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.

The best mattresses you can buy online in 2021

Image courtesy of Tuft & Needle.

April 16, 2021

The best mattresses you can buy online in 2021

By Michelle Cohen

Buying a mattress is no longer like buying a car, requiring showroom visits that put us at the mercy of unctuous sales agents and an SUV-sized investment. The advent of “bed-in-a-box” disruptors changed the game, but this new era has brought so many options that it’s almost impossible to comparison shop. There’s no perfect formula, and it really comes down to personal preference, so while we can't tell you which mattress is perfect for you, below is a roundup of the current important entries in the mattress field, and why they’re so popular.
Don't lose sleep over buying a mattress

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1912 World Series at the Polo Grounds. Image via Wikimedia Commons

April 1, 2021

It was illegal to play baseball in NYC on Sunday until 1919

By Michelle Cohen

Baseball may be a long-standing tradition in New York City, but not so very long ago that seemingly innocent pastime was illegal on Sundays. As one of the infamous "blue laws" on the state books–that other beloved NYC pastime, shopping, was illegal as well–the ban was part of a sweeping statute from colonial times called the Statute for Suppressing Immorality. Enacted in 1778, it was the first state "Sabbath law." Section 2145 of the revised New York State Penal code of 1787 outlawed all public sports on Sunday–so as not to "interrupt the repose of the Sabbath"–and wasn't repealed until 1919.
No movies, either

History

Image courtesy of The Sill.

December 7, 2020

The best gifts for plant lovers in 2020

By Michelle Cohen

Plants don’t just make our rooms look great, they also purify indoor air, reduce stress (especially important in 2020!), and add liven up even the smallest apartments for a relatively low cost. Even if plant care and feeding lie just outside your skillset, faux foliage, like the life-like specimens from The Sill, has come a long way. Plants and everything you need to nurture them can be easy and convenient to order online, and plants and accessories make great gifts for both experienced "plant people" and newbies. See our guide below for some great green thumb gift ideas.
Get growing

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Courtesy of the TWA Hotel

October 29, 2020

The TWA Hotel’s rooftop is now a retro Alpine-themed retreat with a heated ‘pool-cuzzi’

By Michelle Cohen

Looking to safely hang with friends outdoors without freezing your bum off? Then you might consider heading out to the TWA Hotel at JFK Airport. For the second year, the hotel is sharing its Eero Saarinen-designed mid-century fabulousness with its guests by transforming its rooftop bar into the Runway Chalet for the rest of the winter season. In addition to a tented and heated Alpine-themed restaurant and bar, the chalet offers the "pool-cuzzi," which is heated up to 95 degrees.
Find out more

Here’s what you need to know about New York’s plastic bag ban

Image: Michael Kowalczyk via Flickr.

October 19, 2020

Here’s what you need to know about New York’s plastic bag ban

By Michelle Cohen

The ban on single-use plastic bags will go into effect on Monday, more than seven months after enforcement was set to begin. Gov. Andrew Cuomo's statewide ban on plastic bags was approved by state lawmakers last year with plans to begin enforcement on March 1, 2020. But a lawsuit from the Bodega and Small Business Association and a delay in a court decision on the lawsuit because of the coronavirus pandemic pushed enforcement of the new law back multiple times until a state judge ruled in August that the ban can begin on October 19. Starting Monday, grocery and retail stores that collect state taxes from customers will no longer be permitted to use plastic bags to contain purchases at checkout. Ahead, learn more about the Bag Waste Reduction Law, the exceptions to the law, and alternatives to single-use plastic.
Find out more

MAP: Predict when fall foliage will peak in your area

Image courtesy of Smoky Mountains

September 21, 2020

MAP: Predict when fall foliage will peak in your area

By Michelle Cohen

It officially feels like Fall, and whether you're good and ready for sweater weather or you're sorry to see summer go, there's no avoiding the fact that cooler temps and shorter days are on the way. One way to savor the changing seasons is to enjoy the majestic hues of autumn foliage. If you're hoping to catch the changing season at its peak, there's no better tool to plan your leaf-peeping strategy than SmokyMountains.com's Fall Foliage Prediction Map. This interactive infographic will tell you when and where foliage is expected to appear, and when it will reach its peak, in your area. Here in NYC, expect peak foliage to hit around mid-October.
See the full map

Events & Things To Do

INTERVIEW: Architect John Cetra on the Upper West Side’s Dahlia and the changing concept of home

