Architecture And Design

September 11, 2015

New Renderings of Vinoly’s 125 Greenwich Street, Downtown’s Future Tallest Residential Skyscraper

On the 14th anniversary of the day that caused the city to question our skyward building ambitions, we give you a new look at lower Manhattan's future tallest apartment tower, 125 Greenwich Street. Not only has the city regained its confidence in building high again, but it has now been feverishly erecting 1,000-plus-foot supertall towers at a faster rate than nearly any other global metropolis. This particular residential spire will soar 77 stories and roughly 1,100 feet high, some 200 feet taller than downtown's next tallest ground-up residential buildings, 30 Park Place (937 feet) and New York by Gehry (870 feet).
Find out more here
September 11, 2015

Muebloc Introduces a Variety of Wood Finishes to the World of LEGO Furniture

We're first on line when it comes to LEGO-esque furniture, so we were especially excited to stumble upon Muebloc. Not only does this modular furniture system feature blocks that can create different combinations--including bedside tables, dressers, wardrobes, and desks--each block is available in a variety of wood finishes. And although we love the brightly colored blocks from some of Mueblocs competitors, we're happy to welcome a more neutral palette to the LEGO furniture family.
Click here for more from Muebloc
September 11, 2015

Kim Hoover’s Sustainable Upstate Home Has Fossilized Bamboo Floors and a ‘Cool Roof’

Architect Kim Hoover, principal at Hoover Architecture, built a bold sustainable house and guesthouse within the picturesque Hudson Valley. The two-level property takes inspiration from a tree house, which is reflected through its open, casual spaces, use of wood and the great outdoor views it frames through its many windows. But the home's most interesting details aren't what you'd expect. This unique space boasts recycled porcelain tiles, fossilized bamboo floors and it has a reflecting "cool roof."
Learn more about this design
September 11, 2015

Historic Harlem Townhouse, Restored to Victorian Standards, Asks $2.795 Million

Here's a Harlem townhouse that's been in the news before. Its former owner, Hugh Crean, is a professional preservationist and a MET curator that painstakingly restored the house "to Victorian specifications," according to Curbed. While under his ownership, it was elaborately designed and decorated, and eventually hit the market in 2009 for $1.595 million. It sold the next year for $1.55 million and now is back on the market again. Of course, in today's market, you should expect the price to have skyrocketed -- it's now asking $2.795 million. The current owners don't have it decked out like it used to be, but the house still retains its impressive interior details.
Keep looking
September 10, 2015

You Can Call One of Manhattan’s Last Skybridges Home

We've seen our fair share of quirky listings before, but a personal skybridge included with an apartment is a first. Gothamist reports that, in a very serendipitous twist of fate, the two Tribeca residences (one a townhouse, one an apartment) on either side of the Staple Street skybridge are currently for sale. And according to the Post, the whole package will cost you $30 million. In a recent newsletter, Town Real Estate noted the unusual offering: "By way of total coincidence, 9 Jay Street and 67 Hudson #3B are being offered for sale, off market, by one of those guys on 'Million Dollar Listing.' This will include the bridge connecting 9 Jay to the third floor apartment across Staple Street. Yes—the bridge will be all yours. The interiors are extremely bare, and open, compared to the historical exteriors. The price is available by request only."
More on the historic skybridge
September 10, 2015

Turn Hot Coffee to Iced in Minutes With the Coil

New Yorkers love to drink coffee, and while most can manage the time and effort required to brew a pot, getting the bubbling liquid cold is another story. Many of us are willing to spend upwards to four or even six dollars if someone can ice it for us. Well, fellow coffee addicts, thanks to the Coil, a chiller that drops the temperature of coffee within minutes, your days of over-priced joe have come to an end.
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September 10, 2015

