Manhattan

When Sports Illustrated supermodel Irina Shayk bought a $6 million condo at celebrity favorite 150 Charles Street back in February, it was rumored that she'd be shacking up there with boyfriend Bradley Cooper. But it looks like she was getting in on the investment game; only six months later she's put the two-bedroom spread on the rental market for $20,000 a month. The Observer reports that Shayk never even moved in to the West Village building, where Ben Stiller, Jon Bon Jovi, and fashion photographer Steven Klein have also purchased units. This could be because she's still living at her other West Village condo at 166 Perry Street, which she listed last December for $4 million. Regardless, the new tenant of this sleek abode will be in good company.
See more of the apartment

City releases Midtown East Rezoning plan; could add 16 new towers

Conceptual image depicting all the proposed sites of the East Midtown rezoning fully built out. Courtesy CityRealty

August 25, 2016

City releases Midtown East Rezoning plan; could add 16 new towers

After Mayor Bloomberg's failed 2013 attempt, the city has released its long-awaited Midtown East Rezoning plan, a controversial upzoning of the area bound by Madison and Third Avenues and 39th and 50th Streets, which would encourage taller, more modern office towers in an area that many feel is no longer attracting commercial tenants. According to Crain's, their proposal, the first step in the formal rezoning process, would allow the tallest buildings around Grand Central, increasing the maximum density by 30 percent. Along Park Avenue and near subway stations north of the Terminal, density would be increased, too. The proposal also will permit owners of landmarked buildings to sell their air rights across the district, rather than just to adjacent properties like the current law dictates.
More details ahead

August 24, 2016

Tribeca duplex with two enclosed loggias asks $22,500/month

By Emily Nonko

This Tribeca rental, from the 12-unit condo D'Arte House, boasts nothing but space: two floors, 6,300 square feet, a giant master bedroom with tons of closet space, and two enclosed loggias. The loggias—located off the master and the upstairs bedrooms—are the most unique feature of the apartment, offering faux outdoor space you can use in whatever type of weather. The whole pad is available furnished to a renter for $22,500 a month.
Look around

Distinctive Homes

August 24, 2016

Summer work on Barry Diller-funded futuristic offshore park complete

By Diane Pham

Work on the Barry Diller-funded Pier55 park is advancing nicely, even after being slapped with a lawsuit and a stop work order in June. As the Hudson River Park Trust (HRPT) and Pier55 Inc. announced this afternoon, the first nine piles propping up the 2.7-acre undulating park have been installed. Per the pair's press release, the milestone marks the completion of summer work and is part of the initial work of the first phase of construction.
more on the progress here

August 24, 2016

Rent this fabulously curated Village loft with civilized co-op amenities for $4,000 a month

The look is architect's design meets artsy loft at this one-bedroom co-op in the International Tailoring Company Building at 111 Fourth Avenue in Greenwich Village. Modern finishes provide a backdrop for cool collections and funky details (like a baby blue retro Smeg refrigerator), while the overall result "exudes a refined aura of contemporary city living." The "duplex" has a classic loft setup, meaning it's comprised of a sleeping loft perched above the apartment's main space. Located at the crossroads of Greenwich Village, the East Village and Union Square, it's not a spot for peace and quiet, but it gets top marks for supreme convenience to just about everything downtown Manhattan has to offer, which might make the $4,000 rent worthwhile. And unlike some historic loft buildings, this particular co-op offers an elevator, a doorman, laundry on every floor, and two landscaped roof decks.
Get a closer look

Distinctive Homes

August 23, 2016

Penn Station’s archaic departure board to get a digital upgrade

By Metro New York

Amtrak has plans to upgrade their main departure board located at Penn Station with new digital information screens. The idea behind the new departure screen is to provide passengers with clearer and detailed travel information. There will be several information screens placed throughout the concourse to improve the flow of passengers at the station. READ MORE […]

Transit

August 23, 2016

$2.3M railroad apartment on the Bowery boasts a 35-foot-long terrace

By Emily Nonko

This one-bedroom condo at 354 Bowery in Noho has mastered the art of combining indoor and outdoor space. A long exposed brick wall not only anchors the apartment but leads to a 35-foot-long private terrace in the back of the unit. The result is a striking living space that gives the railroad apartment a good look.
Take a look

