Manhattan

Dune Realty CEO Daniel Neidich has just sold his gorgeous six-bedroom, five-and-a-half-bath Yorkville apartment for $10.25 million to David Steinhardt, the son of "Wall Street's greatest trader", Michael Steinhardt, according to city records filed yesterday. This Austere apartment is certainly a sight to behold with its spectacular finishes and expansive views. Designed by such notable names as Jed Johnson, along with Alan Wanzenberg and Thad Hayes, its no wonder this home is the perfect blend of formal entertaining and luxurious living.
Trust us. You want to take a look inside this home...

August 14, 2014

The Architecture of Cesar Pelli: How a Sense of Place Left a Lasting Mark on the NYC Skyline

Growing up just west of the Andes Mountains in the small town of Tucumán in northwest Argentina, Cesar Pelli wasn't exposed to the vibrant cityscapes that he today helps to shape. He got his start designing low-cost, affordable housing for the Argentine government, which helped him develop an appreciation for each project's unique sense of place. Breaking from the traditional mold of many world-famous architects, he designed buildings as a response to their neighborhoods, not as a preconceived signature aesthetic. Now, with a long list of acclaimed international projects to his name, Pelli is lauded for creating structures that honor a city's history and enrich the local landscape. And here in New York City, home to some of his most celebrated works, the Pelli mark has making an indelible impression on the architecture and real estate fields.
We dive deeper into Cesar Pelli's past, present, and future

Morningside Heights: From Revolutionary Battle to Columbia University Campus

Bloomingdale Road (now Broadway) and 114th Street in 1895

August 14, 2014

Morningside Heights: From Revolutionary Battle to Columbia University Campus

By Michelle Young

Today, it's hard to imagine Morningside Heights without the flurry of students hurrying to class at Columbia University. It may be even harder to imagine it without some of its signature architecture: the gothic Cathedral of St. John the Divine, the largest cathedral in the world, Riverside Church, with its former bowling alley, or Grant's Tomb along the Hudson River. But Morningside Heights got an exciting start in the history of New York City (and America, as it turns out)!
The incredible story of Morningside Heights, from past to present, this way

August 14, 2014

When Looking at Manhattan’s Condo Sales the Downtown Market Reigns Supreme

Though everything seems to slow to a glacial pace during the summertime months, a sluggish market wasn't the case for condo sales the week of July 14th. Buyers steadily scooped up prime properties with the city so far recording 249 condo and co-op sales. Manhattan's biggest buys came via the usual suspects—Flatiron's One Madison, and uptown faves Carnegie Hill and the Arpthorp—with deals ranging from $10.1 million up to $14.5 million. According to CityRealty's Market Insight report, although the city's top exchanges registered above 23rd Street, when eyeing contracts closed over the last 90 days, it looks like Downtown Manhattan reigned supreme when it came to the highest number of units sold (337), and the top prices garnered per square foot ($2,077 and $2,047 in the West Village and Soho, respectively). Overall, the area recorded an impressive $1 billion in total sales over the last three months.
All the details in graph form here

Real Estate Trends

August 14, 2014

Jonah Hill Puts Soho Loft on the Market for $3.8 Million, Looking to Make a $1 Million Profit

Looks like celebrities like flipping, too. Just two years after Jonah Hill bought his Soho loft at 27 Howard Street for $2.65 million, he's put it back on the market for over a million dollars more. Now listed at $3,795,00, this full-floor, 2,000-square-foot pad was originally a two-bedroom when Hill moved in, but it's currently configured as a massive one-bedroom space. And with an estimated net worth of $30 million, why not spread out and live the good life?
Check out the rest of this A-lister's digs here

August 14, 2014

A Garden in the East Village? This $1.9 Million Condo Has Two

A lucky new owner just nabbed a charming little oasis in the heart of the East Village for $1.9 million, according to city records. And while you might be thinking an “East Village oasis” is a blatant oxymoron, this quiet little condo begs to differ. The property is almost like a secret garden in the city; hidden in a bustling neighborhood as opposed to being among the grounds of a vast manor. In fact, take a look inside this cozy unit, and you might forget all about the throngs of college students frequenting the bars right around the corner. Now that’s pretty impressive.
Find out more of this condo's secrets, here

