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 orders Central Park statue of ‘hero’ M.D. who performed experiments on slaves be removed

Statue of Dr. J. Marion Sims in Central Park. Image: Wikimedia Commons.

April 17, 2018

City orders Central Park statue of ‘hero’ M.D. who performed experiments on slaves be removed

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New York City’s Public Design Commission voted unanimously Monday in favor of removing a statue of 19th century surgeon J. Marion Sims from its Central Park pedestal, the New York Times reports. It was recommended that the statue of the controversial doctor, who conducted experimental surgeries on female slaves without their consent (and without anesthesia), be removed from its spot at 103rd Street in East Harlem after Mayor Bill de Blasio asked for a review of “symbols of hate” on city property eight months ago. 6sqft previously reported on the request by Manhattan Community Board 11 to remove the East Harlem statue of Sims, who is regarded as the father of modern gynecology. The statue, which will be moved to Brooklyn's Green-Wood Cemetery where the doctor is buried, represents the city's first decision to make changes to a prominent monument since the review.
Find out more
If you get it sliced, the state gets a cut: exposing the ‘bagel tax’

Image: Jazz Guy via flickr

April 16, 2018

If you get it sliced, the state gets a cut: exposing the ‘bagel tax’

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Next time you hit your local bagel shop, know that if you get your breakfast sliced–or heaven forbid, with schmear–you'll get smacked with an 8.875 percent sales tax. If you eat it in the store, (even if it's still whole), boom, more tax. The folks at Turbotax explain that "the state adds an eight-cent tax to any altered bagels," which includes, "bagel sandwiches (served buttered or with spreads, or otherwise as a sandwich)" or even just sliced for you.
In honor of Tax Day, we ask: What's with this bagel tax?
Asking $1.4M, this little Red Hook row house has a green roof and a magical garden
April 16, 2018

Asking $1.4M, this little Red Hook row house has a green roof and a magical garden

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Located in the bustling heart of Red Hook–which recently enjoyed a turn as Brooklyn's most expensive neighborhood–this turn-of-the-century row house at 91 Pioneer Street may not be mansion-sized, but at $1.35 million, it looks like a sweet condo alternative. It's a legal two-family dwelling though it's currently being used as a single-family home.
More this way
Jeanne Gang’s High Line ‘Solar Carve’ tower tops out, see new renderings and photos

Renderings © Neoscape for Studio Gang Architects

April 16, 2018

Jeanne Gang’s High Line ‘Solar Carve’ tower tops out, see new renderings and photos

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Since 6sqft reported just over a year ago on the beginnings of the building formerly known as the Solar Carve tower by celebrated architect Jeanne Gang at 40 Tenth Avenue, the new High Line-hugging addition has been quietly rising. Now, the 10-story commercial tower has officially topped out, and we've got the construction photos and new renderings to prove it.
Renderings and photos this way
A Buckminster Fuller dome almost kept the Dodgers in Brooklyn
April 13, 2018

A Buckminster Fuller dome almost kept the Dodgers in Brooklyn

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With baseball season back in full swing, talk at some point turns to the heartbreak of losing the Brooklyn Dodgers to Los Angeles. Modern Mechanix informs us that team owner Walter O'Malley had championed a Brooklyn dome stadium designed by Buckminster Fuller–and how the result is yet another reason to blame Robert Moses. O'Malley took the team to Cali, if you'll remember, because he got a better deal on land for a stadium–better than he was able to get in the five boroughs. He had wanted to keep the team in Brooklyn, but Ebbets Field was looking down-at-the-heels by then and bad for morale. In 1955 O'Malley wrote dome-obsessed architect Buckminster Fuller requesting a domed stadium design.
So what happened?
DOB Elevator Report reveals the ups and downs of NYC’s 84,000+ elevator parts and where to find them

The DOB’s interactive maps show where all the elevators are, above in 3D

April 13, 2018

DOB Elevator Report reveals the ups and downs of NYC’s 84,000+ elevator parts and where to find them

