Manhattan

Looking for something off-the-beaten-path to do this Halloweekend? Mmuseumm might be right up your alley. And speaking of alleys, it's located on Cortland Alley in Chinatown within a single, abandoned elevator shaft. The 60-square-foot Mmuseumm is a modern natural history museum that exhibits contemporary artifacts, illustrating "the complexities of the modern world." Its eclectic collection of everyday items includes toothpaste tubes from around the world and papers left behind in copy machines. It even manages to fit a gift shop and café in its tiny footprint.
More info on the museum here

Events & Things To Do

October 31, 2014

The City’s Priciest Rental is a $500,000/Month Suite at The Pierre

Because if you've got the cash, why buy a $6 million home when you can rent one for a year at the same price? The WSJ reports that the newest most expensive rental in the city is located on the the 39th floor of The Pierre and it's going for a cool half-a-million dollars a month. The floor includes the 2,000-square-foot Presidential Suite, which can combine with other rooms for a total of 4,786 square feet (or six bedrooms with six-and-a-half bathrooms), or be rented separately for $400,000 per month with the additional rooms ranging from $20,000 to $40,000 per month.
Find out more here

Distinctive Homes

<b>6 of New York’s Spookiest, Scariest and Downright Strangest Homes</b>

You can live here!

October 30, 2014

6 of New York’s Spookiest, Scariest and Downright Strangest Homes

Every day at 6sqft we pretty much find ourselves in awe saying "We can't believe people live like this!" But every so often we come across a home that has us muttering "People live like this??" In celebration of All Hallow's Eve, we've rounded up six spooky and scary Manhattan and Brooklyn residences. One is filled to the brim with dead animals, another hides a secret underground portal, and another harbors an incredible tale of murder and deceit. Jump ahead to see all six them all—and if you'd ever dare live in one of these petrifying pads, you're in luck because several of these homes are for sale. Lucky you?
For these homes, it's Halloween year-round

October 30, 2014

Townhome in Hidden English Tudor Village on Upper West Side Asks $2M

It would be easy to walk right past Pomander Walk on a trip down 95th street, between Broadway and West End Avenue. The quaint little enclave is well concealed by an unsuspecting gate. However, walk through that gate and you’re in for quite a treat. Behind it is one of the most unexpected co-ops on the Upper West Side—an enclave so enchanting that it won the hearts of American treasures like Rosalind Russell, Lillian Gish, and Humphrey Bogart. And right now, one of those co-ops is available for $1.995 million.
Let's take a look

Distinctive Homes

October 30, 2014

President Obama’s College Apartment is Now Renting for $200 Cheaper

Live like a president—back when that president was a struggling student in college. The tiny two-bedroom apartment President Barack Obama once shared with another student while at Columbia is now renting for $2,300 a month, a couple hundred bucks less than its previous $2,500 a month listing price. The quaint home located in a rental building at 142 West 109th Street comes with an old photo of the prez standing in the doorway, and according to the listing, living here could be the road to political greatness: "who knows you might end up at the WHITE HOUSE one day!"
Inside Obama's college digs here

October 30, 2014

East Village Condo’s Celebrated Design Will Make Your Dreams Come True

On any given day New York City has the potential to make all of your dreams come true, and this beautiful three-bedroom East Village condo, located at 211 East 3rd Street, might make that dream a little sweeter. This amazing property underwent an all-inclusive renovation just two years ago, and the result is an exquisitely curated interior enhanced by architectural sophistication that is sure to grab your attention. The renovation also garnered features in Martha Stewart Living, the Wall Street Journal and several other magazines and papers.
READ MORE

Distinctive Homes

October 30, 2014

Construction Halted on Karim Rashid’s Harlem Condo After Buddha Statue Gets Decapitated

Karim Rashid's condo at 329 Pleasant Avenue just can't seem to win. Weeks ago, the designer was forced to scrap the building's cyan and magenta color scheme for a more subdued palette, and now DNA Info reports that the city has issued a partial stop-work order on the building. The halting of construction comes after the city received complaints from neighbors that their foundations were being damaged by digging and careless workers. But the greatest victim in all of this? How about this Buddha statue which was decapitated by a construction worker.
More on the drama

October 29, 2014

Greenwich Village Townhouse Boasts Cool Rooftop Office and Personal Secret Garden

Simply put, this historic Greenwich Village property, designed by BW Architects, is amazing. A sophisticated balance of design elements that blend the old with the new are incorporated throughout the 4000-square-foot home. And not only is it beautiful, but the 1840s townhome underwent an extensive reconstruction project, completed in 2012, that made it the first townhouse in downtown Manhattan to earn a LEED for Homes Gold rating. And have we mentioned its incredible rooftop office?
Check out the home

October 29, 2014

It Will Cost $32 to Visit One World Trade Center’s Observatory

On Monday we learned that tourism is predicted to bring in one quarter, roughly $53 million, of the One World Trade Center's annual revenue by 2019. And now the much-talked-about ticket price to visit the three-floor observation deck of the tower, known as One World Observatory, has been revealed. It will cost $32 for an adult to visit the observatory when it opens in the spring of 2015.
More details and renderings of the observatory ahead

