Architecture And Design

Be the Third Family Ever to Own This 18th Century Dutch House in the Hudson Valley
May 17, 2015

Be the Third Family Ever to Own This 18th Century Dutch House in the Hudson Valley

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When the current owners of this 18th century Dutch saltbox bought the home in 1986 they were only the second family ever  to own it after the original builders and their ancestors. But they did make one little change–they moved it to a nearby piece of property. At the current location, they completely restored the 1747 Dutch vernacular-style main house, known as the Hall Christy House, and rebuilt the existing ca. 1750 Dutch gambrel home, called the Skidmore House, turning it into a garage and guest house. In addition to restoring and preserving the two beautiful historic structures, the owners also added to the 5.3-acre property impeccable landscaping, a lily pond, herb and vegetable gardens, a brick courtyard, a charming gazebo and a free-form pool resembling a natural lagoon. And now that they've completed all this hard work, you can own the stunning Hudson Valley property for $1,495,000.
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What’s Your Favorite Building in NYC? 6sqft’s Writers and Friends Square Off
May 15, 2015

What’s Your Favorite Building in NYC? 6sqft’s Writers and Friends Square Off

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Once upon a time, when 6sqft was not yet launched, a group of writers were asked for their thoughts on their favorite building in New York City. Their choices, some easily recognizable and others a little further from the beaten path, were mixed together with those of a few folks a lot like our readers—interested in and passionate about all things New York. The result? A wonderful blend of what makes this city great: its diversity, not simply demographically but also in the opinions of those eight million souls who weave together the fabric of all five boroughs to create the most interesting city in the world. And it stands to reason the most interesting city in the world is home to quite a few interesting buildings. As one might expect, there was barely a duplicate in the bunch. Some weren't even on our radar! Is your favorite on the list? If not, we’d love to know what you think in the comments.
Read on to see if you agree with our selections
‘Eat, Pray, Love’ Firehouse in Cobble Hill Sells for $6.25M
May 15, 2015

‘Eat, Pray, Love’ Firehouse in Cobble Hill Sells for $6.25M

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The 19th century Cobble Hill carriage house featured in the Julia Roberts movie version of Elizabeth Gilbert's "Eat Pray Love" has just sold for $6.25 million, according to the Observer. We’re reminded of the boho-fabulous Park Slope townhouse featured in Noah Baumbach’s "The Squid and the Whale," which changed hands for its ask of $3.45 million back in 2012, so this may be a testament to how much the market has shifted since then–or one could compare indie film cred with Julia Roberts-grade mainstream appeal. Either way, this charming 1840s former firehouse at 172 Pacific Street on a pretty, shade-dappled Cobble Hill block has cinematic qualities on its own. The home, which had been on the market for nearly a year, is unique even on this block of quaint 19th century houses.
Take a look inside here
This Freestanding Home in Manhattan Beach Is Fit for a Hobbit
May 14, 2015

This Freestanding Home in Manhattan Beach Is Fit for a Hobbit

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This freestanding home looks more like it belongs in a hobbit shire than New York City. But it's indeed up for sale in Manhattan Beach, Brooklyn, at 167 Beaumont Street. It's a cozy stucco house, set back and surrounded by a large, lovely lawn. It's also located just a few blocks from the shores of Brighton Beach. So how much for this unique piece of property at the edge of Brooklyn? $1.2 million.
Tour the interior here
Place a Bid to Ride in Norman Foster’s Helicopter or Smoke Up with Bjarke Ingels in Copenhagen
May 14, 2015

Place a Bid to Ride in Norman Foster’s Helicopter or Smoke Up with Bjarke Ingels in Copenhagen

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Want to get some one-on-one time with the world's most prolific architects? Well here's your chance to pick the brains of the world's leading creatives—and go on an adventure while you're at it! The Van Alen Institute's annual Auction of Art + Design Experiences is in full swing and they've got some great outings for you to lift your paddle for. A ride in Norman Foster's private helicopter, birdwatching with Jeanne Gang, and a private tour of Bjarke Ingels's ski mountain/smoke-ring blowing power plant are just some of amazing excursions being offered—although there are far more relaxed options as well. For lovers of leisure: How does soaking in a hot tub with Charles Renfro of Diller Scofidio + Renfro, cocktails and three of your best buds sound?
info this way, including how to bid
Art Nerd New York’s Top Event Picks for the Week, 5/14-5/20

In a city where hundreds of interesting happenings occur each week, it can be hard to pick and choose your way to a fulfilling life. Art Nerd‘s philosophy is a combination of observation, participation, education and of course a party to create the ultimate well-rounded week. Jump ahead for Art Nerd founder Lori Zimmer’s top picks for 6sqft readers, beginning tonight!

