Midtown

432 Park owners sue again over alleged facade crack cover-up

Photo by Sebastiandoe5 via WikiCommons

April 30, 2025

432 Park owners sue again over alleged facade crack cover-up

By Aaron Ginsburg

Owners at the supertall condo 432 Park Avenue are suing the building's developers again. The Midtown East tower's condo board on Friday filed a lawsuit against developers Harry Macklowe and CIM Group, alleging they knowingly concealed widespread cracking in the building's concrete facade from buyers and inspectors as part of a "deliberate and far-reaching fraud," as first reported by Crain's. The board is seeking $165 million in damages, along with punitive damages and compensation for losses tied to declining property values caused by flooding and erosion from the cracks.
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Real Estate Trends

Abstract subway mosaic in Grand Central captures a spiritual journey through NYC

Credit: Etienne Frossard / MTA on Flickr

April 29, 2025

Abstract subway mosaic in Grand Central captures a spiritual journey through NYC

By Aaron Ginsburg

A new glass mosaic in Grand Central offers a vibrant interpretation of New Yorkers' journeys through the city. Unveiled on Monday by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), "Abstract Futures" spans 600 square feet at the 42nd Street/3rd Avenue entrance to the 7 train. Created by artist duo Sharmistha Ray and Dannielle Tegeder, the glass mosaic explores themes of "portals" and "journeys," serving as a metaphor for the spiritual transformations many experience while navigating life in New York City.
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Transit

First look at the food hall opening at NYC’s Lord & Taylor building

Renderings courtesy of ICRAVE

April 28, 2025

First look at the food hall opening at NYC’s Lord & Taylor building

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City's landmarked Lord & Taylor building will be publicly accessible for the first time since the flagship department store closed in 2019. A 35,000-square-foot food hall, dubbed Shaver Hall, will open later this year on the ground floor of the historic Fifth Avenue building. Amazon bought the property in 2020 and converted the space into offices in 2023. Newly released renderings are showing off the food hall's 11 curated stalls, wine and cheese bar, and "modern bodega."
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Food & Dining

NYC could landmark five Garment District skyscrapers ahead of Midtown South rezoning

On left: Lefcourt Clothing Center, photo by Eden, Janine, and Jim on Flickr; On right: Barbey Building and Fashion Tower, courtesy of Landmarks Preservation Commission

April 24, 2025

NYC could landmark five Garment District skyscrapers ahead of Midtown South rezoning

By Devin Gannon

Several notable skyscrapers in the Garment District are up for landmark status. The Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) on Tuesday voted to calendar five buildings in Midtown that are architecturally notable, as well as significant to the history of the neighborhood. The potential landmarking comes as Mayor Eric Adams' plan to rezone Midtown South, which would allow for up to 10,000 new homes, enters public review.
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Frank Lloyd Wright’s corner apartment at the Plaza finds a buyer

Photo credit: The Charlie Attias Team / Compass

April 23, 2025

Frank Lloyd Wright’s corner apartment at the Plaza finds a buyer

By Devin Gannon

Frank Lloyd Wright's former apartment at the Plaza Hotel has found a buyer. Listed for $18,900,000 in February, the 4,000-square-foot home entered contract on Tuesday, as first spotted by the New York Post. The architect lived in the corner residence at 1 Central Park South from 1954 to 1959 while he was working on the Guggenheim Museum.
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Real Estate Trends

Three works by sculptor John Chamberlain make their U.S. debut at Rockefeller Center

All photos courtesy of Tishman Speyer

April 16, 2025

Three works by sculptor John Chamberlain make their U.S. debut at Rockefeller Center

By Aaron Ginsburg

Large-scale sculptures by the late American artist John Chamberlain are making their first United States appearance at Rockefeller Center. On view from April 16 through May 29, "Chamberlain Goes Outdoors at Rockefeller Center" showcases three sculptures by Chamberlain, who was best known for his distinctive works made of scrap metal and aluminium foil. Free and open to the public, the installation offers a rare opportunity to experience one of Chamberlain’s final bodies of work.
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Events & Things To Do

Saks Fifth Avenue drops casino proposal

Image courtesy of Warren LeMay on Flickr

April 11, 2025

Saks Fifth Avenue drops casino proposal

By Aaron Ginsburg

Saks Fifth Avenue has folded its bid for a gaming license, ending the company's plan of adding a casino atop its Midtown flagship store. As first reported by Crain's, the department store withdrew its bid for one of three coveted downstate gaming licenses expected to be awarded by the end of the year, with a Saks spokesperson saying the company is now "focused on other strategic priorities." In recent months, minimal communication between Saks’ parent company, Saks Global, and those involved in the casino process had suggested that the retailer was abandoning its proposal.
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Policy

