Midtown

The wild and dark history of the Empire State Building
February 18, 2021

The wild and dark history of the Empire State Building

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Known for its record-breaking height and sophisticated Art Deco style, the Empire State Building is one of New York City’s, if not the world's, most recognized landmarks. While the building is often used in popular culture as light-natured fodder—such as the opening backdrop to your favorite cookie-cutter rom-com or the romantic meeting spot for star-crossed lovers—the building's past is far more ominous than many of us realize. From failed suicide attempts to accidental plane crashes, its history casts a vibrant lineup of plot-lines and characters spanning the past 90 years.
Read about the dark side of the empire state building
After four years and $150M, the barricades come down around Trump Tower

Photo by Paul Sableman via Flickr cc

February 11, 2021

After four years and $150M, the barricades come down around Trump Tower

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Photo by Paul Sableman via Flickr cc What was once referred to as the Trump Tower "occupied zone" is back to being a normal stretch of Midtown. The barricades that surrounded the building for the past four+ years have finally been removed, both a logistical and perhaps symbolic end to the Trump presidency. In an email to Gothamist, NYPD Sergeant Edward Riley wrote, "In partnership with the United States Secret Service the decision was made to remove the barriers around Trump Tower." As Patch recently reported, it's cost $150 million over the years to secure the area surrounding the building.
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You can stay overnight at Bryant Park’s Winter Village this Valentine’s Day

All images courtesy of Booking.com

February 9, 2021

You can stay overnight at Bryant Park’s Winter Village this Valentine’s Day

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Travel company Booking.com is transforming Midtown's Bryant Park into a unique overnight experience this Valentine's Day. As part of its "Love Letters to America" campaign, the company is celebrating cities across the U.S. that have been hit hard by the coronavirus and inviting others to share adventures they are looking forward to once it's safe to travel again. As a tribute to the Big Apple, Booking.com has converted the Polar Lounge at the Bank of America Winter Village into an après ski-inspired chalet, available to book for two nights only on February 13 and February 14.
Details this way
Long-plagued Midtown office tower will be reborn as 660 Fifth Avenue: See new looks

All renderings credit Brookfield Properties

February 3, 2021

Long-plagued Midtown office tower will be reborn as 660 Fifth Avenue: See new looks

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The office tower formerly known as 666 Fifth Avenue has shed both its superstitious address and its controversial connection to the Kushners. Brookfield Asset Management bought the 99-year ground lease for the 41-story Midtown office building between 52nd and 53rd Streets in 2018 from Kushner Cos., announcing the following year a $400 million overhaul designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates. Brookfield has now released new renderings of the 660 Fifth Avenue project, which will have a new glass facade and floor-to-ceiling windows, a new lobby and retail spaces, and new outdoor terraces when it's completed in 2022.
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Port Authority reveals plan to raze and replace Midtown bus terminal

Photo by Eden, Janine and Jim on Flickr

January 22, 2021

Port Authority reveals plan to raze and replace Midtown bus terminal

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Nearly ten years and 30 proposals later, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey on Thursday unveiled a plan to replace the dilapidated Midtown bus terminal. The agency on Thursday presented its final scoping report for the project, which involves demolishing the existing bus station to make way for a larger, state-of-the-art terminal. According to the Port Authority, the new plan would increase the capacity for commuter and intercity buses at the world's busiest bus terminal by nearly 40 percent.
More here
Walk through a kaleidoscope of rotating, glimmering prisms in the Garment District

Photos by Alexandre Ayer / @diversitypics for the Garment District Alliance

January 15, 2021

Walk through a kaleidoscope of rotating, glimmering prisms in the Garment District

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The Garment District Alliance has unveiled a new public art exhibit in the Broadway plaza between 39th and 40th Streets. Called Prismatica, it's made up of 25, six-foot-tall pivoting prisms that reflect the colors of the rainbow and turn the street a "glimmering winter kaleidoscope." The piece was created by RAW Design in collaboration with ATOMIC3 and is on view through January 30th.
Check it out
See the mass vaccination site now open at the Javits Center

All photos courtesy of Don Pollard/ Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo on Flickr

