Events &amp; Things To Do

In advance of the 13th anniversary of 9/11, the Museum of the City of New York will be premiering the documentary Rebuilding the World Trade Center. The 62-minute film features footage shot over the past eight years by artist Marcus Robinson, documenting the work at Ground Zero through the eyes of the construction workers, "from the site managers to those who dug the building’s foundations and the ironworkers who assembled its steel frames." The film will premier at the museum on the evening of Tuesday, September 9th and will be followed by a panel discussion with New York Times reporter James Glanz. It will then premier nationally on the History Channel on September 11th at 6 pm.
More on the documentary and upcoming event

September 3, 2014

Gunn Landscape Architecture to Design the Rooftop of Williamsburg’s Futuristic Level Hotel

By Diane Pham

Williamsburg's upcoming Level Hotel is right on track for its 2016 opening as construction continues moves full speed ahead at 55 Wythe Avenue. Back in July, architects Yohay Albo and Nick Liberis of Albo Liberis LLC were revealed as the brains behind the building's ultra modern form, and it's just been announced that Gunn Landscape Architecture will be taking charge of the expansive rooftop escape that will sit atop the retail pod of the futuristic hotel.
A look at the rooftop design here

September 3, 2014

Prodigy Network Closes on $85 Million FiDi Site for Their ‘Cotel’ Crowdfunded Hotel

Back in June, we took a look at the winning designs for Prodigy Network's 17John 'Cotel' (collaborative + hotel = cotel), the city's first crowdsourced hotel and the world's first collaborative hotel. Now, the real estate crowdfunding startup has closed on the 15-story rental building at 17 John Street for $85.3 million, $25 million of which came from crowdfunded equity. Additional financing came from Deutsche Bank and another institutional investor. The property will be transformed into a 23-story, 191-unit extended-stay hotel, designed for the next generation of business traveler.
More on the first-of-its-kind project in NYC

September 2, 2014

Daily Link Fix: The East Village 30 Years Ago Compared to Now; Interactive Map Shows You the Best Place to Hail Cabs

The East Village 30 Years Ago – Laughing Squid featured photographer Daniel Roots’s collection of photos comparing the ones he took in the 80s to the ones he took this year. See how much the nabe has changed in just 30 years. What It Means To Be “Local” – Mashable sent one of its writers to follow […]

Events & Things To Do

August 27, 2014

New Exhibition at the Skyscraper Museum Reveals Unrealized Times Square Designs

What's now a Disney Land-like mix of big-brand stores like M&M's and Hershey's, the televised location for Good Morning America, and home to everyone's favorite costumed characters, was once "the worst block in town." During the 1970's and 80's, Times Square was filled with peep shows and porn theaters and riddled with crime. In 1984, in an effort to build taller and reduce crime while preserving the frantic energy and cultural heritage of the area, a design competition was organized by the Municipal Art Society and the National Endowment for the Arts. The debate among architects, developers, and preservationists came after plans were revealed for four skyscrapers near the intersection of 42nd Street, Broadway, and Seventh Avenue. Now, a new exhibition at the downtown Skyscraper Museum will resurface the submissions from this design competition, exploring the history of Manhattan's most recognizable crossroads.
More about the fascinating new exhibit “Times Square, 1984: The Postmodern Moment”

August 25, 2014

Daily Link Fix: Floating Sleeping Pods in Queens; Shelving Units That Use Book Covers To Hide Your Stuff

A Floating Hotel in Rockaway: Take a snooze on the Truck-A-Float, a platform of four floating sleeping pods made from old car parts in Queens. Check out the details on how to book a stay on Cool Hunting. An Entire 3D-Printed Estate: Proving that the possibilities of 3D printing are endless, Inhabitat reports that one […]

August 20, 2014

Forget the Crayon Box: Scribble Pen Draws in 16 Million Colors

It's hard to even imagine 16 million colors, let alone draw in them, but the Scribble pen does just that. The first-of-its-kind creation, developed by the San Francisco-based startup Scribble Technology, scans colors and transfers them either to paper or a mobile device. See a paint hue you just love or want to capture the shade of a dress in a store window? Just tap your pen on the wall or object and, voila, you can draw in that color.
More about the new technology

August 18, 2014

Daily Link Fix: Mapping Jewish Literature in NYC; Make Your Way Through Derek Jeter’s Head Maze

A Detailed Map of Jewish Literature: Take an adventure through the city and schlep to these landmarks found in Jewish literatur. See the full map on Tablet. Google Street View With Sound: Because as if Google Street View isn’t creepy enough, one company decided to add sounds to certain scenes like pigeons flying overhead, street performers and babies […]

Events & Things To Do

August 15, 2014

NYC Events 8/15: Run Free Down Park Avenue; Sip Cocktails with Architects or Party with Artists in Red Hook

