Midtown

NYC proposes pedestrian-friendly path on Fifth Avenue from Bryant Park to Central Park

Conceptual renderings from one proposal for a reimagined Fifth Avenue. Credit: Fifth Avenue Association

December 19, 2022

NYC proposes pedestrian-friendly path on Fifth Avenue from Bryant Park to Central Park

Mayor Eric Adams on Sunday released a plan that reimagines a stretch of Fifth Avenue from Bryant Park at 42nd Street to Central Park at 59th Street as a pedestrian-focused space that prioritizes safety, mass transit, and the public realm. This new vision of one of the world's most iconic tourist destinations and commercial districts is part of a broader plan to make the area more appealing to new residents and workers and builds upon the recent closure of Fifth Avenue this month for the holidays.
See the plan

Casino mogul Steve Wynn lists Central Park South penthouse for $90M

Photo of 50 Central Park South via WikiCommons

December 16, 2022

Casino mogul Steve Wynn lists Central Park South penthouse for $90M

By Aaron Ginsburg

Casino mogul and billionaire Steve Wynn is selling his Central Park South penthouse for $90,000,000. The home is located on the 30th and 31st floors of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel at 50 Central Park South. The sprawling duplex, which Wynn picked up for $70,000,000 in 2012, measures 11,000 square feet and features unparalleled views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline. If the residence fetches the asking price, it would be the most expensive sale in the building's history.
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The Mermaid Inn opens expansive new location in Times Square

All images courtesy of Alex Staniloff

December 13, 2022

The Mermaid Inn opens expansive new location in Times Square

By Aaron Ginsburg

The Mermaid Oyster Bar, a new outpost of the beloved Manhattan seafood restaurant family The Mermaid Inn, opened in Times Square on Tuesday. Located at 127 West 43rd Street, the restaurant is the Mermaid's largest location yet, three times larger than any of its other Manhattan branches. Owners Danny Abrams and Cindy Smiths have opened the new location alongside restaurateur Jeffrey Bank, CEO of Alicart Restaurant Group.
Details here

Food & Dining

Photo courtesy of Anthony Quintano on Flickr

December 8, 2022

How to avoid NYC SantaCon 2022

By Aaron Ginsburg

Manhattan residents may be pleasantly surprised or significantly perturbed when a horde of red-and-white-clad SantaCon 2022 participants flood the streets of Midtown, Murray Hill, and the East Village this Saturday. The annual cosplay event draws thousands of festively-dressed participants into the borough for a day of drunken shenanigans all in the name of charity. The pub crawl is a blast for all of those involved, and not so fun for residents of the neighborhoods and people who need to travel through these areas. Ahead are a few suggestions for those looking to avoid the action during this year's SantaCon.
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Events & Things To Do

10 things you didn’t know about the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

Photo of the 2021 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree courtesy of Diane Bondareff/AP Images for Tishman Speyer

November 28, 2022

10 things you didn’t know about the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City's annual lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree has been a favorite holiday tradition for New Yorkers and visitors alike since its inception in the early 1930s. This year marks the 93rd anniversary of the festive tradition that draws hundreds of thousands of people daily to the area around Fifth Avenue. From the tree's humble beginnings as a place to gather during the Great Depression to its 50,000 sparkling lights and 900-pound Swarovski crystal-covered star topper, here are 10 things you might not know about the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.
Get the fun facts here

$12.2M condo on Billionaires’ Row looks like it’s floating above Central Park

Photo courtesy of Evan Joseph for The Corcoran Group

November 28, 2022

$12.2M condo on Billionaires’ Row looks like it’s floating above Central Park

By Devin Gannon

A condo in one of the first supertalls to rise on Billionaires' Row is available. Asking $12,200,000, the three-bedroom on the 41st floor of One57 seemingly hovers over Central Park, with the home's floor-to-ceiling windows in the 39-foot-long living room providing a near-perfect view of the iconic greenspace. In addition to sweeping panoramas, the building also offers residents five-star services from the Park Hyatt Hotel, including daily housekeeping, laundry, and in-residence dining.
See inside

