Manhattan

June 30, 2014

The Architects at Triarch Make Wood Paneling Look Ultra Modern in This Tribeca Penthouse

Wood-paneled walls came along before the dark, dreary styles of the 80s that were found in your grandparents' basement. Earlier in the century, modernist architects, such as Jean Michel Frank, Adolf Loos and Bruno Paul, tastefully incorporated them in their designs. This splendid penthouse, located in a Civil War-era building in Tribeca, is inspired by that style, masterfully melding limed oak paneled walls with dark wenge flooring and 90-degree angles. Though definitively modern, this home's calming simplicity and warm material palette give way to cozy and welcoming rooms not often attainable in spaces of this size.
Take a tour of the home here
June 30, 2014

New York Public Library Will Go High Tech with Its $300 Million Renovation

Norman Foster's design for the New York Public Library (NYPL) may have been scrapped, but the library isn't giving up on the opportunity to turn its space into an innovative learning hub. As the NYPL gears up for a new $300 million renovation plan, they're turning to a very unlikely locale for their inspiration: The South. The NYPL is using two high-tech libraries in Tennessee and North Carolina as models for their new spaces at the Schwarzman building and the highly trafficked Mid-Manhattan branch across the street. The renovation will be geared towards the needs of teachers, students and entrepreneurs, and will be designed to support collaborative pursuits within the library walls.
More on the NYPL's new plans here
June 30, 2014

$13.5 Million Combined Duplex at the Legacy Could Save Your Marriage

We think it was Joan Collins who said the key to a successful marriage is separate bathrooms. Well Joan, we think you’d be pleased with this $13.5 million sprawling unit at the Legacy. 157 East 84th Street Unit THEW offers a unique opportunity: the chance to take 2 duplex townhouse units and put them together for a ginormous 6BR/6BA, 8,648-square-foot Manhattan mansion. A Manhattan mansion with two private outdoor spaces, tons of storage, and bathrooms for everyone.
Take a look inside this massive space here
June 30, 2014

Seamless Fusion of Units Makes $3.8M Sutton Place Gem Largest Apartment Ever Offered at Plaza 400

Let’s just cut to the chase. Someone, somewhere along the way, had the brilliant idea (and a bank account to match) to combine three adjacent apartments at Plaza 400 into this sprawling 2,800-square-foot home. So if city living with suburban-sized rooms is on your bucket list and you've got $3.8 million to spare, look no further than this 5BR/4BA apartment located at 400 East 56th Street.
See the end result
June 28, 2014

LTL Architects Unites This Upper East Side House with Two Dazzling Modern Staircases

Connecting the two floors of this Upper East Side townhouse was no easy task for the team at LTL Architects. That's because six — that's right, six — distinct floor elevators stood in their way. Not only that, but the levels in the back and front don't align, making the conversion of separate units into a single-family home even more difficult. So how did the architects maneuver their way around the multiple obstacles? By installing two stunning staircases that not only tied together the four levels of the 19th-century townhouse, but also double as stand-alone centerpieces.
See how the architects overcome their dilemma
June 27, 2014

INTERVIEW: Resolution: 4 Architecture’s Joseph Tanney Talks Prefab Homes and Designing NYC Apartments

Since it was founded in 1994, Resolution: 4 Architecture (RE4A) has been a game-changing force in the world of building and design. Founders Joseph Tanney and Robert Luntz were some of the first architects to embrace the idea of modular prefabricated homes, a concept that continues to grow in popularity for its cost0-efficiency, eco-friendly nature and versatility in design. The RE4A team has worked on numerous projects, ranging from envy-inducing vacation retreats to space-efficient lofts to the headquarters for Equinox gym. While they have helped design and build spaces across the nation, the firm calls New York City — specifically, Chelsea — home and plenty of Big Apple sensibilities show up in their work, which is bold, yet functional. We recently spoke with Tanney about RE4A's mission and upcoming work, plus his tips for creating a storage-friendly apartment.
Check out our full interview here
June 27, 2014

NYC Events 6/30: Jeff Koons at Rockefeller and the Whitney; Say ‘Oui’ with Air France This Weekend

