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.

15 Broad Street: FiDi’s Downtown by Starck is Anything But

May 22, 2014

15 Broad Street: FiDi’s Downtown by Starck is Anything But

By Stephanie Hoina

The year is 1928: Scotch tape is first marketed by 3M, the first air-conditioned building opens in San Antonio, the clip-on tie is designed, the NY Yankees sweep the Cards in the 25th World series – and the Equitable Trust Building at 15 Broad Street was completed. For nearly 80 years the L-shaped grey brick stone building would house some of the most influential financial companies in the world, until developer A.I. & Boymelgreen rescued it from certain demolition in 2003 and tasked French architect Phillipe Starck to turn it into a luxury condominium worthy of the financial capital of the world.
Check out #2412 at 15 Broad Street

Distinctive Homes

Kirkman Lofts at 37 Bridge Street in DUMBO: Worth Getting on a Soapbox About

May 20, 2014

Kirkman Lofts at 37 Bridge Street in DUMBO: Worth Getting on a Soapbox About

By Stephanie Hoina

In 1915, when this classic factory building was commissioned by the Kirkman & Son Soap Company in a gritty industrial section of Brooklyn, it’s doubtful anyone could have envisioned its reincarnation as a high-end luxury condominium with its locale now fashionably referred to as DUMBO. Quite frankly, with its simple brick façade, one still might be hard-pressed to equate the 7-story brick building at 37 Bridge Street with any kind of residential grandeur — but you know what they say about judging a book by its cover.
See the results of its stunning conversion

Distinctive Homes

Park Yourself at this $32M Brooklyn Bridge Penthouse and You May Never Leave

May 20, 2014

Park Yourself at this $32M Brooklyn Bridge Penthouse and You May Never Leave

By Stephanie Hoina

In a city where parking is always at a premium, one might consider this $32 million penthouse at One Brooklyn Bridge Park for the two deeded spaces alone — although fortunately, that record-breaking price tag comes with a tad more to pique your interest. There's a long list of reasons to never leave this beautiful one-of-a-kind residence at 360 Furman Street in Brooklyn Heights, so let's just start with the view — or should we say "views". The Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty, New York City's glorious skyline... take your pick. Because in addition to the terrace's breathtaking panorama, you'll enjoy incredible views from just about every room in this sun-drenched 11,000-square-foot, 6BR/6BA home located on the waterfront.
See why a picture is worth a thousand words

Distinctive Homes

Magical Garden at 645 Carlton Avenue Is Hard to Keep Silent About

May 19, 2014

Magical Garden at 645 Carlton Avenue Is Hard to Keep Silent About

By Stephanie Hoina

A few years before this limestone duplex was built, Prospect Heights was enjoying the success of one of its very own, the original “it” girl, famed silent film actress Clara Bow. And just as Clara became synonymous with the “Roaring Twenties”, the residence at 645 Carlton Avenue is typical of the classic row houses one finds throughout the tree-lined streets of its Brooklyn environs. From the moment you first enter through the gorgeous Palladian arch, there is no mistaking the timeless details that make this carefully restored 2BR/2BA parlor/garden apartment something truly special.
See why this duplex will make you

Distinctive Homes

It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane, No… It’s Sebastian Errazuriz’s Giant Golden Cow Piñata!

May 19, 2014

It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane, No… It’s Sebastian Errazuriz’s Giant Golden Cow Piñata!

By Stephanie Hoina

Undeniably, there is much symbolism attached to artist designer Sebastian Errazuriz’s giant golden cow piñata on display in Industry City in conjunction with NYCxDESIGN, New York City’s official citywide celebration of – you guessed it – design. One look at the suspended shimmering beast and you’re likely to be reminded of the infamous golden calf Bible story about idolatry (Exodus 32:1–6, if you’re interested) or notice its uncanny resemblance to Wall Street’s iconic charging bull.
See more of this oversized golden pinata

Greene Street SoHo Loft Will Cast a Spell on You (Sorry, Quirky Fireman Statue Not Included)

May 16, 2014

Greene Street SoHo Loft Will Cast a Spell on You (Sorry, Quirky Fireman Statue Not Included)

By Stephanie Hoina

Greene Street in SoHo is the kind of block you walk down and can’t help but marvel at its rich collection of cast-iron architecture — arguably part of the most extensive of its type in the world. Close your eyes and you can almost (okay, maybe at 3AM, but work with me here) hear the clip-clop of the horse drawn buggies reminiscent of the year 1880, when this undeniable gem was built. Fortunately, although modern in its amenities (it was converted to loft condos in 2000), 20 Greene Street and the apartments within retain much of their 19th century charm, from the building’s classic facade to unit 2B’s high ceilings with exposed piping and cast iron Corinthian columns.
See why this SoHo loft will cast its spell on you

