Front Street with a sail-inspired design. The residence, which first hit the market in 2022, measures nearly 5,000 square feet and boasts viral-worthy 360-degree views of the Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan skyline, and beyond.
take the tour

December 13, 2024

Vote for 6sqft’s 2024 Building of the Year!

By Devin Gannon

This year, New York City's residential market started heating up, particularly at the top. For the first time in two years, the city recorded sales exceeding $100 million, including a $135 million penthouse at the Aman New York and a $115 million penthouse at Central Park Tower. In addition to the nine-figure deals, new luxury developments sparked interest beyond Billionaires' Row, including a pink-wrapped condo in Fort Greene and an "urban-style resort" on the Williamsburg waterfront. Historic hotels and iconic office buildings entered new chapters, while long-anticipated projects, and some repeat Building of the Year candidates, either marked their completion or are finally nearing the finish line. 6sqft has narrowed our picks down to 16 of the most notable residential projects of the year. Which do you think deserves to be crowned the 2024 Building of the Year? Polls for our 10th annual competition will remain open through 5 p.m. on Friday, December 20. A winner will be announced on Monday, December 23. Happy voting!
cast your vote

Met Museum unveils design for new modern and contemporary art wing designed by Frida Escobedo

Exterior rendering of The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Tang Wing(view from the southwest corner). Visualization by © Filippo Bolognese Images, courtesy of Frida Escobedo Studio

December 10, 2024

Met Museum unveils design for new modern and contemporary art wing designed by Frida Escobedo

By Devin Gannon

The Metropolitan Museum of Art on Tuesday unveiled the design for its new wing dedicated to contemporary and modern art. Designed by Mexico City-based architect Frida Escobedo, the five-story Oscar L. Tang and H.M. Agnes Hsu-Tang Wing, named for the couple who gave a lead donation of $125 million, includes a three-story base, a recessed fourth floor, and a further setback fifth floor, a scaled facade inspired by the 1971 masterplan from Roche Dinkeloo. The $550 million new wing will better connect to the rest of the museum's galleries and address accessibility and sustainability needs. The project, the first Met Museum wing designed by a woman in its 154-year history, will go through a public review process starting in 2025. It is expected to open in 2030.
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Architecture And Design

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