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.

Artist JR takes over Houston Bowery Wall with a thought-provoking mural about guns in America

Photo © Martha Cooper for Goldman Properties

October 30, 2018

Artist JR takes over Houston Bowery Wall with a thought-provoking mural about guns in America

By Michelle Cohen

French street artist JR and TIME magazine have paired up for a collaborative project, "The Gun Chronicles: A Story of America," consisting of a special issue due out on November 5, as well as a video mural to be featured in exhibits throughout the country and an interactive web feature at Time.com. The topic–the larger-than-life relationship America has with guns–needs little explanation; last Friday the “The Gun Chronicles” was installed on the Houston Bowery Wall in Soho. The building-sized cover story image is comprised of portraits photographed by the artist.
Find out more

Events & Things To Do

October 29, 2018

The former Swedish American Athletic Club in Park Slope is now a $6M townhouse

By Michelle Cohen

Situated on an elegant Park Slope corner lot where Sixth Avenue meets Garfield Place, the house at 267 Sixth Avenue has a rare and unusual history. Built in the 1870s, the building is the former home of the Swedish American Athletic Club. In its current incarnation, the 7,200 square-foot house is comprised of a 5,400-square foot owner's triplex over a 1,800-square foot three-bedroom rental apartment–asking $5.999 million. In its athletic club days, the building featured a 90-foot ballroom, a billiard room, a bowling alley and a lounge with a 15-foot cocktail bar. The bar remains intact and the bowling alley (not pictured, unfortunately) lives partially unaltered on the home's lowest level.
Take the grand tour

Image credit: Binyan Studios

October 29, 2018

FXCollaborative reveals new renderings of slender Fidi condo tower

By Michelle Cohen

Trinity Place Holding’s new residential tower rising at 77 Greenwich Street in lower Manhattan has just released a teaser site and new renderings showing the 500-foot-tall building in all its future glory. With architecture by FXCollaborative and interiors by Deborah Berke Partners, the tower is four stories in to its 42-story height; sales are scheduled to begin in spring of 2019.
More details and renderings, this way

October 26, 2018

Colorful $13M East Village building could be the perfect modernist townhouse

By Michelle Cohen

This unusual listing at 56 East 1st Street on a picturesque and perfectly-located East Village block offers a wealth of cool options for anyone willing to pay its $13.25 million ask. The 22-foot-wide, three-unit property spans 6,090 square feet over five stories. Built in 2002 by CTA Architects, the eye-catching modern building is distinguished by double-height, red-steel-framed windows. In its current configuration, with a commercial space on the ground floor, the building could be an investment opportunity, it could be converted to a grand single-family townhouse or a combination of both.
Plenty of space, modern interiors

Distinctive Homes

In just three weeks, over 35,000 NYCHA residents have already experienced heat outages

Image via Wikimedia

October 26, 2018

In just three weeks, over 35,000 NYCHA residents have already experienced heat outages

By Michelle Cohen

Only three weeks into to the "heat season" when temperatures dip low enough for the heat to kick in, Gothamist reports that more than 35,000 people living in NYCHA housing have been left without heat and hot water. The Legal Aid Society has tracked unplanned outages on four separate occasions since the beginning of October and found that 35,475 residents have been affected by outages.
'A terrible start to heat season'

Policy

Long Island City’s Skyline Tower will be the first billion-dollar condo in Queens

Via Hill West Architects

October 26, 2018

Long Island City’s Skyline Tower will be the first billion-dollar condo in Queens

By Michelle Cohen

Skyline Tower at 23-15 44th Drive in Long Island City, Queens, just got approved to begin sales, with a marketing plan that estimates a $1.088 billion sellout price, making the 66-story condominium the first in the borough to break the one billion mark, Bloomberg reports. The milestone isn't the only superlative for the building, formerly known as Court Square City View. The 778-foot tower is on a course to become the borough's tallest building.
Find out more

October 25, 2018

This block-by-block drawing shows Broadway in 1899

By Michelle Cohen

As part of Archtober, NYC's annual celebration of the city's buildings, the New York Public Library (NYPL) has been providing virtual tours of Archtober venues and offering resources to help us learn more about them. One fascinating example: A block-by-block visual record of Broadway at the turn of the 20th century, from Bowling Green in Lower Manhattan to 56th Street. The pictorial description in the library's digital collection includes advertisements and business indeces that relate to nearby businesses. Published by the Mail & Express Company who also published the Evening Mail daily newspaper, the panoramic drawings give a snapshot of history along "America's most notable thoroughfare."
Check it out