August 13, 2014

Curb Appeal: The Psychology of Moving Buyers from Cab to Curb to Contract

By Lauren Price

Great neighborhood? Check. Great apartment? Check. Curb appeal? Killer first impressions can be long lasting — and whether it’s a newly advertised flavor of Ben & Jerry’s, an ad for Tory Burch’s latest shoe collection —or finding new digs, “love at first sight” spot-on marketing moments play a sizeable role in how we make our decisions. Industry experts note that a large percentage of a house hunter's decision to explore a property further than the curb is based the project’s “wow” factor. Truth is, it sets the “perception” stage of what’s to come beyond a grand entrance or swanky lobby that was designed to provide a sense of arrival and belonging. Obviously, at the end of the day, a building’s outside will only persuade potential buyers to see more, and first impressions can vary from one individual to the next, but the “I was meant to live here” moment is fairly universal.
How a building's design tugs at your desire to 'be someone'

August 13, 2014

Spanx Founder Sara Blakely Makes $18 Million Profit on 15 Central Park West Apartment Sale

By Annie Doge

That's right, $18 million. According to city records, Spanx founder and self-made billionaire Sara Blakely sold her apartment at 15 Central Park West for $30 million, almost triple the $12.11 million she paid for it in 2008. The sale comes on the heels of CityRealty releasing its CityRealty 100 list of most expensive homes in the city, on which 15 Central Park West is listed first. The prestigious, Robert A.M. Stern-designed building has an average price per square foot of $6,288 (the Time Warner Center, which came in second has an average of $4,689) and it also holds the priciest condo sale through the second quarter of 2014 at $48 million.
More about Blakely's highly profitable sale

August 13, 2014

Michael Douglas Gets a New Neighbor with the Sale of This $8.6 Million Kenilworth Co-Op

Andrea Stern, daughter of real estate developer Leonard Stern, has just sold her ‘70s chic apartment in the Kenilworth for $8.575 million, according to city records. The new residents will not only be able to enjoy living in a home that looks like a pared down set for Behind the Candelabra; they’ll actually be able to call the made-for-TV movie’s star Michael Douglas, and his wife Catherine Zeta Jones, neighbors. But, as impressive as that sounds, we’re pretty sure the eight-room, corner apartment on the Gold Coast of Central Park West speaks for itself.
Take a look inside this throwback chic pad...

August 12, 2014

Bright and Beautiful Loft on a “Great Street” in Noho

By Stephanie Hoina

Location, location, location. Well, this large and sunny loft is located, quite literally, on a "great street" – 43 Great Jones Street, to be exact. And though the classic exterior of the building looks much as it did when first constructed in 1920, its interior has been beautifully renovated, blending many of the original industrial details with more refined modern touches.
Right this way to see more of this "great" loft

Distinctive Homes

August 12, 2014

New Knicks President Phil Jackson Buys $5 Million Apartment at the Osborne

When he hasn't been busy revamping the New York Knicks, Phil Jackson has been scoping out NYC real estate. And according to city records, the Knicks President purchased an apartment at the Osborne, 205 West 57th Street, for $4.85 million. Considered one of the greatest NBA coaches in history, Jackson spent many years with both the Chicago Bulls and the Los Angeles Lakers, but now he's jumping back into the New York City scene head first, having gotten his start with the Knicks in 1967 as a player. His new home was meticulously renovated by Ferguson and Shamamian Architects to preserve the original details of the landmarked 1883 building. Hand-carved mahogany pocket doors, inlaid oak and cherry floors, and stained glass transom windows are just some of the historic accents that make this three-bedroom apartment a true masterpiece.
Tour the rest of this basketball legend's new digs

August 12, 2014

This Charming Lincoln Center Studio is the Perfect Pied–à–Terre for an Expat

For those of you who adore the movie Amélie, you're certain to fall in love with this quirky Lincoln Center studio, which we think would make the perfect pied–à–terre for the fabuleux French dreamer if she were ever to moonlight in Manhattan. Situated in a pristine townhouse located at 136 West 70th Street, this little beauty has all the grandeur of its sprawling neighbors, but offers plenty more charm with its lofty living space and beautiful rust-colored tin ceiling.
More on this special studio here

Distinctive Homes

August 12, 2014

Live in the Penthouse of Starchitect Jean Nouvel’s 100 Eleventh Avenue for $45K/Month

