Midtown

Two Best Friends Sell Their Massive Midtown Artists’ Loft for $4.83M
March 23, 2015

Two Best Friends Sell Their Massive Midtown Artists’ Loft for $4.83M

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Remember this amazing loft we featured on 6sqft back in September? Well it looks like it's found a new owner to fill its cavernous spaces. According to city records, the two-loft combo at 361 West 36th Street sold today for $4.83 million. While when we last wrote about this cool apartment we were going gaga over its beautiful 4,800 square feet of sun-soaked spaces, it turns out the story of the two women–both artists–who once dwelled within its walls is far better anything else found inside.
Find out more here
Slab of Plexiglass Dislodges at One57 and Falls on Two Cars Below

Image © Wade Zimmerman courtesy of Agence Christian de Portzamparc (ACDP)

March 17, 2015

Slab of Plexiglass Dislodges at One57 and Falls on Two Cars Below

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Watch where you walk when treading near supertall towers. The WSJ reports that a stop work order has been issued at One57 after a kitchen table-sized piece of Plexiglass fell from the 22nd floor of the tower on Sunday, smashing into two parked cars down below. Thankfully no one was injured in the incident, but the accident is just one in a slew of construction mishaps that have plagued the building. In late February, glass from the tower landed on a neighboring building’s terrace, and last May, a windowpane fell from the 22nd floor, hitting a truck below. The building was also creating precarious conditions back in 2012 during Super Storm Sandy, when all of New York City looked on in horror as the support cable of an 80-ton crane at the top of the building broke, causing it dangle above their heads.
Is one57 cursed? Find out more here
65-Story Residential Tower with Sky-High Gardens Coming to 37th Street
March 12, 2015

65-Story Residential Tower with Sky-High Gardens Coming to 37th Street

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There's a new 65-story pencil-thin tower coming to 37th Street slated to rise 700 feet into the sky. Perkins+Will publicly announced the building in a press release today, which came alongside news they had won the MIPIM Architectural Review Future Projects Award for the unbuilt tower at the annual MIPIM real estate gathering in Cannes, France. The press release described the new skyscraper as a structure "emerging from its shimmering, angled curtain wall...organized with five clusters of shared amenity and park spaces for residents to enjoy, at specific intervals along the tower's rise."
find out more here
A Massive Modern Tower Could Sprout Next Door to Controversial One Vanderbilt

Image: One Vanderbilt via SL Green/KPF

March 4, 2015

A Massive Modern Tower Could Sprout Next Door to Controversial One Vanderbilt

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Foes of One Vanderbilt could soon find themselves with choice words for a new supertall enemy on the rise in the Midtown corridor. The Post reports that developer Howard Milstein is now looking to design and develop a brand new tower at 335 Madison Avenue. Millstein’s move takes advantage of the new Vanderbilt corridor zoning that would […]

Interior Renderings Revealed for Jean Nouvel’s MoMA Tower

Interior rendering via Hayes Davidson

February 23, 2015

Interior Renderings Revealed for Jean Nouvel’s MoMA Tower

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The last time we got any insider knowledge about Jean Nouvel's MoMA Tower, known officially as 53W53, was back in September when the penthouse floor plans of the 82-story, 1,050-foot building were revealed. Now it's gotten even better with actual interior renderings surfacing courtesy of the New York Times. The rendering is accompanied by a full-scale unit model of a $10 million, two-bedroom, 32nd-floor apartment planned for the tower. Set in a Sunset Park warehouse, the mock up shows how the building's well-known zig-zag façade pattern (the "diagrid") will translate inside, which leads to tilting windows and slanted columns. These unusual architectural features will inform the interior designs of Thierry W. Despont, who has been tapped to craft the 140 condo interiors.
More details ahead
Troubled Plaza Penthouse Returns with the Same $59M Asking Price
February 20, 2015

