All articles by Michelle Cohen

Michelle is a New York-based writer and content strategist who has worked extensively with lifestyle brands like Seventeen, Country Living, Harper’s Bazaar and iVillage. In addition to being a copywriter for a digital media agency she writes about culture, New York City neighborhoods, real estate, style, design and technology among other topics. She has lived in a number of major US cities on both coasts and in between and loves all things relating to urbanism and culture.

City sues landlords for listing rent-stabilized Hell’s Kitchen apartments on Airbnb

412 West 46th Street. Image via Google Street View.

August 16, 2019

City sues landlords for listing rent-stabilized Hell’s Kitchen apartments on Airbnb

By Michelle Cohen

. The city has named the owners of three Hell's Kitchen buildings in a lawsuit filed this week in Manhattan Supreme Court for operating illegal short-term rentals in rent-stabilized apartments, the New York Observer reports. The city says the owners of 410 and 412 West 46th Street and 452 West 36th Street have neglected their buildings, harassed tenants to get them to move out, deregulated units and kept units vacant to rent out on a short-term basis. Tenants of one building were left without gas or a roof for six months in 2015 due to a fire; the other two are awash in building code violations.
Find out more

Policy

This $4M upstate Zen retreat is on a private island in the Hudson River

August 16, 2019

This $4M upstate Zen retreat is on a private island in the Hudson River

By Michelle Cohen

Located in the sleepy hamlet of New Hamburg in Dutchess County, separated from the banks of the Hudson River by a mere footbridge, this unique property asking $3.995 million is called Rabbit Island. And if you're into privacy and water views with an easy commute to anywhere, you'll want to hop on it. This pretty package includes a 4,427-square-foot house surrounded by decks and tranquil gardens, and it's a four-minute walk from the New Hamburg train station.
Zen-like tranquility, this way

Distinctive Homes

This $1.35M townhouse in Crown Heights is a compact condo alternative with a Nordic vibe

August 15, 2019

This $1.35M townhouse in Crown Heights is a compact condo alternative with a Nordic vibe

By Michelle Cohen

This 2,450-square-foot new construction single-family townhouse at 1543 Dean Street near the Crown Heights-Bed-Stuy border may not be towering, but its 25-by-59-square-foot interior, backyard, deck and parking add the privacy and perks you won't get in a condo of the same size. Interiors have the bright, whitewashed good looks of a sunny Scandinavian home, with a wood-burning stove adding to the Euro-appeal.
More bright white space, this way

Distinctive Homes

Lottery opens for 16 units from $2,100/month across from Bushwick’s Maria Hernandez Park

Image: Google street view.

August 15, 2019

Lottery opens for 16 units from $2,100/month across from Bushwick’s Maria Hernandez Park

By Michelle Cohen

A lottery has opened for 16 not-very-affordable units in a newly-constructed building across the street from Maria Hernandez Park in Bushwick. The building at 260 Knickerbocker Avenue is the first high rise adjoining the park. Qualifying New Yorkers earning a whopping 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the available units, including $2,100/month one-bedrooms and $2,300/month two-bedrooms.
Find out how to apply

Affordable Housing

LPC approves 14-story complex behind East New York’s landmarked Empire State Dairy building

Revised rendering from August by Dattner Architects via LPC

August 14, 2019

LPC approves 14-story complex behind East New York’s landmarked Empire State Dairy building

By Michelle Cohen

Update 8/14/19: The Landmarks Preservation Commission on Tuesday approved Dattner Architects' plan to construct a 14-story building behind the Empire State Dairy. According to Brownstoner, the architects removed the cantilever element from the project's previous design and plan to preserve the chimney, instead of demolishing it. The new tower will replace two existing, but not landmarked, buildings, and include over 330 affordable apartments. An affordable housing developer on Tuesday presented plans to the Landmarks Preservation Commission for a new building that would cantilever over the Empire State Dairy building in East New York. HP Brooklyn Dairy Housing Development Fund Company, part of the nonprofit Housing Partnership Development Corporation, wants to construct a 14-story tower on top of the early 20th-century factory, located at 2840 Atlantic Avenue. Landmarked in 2017, the factory is notable for its architectural style and decorative tile murals. Dattner Architects created the designs for the proposed complex shown in the new renderings. The new construction would be a major change for the property, which was purchased by the developer for $16.75 million last year.
See more, this way