Another summer weekend is upon us and we can't wait to get out the office and into the city. This weekend Manhattan's Summer Streets is back, and New Yorkers are invited to stroll (or bike) up and down Park Avenue, which will not only be closed to moving traffic, but jam packed with countless activities, music and food the whole way through. And if you decide to take this car-free jaunt, be sure to check out Ewerdt Hilgemann's sparkling sculptures along the pedestrian median. Once you've got your fair share if sunshine, head on over to the AIA NY's happy hour and mingle with architects and their fans. If art is more your thing, get to know Newark's public art community and their ideas over drinks at the NeWWalls mixer. And finally, for graffiti art and heady assemblages pay visits to the exhibitions at Tabla Rasa Gallery and Pioneer Works in Red Hook—the latter followed with a wild after party, of course.
More details on all the best events here

Daily Link Fix: ‘Dream, Girl’ Wants To Change The Image of A Boss; Upcycled Bicycle Seats Transformed Into Mini Green Spaces

Channel Your Inner Beach Bum: If you’re thinking, “Where am I supposed to learn how to surf in the NYC area that doesn’t require me to go to Long Island?” That’s where Rockaway Beach and Locals Surf School come in. Cool Hunting features the year-round school founded by two former competitive surfers Support Girls’ Dreams […]

Events & Things To Do

August 8, 2014

NYC Events 8/8: Tour a Post-Disaster Housing Prototype; NYC’s First Art Deco Scavenger Hunt

Most gallery owners have closed up shop for the season, likely heading to the Hamptons for some well-deserved R&R. But New Yorkers staying in town can still enjoy fine art (beyond one of our lovely air conditioned museums). Head to Brooklyn's Metrotech campus to enjoy the Public Art Fund's newest project—a mirage of color and shape by Sam Falls that will change over time as the sun and rain beat down on it (so check it out while it is brand-spanking-new!)—or to a nature-inspired opening at Ouchi Gallery. If architecture is more your thing, join the AIA NY for a private tour of the OEM Disaster Housing Prototype, or gather a group of arch-nerd friends for the first ever Art Deco Society of New York Scavenger Hunt. If you can't stand the heat, tuck into the theaters at MoMA to catch a classic silent film, or enjoy the shade of the High Line over head at the Abington House's weekly Wednesday parties.
All the best events here

August 7, 2014

The Roundhouse at Beacon Falls is a Former Industrial Site Turned Locally Designed Getaway

There's so much talk these days about the happenings up in Beacon, New York, from the Dia:Beacon, undoubtedly the area's biggest attraction, to the locally sourced restaurants lining the Hudson. And if you're hoping to make this upstate getaway longer than just a day trip, the Roundhouse at Beacon Falls can accommodate much more than just your overnight stay. Aryeh Siegel, unofficial "architect of Beacon," was enlisted by developer Robert A. McAlpine to restore and adaptively resue the buildings on this 9-acre, 19th century industrial site located on the Fishkill Creek. They were transformed into a complex including a hotel, restaurant, and event space. Historically appropriate, modern private residences were added, and the former power house is being reconstructed to provide hydro-electric power, which will account for 60% of the hotel's energy. The Rockwell Group outfitted the hotel and restaurant interiors with a contemporary yet rustic design esthetic, incorporating pieces from local artisans.
Take a tour through this gorgeous getaway

August 6, 2014

Daily Link Fix: Artist Turns People Into NYC Landmarks; Wearing This Pendant Can Convert Kinetic Energy into Electricity

Artist Camouflages Her Human Canvases In NYC Scenescapes: You’ve never seen body art like this. Daily Mail features Trina Merry making people practically disappear in Central Park, in front of the Gugg, and on bridges. Domino Sugars Sign Will Be Relocated: NYDN reports that the iconic sign will be taken down this month, but then […]

August 4, 2014

Summer Sculptures: Where to See Larger Than Life Art in the Parks

By Jason Carpenter

The NYC parks system gives artists a public canvas for their sculpture and design work, and there are so many great artworks on display this summer. From abstract sculptures to innovative park design, here are just a few of the interesting sculptures and design exhibits you can see in New York City parks this last month of summer.
Find the best public sculptures here

August 2, 2014

Franck Bohbot’s “Light On” Photographs Showcase NYC Landmarks After Dark

You haven't truly become a New Yorker until you've learned to love the city in both daylight and darkness, and urban photographer Franck Bohbot has masterfully captured the latter in his series "Light On." Interested in cinematographic iconography and architecture, Bohbot plays with melancholic light and chromatics to highlight the relationship between the individual and his/her surroundings. In "Light On" he produces photos that appear to be stills from a movie, the landmarks warmly aglow against the nighttime background.
More about Bohbot's urban photography