Images courtesy of CetraRuddy

July 13, 2020

INTERVIEW: Architect John Cetra on the Upper West Side’s Dahlia and the changing concept of home

By Michelle Cohen

Designed by CetraRuddy and RKTB Architects, Dahlia at 212 West 95th Street celebrates the Upper West Side's classic residential blocks of pre-war architecture while adding innovative design elements. The condo’s 38 homes and common areas are designed to be more spacious than the average Manhattan apartment, and perks unheard of in New York City include a huge 5,100-square-foot private elevated park, a fitness center with a yoga room, and a private parking garage. Plus, each apartment is situated on a corner of the building, so there’s no shortage of views and natural light. 6sqft recently offered a peek at the 20-story building's interiors, and we've now chatted with architect John Cetra about this new addition to the Upper West Side, the neighborhood, and how apartment building design must be sensitive to changing times and the idea of home in the city.
An interview with John Cetra of CetraRuddy, this way

13 things you didn’t know about the Woolworth Building

The Woolworth Building, then and now. L: Image courtesy of Library of Congress via Wiki cc; r: Image Norbert Nagel via Wiki cc.

June 29, 2020

13 things you didn’t know about the Woolworth Building

By Michelle Cohen

When the neo-Gothic Woolworth Building at 233 Broadway was erected in 1913 as the world’s tallest building, it cost a total of $13.5 million to construct. Though many have surpassed it in height, the instantly-recognizable Lower Manhattan landmark has remained one of the world’s most iconic buildings, admired for its terra cotta facade and detailed ornamentation–and its representation of the ambitious era in which it arose. Developer and five-and-dime store entrepreneur Frank Winfield Woolworth dreamed of an unforgettable skyscraper; the building’s architect, Cass Gilbert, designed and delivered just that, even as Woolworth's vision grew progressively loftier. The Woolworth Building has remained an anchor of New York City life with its storied past and still-impressive 792-foot height.
Find the city's history in the Woolworth Building

$16M Woolworth Tower condo has 22-foot ceilings and World Trade Center views

Images courtesy of The Corcoran Group.

June 18, 2020

$16M Woolworth Tower condo has 22-foot ceilings and World Trade Center views

By Michelle Cohen

The top 30 floors of Tribeca's venerable Woolworth Tower at 2 Park Place have been redeveloped by Alchemy Properties and given new life by French architect Thierry W. Despont. They now comprise a limited collection of 32 luxury condominium residences. On the familiar landmark's 29th floor, this sprawling three-bedroom condo, asking $15,950,000 million, spans 4,623 square feet, not counting its vast terraces. No expense has been spared in bestowing the finest in finishes and state-of-the-art systems throughout.
See more of this updated deco trophy pad

Distinctive Homes

INTERVIEW: Architect Morris Adjmi on how Nomad’s 30 East 31st Street helps define a changing city

Renderings by The Neighbourhood, courtesy of Morris Adjmi Architects

June 16, 2020

INTERVIEW: Architect Morris Adjmi on how Nomad’s 30 East 31st Street helps define a changing city

By Michelle Cohen

Among the recent architectural contributions to New York City designed by Morris Adjmi Architects, a tall, slender tower at 30 East 31st Street from developers EDG and The Pinnacle Group is quietly turning heads in the northern part of the Manhattan neighborhood known as Nomad. The 479-foot-high, 42-unit condominium tower, officially named 30E31, is now ready for occupancy. 6sqft caught up with architect and designer Morris Adjmi to get the creator's viewpoint on the notable new Manhattan residence, from his thoughts on the relatively new neighborhood to his contextual exterior design and custom interiors.
The full interview with Morris Adjmi, this way

25 great ways to turn your apartment into a calming home

By Michelle Cohen

Photo by Gaelle Marcel on Unsplash Call it zen or hygge or just plain cozy, we look to our homes to be a welcoming refuge, especially during the current times. From creating a reading nook to setting up a bathroom "spa," we've rounded up the best projects to help you carve out a tranquil space in a stressful world, no matter what size your apartment or home.
relaxation, this way

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12 flowering houseplants to brighten up your home

Photo courtesy of The Sill

March 31, 2020

12 flowering houseplants to brighten up your home

By Michelle Cohen

With New Yorkers stuck indoors with kids, work from home, and a barrage of ever-changing news, it can seem like even spring is on hold. But adding some flowering houseplants to your space is a great way to enliven it with the colors and energy of spring. To help you get started, we’ve rounded up a collection of potted blooms that will make your home, and your mood, just a little brighter.
Potted blooms, this way

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Photo by Ken Tomita via Pexels

March 20, 2020

30 home office ideas to work in style

By Michelle Cohen

If you're starting to get a little stir crazy working from home, why not take this as an opportunity to spruce up your home office setup. Ahead, we've put together some suggestions for setting up the perfect work-from-home scenario, even if you're stuck in a tiny apartment. From practical solutions like wall-mounted desks and storage drawers to fun furniture ideas like an ergonomic stool and even something for your furry friend.
What's your home office style?