January 13, 2021

See the mass vaccination site now open at the Javits Center

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Nearly 10 months after the Jacob K. Javits Center became a temporary hospital during the peak of the coronavirus pandemic in New York, the convention center has now opened as a mass vaccination hub. The state-run Manhattan site officially opened on Wednesday for those eligible under expanded phases 1A and 1B, which includes healthcare workers, essential workers, and New Yorkers aged 65 and older. Appointments are required at the Javits Center site. Find out if you are eligible to receive the vaccine and schedule an appointment here.
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See Cuomo’s proposal to extend the High Line to the new Moynihan Train Hall

Courtesy of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office

January 11, 2021

See Cuomo’s proposal to extend the High Line to the new Moynihan Train Hall

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The High Line will be extended from its current 10th Avenue terminus to the entrance of the newly opened Moynihan Train Hall, Gov. Andrew Cuomo is expected to announce during his 2021 State of the State address on Monday. As the New York Times first reported, a new L-shaped elevated walkway will link the existing public park at 30th Street to a pedestrian plaza at Manhattan West, a six-building mixed-use development from Brookfield Property Group that stretches from 9th and 10th Avenues and 31st to 33rd Streets.
Find out more
220 Central Park South is the best-selling NYC condo by a long shot

220 Central Park South as seen in May. Photo by Jim.henderson (cropped) via Wikimedia Commons

January 7, 2021

220 Central Park South is the best-selling NYC condo by a long shot

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In a year where the number of real estate sales dropped significantly in New York City, it was a few top-tier new developments that kept things afloat. According to the CityRealty 100 report—an index comprised of the top 100 condominium buildings in Manhattan—this includes closings in 15 Hudson Yards, The Park Loggia, and Waterline Square. It also includes 220 Central Park South, which accounted for the top 22 sales during the 12 month period of this report and had a total of $1.52 billion in cumulative sales in 46 units.
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See inside the new light-filled Moynihan Train Hall

Photo © Max Touhey

December 30, 2020

See inside the new light-filled Moynihan Train Hall

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As one of the few bright spots during a very dark time in New York, the new Moynihan Train Hall opens to the public on Friday. The new transit hub expands Penn Station into the landmarked James A. Farley Post Office Building on Eighth Avenue, increasing capacity at the busiest railroad station in the country by 50 percent. On Wednesday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo celebrated the opening of Moynihan Train Hall, which was inspired by the design of the original Penn Station that was demolished in the 1960s. Ahead, get a look inside the new train hall, including the 92-foot-high massive skylights that total one acre and the new waiting areas for the Long Island Rail Road and Amtrak.
Get the details
The famous ‘2021’ numerals have arrived in Times Square

All photos courtesy of Times Square Alliance 

December 22, 2020

The famous ‘2021’ numerals have arrived in Times Square

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2021 has arrived in Times Square. The famous, seven-foot numerals are in the plaza for folks to see up-close and take photos with before they're placed on top of One Times Square underneath the famous New Year's Eve ball. The four numbers use a total of 526 LED bulbs and will be in the Times Square Plaza between 46th and 47th Streets until tomorrow at noon.
Find out more here
On New Year’s Eve, you can sleep in a private igloo under the Times Square Ball

All photos courtesy of Airbnb

December 17, 2020

On New Year’s Eve, you can sleep in a private igloo under the Times Square Ball

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"To honor the strength and resilience" of New Yorkers this year, Airbnb has teamed up with Nasdaq and Mariah Carey to offer two lucky locals (from the same household!) the chance to ring in the new year under the Times Square Ball. The 10th-floor terrace of the Nasdaq MarketSite will hold a heated igloo-like geodesic dome to get cozy in, as well as provide panoramic views of all the live, broadcasted events and performances that will be going on that night. The guests will also get a personal, virtual greeting from Mariah Carey, a $5,000 shopping credit, and dinner by a private chef.
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Feel festive all year round: The best apartments for sale near Rockefeller Center
December 17, 2020

Feel festive all year round: The best apartments for sale near Rockefeller Center