We welcome this second week of summer with open arms as the warm weather we've been oh so patiently waiting for brings with it plenty of amazing art and design events happening outdoors (and in). This week, Jeff Koons descends upon New York, first hitting up Rockefeller Center with his giant living floral sculpture, Split Rocker, then rounding out this verdant new work with a full on retrospective at the Whitney's Upper East Side Breuer Building. But if you just want to relax and recline (literally), Air France will be kicking off the weekend by bringing a little bit of Paris to New York. Three days of French flavor are planned for anyone who wants to partake, and guests will get to indulge in delicious food and drink and even take French lessons while lounging in one of Air France's first class chairs. C'est bon!
All the best events here
June 27, 2014

NYC’s Billboards to be the Biggest in the USA: Even More Wattage Being Added to Times and Herald Squares

Billboard signs along Times Square, and now Herald Square, are growing ever bigger and brighter as LED displays become the top choice for developers of new supersigns. Projects such as the upcoming Mariott Edition, Vornado's Marriott Marquis renovation, and the revamping of the Herald Center all include LED displays that will be among the largest in the world. Though more expensive to install than the standard illuminated billboard, the light-emitting diode canvasses have the primary advantage of being eco-friendly by using less electricity and lasting 25 times longer than their incandescent alternatives. Their cost depends on size, complexity, and resolution; and may run upward of $1000 a square foot. But new technology in the past decade has cut the average price in half allowing for a brighter and more prolific future in the city.
See videos and images these eye-popping supersigns
June 27, 2014

Soho Square Poised to Get Multimillion Dollar Makeover

Coming on the heels of a rezoning last spring that will yield much more residential and retail development in the area just north of Canal Street, the Hudson Square Connection Business Improvement District embarked on an ambitious $27 million campaign to create more open space and beautify the neighborhood’s streets. First up was a $200,000 investment at Freeman Plaza West a few months after the City Council approved the rezoning. The vacant property near the entrance to the Holland Tunnel was magically transformed into an unexpected but charming garden respite with the addition of umbrellas, tables, chairs and trees.
What are the plans for Soho Square?
June 26, 2014

Law & Order Star Sells Noho Loft for $3.25 Million

According to city records, Law & Order; SVU star B.D Wong has officially sold his East 4th Street apartment for asking, after being in contract since March. The ground floor loft has a below-ground bedroom and a colorful palette that reminds us of something a stylish interior designer would create for the Joker’s bachelor pad, assuming the Joker wants to pick up chicks. But we digress…
Take a look inside this spectacular loft here
June 26, 2014

Iconic Dean & Deluca Loft Purchased by Vidal Sassoon’s Widow

Ready for a sale where the space is just as famous as the people involved? We’ve got one for you. This iconic loft at 133 Wooster Street has been featured in the New York Times and was the very spot where the Dean & DeLuca cookbook was created. Well, how did this apartment get to be so special? Because it’s owned by Dean & Deluca co-founder Jack Ceglic.
But it gets even more interesting after the jump
June 26, 2014

Classic $6.5M 79th Street Condo is the Epitome of Upper East Side Living

When we think of the Upper East Side, this home at 50 E.79th Street is exactly what we imagine: a grand residence with classic lines and Central Park views. You will feel special from the moment you walk into the marble floored-entrance gallery of this 4BR/4BA corner unit in a Brown & Gunther designed building.  The formal floor plan gives each exquisite room its just due while still allowing for comfortable entertaining. Though tucked away in their own private little world, each section of the expansive living space is easily accessible from the main gallery.
See more of this home's classic lines
June 25, 2014

Landmarks Greenlights BKSK Architects’ Glass Topper for the Pastis Building – Locals Not Happy

What's a little more glass and metal in a town overrun by supertalls, right? After getting shot down by the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) for their design of a two-story, mixed-use glass crown to top the Pastis Building in the Meatpacking District, BKSK Architects went back to the drawing board only to emerge with a new idea that's won the LPC's blessing. Set to top the low-rise brick building at 9–19 9th Avenue, the redesign is a somewhat more subdued iteration that uses the same materials and form, but with much less glass.
See the before and after here
June 25, 2014

