Architecture And Design

340-year-old East Hampton home reimagined with a modernist design asks $4.5M

All photos courtesy of Douglas Elliman

December 15, 2020

340-year-old East Hampton home reimagined with a modernist design asks $4.5M

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An East Hampton Village home with roots dating back to the 17th-century is on the market for $4.495 million. The property at 177 Main Street was originally a Colonial saltbox built in 1680 and owned by John Mulford, one of the founders of the village. The home was named Congress Hall in the mid-19th-century as then-owner David Mulford used the space for local men to gather and talk about politics. After the site sold in 2012, owners transformed the property into a 5,500-square-foot compound with five bedrooms and five-and-a-half baths.
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Frederick Law Olmsted’s farmhouse on Staten Island recognized as national landmark

Photos courtesy of New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation

December 8, 2020

Frederick Law Olmsted’s farmhouse on Staten Island recognized as national landmark

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The National Park Service this month placed a Staten Island farmhouse once owned by Frederick Law Olmsted on the National Register of Historic Places. Formerly part of a 130-acre farm, the property, known as the Olmsted-Beil House, is significant for the role it played in Olmsted's discovery of landscape design and parks as a public good, which later influenced his ideas for Central Park and Prospect Park. Despite its designation as a city landmark in 1967, the house, while intact, has deteriorated over the years and requires significant restoration work.
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For $3M, live in the original bell tower of this historic Hoboken church

All photos courtesy of Brown Harris Stevens

November 25, 2020

For $3M, live in the original bell tower of this historic Hoboken church

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All photos courtesy of Brown Harris Stevens An apartment inside a historic church building in Hoboken is now asking $3.05 million. Constructed in 1890, the Romanesque Revival First Baptist Church at 901 Bloomfield Street was converted into a luxury condominium, known as The Raphael, in 2017 with just six residences. The available unit contains three bedrooms, three and a half baths, and a studio loft in the building's original bell tower. While the conversion led to sleek modern interiors, stunning unique details, including the double-height ceilings and arched windows, were preserved.
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NYC unveils $9M plan to restore Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn

Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Arch lighting design test in 2019; Photo courtesy of Jordan Rathkopf/ Prospect Park Alliance

November 23, 2020

NYC unveils $9M plan to restore Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn

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Plans to renovate Brooklyn's Grand Army Plaza were unveiled this week, the first major restoration of Prospect Park's historic entrance in decades. The $8.9 million revamp focuses on the Soldiers' and Sailors' Memorial Arch, including replacing the arch's roof, cleaning and restoring the brick and stone structure, repairing the interior staircases, and adding modern lighting to the exterior. Surrounding plaza and landscape berms that frame the plaza will also be restored and new native trees and shrubs will be planted.
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For $11.5M, own Amagansett’s legendary Windmill house that Marilyn Monroe once rented

Listing photos courtesy of Douglas Elliman

November 18, 2020

For $11.5M, own Amagansett’s legendary Windmill house that Marilyn Monroe once rented

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Living in a windmill is unique on its own, but living in the same windmill that Marilyn Monroe once rented is really something else. Built in 1830, the Amagansett windmill was converted to a residence in the 1950s by Samuel Rubin, creator of the Faberge perfume company. Over the years, it was rented by many famous names, including Kurt Vonnegut, Terrance Stamp, and, in 1957, Marilyn Monroe and Arthur Miller, who were looking to get away from the press in the city. The two-bedroom home sits on nearly five-and-a-half acres and is for sale asking $11,500,000.
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Prospect Park’s 150-year-old Endale Arch returns with stunning original details after restoration

Photos by Paul Martinka

November 16, 2020

Prospect Park’s 150-year-old Endale Arch returns with stunning original details after restoration

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An original architectural element of Prospect Park that dates back to the 1860s has returned to Brooklyn's backyard. Following a five-year restoration, the Endale Arch reopened to the public last week, with parts of its stunning design envisioned by park creators Frederick Olmsted and Calvert Vaux on display for the first time this century.
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Go inside the new glass dome atop Union Square’s Tammany Hall