Distinctive Homes

NYC unveils plan for car-free streets in Midtown to reduce holiday crowds

Photo by Alex Haney on Unsplash

November 23, 2022

NYC unveils plan for car-free streets in Midtown to reduce holiday crowds

By Devin Gannon

Some streets in Midtown Manhattan will be closed to cars during the holiday season to provide New Yorkers and visitors a safe way to enjoy the festivities, Mayor Eric Adams announced Thursday. Under the plan, the city will open 11 blocks to pedestrians, including a strip of Fifth Avenue from 49th Street to 57th Street, the first time in 50 years the iconic thoroughfare will close to traffic. Starting next week, certain streets around Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall will only be open to pedestrians during the busiest hours.
Get the details

Fifth Avenue will partially close to all traffic on select days in December

The decorated holiday window at Saks Fifth Avenue in 2016; Photo by Phil Roeder on Flickr

November 21, 2022

Fifth Avenue will partially close to all traffic on select days in December

By Aaron Ginsburg

Fifth Avenue will be closed to cars in celebration of the holiday season next month. As first reported by Time Out, the "Fifth Avenue for All" initiative will take place on three Sundays next month, December 4, 11, and 18, from noon to 6 p.m., allowing pedestrians to safely stroll along Fifth Avenue from 49th Street to 57th Street.
See more here

Here are NYC’s best holiday markets and pop-up shops of 2022

Image courtesy of

November 16, 2022

Here are NYC’s best holiday markets and pop-up shops of 2022

By Aaron Ginsburg

FAD Holiday Market The holiday season has arrived in New York City, and with it comes the dozens of festive winter shops that offer unique gifts and locally-made goods for New Yorkers and their loved ones. Ahead, discover the city's best holiday markets and pop-up shops, from the long-revered markets at Union Square and Bryant Park to newcomers like the Brooklyn Borough Hall Holiday Market.
Find something for everyone on your list

Starbucks opens three-level Reserve location inside the Empire State Building

All images courtesy of Matthew Glac

November 16, 2022

Starbucks opens three-level Reserve location inside the Empire State Building

By Aaron Ginsburg

Starbucks is opening another of its premium, immersive roasteries within the Empire State Building on Wednesday. Spanning 23,000 square feet across three floors, the new Starbucks Reserve Empire State Building store features immersive experiences like hands-on workshops and guided tasting flights, as well as an extensive menu of coffee beverages, craft cocktails, and artisan food only available at the location.
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Food & Dining

The 2022 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree has arrived in NYC

All photos courtesy of Diane Bondareff/AP Images for Tishman Speyer

November 14, 2022

The 2022 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree has arrived in NYC

By Aaron Ginsburg

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree has arrived in Midtown, marking the start of the holiday season in New York City. Donated by a family in Glens Falls, New York, the 82-foot-tall Norway Spruce tree is 50 feet wide and weighs around 14 tons. After its arrival at Rockefeller Center this weekend, the hefty tree was hoisted into position by a crane and set in place, where it will stand throughout the holiday season. The annual tree lighting ceremony will take place on Wednesday, November 30.
See more here

Museum of Broadway opens in Times Square this week

All photos courtesy of Monique Carboni

November 14, 2022

Museum of Broadway opens in Times Square this week

By Aaron Ginsburg

The first-ever permanent museum dedicated to the rich history of Broadway theater is opening in Times Square on Tuesday. Located at 145 West 45th Street, the Museum of Broadway will guide guests through an immersive visual history of Broadway, delving into moments throughout The Great White Way's history and displaying a variety of costumes, props, rare photos, videos, and more.
Find out more

Events & Things To Do

Newly unveiled interiors mark completion of slender supertall 111 West 57th Street

Exterior photo by David Sundberg; Interior by Adrian Gaut

November 14, 2022

Newly unveiled interiors mark completion of slender supertall 111 West 57th Street

By Devin Gannon

The second-tallest residential tower in the Western Hemisphere is officially complete. Last week, JDS Development Group and Property Markets Group unveiled the interiors of 111 West 57th Street, a 1,428-foot-tall building on Billionaires' Row designed by SHoP Architects. New photos show off the tower's interior architecture, including the residences and amenity spaces, all designed by William Sofield's Studio Sofield.
More here

NYC to close Randall’s Island migrant shelter after a month

Image courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

November 11, 2022

NYC to close Randall’s Island migrant shelter after a month

By Aaron Ginsburg

Only a month after opening, the migrant shelter on Randall's Island will close, Mayor Eric Adams announced Thursday. The 84,400-square-foot facility, which was designed for adult men and held 500 beds and a recreation center, will be replaced by a new center in Midtown Manhattan, as first reported by City Limits. The Randall's Island facility is set to be shuttered next week, and current occupants of the facility will be provided with transportation to the Watson Hotel on West 57th Street, where 600 rooms will be used to house asylum seekers.
Find out more

