All articles by Stephanie Hoina

A lifelong resident of New York City and married to an architect, Stephanie has a true passion for the city's eclectic mix of neighborhoods and structures and is thrilled to be a part of 6sqft. Though her professional background focused primarily on client services and corporate marketing/communications, she was fortunate to embark on a freelance writing career when her son Zachary was born in 1999, working for a wide range of businesses and non profit organizations. Stephanie currently resides in the Morris Park section of the Bronx, where she will proudly tell you her son is the 4th generation of her husband's family to live on their block. Her first novel, Kissing Atticus Primble, was published in 2014.

Gorgeous Upper East Side Townhouse is Looking for Its Forever Owner

September 5, 2014

Gorgeous Upper East Side Townhouse is Looking for Its Forever Owner

By Stephanie Hoina

With all the hubbub over Common Core these days (have you seen the NEW math?), it’s nice to know that some things simply add up the way they should – like this incredible 4,125-square-foot single-family townhouse located at 506 East 87th Street. Situated on a tree-lined street near Carl Schurz Park, this beautifully renovated residence built in 1899 was purchased in April 2013 for $7.99 million, but then sold in January 2014 for $6.85 million, a pretty steep drop for just eight months. It's now back on the market for $7.75 million, so here’s hoping the third time’s the charm and the new owners will spend many years enjoying all that this home has to offer.
Take a peek inside this incredible home

Distinctive Homes

$1.2M Picture Perfect Penthouse on the Upper West Side Features Two Private Rooftop Terraces

September 4, 2014

$1.2M Picture Perfect Penthouse on the Upper West Side Features Two Private Rooftop Terraces

By Stephanie Hoina

Did you ever see a piece of art and feel immediately drawn to it? Well, that’s exactly how we felt the first time we laid eyes on this turn-of-the-century townhouse at 134 West 88th Street. From its beautiful cornice and decorative façade to the lovely planters overflowing with greenery that adorn each window, it sits majestically among its peers on one of the Upper West Side’s most beautiful tree-lined blocks. And this picture perfect one-bedroom penthouse situated on the building’s top two floors is everything you’d expect – and more. While there’s certainly an abundance of charm in the original exposed brick, wood beamed ceilings, and top-nailed, wide-plank hardwood floors, the home exudes a decidedly modern rustic appeal.
See what makes this home so breathtaking

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Park Slope Loft in Former Ansonia Clock Company Building Has Timeless Appeal

September 3, 2014

Park Slope Loft in Former Ansonia Clock Company Building Has Timeless Appeal

By Stephanie Hoina

There are lofts, and then there are lofts like this three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath duplex in an 1880s factory building at 420 12th Street. Once home to the Ansonia Clock Company, the building was converted into a co-op by Hurley & Farinella Architects, nearly a century after being constructed. With intentions of keeping the building's provenance intact, the architects worked diligently to maintain original details like exposed brick, factory beams and wood ceilings, and combined them with modern updates that mesh seamlessly with the building’s historic bones.
See more of this timeless beauty

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An Endless Spiral Staircase Ties This Spacious David Hotson-Designed Soho Loft Together

September 2, 2014

An Endless Spiral Staircase Ties This Spacious David Hotson-Designed Soho Loft Together

By Stephanie Hoina

Anyone who incorporates an 80-foot multi-floor slide into a home and repurposes a riveted steel column into a 50-foot-tall climbing wall in the living room knows how to make the most out of a space in our book. When we saw what architect David Hotson did in the penthouse in FiDi, we were more than happy to check out another Hotson-designed residence: this stunning Soho loft featuring an incredible spiral staircase that winds though the entire home.
What does White and Bright and Stunning Look Like? Read on

Turn-of-the-Century Firehouse with Eclectic Past Has an Extraordinary 21st Century Presence

August 29, 2014

Turn-of-the-Century Firehouse with Eclectic Past Has an Extraordinary 21st Century Presence