Troubled Plaza Penthouse Returns with the Same $59M Asking Price

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This troubled triplex penthouse at The Plaza just can’t seem to catch a break. It’s been a steady fall from grace ever since 2008, when an unhappy buyer who bought the $53.5 million place sight unseen sued for his $10.7 million deposit plus damages, claiming the home was misrepresented. Well, London-based developer Christian Candy purchased the pad for a comparatively dirt cheap $25.4 million in 2012 and tried to sell it for $59 million a couple of times in 2013. Now the plagued penthouse is back at the same $59 million asking. There’s something to be said for consistency. Let’s just hope the stars align this time and this “townhouse in the sky” finds an owner.
More pics inside
Grand Central Owner Enlists Harvard Professor to Stop 1 Vanderbilt and ‘Unconstitutional’ Seizing of His Rights
February 5, 2015

Grand Central Owner Enlists Harvard Professor to Stop 1 Vanderbilt and ‘Unconstitutional’ Seizing of His Rights

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Discord around the construction of One Vanderbilt continues to grow, and the latest contender to enter the ring is Harvard Law professor, "liberal constitutional scholar" and President Barack Obama's former educator, Laurence H. Tribe. Grand Central owner Andrew Penson has tapped the big-time lawyer to battle the city in his fight against the 1,514-foot supertall, according to The New York Times. Yesterday, with Tribe in tow, Penson went head-to-head—yet again—with the tower's developer SL Green at the City Planning Commission hearing. The meeting got as heated as one would expect, and "unconstitutional" and "ridiculous" were just a couple of the words thrown around.
Find out more here
Gale Brewer Shows Support for One Vanderbilt, Negotiates Even More Public Improvements
January 30, 2015

Gale Brewer Shows Support for One Vanderbilt, Negotiates Even More Public Improvements

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Gale Brewer is no shrinking violet when it comes to city planning, and having her on your side is never a bad thing. The borough president of Manhattan has just come out as a full-fledged supporter of not only Midtown East's rezoning, but more notably, One Vanderbilt, the controversial 1,514-foot supertall slated to pop up right next door to Grand Central. Curbed reports that Brewer coupled her approval with an announcement that her office negotiated a slew of additional community benefits from developer SL Green—the developer that has already put up $210 million for the improvement of Grand Central’s subway station.
More on what's included in the plan
One57 Records Another Blockbuster Sale, 85th-Floor Pad Sells for $55.6 Million
January 21, 2015

One57 Records Another Blockbuster Sale, 85th-Floor Pad Sells for $55.6 Million

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There’s no slowing One57. Yet another blockbuster sale hit city records this morning, bringing the brash blue supertall its third most expensive sale to date—and the city its ninth most expensive condo sale in history. The ultra-luxe pad is the 6,240-square-foot 85th-floor unit, which boasts four bedrooms, four baths, and the lofty, breathtaking views that have have made One57 one […]

$100 Million Condo Sale at One57 is NYC’s Most Expensive Ever
January 16, 2015

$100 Million Condo Sale at One57 is NYC’s Most Expensive Ever

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Expect another blockbuster year for the super-luxury tower that launched a slew of other wannabe developments across the city. A palatial unit occupying the 89th and 90th floor of One57 has just sold for a record-breaking $100,471,452.77—the most expensive condo purchase ever recorded Manhattan. The buyer of the massive 10,923-square-foot penthouse apartment remains a mystery—city records simply show an […]

Take a Drone Tour of the Hearst Building with Starchitect Norman Foster
January 15, 2015

Take a Drone Tour of the Hearst Building with Starchitect Norman Foster

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In 2006, the doors of the Hearst Tower were swung open for business. The design of starchitect Norman Foster, the building was one of the most cutting-edge of its time, lauded for its diagrid form, its green construction, and the then-radical approach of marrying the old with the new. Apart from becoming one of New York's most iconic structures, the building also holds a special cultural significance in city's history: It was the first skyscraper to break ground after September 11th. Now, a decade later, Foster has returned to the Hearst Tower to mark its anniversary and reflect on his creation.
Watch the film here
Four Architects Reimagine Times Square as a Place You Actually Want to Visit
January 12, 2015

