Manhattan

Located just a few steps off the Bowery, this five-story home at 4 East 2nd Street in the East Village, currently functioning as four separate units, offers a multitude of options. Looking to stretch out and have nearly 6,000 square feet all to yourself? Go right ahead, as the house will be delivered vacant and is ready for your personal touch. Or perhaps you’d prefer to keep the parlor floor as a gallery space and make do with the remaining few thousand square feet to accommodate your humble abode. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination.
See more of this imaginative home

January 27, 2015

Actor Vincent Gallo Asks $2.95M for His Chelsea Pad at Jean Nouvel Building

By Annie Doge

Actor and filmmaker Vincent Gallo is ready to bid adieu to his Chelsea pad. According to the NYDN, Gallo has listed his apartment for $2.95 million—about a $1 million more than what he paid for it two years ago. The one-bedroom home is located on the fifth floor of starchitect Jean Nouvel's glassy creation at 100 Eleventh Avenue. A few highlights of Gallo's space include a curved wall of glass and a floor-to-ceiling pivoting glass door that opens to a den with a private terrace.
Have a look inside this Nouvel gem

January 26, 2015

Tribeca Townhouse with Wild and Fiery Facade by System Architects Will Soon Come to Life

This isn't the sort of design we'd expect to see in Tribeca, but lo and behold, this bold statement by architect Jeremy Edmiston is about to become a reality along its brick and mortar block. The Tribeca Citizen reports that the single-family residence located at 187 Franklin Street is moving forward with construction on the kooky design which was first proposed in 2010. The project will see the building's facade removed and replaced with an undulating red facade complemented by silvery, net-like balconies.
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Architecture And Design

January 26, 2015

This Awesome $10.8M Soho Pad Will Make Your Head Swim

There’s an impressive new listing at 45 Greene Street in Soho’s Cast Iron District, asking $10.8 million. For that sum, you can get a two-bedroom duplex penthouse loft with 5,400 square feet of space, two terraces, and one of New York’s rarest and most treasured gems: a swimming pool. Do we have your attention now?
More pics here

Distinctive Homes

January 23, 2015

New Yorker Spotlight: Maya Jankelowitz of Jack’s Wife Freda on Creating Restaurants That Feel Like Home

By Susan Cohen

If you're an Instagram-loving New Yorker, then you've likely seen, or maybe even posted, photos of the salads, egg dishes, and even the menus at the downtown restaurant Jack's Wife Freda. Through the app, diners at Jack's Wife Freda have been spreading the word about the establishment's food and polished-yet-relaxed atmosphere. These sepia-toned photos certainly caught our attention, especially the beautiful meals plated on crisp white dishes. The visionaries behind the restaurant are husband-and-wife team Dean and Maya Jankelowitz. The pair opened Jack's Wife Freda three years ago on Lafayette Street in Soho, and just opened a second location on Carmine Street in the West Village. Together, the two restaurants are designed for New Yorkers to sit down and enjoy simple dishes that remind Dean and Maya of their families and respective countries, South Africa and Israel. For the couple, it's only a perk that they are getting so much attention on social media, as their primary goal has always been the two H's: hospitality and happiness. We recently spoke with Maya at the new Carmine location to find out about running two restaurants in the city with her husband and what it means to give New Yorkers a restaurant to call "their spot."
Read the full interview here

January 23, 2015

Churchill’s Granddaughter, Sculptor Edwina Sandys, Relists One-of-a-Kind Soho Loft for $10M

You know an apartment is exceptional when Philip Johnson once referred to it as "the most beautiful loft in Soho." Home to sculptor Edwina Sandys, the granddaughter of Sir Winston Churchill, and her husband, architect Richard Kaplan, this one-of-a-kind space at 565 Broadway was also the location for the original season of "The Real World" in 1992 and has since seen the likes of architects Richard Meier and Rafael Vinoly, Barbara Taylor Bradford, Massimo Vignelli and Christine Ebersole pass through its doors for high-society parties hosted by Sandys and Kaplan. But the real draw here is the simply stunning historic architecture. Originally home to Ball Black & Co., the top 19th century jeweler before Tiffany's, the five-bedroom duplex boasts a double-height, 17-foot, exposed-brick vault ceiling, stately Corinthian columns, and a Carrara marble floor, which certainly justifies the $10 million price tag.
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January 23, 2015