By Stephanie Hoina

It was built as a water tower, was home to the NYC Fire Department Engine 256, designated a civil defense bomb shelter, and housed the production studio of a celebrated film maker for 20+ years, but now this former firehouse at 124 Dekalb Avenue in Fort Greene has been converted into two glorious duplex loft apartments ready for someone new to put their own personal stamp on the building’s historical footprint.
Go inside this unique space

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Giant Magnetic Wall by Slade Architecture Stands out in the Home of Ricky’s NYC’s Former Owner

August 28, 2014

Giant Magnetic Wall by Slade Architecture Stands out in the Home of Ricky’s NYC’s Former Owner

By Stephanie Hoina

Ricky’s NYC, by its own definition, is “an edgy, ultra-hip ‘beauty shop,’” which also has a somewhat, shall we say, eclectic range of products. So it should come as no surprise that the home of one of its former owners, co-founder Ricky Kenig, is all of those things - edgy, hip, eclectic, beautiful -- and more. Fully renovated by Slade Architecture, the three-story Brooklyn brownstone, known as the Kenig Residence, is full of surprises at every turn, including a gigantic magnetic wall.
More details on the artsy wall and the rest of the trendy pad

HS2 Architecture’s Wooster Street Loft: Elegant Furnishings plus Industrial Details Add up to Perfection

August 27, 2014

HS2 Architecture’s Wooster Street Loft: Elegant Furnishings plus Industrial Details Add up to Perfection

By Stephanie Hoina

Sometimes when we’re presented with a blank page, we aren’t sure where to start. Thankfully, when HS2 Architecture set out to transform the entire top floor of a classic Soho building, they knew exactly what they wanted to achieve. When they looked at their blank slate they saw the “opportunity to create a large central sunlit hall with a sculptural steel and walnut stair connecting the living areas to a large private roof-top garden.” This is why we write about architecture and don’t practice it. But lucky for us that means we get to bring you the stunning end result of their vision.
Check out the result of HS2's vision

When is a Stable Not a Stable? When It’s This Unique MESH-Designed West Village Loft

August 26, 2014

When is a Stable Not a Stable? When It’s This Unique MESH-Designed West Village Loft

By Stephanie Hoina

Given the history of New York City, converting factories, carriage houses and yes, even stables, into beautiful, functional living spaces isn’t a novel idea. But trust us, MESH Architectures' transformation of this former horse’s quarters on Horatio Street takes novel to a whole new level. The only thing still stable-like about this gorgeous residence is its nearly square shape and a few original wood support columns scattered about. But you hardly notice either when you encounter the utterly unique giant glowing cube or “lantern” smack dab in the middle of the apartment.
See the interior of this glowing room and more

Landmarked 1887 Townhouse is Right at Home in 21st Century Park Slope

August 25, 2014

Landmarked 1887 Townhouse is Right at Home in 21st Century Park Slope

By Stephanie Hoina

This meticulously renovated four-story townhouse located at 27 7th Avenue in Park Slope is a stunning example of the “best of both worlds”. While careful to retain gorgeous period details such as decorative mantels, original millwork, plaster mouldings, pier mirrors and pockets doors, The Brooklyn Home Company left no stone unturned in its quest for modernity within the home’s classic interior.
See how old seamlessly meets new

Factory Lofts Condo in Williamsburg Offers a Two-Tiered Private Patio

August 22, 2014

Factory Lofts Condo in Williamsburg Offers a Two-Tiered Private Patio

By Stephanie Hoina

Restored from one of Williamsburg’s original turn-of-the-century factory buildings, the Factory Lofts at 66 North 1st Street made headlines for its unusual and controversial rooftop addition by architect Robert Scarano. But now that the dust has settled, this adaptive reuse project offers some of the most hip residences in Williamsburg. Known for making the most of every inch of square footage, the Brooklyn-born Scarano has a knack for thoughtfully designed spaces like this one-bedroom condo with a mezzanine loft — his signature design element.
See what else this pad has up its sleeve