May 14, 2015

Art Nerd New York’s Top Event Picks for the Week, 5/14-5/20

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The way-too-hecticness of an art fair week is upon us. If skipping around from Harlem to Randall's Island to the Lower Lower East Side isn't your jam, you can still get an art fix in the comfy confines of your usual spots. Rediscover Central Park with an art walk, or your old post office as it becomes a gallery. Check out architect-designed 3D-printed shoes while picking up new pumps, or discover a new street artist while checking out boutique jewelry. Whether you hit Frieze and the satellite fairs or not, there is an overabundance of art and design this week.
All the best events here
Official Rendering Revealed for Nordstrom Tower: No Surprises but Potential for More Height

Image of Nordstrom Tower/217 West 57th Street, via YIMBY

May 14, 2015

Official Rendering Revealed for Nordstrom Tower: No Surprises but Potential for More Height

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Recent reports revealing a potential pinnacle bump for Extell's supertall planned for 217 West 57th Street, followed by a statement by Extell's Gary Barnett denying the new height report–which would have the tower outstreching One World Trade Center–have discussion once again focused on the world's tallest residential tower-in-waiting. Today NY Yimby reports that an official Extell rendering of the project confirms it will match earlier versions of the plans as well as previously-revealed in-house images.
Find out the latest on the tower's height
Own a Three-Unit Wing in the Historic Ansonia for $12M
May 14, 2015

Own a Three-Unit Wing in the Historic Ansonia for $12M

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Here's your chance to nab an apartment in the famous Ansonia for $12 million. The 4,500-square-foot pad is the place to entertain all your friends, boasting the tallest ceilings in the entire building, and stunning Upper West Side views from east, south, and west exposures. The space is actually a combination of three units that used to form their own wing of the building, representing the largest original layout ever designed by the building's architect, Duboy of Graves and Duboy. Its current owner, Michel Madie, spent nine years collecting all of the units to bring the space back to its former glory.
More pics inside
The Light Is Guiding You to This Chelsea Townhome Owned by an Emmy Winner
May 13, 2015

The Light Is Guiding You to This Chelsea Townhome Owned by an Emmy Winner

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It's good to have options. Take this former "Guiding Light" actress's 4,000 square-foot early Greek revival townhouse on James Phelan Row, for instance. It can either be delivered to you as three separate apartments with a potential rental income of $20,000 per month, or you can convert it into one giant dream home. Either way you've got three large outdoor spaces waiting for you during the warmer months, and eight wood-burning fireplaces ready to warm you during New York's fierce winters. And all these options can be right at your feet for $9.5 million.
More pics inside
Historic Fort Greene Carriage House in Need of Some TLC Gets over Asking Price
May 13, 2015

Historic Fort Greene Carriage House in Need of Some TLC Gets over Asking Price

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When we think of million dollar listings, visions of super modern or impeccably restored residences come to mind, but this Fort Greene carriage house fits into neither of those categories. In fact, it could easily serve as the backdrop for a ruin porn Instagram photo. But despite its fixer-upper status, two lucky ladies just picked up the 19th century home at 327 Vanderbilt Avenue for $2.6 million, $500k over the asking price, according to city records released today. When the listing first hit the market this past December, Curbed noted that it wasn't "exactly habitable at the moment," but fortunately for the new owners, the sale came with renderings for potential overhauls. It also comes with some surprising historic remnants from its days as a horse stable.
More details, plus find out the interesting history of this carriage house
Jean Nouvel Says He Has ‘No Favorite Color’ at Event Honoring 53W53
May 13, 2015