This East Village Duplex Has a Secret That Will Be Like Music to Your Ears

We’re going to take a quick detour from our mega-expensive, extravagant homes, and spotlight a pad that we think demonstrates the heart of New York City. New York is artsy and quirky and marches to the beat of its own drum. People walk the streets in all types of personal style, restaurants like S’mac and Peanut Butter & Co that are dedicated to one food attract patrons from all over. This city is one of a kind. So, we’re going to show you a one-of-a-kind apartment in a little neighborhood we like to call the East Village.
See what this duplex has in store here
June 25, 2014

$3.3M Lenox Hill Condo: Almost Versailles… But Then There’s That Kitchen

Remember the Sesame Street segment called “One of These Things is Not Like the Others”? (If you don’t, click here for a reminder). Well, it’s exactly what came to mind as soon as we saw photos of this gorgeous Upper East Side apartment located in Bridge Tower Place at 401 East 60th Street. The lush details in every room conjure up the French baroque style of Versailles with its lavish decoration and romantic elegance. Every room that is, except the beautiful but sorely out of place kitchen.
See why the kitchen doesn't seem to belong
June 24, 2014

Live Life in the Open in This Ultra Bright WXY Studio-Designed Loft (Agoraphobes Need Not Apply)

Describing this Flatiron loft and 'spacious' and 'bright' somehow seems like an understatement, but there's no denying that even just looking at this 4,000-square-feet home will make you fee sun-soaked. Up for one lucky renter to scoop up, this beautiful WXY Studio-restored space at 40 West 22nd Street is perfect for an artist or art collector hang their pieces and comes with plenty of space to host fabulous art parties and lots of friends. Though you should make sure the two Emmy Awards in the media room are put away...
Tour the light filled home
June 24, 2014

Simon Cowell Drops $11 Million on Lenox Hill Pad for His New Family

After months of house hunting, Simon Cowell has found a home for his new family. According to the NY Post, the TV mogul just put down $10.85 million on a nest at 151 East 78th Street for his girlfriend Lauren Silverman and their love child. The family will now call the Peter Pennoyer-designed condominium home; and while the Post isn’t entirely sure which unit the TV mogul purchased for his best friend’s ex-wife (no judgment here), they’re guessing it was the three-bedroom penthouse.
Want to know more about the penthouse? Find out here
June 24, 2014

Multiple Walker Tower Owners Also Buying Units in Sister Property Stella Towers

Take two Art Deco commercial buildings designed by Robert Walker in the roaring twenties and mix in a little 21st century residential conversion magic by JDS Development Group, Property Markets Group, and Starwood Capital Group, and what do you get? Apparently two highly successful projects that now have even more in common - owners who have purchased units in both buildings.
Why did owners double up on their investments?
June 24, 2014

Academic Historian Philip Bobbit Sells his Scholarly Beekman Penthouse for $1.3 Million

With four degrees from three ivy league universities, Philip Bobbit might be expected to live in a house lined with bookshelves and filled with piles of marked-up papers.  The author, academic, historian, and public servant, however, kept a pristine space with virtually no clutter to be seen.  But there is a scholarly feel to the 2BR/2BA apartment with its traditional design, formal artwork, and dignified furniture. Despite its studious charm, Bobbit has sold PH1606 at 575 Park Avenue, known as the Beekman, for $1.325 million.  If the dramatic décor of the penthouse wasn't enough to entice the buyer, it also features north, east, and south exposures, as well as two custom, operable glass NanaWalls that open onto a gorgeous 45-foot-long outdoor terrace, creating an indoor/outdoor oasis.
Continue your penthouse education ahead
June 23, 2014

Temporary Treasures: Frank Lloyd Wright’s Demolished New York Buildings

Frank Lloyd Wright is one of architecture's most important figures, and you can see his work in five countries and 37 of 50 states. But when it comes to New York City, there is only one major Wright construction to be found: The Guggenheim. There is also a pre-fab house in Staten Island and one in Blauvelt just north of the city, but what other work did he do in the five boroughs? It turns out that Wright designed two other major projects in NYC, but both have been demolished. Here's a look at these lost works by the great architect.
See the historic Frank Lloyd Wright works here
June 23, 2014