Policy

Get a first look at this year’s Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

Photo courtesy of Tishman Speyer

November 1, 2022

Get a first look at this year’s Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

By Devin Gannon

The 2022 Rockefeller Center Christmas tree has officially been announced, marking the start of New York City's holiday season. The 82-foot-tall Norway Spruce hails from Queensbury, an upstate New York town near Lake George. The Rockefeller Christmas Tree will arrive in Manhattan on Saturday, November 12, and then will be decorated with thousands of lights. The annual tree lighting ceremony will take place on Wednesday, November 30.
It's that time of year again

Mexico Week returns to Rockefeller Center for Day of the Dead

Photo courtesy of Tishman Speyer

October 26, 2022

Mexico Week returns to Rockefeller Center for Day of the Dead

By Aaron Ginsburg

Rockefeller Center is hosting its second annual Mexico Week, a celebration of Mexican heritage and Día de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. Over the course of the weeklong event, New Yorkers can experience Mexican art, food, music, and culture across the campus. Mexico Week kicks off this Thursday and runs through November 2.
See more here

Events & Things To Do

Times Square hotel will serve as temporary shelter for migrant families

Image via WikiCommons

October 13, 2022

Times Square hotel will serve as temporary shelter for migrant families

By Aaron Ginsburg

A four-star Times Square hotel will become an emergency shelter for hundreds of migrant families, Mayor Eric Adams announced on Wednesday. Located at 700 8th Avenue in Midtown West, the Row NYC Hotel will house at least 200 families, with the ability to host more in the coming weeks. The hotel, the second intake center/shelter to open for asylum seekers in the city, will offer food, medical care, casework services, and a "range of settlement options," according to a press release.
See more here

Policy

The Garment District’s iconic button & needle kiosk will be redesigned

Rendering courtesy of the Garment District Alliance

October 11, 2022

The Garment District’s iconic button & needle kiosk will be redesigned

By Aaron Ginsburg

The iconic button and needle sculpture and information kiosk that has sat on a Garment District corner since the 1970s is getting a makeover. Located on Seventh Avenue and 39th Street, the new permanent art installation will be 28 feet tall and include a 15-foot diameter aluminum button and a 32-foot brushed stainless steel needle, according to the Garment District Alliance. The sculpture, which will replace the now-vacant kiosk, is set to be completed in December.
See more here

Events & Things To Do

Whimsical ‘Wonderland’-inspired art exhibit and bar opens in Midtown

Photo by Elizabeth Acevedo

October 6, 2022

Whimsical ‘Wonderland’-inspired art exhibit and bar opens in Midtown

By Aaron Ginsburg

A new interactive art experience is bringing the whimsical world of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland to Midtown. Created by artist Alexa Meade, the Wonderland Dreams art installation includes more than 20 playfully hand-painted rooms in Meade's signature 3D style. Meade has painted every inch of the 26,000-square-foot space, from floor to ceiling, creating a multi-dimensional work of art inspired by the Lewis Carroll novel. Taking over the old Best Buy at 529 Fifth Avenue, the limited exhibition opens on Friday, October 7 and runs through April 2023. The accompanying wine bar is expected to open later this month.
Get the details

Bryant Park’s Winter Village returns for 21st season next month

Photo courtesy of Colin Miller

September 28, 2022

Bryant Park’s Winter Village returns for 21st season next month

By Aaron Ginsburg

Bryant Park's famous Bank of America Winter Village is set to return for its 21st season, offering New Yorkers the city's only free admission ice-skating rink, a renowned open-air holiday market, and the cozy rinkside Lodge with its seasonal cocktails and food. The Winter Village will be open daily starting October 28 through March 5.
Find out more

Events & Things To Do

City Winery’s new Grand Central location will offer wine to go as part of reusable bottle program

Photo courtesy of City Winery

September 27, 2022

City Winery’s new Grand Central location will offer wine to go as part of reusable bottle program