Starchitect Jean Nouvel’s 100 Eleventh Avenue may have received mixed reviews—which is made even more evident when you look at its rocky listing history—but that doesn’t change the fact that this pad is a clear showstopper. Not only does the stunning full-floor penthouse offer 360 degrees of stellar views through 150 linear feet of floor-to-ceiling windows; have a sprawling layout and two terraces; and reside on one of New York’s most recognizable blocks, surrounded by buildings designed by Pritzker Prize winners like Frank Gehry and Shigeru Ban; but this unit also has recently renovated interiors courtesy of Jennifer Post, one of Architectural Digest’s top 100 designers. Bottom line, if you’re a big name-dropper, this $45,000/month rental has your name written all over it.
Check out the views from this incredible home here

August 12, 2014

Billionaire Peter Brant Buys an Incredible Converted Con-Ed Substation for $27M

It's a common saying that money can't buy good taste, but Peter Brant proves that old adage doesn't apply to billionaires. According to city records, the American industrialist and businessman just closed on a former Con-Ed substation located at 421 East 6th Street for $27 million—$2 million above asking. Constructed in 1920 to serve the city's power needs, the building was altered in the 60s and again in the 80s to accommodate a live-work space for a famed sculptor Walter de Maria. Even with more than a century of history behind it, today the structure still keeps many of its original relics and the overall gritty aesthetic of its industrial past. As a lover of art himself, we're curious to know how Brant will go about redesigning the space—if he does. Brant, who also happens to be married to supermodel Stephanie Seymour, is the publisher of both Interview and Art in America magazines and has been previously been called a "Donald Trump with taste" by the New York Times.
learn more about the building here

August 11, 2014

Real Estate Wire: Puff Daddy Price Chops His Park Imperial Haven; More New Yorkers Installing Solar Panels

Puff Daddy, P. Diddy, Sean Combs—whatever you want to call him—has re-listed his 2,292-square-foot Park Imperial loft for $7.9M. The new listing sees a $500K price reduction. [Curbed] New York is lagging other major cities in its pace of residential construction. Permits for 17,995 new housing units were issued in 2013—a little more than half […]

Real Estate Trends

August 11, 2014

The ‘Secret’ Is Out: Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo May Be Heading to Soho

Despite apparent attempts to remain discreet, word has gotten out that Adam Levine and his Victoria’s Secret model wife Behati Prinsloo may be purchasing a new Manhattan home, according to the NY Daily News. This development comes soon after the couple returned from their Mexico honeymoon and just months after they were seen scoping out Soho for a new nest egg. Well, the house hunt appears to have gone well, because they may have just landed a gorgeous loft in the boutique historical cast iron building at 112 Greene Street.
Take a look inside the star couple's new pad, here

August 11, 2014

Retractable Garage-Style Door Transforms This Chelsea Apartment in an Innovative Way

Some might argue that the best kind of apartment is one that provides a great balance between living and entertaining. And we all want a nice large space to accommodate guests; one complete with an open layout and natural light, no less. Well, this particular Chelsea apartment renovated by set design Philip Messina takes it to the next level. If a large gathering of admiring guests becomes too congested, creating a need for more space, this loft has a pretty interesting way to add some square footage to the already sizable entertaining space.
Find out more here

Distinctive Homes

August 11, 2014

Bloomberg L.P. CEO Dan Doctoroff Sells Upper West Side Mansion for $11 Million

Looks like the De Blasios aren't the only mayoral figures making moves. Dan Doctoroff, former Deputy Mayor and current President & CEO of Bloomberg L.P., has sold his Upper West Side townhouse at 309 West 91st Street for $11.25 million, slightly less than the $13 million asking price from when the home went on the market in November 2013. He and his wife Alisa purchased the mini mansion in 1994 for $1 million out of foreclosure and then put millions into a gut renovation. The five-story, stately townhouse was built in 1896 by Clarence True, one of the most prominent architects on the Upper West Side around the turn of the century. It is one of a row of seven limestone masterpieces that feature True's signature low-stoop façade. The Doctoroffs had the home impeccably restored by architect Oliver Cope and designer Victoria Hagan, down to every last elegant detail, including four wood-burning fireplaces, a winding sky-lit staircase, and spectacular crown moldings.
Check out more of the 6,400-square-foot townhouse