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There’s no place like New York during the holidays. Even in the middle of a pandemic, the city manages to still feel magical this time of year. And Rockefeller Center, with its iconic Christmas Tree, ice skating rink, and Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall, remains the city’s crown jewel of the season. For those who want to feel festive all year round, we’ve found the best apartments located within walking distance to Rockefeller Plaza and priced below $1.5 million, from a $530,000 charming pre-war pad in Midtown East to a $1.27 million Theater District one-bedroom with 12-foot ceilings and a shared outdoor terrace with a fireplace.
Full list ahead
Here’s what you need to know about Times Square’s virtual ball drop this New Year’s Eve

Photo credit: Countdown Entertainment, LLC, courtesy of Times Square Alliance

December 16, 2020

Here’s what you need to know about Times Square’s virtual ball drop this New Year’s Eve

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In September, the Times Square Alliance announced that its annual New Year's Eve celebration will take place virtually this year, including the famous ball drop. This will be the first time in 114 years that the December 31 event will not have a crowd. But thanks to a new app developed by Jamestown, Times Square will come to the living rooms of revelers around the world. Turning the New Year's Eve experience into a video game, the app lets users create a personalized avatar, explore a virtual Times Square, play games, and live stream the countdown to midnight.  Real-life musical performances, interviews, and countdowns are still happening this year but will be live-streamed instead.
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You can spend a toy-filled night inside FAO Schwarz

All photos credit: Airbnb

December 9, 2020

You can spend a toy-filled night inside FAO Schwarz

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It's like Night at the Museum meets Big--one lucky New York City family of four will get the chance to spend the night inside FAO Schwarz, arguably the world's most famous toy store. The experience comes courtesy of Airbnb, who arranged the stay especially for the holidays. For just $25, you'll be able to freely roam the store, as well as receive a special tour from a real FAO Schwarz toy soldier. Other perks include a shopping spree, a fantastic feast, and a music lesson on the store’s iconic Giant Dance On Piano.
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$57M penthouse at 111 West 57th Street joins list of NYC’s priciest pandemic sales

Photo by Peter Murdock

December 9, 2020

$57M penthouse at 111 West 57th Street joins list of NYC’s priciest pandemic sales

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A penthouse apartment at the supertall 111 West 57th Street has sold for over $50 million, making it one of the priciest real estate deals in the city since the coronavirus pandemic struck this spring. Duplex Penthouse 75 sold "for around the list price" of $57 million, according to a spokesperson for the Billionaires' Row development. The two-level apartment has four bedrooms, five and a half baths, and boasts 14-foot ceilings and incredible views of Central Park.
Get the details
You’ll need timed tickets to see the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree this year

Photo by Alex Haney on Unsplash

November 30, 2020

You’ll need timed tickets to see the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree this year

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Starting this Thursday, December 3, if you want a chance to see the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree for five minutes (yep, there's a time limit), you'll need to reserve advance tickets. In his press conference today, Mayor de Blasio outlined the new system, which includes closing 49th and 50th Streets between 6th and 7th Avenues to vehicular traffic and setting up four-person "pods" where guests will be directed to see the tree. "This is going to be a challenging holiday season in a lot of ways, but it's still going to be a beautiful one," said the mayor.
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Penthouse inside historic Central Park South tower’s copper roof to be auctioned off

All renderings courtesy of Concierge Auctions and Nest Seekers International

November 17, 2020

Penthouse inside historic Central Park South tower’s copper roof to be auctioned off

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A three-level penthouse apartment in a Billionaires' Row building with pre-approved, construction-ready designs will hit the auction block next month. Currently listed for $40 million and appraised at $100 million after renovations, the apartment at 150 Central Park South will sell with no reserve to the highest bidder during an online auction hosted December 18 to December 22 through Concierge Auctions. Plans from SPAN Architecture call for a five-bedroom, five and a half bathroom penthouse with four terraces and unobstructed Central Park views.
More here
The 2020 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree has officially arrived in NYC

Photo by Michael Vadon via Wikimedia 

November 16, 2020

The 2020 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree has officially arrived in NYC

