All articles by Diane Pham

Diane is the founder and Editorial Director of 6sqft. After graduating from the University of Southern California with a B.S. in Real Estate Finance & Development and a minor in Architecture, she enjoyed stints at SCI-Arc, the A+D Museum Los Angeles, Perkins Eastman Architects and Resolution 4: Architecture. She also previously served as Senior Editor of Inhabitat.com and spent several years as an analyst at CB Richard Ellis Investments in Milan, Italy.
Atelierhouse: A Movable Murphy-Like Furniture System to Keep Your Room Ultra-Organized
September 12, 2014

Atelierhouse: A Movable Murphy-Like Furniture System to Keep Your Room Ultra-Organized

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Hate clutter? Then you'll love this incredible furniture collection designed by Harry Thaler. Called 'Atelierhouse', the series of pieces were actually commissioned by the Museion museum in Bolzano, Italy to furnish a studio and living space for the museum's artists in residence. Though one-offs, we can definitely see them outfitting some of the spacious NYC artist lofts that are often required to do double duty as work/live spaces.
See more pieces from the collection here
Real Estate Wire: Renewed Hope for the TWA Terminal; Tribeca’s New Bogardus Park
September 11, 2014

Real Estate Wire: Renewed Hope for the TWA Terminal; Tribeca’s New Bogardus Park

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Brazil’s top hotelier is looking to make his mark on 57th Street. Billionaire Rogerio Fasano is in talks to have starchitect Rafael Vinoly design the building. [NYDN] It ain’t easy being green: Vogue contributing editor Lauren Santo Domingo, and her Colombian billionaire beer heir husband, have neighbors up in arms over the noise they’re making trying to […]

This Arne Jacobsen MiiBoxen Dollhouse is an 1:16 Replica of the Architect’s Home
September 11, 2014

This Arne Jacobsen MiiBoxen Dollhouse is an 1:16 Replica of the Architect’s Home

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Everyone may be raving about the Dutch making their mark on the NYC urbanscape once again, but let's not forget about the Danes who have perpetually kept our interiors cool and colorful with iconic designs like the Panton and the Egg. If you've been looking for a quirky statement piece that's meant to spark some interesting conversations, then consider bringing a little Danish design into your home with this incredible wall-mountable dollhouse by Minimii.
Take a peek inside here
For One Day Only, Tour 300 Acres of Freshkills Park
September 10, 2014

For One Day Only, Tour 300 Acres of Freshkills Park

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Freshkills Park is the largest landfill reclamation project of its kind in the world, and aside from a weekly public (but escorted) program, it remains a closed site during its massive transformation. Now, the park is ready to give New York inhabitants a better look at what's underway, letting visitors roam free across more than 300 acres of the 2,200 acre park on September 28th from 11AM-4PM. The event, which celebrates the New Springville Greenway, will be like no other, offering up a flurry of fun outdoor activities and music and, above all, a chance to experience the impressive infrastructural project as it moves forward.
More on the sneak 'peak' event here
Real Estate Wire: $13M for Bed-Stuy’s Tallest Apartment Building; Aby Rosen is Creating His Own Mansion
September 10, 2014

Real Estate Wire: $13M for Bed-Stuy’s Tallest Apartment Building; Aby Rosen is Creating His Own Mansion

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A ‘seven-star hotel’ will rise on the former site of the Rizzoli Bookstore near Central Park. [WSJ] Aby Rosen wants to turn an 11-unit co-op at 1025 Park Avenue into his personal 19,000-square-foot mansion. [NYDN] Owners of a 13-story, 23-apartment rental at 11 Spencer Court in Bed-Stuy are looking to make $13 million sale—50% more than […]

Daily Link Fix: Time to Claim Your .NYC Domain; Artists Sue Mobile-Library Nonprofit Booklyn Shuttle
September 10, 2014

Daily Link Fix: Time to Claim Your .NYC Domain; Artists Sue Mobile-Library Nonprofit Booklyn Shuttle

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Starting next month you can claim your .NYC domain! Booklyn is as cool as Brooklyn. According to the New York Post, a group of book-boosting artists from Booklyn Artists Alliance (spelled with no “r”) is suing the new mobile-library nonprofit Booklyn Shuttle over unauthorized use of its name. City Lab reports on why it’s important that people in […]

Junior’s Isn’t Going Anywhere, Owner Turns Down a $45M Offer to the Dismay of a Hungry Developer
September 9, 2014

Junior’s Isn’t Going Anywhere, Owner Turns Down a $45M Offer to the Dismay of a Hungry Developer

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Lovers of cheescake, rejoice! Downtown Brooklyn's Junior's diner will stay put. According to the New York Times, the restaurant's owner, Alan Rosen, has turned away all offers for the space located at the corner of Flatbush Avenue Extension and Dekalb Avenue. Rosen put the property on the market back in February and, unsurprisingly, was met with plenty of interest from hungry developers looking to build luxury condos atop site. After a summer of sleepless nights and much agonizing over his decision, Rosen has shot down the offers, including a whopping $45 million bid. Why? Sentimental value.
More on Rosen's heartfelt decision
New Yorker Spotlight: Mac Sillick and Sandy Hall of Black Tree, the LES ‘Farm to Sandwich’ Favorite
September 9, 2014