Bryant Park Grill sues to stop Jean-Georges takeover

Bryant Park Grill. Photo via Wikimedia Commons

April 1, 2025

Bryant Park Grill sues to stop Jean-Georges takeover

By Aaron Ginsburg

The owner of Bryant Park Grill is taking legal action to stop the 30-year-old restaurant from being replaced by a new Jean-Georges Vongerichten venture. Michael Weinstein's Ark Restaurants Corp on Monday filed a lawsuit against Bryant Park Corporation (BPC), alleging the bidding process was neither publicly advertised nor transparent and was "unfairly steered" toward the Seaport Entertainment Group, the winning bid. The lawsuit also claims BPC ignored the grill's "right of first lease" and rejected its bid of $1 million more in annual rent than offered by Seaport.
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Food & Dining

Signs of spring in NYC: Bryant Park’s famed lawn is installed

Photo by Jean-Christophe BENOIST on Wikimedia

March 26, 2025

Signs of spring in NYC: Bryant Park’s famed lawn is installed

By Devin Gannon

Bryant Park's seasonal transformation has begun. Last weekend, the landscaping team of the Midtown Manhattan park spent nine hours laying the grass sod of the central lawn, turning the ice skating rink at the Bank of America Winter Village into a green oasis for spring. While not quite ready for use, the lawn will soon be home to move nights, live performances, yoga, and other activities that make New York City so special during the warmer months.
spring is here

Events & Things To Do

Billionaires’ Row condo sells for $82.5M, NYC’s priciest deal of the year

Photo by Jakub Hałun on Wikimedia

March 11, 2025

Billionaires’ Row condo sells for $82.5M, NYC’s priciest deal of the year

By Devin Gannon

Media executive Byron Allen has sold his condo on Billionaires' Row for $82.5 million, marking New York City's priciest deal of the year so far. As first reported by the Wall Street Journal, Allen paid $75 million in 2023 for the five-bedroom pad at 220 Central Park South, a limestone-clad tower designed by Robert A.M. Stern that is considered one of the most expensive condo buildings in the country.
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Real Estate Trends

NYC proposes wider bike lanes along 12 blocks of Sixth Avenue

A new, wider-bike lane segment installed in 2024 along Manhattan’s Sixth Avenue. Credit: DOT

March 5, 2025

NYC proposes wider bike lanes along 12 blocks of Sixth Avenue

By Aaron Ginsburg

With vehicle traffic down since the start of congestion pricing, New York City is moving forward with plans to widen bike lanes along a roughly 12-block stretch of Sixth Avenue in Manhattan. During a presentation to Manhattan Community Board 5's transportation committee last week, the city's Department of Transportation (DOT) unveiled plans to upgrade the protected bike lane along Sixth Avenue from 14th Street to 35th Street. The proposal includes removing one lane of traffic to make space for a 10-foot-wide cycling lane, building on a project from last summer that widened the bike lanes from West 9th Street to West 13th Street.
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A first look inside the full-floor boutique offices at 520 Fifth Avenue

Credit: Binyan Studios

February 26, 2025

A first look inside the full-floor boutique offices at 520 Fifth Avenue

By Aaron Ginsburg

New renderings offer a sneak peek at the 25 full floors of boutique office space at 520 Fifth Avenue, the tallest mixed-use tower on the iconic street. Situated on floors nine through 34 below the condo units, the offices, designed by AD100 designer Vicky Charles of Charles & Co., feature terraces and loggias, soaring ceiling heights, and 10-by-10-foot operable windows. Above the offices are 100 luxury condos, which launched sales last April.
Get a glimpse inside

NYC’s only revolving restaurant reopens in Times Square

Photo by Jason Varney, courtesy of Rockwell Group

February 13, 2025

NYC’s only revolving restaurant reopens in Times Square

By Devin Gannon

New York City's only revolving restaurant is spinning again. The View, on the 47th and 48th floors of the New York Marriott Marquis in Times Square, reopened this week following a revamp by Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG) and David Rockwell's Rockwell Group. Formerly host to an all-you-can-eat buffet, the two-story restaurant has been reimagined as an upscale dining destination inspired by "American supper clubs and chop houses of earlier eras."
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Frank Lloyd Wright’s palatial former Plaza suite asks $18.9M