October 29, 2014

Unique Historic Penthouse with Intriguing Past Asks $7 Million

The penthouse of one of Manhattan’s most prestigious and unique landmark apartment houses has just hit the market, asking $7.25 million. The one-of-a-kind pad was formerly the squash-tennis court of Kingdon Gould, grandson of the infamous multimillionaire financier Jay Gould, who notably fell from grace for manipulating gold and railroad stocks. Kingdon’s custom-built quarters consisted of a triplex penthouse with a fourth-level painting studio for his mother, and 20 rooms, including a double-height music room.
Take a look inside, here

October 28, 2014

Happy Birthday Lady Liberty! She Turns 128 Today

Every day Lady Liberty stands tall holding high her torch in celebration of our nation's freedom. Since today is Miss Liberty's 128th birthday, we thought it would only be appropriate to take some time out of our busy schedules to return the favor. Join us for a brief look back at some of Miss Liberty's most notable moments throughout history. Happy birthday Lady Liberty, and here we go!
Fun facts on Miss Liberty here

History

Will Bill Ackman Be Able to Pull off a $90M Condo Flip at One57?

One57 and the view from the $90 million penthouse

October 28, 2014

Will Bill Ackman Be Able to Pull off a $90M Condo Flip at One57?

It's true that One57′s first flip saw a $3.5 million profit in just five months, but that unit sold for $34 million the second time around. A selling price of more than $90 million is a different story--and that's exactly what hedge fund manager William (Bill) Ackman is hoping to achieve. In a profile in the Times on Sunday, Ackman was revealed as the buyer of the $90 million penthouse at the luxury building, which is sure to see its share of flips. But he also shared that he has no intention of ever living in the apartment. He'll stay with his wife and daughters at their current home in the Beresford and use the penthouse as a "fun" investment opportunity for himself and some good friends, perhaps hosting a few parties there in the meantime.
More on the planned flip here

Real Estate Trends

October 28, 2014

Elegant Chelsea Loft Features Storybook Detailing and Peaceful Garden

New to the market is this beautifully designed two-bedroom loft located at 161 West 15th Street in Chelsea. The property is nestled in the corner of the Jensen Lewis Building, one of Chelsea's best prewar loft buildings, and boasts a slew of luxury features. Huge windows, 12-foot vaulted ceilings and a peaceful garden make this home the perfect escape from the hustle of the New York City's streets.
READ MORE

Distinctive Homes

October 28, 2014

I-Beam Design’s Pixelated Chelsea Renovation is Made From 20,000 LEGO Bricks

By Ana Lisa Alperovich

We all love and played with LEGO when we were kids, and this New York loft apartment is just another great example of how versatile the colorful Danish bricks are. The story begins when the son of Melissa Marks and Vicente Caride got too old not to have a door on his bedroom, so his parents decided to renovate their Chelsea loft in an innovative and playful way. I-Beam Design was called to do the job, and together with LEGO artist Sean Kenney they created an amazing pixelated new stair railing and wall using 20,000 LEGO bricks.
Learn more about this pixelated home

October 28, 2014

Sportscaster Marv Albert Gets $15M for His Lincoln Square Apartment

Famed sportscaster Marv Albert has found a buyer for his sprawling penthouse located at 150 Columbus Avenue. The NYDN reports the "Voice of Basketball" and his wife, former ESPN producer Heather Albert, just inked a contract that points to a $14.9 million deal. The couple originally purchased the 3,553-square-foot penthouse back in 1996 for just $2.39 million, calling it their home for years before heading down to Tribeca—and turning this pretty sweet profit. The penthouse was listed just five months ago.
Inside the home

October 28, 2014

Cindy Gallop Puts Her Stefan Boublil-Designed “Black Apartment” Back on the Market for $6M

New York City’s most famous bachelor pad—ironically owned by a woman—is back after being taken off the market earlier this year. The distinctive $5.995 million loft at 213 23rd Street, formerly the men’s locker room of the first YMCA in the U.S., was purchased by businesswoman Cindy Gallop in 2006 for $1.5 million. With an additional million, and the help of Stefan Boublil of interior design firm The Apartment, she gave the space a dramatic makeover, stating she wanted to feel like she was in a Shanghai nightclub. Its resulting “lacquered Chinese box” vibe has earned the Black Apartment a featuring role in Law & Order SVU, Notorious B.I.G’s “Nasty Girl” video, and many photo shoots. The notable home has undergone quite a transformation, rendering it practically unrecognizable as it prepares for a new owner, but let’s take a moment to admire its former interior in all its glitzy splendor.
See more of this unique pad, here

Distinctive Homes

October 27, 2014

Lights, Camera, Annoyance: Why NYC Is the New Hollywood and Not Everyone’s Happy About It

By Michelle Cohen

Film crews on your block: Yet another thing New Yorkers love to hate, whether it’s a case of grumble-brag or a genuine inconvenience. Some people love the opportunity to watch their favorite shows being made (and maybe get a peek at their favorite stars) and argue that it boosts the local economy. Others give the whole gig a big two thumbs down.
Find out who’s filming, where and when–and how you can make the most of it.