Lose Yourself In History at the Notorious Grey Gardens Estate for $175K/Month

If you love historic homes and the macabre, it really doesn't get any better than the Grey Gardens Estate in East Hampton. As the Post reports, the beautiful home steeped in infamy is again up for rent starting September 15th through July of next year. The asking? You better dig deep into your pockets because it's going for an incredible $175,000 a month. Quite pricey, yes, but if you consider that designer Liz Lange has been paying $250,000 a month to call it her summer escape, it's kind of a deal.
Find out more here
September 10, 2015

Construction Update: Related Companies’ Rental Tower at Hudson Yards’ Front Door Begins to Rise

Related Companies' new mixed-use rental tower at the front door of Hudson Yards is forging ahead. Located at 530 West 30th Street, just south of the towering Coach Tower (10 Hudson Yards) and west of the recently finished Abington House (also developed by Related), the 28-story building will bring 174 new rental homes to the rapidly evolving neighborhood. 530 West 30th shares its lot with 529 West 29th Street, an all-affordable, 126-unit building Related opened last year with apartments set aside for artists, seniors, and local residents of Community District 4.
More details
September 10, 2015

Traditional Japanese Design Defines This $2.7M West Side Maisonette With Two Tea Rooms

In the world of modern interiors, traditional Japanese design concepts have led to some very innovative interpretations that also meet residents' needs such as providing a peaceful retreat, keeping the flow of life organized, or, as in this case, offering flexibility of space and rooms that serve multiple functions. This duplex maisonette, however, would be counted among the more traditional end of the spectrum in its execution. Though having a nine-room apartment certainly helps when it comes to versatility, this particular space achieves its goals and more. The home's $2.7 million ask seems reasonable for this large duplex loft at 419 West 55th Street in increasingly popular West Midtown; though monthly maintenance fees seem a bit high for a condo at $4,333 (with no mention of taxes) when compared to the price, those generally reflect unit size, and–though no square footage is listed–there's no denying that attribute. So, pros and cons aside, let's take a look at this carefully-crafted testament to the owners’ vision of creating a loft space with a Japanese aesthetic.
Take the tour this way, shoes off, please
September 9, 2015

Fall House Tours: Go Inside Tribeca Lofts, Victorian Mansions, and Google’s Headquarters

While spring is the main season for house tours, the fall also offers up some great options to satisfy design-loving New Yorkers. From Tribeca lofts to New Jersey Victorians and mid-century modern estates to World's Fair relics, this October's tours have a little something for everyone. To help you plan your schedule, we've put together all the tours we could find.
Get the full Fall house tour lineup
September 9, 2015

REVEALED: First Look at 1399 Park Avenue, 23-Story Tower Coming to East Harlem

Here's our first look at Heritage Real Estate Partners' 23-story, 108-unit residential building underway at 1399 Park Avenue in East Harlem. Designed by Goldstein Hill & West Architects (GHWA), the 253-foot tall, glass and cast-stone tower is expressed as a stack of variably-sized, staggered volumes creating numerous terraces that face north towards the East River and west towards Central Park. Fittingly, Heritage has filed permits under the alias "Heritage on the Park LLC," possibly hinting at the official name for the tower.
More details ahead
September 9, 2015

Norah Jones Is Buyer of $6.25M ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ Carriage House in Cobble Hill

We knew in May that the famous Cobble Hill carriage house from the Julia Roberts movie "Eat, Pray, Love" had found a buyer at $6.25 million. But now the Daily News is reporting that this mystery buyer is Norah Jones, who purchased the historic home under an LLC. The singer is no stranger to the neighborhood; she also owns a house around the corner at 166 Amity Street, which she bought in 2009 for $4.9 million. Her new converted 1840s fire house comes complete with a magical secret garden, a glassy greenhouse, second-floor terrace, and giant exposed wood beams.
Take a tour of the unique home
September 9, 2015

Lauren McGrath’s Upper East Side Pied-a-Terre Is an Elegant Mix of Traditional and Contemporary

Keeping business in the family is extremely common, but it's not everyday that you meet a mother-daughter interior design team with taste this impeccable. Lauren McGrath and her mother Suzanne, who make up the aptly titled firm McGrath II, are already known for their stunning townhouses, country homes and pied-a-terres, so when it came time to revamp her own Upper East Side apartment, Lauren led the way without hesitation.
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September 9, 2015