History

October 25, 2018

Transformed from a wreck into pricey condos, Crown Heights’ oldest house is renting for $9.25K/month

By Michelle Cohen

The historic Elkins House at 1375 Dean Street, an 1850s wood-frame home in Crown Heights, is officially the neighborhood's oldest house–and you can rent one of its duplex units from January to April of 2019 for $9,250 a month. The landmarked wood-frame building has been completely renovated with 2,033 square feet of living space including five bedrooms (two with private balconies) and a private top-floor deck. The home's newly-converted condos were last seen on the market last spring, with two duplex units–including this one–asking $2.3 and $2.7 million.
Take a tour

October 25, 2018

Why buy when you can pay $125K/month for a $53M condo at One57–the city’s priciest rental

By Michelle Cohen

An 80th floor condo unit in West Midtown billionaires' bunker One57 just hit the rental market for $125,000 a month, which Curbed informs us is the priciest rental ask in the city that isn't in a hotel. The apartment at 157 West 57th Street was purchased for an also-eyebrow-raising $53M in 2014 by a buyer using the Pasadena, CA-registered LLC Lapusny, Inc. Given the 6,240-square-foot home's high-floor status, it's no surprise that there are 360 degree views of the Manhattan skyline of Central Park, the Hudson and East Rivers and pretty much to the ends of the Earth.
More views, more drama, this way

Distinctive Homes

October 24, 2018

At $4.8M, this historic Upper West Side townhouse costs less than a Midtown condo

By Michelle Cohen

With its crimson brick facade, stepped gables, and graceful archways, this four-story 1886 townhouse at 383 West End Avenue is one in a row of eight. It's a legal two-family dwelling (so there's rental income potential) currently being used as a single-family home. The building's stained glass transoms, original fireplaces, and winding staircase reflect the artistry and Victorian stylings of designer Frederick B. White. Currently asking $4.795 million, it's a house in one of the city's most beloved neighborhoods with plenty of room for living, and it rings in at far less than the average luxury condominium, where you probably wouldn't even get a sunken garden and a magical third-floor terrace.
Gorgeous townhouse tour, this way

First tower in Cobble Hill’s LICH-replacing River Park condo project launches sales

By Michelle Cohen

Sales began this week at 5 River Park, the first new tower to rise in the River Park project, the seven-building masterplan redevelopment of the former Long Island College Hospital Site. The new building, whose address is 347 Henry Street, is the first to hit the market in phase two of a masterplan comprised of the project's first three new towers, which in turn are part of Fortis Property Group's $240 million plan to transform the Cobble Hill facility into market-rate condos and a clinic.
Amenities, interiors this way

October 23, 2018

With $450M invested, Staten Island’s New York Wheel is a no go

By Michelle Cohen

Staten Island’s New York Wheel project, SIAdvance reports, is dead. Cristyne Nicholas, a spokesperson for the project, has announced that the would-be world’s tallest Ferris wheel, dreamed up to anchor the redevelopment of the borough’s North Shore, will never be a reality. “After years of planning, the developers of The New York Wheel announce, with great disappointment, that the dream of building a world class attraction in Staten Island will unfortunately not come to fruition," Nicholas said. Construction on the privately-funded project that has been in the works for over half a decade was halted in May of 2017. $450 million had already been invested in the 630-foot Ferris wheel, which was originally scheduled to open in October of 2016. The total cost of the project was estimated at nearly $1 billion.
So what happened?

Policy

Image: Clover Grocery via Facebook.

October 23, 2018

Can bougie bodegas make it in NYC?