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This Whimsical Noho Rental Has a Tin Ceiling, a Swing, and a Tree House

August 21, 2014

This Whimsical Noho Rental Has a Tin Ceiling, a Swing, and a Tree House

By Stephanie Hoina

Okay, so this two bedroom rental at 5 Great Jones Street doesn’t really have a tree house, but given all the interesting touches in this Noho apartment, it wouldn’t surprise us. The “tree house” is actually a fully enclosed and windowed loft space overlooking the enormous master bedroom and accessed via a metal spiral stair. It’s suspended in such a way that it reminded us of a leafy escape; and the whimsical swing hanging at its side certainly lent to our imagination. Call it what you want, this elevated room is as functional as it is fun and can be used as a small den and adjoining office without sacrificing any of the master's 800-square-feet, which perhaps is so large because it once doubled as puppeteer Kermit Love's set studio, where Sesame Street's Big Bird and Snuffleupagus were born.
Tour the enchanting home here

Adorable Park Slope Apartment Comes With Its Very Own Pied-à-Terre (Sort of)

August 20, 2014

Adorable Park Slope Apartment Comes With Its Very Own Pied-à-Terre (Sort of)

By Stephanie Hoina

Homes like this adorably perfect apartment don't come on the market all that often in this neck of the woods -- because who would ever want to leave? Even if Park Slope hadn't been "New York" magazine's choice for the 'Most Livable Neighborhood' in the city in 2010, one would have to look no further than its charming, small-town feel and notable residents (Maggie Gyllenhaal, Kerry Russell and Steve Buscemi, to name a few) to know they hit the neighborhood jackpot. Plus, this gem of a home located at 99 Berkeley Place has a fun bonus all its own. We'll get to that a little later on.
This way for a great apartment in a great neighborhood

Distinctive Homes

Stunning…Exquisite…Classic…We’re Running Out of Adjectives for this $16M Brooklyn Heights Townhouse

August 19, 2014

Stunning…Exquisite…Classic…We’re Running Out of Adjectives for this $16M Brooklyn Heights Townhouse

By Stephanie Hoina

We have never been more thankful for the phrase "a picture is worth a thousand words." And though we may have expressed this sentiment before when bringing you other properties, we are pretty sure our words for this $16,000,000 townhouse at 192 Columbia Heights may fall a wee bit short. Fortunately, we have lots of lovely photos in our gallery to ensure you are properly astonished. We had our pick of beautiful Brooklyn residences to share with you today, but this one called to us. It wasn't a "Pick me, pick me!" kind of calling, but more of a "Could this home be anymore beautiful?" type of calling. In our humble opinion the answer is "no."
Come see why this home spoke to us, and in turn, left us speechless

Fully Furnished Upper West Side Rental Has Everything You Need and More

August 18, 2014

Fully Furnished Upper West Side Rental Has Everything You Need and More

By Stephanie Hoina

Personally, this 2,500-square-foot triplex at 108 West 78th Street in the Broadway Corridor had us at its gorgeous exposed brick walls, but there’s plenty else to get hooked on even without its close proximity to some of the best New York City has to offer. What makes it even better? This beautifully appointed and fully-furnished rental can be yours (in a manner of speaking) for only $16,500 a month.
Exposed brick and more right this way

Distinctive Homes

19th-Century-Schoolhouse Turned 21st-Century-Co-op in Cobble Hill Gets an A+ in Our Book

August 15, 2014

19th-Century-Schoolhouse Turned 21st-Century-Co-op in Cobble Hill Gets an A+ in Our Book

By Stephanie Hoina

While we can’t quite own up to being a star student, we were definitely excited to learn a little more about this hidden gem located at 199 Warren Street in a late 1880’s landmarked schoolhouse. Rest assured, you won’t find any blackboards here – though they probably wouldn’t seem out of place given this home’s curious aesthetic. Each room has a distinct personality that offers a wonderful lesson (see what we did just there?) in the charm of eclectic design.
See why this co-op more than makes the grade

