All articles by Emily Nonko

Emily is a Brooklyn-based writer who has covered New York City real estate, architecture and design for Brownstoner, The Wall Street Journal, Dwell and other publications. You can follow her on Twitter @EmilyNonko.

November 14, 2017

Cracking open the stories of NYC’s most historic bars

By Emily Nonko

With rising rents and ever-changing commercial drags, New Yorkers can take comfort that the city still holds classic bar haunts, some of which have been serving booze for over 100 years. Some watering holes, like the Financial District's Fraunces Tavern, played a crucial role in major historic events. Others, like Midtown's 21 Club and the West Village's White Horse Tavern, hosted the most notable New Yorkers of the time. These institutions all survived Prohibition--managing to serve alcohol in both unique and secretive ways--and figured out ways to serve a diverse, ever-changing clientele of New Yorkers up to this day. 6sqft rounded up the seven most impressive bars when it comes to New York City history--and they've got the legends, stories, and ghosts to prove it. From longshoreman bars to underground speakeasies to Upper East Side institutions, these are the watering holes that have truly withstood New York's test of time.
This way for the roundup

November 13, 2017

$6,000/month Greenpoint rental boasts a drool-worthy deck that’s outfitted for winter

By Emily Nonko

Every winter, New Yorkers mourn the outdoor space they can't enjoy due to cold weather. This Greenpoint apartment has solved that problem, by installing a fire pit within a charming private patio. This jealousy-inducing outdoor space is tacked onto a two-bedroom duplex unit from 114 India Street, a condo built in 2008. It's being offered as a short-term rental--completely furnished, with utilities and weekly housekeeping included--for $6,000 a month.
Now see the interior

Distinctive Homes

Waldorf Astoria will lose 1,000 hotel rooms in renovation

Photo via Wiki Commons

November 13, 2017

Waldorf Astoria will lose 1,000 hotel rooms in renovation

By Emily Nonko

In the coming weeks, the renovation of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel will finally begin--a three-year process to convert much of the building to luxury condos. Hilton Worldwide Holdings, who had owned the landmark since 1972, agreed in 2014 to sell the 1,413-room hotel to Beijing-based financial and insurance company Anbang Insurance Group for $1.95 billion. Since then, the interior was landmarked, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill was tapped to design the project, and the building closed to begin work. Now the New York Post reports that post reno, the Waldorf will only hold 350 hotel rooms--a number that's "at the low end of recent estimates and much smaller than the number former Waldorf owner Hilton had expected," according to the paper.
It's caused some tension

November 12, 2017

A top-floor apartment at Trump International, awash in marble, has been price chopped down to $27.5M

By Emily Nonko

Extravagant is the word to describe this 47th-floor apartment at Trump International, the 52-floor hotel/condo hybrid on the corner of Central Park West. The owner snatched up the 6,360-square-foot home in 2008 and has been recently delivering a number of price cuts to unload it. In 2016, the pad was asking $40 million. That number went down to $34.5 million this April, and now it's finally landed at $27.5 million--a 31.5 percent markdown from its original ask. For all that money, however, you're getting Central Park views, four distinct types of marble flooring, and a master bathroom decked out in Lapis Lazuli stone hand-picked by European craftsman.
See all the lavish details

Distinctive Homes

November 10, 2017

Concrete jungle in West Soho hits market for $5.25M

By Emily Nonko

If you're a fan of concrete as a rich interior material, this just-listed West Soho will definitely impress. The 4,000-square-foot duplex is decked out with concrete columns, floors, and ceilings. This industrial chic space also offers a flexible floor plan, with a 30-foot-wide and 68-foot-long great room that allows for a number of configurations. Currently, it's set up as a two-bedroom home with a studio art space and a casual media lounge. The creative, well-designed residence is located within the 18-unit condo at 481 Greenwich Street, and is now asking $5.25 million.
See more of that concrete

Distinctive Homes

Whitney Museum will host NYC’s first Andy Warhol retrospective in 30 years

Andy Warhol’s Campbells Soup cans at MoMA, via Brando/Flickr

November 9, 2017

Whitney Museum will host NYC’s first Andy Warhol retrospective in 30 years

By Emily Nonko

Andy Warhol, one of New York's most iconic artists, is getting the spotlight at an upcoming retrospective in the Whitney Museum. The museum announced it's planning the city’s first comprehensive Warhol retrospective in nearly 30 years--and they hope, according to ArtNet, that it'll change your opinion of the most famed Pop artist in the world. Donna De Salvo, the curator organizing the exhibition, told ArtNet that "I’ve always felt there was so much attention given to the persona of Warhol that we had trouble looking at the work—and that’s what this exhibition does." This showcasing of his work is scheduled to happen in November of 2018.
Here's what we know so far