By Michelle Cohen

There was a time not too long ago when New Yorkers began to resent the apparent gentrification of local bodegas, which had begun carrying high-priced, healthy food items sought by new neighborhood residents. Chain convenience stores like 7-11 were yet another blow to the concept of the quirky corner deli. And then, of course, there was the Whole Foods effect. The latest development in the ascent of the local grocery store is even more difficult to grok: The "wellness bodega" has arrived. As Eater reports, mini-markets–like Clover Grocery in Manhattan’s West Village–in metro areas like NYC and LA are stocking items like $18 "vegan friendly" condoms and marine collagen supplements–and confusing the daylights out of ordinary city folk.
And a WeWork market, of course

City Living

October 23, 2018

Own a piece of the Seaport in this $13M ‘ship house’ loft building on the water

By Michelle Cohen

Last spring, 6sqft featured a pretty penthouse loft for rent in an 1840s ship house at 115 South Street. Now, the building is for sale, asking $13.25 million. The historic waterfront loft building on what was once the Street of Ships is comprised of seven rental units and ground floor retail space which is currently occupied by a chic wine boutique. The renovated building offers Manhattan waterfront living and a high income rental opportunity in a downtown neighborhood that's on the rise.
Waterfront charm, this way

Distinctive Homes

October 22, 2018

Contemporary ‘upside down’ townhouse in Boerum Hill asks $1.6M

By Michelle Cohen

Located in the quintessentially Brooklyn neighborhood of Boerum Hill, this contemporary-design carriage house is a dramatic example of loft-meets-townhouse on a landmarked block. Seeking $1.649 million, the home at 139 Bond Street offers modern perks that you'd expect in a new apartment, such as split-system A/C and a washer-dryer, with the added bonus of multi-level townhouse living and a gorgeous roof deck
Take a look

Distinctive Homes

October 22, 2018

Rent Kate Moss and Johnny Depp’s former Village love nest for $21.5K/month

By Michelle Cohen

This romantic carriage house in Greenwich Village has a celebrity-studded past–and a handsome future if you take a hint from the attractively staged listing photos of the home at 112 Waverly Place, currently for rent for $21,500 a month. As 6sqft previously reported, the townhouse was once a love nest for '90s power couple Johnny Depp and Kate Moss. And in 1960 it was purchased by Lorraine Hansberry, who wrote "Raisin in the Sun" and was the first black woman to have a play produced on Broadway.
Look inside the historic home

McNally Jackson bookstore announces move after 136% rent hike

McNally Jackson bookstore on Spring Street. Image by Carl Mikoy via Flickr.

October 22, 2018

McNally Jackson bookstore announces move after 136% rent hike

By Michelle Cohen

As one of New York City's finest all-around independent bookstores, McNally Jackson booksellers on Prince Street is a literary standby for the latest bestsellers as well as thought-provoking political non-fiction, art books, cards, magazines, readings and more. Though the shop occupies a spot on one of the city's most highly-trafficked "High Streets," it has endured for 15 years, long enough to be taken for granted. But that would, of course, be a mistake in the city's current environment of empty storefronts in high rent neighborhoods because only Amazon can afford the rent. And right about the time Amazon has opened a storefront in Soho, the beloved bookseller is moving out after the rent was raised to $850,000--a 136% increase. Fear not, the owner is opening again in a new location, but unlike other, less gutsy mom-and-pop proprietors, she has no fear of being very vocal about the issue, Fox5 NY reports.
Find out more

October 19, 2018

$16M Upper West Side mansion with NYC’s third-largest ballroom will also accept bitcoin

By Michelle Cohen

This 10,720-square-foot, 32-foot-wide mansion with Riverside Park as a backyard and river views was built in 1879 as part of the Upper West Side's "gold coast." When hedge fund manager Roy Niederhoffer purchased the home for $12.9 million in 2013, it had been split up into multiple units. Niederhoffer restored the six-story home to its original mansion-style glory and is now selling the home for just under $16 million. The grand home at 40 Riverside Drive is possessed of the city's third largest ballroom in a private house, and as Bloomberg reports, the seller is accepting bitcoin, as he's a fan of the cryptocurrency.
Tour this impressive West Side manse

Distinctive Homes

October 19, 2018

This $8M Carroll Gardens home is five stories of Brooklyn townhouse fantasy, elevator included

By Michelle Cohen

Anyone with Brooklyn brownstone dreams will be entranced by this 5,500+ square-foot Carroll Gardens townhouse whose considered design and addition of every possible luxury of modern living come courtesy of a thorough reconstruction by CWB architects and Manhattan-based interior designer Tamara Eaton. Even better news: 2,000 square feet of outdoor space and an elevator to access all of it. The six-bedroom residence at 32 1st Place, which has been featured in New York Cottages & Gardens, rings in at $8 million.
Take the grand tour

Distinctive Homes

October 19, 2018

L train shutdown haunted house and nightclub brings transit terror to Bushwick

By Michelle Cohen

The impending 15-month L train hiatus has lots of people wanting to stand on a chair and go "eek!" to begin with, but some clever hosts have found a way to turn transit terror into a Halloween happening. The L Train Shutdown & Club Transit haunted house and nightclub, which opened yesterday and will run through November 3rd, serves up a chilling six-months post-shutdown Brooklyn where "things did not go as planned" in a 40,000-square-foot Bushwick warehouse.
The full horror, this way

The East Coast’s largest Trader Joe’s opens at Essex Crossing

Image courtesy of Trader Joe’s.

