Manhattan

The Department of City Planning, Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer and City Council Member Margaret Chin announced today the launch of a six-month public engagement process addressing the future of NYC's Soho and Noho neighborhoods. The series of public meetings and consultation with local stakeholders are an early phase in outlining a vision for the future of those neighborhoods; the city's plans include updating what many consider outdated zoning laws, including the removal of rarely-enforced restrictions on ground floor retail tenancy and Soho's Artist In Residence law.
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Policy

After less than a year, J.Lo and A-Rod put 432 Park apartment on the market for $17.5M

432 via DBOX; Alex Rodriguez via Wiki Commons; Jennifer Lopez via Wiki Commons

January 11, 2019

After less than a year, J.Lo and A-Rod put 432 Park apartment on the market for $17.5M

Less than a year after dropping $15.3 million on a trophy pad at 432 Park Avenue, J-Rod (J.Lo + A-Rod) has decided to put the sprawling, apartment back on the market. First spotted by the Post, the place is now asking $17.5 million. The news comes just five months after the couple put their considerably smaller apartment at 15 Central Park West on the rental market for $11,500 a month. Why are they selling so soon? Though three bedrooms and 4,000 square feet sounds large to most, a source told the Post that "They love the building, but when their kids are all together, it’s too small. They need something bigger for the family."
On to bigger and better

January 11, 2019

Billionaire’s Midtown penthouse got the biggest price chop in NYC history, now $70M off

Everything goes on sale after Christmas, and that’s certainly true of hedge fund billionaire Steve Cohen’s Beacon Court penthouse at 151 East 58th Street. The SAC Capital Advisors founder bought the 9,000-square-foot duplex for $24 million in 2005 and hired noted architect Charles Gwathmey to give it a once-over. The condo hit the market again in April of 2013 for a whopping $115M (around the time Cohen received a wrist-slap to the tune of $1.2 billion for insider trading). No takers at that price. Or the next one ($82M). Or the one after that ($79M)–you probably get where this is going. Where the five-bedroom aerie on the building's 51st and 52nd floors ended up today: Deeply discounted to $45 million after eight price cuts adding up to a $70 million drop, making it the heftiest haircut to happen in New York City history according to The Real Deal.
Take a closer look

Distinctive Homes

Illuminated Garment District installation ‘Iceberg’ wants you to think about climate change

Photos courtesy of Alex Ayer/Diversity Pics

January 11, 2019

Illuminated Garment District installation ‘Iceberg’ wants you to think about climate change

Earlier this week The Garment District Alliance unveiled "Iceberg," an immersive art installation on the Broadway pedestrian plazas along Broadway from West 37th to 38th Streets. Created by ATOMIC3 & Appareil Architecture, in collaboration with Jean-Sébastien Côté and Philippe Jean, the installation allows the public to generate a light and sound show as they pass through the metal arches of the installation, which react to the pace of each participant by turning different colors. But there’s more to it than pretty lights—the installation also carries an environmental message.
See the lights

Events & Things To Do

January 10, 2019

Historic Harlem townhouse combo seeks record-breaking $27M

A record-shattering listing just hit the market: twin adjacent townhomes in Harlem are seeking a whopping $27,000,000 for both properties. The homes are currently independent but could be combined into a rather impressive megamansion. The price is unparalleled in the area and five times the record selling price of a Harlem townhouse, which sold last February for $5.1 million. As Mansion Global reported, listing agent Siddiq Patterson of the Corcoran Group said he believed the price was justified by the property’s scale and storied past. "The bones and the history is something you just don’t get" with other homes in the area, he stated.
See it all

Distinctive Homes

Via Wikimedia

January 10, 2019

$60M contract will finally bring East Side Access to Grand Central

By Andrew Berman of Village Preservation

It was announced today that a $60.2 million contract to build the project that will bring the Long Island Rail Road service to Grand Central Terminal was awarded to construction and development company Skanska. The award represents the final heavy civil contract in the MTA's largest largest capital project and one that marks the first expansion of the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) in over 100 years.
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Transit

Secrets of the St. Mark’s Historic District: From Peter Stuyvesant’s grave to the only real east-west street

The area in the 1840s, via Wiki Commons

January 10, 2019

Secrets of the St. Mark’s Historic District: From Peter Stuyvesant’s grave to the only real east-west street

One of New York City’s most charming and distinctive corners celebrates its 50th anniversary as a landmark district this coming week. The St. Mark’s Historic District, designated January 14, 1969, contains fewer than 40 buildings on parts of just three blocks. But this extraordinary East Village enclave contains several notable superlatives, including Manhattan’s oldest house still in use as a residence, New York’s oldest site of continuous religious worship, Manhattan’s only true east-west street, the remains of the last Dutch Governor of New Netherland, and the only “triangle” of houses attributed to celebrated 19th century architect James Renwick.
More secrets of the neighborhood

