Manhattan

August 5, 2014

This Unbelievable $11.5 Million Penthouse Offers 3,000 Square Feet… of Rooftop Terrace

No, that wasn’t a typo in the title. This penthouse apartment at 655 Park Avenue is more than just 3,300 square feet of interior space. It also has a 3,000-square-foot rooftop garden so amazing, even the statues are luxuriating on it. But if you’ve been reading this blog you know it’s not our style to go straight to the mind-blowing terrace. Let’s take a tour through the rest of this premier pad first. Trust us. You won’t be disappointed.
Let's take a look inside this magnificent penthouse...

Distinctive Homes

August 5, 2014

CB4 Housing Plan Calls for 11,000 Units of Affordable Housing

By Dana Schulz

Mayor de Blasio called for all 59 New York City community boards to propose ways to increase the number of affordable housing units within their district, and CB4, which covers Chelsea, Clinton, and Hell's Kitchen, is the first to respond. The Manhattan District Board 4 Affordable Housing Plan was voted on internally by the board on July 23, but is expected to be officially presented to the city on August 8th. The 81-page plan, which could influence affordable housing policy throughout the city, focuses on six major themes that will outline how the west side neighborhoods tackle the addition of 11,000 units of affordable housing.
We break down the themes

August 4, 2014

Summer Sculptures: Where to See Larger Than Life Art in the Parks

By Jason Carpenter

The NYC parks system gives artists a public canvas for their sculpture and design work, and there are so many great artworks on display this summer. From abstract sculptures to innovative park design, here are just a few of the interesting sculptures and design exhibits you can see in New York City parks this last month of summer.
Find the best public sculptures here

August 4, 2014

Philanthropists Joe and Carol Reich Sell Central Park West Condo for $16M

By Aisha Carter

Philanthropists Joe and Carol Reich have sold their Central Park West condo, according to city records, and when we say this place is fit for a king, we’re not exaggerating. The couple’s $16 million former duplex actually resides in the Prasada, which is one of the most prominent buildings in the city and one of the three buildings that solidified Central Park West as a prestigious avenue. In fact, this Beaux-Arts beauty—designed by architectural duo Charles W. Romeyn and Henry R. Wynne—was one of the first high rises to attract wealthy New Yorkers back around the turn of the century when townhouse living was the norm. But what else would you expect from a place that was commissioned by the King of Spain? See? We told you we weren’t exaggerating.
Take a look inside this royal estate here

August 4, 2014

$20 Million Chelsea Penthouse Has Its Own Garage… in the Sky

By Aisha Carter

Living in a pedestrian town has its perks. Everything is at your feet, and you don’t have to deal with grueling traffic if you don’t want to. But what about those days when you’re out in the elements and the weather is bad? Don’t you just wish you could hop in your car and go about your day? But then there’s parking… Oh wait, that’s not an issue for us because we’re living in the Selldorf Architects-designed Chelsea tower at 200 Eleventh Avenue, which means we have our own en suite sky garage. That’s right. You’re about to take a look inside the impressive 3,598-square-foot penthouse of this unprecedented building. You’re welcome.
You won't believe your eyes when you click here

Distinctive Homes

August 4, 2014

Prices and More Images of the Landmark Beekman Hotel and Condo Conversion Revealed

By Diane Pham

It was announced back in May that the Beekman Hotel would finally being seeing its rebirth as a brand new condo and hotel. Now, not only has pricing for the 68-unit tower been revealed, but we're seeing a few new images of what's in store for the historic structure that has been shuttered for the last 20 years. As seen in the new renderings, the landmark building will be topped off with a conjoining 51-story condominium tower, creating a 68 residential units designed by Thomas Juul-Hansen. Though fully integrated, residents of the Beekman will have their own private entrance and lobby, located on Nassau Street, and the lower levels of the building will host 287 hotel rooms with a separate access point provided on Beekman Street. All occupants will have access to the hotel's amenities.
Find out more here

August 1, 2014

Soo Chan’s Soori High Line Will Offer 16 Private, Heated Swimming Pools

By Dana Schulz

Forget public pools and health clubs, the Soori High Line will offer private, heated swimming pools in 16 of its ultra-posh residences. Soo Chan, principal of Singapore-based SCDA Architects, has already made a name for himself in Asia as the pool master, designing towers with up to 120 private swimming holes. Now Chan's water-inspired interiors have also come to the surface in New York. The 11-story, 27-unit building at 522 West 19th Street will feature 16 pools ranging in size from 23 to 26 feet long, 7 to 9 feet wide, and 4 feet deep.
More about the Soori's pools this way