Photo credit: The Charlie Attias Team / Compass

February 13, 2025

Frank Lloyd Wright’s palatial former Plaza suite asks $18.9M

By Michelle Cohen

Once known as the Frank Lloyd Wright Suite–the architect lived in the corner apartment at the Plaza Hotel while he was working on the Guggenheim Museum from 1954 to 1959–this impressive condominium residence at 1 Central Park South occupies the rare level of Manhattan homes that just may justify its towering price tag. Asking $18,900,000, the 4,000-square-foot home adds up to a living space as dazzling as the park and city views it offers. Featured in Architectural Digest in 2014 as a media power pair's pied-a-terre, this extraordinary apartment offers the five-star hotel amenities of the iconic Plaza along with those views.
the tour starts here

Distinctive Homes

Macy’s Herald Square debuts pop-up spring market

All photos courtesy of Macy’s Herald Square

February 11, 2025

Macy’s Herald Square debuts pop-up spring market

By Aaron Ginsburg

Macy's Herald Square has unveiled a new seasonal pop-up celebrating love and the arrival of spring. Open just in time for Valentine's Day, the Shops at the Square offer customers a curated assortment of unique gifts, tasty treats, and other items. Find the shops on the mezzanine level of Macy's Herald Square through April 6.
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Events & Things To Do

Fifth Ave’s highest condo fetches $11.5M

Photo Credit: Alden Studios

February 6, 2025

Fifth Ave’s highest condo fetches $11.5M

By Devin Gannon

The highest condo on Fifth Avenue has found a buyer. As first spotted by CityRealty, Penthouse 80 at 520 Fifth Avenue sits 880 feet in the air, surrounded by iconic views in every direction. The trophy residence first hit the market two months ago for $11,500,000; the deal will likely close by the end of the year when the building wraps up construction.
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Planet Hollywood returns to NYC with 360-degree video screens instead of movie memorabilia

All photos courtesy of Planet Hollywood

February 3, 2025

Planet Hollywood returns to NYC with 360-degree video screens instead of movie memorabilia

By Aaron Ginsburg

Planet Hollywood, the iconic movie-themed restaurant chain that launched in the 1990s and closed during the pandemic, reopened in Times Square following a $20 million transformation. The new iteration of the restaurant won't be a total 90s throwback, with the walls and ceilings covered in high-definition screens that will transport diners to "thematic worlds" to make "every meal an epic journey." The reopening marks a fresh chapter for Planet Hollywood and the restaurant will replace its signature movie memorabilia-filled interior with over 692 video tiles showing interactive videos.
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Food & Dining

Bryant Park Grill closing this spring, will be replaced by a Jean-Georges restaurant

Credit: John Wisniewski on Flickr

January 28, 2025

Bryant Park Grill closing this spring, will be replaced by a Jean-Georges restaurant

By Aaron Ginsburg

After 30 years in business, the Bryant Park Grill is set to close and be replaced by a new Jean-Georges Vongerichten venture. As first reported by Crain's New York, the iconic 1,000-seat restaurant, which sits behind the New York Public Library and generates nearly $30 million in sales annually, will not have its lease renewed by the Bryant Park Corporation when it expires in May. Bryant Park officials said the restaurant had become "tired" and that it was time for a fresh start with a new operator.
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Food & Dining

Midtown South rezoning plan to build 10,000 new homes begins public review

Garment District. Photo © Ondel Hylton

January 22, 2025

Midtown South rezoning plan to build 10,000 new homes begins public review

By Aaron Ginsburg

The plan to transform Midtown South into dynamic mixed-use neighborhoods with thousands of new homes is moving forward. Mayor Eric Adams and the Department of City Planning (DCP) on Tuesday announced the start of the public review process for the Midtown South Mixed-Use (MSMX) plan, a proposal to rezone 42 blocks of the neighborhood to allow for roughly 9,700 new homes in areas where housing was largely prohibited under old zoning rules. The rezoning is part of the mayor's "Manhattan Plan" introduced in his State of the City address last week to add 100,000 new homes to the borough over the next decade.
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Policy

Plans filed to transform Times Square office building into 942 apartments

Exterior of 5 Times Square. Image via WikiCommons

January 2, 2025

Plans filed to transform Times Square office building into 942 apartments

By Aaron Ginsburg

A coalition of prominent New York City real estate figures has filed plans to transform a 38-story office building in Times Square into more than 900 new homes. As reported by The Real Deal, Apollo Global Management, in partnership with RXR and SL Green, aims to convert 5 Times Square into a mixed-use building with 942 apartments. This office-to-residential conversion would be one of the largest in the city to date, and the first in the heart of Times Square.
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Real Estate Trends