Photo by Christopher Payne | ESTO

November 16, 2020

Go inside the new glass dome atop Union Square’s Tammany Hall

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If you've walked by Union Square over the past year, you might have spotted something different. Rising atop  Reading International's landmarked Tammany Hall is a modern glass-and-steel dome. BKSK Architects designed the addition, which can house a variety of commercial uses, with the building's history in mind. Though many associate Tammany Hall's history with political corruption, BKSK wanted people to understand that its namesake is actually Lenape Chief Tammanend, who worked towards a peaceful relationship with 17th-century European settlers. Ahead, see amazing photos of the dome's exterior and interior and hear from BKSK partner Todd Poisson about its construction and how it was conceived to resemble a turtle breaking out of water.
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David Adjaye and Aston Martin collaborate on residences and luxury car at 130 William in FiDi

All residence images courtesy of Aston Martin

November 12, 2020

David Adjaye and Aston Martin collaborate on residences and luxury car at 130 William in FiDi

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Five apartments for sale at Sir David Adjaye's first New York City tower have been custom-designed by luxury carmaker Aston Martin. Located on the 59th and 60th floors of 130 William, a 66-story condo in the Financial District, the exclusive units come with a special edition Aston Martin DBX, an SUV designed in collaboration with Adjaye. The five condos include two penthouses, one priced at $11.5 million and the second at $10.5 million, and three loggia residences, priced at $3.985 million, $5.985 million, and $10 million.
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See New York City’s newest public park at the Upper West Side’s Waterline Square

All photos courtesy of Elizabeth Felicella

November 12, 2020

See New York City’s newest public park at the Upper West Side’s Waterline Square

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New photos of the public park at the Waterline Square development were released this week, showing off the nearly three acres of green space designed by MNLA. Positioned in the middle of the three glassy Upper West Side towers, Waterline Square Park offers a tucked-away oasis for the community, along with a huge playground and unique water features. When it officially opened this summer, the park hosted a number of socially-distanced events including live music performances and yoga classes.
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In Rockland County, this $1.3M Colonial home was designed by Stanford White

Photo credit: Andrea B. Swenson for Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty

November 11, 2020

In Rockland County, this $1.3M Colonial home was designed by Stanford White

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As a partner in the Beaux-Arts architectural firm McKim, Mead & White, Stanford White designed the Washington Square Arch, the Villard Houses, and the Gould Library, among so many others. He also designed the most private residences of the three men, including this late-19th century, shingly Colonial in Rockland County. Located in the Hudson River-front town of Piermont, the four-bedroom home has a striking semi-circular window, tons of original paneled woodwork and doors, and four beautiful fireplaces. After remaining in the same family for four generations, it's now up for sale asking $1,275,000.
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Can Times Square ever be completely car-free?

Rendering courtesy of 3deluxe

November 10, 2020

Can Times Square ever be completely car-free?

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It's been over ten years since cars were first banned in some sections of Times Square. Is it time for additional street closures along bustling Broadway? In a new design study, the Germany-based architecture firm 3deluxe has reimagined Times Square to prioritize pedestrians and cyclists, trading vehicular traffic lanes for recreational activities, landscaped features, and public transportation. The concept comes as New York and other cities continue to reexamine the value of safe public space as the fight to control the coronavirus pandemic continues.
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Mist garden from 1964 World’s Fair restored at Flushing Meadows Corona Park

Photos by Daniel Avila/NYC Parks

November 2, 2020

Mist garden from 1964 World’s Fair restored at Flushing Meadows Corona Park

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When the World's Fair descended upon Flushing Meadows Corona Park in 1964-1965, one of the big attractions was the Unisphere. And leading up to this 140-foot-tall stainless steel globe was the Fountain of the Fairs, a large reflecting pool that acted as an interactive mist garden. Though they were renovated in 2000, the fountains were seriously damaged during Hurricane Sandy and stopped working. However, after a recent $6.8 million upgrade, they are back up and running.
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See inside the ‘bubble’ apartments at the High Line’s new Lantern House condo