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Again taking a look at New York City one tiny, moving part at a time: New York City has the world’s oldest population of elevators, and more elevator devices–over 84,000–than any other city in North America. The NYC Department of Buildings Elevator Report 2017 brings us an overview of the city’s elevator stock, including interactive maps that show which neighborhoods have the most elevators, elevator history, and, trust us, much more. That big number includes dumbwaiters, escalators, freight elevators, passenger elevators, private elevators, permanent amusement rides, personnel hoists (used for construction), sidewalk elevators and wheelchair lifts.
This way for more maps and facts
For just $3M, you can own this entire upstate island
April 12, 2018

For just $3M, you can own this entire upstate island

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On a few rare occasions 6sqft has featured amazing private islands, some storied, some small–and generally for sale. Most of us dream of living on their own private island at least occasionally, and these amazing listings give us a room-by-room tour and waterfront view. Somewhere between the tiny and the impossibly grand, Whiskey Island looks an awful lot like the average private island fantasy. You can buy the 3.10 acre dream; or, if you haven't got $2.95 million, you can rent the dream on a weekly basis for family getaways or events.
More dreamy photos this way
Sunny Crown Heights condo with stained glass and bay windows asks $775K
April 11, 2018

Sunny Crown Heights condo with stained glass and bay windows asks $775K

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This laid-back, sunny home at 875 Saint Marks Avenue in where-it's-at Crown Heights is the kind of space you hope to find a pretty, historic townhouse across from the Brooklyn Children's Museum. With plenty of century-old details and carefully designed modern style–and did we mention sunlight?–this one-bedroom condominium looks like a great place to spend an afternoon.
Take a look
This $8.5K a month Seaport loft is a real ship house
April 10, 2018

This $8.5K a month Seaport loft is a real ship house

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Pun intended, this open-plan penthouse loft is certainly no slum–it sits atop a genuine restored 1840s ship house at 115 South Street in lower Manhattan's Seaport District. Asking $8,495 a month, the character-filled top-floor space is blessed with 14-foot-high ceilings, exposed timber joists, and whitewashed brick, with stunning views of the harbor and river. It's four flights up, says the listing, but "worth every step."
Take a look around
New renderings revealed for Daniel Libeskind’s affordable senior housing building in Bed-Stuy

Rendering of the Sumner Houses Senior Building, courtesy of the Architect, Studio Libeskind 

April 10, 2018

New renderings revealed for Daniel Libeskind’s affordable senior housing building in Bed-Stuy

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Just a few weeks ago, 6sqft reported that starchitect Daniel Libeskind's first New York City building to rise from the ground up would be a 197-unit affordable senior housing project planned for Site 2 of the Sumner Houses in Bed-Stuy. Now Studio Libeskind has released three new renderings of the 10-story building-to-be, showing more of its an angular white-colored facade done in the firm’s signature un-orthogonal style (h/t Dezeen).
See more, this way
This $4M Park Slope Passive House is as green and efficient as it is chic and livable
April 9, 2018

This $4M Park Slope Passive House is as green and efficient as it is chic and livable

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Though it would be an enviable Brooklyn townhouse even without the certification, this unique  home at 331 8th Street in Park Slope got a complete Passive House retrofit in 2013. It's a shining 21st century energy-efficient example; better yet, the home's many period details were preserved. Asking $4 million, the 3,675 square-foot three-story home has wood molding, original doors and slate mantles across four bedrooms, three full baths, a powder room and a fully finished basement. A total of four outdoor spaces multiplies what we love about townhouse living.
Take the tour
Quirky Union Square artist’s loft with a massive skylight and floating library cube asks $4M
April 6, 2018

Quirky Union Square artist’s loft with a massive skylight and floating library cube asks $4M

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An enormous north-facing skylight is the focal point of this sprawling 3,000-square-foot loft at 60 West 15th Street on the border between Chelsea and the Flatiron District. Currently, the quirky artist's quarters is also home to a large studio area, which, along with 11-foot ceilings, exposed brick and beams, and a very cool floating library cube adds to the ultra-creative vibe of the co-op, which is asking $3.995 million.
There are some things we can't figure out here
Leather floors and a catwalk are just the beginning at this $7M Tribeca loft
April 5, 2018

Leather floors and a catwalk are just the beginning at this $7M Tribeca loft

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The listing for this sprawling and spectacular loft at 44 Laight Street in Tribeca is loaded with hyperbole, but in this case we can pretty much see why. We're not sure if it's a "mysterious nexus of art, history, whimsy and amazing craftsmanship where to think of living there was to reduce the miraculous to the mundane," but as far as loft condos go, it's a pretty fly pad. Starting with a private entrance and private indoor parking space, the three bedrooms and remarkable living spaces in this landmarked Grabler Building home are definitely worth a look.
Prepare to be amazed
La Central, 992-unit affordable Bronx development, ramps up construction
April 3, 2018

