Manhattan

Photo of Michael Cohen via Wikimedia As Michael Cohen put his $9 million Trump Park Avenue apartment as collateral against a bank loan this spring, the former personal lawyer of President Donald Trump was signing a deal for a $6.7 million pad in Tribeca. The Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday that Cohen, who is under federal investigation, bought a 19th-floor apartment in April at 111 Murray Street, a 792-foot-high condo tower designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox.
Get the scoop

This Saturday, the off-limits Brooklyn Bridge Beach will open to the public

Photo via Flickr cc

July 12, 2018

This Saturday, the off-limits Brooklyn Bridge Beach will open to the public

This Saturday is the 11th annual City of Water Day, a free festival organized by the Waterfront Alliance to get people to, on, and in New York Harbor and its surrounding waterways. The most anticipated event this year is the chance to access the normally off-limits Brooklyn Bridge Beach, located just north of Pier 17 in the Financial District. For years, Lower Manhattan civic groups have been advocating for the small, sandy beach under the Brooklyn Bridge to be opened to the public, and though it doesn't look like that'll be happening any time soon, the Alliance worked with the NYC EDC to grant access for this one special day.
Learn about all the events happening this Saturday

Events & Things To Do

July 12, 2018

You’re never far from the outdoors in this $5.8M Flatiron penthouse with four terraces and a roof deck

Landscaped decks and terraces are always a luxury in the city, and this penthouse at 29 West 19th Street between the Flatiron district and Chelsea has so much private outdoor space in the form of four terraces and a roof deck that you're just steps from al fresco no matter which room you're in. And while 2,242 square feet of indoor space is a lot of living room, it's the 1,700+ square feet of outdoor space that sets this three-bedroom duplex penthouse, asking $5.8 million, apart.
Tour the great outdoors

Distinctive Homes

July 12, 2018

Is this 32-story building the next residential tower coming to Hudson Yards?

Rendering via B.ARCHs A rendering has been released for a 32-story mixed-use building in the Hudson Yards area, between 36th and 37th Streets. The owner of the three lots spanning those blocks? Gary Barnett's Extell Development, the same group behind the neighborhood's 610-foot tall 555Ten. CityRealty uncovered the image from BARCHs, a New York-based architecture firm which describes the possible project as providing "residential, retail and parking uses to this rapidly developing neighborhood."
More here

Architecture And Design

July 11, 2018

For $2.7M, a Hamilton Heights townhouse with a pretty garden on a historic block

A corner home located in the spine of the Hamilton Heights Historic District has hit the market for the first time in nearly two decades. Located at 381 Convent Avenue, on the same block where Alexander Hamilton once lived, a four-story townhouse is asking $2.675 million. Built in 1893 by John M. Cahill, the Romanesque Revival property measures 3,200 square feet, contains five bedrooms, four bathrooms and an adorable, private garden. Just a few houses down at 327 Convent Avenue, another historic townhouse is for sale for a $3.7 million.
Tour the townhouse

Distinctive Homes

July 11, 2018

Construction begins on Extell’s 69-story tower, set to be tallest on the Upper West Side

Rendering via Snohetta / Binyan Studios; construction photo via CityRealty With the neighboring Jewish Guild for the Blind officially demolished, construction has now begun on Extell Development's skyscraper at 50 West 66th Street. Designed by Snøhetta, the mixed-use skyscraper is set to rise 775 feet, making it the tallest building on the Upper West Side. The 69-story tower will feature a facade of excavations, that are meant to evoke the "chiseled stone of Manhattan's geologic legacy," according to the architects. As CityRealty reported, the new tower will sit next to some of the borough's most illustrious buildings, including 15 Central Park West and The Century.
Find out more

New Developments

July 11, 2018

An on-trend renovation and high-floor light elevate this $550K East Village walk-up

Apartments on some of Alphabet City's most charming streets, such as this $549,000 fifth-floor co-op at 323 East 8th Street, have the good fortune of being steps from some of Manhattan's loveliest public gardens and Tompkins Square Park as well as great bars, cafes and restaurants in every direction. Those charms often offset the sacrifices of tiny, un-renovated properties–or, on the other end of the spectrum, overpriced sleek–often also tiny–new construction. This cute co-op may be a hike up the stairs, but a stunning and stylish renovation and top-notch fixtures and finishes make it more home than crash pad.
More exposed brick, this way