Coney Island’s Luna Park looks to the public to name new attractions

The new log flume ride. Photo Credit: NYCEDC

August 14, 2019

Coney Island’s Luna Park looks to the public to name new attractions

By Michelle Cohen

Luna Park, home of the Coney Island Cyclone and Steeplechase, will welcome three new attractions–a ropes course, a log flume ride and a roller coaster–next year. The iconic seaside amusement park has turned to the public to name the new additions, which are set to open in 2020, AM New York reports.
Taking names, this way

Events & Things To Do

This $1.25M modernist house in Ossining was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright’s firm

Photos by Pedro Sousa of Jump Visual, courtesy of Compass

August 14, 2019

This $1.25M modernist house in Ossining was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright’s firm

By Michelle Cohen

It's pretty easy to guess that this mid-century modern-style home in Ossining, N.Y. was inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright. But the lakeside home at 17 Twin Ridges Road has a connection to the famed architect that goes beyond homage: It was designed by Wright's firm, Taliesin Associated Architects, based on the blueprints of Life Magazine’s 1997 American Dream Home.
House tour, this way

Distinctive Homes

New bill may bring hostels back to New York City

Image via CC.

August 13, 2019

New bill may bring hostels back to New York City

By Michelle Cohen

New York City could make hostels legal under a bill, set to be introduced this week in the City Council, that would permit the super-budget accommodations to operate again after a state law made them illegal, the Wall Street Journal reports. The bill would provide hostels with their own separate department and classification under city law. The city's hostels all but disappeared after a 2010 law covering multiple dwellings took aim at short-term rentals.
Will hostels thrive in the Airbnb era?

Walk outside to your private garden from all sides of this $1.85M Cobble Hill duplex

Photo credit: Michael Weinstein courtesy of Compass.

August 13, 2019

Walk outside to your private garden from all sides of this $1.85M Cobble Hill duplex

By Michelle Cohen

This 2,000-square-foot condominium at 42 Tiffany Place in Cobble Hill, asking $1.85 million, is surrounded by over 1,000 square feet of private outdoor space. Windows and glass doors all around open onto multiple decks and gardens for indoor/outdoor living on the main level. On the lower level–where the bedrooms are–lots of windows keep things bright. An extra perk: There is a shuttle to take residents to the Borough Hall subway station, included in the common charges.
Tour the duplex

Distinctive Homes

Birdbath in Soho’s iconic green Vesuvio Bakery has closed

Image via Wiki Commons

August 13, 2019

Birdbath in Soho’s iconic green Vesuvio Bakery has closed

By Michelle Cohen

City Bakery announced Friday that Birdbath bakery in the Vesuvio storefront at 160 Prince Street has closed for good, Gothamist reports. City Bakery founder Maury Rubin moved into the familiar green storefront in 2009 after the death of Anthony Dapolito, whose family created Vesuvio in 1920. Now, neighbors are wondering if new owners will alter the familiar face of the iconic Soho landmark.
Find out more

City Living

Popular Articles

Central Park’s first statue of real women redesigned to include Sojourner Truth

The original design. Photo by Tia Richards for 6sqft

August 12, 2019

Central Park’s first statue of real women redesigned to include Sojourner Truth

By Michelle Cohen

Last year's unveiling of designs for the first statue in Central Park's 165-year history that depicts real historic women–a sculpture of Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony–was met with mixed reviews: Why didn't the statue, set to be dedicated in August of 2020, marking the 100th anniversary of nationwide women's suffrage, include any of the many African-American women who aided in the cause? Today it was announced that a redesigned statue honoring pioneering women’s rights advocates will include Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Sojourner Truth, an escaped slave and abolitionist who joined the fight for women's rights.
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Iconic New York Public Library lions to get a laser cleaning as part of conservation effort

Photo credit: Jonathan Blanc / NYPL.

August 12, 2019

Iconic New York Public Library lions to get a laser cleaning as part of conservation effort

By Michelle Cohen

The iconic lions standing guard outside the The New York Public Library’s 42nd Street location are getting some much-needed grooming this fall. The majestic pair–named Patience and Fortitude–have been in place since 1911 as international symbols for access to knowledge and information. As part of a conservation effort that happens every 7 to 10 years, the stone sentries will receive repairs to cracks and chips and laser cleanings.
A bit of history, this way

City Living

New study finds reasons for storefront vacancy are as varied as NYC neighborhoods themselves

Image: Steven Pisano via Flickr.