Four Architects Reimagine Times Square as a Place You Actually Want to Visit

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While beloved by tourists, Times Square is easily the most hated destination for those who actually live in New York City. And it's no wonder: Shoulder to shoulder traffic, blinding lights, costumed (and un-costumed) characters, honking cars, and not a tree in sight—Times Square is pretty much your worst nightmare come to life. But could this congested consumerist hellscape one day become a place "Real New Yorkers" want to visit? Last year, the Institute for Rational Urban Mobility and vision42 held a competition asking designers and architects to rethink 42nd Street—from the East River to the Hudson River—as a "pedestrian-friendly, auto-free, sustainable boulevard." 200 submissions were received, and the institute has just announced the four finalists.
See the four finalists here
New Public Art Piece Will Have All of Times Square Yawning at Once
January 12, 2015

New Public Art Piece Will Have All of Times Square Yawning at Once

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And not out of boredom. Sebastian Errazuriz has created a new public art piece for Times Square that is the antithesis of the high-energy, fast-paced neighborhood. It's a close-up, black-and-white, three-minute video of the artist looking around and yawning that plays on 50 digital billboards throughout Times Square, which triggers a domino effect of sleepy, open mouthed gaping, since we all know yawns are contagious. Errazuriz's idea was to instill "a pause in the city that never goes to sleep," which informs the title of the work. The yawn-athon takes place every night through January 17th at 11:47pm from 42nd to 47th Streets between Broadway and 7th Avenue.
More (yawn) details ahead
Skating Through Time: A Look Back at NYC’s Ice Rinks
December 24, 2014

Skating Through Time: A Look Back at NYC’s Ice Rinks

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One of the most festive holiday activities doesn't end at New Year's, but rather lasts through the winter. Ice skating in NYC is a hot activity, with lines easily wrapping around the block at the Bryant Park Winter Village and Rockefeller Center's ice rink. But this isn't a new trend. Ice skating has long been a popular social pastime for New Yorkers, whether on a frozen pond in Central Park or at the Biltmore Ice Garden at the Biltmore Hotel. Plenty of historic photographs exist, documenting the transformation of the New York ice skater; so we've put together a timeline of this winter activity.
All the photos ahead
Biographer Couple Lists Artsy Central Park Duplex at Gainsborough Studios for $6M
December 11, 2014

Biographer Couple Lists Artsy Central Park Duplex at Gainsborough Studios for $6M

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Biographers Edmund and Sylvia Jukes Morris have just listed their duplex apartment at the exclusive Gainsborough Studios for $6 million. The stunning space promises to be a treat for all seasons with gigantic windows offering indescribable views of Central Park that will take your breath away. Yes, a place like this is so inspiring it would turn anyone into an artist.
Take a look inside, here
Nobutaka Ashihara-Designed Hotel Coming to the Garment District
December 8, 2014

Nobutaka Ashihara-Designed Hotel Coming to the Garment District

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A 22-story limited-service hotel is gearing up to rise in Midtown at 4-6 West 37th Street. According to new building permits filed this past weekend, a 120-key 60,000 square-foot development will go up at the 4,200 square-foot lot situated between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. Two charming six-story buildings, erected in 1920, will be be demolished for the 210-foot tall project designed by notable hotel designer Nobutaka Ashihara Architects. The firm recently opened the city's tallest hotel, the Marriott Residence Inn New York Manhattan/Central Park at 1717 Broadway.
FInd out more here
New Yorker Spotlight: Behind the Magic of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with Creative Director Wesley Whatley
November 26, 2014

New Yorker Spotlight: Behind the Magic of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with Creative Director Wesley Whatley

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For one day each year, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade transforms the streets of New York City into the ultimate stage for marching bands, dancers, floats, and of course, giant balloons. As we can all imagine, putting on a parade of this magnitude is no small task. And that's where Wesley Whatley, the Parade's creative director, comes in. Wesley is responsible for overseeing, developing and bringing the creative side of the event to life. His role requires vision, organization and a deep understanding of the parade's history and its importance to both the city and America. Along with his team, he ensures it's a magical event for spectators and television viewers. In anticipation of tomorrow's parade, we spoke with Wesley about selecting marching bands and performers, the logistics of organizing such a large event, and, on a personal note, what parades mean to him.
read the interview with Wesley here
New Rendering for 111 West 57th Street Shows Ethereal Views
November 17, 2014