Distinctive Homes

The Dakota: Extraordinary Views, Architectural Grandeur…and Yoko Ono

May 15, 2014

The Dakota: Extraordinary Views, Architectural Grandeur…and Yoko Ono

By Stephanie Hoina

Maybe money can’t buy you love but it can buy you this beautifully renovated and carefully restored apartment at 1 West 72nd Street in the legendary Dakota listed at $14.5 million. Designed by Henry J. Hardenbergh and completed in 1884, the Dakota is one of the world’s most renowned residential buildings. Designated as both a New York City Landmark and a National Historic Landmark, its residences boast many of the building’s original 19th-century details including 13-foot ceilings, soaring doorways, plaster moldings, exquisite hand-carved woodwork, hardwood flooring, pocket doors, shutters framing the windows, and wood-burning fireplaces – and at least one interesting 21st century detail: Yoko Ono calls it home.
Imagine what it would be like to live here

Distinctive Homes

Snøhetta’s Light-Filled 9/11 Memorial Museum Pavilion at Ground Zero Dedicated Today

May 15, 2014

Snøhetta’s Light-Filled 9/11 Memorial Museum Pavilion at Ground Zero Dedicated Today

By Stephanie Hoina

It’s amazing when you think about it, the number of people personally touched by the tragedy of 9/11. It seems in the days after the attacks, especially as a New Yorker, you found you had a connection to someone who had perished, either directly or indirectly. It was almost uncanny. And the phrase “Never Forget” became ubiquitous. As if you ever could. To ensure we never do, and that those too young to remember will continue to honor the day that changed the world, the 9/11 Memorial Museum at Ground Zero was dedicated today, in advance of its May 21st opening to the general public. Attendees included President Obama and Governor Chris Christie.
Snøhetta's Light Filled Pavilion greets museum visitors

Architecture And Design

This Belaire Condo in Lenox Hill Will Cure What Ails You

May 15, 2014

This Belaire Condo in Lenox Hill Will Cure What Ails You

By Stephanie Hoina

High above the East River, atop the Hospital for Special Surgery, sits this elegantly renovated 3-bedroom, 4-bath Lenox Hill residence in the The Belaire. Designed by Frank William and Partners, and completed in 1988, The Belaire is true to its name, offering sweeping “airy” views of the river below, the bridges that span it, and the skyline of the city it calls home.
Take a look at its magnificent views

Distinctive Homes

Popular Articles

Tiptoe Through the Treetops at 25 Central Park West

May 15, 2014

Tiptoe Through the Treetops at 25 Central Park West

By Stephanie Hoina

The phrase “stunning views of Central Park” could have been first uttered for this elegant and meticulously gut-renovated Century Condominium apartment. From nearly every vantage point you feel like you're walking on the treetops of New York City’s renowned oasis of green – a view that has been enjoyed by the inhabitants of #14J since the Century opened in 1932 on the former site of the historic Century Theater. Sharing an Art Deco motif with its sister building The Majestic (on 72nd across from the Dakota), the 32-story Century stands out among its predominantly Beaux-Arts neighbors and became part of the Central Park West historic district in 1985.
See what it feels like to tiptoe through the treetops

Distinctive Homes

Architect Ben Hansen’s Boutique Condo Perfectly Balances the Hudson’s Serene Beauty with Tribeca’s Energetic Vibe

May 14, 2014

Architect Ben Hansen’s Boutique Condo Perfectly Balances the Hudson’s Serene Beauty with Tribeca’s Energetic Vibe

By Stephanie Hoina

The Hudson River may flow in two directions (yup, north and south, look it up!), but the lucky owners who combine the two full floor contemporary lofts (#5 and #6 ) at 471 Washington Street will be too busy to notice while taking in the stunning protected views of this majestic waterway.
Check out why

Distinctive Homes

Rockefeller University Takes Next Step Towards New Research and Conference Space Above FDR Drive

May 9, 2014

Rockefeller University Takes Next Step Towards New Research and Conference Space Above FDR Drive

By Stephanie Hoina

The City Council’s Committee on Land Use gave approval to Rockefeller University’s plan to construct two new buildings over the Franklin D. Roosevelt Drive on Manhattan’s east side. In exchange, the school, which controls air rights over the 4-block stretch starting at East 64th, has agreed to invest $8 million to develop and maintain a portion of the East River Esplanade.
More on the development here

Why Was Norman Foster’s Design for the New York Public Library’s Flagship Building Dropped?

May 8, 2014

Why Was Norman Foster’s Design for the New York Public Library’s Flagship Building Dropped?

By Stephanie Hoina

Though the famous marble lions that stand guard over the iconic Beaux-Arts building at Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street aren’t talking, the patience and fortitude of scholars and professors all over the tri-state area may have played some role in the shelving of a $300 million renovation plan for the New York Public Library’s flagship location. In the midst of three lawsuits and regular protests on the library steps, the library reversed course on revamping the midtown Manhattan building (which celebrated its 100 year anniversary in 2011) and moving 1.5 million books to New Jersey, a move that brought a sigh of relief to researchers worried about delays in gaining access to essential publications.
What shelved this $300 million renovation?

Architecture And Design

Will Brooklyn Be Home to a New Ace Hotel?

May 7, 2014

Will Brooklyn Be Home to a New Ace Hotel?