La Central, 992-unit affordable Bronx development, ramps up construction

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As 6sqft previously reported, after getting the green light for La Central, a new development that would bring nearly 1,000 units of affordable housing to the site of the Bronx Zoo-bordering Lambert Houses, construction on phase 1 of the project is well underway. Welcome2TheBronx reports that a 160-unit building D at Bergen Avenue and 152nd Street, a supportive housing building for formerly homeless individuals, is almost topped out and is scheduled to be finished by the summer of 2019. Two more buildings in the 992 unit, 1.1-million-square-foot Hudson Companies, Inc, development have broken ground.
Find out more
This stunning $22M Hotel des Artistes triplex has a 44-foot living room, 2 offices and a greenhouse bath
April 3, 2018

This stunning $22M Hotel des Artistes triplex has a 44-foot living room, 2 offices and a greenhouse bath

By
As with most of the homes in the unique–even for New York City–Hotel des Artistes building at 1 West 67th Street, this amazing Central Park West triplex must be seen to be believed. The sprawling 5,500 square-foot co-op has room after room of remarkable features–greenhouse bathroom, anyone?–and every inch of the home’s gorgeous interiors reflects a brilliant eye for style. Just a few more amazing spaces include a 44-foot-long living room, a sprawling terrace with a fire pit, two offices and  several balconies.
Take the envy-inducing tour
Matt Lauer attempts to shed Upper East Side co-op for $7M
April 3, 2018

Matt Lauer attempts to shed Upper East Side co-op for $7M

By
After all, there's no need to worry about having a place near work. In addition to the disgraced anchorman's Sag Harbor home (one of his three Hamptons properties) Lauer's Upper East Side co-op at 133 East 64th Street is now for sale, asking $7.35 million. The four-bedroom, 11-room pad is also, as the Post points out, where the former "Today" anchor was holed up last November when he was informed of his dismissal by NBC News head Andy Lack.
Have a look
Heidi Klum buys a raw Soho penthouse loft in need of a complete reno for $5M
April 2, 2018

Heidi Klum buys a raw Soho penthouse loft in need of a complete reno for $5M

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Though Heidi Klum has spent summers renting a New York City pad and even checked out Bon Jovi's pricey penthouse, the supermodel and TV personality was LA-based until recently. The Post reports that Klum just closed on a 4,772-square-foot Soho penthouse loft at 515 Broadway for $5.1 million. Purchased under the name “HK East Coast LLC,” the loft, in a 19th century Queen Anne-style building also known as 84 Mercer Street, is a former artist's studio, though it's exempt from Artist Certification requirements. The totally raw space is in need of just about everything.
Take a look
City studying gondolas for Governor’s Island transit option ahead of planned new development

Image courtesy of The Trust for Governor’s Island.

April 2, 2018

City studying gondolas for Governor’s Island transit option ahead of planned new development

By
Among a growing chorus of futuristic transportation suggestions meant to meet the city's exploding need to get from point A to point B, Crain's reports that the city's Economic Development Corp. is studying a gondola that would operate from lower Manhattan to Governors Island. Though the idea has been proposed before, anticipation of a planned redevelopment project on the 172-acre island has fostered a new urgency.
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De Blasio is considering a vacancy tax for landlords who leave their storefronts empty

Photo via Dan Nguyen/Flickr

April 2, 2018

De Blasio is considering a vacancy tax for landlords who leave their storefronts empty

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In the "it's about time" department, the New York Post reports that Mayor Bill de Blasio is considering a tax that would discourage retail landlords from letting their properties sit vacant, depriving potential local businesses of opportunity while giving the middle finger to neighborhood morale. Addressing the rising number of vacant storefronts in just about every neighborhood in the city, the mayor said Friday on WNYC that he would like to see a penalty in place for landlords who leave storefronts sitting unoccupied, presumably waiting for big-ticket tenants who have yet to materialize.
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$925K North Slope brownstone co-op comes with a fireplace, a loft, and a loggia
March 30, 2018