Distinctive Homes

LPC sends Morris Adjmi’s proposal for East Village gas explosion site back to the drawing board

Rendering by Morris Adjmi Architects

July 10, 2018

LPC sends Morris Adjmi’s proposal for East Village gas explosion site back to the drawing board

Almost three years after an explosion caused by an illegal tap into a gas main at the corner of Second Avenue and East Seventh Street destroyed three buildings at 119-123 Second Avenue and killed two people, new renderings have been revealed of Morris Adjmi Architects' proposed seven-story, 21-unit condo that would replace the circa-1886 tenements that once stood there. As it's within the East Village/Lower East Side Historic District, it needs approval from the Landmarks Preservation Commission. After reviewing the plans this afternoon and deciding that the proposal is "close, but not quite there," they've sent Adjmi and Yaniv Shaky Cohen’s Nexus Building Development Group back to the drawing board over concerns regarding the windows, storefront, and coloring. Neighbors and those affected by the tragedy are also calling for a commemorative plaque to be incorporated into the design.
Find out more

July 10, 2018

$14M townhouse in exclusive Upper East Side historic district looks like a European villa

This lavish townhouse could easily pass for a Parisian or Italian home, but it's, in fact, hiding behind a traditional brownstone facade on the Upper East Side. Located at 234 East 61st Street, the four-story residence is part of the ultra-exclusive Treadwell Farm Historic District, which encompasses only two blocks. Though it was built along with its neighbors in 1873, the house underwent a unique interior renovation in 1910 that added its 21-foot vaulted ceilings and rear, arched addition that opens to the magical south-facing garden. Other stylistically unique architectural elements that have made their way in include the wrought iron railings, ornately carved marble fireplace, and etched glass windows. After last selling in 2006 for $7.9 million, it's now asking $13.9 million.
You don't want to miss this one

My 600sqft: Inside the Upper East Side studio of two doodles and their social media savvy ‘momager’

6sqft’s series “My sqft” checks out the homes of New Yorkers across all the boroughs. Our latest interior adventure brings us to social media expert and doodle mom Paige Chernick’s studio on the Upper East Side. Want to see your home featured here? Get in touch!

July 10, 2018

My 600sqft: Inside the Upper East Side studio of two doodles and their social media savvy ‘momager’

Paige Chernick’s Upper East Side apartment is immaculate, with everything in its place, no clutter in sight and not even one strand of dog hair. Besides the poufy poodles greeting you at the door, there are no immediate signs that dogs really live here. And then, upon closer examination, you’ll see the basket of plush dog toys in the corner, the framed photos of sister doodles Charlie and Sawyer wearing bathrobes in a tub and the spacious closet reserved just for their stuff. While you may not be familiar with Paige, who is a Long Island native and social media manager, you probably know her dogs. On a joint Instagram account (@puppynamedcharlie), rescue doodles Charlie and Sawyer have amassed over 90,000 fans from around the world, all who follow the adorable duo’s adventures across New York City and beyond. Self-described dog ‘momager,’ Paige has turned this hobby into a legitimate side-hustle. Paige and her pups recently gave 6sqft a tour of her spacious studio, which she describes as "metallic, minimalist and modern."
Meet Paige and her duo of doodles

Home Tours

July 10, 2018

Disney will move from the UWS to Hudson Square in $650M deal with Trinity Church

Photo via Wikimedia The Walt Disney Company announced Monday it will move its operations from the Upper West Side to Lower Manhattan, where the media giant is planning to build modern production space and offices. Disney purchased the rights to develop Trinity Church's property at 4 Hudson Square for $650 million under a 99-year agreement. The site covers a full city block, bordered by Hudson, Varick, Van Dam and Spring Streets. "This move represents an historic step forward toward our long-term vision for our New York operations," Robert Iger, CEO of Disney, said in a statement. "The Hudson Square district is rapidly becoming a dynamic, innovative hub for media, technology and other creative businesses."
Get the details of the Disney deal

Real Estate Trends

July 10, 2018

$475K Yorkville co-op may be small, but it has a dreamy back garden

This pre-war one-bedroom co-op at 330 East 90th Street in the Upper East Side is laid out railroad-style and somewhat lacking in excess square footage. But the $475,000 ground-floor space has the rare city bonus of a private planted garden and deck with room for furniture and a grill. And besides being just a few blocks from the Q train, the apartment's interiors are as charming as they are cleverly functional.
Have a look