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Stay fit while staying home: The best home gym equipment

Photo by Valeria Ushakova from Pexels

March 18, 2020

Stay fit while staying home: The best home gym equipment

By Michelle Cohen

The gym is closed. It's still too cold to hit the park, beach, or local outdoor track (or you'd just rather stay at home). There are only so many times you can walk the dog. But your health and fitness–and sanity–depend on being able to get some exercise. This could be the best time to put that at-home workout plan into action–especially since exercise is one of the best ways to boost your immune system. Whether it's a yoga practice, cardio, training for a race or building strength, let the list below inspire you to get moving, even if you're in a small NYC apartment.
Get moving

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How the coronavirus is affecting New York City real estate

Image courtesy of 6sqft.

March 16, 2020

How the coronavirus is affecting New York City real estate

By Michelle Cohen

FaceTime video tours, virtual open houses, and plunging interest rates; the real estate business in New York City in the time of COVID-19 isn’t business as usual. But as impactful and uncertain as the global pandemic is, it may not be bad for business. An important and unique attribute of this particular crisis, though, is uncertainty. There are new developments each day, and new answers–for public health and welfare, of course, but also for businesses affected by the virus.
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The outdoor kitchen and garden at this $1.9M Boerum Hill condo make for a true urban oasis

Photo credit: DDReps, courtesy of Compass

March 12, 2020

The outdoor kitchen and garden at this $1.9M Boerum Hill condo make for a true urban oasis

By Michelle Cohen

This two-bedroom-plus-office condo at 440 Atlantic Avenue, asking 1.85 million, offers the promise of tranquility and outdoor living in Brooklyn's bustling Boerum Hill. Situated at the back of the building with no adjoining neighbors is a private outdoor oasis complete with verdant landscaping and an outdoor kitchen.
Get the inside-outside tour

Distinctive Homes

Image: Velvet via Wiki Commons

March 11, 2020

City alleges Chelsea Hotel owners harassed tenants during renovation

By Michelle Cohen

Lawyers for the city's Department of Housing Preservation announced Friday that the Chelsea Hotel’s owners did not qualify to receive a Certificate of No Harassment (CNH)–the document required for them to continue renovations to convert the dilapidated landmark into a luxury hotel with apartments. The document is required under a decades-old law to protect Single Room Occupancy residences from tenant harassment. As The Real Deal reports, The city's allegations of harassment are the result of tenant complaints that since owners Richard Born and Ira Drukier of BD hotels began work after acquiring a stake in the property in 2016, conditions like leaky ceilings, exposed electrical wires, high lead levels, vermin and lack of heat have made living there unsafe.
Find out more

Policy

Photo credit: Evan Joseph Studios, The Hudson Advisory Team/Compass

March 10, 2020

Concrete, stone, plaster, and an enviable terrace elevate this $5M Tribeca loft

By Michelle Cohen

Modern condominium living gets a loft-industrial lift in this $4,995,000 two-bedroom Tribeca duplex at 471 Washington Street. In addition to a hefty collection of concrete, plaster and statement stone, a planted terrace provides abundant outdoor living potential. It's all done with clean lines, authentic materials and lots of light.
Take the tour

Distinctive Homes

$1.97M Central Park West penthouse is rich in color, architecture, and private outdoor space

Photo credit: Evan Joseph and Alyssa Brody courtesy of Compass

March 9, 2020

$1.97M Central Park West penthouse is rich in color, architecture, and private outdoor space

By Michelle Cohen

This Upper West Side brownstone duplex co-op at 31 West 70th Street, asking $1,968,300, is a confluence of Manhattan apartment dream factors: It's half a block from Central Park, has a wealth of private outdoor space, and is filled with rich architectural details that keep the cookie-cutter blues far away. The renovated pre-war duplex is currently set up as a two-bedroom home with two and a half baths, but it can easily be expanded to include three bedrooms with plenty of space left to spare.
Get a closer look

Distinctive Homes

$5M north Slope townhouse on Prospect Park has original woodwork and deeded parking

Photo credit: Allyson Lubow courtesy of The Corcoran Group.