August 1, 2014

$2.2 Million West Village Artists’ Loft with Tin Ceilings Is Quite the Muse

By Aisha Carter

The pre-war details of this loft would serve as inspiration to any artist—which is perfect because it just so happens that 799 Greenwich Street is an artist’s co-op. That’s right. Accountants need not apply. But that doesn’t mean you can’t take a peek at this beautiful abode, which is apparently home to a budding young musician.
Let's take a look

Distinctive Homes

August 1, 2014

New Yorker Spotlight: Matthew Namie of Paris Framemakers on the Art of Framing

By Susan Cohen

Painters, portraitists, and photographers--the visual artists tend to get all the credit. But there is another type of art that goes into making a piece beautiful, and that is the art of framing. Most of us rarely think about this component, but for Matthew Namie, it’s always on his mind. As a salesperson at Paris Framemakers on the Upper West Side, he works with customers to make sure their prized artworks are framed just right. Paris Framemakers, located on 75th and Amsterdam, opened twenty years ago, and also has stores on 81st and Madison and 100th and Broadway. Matthew is a recent addition to Paris, but not to framing. He has seven years of experience under his belt and a keen eye when it comes to frames, mats, and glass. He will soon be heading across town to serve as the manager at the Upper East Side location. While working with Matthew on my own framing needs, I realized that many New Yorkers don't know the intricacies of this craft. So, I recently popped into Paris Framemakers to learn all about the art of framing and Matthew’s expertise.
Read the full interview right this way

August 1, 2014

$9K/Month Greenwich Village Apartment Available for the First Time in 20 Years

By Aisha Carter

It turns out you don’t have to be an A-lister to live like a star in Greenwich Village… not if you have an extra $8,995 a month lying around. This garden apartment at 19 West 10th Street is prepared for even the pickiest renter, offering original details with modern updates and a flexible layout that can be rearranged to accommodate up to three bedrooms. So, you can put away your list of demands while we take a look at this Gold Coast pad.
Take a look inside this A-list apartment here

Distinctive Homes

August 1, 2014

Rogers Marvel Architects Separate Public and Family Spaces in Their East Fifth Street Penthouse

By Dana Schulz

When Rogers Marvel Architects set out to combine and design this East Fifth Street top-floor renovation/penthouse addition, they wanted to create two separately functioning spaces. The entrance was moved to the penthouse, which houses the public zone--the kitchen, dining room, and formal living room. Downstairs is the family zone, with two bedroom/bathroom wings, one for the adults and the other for children, located off a central family and play room. The public spaces are outfitted with sleek, modern décor, while the private, family rooms are decidedly more playful.
Tour the rest of this East Village duplex

July 31, 2014

Sharif El-Gamal Commissions Jean Nouvel to Design Islam Museum Next to WTC

By Dana Schulz

Sharif El-Gamal, CEO of real estate developer Soho Properties, announced today that his company acquired 49-51 Park Place from Consolidated Edison for $10.7 million. He also confirmed that none other than Pritzker Prize-winning starchitect Jean Nouvel will be designing the site's three-story Islam museum and prayer space.
More on the breaking development

July 31, 2014

New St. Mark’s Bookshop is a “Twist” on an Old Favorite

By Dana Schulz

When the neighborhood institution St. Mark's Bookshop was struggling to pay its sky-high rent back in 2011, it asked landlord Cooper Union for a break to prevent having to relocate from its iconic 3rd Avenue and East 9th Street location. The institution wouldn't budge, so the East Village and book-loving communities banded together in an attempt to save the store. Though after petitions, cash mobs, and celebrity visits, the owners announced in March that they'd be moving their shop to 136 East 3rd Street at Avenue A. Longtime patrons were nervous about the new outpost, which recently opened its doors in the historic First Houses complex, but the contemporary design by Clouds Architecture Office does not disappoint. The undulating bookshelves snake through the shop, encouraging customers to peruse the eclectic collection of literature and freeing up interior space for neighborhood events. Through the storefront windows, the colorful books pop against the stark-white shelves, a true feast for the eyes.
More on the clever design ahead

July 31, 2014

Seasoned Real Estate Couple Grab Eclectic Central Park West Apartment for $5.3 Million

By Dana Schulz

It must have been a nice change of pace for Stephen Yalof to look for residential properties instead of the retail spaces he scoped out for 12 years as Senior Vice President of Real Estate for the Ralph Lauren Corporation and now as CEO of Premium Outlets. Though for his wife Liora Yalof, a broker with Corcoran, it was likely just another day at work. The couple paid $5.3 million for their new three-bedroom home at the St. Urban on Central Park West. Apartment 11E is an eclectic mix of historic details and global-inspired décor, perfect for such a well-rounded real estate pair.
READ MORE