Distinctive Homes

August 22, 2016

Local writer raising $150,000 to save Langston Hughes’ $3M Harlem townhouse

Prolific writer and leader of the Harlem Renaissance Langston Hughes lived at 20 East 127th Street, an 1896 brownstone, in the 1950s and '60s, until he passed away in 1967. As Curbed notes, in more recent years, the ivy-covered, landmarked home has been plagued by lawsuits over its use and maintenance. The current owner listed it for $1.2 million in 2009, but it didn't sell even after the price was lowered in 2010. Today, it's estimated to be worth more than $3 million, though it's sitting vacant with its paint chipping. But local writer Renee Watson has big plans for the house that don't involve a multi-million-dollar sale that could potentially gut the interior, where Hughes' typewriter still sits on a shelf. CNN Money reports that she's launched an Indiegogo campaign to raise $150,000 to rent the home, renovate it, and turn it into a cultural center for Harlem-based artists.
Find out more

Celebrities

August 22, 2016

Gawker founder Nick Denton can’t pay mortgage on Soho condo, needs renter approved

If you visit Gawker.com today, you'll see a final farewell that simply says "F— It," leading up to Univision's takeover of the media company later this month. But Gawker Media founder Nick Denton isn't so quick to throw in the towel in every aspect of his struggling empire; according to the Post, he's found a renter for who will fork over $12,500 a month for his $4.2 million Soho condo (in the same building where Kelly Ripa sold her penthouse at a $4.5 million discount). After publishing a sex video of him, Gawker was notoriously sued by Hulk Hogan, who won a $140 million settlement against the company, forcing Denton to file bankruptcy since he's personally liable for $10 million. So in May, he put his apartment at 76 Crosby Street on the market for $15,000 a month, the cost of his monthly mortgage payment that he now can't make, along with $3,400 in condo fees. But in order for the deal to go through, Denton needs a bankruptcy judge to approve the lease.
Check out the space

August 22, 2016

Reimagining Streit’s Matzo Factory on the Lower East Side: Two perspectives

By Diane Pham

The closing of Streit’s Matzo Factory last year was difficult for many long-time Lower East Siders to stomach. The factory was a near century-old institution that represented a bygone era untouched by gentrification. Unsurprisingly as a result, the condos designed to rise on the storied site have come under the scrutiny since their debut. But those grievances reveal just one side of the story. […]

August 22, 2016

Off the avenue: Is Park Avenue losing its edge in the office market?

Park Avenue has for decades been the office district of choice for many of the city's high-profile–and high-rent–corporations. But a recent Crain's article points to impending departures–such as the decision of investment firm Black Rock to decamp for new space in Hudson Yards or the World Trade Center, raising the question of whether the avenue's biggest office zone, from East 45th to East 59th streets, is falling out of favor with big-ticket business tenants. The city's office market is, without a doubt, changing. Industries like tech are growing and the financial industry is consolidating and in some cases downsizing its office space. The neighborhood, which charges the city's highest average rents, has been slow to catch up with the needs of new office tenants.
People moving out, people moving in

Real Estate Trends

August 22, 2016

For $7M, spend the afterlife in a crypt at Nolita’s Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral

When 6sqft learned of Manhattan's last two burial plots for sale at the New York Marble Cemetery for $350,000, we thought that was some steep real estate. But it looks like the Basilica of St. Patrick's Old Cathedral in Nolita has them beat, as the Post reports that the historic Mulberry Street location is opening "its 200-year-old crypt to the public for the first time — selling a six-person family vault in the catacombs for $7 million."
More on where you can spend the afterlife

History

August 22, 2016

Scarlett Johansson looks to the Cielo for an Upper East Side rental

Scarlett Johansson, the all-time highest-grossing actress on the planet with movies that have pulled in over $3.3 billion, is reportedly looking for an Upper East Side home for herself, hubby Romain Dauriac and daughter Rose. Among the neighborhood's rental offerings to spark the actress's interest was a three-bedroom corner unit in the Cielo at 450 East 83rd Street, according to the Post. The 21st-floor pad offers enviable views and sunlight through floor-to-ceiling windows.
Take a look

August 19, 2016

Tour the American Copper Buildings’ skybridge and roof, first look at its floating lap pool

After last week's rush of news surrounding the American Copper Buildings--the launch of its affordable housing lottery for 160 units and the first reveal of its interior renderings--6sqft decided to take a tour inside the SHoP Architects-designed project. JDS Development Group's dancing East River towers have become best known for their copper facade (made up of 5,000 metal panels) and its three-story, amenity-filled skybridge that hovers 300 feet above the site at 626 First Avenue. Not only did we walk through the bridge, but we also took a peek at the buildings' already greening copper patina, had a first look at the lap pool on the 28th floor that will float between the towers, and also checked out the insane views from the roof.
See it all this way

Architecture And Design

Friday 5: Upper East Side elegance for less, buildings now offering free rent

Every Friday 6sqft is rounding up five of the best rental deals showcased on CityRealty.com’s newly launched no-fee rentals page, a space where house hunters can find the best concessions being offered by landlords across the city.