Events & Things To Do

The history of the New York City MetroCard

Photo via Wikimedia Commons

November 8, 2017

The history of the New York City MetroCard

By Emily Nonko

No New Yorker's life is complete without a MetroCard slipped into their wallet. For $2.75, it'll get you from Brooklyn to the Bronx, and everywhere in between. But the lifespan of the MetroCard is perhaps shorter than you might think--the flimsy plastic card, complete with the Automated Fare Collection turnstiles, only became an everyday part of subway commuting in 1993. And in recent years, all signs point to the card becoming extinct. The testing phase of a mobile device scanning and payment system began this fall with plans to roll out a fully cardless system by 2020. And so in honor of the MetroCard's brief lifespan as an essential commuter tool, 6sqft is delving into its history, iconic design, and the frustrations that come when that swipe just doesn't go through.
READ MORE

November 7, 2017

BFDO Architects renovated this Fort Greene brownstone to house a close-knit family

By Emily Nonko

BFDO Architects is no stranger to the innovative Brooklyn townhouse renovation. The firm brought their magic to this landmarked Fort Greene brownstone, purchased by a Hong Kong-based businessman who wanted a home that he, his wife and three adult children could comfortably stay in during his extended visits. BFDO modernized the interior, added new staircases, and utilized every inch of the house to personalize it for each member of the family.
So go check out the work

November 6, 2017

A prewar studio located on the “fruit streets” of Brooklyn Heights asks just $469K

By Emily Nonko

There are many things to love about Brooklyn Heights, one of those being the neighborhood's "fruit streets." Pineapple, Cranberry and Orange streets are all known in the area not just for the whimsical names, but for their historic architecture and prime location near the waterfront promenade. The cooperative at 55 Pineapple Street, also known as the Hamilton House, is one of those stately historic buildings that make the fruit streets so unique. This studio, now on the market for $469,000, retains the building's prewar charm while also boasting some upgrades to maximize the space.
Tour the cozy pad

Distinctive Homes

November 2, 2017

Chef-owned Chelsea loft boasts a serious kitchen for $2.3M

By Emily Nonko

This Chelsea loft belongs to a chef, food stylist and cookbook author--so you better believe the kitchen is going to impress. The 1,600-square-foot apartment, once a gritty live/work loft at 236 West 26th Street, has been renovated with chef-friendly details over the years. According to the listing, "The loft had been a cooking school in one of its reincarnations and looks like it." The 22-foot-long kitchen is decked out with industrial cabinetry, stainless steel appliances and tons of counter space, which is lined in Carrara marble. After previously hitting the market in 2006 for $1.698 million--it looks like it never sold--it's back up for grabs at $2.249 million.
Get a look

Distinctive Homes

Cute Williamsburg condo asks $775K after a clever renovation

By Emily Nonko

This 624-square-foot, one-bedroom condo at 134 North 10th Street in Williamsburg offers the best of both worlds in a small amount of space. A recent reno restored details of the historic townhouse building, like six-inch-wide plank pine flooring, built-in closets, and decorative fireplaces. But the renovation also created an efficient, flexible layout with custom build outs that include shelving, desks, sliding doors, and lofts. After last selling in 2010 for $441,090, this blend of old-meets-new is on the market asking $775,000.
Take a look around

Distinctive Homes

Mayor de Blasio doubles planned senior housing to 30,000 affordable apartments

Photo via NYC.GOV

November 1, 2017

Mayor de Blasio doubles planned senior housing to 30,000 affordable apartments

By Emily Nonko

Mayor de Blasio announced yesterday a new housing program, "Seniors First," that aims to double the city's commitment to senior housing over the mayor's extended 12-year Housing New York plan, with the goal of serving 30,000 senior households by 2026. This isn't the first time de Blasio has turned his focus to the affordable housing challenges for seniors; earlier this year he announced plans for two initiatives, including an Elder Rent Assistance program that would provide 25,000 seniors with monthly rental assistance of up to $1,300. And jumping on the bandwagon, too, are private developers. The Wall Street Journal reports that a Florida-based private-equity firm purchased a high-profile Brooklyn Heights apartment building--previously belonging to the Jehovah’s Witnesses--for about $200 million with plans to convert it into luxury senior housing.
Read more about the plans