Distinctive Homes

SHoP Architects reveal ‘vertical tech campus’ at 335 Madison

A new bar/terrace at 335 Madison overlooking Grand Central, © SHoP Architects

July 9, 2018

SHoP Architects reveal ‘vertical tech campus’ at 335 Madison

Since the announcement of One Vanderbilt more than four years ago, much attention has been paid to the controversial Midtown East Rezoning, which was approved last summer. Howard Milstein was one of many developers looking to take advantage of the rezoning, proposing a plan to raze the Grand Central-adjacent office tower 335 Madison and replace it with a modern structure that would expand the building's tech incubator. But he ultimately decided to forego the demo and undertake a $150 million renovation by SHoP Architects that more than doubles the square footage of Grand Central Tech and creates a new lobby and retail/amenity spaces for tenants. Renderings for the new "vertical tech campus" known as Company have now been revealed by Arch Daily.
More details and all the renderings

Architecture And Design

July 9, 2018

Architectural history meets West Village charm in this $950K duplex co-op

On its own, the fact that the landmarked five-story tenement building at 244 West 4th Street was designed in 1884 by John B. Snook, the architect responsible for the original Grand Central Station, wouldn't likely be enough to entice a buyer. Fortunately, the covetable West Village neighborhood and the thoroughly livable two-floor, one-bedroom layout of this pretty co-op asking $948,000 would be sufficiently convincing even without its historic bragging rights.
Get a closer look

Distinctive Homes

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

Images (L to R): The Mason, The Amberly, Tower 28 and 181 Front Street

July 7, 2018

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

By Ondel Hylton

Images (L to R): The Mason, The Amberly, Tower 28 and 181 Front Street Live in NoMad at The Mason, Boutique Madison Ave Rental Residences with 2 Months Free [link] The Amberly Gets Ready to Launch in Downtown Brooklyn; See New Images of 33-Story Rental Tower [link] Elevated Living at its Finest: Tour the Views […]

Real Estate Trends

Governors Island is now open late all weekend

Island Oyster, via Trust for Governors Island

July 6, 2018

Governors Island is now open late all weekend

In April, the Trust for Governors Island announced extended Friday hours for the 2018 season, allowing visitors to explore the island until 10pm. And now, thanks to a sponsorship from Grey Goose, they'll also remain open late on Saturdays, all the way to 11pm. "Late Saturdays" begin tomorrow and run through September 1st, with all ferries free after 6pm. As Governors Island says, "Visitors can now enjoy stunning sunsets overlooking New York Harbor, take leisurely bike rides around the Hills and visit Island Oyster for a Grey Goose Fair Winds Fizz specialty cocktail."
All the details

July 6, 2018

City says Trump can’t claim $48K tax break on his NYC apartment

New York City has said no to a $48,000 break President Trump has been receiving on the annual tax bill for his Trump Tower condo after inquiries by the Daily News into his eligibility. The News reports that the city says the president was set to get $48,834.62 knocked off his condo taxes for the tax year beginning July 1 via the city's condominium abatement, which is available for condo and co-op owners on their primary residence. Tax rules state that only “the dwelling unit in which the owner of the dwelling unit actually resides and maintains a permanent and continuous physical presence” is eligible for the savings, and Trump hasn't kept a “permanent and continuous physical presence” in the Midtown pad since he moved to the White House in January of 2017.
Find out more

Policy

July 6, 2018

Jesse Tyler Ferguson trades up to a $3M Chelsea pad

6sqft recently noted “Modern Family” star Jesse Tyler Ferguson and husband Justin Mikita's listing of their 900-square-foot one-bedroom Gramercy Park co-op for $1.5 million. Three months on, the New York Post reports that the pair have advanced to a bigger, blingier home in the new D'Orsay condominium at 211 West 14th Street. All signs point to that unit being a 1,402-square-foot two-bedroom pad that was listed at $2.995 million and sold for $3.05 million according to city records. The boutique Chelsea condo building boasts interiors by internationally acclaimed designer Jacques Garcia, known for the decor at Hotel Costes in Paris and NYC's NoMad Hotel.
Have a look