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$3M Turn-of-the-Century Clinton Hill Brownstone is Not Updated or Modern – and Absolutely Stunning

August 15, 2014

$3M Turn-of-the-Century Clinton Hill Brownstone is Not Updated or Modern – and Absolutely Stunning

By Stephanie Hoina

The minute we laid eyes on the interior of this 4,400-square-foot home at 331 Washington Avenue in Clinton Hill we knew we happened upon something special. While it’s true the million dollar listings we typically feature boast some of the most gorgeously renovated spaces in the city, there’s no denying the timeless beauty of this turn-of-the-century residence built in 1899. Located in the heart of the Clinton Hill Historic District, the dramatic scale and original details at every turn evoke the grandeur of Brooklyn’s most prestigious homes. The gracious parlor entrance with an original pier mirror and striking dark wood staircase sets the tone for the rest of the interior. Sure the treads on the stairs are worn and tattered, but look at that gorgeous wood; a little refinishing and your entryway will be transformed into a magnificent first impression.
Check out the incredible home here

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Extra! Extra! Read All About.…This Exquisite Newswalk Condo in Prospect Heights

August 14, 2014

Extra! Extra! Read All About.…This Exquisite Newswalk Condo in Prospect Heights

By Stephanie Hoina

Built in 1927, 535 Dean Street once housed the printing facility for the New York Daily News. For over 70 years the nightly presses delivered the latest local happenings to millions of New Yorkers in time for their morning coffee. These days, thanks to a 2002 condo conversion, residents can read their morning paper in grand style (though we aren’t sure if the New York Times is permitted on the premises).
Extra! Extra! Read More About It!

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Fort Greene Co-op Puts You Squarely in the Middle of Brownstone Paradise

August 13, 2014

Fort Greene Co-op Puts You Squarely in the Middle of Brownstone Paradise

By Stephanie Hoina

There’s a reason Forgotten New York toyed with the label “Brownstone Paradise” for Fort Greene’s South Portland Avenue and Time Out New York named it one of the “50 Best Blocks in NYC”: living here is like owning a little slice of heaven. When you think of a classic brownstone, 21 South Portland Avenue is exactly what comes to mind – along with all of its similar-looking neighbors on both sides of the street. On closer inspection, the varying ornamentation becomes apparent, and each building exudes its own distinct personality, contributing to the street’s reputation as one of Brooklyn’s most coveted and gorgeous.
Check out what's inside this beautiful brownstone

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Bright and Beautiful Loft on a “Great Street” in Noho

August 12, 2014

Bright and Beautiful Loft on a “Great Street” in Noho

By Stephanie Hoina

Location, location, location. Well, this large and sunny loft is located, quite literally, on a "great street" – 43 Great Jones Street, to be exact. And though the classic exterior of the building looks much as it did when first constructed in 1920, its interior has been beautifully renovated, blending many of the original industrial details with more refined modern touches.
Right this way to see more of this "great" loft

Distinctive Homes

Tudor City “Castle in the Sky” is Worth a King’s Ransom

August 11, 2014

Tudor City “Castle in the Sky” is Worth a King’s Ransom

By Stephanie Hoina

Even in a city filled with stunning multimillion-dollar residences it is rare to find one that is equally impressive inside as it is out. Well, look no further this two bedroom penthouse at Windsor Tower, 5 Tudor City Place.
Read on to see why the outside of this home rivals its inside

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A Subjective Map of New York City: Dutch Graphic Artist Takes Virtual Check-Ins to a New Level

August 7, 2014

A Subjective Map of New York City: Dutch Graphic Artist Takes Virtual Check-Ins to a New Level

