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.

Design studio Snarkitecture brings Snark Park to Hudson Yards with treats and ‘childlike wonder’

November 29, 2018

Design studio Snarkitecture brings Snark Park to Hudson Yards with treats and ‘childlike wonder’

By Michelle Cohen

If hanging out at 900 feet in the air isn't your thing, NYC's newest neighborhood, Hudson Yards, promises plenty of fun things to do with your feet on the ground. As the first phase of the megaproject prepares to open this spring, New York-based design studio Snarkitecture will be introducing Snark Park, its first permanent exhibition space in Hudson Yards. Known for their clever reinterpretations of the familiar, Snarkitecture’s Snark Park will be a site for immersive installations housing design environments for all ages to explore, discover and enjoy.
Find out more

Playwright Edward Albee’s Montauk home is on the market for the first time in 50 years asking $20M

November 29, 2018

Playwright Edward Albee’s Montauk home is on the market for the first time in 50 years asking $20M

By Michelle Cohen

Sited on 2.8 acres, with 200 feet of Atlantic Ocean frontage, the estate at 320 Old Montauk Highway in Montauk was purchased in the 1960s by the renowned “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolf” playwright, who died in 2016. The property is now for sale asking $20 million. Albee's Tribeca loft is also on the market for $9 million. The legendary stage actress Uta Hagen reportedly convinced Albee to buy the Montauk property, which he proceeded to populate with a collection of native plants and trees. This is the first time it’s been on the market in more than 50 years.
Get a closer look

‘Fearless Girl’ statue begins her move to permanent Stock Exchange home

Image credit: State Street Global Advisors.

November 28, 2018

‘Fearless Girl’ statue begins her move to permanent Stock Exchange home

By Michelle Cohen

The four-foot bronze "Fearless Girl" statue was removed from her spot across from the iconic “Charging Bull” in Bowling Green Tuesday night, AMNew York reports, and is on her way to a more pedestrian friendly spot in front of the New York Stock Exchange. Since its appearance in 2017 a day before International Women’s Day, sending a message to Wall Street for the need of gender equality in the financial world, the diminuitive statue has become a major attraction, drawing millions of tourists and locals. State Street Global Advisors, the investment company that owns the statue, said she'd be installed in her new home by December 31.
Find out more

Events & Things To Do

Spend a winter weekend in this boho-chic Hudson Valley cabin for $200/night

November 28, 2018

Spend a winter weekend in this boho-chic Hudson Valley cabin for $200/night

By Michelle Cohen

Located in the quaint-but-cool town of Tivoli, NY, about 100 miles from New York City in the Hudson River Valley near Bard College, this two-bedroom cabin, listed on Airbnb for $200 a night, has a Scandi-modern vibe, decor that reflects the hosts' travels and eclectic past and plenty of creature comforts. The home's friendly hosts call it a "cozy den," which sounds about right–perfect for families, friends or couples.
More cabin coolness, this way

Tribeca loft where Edward Albee wrote his famous plays lists for $9M

November 28, 2018

Tribeca loft where Edward Albee wrote his famous plays lists for $9M

By Michelle Cohen

Located in what was once a cheese warehouse at 14 Harrison Street in Tribeca, this 4,500-square-foot loft has been the home of American playwright Edward Albee since 1977. According to Mansion Global, Albee held his famed annual Christmas party here, with luminaries like Lauren Bacall and Kathleen Turner in attendance. The duplex co-op spanning the building's fifth and sixth floors is a fascinating home even without the literary connection; the classic loft, with an elevator that opens on each floor, is currently for sale asking $8.995 million.
Take the tour, this way

Permits filed for 22-story Union Square tech hub with plans for major digital training center

November 27, 2018

Permits filed for 22-story Union Square tech hub with plans for major digital training center

By Michelle Cohen

The New York Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) has filed permits to construct a 22-floor tech hub at 114 East 14th Street near Union Square, CityRealty reports. Officially known as the Union Square Tech Training Center, the 254,000-square-foot, $250 million, facility has big plans to ramp up NYC's high-tech firepower: In addition to affordable office space for startups, market-rate office space for tech companies, and a retail and market area run by Urbanspace, the nonprofit Civic Hall will be running a new digital skills training center at the midblock site once occupied by a PC Richard & Son electronics store.
Find out more

New Developments

On Long Island, Santa’s Christmas Tree Farm is for sale for $2.5M (lights included)