August 19, 2016

Friday 5: Upper East Side elegance for less, buildings now offering free rent

By 6sqft

The Upper East Side has long been one of Manhattan's most attractive neighborhoods, embodying a certain kind of elegance and convenience that's difficult to find in other parts of the city. Homes here are often situated just a short walk from Central Park; shopping, dining, museums, and entertainment are plentiful and in close reach; and quiet tree-lined streets highlighted by historic architecture provide for a picturesque backdrop that further elevate the offer. Ahead we spotlight a few of the best buildings on the Upper East Side currently offering free rent and more.
check out this week's deals here

Uncategorized

August 19, 2016

‘Game of Thrones’ star Michiel Huisman conquers $2.2M Flatiron loft

Dutch actor Michiel Huisman, well-known for his role as rugged lover/fighter Daario Naharis on HBO's "Game of Thrones," has purchased a big, sunny corner loft in the Macintyre Building at 874 Broadway in the Flatiron district for $2.2 million, according to Luxury Listings and city records. Like the character Huisman portrays, the two-level loft is charmingly rough at the edges yet undoubtedly handsome.
See the loft from more angles

Celebrities

August 19, 2016

John Legend and Chrissy Teigen sell stylish Nolita pad for $4M

It's been 16 months since John Legend and Chrissy Teigen listed their uber-stylish Nolita loft for $4.5 million, and four months since they welcomed their baby daughter Luna into the world, and now the power couple is free to find a new family-friendly home as the Observer reports that their apartment has sold for $3.995 million. The couple purchased the apartment in 2012 for $2.5 million after selling their East Village condo at 52 East 4th Street for $2.7 million. They enlisted Don Stewart of Los Angeles–based firm Desiderata Design to complete the "dark, moody atmosphere," which is an attractive combo of cozy, industrial, and eclectic. Some of the unique design elements, in addition to the requisite piano nook, are a reclaimed wood wall, an Asian-inspired green silk bed spread, and a 19th century gilded leather screen on a bedroom wall.
Ogle more this way

August 18, 2016

‘Late Night’ host Seth Meyers nabs a Greenwich Village co-op for $7.5M

Funnyman Seth Meyers has just scored himself a sprawling duplex spread in Greenwich Village. According to city records released this afternoon, the comedian and his wife Alexi dropped $7.519M on the 3,200-square-foot co-op at 32 Washington Square West, a prewar construction that sits at the northwest corner of the beloved Washington Square Park. According to the listing, the apartment boasts five bedrooms, 4.5 baths, excellent light through its 26 windows, four exposures, two wood burning fireplaces, a chefs kitchen, a supersized living/dining room setup, and much much more. Incidentally, this apartment is no stranger to hosting A-list celebs. The home was previously owned by actress Mary Louise Parker—she sold the spacious pad for $7.75 million in 2013.
have a closer look inside

Celebrities

August 18, 2016

Robert A.M. Stern’s 220 Central Park South now two-thirds erected

By Diane Pham

Robert A.M. Stern's latest Billionaires' Row blockbuster continues its rapid ascent into the sky. As CityRealty.com reports, 220 Central Park South (220 CPS) is now two-thirds of the way up, construction having knocked out about 600 feet of the tower's eventual 950-foot height. Application of the limestone cladding started in April and has thus far been installed across over one-third of the building. When finished in 2017, the two-winged skyscraper with its rare and direct Central Park South frontage will host 118 luxurious homes across 66 stories—and it will be one of the city's most expensive residences. Jump ahead to see more photos of all the work that's been completed.
More photos of the tower under construction here