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The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree has taken its rightful place in Midtown. This year, a 75-foot tall, 11-ton Norway Spruce from Oneonta, N.Y. will serve as the centerpiece for the famous event. Donated by Daddy Al's General Store, the approximately 80-year-old tree last week was cut down, hoisted by a crane, and delivered by flatbed truck to Manhattan on Saturday. The public cannot attend the tree lighting ceremony this year because of the coronavirus pandemic, but the live event will be broadcast nationally on December 2.
More here
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.
Get the details
The Rockefeller Center ice skating rink will only be open for two months this year

Photo by Shinya Suzuki via Flickr cc

November 9, 2020

The Rockefeller Center ice skating rink will only be open for two months this year

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Photo by Shinya Suzuki via Flickr cc As was first reported by the New York Times, the famous ice skating rink at Rockefeller Center will be be open for the holidays this year, but it will be a much abbreviated season. The rink will open a month later to give more time to restaurants currently using the plaza for outdoor dining, and it will close several months early on January 17 to begin work on a major revamp that was approved by the Landmarks Preservation Commission in April.
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Midtown condo of the late ‘Odd Couple’ actress Carole Shelley lists for $1.35M

Photos courtesy of Brown Harris Stevens

October 22, 2020

Midtown condo of the late ‘Odd Couple’ actress Carole Shelley lists for $1.35M

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Tony Award-winning actress Carole Shelley, who is best known for her roles as Gwendolyn Pigeon in The Odd Couple and Madame Morrible in the original Broadway cast of Wicked, passed away in 2018 at the age of 79, leaving behind her NYC pied-à-terre at 340 West 57th Street. The Midtown West condo is located in the elegant, pre-war Parc Vendome, which is just a few blocks from Central Park South. The spacious one-bedroom home is listed for $1,350,000.
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Ice skating rink and holiday market to open at Bryant Park’s Winter Village this month

Photo by Colin Miller

October 19, 2020

Ice skating rink and holiday market to open at Bryant Park’s Winter Village this month

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When the ice skating rink and holiday market opens at Bryant Park this month, things will look a little different than usual because of the coronavirus pandemic. This year, the Bank of America Winter Village will require face coverings, reservations for the rink, and will debut a new layout of shops for optimal distancing. Now in its 19th year, the winter village will open on October 30 and run through March 7, 2021.
More this way
After almost closing, famous Theater District tourist spot Ellen’s Stardust Diner will reopen tomorrow

Photo (cropped) by Jazzy Guy via Wikimedia Commons

September 30, 2020

After almost closing, famous Theater District tourist spot Ellen’s Stardust Diner will reopen tomorrow

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Ellen's Stardust Diner has been a Theater District fixture since 1987, famous for its retro '50s design, subway car entrance, and singing waitstaff. But like so many other restaurants in New York City, Ellen's struggled to reopen due to the pandemic. As Broadway World reported in July, a photo on Facebook showed a notice posted at the diner from the landlord that said Ellen's owed $618,459.22 in back rent. But good news--Time Out NY now reports that the restaurant and landlord seem to have resolved their conflict, and Ellen's will reopen (singing waiters and all!) as of tomorrow.
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See inside the secret train track hidden in the depths of Grand Central Terminal

Image © Emily Nonko for 6sqft

September 25, 2020

See inside the secret train track hidden in the depths of Grand Central Terminal

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The iconic Grand Central Terminal is a building with more than a few secrets. Constructed in 1913 with the wealth of the Vanderbilt family, there was a lavish private office (now known as The Campbell Apartment), glass catwalks, a hidden spiral staircase, and even artists' studios on an upper floor. One of the most infamous secrets of the terminal, however, was a secret track used specifically for a president to access one of the most famous hotels in the world. Known as Track 61, it leads to a special platform that was never used or intended to be used in regular passenger service—it just happened to be in the right place.
Keep reading about Grand Central's secret track
NYC’s first store dedicated to COVID essentials opens in Herald Square

Photo courtesy of CV-19 ESSENTIAL

September 16, 2020

NYC’s first store dedicated to COVID essentials opens in Herald Square

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It was bound to happen--a store selling solely coronavirus-related products. CV-19 ESSENTIAL opened today in Herald Square, selling everything from masks and cell phone sanitizers to plexiglass dividers and UV lights. There's even a "Safe Zone" Interactive Experience Center where shoppers can try out the gadgets (we're assuming they'll be sanitized between uses).
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