November 27, 2018

On Long Island, Santa’s Christmas Tree Farm is for sale for $2.5M (lights included)

By Michelle Cohen

No, really. Santa's Christmas Tree Farm spans 28 acres in Long Island's North Fork, and this cool Cutchogue property [h/t Curbed] is the perfect gift for that special someone on your list who has everything, provided you have the $2.5 million required to close the deal, which incudes 23 planted acres, an 1,800-square-foot farmhouse, an 8,000-square-foot commercial Morton building (lights and trimming, of course) and four irrigation wells.
20,000 Christmas trees, this way

New Long Island camping cabins bring modern, affordable design to state parks

Photos by Albert Vecerka/Esto for WXY

November 26, 2018

New Long Island camping cabins bring modern, affordable design to state parks

By Michelle Cohen

Photos by Albert Vecerka/Esto for WXY Aimed at bringing new visitors to the state's parks, the NY Parks 2020 initiative funded a $9 million project that created the first vacation cabins and cottages to offer accommodations in Long Island's Wildwood and Heckscher State Parks. The architecture firm WXY, headed by Claire Weisz, was chosen to design the new cabins. The first of these, 10 cabins ranging in size from 670 to 784 square feet, became available to rent on Memorial Day weekend. They represent an unusual attempt to introduce modern creative design where we traditionally find rudimentary and rustic construction while providing high quality, affordable accommodations for park visitors.
Take a look inside

The best offbeat holiday events, exhibits, and outings in NYC this year

November 26, 2018

The best offbeat holiday events, exhibits, and outings in NYC this year

By Michelle Cohen

The winter holiday season is as much about tradition as it is about twinkling lights and shopping, from the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and the Rockettes to The Nutcracker and as many versions of Handel's Messiah as there are ways to count 'em–plus a full menu of classics on TV and at the movies. If you're craving a break from the old chestnuts, these less-traditional alternatives to the holiday hit parade might be just the kind of merry you're looking to make.
No SantaCon, we promise

300-year-old New Jersey home that once hosted George Washington asks $795K

November 26, 2018

300-year-old New Jersey home that once hosted George Washington asks $795K

By Michelle Cohen

This circa 1731 home located 10 minutes from downtown Princeton, New Jersey, in Rocky Hill's Historic District, was once a 100-acre working farm. JerseyDigs tells us the home, known as the Murphy Voorhees House in honor of its previous owner, Abraham O. Voorhees, is recognized as a local and national treasure. The property’s biggest claim to fame, however, is that it hosted George Washington in 1783 while he waited to hear news about the Treaty of Paris. In addition to having a place in history, the four-bedroom home has received a thorough renovation with an eye to both restoration and modernization.
Tour the home and grounds

Popular Articles

MAP: Where to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

November 21, 2018

MAP: Where to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

By Michelle Cohen

There are 2.5 miles of public viewing along the parade route in NYC; this interactive map can help you find a great spot instead of getting lost in the crowd. The map, from the fine folks behind the parade, outlines when the parade will pass by, which streets have the best public views (6th Avenue from West 59th to West 38th Streets gets the thumbs-up) and which ones are restricted, such as Central Park South at Columbus Circle. Also marked are all-important things like coffee, food, and restrooms.
More info, this way

Events & Things To Do

New renderings reveal more of Jeanne Gang’s High Line ‘Solar Carve’ tower

November 20, 2018

New renderings reveal more of Jeanne Gang’s High Line ‘Solar Carve’ tower

By Michelle Cohen

In August, four months after topping out, Jeanne Gang’s High Line-adjacent tower at 40 Tenth Avenue had its geometric glass installed. Images released by Studio Gang showed the 10-story office building taking shape and showed off its unique glazing system on the lower levels. Now, Aurora Capital Associates and William Gottlieb Real Estate, the project's developers, are offering new renderings of the building itself and its future office spaces for a new view of the “solar carve” that the building has been known for (h/t Curbed).
More new angles, this way

Everything you need to know about getting around NYC this Thanksgiving

Photo via Flickr cc

November 20, 2018

Everything you need to know about getting around NYC this Thanksgiving

By Michelle Cohen

Here's what you need to know to get where you're going by NYC public transit this Thanksgiving weekend. Special schedules apply for trains and buses from Wednesday, November 21, through Sunday, November 25 to get you over the river and through the woods to Grandma's house and back Thanksgiving weekend. The good news is that MTA is suspending bridge and tunnel maintenance for the holiday, the Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North are providing extra service, off-peak fares apply, and there's a free bus to La Guardia. Look below for more information.
Vintage trains are back, too