October 27, 2014

Gramercy Park Hotel Hits the Market and Could Fetch $260M

Get ready for another blockbuster sale. Following in the footsteps of Hilton who just sold off the Waldorf Astoria Hotel to Chinese Insurance Company Anbang for $1.95 billion, Aby Rosen and Michael Fuchs have put their prized Gramercy Park Hotel on the market. Crain‘s reports that the 186-room, 18-story hotel located at 2 Lexington Avenue […]

Events & Things To Do

October 27, 2014

West Chelsea Loft Delivers Modern Elegance with Historic Charm

This beautiful three-bedroom, three-bath loft located in Chelsea at 325 West 16th Street is the perfect combination of modern design and classic charm of old New York. The unit was recently renovated and its rich character is highlighted with elegant architectural details including wood beams, wood columns and exposed brick. Its expansive dreamlike floor plan and state-of-the-art chef's kitchen are just the beginning for this home currently listed for $4.25 million.
Inside the Chelsea home here

Distinctive Homes

October 27, 2014

It’s Expected That Tourism Will Bring in 25% of One World Trade Center’s Revenue

On Friday, news broke that anchor tenant Condé Nast will begin its big move in to One World Trade Center on November 3rd. And now we've learned that the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, along with the Durst Organization, is predicting that one quarter, roughly $53 million, of the tower's annual revenue will be generated from tourism by 2019. The three-floor observation deck of the tower, known as One World Observatory, is expected to be visited by about 3.5 million people per year. Legends Hospitality LLC, the developer of the observatory, has not yet revealed what it will cost to visit the site, but it's expected to be on par with the Empire State Building, which received $101 million in 2013 from visits to its observatory (it costs $29 per person), 40% of its annual revenue.
Learn more about this prediction and the state-of-the-art observation deck here

October 27, 2014

$4M Restored 19th Century Co-Op Boasts Exquisite Millwork

A 19th century renovated co-op on the most coveted street in the East 70s has just popped up on the market, asking $3.95 million. This carefully restored apartment at 5 East 75th Street definitely has some dizzying wallpaper and way too many mirrors, but that’s all overshadowed by its gorgeous original details and magnificent views.
Take a look inside, here

Distinctive Homes

October 24, 2014

Move-In Day at One World Trade Center Set for November 3

Remember those jitters you’d get leading up to college move-in day? We wonder if Condé Nast is feeling that way in anticipation of its big move into One World Trade Center, now set for November 3rd. The tower’s anchor tenant will not make a big to-do of its move, but the Port Authority of New York and […]

New Yorker Spotlight: Scott Liroff Sheds Light on His Century-Old Family-Run Business, City Knickerbocker

Scott with his father

October 24, 2014

New Yorker Spotlight: Scott Liroff Sheds Light on His Century-Old Family-Run Business, City Knickerbocker

By Susan Cohen

Tucked away on the second floor of a building on 11th Avenue and 48th street is City Knickerbocker, Inc., a small lighting business with a long history. Founded in 1906 founded by Adolph Liroff, a Russian immigrant whose trade was converting gasoliers and sconces to electric lamps, this business has lasted for four generations. Today, Scott Liroff, Adolph's great-grandson, proudly carries on the family tradition serving as City Knickerbocker's Vice President. To appreciate Scott's role in both his family and the business, one needs to go back over one hundred years to Brooklyn in the early 20th century. When Adolph's Brooklyn-based business took off, he headed to the city and rented a space on 42nd Street between 8th and 9th Avenues. After the Metropolitan Opera rented his light fixtures, Broadway started calling to rent lights too. As early as 1912-1913 City Knickerbocker's primary source of business was rentals. When Adolph's son, Seymour, took over the business in the 1950s, the store provided lighting for shows including The Ed Sullivan Show and The Milton Berle Show. 6sqft recently spoke with Scott to learn about City Knickerbocker and what it means to carry on a legacy in New York.
Read the en-light-ening interview here

October 24, 2014

Billionaire Real Estate Developer Leonard Stern Sells Soho Penthouse for $15M

Leonard Stern, billionaire businessman and real estate developer and namesake of NYU's Stern School of Business, has sold his "ultimate Soho penthouse" for $14,650,000 according to city records released today. In April 2014, a year after Stern originally listed the apartment, New York Magazine released a video tour of the 4,315-square-foot, four-bedroom duplex, revealing everything from a zen solarium to a restaurant-caliber kitchen. Stern bought the penthouse of 459 West Broadway in 2010 for $14,250,000, but the small profit likely won't affect him too much since his net worth is estimated at $3.8 billion.
Check out the billionaire digs and watch the video tour

October 24, 2014

Renovated Country-Chic Condo on the Upper West Side Asks $1.6 Million

We dare you not to fall in love with this adorable penthouse condo at 255 West 92nd Street. This gorgeous 1,178-square-foot renovated pad brings a little country chic to the city, and its additional 800-square-foot rooftop terrace is sure to be a welcome retreat from the city that never sleeps.
Take a look inside, here

Distinctive Homes

October 23, 2014

Event Round Up: The Best Halloween Activities in NYC