July 31, 2014

A Suburban Enclave in Manhattan: Peeking Into Battery Park City

By Dana Schulz

As New Yorkers, we learn to be resourceful. We can turn a tiny patch of grass into a full-on park, double the space of our 400-square-foot apartment with lofted rooms and suspended shelving, and get all of our reading in on the commute to work. But for some, this sacrificial lifestyle becomes too much, and daydreams of suburbia set in. Not ready to pack your bags for Jersey or Westchester just yet? Look to Battery Park City, a suburban-like enclave that's just a five-minute walk from Wall Street. The 92-acre planned residential community is the largest "green" neighborhood in the world, with more than one third of its total acreage covered in parks and gardens. Additionally, the area boasts spectacular waterfront views, large apartments, slightly more affordable prices than its Financial District neighbors, and an impressive collection of public art.
READ MORE

Uncategorized

July 30, 2014

$4.6 Million Gallery-esque Upper East Side Apartment Is a Work of Art

By Aisha Carter

Who wouldn’t want a loft-like Upper East Side apartment walking distance from Museum Mile and Central Park and complete with panda paintings? Yes, this 3 bedroom co-op at 65 East 76th Street has enough room on its wall space to showcase the best of your art collection, and it has enough lighting—both natural and tracking—to host a gallery showing. Well, who says the gallery can’t be a work of art in and of itself? We know this unit doesn’t.
Take a look inside this beautiful pad here

Distinctive Homes

July 30, 2014

Late “60 Minutes” Anchor Mike Wallace’s Estate Sells for $13 Million

By Aisha Carter

After nearly two years on the market, Mike Wallace’s estate has finally sold, for a significant discount, according to city records. The home was initially placed on the market after the anchor’s death in 2012, asking $20 million dollars, a far cry from its closing $13 million sale price. Occupying the 15th and 16th floors of the distinguished 730 Park Avenue—a white-gloved Jacobean/Tudor style co-op designed by F. Burrall Hoffman, Jr. and Lafayette A. Goldstone--this 4BR/4.5BA duplex, offers plenty of light, gorgeous city views, and original prewar details.
Take a look inside the anchor's former home here

July 30, 2014

A 19th Century Candy Store and WWI Fighter Plane Liven Up a Financial District Office Building

By Dana Schulz

Take a step back in time at 77 Water Street, a 26-story office tower designed by Emery Roth & Sons and built by the William Kaufman Organization. The Financial District building features a WWI fighter plane on its roof and a turn-of-the-century penny candy store in its lobby. Thinking that this tower looks too modern for these curiosities? You're right; it was erected in 1970. The William Kaufman Organization wanted to humanize the building and make workers forget they were in an office tower, and to accomplish this they had historic replicas of the plane and candy shop installed. They also added a variety of public art projects throughout the plaza and lobby.
More fun facts about 77 Water Street right this way

July 30, 2014

Tour Tommy Hilfiger’s Lavish Plaza Penthouse

By Dana Schulz

When we think of Tommy Hilfiger we might imagine him in an all-American, red-white-and-blue outfit, standing in a nautical seashore cottage, but his penthouse at the Plaza couldn't be any more the opposite than this vision. Instead of paintings of beach scenes there are Basquiats and Warhols (20 of the latter, to be exact); rather than white-washed walls there are entire rooms clad in marble; and instead of simple, shabby chic bedrooms there are opulent personal retreats that could fit entire NYC apartments within their footprint. In short, Mr. Hilfiger's city residence is nothing short of regal. He and his wife Dee Ocleppo purchased and combined three separate units in 2008, and they then embarked on a massive renovation of the duplex to emulate the old-world style of the landmarked building.
Take a tour through this magnificent home and see if the couple lived up to goal

July 29, 2014

Blue Chip Buys: 15 Central Park West Is New York City’s Most Expensive Building, Other Contenders

By Diane Pham

Even with the thousands of new residential units that have hit the market in the last year, there are still a handful of tried-and-true properties in Manhattan that will always be coveted by the rich, the famous, and those who just wish they were rich or famous. So which properties sit at the top of this list? We turn the CityRealty 100 for the low-down on what buildings have outdone all of the rest. Their latest report tracks the performance of Manhattan's top 100 condo buildings through the second quarter of 2014.
The top performers this way