New Rendering for 111 West 57th Street Shows Ethereal Views

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Move over 432 Park, there's a taller, slimmer and sexier ultra-luxury residential tower coming to Midtown. At the Municipal Art Society's 2014 Summit for NYC, Simon Koster, Principal at JDS Development Group, provided the audience with a compelling presentation on how our ideals can serve as the basis in how we shape our city. The restored crown of Stella Tower, the East River mega-rental project at 616 First Avenue, and 111 West 57th Street's discretionary approval by the Landmarks Preservation Commission were used as relevant examples. And the 57th Street project really caught our eye. The 1,400+ foot tower will also become the slimmest building in the world with a slenderness ratio of 1:23. Its narrow profile and stepped crown evoke the romantic art-deco towers of the 1920s and '30s and other timeless city landmarks. SHoP Architects are the designers and WSP Group are the engineers/magicians making sure things remain upright.
More on the tower here
The $26M Listing for Lauren Bacall’s Dakota Apartment Is Finally Here
November 17, 2014

The $26M Listing for Lauren Bacall’s Dakota Apartment Is Finally Here

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Those who've been waiting for a glimpse into the late Lauren Bacall's Dakota apartment will finally have their curiosity quelled. Curbed has just spotted the official listing for Ms. Bacall's sprawling Central Park West home and, as expected, it boasts a $26 million asking price. It was previously reported that the apartment was in need of quite a bit of work, but by the looks of things, the home is in fine shape with many of its original 19th century details still intact, including the original plaster moldings, pocket doors, fireplaces, wainscoting and hardware.
Inside the Dakota apartment
VIDEO: Architect Robert A.M. Stern Talks 15 Central Park West and How It’s a “Background Building”
November 17, 2014

VIDEO: Architect Robert A.M. Stern Talks 15 Central Park West and How It’s a “Background Building”

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15 Central Park West is frequently in the news—whether it's because a new celeb has moved in, or that it's recorded yet another blockbuster sale. But standing far from the limelight is the building's architect, Robert A.M. Stern, who, like his buildings, opts for the stately, subdued and classic over the winding and twisting standalones of his contemporaries. "We have a lot of silly buildings being built, in my opinion. The buildings should not look like Lady Gaga,” the architect says. In the latest installment of the Louisiana Channel Stern discusses what might be his most famous project, 15 CPW, and why he strives for buildings that complement, not dominate.
Watch the interview here
Designer Robert Couturier’s Midtown Apartment Could Double as a Modern Art Museum
November 13, 2014

Designer Robert Couturier’s Midtown Apartment Could Double as a Modern Art Museum

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This gorgeous midtown home says mod from top to bottom. Designer Robert Couturier is responsible for the apartment's impeccable interior design, and according to Couturier, "décor above all else, must be appropriate to the architecture, to the clients, and to the setting." Keeping that in mind, the cool stylings and playful details infused throughout this apartment have us convinced that the owners are the kind of folks we'd like to meet.
Tour the mod, colorful apartment here
Upcoming Condo-Hotel Overlooking Bryant Park Unveils New Dapper Look
November 7, 2014

Upcoming Condo-Hotel Overlooking Bryant Park Unveils New Dapper Look

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An updated rendering of a ground-up, mixed-use tower along the south side of Bryant Park has been revealed on HFZ Capital Group's website. The storied site at 20 West 40th Street was acquired by HFZ after Fortieth St. Partners defaulted on a $44 million loan back in 2010. According to HFZ's project page, the development will include a 5-star hotel, restaurant and bar, and residential condominiums. Construction permits filed last month specify that the hotel-design experts Stonehill & Taylor are the architects of record.
Additional details on the project
Midtown Site of the Iconic Lutèce Restaurant Sells for $17M – Will It Be Demolished?
November 4, 2014

Midtown Site of the Iconic Lutèce Restaurant Sells for $17M – Will It Be Demolished?