VIDEO: Visit the Wonderfully Weird Lower East Side of 1995

It's hard to imagine the Lower East Side without all of its barflies and bros, but get ready for a blast from the past. Bowery Boogie has found an amazing video that gives us a glimpse into the neighborhood's quirky past—well before it became a nightlife mecca for New York's downtown set. The four-minute film, aptly titled "Planet Ludlow," takes us through the block via Ludlow Street circa 1995.
Watch the video here

History

January 23, 2015

Grab Your Architect and Race to This $4M Chelsea Loft

Let your imagination run wild in this 4,050-square-foot loft at 141 West 26th Street, right in the heart of Chelsea. This loft has 12-foot ceilings, oak wood floors, tons of light from multiple exposures, and enough space to create your dream home, all for $3.95 million.
Take a look inside

Distinctive Homes

Unleash Gehry: Give Frank the East River and Churn the Lower Manhattan Pot

Image: Frank Gehry against his design for the Guggenheim in Bilbao, Spain

January 22, 2015

Unleash Gehry: Give Frank the East River and Churn the Lower Manhattan Pot

By Carter B. Horsley

The Foundation Louis Vuitton in the Bois de Bologne in Paris recently opened and was another kudo for architect Frank O. Gehry whose Bilbao, Spain, branch of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in 1999 was widely regarded as the most important architecture project since the opening of the Pompidou Center in Paris in 1975. All these projects are Deconstructivist; they don’t fit easily into boxes and are not symmetrical. Their aesthetic tends to be chaotic, disorganized, aggressive, random and definitely unconventional, but also absolutely heroic, proud and defiant. The Pompidou Center was huge and intimidating, a gargantuan power plant for some unfinished but gaily painted super ocean liner. By comparison, the Guggenheim was a shiny swirl of silvery metal cascading by its riverfront location in a staccato flurry of flamenco stomps. Vuitton is a whole other gesture altogether; an organic amorphous form about to devour a city, formed of glass, wood and concrete in rearing and overlapping fashion, a mad dash about enclosure. All of these might just amount to a sophisticated bowl of cherries for architecture aficionados, except that this project was a baby of Bernard Arnault, the head of the luxury conglomerate that runs not only Louis Vuitton, the purser, but also bubbler Moët & Chandon, sipper Hennessy, dazzler Bulgari and fashionistas Dior, Fendi and Givenchy—all One-Percent darlings. These, of course, are not the only platinum brands but they'll certainly do in an all-so-sizzling and svelte pinch. You may now ask what has all this to do with our city.
Read more here

East Village’s Historic Meseritz Synagogue Gets Ready for Restoration and Condo Conversion

Mezritch Synagogue © LuciaM via Panoramio

January 22, 2015

East Village’s Historic Meseritz Synagogue Gets Ready for Restoration and Condo Conversion

At the turn of the century, the Lower East Side/East Village was home to 75 percent of the 2.5 million Ashkenazi Jews that immigrated to the U.S. They quickly established synagogues, many of which were "tenement synagogues," aptly named because they were built on the narrow lots between tenements and served the mostly-impoverished people who lived in the surrounding, overcrowded buildings. Only one of these tenement synagogues is still in operation–the Congregation Meseritz Synagogue (or Anshei Meseritz) at 515 East 6th Street. Narrowly saved from the wrecking ball in 2012, Meseritz is now undergoing a total overhaul. Real estate developer East River Partners is adding three luxury apartments, including an 11-foot-tall penthouse, to the top of the structure. Though the plan was initially contested by some neighbors and local community and preservation groups, the developer is undertaking a multimillion-dollar gut renovation of the ground floor, creating a new home out of which the congregation can worship.
More details ahead

January 22, 2015

Tall Tin Ceilings Charm in This $1.4M Chelsea Loft

This $1.395 million, 1,000-square-foot, newly renovated loft at 136 West 24th Street has a flexible layout, making a second bedroom or home office a possibility, all within running distance of the Shake Shack line when it comes back. And Snoopy will love your close proximity to the park and the dog run (and let’s be honest, hamburger crumbs).
More pics inside