August 9, 2019

New study finds reasons for storefront vacancy are as varied as NYC neighborhoods themselves

By Michelle Cohen

Amid discussions of gentrification and astronomical rents, it's impossible not to notice the alarming appearance of vacant storefronts in what seems like every neighborhood in New York City. A new report from the Department of City Planning (DCP) has attempted to get a closer look at the data behind this phenomenon to get a better understanding of how the city's retail and storefront uses may be changing. The report, titled "Assessing Storefront Vacancy in NYC," looks at 24 neighborhoods as case studies. The very detailed study found that, overall, storefront vacancy may not be a one-answer citywide problem. Vacancies were found to be concentrated in certain neighborhoods, and the reasons appear to be as many and varied as the neighborhoods themselves.
More fascinating findings, this way

City seeks proposals to develop two East Harlem sites with 350 affordable units and community space

Park Avenue between East 118th and East 119th Streets (top); image via East Harlem Neighborhood Plan.

August 9, 2019

City seeks proposals to develop two East Harlem sites with 350 affordable units and community space

By Michelle Cohen

The city's Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) on Thursday issued a request for proposals to develop two city-owned East Harlem sites. The new developments are to include 350 units of affordable housing as well as retail and cultural and community space. The RFPs are part of the East Harlem Housing Plan, which was created with community input received through the East Harlem Neighborhood Planning Process.
Find out more

Karlie Kloss and Josh Kushner’s Nolita pad sells for $6.6M

August 8, 2019

Karlie Kloss and Josh Kushner’s Nolita pad sells for $6.6M

By Michelle Cohen

Supermodel Karlie Kloss and hubby Josh Kushner, investor and brother to Trump advisor/son-in-law Jared Kushner, have sold their downtown Manhattan newlywed nest at 211 Elizabeth Street for $6.6 million, the New York Post reports. The pair, who tied the knot last year, listed the 2,000-square-foot home with interiors by Roman and Williams and a 1,120-square-foot landscaped terrace, last February for $6.9 million.
Take the tour

‘Waterfront Planning Camp’ invites New Yorkers to help the city improve 520 miles of NYC waterfront

Image courtesy of the Department of City Planning.

August 7, 2019

‘Waterfront Planning Camp’ invites New Yorkers to help the city improve 520 miles of NYC waterfront

By Michelle Cohen

The Department of City Planning (DCP) on Wednesday invited New Yorkers of all ages to help shape the city's next Comprehensive Waterfront Plan, starting with a “Waterfront Planning Camp” event on Governors Island. In an effort to get community input and feedback on how to make the city's 520 miles of waterfront better, the DCP is hosting a free Waterfront Planning Camp on Governors Island at Nolan Park, Saturday, August 17th from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Find out more

Asking $1M, this sweet Connecticut ‘Mouse House’ cottage is just a whisker from the beach

August 7, 2019

Asking $1M, this sweet Connecticut ‘Mouse House’ cottage is just a whisker from the beach

By Michelle Cohen

This adorable cottage, dubbed “The Mouse House” with a plaque on the front gate, is steps from coveted Campo Beach in Westport, Connecticut. Asking $999,000, the 1,229 square-foot four-bedroom home has been a popular Airbnb listing. It has literary cred as well: The current owner is a bestselling novelist.
Beach house tour, this way

Distinctive Homes

This $950K West Village brownstone co-op has patina, personality, and a wood-burning stove

Image credit: Rise Media for The Corcoran Group.

August 7, 2019

This $950K West Village brownstone co-op has patina, personality, and a wood-burning stove

By Michelle Cohen

This one-bedroom co-op at 78 Charles Street in the heart of the West Village is on the top floor of a classic brownstone. Asking $950,000, it gets plenty of light, so moody blue hues and dark wood paneling add up to tons of style and charm.
See more, this way

Distinctive Homes

Williamsburg summer survival guide: Where to cool off, hang out, and enjoy an icy treat

Photo by Scott Beale

August 6, 2019

Williamsburg summer survival guide: Where to cool off, hang out, and enjoy an icy treat

By Michelle Cohen

Summer in the city can be a slog, but neighborhoods like Williamsburg turn the dog days into a wealth of seasonal perfection with peerless places, rare and unique tastes, and unbeatable views around every corner. From pools and parks and ice cream parlors for family fun to chic rooftop boîtes overlooking the Manhattan skyline, Brooklyn’s trendiest neighborhood offers endless urban opportunities to beat the heat. Below are just a few ways to keep cool and carry on.
The Williamsburg summer survival guide

Events & Things To Do

$825K Turtle Bay pad has a floating staircase and glass-bottom sleeping loft

Photo credit: Eitan Gamliely for Sotheby’s International Realty.