West Village Rental in Renowned Bing & Bing Condominium Offers a Lot of Bang for the Buck

Celebrity sightings are not uncommon in the West Village and along the quiet, leafy street named Christopher filled with charming homes owned by the likes of the late Phillip Seymour Hoffman and comedienne Amy Sedaris. But residents here take it all in stride, and that low-key vibe permeates the walls of this beautifully appointed 3-bedroom, 2-bath condo at 45 Christopher Street. This corner unit’s original beamed ceilings, hardwood floors, and light-filled rooms offer a perfect setting to the city views greeting you to the north and west.
See more pics of this Christopher Street charmer
June 23, 2014

Listing for NYC’s Most Expensive Home Officially Here – “The Penthouse Collection” Up for $118.5M

Last week we reported on the plans of two industrious property owners at the Ritz-Carlton in Battery Park City who were pooling their three penthouses in hopes of making a record-breaking $118.5 million sale. Hearsay no more because it looks like the listing for the space has officially emerged, and will be managed by none other than power broker Ryan Serhant at Nestseekers. Aptly dubbed 'The Penthouse Collection', the combined 39th and 40th floor spaces owned by Randall Yanker and Gary Segal offer up a staggering duplex totaling 15,434 square feet — or in layman's terms (or is that possible with something this size?) 12 bedrooms and 15 bathrooms with "the potential" to extend both those numbers further. 20-foot ceilings, three kitchens, four terraces, and multiple living areas also means its a good thing that hotel amenities include housekeeping.
All the photos you've been waiting for this way
June 23, 2014

Stunning $13 Million Birkenstock Penthouse Takes You Around the World in 3,500sqft

Alex Birkenstock, heir to the shoe brand worn in colleges across the U.S., is selling his Setai Wall Street penthouse and he’s asking $12.995 million. If you’re into movies like Back to the Future or the episodes of Family Guy where Stewie and Brian hop in the time machine, you’ll get a kick out of this amazing apartment. With the help of Steve Harivel, one of the designers behind the famous Soho House hotel, this 3,500-square-foot pad seamlessly blends modern technology and vintage charm… and the best part is the furniture is included. If you’re already screaming like you got called to the front in The Price is Right, just wait until you see what this place has in store.
Oh, but there's more... a lot more. Just click here.
June 23, 2014

Deepak Chopra Finally Unloads Park Imperial Pad for $3.5 Million

Deepak Chopra has finally been able to free himself of the mediocre, non-wellness oriented piece of real estate he once called home. After spending $14.5 million on a Greenwich Village apartment built for a hypochondriac – the space has antimicrobial coating on high-touch surfaces and EMF shielding to protect residents from electromagnetic fields – he has finally managed to get rid of the germ-soaked two-bedroom unit his lesser-evolved self once appreciated.
Take a look inside the Park Imperial Pad here
June 22, 2014

Manhattan Mansions: 5 of the Biggest (We Mean Gigantic) Single-Family Homes

Everyone knows Manhattan is all about high-rise condos, tall apartment buildings, and any other kind of building in which people live above other people. But it wasn't always that way. A hundred years ago, there was still room on this small island for the ultra-rich to build mansions all to themselves, single-family homes with the square footage of a castle. Today many of these buildings, all "Millionaire's Row" mansions in the Upper East Side, belong to museums and schools, but the question remains: What are the biggest buildings in Manhattan today that were built as single-family homes?
See our list of mansions here
June 21, 2014

Giant Rocking Horse Head Sculpture by Jeff Koons Going Up at Rockefeller Center

Is it a giant rat? A horse? A dinosaur? Those passing by 30 Rock over the past week and a half have probably been wondering what's going up in the famed plaza (at least we have). Word has it that Jeff Koons is back in the 'hood, this time with a massive sculpture of a pony, or "Split-Rocker", grafted in living flowers and complete with an internal irrigation system. Editor's note 8/27: This article has been updated to show the completed work, seen above.
Find out more about the work here