Distinctive Homes

January 21, 2015

Exquisite West Chelsea Loft Designed by 212box Architecture ‘Suits to a T’ at $5.9M

While the etymology of the expression “suits to a T” isn’t clearly defined, there is no debating its meaning: when something is exactly as it should be or fits to perfection. Which is the ideal way to describe this rare T-shaped loft located in the Eagle Warehouse building at 532 West 22nd Street on a quiet and utterly charming Chelsea block full of art galleries. Designed by 212box Architecture, this $5.9 million dream home was recently featured in Interior Design magazine. Windows at every turn drench the home with sunshine, and custom black steel and pebbled glass room separators transport the natural light throughout the open floor plan offering some level of privacy while still maintaining the loft aesthetic.
See more of why this home 'suits to a T'

Distinctive Homes

January 21, 2015

One57 Records Another Blockbuster Sale, 85th-Floor Pad Sells for $55.6 Million

There’s no slowing One57. Yet another blockbuster sale hit city records this morning, bringing the brash blue supertall its third most expensive sale to date—and the city its ninth most expensive condo sale in history. The ultra-luxe pad is the 6,240-square-foot 85th-floor unit, which boasts four bedrooms, four baths, and the lofty, breathtaking views that have have made One57 one […]

January 21, 2015

Make Central Park Your Neighbor with This Adorable $2.6M Townhouse Apartment

There’s a cute new listing available in this townhouse off Central Park West. This $2.55 million three-bedroom pad has tall ceilings and natural light from the north and south, along with prewar detail and a full view of the garden.
Take a look inside

Distinctive Homes

January 20, 2015

Tour the Chefs Club Restaurant by ‘Food & Wine’ Magazine at the Landmark Puck Building

There's been plenty of talk about the luxurious penthouses that top off the historic Puck Building. But just below these spectacular homes is an equally stunning space that's sure to take your breath away—or at least get your stomach rumbling. Archdaily brings us on a tour of the Chefs Club, a brand new dining experience dreamt up by the folks over at Food & Wine magazine. The sleek eatery opened just last fall to rave reviews, and it's no surprise; the Chefs Club by Food & Wine is exactly what you'd hope it is: the magazine's "Best New Chefs" and an international roster of rockstar cooks whipping up meals unlike any you've had before.
Take a tour of the spectacular interiors here

January 20, 2015

The New Design Project’s Upper East Side Apartment Has a Downtown Industrial Vibe

At first glance, this urban-chic apartment with its industrial vibe and cool pops of geometric colors definitely appears to be located in trendy Soho or any up-and-coming section of Brooklyn. But it's actually in the neighborhood that's often considered the most unhip of all–the Upper East Side. A creation of The New Design Project, this 400-square-foot Uptown apartment was inspired by the urban features that the design team uncovered during the renovation at the landmarked Cherokee Apartments. Exposed brick walls and metal frames were left raw and are juxtaposed with bold colors, geometric patterns, and custom artwork. As the firm states, "the result is a space that does not take itself too seriously, where each room has a strong personality that delivers a happy experience."
Tour the apartment here

January 20, 2015

$4.8M ‘Duplex of Baronial Splendor’ Comes with a Dali Sketch on the Living Room Wall

One look at this richly decorated Central Park West maisonette in The Atelier and you'll be swept away into a scene harkening back to 18th century Vienna where couples minuet across the floor to strains of Mozart playing softly in the background. Turns out your imagination wouldn’t bring you too far from the truth, as in recent years this home has become a beloved gathering place for artists and art lovers alike, attracting opera singers, conductors, musical soloists, cabaret entertainers, diplomats, artists, aristocrats, and movie celebrities. The annual Christmas parties given here are legendary, as are frequent dinners and musical soirées for up to 150 guests.
Feast your eyes on more of this exquisite home

January 19, 2015

Russian Billionaire Roman Abramovich Buys Up Three UES Townhouses to Build a Makeshift Mansion