All photos by Colin Miller unless otherwise noted

October 27, 2020

See inside the ‘bubble’ apartments at the High Line’s new Lantern House condo

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While we've been following the progression of Thomas Heatherwick's first residential project in the United States from its unique exterior, new photos are providing a first peek inside the bubbles. Located at 515 West 18th Street, Lantern House features two condo towers that straddle the High Line in Chelsea, one rising 10 stories and the other 22 stories, both with facades designed to resemble a lantern. Ahead, see the model home designed by staging experts ASH NYC, which was able to complement the building's unique architecture with a mix of bold, contemporary furniture and vintage details.
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Rare townhouse in the Manhattan Avenue Historic District comes to the market for $2.5M

Photo credit: Compass

October 27, 2020

Rare townhouse in the Manhattan Avenue Historic District comes to the market for $2.5M

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The Manhattan Avenue Historic District is a group of 40 buildings that encompasses barely two blocks in the Manhattan Valley section of the Upper West Side. Stretching from West 104th to 106th Streets, the majority of the district's structures are picturesque townhouses designed in the then-popular Queen Anne and Romanesque Revival styles and built between 1885 and 1890. One of these homes, at 127 Manhattan Avenue, has just come to the market for the first time in 50 years. The five-bedroom townhouse is asking $2,495,000.
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Live in your very own 19th-century castle above the Hudson River for $3.5M

Listing photos courtesy of Houlihan Lawrence

October 26, 2020

Live in your very own 19th-century castle above the Hudson River for $3.5M

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First spotted by Brownstoner, one of the most unique and recognizable properties in the Hudson Valley has come to the market. The gilded-age landmark known as Castle Rock was built in 1881 in Garrison, New York as a summer home for William H. Osborn, president of the Illinois Central Railroad. Sitting atop the hill of the same name, the stone castle is 620 feet above the Hudson River, with incredible panoramic views. The 10,500-square-foot home is now asking $3,450,000, for sale for the first time in 45 years.
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Riverside Park opens new section with playgrounds, volleyball, lawns, and more

Photo courtesy of the Riverside Park Conservancy

October 23, 2020

Riverside Park opens new section with playgrounds, volleyball, lawns, and more

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Yesterday, the fifth phase of Riverside Park South opened to the public. The 4.6-acre area stretches from West 65th to 68th Streets and includes new paths, stairs, and plazas; a playground and swings; lawns; sand volleyball courts; and a dog run. As West Side Rag tells us, the $21.1 million project--which was completed with federal, state, and private funds--was originally planned to open in 2018.
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Just 20 miles outside NYC, this 18th-century New Jersey home and barn asks $4M

Photo credit: Jump Visual

October 23, 2020

Just 20 miles outside NYC, this 18th-century New Jersey home and barn asks $4M

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Earlier this year, the New York Times called Wyckoff, New Jersey "a peaceful suburb with a sense of community," and noted that the Bergen County town has been seeing "an influx of young families, who value its small-town atmosphere and relatively low taxes." This Wyckoff property may not be a starter home, but its $3,950,000 price tag gets you a piece of history set on four acres. The main residence, formerly known as the Halstead House, was built in 1779 and has been perfectly preserved over the years. There's also a renovated barn, a guest cottage, and a pool, all set against a beautiful pond.
See the whole place here
Archtober’s annual gourd-carving Pumpkitecture event is virtual and open to everyone

BIG Architects designing their masterpiece; Photo by Daniel Cole for Center for Architecture

October 20, 2020

Archtober’s annual gourd-carving Pumpkitecture event is virtual and open to everyone

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Every year, New York City-based architecture firms face off in a spirited pumpkin carving competition in quest of the PritzkerPumpkin prize. This year, because of the coronavirus pandemic and restrictions on gatherings, Pumpkitecture will take place virtually. And the contest won't be limited to just architects and designers, but anyone with an "eerie eye for design" can enter.
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First look at New York City’s largest private outdoor garden at One Manhattan Square

All photos courtesy of Evan Joseph

October 9, 2020

First look at New York City’s largest private outdoor garden at One Manhattan Square