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These three townhouses may not look like much to you, but they've for decades been making appearances in pop culture, from the penned to motion pictures, including The Prince of Tides, Wall Street, Crossing Delancey, and most recently, Mad Men. Located at 249-253 East 50th Street, this site once housed the world-renowned Lutèce restaurant. Though today the structures can be described as dilapidated at best, that hasn't stopped a group of Chinatown investors from scooping up the properties for $17 million from East 50th Development LLC. Now in new hands, what's up next for this famed locale?
More details here
New Yorker Spotlight: Scott Liroff Sheds Light on His Century-Old Family-Run Business, City Knickerbocker

Scott with his father

October 24, 2014

New Yorker Spotlight: Scott Liroff Sheds Light on His Century-Old Family-Run Business, City Knickerbocker

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Tucked away on the second floor of a building on 11th Avenue and 48th street is City Knickerbocker, Inc., a small lighting business with a long history. Founded in 1906 founded by Adolph Liroff, a Russian immigrant whose trade was converting gasoliers and sconces to electric lamps, this business has lasted for four generations. Today, Scott Liroff, Adolph's great-grandson, proudly carries on the family tradition serving as City Knickerbocker's Vice President. To appreciate Scott's role in both his family and the business, one needs to go back over one hundred years to Brooklyn in the early 20th century. When Adolph's Brooklyn-based business took off, he headed to the city and rented a space on 42nd Street between 8th and 9th Avenues. After the Metropolitan Opera rented his light fixtures, Broadway started calling to rent lights too. As early as 1912-1913 City Knickerbocker's primary source of business was rentals. When Adolph's son, Seymour, took over the business in the 1950s, the store provided lighting for shows including The Ed Sullivan Show and The Milton Berle Show. 6sqft recently spoke with Scott to learn about City Knickerbocker and what it means to carry on a legacy in New York.
Read the en-light-ening interview here
75% of Grand Central’s $210M Renovation Money Will Go to the 4, 5, 6 Trains
October 15, 2014

75% of Grand Central’s $210M Renovation Money Will Go to the 4, 5, 6 Trains

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New York City's most taxed line is about to get a sizable cash infusion. Of the $210 million that developer SL Green Realty has budgeted for improving Grand Central's subway station for the green light to construct a 65-story office tower next door, more than 75% will go toward the Lexington Avenue line, Crain's reports. Yesterday, a 63-page study was delivered to Manhattan's Community Board 5 and to transportation advocates who have called for Midtown East's rezoning to include improvements to transportation infrastructure to meet current demand as well as the influx of nearly 16,000 workers as new lines are drawn. So where exactly will the money go?
Where will the money will go?
Billy Joel Unloads Another Apartment at 128 Central Park South
October 14, 2014

Billy Joel Unloads Another Apartment at 128 Central Park South

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Piano man Billy Joel has just sold off his one-bedroom pad at 128 Central Park South for $775,000, according to public records. The sale is the second for Joel at the building, the first being an $11 million deal he struck last year for the two-bedroom, 10,000-square-foot penthouse he once shared with ex-wife Christie Brinkley. The one-bedroom is a comparably modest pad situated on a high floor of the building. An eat-in kitchen, abundant south light and city views are some of the perks, but the listing (now offline) noted that the home needed renovation. The apartment was previously rented out, though Joel and Brinkley did entertain it as a penthouse extension. The transaction was managed by Joel's accountants Gelfand, Rennert and Feldman. Adam Modlin of the Modlin Group brokered the deal.
See the floor plan here
<b>Holiday Field Trip: Where to Find Christopher Columbus in NYC</b>
October 13, 2014

Holiday Field Trip: Where to Find Christopher Columbus in NYC

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It's easy to forget that Columbus Day is more than just a day off from work (which we're not complaining about), but rather a holiday celebrating Christopher Columbus' arrival in the Americas on October 12, 1942. But if you need reminding, look no further than these memorials scattered around New York City.
Take a tour of where to find Christopher Columbus monuments in NYC
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