While some billionaires are busy eyeing the glass penthouses of the city's up-and-coming and ultra-luxe towers, others are taking a more DIY approach to realizing their dream home. The latest to join the building-your-own-mansion trend is billionaire Roman Abramovich, who according to the NY Post has just "secretly" purchased a 9,495-square-foot townhouse at 11 East 75th Street for $29.7 million from developer Larry Gluck. The buy follows Abramovich's December purchase of another 7,286-square-foot townhouse two doors down for $18.3 million, and word on the street is that he's in contract for the townhouse wedged right in between.
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January 19, 2015

VIDEO: Santiago Calatrava Explains the Design of His Ground Zero Church

By Alyssa Alimurung

Back in October, we revealed renderings for Santiago Calatrava’s Ground Zero Church, which will overlook the 9/11 Memorial. Now we have a BBC video that features Calatrava explaining his vision for Saint Nicholas Church. ArchDaily, who spotted the feature, writes that “the building, which broke ground last year, has been described by Calatrava as a ‘tiny jewel’ for lower […]

January 19, 2015

A Waterfall, a Bridge and a Moat Can All Be Found Inside David Ling’s Self-Designed Loft

“I wanted to create my own world.” Those are the words used by architect David Ling when describing the design inspiration for his Manhattan-based live/work loft. And he most definitely succeeded. As one meanders through Mr. Ling's "rough-around-the-edges-on-the-surface-but-oh-so-refined" dwelling there are surprises at every turn, all beautifully orchestrated into three distinct areas (work/live/sleep) with the bridge and moat, plus a cantilevered second story, providing the transitional elements.
See more of this home's unique design

January 16, 2015

$100 Million Condo Sale at One57 is NYC’s Most Expensive Ever

Expect another blockbuster year for the super-luxury tower that launched a slew of other wannabe developments across the city. A palatial unit occupying the 89th and 90th floor of One57 has just sold for a record-breaking $100,471,452.77—the most expensive condo purchase ever recorded Manhattan. The buyer of the massive 10,923-square-foot penthouse apartment remains a mystery—city records simply show an […]

Real Estate Trends

January 16, 2015

How the Fletcher-Sinclair Mansion Went from Private Home to the Ukrainian Institute of America

Earlier this week, the Ukrainian community rang in the new year, so we thought it appropriate to take a look at one of the city's largest centers of Ukrainian-American life. Located at 2 East 79th Street at the corner of Fifth Avenue, the Fletcher-Sinclair mansion was built in 1897 by famed architect Charles Pierrepont Henry Gilbert (C. P. H. Gilbert) as a single-family home for Isaac D. Fletcher, a banker, broker, and railroad investor. Today, the French Gothic masterpiece houses the Ukrainian Institute of America, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the art, music and literature of Ukraine and the Ukrainian diaspora. But how did this massive home become home to the Institute?
Find out here

January 16, 2015

Check Out the Rear…Garden of This Adorable $1.3M West Village Pad

Here’s a cute new listing at 92 Horatio Street, asking $1.349 million. A West Village location is already pretty idyllic. Add charming details like exposed brick walls, hardwood floors, and lots of light, and you’ve really hit the jackpot. But this quaint co-op’s most prized feature is definitely the romantic private garden.
Take a look at the quaint space here

Distinctive Homes

January 16, 2015

Sportscaster Marv Albert’s Lincoln Square Penthouse Sells for $13M, $2M Less Than Initial Reports

By Annie Doge

Though it was originally reported that famed sportscaster Marv Albert sold his sprawling penthouse at 150 Columbus Avenue for $15 million, city records released today show that the 3,553-square-foot pad actually sold for $13 million after being listed in May. Marv and his wife, former ESPN producer Heather Albert, originally purchased the home in 1996 for $2.39 million, turning a pretty impressive profit in time for their move downtown to Tribeca.
Take a look inside here

January 16, 2015

$2M Tudor City Place Penthouse Will Get More Than Your Spidey Sense Tingling

If you missed the opportunity in 2013 to snap up this one-of-a-kind Midtown East penthouse that played home to Spiderman’s green nemesis, you’re in luck. Back on the market for a cool $2 million–$400,000 more than when it was last listed–this duplex residence at Windsor Tower features dramatic proportions, which made it the perfect pad for Willem Dafoe's Green Goblin in the popular movie.
Learn more about this one-of-a-kind home

Distinctive Homes

January 16, 2015

Last Low-Rise Buildings Along Delancey Street Will Likely Be Razed for Condos