History

January 10, 2019

$18M West Village townhouse will be wearing white this season

Filled with 19th century grandeur, glorious details and a perfectly calibrated designer renovation, this Italianate brick townhouse at 292 West 4th Street may need some work–but only if you're a fan of bold color in your home decor. If you embrace the tranquility of white, the 10-room West Village home on a gorgeous tree-lined block of noted lush private gardens may be just what you're looking for. Built in 1860, the 20-foot-wide home asking $18 million has updated interiors by noted designer Piet Boon that complement scores of original details, starting with a stoop framed by a wrought iron railing and extending through floor-to-ceiling glass to elegant terrace gardens.
Take the tour

Distinctive Homes

January 10, 2019

Book-filled East Village home hits the market for the first time in 36 years, asks $1.1M

On the market for the first time in 36 years, this three-bedroom co-op at 53 Saint Marks Place just hit the market for $1,100,000. Located in the heart of the East Village, the spacious 1,250-square-foot unit boasts plenty of tasteful improvements and comes with lots of storage solutions for book lovers and their collection.
Look around

Distinctive Homes

January 9, 2019

$2M Greenwich Village co-op is a life-sized dollhouse

By Dana Schulz

From the pale pink and seafoam green walls to the lacy fabrics to the flowery decor, this lovely Greenwich Village co-op looks like a life-sized dollhouse. And if you're looking to play house, the one-and-a-half bedroom at 64 West 11th Street has just hit the market for $1,995,000. Even if you take out the current furniture and accessories, historic details such as original moldings, transoms, shutters, wide-cut wood floors, and glass-paned doors will ensure this apartment retains its vintage charm.
Go inside

Distinctive Homes

January 9, 2019

This dreamy 1880 Victorian bed and breakfast in Harlem could be yours for just under $4M

Entering the 1880 townhouse at 210 West 122nd Street in Harlem is like stepping back in time. The six-bedroom property—now on the market for $3,750,00—is currently a bed and breakfast where guests from all over the world enjoy the grandeur of this authentic Victorian home filled with original details: mahogany millwork, stained glass transoms, inlaid floors, and seven fireplaces. The old world charm is balanced by luxurious 21st-century amenities including a recently updated kitchen and waterfall jacuzzis. Prospective buyers will be able to continue operating the bed and breakfast or simply enjoy this architectural gem for themselves.
See the tour

Via Creative Commons

January 9, 2019

The Chrysler Building is for sale

By Devin Gannon

New York City's iconic Chrysler Building is on the market. The owners of the 1930 Art Deco landmark, Tishman Speyer Properties and the Abu Dhabi Investment Council, have hired real estate firm CBRE Group to sell the property, the Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday. The Abu Dhabi government purchased its majority stake in the Chrysler for $800 million in 2008, but real estate experts told the WSJ it would be difficult to recover.
Details here

Real Estate Trends

Hudson Yards arts center The Shed sets an opening date and reveals additions to inaugural lineup

Photo: Brett Beyer

January 9, 2019

Hudson Yards arts center The Shed sets an opening date and reveals additions to inaugural lineup

The Shed, New York City’s first arts center dedicated to presenting new performing arts, visual arts, and popular culture works, has set an opening date of April 5, 2019, the organization's Artistic Director and CEO Alex Poots announced today. The city's newest arts center on Manhattan’s west side has also announced four additional opening season commissions and the honorary naming of its building and two major spaces in recognition of visionary supporters of the project in addition to information about operating hours and tickets.
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Events & Things To Do

Lin-Manuel Miranda and NYC team up to save Theater District’s 100-year-old Drama Book Shop

Via Google Street View

January 8, 2019

Lin-Manuel Miranda and NYC team up to save Theater District’s 100-year-old Drama Book Shop

By Devin Gannon

One of New York City's go-to spots for thespians and Broadway lovers will remain open after all, the New York Times reported Tuesday. Lin-Manuel Miranda and three "Hamilton" associates, along with the city, have purchased the Drama Book Shop, saving it from impending closure. The independent bookseller announced in October it would have to close its doors due to rising rents in the Times Square neighborhood. But with investment from Miranda and his team, and the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME), the Drama Book Shop will reopen this fall at a new location within the theater district.
More here

Uncategorized

Billionaire financier and art collector lists massive Central Park West penthouse for $5.25M

Via Google Street View

January 8, 2019

Billionaire financier and art collector lists massive Central Park West penthouse for $5.25M

Editor's note: At the request of Sotheby's International Realty, listing photos that appeared in an earlier version of this post have been removed. Just steps from Central Park on the Upper West Side, this two-bedroom co-op at 23 West 73rd Street is located in the Park Royal, a pre-war, red-brick building that has been called “one of the most attractive sidestreet apartment houses” in the coveted neighborhood. On the market for $5,250,000, the penthouse unit is owned by financier Donald Marron, who is also one of the most recognized private art collectors in America and previously served as President of the Museum of Modern Art’s Board of Trustees.
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Distinctive Homes

On this day in 1790, George Washington gave the first State of the Union in NYC

Photo of Federal Hall and the George Washington statue, via John Schiller/Flickr cc

January 8, 2019

On this day in 1790, George Washington gave the first State of the Union in NYC

By Lucie Levine

Right now, Federal Hall at Wall and Broad Streets is closed due to the Government Shutdown. But long before the current crisis, Federal Hall was the site of several Federal firsts. New York was the nation’s first capital, a distinction the city held until 1790, and the original Federal Hall, at the site of today’s monument, was the first Capital Building. Federal Hall hosted the first Congress, Supreme Court, and Executive Branch Offices. The building witnessed the drafting of the Bill of Rights and the passage of the Northwest Ordinance. George Washington took his Oath of Office from the balcony of Federal Hall on April 30, 1789, and on January 8, 1790, he delivered the nation’s very first State of the Union Address from the building’s Senate Chamber.
What were the hot-button issues of 1790?