August 11, 2014

Tudor City “Castle in the Sky” is Worth a King’s Ransom

By Stephanie Hoina

Even in a city filled with stunning multimillion-dollar residences it is rare to find one that is equally impressive inside as it is out. Well, look no further this two bedroom penthouse at Windsor Tower, 5 Tudor City Place.
Read on to see why the outside of this home rivals its inside

Distinctive Homes

August 8, 2014

See Why This Delightful Upper West Side Pad Could Be Our “Favorite Place”

Whether you like inspirational quotes on the walls or puppets bungee jumping in front of windows overlooking Central Park, you'll love this two bedroom, two bathroom Upper West Side prewar co-op in The Bolivar. In fact, inspiration and celebration are rather fitting when you consider the one-of-a-kind nature of this beautiful pad in a building that shares a name with a South American liberator. The Central Park views from this apartment are so mesmerizing, even the Queen of England would have to stop and catch her breath. And by the looks of these pictures, she may have. So, let's take a quick little tour, so you can see exactly why it might be well worth it to “skid in broadside” to claim this $2.9 million prize.
Ready to be inspired? Click here

Distinctive Homes

August 8, 2014

Olympic Figure Skater Sasha Cohen Snags a Pretty Plain Waverly Place Pad for $1.6M

By Annie Doge

It looks like Olympic figure skater Sasha Cohen will be boxing up all her medals for a move to the West Village. According to city records, Cohen is leaving her Times Square pad for a corner one-bedroom apartment at 136 Waverly Place. Cohen dropped $1.595 million for the pre-war digs, which are much more quaint and simple that what we'd expect for the skating star who had a Project Runway episode dedicated to designing a skating dress just for her.
Peek inside the home here

August 8, 2014

New Yorker Spotlight: Danny Wasserman of Tip Top Shoes, a Mom & Pop Outfitting the UWS for More than 50 Years

By Susan Cohen

Years ago, shoemaking was a family business handed down from one generation to the next. And while there may not be as many old school shoemakers practicing their craft in the city today, there is the Wasserman family and their Upper West Side shoe store. Tip Top Shoes, located on 72nd between Amsterdam and Columbus, has been taking care of New York's footwear needs since it first opened in 1940. Although the Wassermans are not the original owners, it's been in the family since Danny Wasserman's father purchased the store fifty years ago, continuing a family tradition that began in Europe. When Danny began working alongside his father, he was the third generation in the shoe business. His son and daughter are now the fourth. Together, Danny and his children are making sure customers have access to both classic shoes and the latest trends. Wearing a pair of Birkenstocks I purchased at Tip Top Shoes, I met with Danny to learn more about the family business.
Read our full interview with Danny

August 7, 2014

The Wilson Hunt House: The History of a Rare 19th Century House Towed to Tribeca by Truck

By Lauren Price

In the 1970s, after obtaining landmark status in 1969, three 19th century houses were actually towed by truck from a no-longer-existing stretch of Washington Street to avoid demolition in the Washington Market Urban Renewal area (a 38-acre site planned by the city’s Housing and Development Administration during the 1960s and 1970s, 10 blocks north of what would become the World Trade Center). Their final destination? Next to three already existing townhouses on Harrison Street, a quiet site that was once the well-known farm of alleged skirt lifter, and one of NYC's first settlers, Annetje Jans. In 1976, New York City put them up for sale (from $35,000 to $75,000) following a restoration by Oppenheimer, Brady & Vogelstein the year before. And more recently, nearly four decades after the sale, CORE brokers Tom Postilio and Mickey Conlon exclusively listed 37 Harrison Street with surprising results.
Fast forward to present day to find out what happened to The Wilson Hunt House

August 7, 2014

Leading with LEED: A Look at NYC’s Eco-Friendly Housing

Radiant Orchid may be Pantone's color of the year, but here in New York City we think green is the hot hue of the moment. Eco-friendly design features and sustainable buildings are sprouting up faster than ever, and buyers are seeking out the next best green amenity, from Vitamin C-filtered showers to electric vehicle charging stations. And thanks to some A-list support from the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio, environmentally friendly design is being embraced by developers and real estate professionals alike. Last week, we took a look at Battery Park City, the largest green neighborhood in the world, which is often credited with launching New York City's modern sustainable movement. And now we're exploring some of the latest eco-friendly buildings to follow in its footsteps and take advantage of contemporary environmental technologies.
Read about these green developments here

August 7, 2014

Beatrice Trussardi Buys Appropriately Fashionable Police Building Pad for $2 Million