October 31, 2017

$10K/month townhouse triplex in Fort Greene mixes historic details with boho accents

By Emily Nonko

This classic Fort Greene brownstone at 23 South Elliott Place holds an attractive triplex apartment inside. The rental, which covers the parlor floor, second floor and third floor (and includes access to the backyard), is on the market for a cool $10,000 a month. On display across every floor are those exquisite original brownstone details, while a renovation managed to open up the floorplan and bring more light inside.
There's also a hammock out back

Distinctive Homes

October 30, 2017

For $1.7M, a mid-century masterpiece in Connecticut’s modernist enclave

By Emily Nonko

New Canaan, Connecticut became the hot-spot of modern architecture in the 1940s and 1950s, when a group of architects known as the Harvard Five settled here and built nearly 100 modern homes. Of the surviving properties--20 were torn down over the years--this one still stands in impressive condition and is now on the market. The DeSilver House is a striking midcentury modern design by architects Harrison DeSilver and John Black Lee. From the exterior, floor-to-ceiling windows frame views of the nearly three-acre site, and the interior is chock full of preserved modern details. It's been offered through a private sale by the owner for $1.7 million.
You must see the interior

Distinctive Homes

October 26, 2017

$2.6M Soho condo boasts a tricked out roof deck and cozy sleeping nook

By Emily Nonko

This one-bedroom condo at Soho's 118 Wooster Street is offering up plenty of unique features to its next buyer. For one, the 1,250-square-foot interior got a cozy sleeping nook to hold a second bedroom. Then, under 20-foot ceilings, a massive great room, plus a formal bedroom, await. The stairs take you up to a glass atrium, which opens to an 800-square-foot roof deck with a water and electric hookup. For all these indoor and outdoor perks, it'll cost $2.649 million.
Go see the roof deck

Distinctive Homes

In 1917, a German U-Boat submarine ended up in Central Park

Photo via Library of Congress

October 25, 2017

In 1917, a German U-Boat submarine ended up in Central Park

By Emily Nonko

On October 25th, 1917, New Yorkers were celebrating "Liberty Day," a holiday invented by the federal government to finance the massive effort of entering World War I. One-third of the war's funding would come from the imposition of progressive new taxes, while two-thirds would come from selling "Liberty Bonds" to the American people. The holiday was part of an unprecedented publicity campaign to convince the public to buy the bonds. New Yorkers are notoriously hard to impress, so it's no surprise the government rolled out all the punches: a three-engine Caproni bomber plane flew low among the skyscrapers, a parade of military motorcycles traveled up 5th Avenue, and a captured German U-boat submarine lay festooned with American flags inside Central Park.
Read more about the day's events

History

October 23, 2017

J.P. Morgan’s 120-year-old ‘Great Camp Uncas’ in the Adirondacks finally sells

By Emily Nonko

A new owner has claimed the stately Great Camp Uncas compound, nestled among the Adirondack forest and lakefront. The secluded property was built in 1895 by Brooklynite William West Durant, credited with perfecting the style of the Adirondack Great Camps of the Gilded Age. This particular camp—at 1,500 acres—was impressive enough for financier J.P. Morgan to purchase it in 1897. It was used as a vacation home for him and his family the next 50 years. Since then the property has traded hands several times, and a parcel of it last hit the market in 2015 for $3.25 million. An unsuccessful sales run caused a price drop, in 2016, to $2.7 million. According to the brokerage firm Franklin Ruttan, one lucky owner has snapped it up.
Learn more about the camp's history

October 20, 2017

Pretty Park Slope co-op with a hammock under the window asks $895K

By Emily Nonko

This two-bedroom cooperative, at 401 8th Avenue in Park Slope, is pretty as can be. After last selling in 2011 for $480,000, the pad got a full renovation to make the interior "magazine worthy cool," as the listing puts it. It'd be hard to argue with that, considering they've hung a hammock underneath the living room window, added open wood shelving, and lined the walls with interesting artwork. All the while, original details like moldings and parquet floors were kept. It all makes for an appealing property now on the market for $895,000.
READ MORE