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New photos of the sprawling outdoor space at condo tower One Manhattan Square were released this week, providing a first peek at what developers say is the largest private garden in New York City. Designed by landscape architecture firm West 8, the green space measures 45,000 square feet, sits on an incline, and boasts unique features like a furnished adult treehouse and a Japanese-inspired tea pavilion.
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Industry leaders discuss future of post-pandemic NYC during two-day ‘City of Tomorrow’ summit

Credit: Thomas Heatherwick Studio

October 9, 2020

Industry leaders discuss future of post-pandemic NYC during two-day ‘City of Tomorrow’ summit

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The past seven months fighting the coronavirus in New York City have laid bare the inequalities that exist in housing, infrastructure, open space access, and wellness. How can the largest city in the United States sustainably recover after COVID-19 while prioritizing the health of all of its residents? Industry leaders will explore this topic and the future of the city during a two-day virtual summit this month hosted by 92nd Street Y and Hundred Stories. The fourth annual "City of Tomorrow: Building a Better Future" summit will take place virtually on October 13 and October 14, with all talks free for the public to view.
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$2.75M Prospect Lefferts Gardens mansion is dripping with pre-war opulence

Photo Credit: Gamut Photos for Sotheby’s International Realty

October 6, 2020

$2.75M Prospect Lefferts Gardens mansion is dripping with pre-war opulence

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It's not every day a mansion like this comes to the market in Brooklyn, especially at a $1.25 million discount. The incredible Renaissance Revival-style, limestone home in Prospect Lefferts Gardens first listed for $4 million in 2018, but the price has now come down to $2.75 million. Located at 125 Maple Street, it's full of opulent, pre-war details like stained glass windows, elaborate moldings and ceiling medallions, and regal columns galore. Plus, there's the sheer size of it--the home spans just about 6,000 square feet and has five bedrooms.
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10th annual Archtober kicks off in NYC with virtual and in-person design events

Little Island May 2020 © CityRealty

September 29, 2020

10th annual Archtober kicks off in NYC with virtual and in-person design events

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New York City's annual month-long celebration of architecture and design returns to the five boroughs this week. In its 10th year, Archtober offers hundreds of architect-led building tours, lectures by design experts, and exploration of lesser-known wonders of New York's built environment every day during the month of October. Like everything else, this year's festival will look a bit different because of the coronavirus pandemic, with virtual talks and tours, self-led activities, and socially-distanced in-person events.
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Empire State Building’s Art Deco spire returns in all its glory after restoration

Progress of the restoration; Courtesy of the Empire State Realty Trust

September 25, 2020

Empire State Building’s Art Deco spire returns in all its glory after restoration

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What's old is new again. The iconic spire of the Empire State Building has returned to its original 1931 silhouette following a year-long restoration. The Empire State Realty Trust removed a network of archaic antennas and other unnecessary material found between floors 88 and 103 from the mooring mast, providing an obstacle-free look at the skyscraper's unique 200-foot Art Deco pinnacle.
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This big, beautiful Victorian in Newburgh is asking just $650K

Photo by Roy Savage

September 24, 2020

This big, beautiful Victorian in Newburgh is asking just $650K

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The city of Newburgh, about an hour-and-a-half drive from Manhattan, often gets a bad rap for its past crime statistics. But in recent years, shops and restaurants have been sprouting up, the arts scene is booming, preservation groups are working to save the wealth of historic mansions, and the relatively affordable housing stock is enticing buyers. Take, for example, this 1875 Victorian home. It's over 3,500 square feet, is beautifully preserved, and overlooks the Hudson River and Washington's Headquarters State Historic Site. And it's asking just $650,000.
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Futuristic tower proposed for Roosevelt Island is 2,400 feet and covered in 10,000+ plants

All renderings via Rescubika Studio

September 23, 2020

Futuristic tower proposed for Roosevelt Island is 2,400 feet and covered in 10,000+ plants

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In response to the idea of the "city of tomorrow," one that will become carbon neutral by 2050, French architecture firm Rescubika created a proposal for a 2,418-foot tower on Roosevelt Island. With wood construction materials, 36 wind turbines, 8,300 shrubs, 1,600 trees, 83,000 square feet of plant walls, and nearly 23,000 square feet of solar panels, it would be the world’s tallest "carbon sink" tower--one that absorbs more CO2 than it releases.
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