New Yorker Spotlight: Mac Sillick and Sandy Hall of Black Tree, the LES ‘Farm to Sandwich’ Favorite

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Plenty of new restaurants and bars have been popping up on the Lower East Side over the last few years, but one of the more recent standout eateries to appear is Black Tree. This Brooklyn transplant has only been around for a little more than a year, but their incredible menu has drawn in everyone from food critics at the Wall Street Journal and Zagat to Guy Fieri—who by the way can be seen dusting Black Tree sandwich crumbs from his goatee in an episode of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. We recently caught up with Mac Sillick and Sandy Hall, the owners and culinary creatives behind the delicious Downtown venture, to chat about their business. Find out about their "farm to sandwich" approach, why they only use locally sourced food, and why they moved their business from Crown Heights to the Lower East Side. **GIVEAWAY**: The fellas are also offering up one lucky reader 'drinks for two' at the Black Tree bar. Keep reading to find out how you can enjoy some organic cocktails on the house!
The interview and giveaway here
Bushwick is the 7th Coolest Neighborhood in the World According to Vogue
September 9, 2014

Bushwick is the 7th Coolest Neighborhood in the World According to Vogue

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Bushwick's star continues to rise amongst fashionistas. Not only does the neighborhood have its own candle, but Vogue magazine just named it the 7th coolest neighborhood in the world. The article, which appears in the September issue, cites cutting-edge art galleries, "Jay Z–approved restaurants" like Roberta’s, and quirky pop-ups in unexpected spaces as some of the items drawing cool kids in. Centro in Sao Paolo, Canal Saint-Martin in Paris, and Brera in Milan are just a few of the other nabes that round out the top 15. Another silly list, yes, but the story does beg the question: Has Anna Wintour even been to Brooklyn?
What do you think? Weigh in here
Frank Gehry’s Decade-Old Design for the WTC Performing Arts Center Gets Dumped by Officials
September 4, 2014

Frank Gehry’s Decade-Old Design for the WTC Performing Arts Center Gets Dumped by Officials

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Frank Gehry continues to fall out of favor with New Yorkers as execs of the Performing Arts Center at the World Trade Center have officially shelved the starchitect's design planned for Ground Zero. Gehry drew up plans for the art center over a decade ago and very few moves were made to bring the project to fruition—in part due to stalled fund-raising and delays to the construction of the transit hub which sits under site. The snub, which actually wasn't communicated to the architect directly, seems to not have affected him much, but he had some choice words directed towards the board's president, Maggie Boepple.
More on the drama here
Archdiocese of New York Sells off St. Patrick’s School in Little Italy for $32M, Makes Way for Condos
September 4, 2014

Archdiocese of New York Sells off St. Patrick’s School in Little Italy for $32M, Makes Way for Condos

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On Christmas Eve 2013, the cash-strapped Archdiocese of New York put St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral School on the market for $29 million. Now it looks like Time Equities has purchased the Little Italy property, throwing down $32 million, according to city records filed today (233 Mott and 32 Prince). Plans to turn the school into condos have been in the works since October 2013, when it was reported that the building was in the process of being sold off to Hamlin Ventures, with re-vamps provided by Marvel Architects. Though records show Time as the buyer, the two developers are joining forces to turn the sprawling 14,925-square-foot former orphanage/convent/school into two single-family homes and eight luxury condos.
READ MORE
Real Estate Wire: The Helmsley Building Could Hit the Market for $1.5B; Carnegie Park Going Co-Op
September 3, 2014

Real Estate Wire: The Helmsley Building Could Hit the Market for $1.5B; Carnegie Park Going Co-Op

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The Commercial Observer interviews Gary Barnett of Extell. The developer discusses everything from his aggressive development stance to the “poor door” controversy that’s gotten everyone all riled up. [CO] An epic tale of murder at 31 Bond Street—the site of new condos coming to the NoHo market. [NYT] The “Gossip Girl Penthouse” at 1136 Fifth Avenue sold […]

Your Home Can Smell Like Bushwick for Just $81
September 3, 2014

Your Home Can Smell Like Bushwick for Just $81

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You may have scoffed at the $200 Hudson Yards fragrance released earlier this year, but this “smell like an up-and-coming neighborhood” trend seems to be catching on. NYC fashion brand OAK has just released a brand new candle that will fill your home up with the scent of Bushwick. Mmmmm? Aptly titled ‘Mckibben + Bogart 03’ (named after the […]

Gunn Landscape Architecture to Design the Rooftop of Williamsburg’s Futuristic Level Hotel
September 3, 2014