By Aaron Ginsburg

Picking up a bottle of wine for dinner on the way home from work will soon get easier. City Winery's newest location in Grand Central Terminal, opening on November 1, will debut a reusable bottle program, allowing guests to take wine to go, return the bottle to be washed, and receive a $5 credit toward the next one. Located on the west end of Vanderbilt Hall, the new City Winery includes three dining concepts: a signature experience with tasting bars, a grab-and-go all-day menu at City Jams, and a high-end restaurant, Cornelius.
Find out more

Food & Dining

New York’s first Singapore-style hawker center opens in Midtown next week

Image courtesy of Max Flatow

September 20, 2022

New York’s first Singapore-style hawker center opens in Midtown next week

By Aaron Ginsburg

After nearly five years of planning, the city's first Singaporean hawker center is set to open next week. Created by Urbanspace and KF Seetoh, who is the founder of Makansutra and operator of numerous food courts in Singapore, the Urban Hawker food hall will feature 17 vendors offering a diverse variety of cuisines, including 11 Singapore-based vendors. Located at 135 West 50th Street, the market officially opens to the public on Wednesday, September 28, operating daily from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
See more here

Food & Dining

Triplex penthouse at Central Park Tower asks record $250M

Photo: Cody Boone for SERHANT.

September 16, 2022

Triplex penthouse at Central Park Tower asks record $250M

By Devin Gannon

Living atop the world's tallest residential tower won't come cheap. The triplex penthouse at Central Park Tower hit the market on Monday for an astonishing $250 million, set to become the country's most expensive sale ever if the home fetches the asking price. The highest residence in the world sits 1,416 feet above New York City on Billionaires' Row and takes up the building's 129th, 130th, and 131st floors.
More here

Distinctive Homes

Independent bookstore McNally Jackson to open new flagship location at Rockefeller Center

McNally Jackson’s South Street Seaport location; Photo by Yvonne Brooks

August 24, 2022

Independent bookstore McNally Jackson to open new flagship location at Rockefeller Center

By Devin Gannon

Bookworms will soon have a new reason to visit Rockefeller Center. This December, beloved independent bookstore McNally Jackson will open a new flagship location at the iconic commercial complex in Midtown, Tishman Speyer announced this month. The new bookstore will measure 7,000 square feet and include McNally Jackson's stationary store, Goods For The Study.
Get the details

City Living

Foster + Partners and Epstein to design new $10B Port Authority bus terminal

All renderings courtesy of Foster + Partners

August 5, 2022

Foster + Partners and Epstein to design new $10B Port Authority bus terminal

By Aaron Ginsburg

Plans to replace the dingy Port Authority bus terminal are rolling forward. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey on Friday announced the selection of two architecture firms to lead the project: Norman Foster's Foster + Partners and Chicago-based engineering and design firm Epstein. Roughly 10 years in the making, the plan involves demolishing the existing station and building a new world-class facility that can better meet passenger demand. The $10 billion project will also help get idling buses off the streets and create new green spaces.
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Transit

MTA unveils new 18-foot ceilings at Penn Station’s LIRR concourse

Photo courtesy of Marc A. Hermann / MTA on Flickr

August 3, 2022

MTA unveils new 18-foot ceilings at Penn Station’s LIRR concourse

By Aaron Ginsburg

Let there be light! The Metropolitan Transportation Authority on Tuesday unveiled the first section of new 18-foot ceilings at Penn Station's Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) concourse. Installed by Skanska/AECOM, the new soaring ceilings consist of lighted panels supported by an inventive structural framing system that allowed work crews to remove "head knockers," aging structural beams that limited the height of passageways within Penn Station, earlier this year.
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$74.34M penthouse at Aman New York is NYC’s biggest sale of the year

All renderings courtesy of Aman New York

July 8, 2022

$74.34M penthouse at Aman New York is NYC’s biggest sale of the year

By Devin Gannon

A penthouse on New York City's Billionaires' Row has sold for $74.34 million, the highest closed sale of 2022 so far. Taking up the entirety of the 20th floor of the Aman New York, a new hotel and residential project at the iconic Crown Building on Fifth Avenue, the home measures over 6,700 square feet and features a private saltwater swimming pool, cabana, and two terraces. The apartment--dubbed the "Jala Penthouse"--was originally listed for $83.53 million.
Details this way

720 West End Avenue

Upper West Side

Serene Upper West Side homes near Riverside Park

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2 beds starting at $2,495,000
3 beds starting at $3,495,000
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