Jean Nouvel Says He Has ‘No Favorite Color’ at Event Honoring 53W53

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Last night, MoMA held an event to honor Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel and his much talked-about project 53W53, which is also known as the MoMA Tower for its location next to the museum and the fact that the institution will occupy three of its lower floors. Furthermore, its developers bought more than 240,000 square feet of development rights from MoMA, as well as the St. Thomas Episcopal Church, for $85.3 million back in September, at which time they also secured a $860 million construction loan for the 1,050-foot asymmetrical tower. And now that construction has moved forward and interior renderings of the condos were revealed, what better time to pat this long-stalled project on the back. The celebration drew a diverse crowd, including Richard Meier, Martha Stewart, and broker to the stars Dolly Lenz. In a Q&A with filmmaker Matthew Tyrnauer, Nouvel discussed his inspiration for the forthcoming project. Dressed in head-to-toe black (down to his socks and tie), he also revealed that he has "no favorite color," according to the Observer.
Find out about Nouvel's inspiration for 53W53 here
Go Inside 190 Bowery This Saturday for an Art Opening
May 12, 2015

Go Inside 190 Bowery This Saturday for an Art Opening

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More good news from 190 Bowery! After finding out last week that the Landmarks Preservation Commission-approved plans for the building include keeping its iconic graffiti, we've now gotten word that the storied structure will open its doors to the public this Saturday evening, May 16, for an art opening. The Lo-Down reports that Aby Rosen, the developer who bought the building for $55 million last fall and who is also an avid art collector, is hosting an art opening on the ground-floor in collaboration with curator and art dealer Vito Schnabel. The event runs from 5 to 8pm, plenty of time to take a look around the historic former Germania Bank Building.
More details ahead
The Nordstrom Tower Will Not Be Taller than 1 World Trade Center, Says Developer Gary Barnett

Rendering of the tower NY Yimby

May 12, 2015

The Nordstrom Tower Will Not Be Taller than 1 World Trade Center, Says Developer Gary Barnett

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Yesterday, new details on Extell's Nordstrom Tower were leaked, stating that the tower's height had been stretched 20 feet to trump the One World Trade Center. But it looks like the news was all fodder as Extell Development boss Gary Barnett has stepped out denying that his supertall slated for 217 West 57th Street will reach such heights. The NY Post spoke with Barnett late yesterday and the developer told the paper that the tower “will categorically not be taller than One World Trade Center.” Barnett clarified that the building will reach 1,775 feet (with its spire) as planned, which is just one foot shorter than the One World Trade Center.
More on what Barnett had to say
If Robert Moses Visited NYC Today, Here’s Where We’d Take Him
May 12, 2015

If Robert Moses Visited NYC Today, Here’s Where We’d Take Him

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If you have even the slightest interest in architecture, urban planning, and NYC history, you know Robert Moses. Unforgettably profiled as the "Power Broker" by Robert Caro, Moses was the "master builder" of mid-20th century New York and its environs. He was a larger-than-life character who had very set ways of approaching urban design. He advocated for highways over public transportation (he built 13 expressways through NYC), dense housing towers over low-scale neighborhoods, and communities segregated by race and class over organic, mixed-demographic areas. Of course, there are plenty of much-loved aspects of the city that also came from Moses–Jones Beach, the United Nations, and ten public swimming pools like the one in McCarren Park. Regardless of your feelings on Robert Moses, though, we can all agree that the city would not be the same without him. But a lot has changed since he lost his post as director of the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority in the mid 1960s and even more so since he passed away in 1981. So we can't help but wonder what he would think of our fair city in 2015. To have a little fun, we planned a present-day tour for the ghost of Robert Moses.
See where we'd take the Power Broker here
19th Century Bed-Stuy Townhouse on ‘Doctors Row’ Is Swimming in Wood Details
May 12, 2015

19th Century Bed-Stuy Townhouse on ‘Doctors Row’ Is Swimming in Wood Details

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When you're lucky enough to come across a gorgeous older home that has been lovingly restored like this eight-bedroom home at 126 Hancock Street, you grab your broker and run like the wind to claim it. And you just might do so after you've had a look at this brownstone. This stunning home was originally built in 1883 by architect Isaac D. Reynolds and has been carefully restored to its original glory by a team of interior designers from Pure Interior Design of New York. After this group was finished shining this baby up like a brand-new penny, we were left with a stunning home with all the modern updates, asking $3.195 million.
More pics inside
Travelbox Is a Compact Hotel That Weighs Only 132 Pounds
May 12, 2015