Gunn Landscape Architecture to Design the Rooftop of Williamsburg’s Futuristic Level Hotel

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Williamsburg's upcoming Level Hotel is right on track for its 2016 opening as construction continues moves full speed ahead at 55 Wythe Avenue. Back in July, architects Yohay Albo and Nick Liberis of Albo Liberis LLC were revealed as the brains behind the building's ultra modern form, and it's just been announced that Gunn Landscape Architecture will be taking charge of the expansive rooftop escape that will sit atop the retail pod of the futuristic hotel.
A look at the rooftop design here
Rudolf Stefanich’s SONO Could Help Block Out City Noise and Keep Your Home Quiet
September 2, 2014

Rudolf Stefanich’s SONO Could Help Block Out City Noise and Keep Your Home Quiet

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If you're one of the many who love city living but constantly curse the stress-inducing sounds of construction, car horns, garbage trucks, and yelling children, SONO will restore your sanity and bring your home to the pin drop quiet, peaceful state only found in the suburbs. Designed by Rudolf Stefanich, this pebble-shaped device could be applied to all of your home's windows, turning them into a comprehensive noise canceling system.
Find out more here
Real Estate Wire: Katz’s Is Selling Its Air Rights; 9/11 Memorial Will Open to the Public for a Night
August 29, 2014

Real Estate Wire: Katz’s Is Selling Its Air Rights; 9/11 Memorial Will Open to the Public for a Night

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The World Trade Center Memorial Plaza will open to the public on September 11th from 6 p.m. until midnight, allowing visitors to admire “the Tribute in Light” twin beams up close. [Crain’s] Here’s a video featuring a luxury 2-bedroom apartment set up for 22 people. [NYP] New Yorkers are heading to Jackson Heights. All units at the Roosevelt, located […]

Thomassons: Those Peculiar Architectural Relics That Serve No Purpose
August 28, 2014

Thomassons: Those Peculiar Architectural Relics That Serve No Purpose

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We've all seen them. They're those weird outcrops, stairs, doors and out of place architectural adornments that just have us going "Whaa?" As it turns out, these urban vestiges that serve absolutely no purpose have a name. They're called "Thomassons." Inspired by the recent the Roman Mars 99% Invisible podcast which talked about the urban phenomenon, we decided to scope out some of the Thomassons around New York. What we uncovered is pretty amusing.
All of our findings here
Real Estate Wire: Construction on NYC’s Tallest Modular Tower Stalled Again; Yankees’ Martin Prado Moving to the Atelier
August 28, 2014

Real Estate Wire: Construction on NYC’s Tallest Modular Tower Stalled Again; Yankees’ Martin Prado Moving to the Atelier

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NYC’s tallest modular tower located at Pacific Park (formerly Atlantic Yards), and designed by SHoP Architects, has been stalled again due to a dispute between the developer, Forest City Ratner, and the contractor, Skanska USA. [Crain’s] New condos will replace a Williamsburg parking lot located at Union Avenue and South 3rd. [Curbed] This week the New York […]

More and More Brownstone Owners Are Turning Their Homes into Condos
August 28, 2014

More and More Brownstone Owners Are Turning Their Homes into Condos

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For all of you who've stared down a four-story brownstone and wondered "What family needs all that space?", the answer appears to be not many. According to the folks over at Douglas Elliman, more and more owners of Brooklyn brownstones are carving their homes into multiple condos for resale. The piecemeal move they say not only manages to bring in more bucks than an individual sale, but also welcomes more housing without compromising the integrity of a neighborhood—i.e. they help keep tall, glass towers at bay.
More on the trend here
From Broadway to Brokerage: Tom Postilio & Mickey Conlon of CORE on the Similarities of Show Biz and Real Estate
August 26, 2014

From Broadway to Brokerage: Tom Postilio & Mickey Conlon of CORE on the Similarities of Show Biz and Real Estate

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No need to rub your eyes, if Tom Postilio and Mickey Conlon look familiar, it's probably because you've spent a season watching them run around Manhattan showing multi-million dollar properties to some of the world's richest. The pair, who also share a Broadway past, were one of the first to bring real estate reality television to the masses with HGTV's hugely popular Selling New York. But there's more to Tom and Mickey than their stage sheen. To date, the "Dream Team" has brought in over a $1.5 billion dollars in sales at CORE, securing the firm's spot as the #1 brokerage in town, and earning themselves CORE's 2013 Top Producer Award while at it. Charismatic and capable, it comes as no surprise that Tom and Mickey are a prime pick amongst developers and celebs looking for record-breaking results (David Sanborn, Lady Gaga, Jim Carey and Joan Collins are just a few of the names that make up their roster). We recently chatted with the powerhouse pair who gave us the scoop on everything from their first sales, to bringing what they learned on Broadway to the real estate business, to one of their most memorable closings involving a 7-foot fiberglass replica of the Statue of Liberty!
Read our interview with the dynamic duo here
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