July 6, 2018

Bob Weinstein takes another loss on $20.5M sale of Central Park West apartment

By Annie Doge

Producer Robert "Bob" Weinstein continues to unload his real estate portfolio amid business parter and brother Harvey's sexual abuse allegations. In December, he sold his Upper West Side townhouse for $15 million, the same exact price he paid for it in 2009 with ex-wife Annie Clayton. Just last month, he unloaded his Greenwich, Connecticut mansion for $17 million after three years on the market and a 15 percent price chop. And according to city records released yesterday, his massive Central Park West duplex at the Beresford has now closed for $20.5 million, just a hair above the $20 million he bought it for in 2004 and much less than the $29.5 million it listed for nearly a year ago. The buyer is listed as Pamela Schein Murphy, wife of restauranteur Marc Murphy. Not only does the 14-room spread encompass 7,000 square feet, but it boasts two large terraces overlooking the park.
See the whole place

Live in new ‘hipster haven’ Washington Heights for $1,705/month

Coogan’s Restaurant in Washington Heights, via CityRealty

July 5, 2018

Live in new ‘hipster haven’ Washington Heights for $1,705/month

A recent Post article dubbed Washington Heights "the new Williamsburg," referencing census data that shows the upper-Manhattan 'hood has more millennials than any other area in the entire city. Noting that New Yorkers age 20 to 34 have been priced out of places like Bushwick, NYU adjunct professor of urban planning Michael Keane said, "they’re thinking, ‘Hey, Washington Heights is in Manhattan, it’s easy to get to Midtown, crime is down and the rent is several hundred dollars less.’" And this new middle-income housing opportunity at 516 West 162nd Street, is even less, with five one-bedrooms up for grabs for $1,705 a month and one two-bedroom for $2,055. By comparison, market-rate one-beds in the building go for $2,300 and two-beds for $3,050.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

Three Harlem and Bronx subway stations to get upgrades for the first time in 114 years

Image via Wiki Commons

July 5, 2018

Three Harlem and Bronx subway stations to get upgrades for the first time in 114 years

The MTA Board has approved an $88 million contract to Citnalta/Forte with Urbahn/HAKS for work at three of the city's subway stations in Harlem and the Bronx after nearly a century of wear and tear. The 145 Street, 167 Street and 174-175 Street stations will be getting modernizing, structural and functional repairs beginning in July. MTA New York City Transit will be addressing needed upgrades for the nearly 20,000 subway customers on the Concourse B,D and Lenox 3 lines.
Find out when the stations will be closed for repairs

Transit

July 5, 2018

Live in Al Pacino’s former Central Park South condo for $2.7M

By Annie Doge

Before the stretch became known as Billionaires' Row, Al Pacino called 301 West 57th Street home. The Oscar-winning actor, best known for his roles in "Scarface" and "The Godfather," lived in different units in the building between 1988, when the building was built, and 2013, including a 14-floor corner condo that just hit the market for $2.7 million, reports the Post.
Check it out

Qatari fund closes on $600M Plaza Hotel buy

Photo via Wally Gobetz/Flickr

July 5, 2018

Qatari fund closes on $600M Plaza Hotel buy

In May, the minority owners of the iconic Plaza Hotel, Ashkenazy Acquisition Corporation and Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, went into contract on the landmarked building, matching the $600 million offer made earlier in the month by a separate group of investors. However, reports out today tell us that the deal closed on Monday, with Katara Hospitality, a subsidiary of Qatar's sovereign wealth fund, buying the minority owners' 25 percent stake, along with Indian business group Sahara's 70 percent stake and hotelier Sant Singh Chatwal's five percent stake. Katara is the Qatar Investment Authority’s hotel division and this is their first foray into the NYC market. According to sources referenced by The Real Deal, the minority group decided to drop its bid because Katara offered greater “certainty” of closing.
The long road to selling the Plaza

Uncategorized

July 5, 2018

Russell Simmons tries to sell his $10M FiDi penthouse for the third time in 13 years

By Michelle Sinclair Colman

Will the third time be a charm for Def Jam's Russell Simmons and his FiDi penthouse? The Post reports that the music mogul is trying to sell his five-bedroom duplex at 114 Liberty Street after an unsuccessful listing in 2005 and another two-year listing in 2012 (both times asking $11 million). The sprawling pad--there's 7,175 square feet of interior space and 3,500 square feet of outdoor space split among three terraces--is now asking a bit less at $9,925,000.
Get a look around

July 3, 2018

Billionaires’ Row coalition sues NYC to keep homeless men out of their neighborhood