History

January 7, 2019

Find out the history of every building in the East Village with GVSHP’s new research tool

The Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation has released a new way to find out about the East Village, one of New York City's most interesting and historically layered neighborhoods. East Village Building Blocks is an online tool you can use to find out the history of each one of the neighborhood's 2,200 buildings.
Check it out

History

Is SoHY the next hot neighborhood? New ‘South of Hudson Yards’ condo thinks so

Image courtesy of New Development Group.

January 7, 2019

Is SoHY the next hot neighborhood? New ‘South of Hudson Yards’ condo thinks so

Our first reaction at reading New Development Group’s (Ryant Serhant and team) introduction of the newly-minted SoHY condo at 550 West 29th Street as “Manhattan’s newest neighborhood and building" was to think the Nest Seekers-agent-to-the-stars must be SoHY if he thinks anyone will fall for another silly neighborhood acronym (Hello, NoLo!). But in this case, the multi-hyphenate wunderkind might actually be on to something. When you think about it, SoHY–for South of Hudson Yards–is definitely better than: "um, you know that area all the way over by 11th Avenue where all those new buildings are...that aren’t Hudson Yards ones..."
More SoHY jinks, this way

January 7, 2019

East Village rowhouse once home to Andy Warhol and Paul Morrissey lists for $5M

In the late 1960s, this East Village house at 321 East 6th Street was owned by none other than Andy Warhol, during which time his close friend, film director Paul Morrissey, lived at the address, too. Today, the Anglo-Italianate brick townhouse has been chopped up into five units, but it retains many original details from even before Warhol's time, including two wood-burning fireplaces, crown moldings, 13-foot ceilings, and parquet and hardwood floors. It's just been listed for $4,950,000 with the option to convert the home into a grand single-family residence.
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FREE RENT: This week’s roundup of NYC rental news

Images (L to R): 525 West 52nd Street, The Essex, 505 Union Avenue and 19 Dutch Street

January 5, 2019

FREE RENT: This week’s roundup of NYC rental news

By Ondel Hylton

Images (L to R): 525 West 52nd Street, The Essex, 505 Union Avenue and 19 Dutch Street The Essex: Rent at the tallest building in Essex Crossing with 2 months free [LINK] Hunters Landing: New Long Island City rentals with 3 months free [LINK] 525 West 52nd Street: Luxury Hells Kitchen rental has amenities for […]

Real Estate Trends

January 4, 2019

$130M penthouse at 520 Park Avenue is now two separate units

By Dana Schulz

The quest to outdo One57's record-setting $100.5 million penthouse doesn't seem to be working. The two contenders, 220 Central Park South and 520 Park Avenue--both Robert A.M. Stern-designed buildings--announced their $250 and $130 million penthouses in 2016 and 2014 respectively, but there's been no movement since. The latter building seems to have taken the hint, though, as The Real Deal reports that the 12,398-square-foot triplex has been chopped up into two "smaller" units--a $40 million full-floor unit and an $80-$100 million duplex.
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January 4, 2019

Upper East Side Gilded Age mansion with Broadway cachet and a big money past tries again at $29.5M

Just over a year ago, The Real Deal reported that Tony Award-winning Broadway producers Janet and Howard Kagan (“Tuck Everlasting,” “Pippin”) had put the 25-foot-wide, 12,729-square-foot mansion at 11 East 82nd Street, purchased for $24.5 million in 2009, on the market, asking $44 million. The impressive Upper East Side limestone-and-brick townhouse was also known for having previously belonged to financier Ron Perelman. The 1895 building in all its six-story, elevator-enhanced, Gilded Age glory has just been relisted for $29.5 million, a hefty haircut from last year's ask.
Embark on the grand tour

Distinctive Homes

Rental tower at Essex Crossing’s new foodie mecca launches leasing from $3,750/month

Renderings by We Are Visuals/QuallsBenson via Delancey Street Association.

January 3, 2019

Rental tower at Essex Crossing’s new foodie mecca launches leasing from $3,750/month

Leasing has officially launched at The Essex at 125 Delancey Street, the newest rental residence at the Lower East Side's Essex Crossing. Delancey Street Associates (DSA), the project's developers, announced the official launch of the building's 98 units today along with new renderings of interiors and amenity spaces within the tallest tower at the nine-site development. The 26-story Essex, designed by Handel Architects, also launched its website, which shows even more detail on the available units, which range from studios to three-bedrooms, starting at $3,750.
See more, this way

January 3, 2019

For $1.6M, this Morningside Heights co-op is a fine example of a pre-war classic six