October 18, 2018

The East Coast’s largest Trader Joe’s opens at Essex Crossing

By Michelle Cohen

Yet another Trader Joe's store has landed in New York City; the quirky discount grocery chain's newest location is scheduled to open tomorrow at the new Essex Crossing development on the Lower East Side, Bowery Boogie reports. The new TJ's–the seventh in Manhattan–is located in the lower level of 400 Grand Street, and the 30,000-square-foot emporium is being hailed as the largest one on the Eastern Seaboard.
Find out more

Trump name finally gets dumped from Upper West Side apartment building at residents’ request

Photo via Nick Normal’s Flickr

October 18, 2018

Trump name finally gets dumped from Upper West Side apartment building at residents’ request

By Michelle Cohen

In May, after a year of resistance from the Trump Organization, a judge ruled that an Upper West Side condo could have the president’s name expunged from the exterior of their 46-story building. Condo owners at 200 Riverside Boulevard voted to remove the bronze letters spelling “TRUMP” on the building, where they have hung for nearly two decades. Today they get their wish as their building joins three neighboring ones in dumping the Trump sign, the New York Times reports. Workers will remove the offending letters from the front and rear facades of 200 Riverside Boulevard; the building will become known merely by its address, like so many others in the city.
Find out how they did it

Policy

October 17, 2018

Asking $1.35M, this chic Village floor-through with a private garden is two studios waiting to merge

By Michelle Cohen

This prime Greenwich Village floor-through home at 19 West 9th Street just off lower Fifth Ave offers a fortunate opportunity: Located on the original garden floor in a row of three adjoining 1870s Italianate townhouses comprising a 16-unit boutique co-op, the space, asking $1.35 million, is currently divided into two studio units. The two apartments had previously been one open floor plan, and rejoining them, according to the listing, is as easy as re-opening a hallway closet to connect front and back.
Take a peek

Distinctive Homes

October 17, 2018

1940s Upper East Side Modernist mansion gets a price chop to $35M

By Michelle Cohen

Known as the Sherman Fairchild Mansion, the modern-fronted townhouse at 17 East 65th Street is one of those New York City sights that might cause you to do a double-take in the middle of an otherwise sedate Upper East Side sidewalk. The current façade of this five-story home was designed by William Hamby and George Nelson in 1940 for aviation pioneer/inventor Sherman Fairchild. Well-known architect Michael Graves was commissioned to design yet another facade for the home in 1979, but that version was never built. The 25-foot-wide, 9,440 square-foot modern townhouse has been on and off the market since 2014, beginning last year at $40 million. Now, this unique townhouse has engineered yet another re-debut with a discount, asking $35M.
Have another look inside

West Chelsea’s Starrett-Lehigh building to be expo space, food hall

Rendering courtesy of RXR.

October 17, 2018

West Chelsea’s Starrett-Lehigh building to be expo space, food hall

By Michelle Cohen

Plans for the block-deep Starrett-Lehigh building on Manhattan's far west flank just below Hudson Yards have been in discussion since the building was purchased by RXR Realty in 2011. RXR recently announced that the former freight terminal, built in 1931 and named a city landmark in 1986, will get new public life as a huge event and expo space, plus retail and a food hall. The 43,000-square-foot project will be designed by ICRAVE, who brought LeDistrict to downtown and are creating another food hall in nearby Hudson Yards.
Find out why the West Side needs another food hall

Uncategorized

All articles by Michelle Cohen

Pitch a Story

Interested in seeing the property in person?

Interested in seeing the property in person?

Distinctive Post Form

Get in Touch

Send us a Tip

Interesting in learning more about purchasing a new home?

Thinking about selling your home?

Sell a Home (Footer)

Before You Move On from this Page.

Your Daily Doseof NYC Life!

Before You Move On
from this Page.

Your Daily Dose
of NYC Life!