New Williamsburg rooftop hotel bar looks like a water tower you can party inside

November 19, 2018

New Williamsburg rooftop hotel bar looks like a water tower you can party inside

By Michelle Cohen

Any new Williamsburg rooftop hotel bar has some tough acts to follow given the reputation and views at veteran hotspots like The Ides at the Wythe hotel and the doesn't-even-need-a-name rooftop bar at the McCarren Hotel and Pool. The Williamsburg Hotel at 96 Wythe Avenue, however, has decided they're not taking any chances and created an attention-grabbing rooftop party spot that resembles a classic New York City water tank, wrapped in glass. Dubbed The Water Tower bar, of course, the chic new nightclub and lounge officially opened on November 16.
Check it out

City Living

NYC’s best alternative holiday markets and coolest pop-up shops of 2018

November 19, 2018

NYC’s best alternative holiday markets and coolest pop-up shops of 2018

By Michelle Cohen

No matter how hard we try to resist the urge to do last-minute shopping, that unexpected invitation, secret Santa or gift that needs reciprocation sends us scrambling for the perfect present. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of holiday markets and pop-up shops offering a bounty of just-right goodies and crafty gifts. The big NYC markets at Union Square, Bryant Park, Grand Central Station, and Columbus Circle are the front-runners for sheer volume, but some of the best finds are waiting to be discovered at smaller, cooler neighborhood affairs. In addition to locally-made jewelry, crafts, vintage items, artfully curated fashions, home items, gourmet goodies and other things we didn't know we needed, these hip retail outposts sparkle with drinks, food, workshops, tarot readings, nail art, music, and family fun to keep shoppers' spirits bright.
Find out where to get the goods

Events & Things To Do

1 World Trade Center boasts ‘king of TAMI’ status as tech and media firms sign on

Image courtesy of Michael Vadon’s Flickr

November 19, 2018

1 World Trade Center boasts ‘king of TAMI’ status as tech and media firms sign on

By Michelle Cohen

According to the building's landlord, the Durst Organization, the 104-story, 3-million-square-foot One World Trade Center tower contains more tech and creative tenants than any other in the city. That's 26 TAMI (Tech, Advertising, Media and Information) tenants, to be exact, 20 of which are in tech, Crain's reports.
Find out more

Real Estate Trends

Live in a former East Village speakeasy with a terrace and a 200-foot movie screen for $19.5K/month

November 19, 2018

Live in a former East Village speakeasy with a terrace and a 200-foot movie screen for $19.5K/month

By Michelle Cohen

As 6sqft previously reported, the building that's home to this four-bedroom East Village duplex condo at 12 Avenue A was at one time a speakeasy and dancehall. In the much less distant past (in 2016), the sprawling apartment was asking $24,500/month rent. While it still boasts a private roof deck, a huge movie screen, surround-sound, and luxury fixtures and finishes, it's now asking a still-pricey $19,500 per month.
Take another look

Distinctive Homes

FAO Schwarz’s new Rockefeller Center flagship is now open

Gigi Hadid and toy soldiers; she designed their uniforms. Photo credit: Rony Alwin.

November 16, 2018

FAO Schwarz’s new Rockefeller Center flagship is now open

By Michelle Cohen

To mark the return of the iconic FAO Schwarz toy emporium to NYC in the form of a new 2.5-story, 20,000-square-foot-plus flagship at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, the store hosted a celebrity-studded VIP preview Thursday night ahead of Friday's opening. Guests included Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka, Whoopi Goldberg, Bethenny Frankel, Morena Baccarin, Carrie Berk, and Disney's Mia Sinclair Jenness. Doors opened today at 10:30 a.m., kicked off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. With a nod to the brand's magical history as part of New York City lore, the new store uses the Art Deco architecture of its new home to amplify memories of FAO experiences from years past; a look toward the future begins with FAO Schwarz toy soldiers flanking the store's 49th street entrance sporting new uniforms designed by supermodel Gigi Hadid.
Welcome back to our world of toys