Distinctive Homes

October 19, 2017

Horse stable turned loft with 10-foot tin ceilings asks $2.8M in Chelsea

By Emily Nonko

136 West 24th Street was originally built as horse stables in the 1890s for patrons of the historic Ladies Mile shopping district. Today it's quite the stunning loft apartment, boasting thick wooden beams, 10-foot-high tin ceilings, three bedrooms, and three full bathrooms. And its Chelsea locale is right in the heart of the neighborhood, an easy walk to both Madison Square Park and the Highline. After the co-op last sold in 2011 for $2.45 million to the playwright Martha Pichey (mother to actor Rafi Gavron), it has hit the market for $2.8 million.
See the historic interior

Distinctive Homes

October 18, 2017

Asking $2.5M, ‘this old house’ on the Upper West Side belonged to Bob Villa

By Emily Nonko

Fans of the renovation show "This Old House" will appreciate this Upper West Side townhouse at 21 West 75th Street. Bob Vila, the host of the show for 10 years, owned the home with his son, Chris. Built in 1909 by John C. Umberfield and designed by architect George Walgrove, the historic townhouse inspired many episodes of the show. And in the show's spirit, it was more recently renovated and restored before being divided into five condos. This condo, asking $2.5 million, occupies the full third floor of the property.
See the original details still in place

October 18, 2017

For $125M, you can own this 46-acre North Shore island compound

By Emily Nonko

For the third time in a 100-year history, this island compound off the North Shore of Long Island is looking for a buyer. Anybody willing to spend $125 million can own what's known as Dosoris Island--which includes 46 acres of land, 10 acres of underwater rights and a 28-acre pond. On top of that, the island is home to a compound built by Junius Morgan, a J.P. Morgan scion, with six homes, landscaping by Frederick Law Olmsted, and all sorts of other perks. A pool, private dock, and horse stables--it's all included in this magnificent private island package listed by Sotheby's.
Get a closer look

October 17, 2017

$388K for a classic prewar co-op in the Jackson Heights Historic District

By Emily Nonko

Jackson Heights, Queens, is an affordable neighborhood with lots going for it. There's a central transit hub, great restaurants, and loads of beautiful pre-war buildings. This co-op, at 35-27 80th Street, is well known in the neighborhood as the Greystones, an early 1900s building that's part of the Jackson Heights Historic District. This one-bedroom apartment for sale, asking $388,500, is a classic pre-war pad with some modern details like open shelving and a renovated eat-in kitchen. The apartment last sold in 2010 for $260,000.
Take the tour

Distinctive Homes

Beyer Blinder Belle overseeing $50M restoration of FiDi’s iconic Equitable Building

Rendering via MAQE

October 17, 2017

Beyer Blinder Belle overseeing $50M restoration of FiDi’s iconic Equitable Building

By Emily Nonko

One of New York's best-known office buildings will get a major restoration. According to Curbed, Equitable Building owner Silverstein Properties plans to spend $50 million to return the Financial District building to its former glory, restoring many design elements that were on display when it first opened in 1915. Beyer Blinder Belle will oversee the reno, which includes the restoration of the entrance, a new lighting system with hanging bronze fixtures, a new reception desk, and a granite accent wall. For those unfamiliar with the Equitable Building, it actually played a huge role in the city's current zoning laws. The H-shaped tower, which takes up the entire block on Broadway between Pine and Cedar Streets, caused a scandal when it opened due to the long shadows it cast on nearby streets, leading the city to establish the first-ever zoning laws to regulate the height of future tall buildings.
Read about the restoration details

Architecture And Design

October 16, 2017

This lofty, compact duplex in Forest Hills is a deal with an ask of $329K

By Emily Nonko

There's a deal to be found in the Queens neighborhood Forest Hills Gardens, where this lofted one-bedroom apartment has hit the market for $329,000. This is the only duplex in the entire cooperative, a historic Arts and Crafts style building located at 1 Station Square. Custom storage and closets maximize the space, which holds a living area, open kitchen and master bedroom below. Above, accessed by a spiral staircase, is a bonus space for an office and second bedroom. The apartment last sold in 2008 for $340,000.
See the space

Distinctive Homes

October 13, 2017

$4.4M carriage house off Cobble Hill Park was a stop on the Underground Railroad

By Emily Nonko

This is one of the select few carriage homes that line the charming Cobble Hill Park, and now it's up for grabs asking $4.4 million. What you're getting is a house full of history: constructed in the 1840s through 1860, the carriage houses on this block served as homes for both the servants and horses of the wealthy homeowners along nearby Warren and Clinton streets. 20 Verandah, in particular, later served as a stop on the Underground Railroad. Of course, the interior is lovely too, with original details like bricks, ceiling beams and wood-burning fireplaces maintained within the four-bedroom, two-family home.
Get a look around

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