August 18, 2016

Kim and Kanye try to snag $30M Airbnb pad for free

Airbnb certainly doesn't mind giving celebs free lodgings; Kardashian satellites Kylie and Kendall Jenner recently stayed gratis in a Turks and Caicos villa hosted by the home share site in return for posting bikini-ed beach shots on social media, and now according to a report by the Post, Kim K. and hubby Kanye West have been in negotiations with the company to stay for $0 in a big-ticket Manhattan penthouse for several months this fall. A source at Airbnb told Page Six: “The plan would be for Kimye to live there for a few months for free, and Kim will post on social media about the apartment," with Airbnb picking up the tab for the listing.
Find out where they're looking

Celebrities

August 17, 2016

Excavation Work Begins at One Vanderbilt, Follow Its Progress on Instagram

Last week, a $1.1 billion lawsuit against One Vanderbilt was settled, giving the green light to the 1,401-foot project. Investors at Grand Central Terminal led the suit, claiming that the tower would divest them of the value of their air rights if developer SL Green was was allowed to proceed with construction as it was cleared to do under the controversial Midtown East Rezoning. Now that it's been dismissed, NY Yimby reports that excavation work is underway at the site of Midtown's future tallest tower, at the corner of 42nd Street and Vanderbilt Avenue. And Curbed points out that architecture buffs can stay apprised of construction progress through the building's new Instagram page.
Check out some construction shots

August 16, 2016

Babe Ruth’s Former UWS Apartment Sells to ‘How I Met Your Mother’ Actress

Though this Upper West Side apartment doesn't look like much, it's certainly racking up the celebrity accolades. At the end of his career, from 1929 to 1940, Babe Ruth and his family owned the entire seventh floor at 345 West 88th Street. At the time it boasted 11 rooms, but it's since been divided into two units. One unit, 7B, hit the market for $1,595,000 last August; the other, 7F, listed in February for $1,175,000. According to the Observer, the latter has sold for $1,130,000 to former "How I Met Your Mother" actress Ashley Williams and her husband, producer Neal Dodson.
See the full apartment

August 16, 2016

City Says Yes to Bronx Complex, No to Flatiron Site for Affordable Housing Plan

The New York City Planning Commission has voted to approve a boutique condominium project on Manhattan's west side without the mayor's new Mandatory Inclusionary Housing plan in place, the New York Times reports; a much larger development in the Bronx also got the green light, and will be among the first to be included in the new affordable housing program. 6sqft reported previously on the controversy over whether a 17-story condominium slated to replace a parking lot and two low rise buildings at 6th Avenue at West 18th should be among the first recipients of the mayor’s new mandatory inclusionary housing (M.I.H.) program. Both the city and the project's developers, Acuity Capital Partners, made the argument that the proposed project is “more of a rejiggering of the zoning than an enlargement,” and therefore does not fall under the M.I.H. rules.
Find out more

August 16, 2016

Harriet the Spy’s $5M Upper East Side Townhouse Finds a Buyer

In May, the Queen Anne-style townhouse said to have inspired the fictional Upper East Side home of "Harriet the Spy" hit the market for the first time in 70 years, asking $4.95 million. And in less than three months it's already entered entered contract, reports Curbed. Author Louise Fitzhugh lived on 85th Street, so it's no surprise that this gorgeous 1880s property at 558 East 87th Street sparked her creative juices. Located on the corner of a quiet and leafy Yorkville block in the Henderson Place Historic District, the 3,000-square-foot stunner overlooks Gracie Mansion, Carl Schurz Park, and the East River, "the perfect setting to get into covert shenanigans, à la Harriet," as 6sqft previously quipped.
See the whole place

August 16, 2016

Flexible West Village Co-op Has Lots of Outdoor Space and a Bit of Mid-Century Charm

This furnished co-op at 256 West 10th Street offers flexible lease terms, but the attractive, understated West Village apartment is flexible in other ways–and even manages to throw a few curves. On the rental market for $12,500 a month, the unusual home's three bedrooms–one in an enclosed loft–are joined by a small office/study, and adventurous architectural details add more space for living between rooms. The 1,600-square-foot Hudson Mews apartment's steep rent is undoubtedly based on its location behind a gated courtyard on a block where the streets toss off their rigid grid and boast some of the city's finest restaurants, shops and historic buildings. The enviable landscaped private courtyard and lushly planted roof deck won't send anyone running, either.
See more of this off-the-grid co-op

Distinctive Homes

August 15, 2016

Hudson Heights’ Famed Cliffside ‘Pumpkin House’ Returns for $5.3M