Channel the Spirits of Tesla, Carnegie and Edison in the Former Engineers’ Club HQ for $14K/Month

Like so many places in this fascinating city, this listing comes with some interesting history: Known today as Bryant Park Place, the primarily residential co-op building at 32 West 40th Street was once the clubhouse of the Engineers' Club. Founded by Andrew Carnegie in 1907, members included–in addition to Carnegie himself–Thomas Edison, President Herbert Hoover, H.H. Westinghouse and Nikola Tesla, who was honored here upon receiving the Edison Medal in 1917 and enjoyed feeding the pigeons in the park across the street. Units 1A and 1K currently comprise a commercial listing–with residential possibilities if you're willing to do your homework. The property–two connected co-op units–is for sale for $3.1 million, and also for rent at $14K a month (in the latter case it would make a pretty impressive HQ for that hot new startup–and since there's a small kitchen, those all-nighters won't be a problem). Buyers may need to unwind some red tape, but according to the listing, residential conversion is possible along with some serious subsequent upside.
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September 8, 2015

Hand-Printed Poster of the Empire State Building Is a History Lesson and Art Piece in One

The Empire State Building has a long and torrid history and is arguably the most iconic piece of New York Architecture to date, with both native New Yorkers and tourists alike looking to the towering mega-structure as a symbol of man's ingenuity and achievement. That being said, who wouldn't want to adorn their walls with this cool graphic poster of the Empire State Building from designer Taylor Doolittle? In addition to an illustration of the cherished building, this poster will fill your days with useful trivia, as it also includes a slew of facts about the building's history and legacy.
Find out how to get your own print
September 8, 2015

Historic Brooklyn Heights Site May Be Redeveloped Into 40-Story Condominium

Concept studies by the design firm SRA Architecture + Engineering (SRAA+E) reveal that an existing five-story commercial building in Downtown Brooklyn may be redeveloped into a dramatic retail and condominium tower. The prominent 19,000-square-foot, triangular site at 205 Montague Street is located at the gateway of Brooklyn Heights and currently holds a 1960s-era marble and glass office-retail building that was picked up by Joseph Cayre's Midtown Equities back in 2010. In 2012, the development firm filed permits doubling the building's size, envisioning a 100-unit residence that would convert the structure's three upper levels into apartments and add another six stories above. The permits, also filed by SRAA+E, were never approved, but in 2012 an insider told the Brooklyn Eagle, “an awful lot more can be built than what's in the Buildings Department plans." Midtown Equities, who is also busy rebuilding the Empire Stores in Brooklyn Bridge Park, could not be reached for comment.
Find out more about this possible project
September 6, 2015

Add This Awesome All-Season Igloo to Your Outdoor Oasis

We're always seeking out cool ways to escape the city, but we're also constantly on the lookout for items that will enhance our city living—and the Garden Igloo certainly falls within this category. This awesome multipurpose geodesic dome was designed both as a winter garden and a summer canopy. It's lightweight and comes with easy, step-by-step instruction, no tools necessary. What better way to enjoy your outdoor space in the colder months of fall and winter than to be chilling outside in your very own Garden Igloo?
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September 4, 2015

PBDW Architects Add a Dramatic Rear Conservatory to This Greenwich Village Townhouse

The scope of this beautiful Greenwich Village Townhouse renovation, completed back in 2003 by PBDW Architects, was massive, but from what we can see, totally worth it. It included adding complete structural reinforcement and new building systems. Additionally, the home's exterior and interior spaces were fully restored, and a new garden and conservatory was added to the back of the building.
See the full renovation
September 4, 2015

Out in Southampton, a Restored 1740s English Barn Asks $2.4 Million

Forgot Hamptons beach houses–try farmhouses instead. Pictured above is an original 1740s barn that sits on 3.7 acres of land in Sagaponack, a village of Southampton. The structure's intact posts and beams are an example of the traditional English barn design, construction that was brought over by English settlers. The architecture has been meticulously restored and slightly altered to accommodate living spaces. The result? A truly unique residence surrounded by beautiful land and a pool. Start saving your pennies, as it is now on the market asking $2.4 million.
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September 4, 2015