Travelbox Is a Compact Hotel That Weighs Only 132 Pounds

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Want to get away this summer, but don't have the bucks to throw down for a hotel? Consider Travelbox. The compact, lightweight (at 132 pounds it weighs less than the average person) structure has everything you need to comfortably travel on a budget. Designed by the architects of Austrian firm Juust, Travelbox contains a bike, bed, table, chair, and storage, all of which fit into its contemporary wood and aluminum-clad frame that measures just 6.8 feet long, 4 feet high, and 1.3 feet wide.
More on Travelbox here
Nordstrom Tower Adds 20 Feet to Become the Tallest Building in NYC and Western Hemisphere

Rendering of the tower at its new height by NY Yimby

May 11, 2015

Nordstrom Tower Adds 20 Feet to Become the Tallest Building in NYC and Western Hemisphere

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One World Trade Center's claim to the title as the city's tallest building could soon be nil. NY Yimby reports that the ultra-super-tall Nordstrom Tower at 217 West 57th Street has experienced a growth spurt that's pushed its already jaw-dropping height from 1,775 to 1,795-feet. Though the addition of 20 feet seems insignificant for a skyscraper of such size, the consequences are not: The tower will now not only be the tallest building in the city (19 feet higher than 1 WTC) when completed, but also the tallest in the U.S. and the western hemisphere.
FInd out more here
Louvered ‘Shore House’ Is a Contemporary Beauty Along the Amagansett Coast
May 11, 2015

Louvered ‘Shore House’ Is a Contemporary Beauty Along the Amagansett Coast

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Let's shake off our winter blues by delving into this this stunning two-level home located just steps away from the sea. The Shore House, designed by Bridgehampton-based Stelle Lomont Rouhani Architects, is an elegant weekend retreat located in Amagansett in the Hamptons. Though the structure is very modern in form, according to the architects it was actually designed to bring up memories of summer camp at the beach. Was your summer camp anything like this?
Learn more about this seaside 2-levels property
The Whitney Bag: Renzo Piano Designs a Purse to Go with His New Museum

The Whitney Bag via Max Mara (L); The new Whitney Museum via 6sqft (R)

May 11, 2015

The Whitney Bag: Renzo Piano Designs a Purse to Go with His New Museum

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The architecture world has been pretty "meh" on Renzo Piano's new $422 million Whitney Museum, neither loving nor hating the patchwork of shapes and angles. But if the starchitect is hoping for a more glowing design review, he still has a chance with the fashion world. Piano has designed the Whitney bag, "directly inspired by the pure design and sophisticated materials of the new Whitney Museum of American Art," for Italian fashion house Max Mara.
Find out more about this architecturally inspired collaboration
VIDEO: Starchitect Norman Foster Offers Up Some Sage Career Advice
May 11, 2015

VIDEO: Starchitect Norman Foster Offers Up Some Sage Career Advice

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Do what you love. We've all heard it before, but for some reason it seems so much more poignant coming from the mouth of starchitect Norman Foster. In this latest installment of the Louisiana Channel, Marc-Christoph Wagner meets up with Foster in his Geneva home to get some career insight from the icon. Though Foster's worlds are for those in the art and architecture professions, his passion and words can certainly be carried across the spectrum.
Watch the video here
$13M Tudor Revival Mansion on Lake George Has Historic Connection to Brooklyn
May 10, 2015