$925K North Slope brownstone co-op comes with a fireplace, a loft, and a loggia

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Looking at the 25-foot wide townhouse known as the Warwick at 8 8th Avenue in one of the prettiest spots in brownstone Brooklyn, it's easy to imagine that the apartment within would be a study in historic parlor-floor grandeur–and this well-maintained two-bedroom co-op doesn't disappoint. Steps from Grand Army Plaza and a few blocks from Prospect Park, this anything-but-boring home on the Park Slope/Prospect Heights border boasts a romantic wood-burning fireplace and historic details, plus quirky surprises like a loft and a loggia.
Take a tour
Daniel Libeskind’s first New York City building may be affordable senior housing in Bed-Stuy

Rendering of the Sumner Houses Senior Building, courtesy of the Architect, Studio Libeskind (via NYC Housing Authority)

March 29, 2018

Daniel Libeskind’s first New York City building may be affordable senior housing in Bed-Stuy

By
Though he has called New York home for decades, noted Polish-American architect Daniel Libeskind has yet to see a NYC building to completion. But it appears that may soon change, as CityRealty reports that his first ground-up building will be a 197-unit affordable housing project on Site 2 of the Sumner Houses in Bed-Stuy. A January press release announcing the selection of the project’s developers credits Studio Daniel Libeskind as the designer of the 10-story building-to-be, and a rendering shows an angular white-colored building done in the firm’s signature un-orthogonal style.
Find out more
Essex Street Market announces more vendors for new Essex Crossing location

Rendering courtesy of SHoP Architects for Market Line

March 29, 2018

Essex Street Market announces more vendors for new Essex Crossing location

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This week's announcement of more vendors that will make up the inaugural roster for Essex Street Market's new home at the Essex Crossing mega-development included some favorites from around the city along with current faces, reports Bedford + Bowery. New to the market when the 24-story building at 115 Delancey Street opens will be Williamsburg's Middle Eastern takeout spot Samesa, East Village herbal apothecary Roots, Fort Greene florist Saffron and Union Square Greenmarket regular Josephine's Feast!
What else is in the works?
For $6,500 you can buy your very own ‘Fearless Girl’ statue

The statues available for sale. Photo Credit: Jafe Parsons.

March 28, 2018

For $6,500 you can buy your very own ‘Fearless Girl’ statue

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It was bound to happen. Two-foot-high replicas of the popular, controversial "Fearless Girl" statue of a young girl standing up to Wall Street’s “Charging Bull” are now for sale, Huffington Post reports. The statue's creator, artist Kristen Visbal, is selling reproductions of the infamous statue for $6,500; the statues will be part of a limited edition with only 1,000 made in total.
How can I get one?
New pilot safety program gives cyclists the green light to follow pedestrian signals

Image: Wikimedia

March 28, 2018

New pilot safety program gives cyclists the green light to follow pedestrian signals

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On Tuesday, New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) officials announced a new pilot program that allows bicyclists to follow pedestrian head-start signals at 50 intersections throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens, AM New York reports. The signals at those intersections have a range of 7 to 11 seconds–known as leading pedestrian intervals (LPI)–before drivers can proceed through the intersections or make turns through crosswalks. Now bike riders can follow these pedestrian signals instead of traffic lights (legally, that is), giving cyclists the safety benefits of added visibility that pedestrians have at those intersections.
Find out more
Saudi prince wants Trump building’s ‘grossly disproportionate’ rent lawsuit thrown out

Image courtesy of CityRealty

March 27, 2018

Saudi prince wants Trump building’s ‘grossly disproportionate’ rent lawsuit thrown out

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Trump Park Avenue LLC, a unit of President Trump's company, sued Faisal bin Abdul Majeed al-Saud in February claiming the Saudi prince signed a lease on the Manhattan condo at 502 Park Avenue in 2013 but hasn't paid rent since January 2017. Bloomberg reports that according to a complaint filed in New York State Supreme Court, the Trump Organization says the defendant agreed in June 2014 to extend his lease through June 2019. The defendant, on the other hand, says the landlord failed to comply with lease’s terms and is asking the judge to toss out a lawsuit seeking almost $2 million in unpaid rent, claiming that he gave back the keys to the penthouse last year.
More international drama and intrigue this way
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