By Stephanie Hoina

Considering GFI Capital Resources' recent acquisition of several Bond Street parcels at the corner of Schermerhorn Street, downtown Brooklyn continues to be ripe for development in the vicinity of the Barclays Center. According to sources close to the deal, hotel developer Allen Gross, president and CEO of GFI, may be looking to bring Ace Hotel’s unique brand of lodging to the location, joining a growing list of hotels already planned for the area.
Read on for possible plans for the site

Events & Things To Do

Sales Officially Open at Ralph Walker’s Stella Tower – Will It be the ‘Star’ of Hell’s Kitchen?

May 6, 2014

Sales Officially Open at Ralph Walker’s Stella Tower – Will It be the ‘Star’ of Hell’s Kitchen?

By Stephanie Hoina

Whether a reference to the Latin word meaning “star” or the lesser-known rare gold coin of the late 19th century, Stella Tower is aptly named. JDS Development Group, Property Markets Group, and Starwood Capital Group (the trio behind Chelsea’s Walker Tower) officially opened sales at Ralph Walker’s iconic Art Deco building, although a few sales have already moved forward quietly over the last few weeks.
See what all the fuss is about

The Beresford: Old World Charm Meets Modern Day Living in Apartment #2G

May 6, 2014

The Beresford: Old World Charm Meets Modern Day Living in Apartment #2G

By Stephanie Hoina

What do comedian Jerry Seinfeld, singer Diana Ross, tennis player John McEnroe, actor Tony Randall and publisher Helen Gurley Brown have in common? They have all called 211 Central Park West — better known as The Beresford — home. But The Beresford’s claim to fame isn’t its host of famous residents but rather its three majestic towers, whose design limits the number of apartments on each floor to only two or three. Opened in 1929, architect Emery Roth’s spectacular residential fortress boasts spacious rooms, soaring ceilings, a charming interior courtyard containing a fountain and a garden, and incredible views of Central Park.
Take a sneak peek inside Apartment 2G, listed at $10 Million

Distinctive Homes

Archilier Architecture’s “Chinese Lantern” Inspired Design to Light Up 470 Eleventh Avenue

May 5, 2014

Archilier Architecture’s “Chinese Lantern” Inspired Design to Light Up 470 Eleventh Avenue

By Stephanie Hoina

Rising 720 feet tall from the corner of 11th Avenue and 38th Street, Archilier Architecture's new, unconventional mixed-use tower from developer Black House will bring 51 luxury apartments and 419 hotel rooms across the street from the newly-renovated Jacob K. Javits Center. While the ultra high-end skyscraper is one of many new construction projects in the city, it promises to be unlike anything we’ve seen before on the streets of Manhattan.
-See more of Archilier's beautiful design

Architecture And Design

Wake Up to Stunning 180 Degree Views of the City That Never Sleeps

May 5, 2014

Wake Up to Stunning 180 Degree Views of the City That Never Sleeps

By Stephanie Hoina

One look and you may never want to leave this exquisite sun-drenched and spacious home, part of The Residences, a gorgeous new Gwathmey Siegel designed masterpiece developed by Bizzi & Partners. Sitting 60 stories above one of the most desired streets in Manhattan, this 2BR/2.5 bath residence at 400 Fifth Avenue bestows breathtaking panoramic views from just about every room. Every detail, from the hardwood black oak flooring throughout to the ample closet space, ensures no matter where you are in this gracious home, life is better simply by being there. In fact, the residences at 500 Fifth are so beautiful the building even has its own coffee table book, 500 Fifth Avenue: A New Gwathmey Siegel Landmark, coming out this fall!
Take a peek inside this gorgeous residence

Maya Lin and Daniel Wolf to Turn a Former Yonkers Jail Into a Studio and Gallery

April 18, 2014

Maya Lin and Daniel Wolf to Turn a Former Yonkers Jail Into a Studio and Gallery

By Stephanie Hoina

For nine decades the brick walls at 24-26 Alexander Street in Yonkers were known more for its portfolio of inmates than as a museum-like structure. But soon the classic two-story building will be liberated from its former life as a prison to house a collection of a very different kind. As part of a concentrated effort by the City of Yonkers to continue the transformation of the area all along the Husdon River, Mayor Mike Spano was more than a little excited when art collector and dealer, Daniel Wolf, and his wife, the renowned artist and architect Maya Lin, expressed interest in the property.
pics of the prison here

Domino Sugar Factory Development Will Overburden Local Infrastructure, Says Zoning Comittee

April 2, 2014

Domino Sugar Factory Development Will Overburden Local Infrastructure, Says Zoning Comittee

By Stephanie Hoina

Two Trees Management’s sweet deal with the city for the former Dominos Sugar factory site could cause a toothache for the City Council and local residents. The historic complex, with its charming yellow sign, has been part of Brooklyn’s landscape since 1882, when it opened as the largest sugary refinery in the world. Now plans for the 2.2 million-square-foot multi-use project, designed by SHoP Architects, are causing concern that it could house more people than the Brooklyn neighborhood can handle.
Home Sweet Home?

Real Estate Trends

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