March 6, 2020

$5M north Slope townhouse on Prospect Park has original woodwork and deeded parking

By Michelle Cohen

Though the neighborhood may be lovely and its amenities many, it's not for nothing that Park Slope is known as "no place to park Slope." This gracious 23.5-foot-wide four-story home at 559 1st Street, asking $4,995 million, is in a prime spot right on the park; even better, deeded parking is available for trade with the sale. The two-family home is being used as a single-family townhouse, but the opportunity for rental income exists if the new owner wants to change the configuration.
House tour, this way

Distinctive Homes

The Lower East Side’s ‘vertical village’ at One Manhattan Square unveils interior amenities

Image courtesy of Extell/One Manhattan Square

March 6, 2020

The Lower East Side’s ‘vertical village’ at One Manhattan Square unveils interior amenities

By Michelle Cohen

Extell Development Company's largest-ever luxury residential property, One Manhattan Square, has introduced a standout collection of indoor amenities twice the size of the White House, including four pools, a full-sized basketball court, a bowling alley and a cinema, Located on Manhattan's Lower East Side on the East River waterfront, the 847-foot-tall, 815-unit condominium tower–it was 6sqft's 2017 Building of the Year–boasts unobstructed panoramic water and skyline views, but its amenities package is the real standout. Extell has called the residence "a true vertical village," with 100,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor amenities–more than anywhere else, the company claims, in New York City.
Have a look at some of those fab amenities

How a new soccer stadium could be a catalyst for neighborhood growth in the South Bronx

Image by A.V. Flores from Pixabay

March 5, 2020

How a new soccer stadium could be a catalyst for neighborhood growth in the South Bronx

By Michelle Cohen

With a deal between the New York City Football Club and developer Maddd Equities to build a new soccer stadium in the South Bronx on the horizon, the Urban Land Institute New York (ULI NY) and Bronx Community Board 4 (CB4) have issued a report outlining how the new stadium could best impact the surrounding community. ULI New York recommendations outline important strategies that would allow the proposed stadium to become a catalyst for neighborhood growth.
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New Developments

All renderings by the Practice for Architecture and Urbanism (PAU)

March 5, 2020

Renderings released for massive Sunnyside Yard project that will bring 12,000 affordable apartments

By Michelle Cohen

According to the master plan for the 180-acre Sunnyside Yard development in Queens, the former storage and maintenance hub for Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor, New Jersey Transit, and Long Island Rail Road will include 12,000 affordable apartments, making it the largest affordable housing development to be built in NYC since the middle-income Co-op City in the Bronx was completed in 1973 (h/t Wall Street Journal). The plan by the New York City Economic Development Corp. (EDC) outlines a $14.4 billion deck over the train yard on which the complex would be built. Half the housing in the development would be rental apartments for low-income families earning less than 50 percent of the area median income, with the other half set aside for affordable homeownership programs through Mitchell-Lama. The Practice for Architecture and Urbanism (PAU) was identified to lead the planning process, and they have just released renderings and maps of the massive development.
See them all here

Photo credit: Drew Dies of Rise Media courtesy of The Corcoran Group.

March 5, 2020

188-year-old Brooklyn Heights home with trophy-townhouse renovation wants $9.5M

By Michelle Cohen

This landmarked 188-year-old wood-clad house at 59 Middagh Street in historic and lovely north Brooklyn Heights is among the borough’s oldest homes. But behind its iconic facade–now fortified with block and steel, the listing tells us–is just about every turn-key 21st-century perk imaginable, from an elevator and "penthouse" rooftop to a ground floor guest suite, yoga room and sauna, central air, two wet bars, two laundry rooms, an additional kitchen and five outdoor spaces. It's asking $9,496,000.
Take the new-old townhouse tour

Images courtesy of Douglas Elliman.

March 4, 2020

$3.3M Chelsea condo has High Line views and a private terrace

By Michelle Cohen

This full-floor two-bedroom condo at 519 West 23rd Street is a 1,700-square-foot perch above the High Line elevated park in the center of the city's West Chelsea gallery district. The 11-unit High Line 519 was the first newcomer to rise along the park and has since been joined by a veritable "starchitects' alley" of notable buildings. Asking $3.3 million, the apartment has 10-foot ceilings, hardwood floors and direct views over High Line Park through floor-to-ceiling windows. Also among its highlights: A covered 75-square-foot private terrace off the bedroom.
Take the tour

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