$13M Tudor Revival Mansion on Lake George Has Historic Connection to Brooklyn

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Lake George, New York is about a four-and-a-half-hour drive from Brooklyn, but this stunning upstate mansion has an interesting connection to the borough. Known as Wikiosco, which means "home on beautiful waters" in Algonquin, the Tudor Revival-style residence was built in 1895 for Royal C. Peabody, founder of Brooklyn Con Edison. It was designed by Brooklyn-based architecture firm Ludlow and Peabody; architect Charles S. Peabody was Royal's son. Our friends at Find Everything Historic noticed that Wikiosco is on the market, asking $12.9 million. And considering that a 25-foot-wide Brooklyn brownstone often goes for far more than that, we think this seven-bedroom, 20,000-square-foot mansion is the perfect getaway home for one lucky New Yorker. Not only is it one of the last intact 20th century mansions along Lake George's western shore (which is known as Millionaire's Row), but it boasts a 4,000 bottle wine cellar, 12-car garage, two covered boathouses, and a heated outdoor pool.
Find out more about this storied home
May Design Agenda: 6sqft’s Guide to Navigating NYCxDesign Week
May 9, 2015

May Design Agenda: 6sqft’s Guide to Navigating NYCxDesign Week

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NYCxDESIGN, New York City’s official celebration of all things design, hits town from May 8–19, 2015. Home to more designers than any other US metro area, NYC is one of the world’s design capitals. Now in its third year, NYCxDESIGN spotlights the city’s diverse design community and its contributions to our economy and everyday life and increases awareness of and appreciation for design with a collaborative mix of cultural and commercial offerings. The seemingly endless program lineup offers exhibitions, installations, trade shows, talks, launches, open studios and receptions all across the city to celebrate the efforts of everyone from students to stars of the local and international design community. This year will see hundreds of events covering topics from graphic design to architecture, technology and urban design to fashion and product design, interiors to landscape, furniture to design thinking and more. It will be hard to head in any direction and not stumble into a design-related event, but we've compiled a guide to a few of the top collaborative efforts and highlighted some of our picks.
Check out our Design Week picks, this way
C.P.H. Gilbert-Designed Park Slope Brownstone Retains All of Its Historic Splendor
May 8, 2015

C.P.H. Gilbert-Designed Park Slope Brownstone Retains All of Its Historic Splendor

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If you're looking for the epitome of the Park Slope brownstone, look no further than this home on the market at 315 Garfield Place. Located within the neighborhood historic district and just half a block from Prospect Park, the property, built in 1892, is striking both inside and out. It was designed by the famous Brooklyn architect C.P.H. Gilbert, and the listing claims that there have only been three owners in its entire history. The asking price comes in just under $12 million.
Tour the interior here
Art Nerd New York’s Top Event Picks for the Week, 5/7-5/13

In a city where hundreds of interesting happenings occur each week, it can be hard to pick and choose your way to a fulfilling life. Art Nerd‘s philosophy is a combination of observation, participation, education and of course a party to create the ultimate well-rounded week. Jump ahead for Art Nerd founder Lori Zimmer’s top picks for 6sqft readers, beginning tonight.

May 7, 2015

Art Nerd New York’s Top Event Picks for the Week, 5/7-5/13

By
This week is a bit heavy on the arty side, kicking off with an opening on the Lower East Side with a ridiculously long name, or one involving smashing plates in Chelsea. Hunt for new talent at Parsons' MFA Thesis exhibition, school yourself with a gallery talk with Rivane Neuenschwander, or support a great cause (and see some great art) at Swoon's Heliotrope Foundation benefit. To satisfy your design tooth, this weekend is all about Brooklyn, as BKYLN DESIGNS hits the Brooklyn Expo Center in Greenpoint. But you can travel back in time at the week's end by celebrating the Van Alen Institute at a Beaux Arts gem, the Surrogate's Courthouse.
All the best events here
Combine Life, Work and Sleep in a 7x7x7-Foot Catch-All Pod
May 7, 2015

Combine Life, Work and Sleep in a 7x7x7-Foot Catch-All Pod

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As New Yorkers we're used to multi-tasking; we eat while we work, we text while we walk, check our e-mail while we brush out teeth. So why not bring all of our urban dweller idiosyncrasies under one very, very small roof? The creation of Yazdani Studio of CannonDesign, this tiny 7x7x7-foot pod is actually a space designed for young entrepreneurs who can't turn it off. But given the habits of most of New York's labor force (yes, you), and the fact most of us are used to squeezing into smaller than average quarters, this petite pod could prove a boon to the work-obsessed—or what finally pushes them over the edge.
Find out more here
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