Uncategorized

On the weekend before Thanksgiving, the L train is pretending it’s already April

Image: rhythmicdiaspora Via Flickr

November 16, 2018

On the weekend before Thanksgiving, the L train is pretending it’s already April

By Michelle Cohen

Get more practice for next year’s L train shutdown: There won’t be any L service between Broadway Junction and 8 Avenue again this weekend, but there will be M-14 and free shuttle buses–and the G can (mostly) pick up the Brooklyn slack. The 4 and Q trains are still on slight hiatus in places; A and C trains are also underachieving in both directions a bit this weekend, so check below for your stop before you go.
The G is keeping it simple this weekend, more this way

Transit

For $335K, this funky Upper East Side studio makes up in style what it lacks in size

November 15, 2018

For $335K, this funky Upper East Side studio makes up in style what it lacks in size

By Michelle Cohen

In the heart of Yorkville, this cozy co-op studio at 203 East 89th Street doesn't offer a ton of square footage, but a $335,000 ask, daring design (hope you like black, white, and yellow!), and plenty of southern light–plus proximity to Central Park and other Upper East Side perks–make it worth a look.
Eclectic charm, this way

Distinctive Homes

Daniel Libeskind’s 900-pound star brings the bling to this year’s Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

Image: Diane Bondareff/AP Images for Tishman Speyer via TimeOut

November 15, 2018

Daniel Libeskind’s 900-pound star brings the bling to this year’s Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

By Michelle Cohen

The star that tops the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree each year never fails to dazzle; this year is no exception. The 12-ton Norway Spruce has been crowned by architect Daniel Libeskind's creation consisting of 3 million Swarovski crystals and weighing in at 900 pounds. The World Trade Center master site planner, known for his geometric, angular designs, called the star “a symbol that represents our greatest ambitions for hope, unity and peace.” And we can all use plenty of that.
106,400 lumens of white light, this way

$3.2M Nomad co-op atop the historic Gilsey House has a mini solarium and a rooftop oasis

November 15, 2018

$3.2M Nomad co-op atop the historic Gilsey House has a mini solarium and a rooftop oasis

By Michelle Cohen

The landmarked Gilsey House at 1200 Broadway was once one of several fashionable Broadway hotels to open after the Civil War, and many of these historic details remain, complemented by the kind of 21st-century updates we expect to find in this once-again fashionable neighborhood. The 1871 Second Empire cast-iron building has become a NYC fixture, known for its three-story mansard roof, and it's right above this iconic roof that this $3.2 million penthouse is perched. In addition to the landscaped roof deck, complete with a water tower and Empire State Building views, the three-bedroom pad has a sprawling loft layout, two skylights, and a mini solarium.
Have a look

Distinctive Homes

NYC’s highest residential outdoor space revealed at Hudson Yards

November 14, 2018

NYC’s highest residential outdoor space revealed at Hudson Yards

By Michelle Cohen

The first phase of the Hudson Yards megaproject, including the public square and gardens and its centerpiece, Vessel, as well as The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards, anchored by NYC’s first Neiman Marcus store, is preparing to open this spring. Now, Fifteen Hudson Yards has revealed Skytop, the highest outdoor residential space in NYC at 900 feet in the air, and an equally dizzying suite of amenities for residents at the Rockwell Group and Diller Scofidio + Renfro-designed 88-story tower.
Cast your eyes heavenward

Enjoy a Moroccan-style den under a glass rooftop at this $7M Union Square penthouse

November 14, 2018

Enjoy a Moroccan-style den under a glass rooftop at this $7M Union Square penthouse

By Michelle Cohen

The listing for this 3,000+ square-foot gem at one of downtown Manhattan's busiest crossroads calls it a "splendid chateau," and it's certainly that. The most sparkling element of this rare pre-war condominium penthouse at 10 East 14th Street, asking $6.995 million, may be the 600-square-foot all-glass conservatory leading to 1,300 square feet of magical rooftop garden.
Take the tour

Distinctive Homes

Despite city-wide ban, Amazon wants to put a rooftop helipad on its NYC HQ

Image: Maxpixel CC public domain.

November 13, 2018

Despite city-wide ban, Amazon wants to put a rooftop helipad on its NYC HQ

By Michelle Cohen

On the heels of news that Amazon has chosen Long Island City, Queens for one of its two new headquarters, making the promise of 25,000 new jobs a hopefully-someday reality, comes the fine print request that the company would like a helipad for its new East River waterfront HQ, please. Slate reports that the request appears deep in a 32-page memorandum of understanding with the city and state.
Rooftop helipads have been banned since 9/11

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