Minimal Furniture Gets Dressed Up with Handmade Mexican Textiles by Daniel Valero

Architect Daniel Valero recently teamed up with a group of Mexican craftsmen to develop a stylish collection that blends minimal furniture with handmade textiles. Dubbed Mestiz, the line consists of skeletal wooden pieces that are dressed up with textured cloths. In addition to serving as decorative and functional objects, the furniture range provides employment for locals and keeps traditional craft alive.
Learn more about these dressed-up designs
September 3, 2015

Miraculously Unscathed by Time, This Historic Wooden UES Townhouse Seeks Tenants

Townhouses available for rent have a way of seeming decadent and dreamy, the perfect home for a collective of friends or a lucky city family. Their monthly bill is often but a dream for many as well, and this Upper East Side home asking $18,500 a month is no exception; the house itself, however, is quite exceptional. The amazingly preserved home at 120 East 92nd Street, as well as its neighbor at number 122, and a third, a block over at number 160, comprise a trio of wooden houses built between 1859 and 1871, before the city sprung up on all sides. This collection of dainty wooden houses presents an utterly charming shock of nostalgia amid the brick, stone and steel of Manhattan's Upper East. One of the last wood-frame houses to be built in Manhattan, the city's Landmarks Preservation Commission called 120 East 92nd "...a delightful surprise. Time and change have passed it by." But change, in this case, has been good: The three-story, four-bedroom home's longtime owners have renovated it for comfort and livability–and preserved it with the utmost care; it boasts every modern convenience while keeping its historic beauty.
Take a look inside this rare historic home
September 3, 2015

BSC Architecture’s Graft House Stitches Together a Modern Upside Down Design

This rectangularly shaped house was originally built in the mid-1960s and is situated at the top of a natural knoll in Lloyd Neck, New York. The home's current design could be described as "upside down" since the private bedroom areas are located on the ground floor and the public areas above. Its recent renovation was completed in 2008 by BSC Architecture and was cleverly named the Graft House after their unique design approach.
Find out how this modern home came to be
September 3, 2015

Designer Wyatt Little Adds Wit and Whimsy to His Planters

Earlier today, we brought you the ten best plants for apartment dwellers. But now you need somewhere to put your greenery, and we love the idea of incorporating dry humor and edgy design into the items we select to decorate our homes. Wyatt Little, a Texas-based product designer, takes an unorthodox approach to design, using uncomfortable and unfortunate life experiences and translating them into physical products everybody can relate to. His planters range from shoes hanging on power lines to Slinkies, but they maintain an artistic beauty that would work well with any piece of greenery.
See more of these fun planters
September 3, 2015

Leaks and Alignment Issues Plaguing Atlantic Yards’ B2 Tower Were More Severe Than Reported

When it was announced that Brooklyn would be host to the world's tallest prefab tower, many believed that a new era of construction was upon us. Called the B2 Tower, the building would rise as stacked 32-story structure, affording all the perks of a conventional edifice, but be quick and inexpensive to build. But as it has been well-documented, the project, announced way back in 2012, has been a major flop. Stricken with delays and countless lawsuits flying left and right, the building today has only reached about half of its height. So where did things go so wrong? A fascinating piece by the Atlantic Yards/Pacific Park Report's Norman Oder on City Limits provides some incredible insight into the project that has failed to deliver on just about every promise put forward.
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September 2, 2015

Get a Personalized Pattern by Punching Your Address Into This App

Nope, this isn't some kind of spam mail scheme. Called A Place to Departure, this incredible app harnesses the power of Google Maps and pairs it with a clever algorithm to generate a pattern, unique to you, based on your location. With results ranging from leafy designs to Rubik's cube-like motifs, you're likely to find yourself inputting your entire address book before you know it.
Find out more here