What to know about the 2025 Times Square New Year’s Eve ball drop

Credit: ABC/ Lorenzo Bevilaqua on Flickr

December 31, 2024

What to know about the 2025 Times Square New Year’s Eve ball drop

By Aaron Ginsburg

The world's most iconic New Year’s Eve celebration returns to New York City on Tuesday. Those eager to ring in 2025 will compete for a spot at the crossroads of the world to watch the 11,875-pound crystal ball descend from One Times Square. Ahead, here's everything you need to know about the Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball Drop, from the star-studded cast of hosts and live performers to the best spots to see the confetti rain down.
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Events & Things To Do

Macy’s Herald Square reveals 2024 holiday windows

All photos courtesy of Macy’s, Inc. unless noted otherwise

November 26, 2024

Macy’s Herald Square reveals 2024 holiday windows

By Aaron Ginsburg

Macy's Herald Square unveiled its iconic holiday window displays last week, continuing a cherished tradition that has enchanted New Yorkers for generations. Macy's was the first department store to feature Christmas window displays in 1874, and this year's delightful creations will capture onlookers and invite them indoors to explore the store's cheerful celebrations.
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Events & Things To Do

Fifth Ave celebrates 200th anniversary with car-free birthday bash

View of Fifth Avenue looking north from 45th Street, Dec. 1919. Photo courtesy of Fifth Avenue Association.

November 22, 2024

Fifth Ave celebrates 200th anniversary with car-free birthday bash

By Devin Gannon

One of the world's most famous streets turns 200 this year. In 1824, the first section of Fifth Avenue opened, marking the start of its transformation from a country road to an iconic thoroughfare known for its upscale retail and residences and cultural clout. In celebration of this milestone, the Fifth Avenue Association and the City of New York announced plans to throw the Avenue a 200th birthday party on December 8, kicking off a year-long series of anniversary programming.
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Events & Things To Do

Saks Fifth Avenue cancels holiday light show

Credit: Matt Kieffer on Flickr

November 12, 2024

Saks Fifth Avenue cancels holiday light show

By Aaron Ginsburg

For the first time in nearly two decades, Saks Fifth Avenue's holiday light show—a beloved New York City tradition—will go dark this year. As first reported by the New York Post, the festive experience, which attracts hordes of holiday shoppers and tourists to Midtown, has been canceled this year to save money during what has been a "challenging year" for luxury stores, according to the company.
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Events & Things To Do

Everything you need to know about the 2024 Veterans Day Parade in NYC

Photo by Sgt. Randall A. Clinton for MarineCorps New York on Flickr

November 8, 2024

Everything you need to know about the 2024 Veterans Day Parade in NYC

By Aaron Ginsburg

This year's Veterans Day returns to New York City on Monday, November 11. As the country's largest Veterans Day commemoration, the event features 20,000 marchers and over 150 vehicles traveling down Fifth Avenue in tribute to our armed forces. The 105th annual parade starts at 12:30 p.m. at 26th Street and Fifth Avenue and heads north until ending at 47th Street. The United States Marine Corps is this year's featured service.
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Events & Things To Do

Updated Midtown South rezoning plan could create nearly 10,000 new homes

8th Avenue below 40th Street. Photo © Ondel Hylton

November 1, 2024

Updated Midtown South rezoning plan could create nearly 10,000 new homes

By Aaron Ginsburg

New zoning tools will allow the city to build bigger apartment buildings in Midtown Manhattan, doubling the new housing units permitted under a proposed rezoning. The Department of City Planning on Thursday released an updated draft of the Midtown South rezoning plan to incorporate floor area ratio (FAR) caps of 15 to 18, enabled by the state's recent repeal of the 12 FAR cap. This change allows larger developments and roughly 9,700 new homes, up from a previous estimate of 4,000, in a 42-block area of Midtown where housing development has been largely prohibited.
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This year’s Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree comes from Massachusetts

Photo courtesy of Tishman Speyer

October 28, 2024

This year’s Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree comes from Massachusetts

By Aaron Ginsburg

This year's Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree has been unveiled. The 74-foot-tall Norway Spruce hails from West Stockbridge in Massachusetts—the first tree sourced from the state since 1959—and will be cut down on Thursday, November 7, and make its journey to Manhattan. The spruce arrives at Rockefeller Center on Saturday, November 9. Following the tree's decoration with thousands of twinkling lights and its iconic Swarovski star, the annual tree lighting ceremony takes place on Wednesday, December 4.
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Events & Things To Do

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720 West End Avenue

Upper West Side

Serene Upper West Side homes near Riverside Park

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