August 6, 2019

$825K Turtle Bay pad has a floating staircase and glass-bottom sleeping loft

By Michelle Cohen

This one-bedroom home in Turtle Bay Towers at 310 East 46th Street, asking $825,000, plays with creative design and dramatic custom construction to give it the feel of an industrial loft. Steel and tempered glass surround a floating staircase, and grand dimensions and open spaces make this condop stand out from the average full-service midtown Manhattan pack.
Take the tour

Distinctive Homes

Fabled 242-square-foot West Village ‘Wee Cottage’ is back on the market for $429K

Photos by Zio and Sons courtesy of Halstead

August 6, 2019

Fabled 242-square-foot West Village ‘Wee Cottage’ is back on the market for $429K

By Michelle Cohen

6sqft previously featured this unique West Village studio for its clever design in 2014, when its owners, Jourdan Lawlor and Tobin Ludwig, who bought the charming co-op for a mere $270,000, transformed the 242-square-foot pied-a-terre at 352 West 12th Street into a marvel of brilliant design and space-optimizing solutions. The pair dubbed it “The Wee Cottage” and invested in a renovation that became the stuff of micro-apartment legend (Refinery29 named it the Coolest Tiny Apartment in NYC, and it’s an Instagram favorite). After a spin as a rental, they put their mini-masterpiece on the market last year for $500,000. Now its price has gotten a wee bit smaller, currently asking $429,000 (h/t Curbed).
Take another peek

Distinctive Homes

This $2.3M Ditmas Park Victorian adds modern convenience to bygone-era charm

Photo credit: Drew Dies and Katherine Pastrana courtesy of Compass.

August 5, 2019

This $2.3M Ditmas Park Victorian adds modern convenience to bygone-era charm

By Michelle Cohen

This seven-bedroom free-standing Ditmas Park townhouse at 777 Rugby Road, asking $2.275 million, has plenty of curb appeal, starting with a big, gracious front porch perfect for summer afternoons. On a leafy block lined with ornate Victorians, this home has been renovated to create plenty of space for modern living while keeping its bygone-era charm.
Step inside for a look

Distinctive Homes

Billionaires’ Row kosher deli fights high-rise developer over eviction

August 5, 2019

Billionaires’ Row kosher deli fights high-rise developer over eviction

By Michelle Cohen

Cafe Classico, a kosher delicatessen that has occupied the storefront on West 57th Street next door to an 1891 French-style townhouse for 19 years has asked a judge to spare it from eviction, the New York Post reports. The LeFrak Organization and Vornado Realty have plans to build a high-rise tower on the next-door property at 29 West 57th Street, and the deli's landlord, 35 West Realty Co., has threatened to evict the longtime business over insufficient insurance coverage.
Find out more

New Developments

$11.5M Beekman Place duplex is a rare piece of Manhattan social history, Warhol connection included

Listing photos by Donna Dotan, courtesy of Compass

August 5, 2019

$11.5M Beekman Place duplex is a rare piece of Manhattan social history, Warhol connection included

By Michelle Cohen

This 5,200-square-foot duplex at 1 Beekman Place, on the market for the first time in 50 years, is a rare piece of NYC history. The seller is socialite and one-time Warhol muse Barbara Allen de Kwiatkowski. With 60 linear feet of windows overlooking the East River on each level, this palatial 12-room co-op offers five bedrooms, three fireplaces, a private balcony, two terraces overlooking the East River and a one-bedroom staff apartment on a separate floor.
More of the grand tour, this way

Distinctive Homes

Pale timber, historic details and DIY done right define this $5,500/month Bed Stuy townhouse rental

August 2, 2019

Pale timber, historic details and DIY done right define this $5,500/month Bed Stuy townhouse rental

By Michelle Cohen

Built in 1891, this three-story brick townhouse at 401A Monroe Street in Bed-Stuy uses each of its three floors to the best advantage of whomever's lucky enough to be in residence. The single-family home is available for rent for $5,500 per month beginning September 15. Within are four bedrooms, two baths, a finished basement and a private backyard.
Tour the triplex, consider the options

Distinctive Homes

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