By Stephanie Hoina

Social media has certainly made it easier to take a nostalgic look back in time; a quick perusal of one’s past Facebook statuses or Twitter feeds is all it takes to remind us of what we were doing last week, month, or even last year. (Yes, we know some of those photos are cringe-worthy; we have them too.) Consider all of the different places those statuses and tweets were generated from, and imagine what it might look like if you tracked all of those locations on a map of the city – a literal "walk" down memory lane, if you will. That’s exactly what Dutch graphic designer Vincent Meertens and his girlfriend did between March 2012 and January 2013, using an application called OpenPaths. The result? An intricate series of dots and lines (10,760 data points in all) representing all of their movements through New York City.
More details ahead

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Beyonce Spotted Checking Out This $21.5 Million Chelsea Penthouse with Giant Apartment-Sized Closet

July 29, 2014

Beyonce Spotted Checking Out This $21.5 Million Chelsea Penthouse with Giant Apartment-Sized Closet

By Stephanie Hoina

According to the New York Daily News, Beyonce was spotted apartment hunting this week, without hubby Jay Z, for what some are speculating could be her new bachelorette pad. The luxurious home that seems to have caught Bey's eye is this incredible 4,054-square-foot square penthouse located at 520 West 19th Street, which comes with not only a 20-foot dining room and libraries, but a stunning 642-square-foot private terrace that runs the full length of the apartment and looks out to a dazzling array of city sights—a birds-eye view of the Empire State Building among them.
Tour Beyonce's potential pad here

Beautiful Tribeca Penthouse Also Hosts a Picture Perfect Rooftop Escape

July 24, 2014

Beautiful Tribeca Penthouse Also Hosts a Picture Perfect Rooftop Escape

By Stephanie Hoina

Wooden floors, exposed brick, high ceilings AND a private outdoor space. Hooked yet? After seeing the photos of Penthouse 5 at 150 Chambers Street you'll want to move right in. This impeccable floor-through penthouse is $1,714 per square foot -- extraordinary for its Tribeca neighborhood. Check out the photos of your soon-to-be new home.
Check out why we can already see ourselves living here

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Shigeru Ban’s Metal Shutter Houses: A Humble Moniker for an Extraordinary Residence

July 23, 2014

Shigeru Ban’s Metal Shutter Houses: A Humble Moniker for an Extraordinary Residence

By Stephanie Hoina

Simplicity bordering on grandeur: that should be 2014 Pritzker Prize Laureate Shigeru Ban’s motto. Like his designs, the names of his residential projects are simple and clean, yet evoke a striking image before you ever lay eyes on the work. Curtain Wall House, Naked House, Cast Iron House, Furniture House, Crescent House, Picture Window House, Boomerang House - step inside any one of these exquisite residences and you might almost miss the complexity of Ban’s artistry; but make no mistake there is a quiet ingenuity to his vision. Metal Shutter Houses at 524 West 19th Street is no exception. Named for the motorized perforated shutters that cover the two major facades of the building and the retractable walls of glass, each apartment within it offers an almost seamless continuity between the interior and exterior space. Intrigued? So were we. Which is why we just had to take a peek inside this 2,700-square-foot duplex currently renting for $22,000 per month.
Right this way to be wowed by Shigeru Ban's genius

Stop the Presses: You Can Reside at the St. Regis for Only $389K. Well, Sort of…

July 22, 2014

Stop the Presses: You Can Reside at the St. Regis for Only $389K. Well, Sort of…

By Stephanie Hoina

Here’s a great little twist on the New York City real estate market, courtesy of the recent trend to convert rooms in some of Manhattan’s most exclusive hotels into condominium apartments: fractional ownership—the timeshare to end all timeshares. That’s right, now you can savor the pleasure of residing at one of the most glamorous addresses in the world with all the amenities the St. Regis has to offer, including the Remede Spa and Fitness center, salon, twice daily maid service, and 24-hour butler service—all without having to shell out the multimillion dollar sums typically associated with this kind of elegant living.
See what fractional ownership puts within reach

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