Events & Things To Do

August 1, 2014

NYC Events 8/1: Neon in Chinatown; A Convergence of Art, Music and Technology

Happy August! Celebrate the new month with all the fine art that New York has to offer. Tonight you can hit up a historic artist residence in the West Village, immerse yourself in edgy urban art in Williamsburg, and then party in a wild world of neon in Chinatown for a full-on New York art experience. Once you recover from all your Friday folly, start your weekend by taking pictures around the new Arles del Rio sculptures in Times Square. After that, head to Brooklyn for the opening reception and party for Justice, a new project by a roster of incredible women. Then wrap up next week with Clouds in a Cloudless Sky, an installation event where art, music and technology converge.
All the best events here

August 1, 2014

New Yorker Spotlight: Matthew Namie of Paris Framemakers on the Art of Framing

By Susan Cohen

Painters, portraitists, and photographers--the visual artists tend to get all the credit. But there is another type of art that goes into making a piece beautiful, and that is the art of framing. Most of us rarely think about this component, but for Matthew Namie, it’s always on his mind. As a salesperson at Paris Framemakers on the Upper West Side, he works with customers to make sure their prized artworks are framed just right. Paris Framemakers, located on 75th and Amsterdam, opened twenty years ago, and also has stores on 81st and Madison and 100th and Broadway. Matthew is a recent addition to Paris, but not to framing. He has seven years of experience under his belt and a keen eye when it comes to frames, mats, and glass. He will soon be heading across town to serve as the manager at the Upper East Side location. While working with Matthew on my own framing needs, I realized that many New Yorkers don't know the intricacies of this craft. So, I recently popped into Paris Framemakers to learn all about the art of framing and Matthew’s expertise.
Read the full interview right this way

July 30, 2014

A 19th Century Candy Store and WWI Fighter Plane Liven Up a Financial District Office Building

Take a step back in time at 77 Water Street, a 26-story office tower designed by Emery Roth & Sons and built by the William Kaufman Organization. The Financial District building features a WWI fighter plane on its roof and a turn-of-the-century penny candy store in its lobby. Thinking that this tower looks too modern for these curiosities? You're right; it was erected in 1970. The William Kaufman Organization wanted to humanize the building and make workers forget they were in an office tower, and to accomplish this they had historic replicas of the plane and candy shop installed. They also added a variety of public art projects throughout the plaza and lobby.
More fun facts about 77 Water Street right this way

July 25, 2014

NYC Events 7/25: Tour the Hy-Fi Mushroom Tower at PS1; Star in a Times Square Film

Midsummer adventure doesn't require leaving the city, and we've got plenty of fantastic local events picked out for you to enjoy over the next few days. This weekend is your chance to star in one of Time Square Arts' amazing Midnight Moment films (this one involves crawling!); to see three new plays in development by the National Theater Company on Governor's Island; and to tour Soho's only gay and lesbian museum for a powerhouse two person photo show. You can also get in on a game of handball with a bunch of artists, learn about how hive design can help bees, or get up close and personal with MoMA PS1's Young Architects winner on an exclusive tour hosted by the AIA New York.
All the best events here

July 24, 2014

Do Not Disturb! Peeking Into the NYC Condo Hotel Market

Who wouldn't want to be able to order a juicy burger in the middle of the night and have it delivered in mere minutes? Or never have to worry about making the bed or folding sheets ever again (does anyone know how to fold the fitted sheet properly)? How about having an on-call masseuse? This is the life of living in a condo hotel. Today, the city is teeming with these luxurious hybrids. The Residences at the Ritz Carlton in Battery Park City are home to the city's most expensive listing at $118 million. The landmark Plaza Hotel was partially converted to 181 residences in 2008. And let's not forget One57, the 90-story, 52-condo tower that will be the first five-star luxury hotel to rise in New York City in the last ten years. But do the vacation-worthy amenities at these buildings make them dominant in the real estate market?
We take a closer look

Events & Things To Do

July 21, 2014

Superdave’s Precious Slag Candlesticks Upcycle Pieces of Iron Found Scattered in the Forest

By Ana Lisa Alperovich

David Taylor, aka Superdave, is a Scottish-born, Stockholm-based designer who creates precious objects out of ordinary and found materials. His latest work, called Slag, consists of candlesticks made from assorted materials combined with pieces of iron found at the site of an abandoned 1600s iron foundry deep in the forests of Sweden.
Learn more about these precious candlesticks

July 18, 2014

Five Lush Rooftop Bars That Feel Like an Escape from the City

Summer is in full swing, and while some of us get to plan far flung escapes, others must endure the heat amidst the concrete towers. Rooftop oases are a great way to beat rising temps, especially when the foliage of a hidden garden can cool us naturally. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite lush rooftop havens around the city, all sure to help soothe your soul when a trip away from city life just isn’t in the cards. From an ultra verdant "secret garden" to a rooftop escape with the Empire State Building in view, check out these these five urban retreats offering an elevated experience.
Five wonderful lush rooftop escapes here

July 18, 2014

NYC Events 7/18: MoMA’s Pop Rally; Greenpointers Summer Market; Bohemia and Orthodox Judaism in Art