Real Estate Trends

July 29, 2014

First Look Inside Zaha Hadid’s Futuristic Condos Planned for the High Line

By Diane Pham

Whether or not you're a fan of Zaha Hadid, or Neo-Futurism for that matter, if you're believer that a building's interior should be a seamless extension of its exterior (read: not New York by Gehry), you'll appreciate Zaha's efforts to turn her High Line project into a work worthy of architecture history books. One of the most (if not the most) talked about starchitect projects planned for the elevated park, plenty of full view renderings have surfaced since it was announced just over a year ago. But it looks like we're finally getting a taste of what the inside could look like, courtesy of Curbed. Like its ultra-futuristic exteriors, Zaha's luxurious condos will be just as sleek and spaceship-like as the outside, with undulating surfaces all throughout, and featuring many of the mind-boggling forms we've come to appreciate Ms. Hadid for.
More views inside

July 29, 2014

The Views from This Pied-a-Terre Will Have You Humming with Approval

By Aisha Carter

If you’re looking for a nice pied-a-terre in the heart of an eclectic neighborhood, you can stop your search right now… but of course, keep reading our articles. This $2.495 million 2BR/2BA loft sitting high up in the Capitol Building offers 1,800 square feet of interior space with an additional 200 square feet in the form of an amazing terrace, and two Juliet balconies. And with beautiful views of the city, including a the majestic Empire State Building, the only thing this loft is missing is Luciano Pavarotti singing “Nessun Dorma” in the background. So, hum along with us as we take a tour through this excellent estate.
But Want to see the view? Follow us here

Distinctive Homes

July 29, 2014

Beyonce Spotted Checking Out This $21.5 Million Chelsea Penthouse with Giant Apartment-Sized Closet

By Stephanie Hoina

According to the New York Daily News, Beyonce was spotted apartment hunting this week, without hubby Jay Z, for what some are speculating could be her new bachelorette pad. The luxurious home that seems to have caught Bey's eye is this incredible 4,054-square-foot square penthouse located at 520 West 19th Street, which comes with not only a 20-foot dining room and libraries, but a stunning 642-square-foot private terrace that runs the full length of the apartment and looks out to a dazzling array of city sights—a birds-eye view of the Empire State Building among them.
Tour Beyonce's potential pad here

July 29, 2014

Specht Harpman’s Eiche Residence Uses Simple Lines to Create a Calming East Village Hideaway

By Dana Schulz

It's no secret that the East Village is the go-to neighborhood for NYU students and recent grads looking to mix, mingle, and party, and that can get a little rowdy at times. But the Eiche Residence by Specht Harpman is a peaceful retreat within this buzzing neighborhood. Simple horizontal and vertical lines mixed with clean volumes and planar surfaces help to maximize space and organize movement through this unusually laid out triplex unit. And with neutral furniture and an abundance of warm, natural wood, the calming feel achieved inside will make you forget that you're even in New York.
See why else we're swooning over this East Village pad

July 28, 2014

Gorgeous Versailles-Inspired Townhouse with Sweeping Staircase Sells for $6.7 Million

By Aisha Carter

It probably seems odd for a New York apartment to spark visions of Scarlet O’Hara walking down a staircase. And where is this apartment? It’s not in Brooklyn, or even on the Upper East Side. Ladies and gentlemen you are in Tribeca, where developer and homeowner Gizman Abbas decided to forgo the typical warehouse look in favor of a more palatial, classic look inspired by a trip to Versailles. And if you’re not fascinated by the old world details, let us remind you that just because a home looks like the backdrop for a period piece, doesn’t mean it can’t be rigged with enough modern-day technology to rival Bill Gates. Because our friend Mr. Abbas has traveled to more places than just Versailles, and his cup of inspiration runneth over. It was apparently enough to convince New York attorney Tracey Anne Zaccone. According to city records, Zaccone just purchased the home for $6.7 million, and it looks like she got a steal of a deal.
You’ll see what we’re talking about here

July 28, 2014

$9.5 Million Brewster Carriage House Penthouse Has Enviable Rooftop Terrace

By Aisha Carter

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to take your friends to the park… by just stepping out onto your rooftop? That’s what this stunning unit at the landmark Brewster Carriage House has to offer. This $9.5 million three bedroom simplex has a lot more to it than its sprawling spacious 2,610 square feet of interior space. It also has an additional 1,800 square feet of rooftop terrace with barbecue… and trees.
Let’s take a look inside, here

Distinctive Homes

July 25, 2014

This Central Park South Apartment Stands Out with a Gaudi-Inspired Ceiling

By Dana Schulz

Ears ringing? Yes, the neighbors are at it already, talking about you and your new swanky new home. Well, that is if you decide to drop the $11.8 million on this 3,050-square-foot apartment at the Trump Parc. Located at 106 Central Park South, this home features a 51-foot, semi-circular great room capped off with an 18-foot, undulating, Gaudi-inspired ceiling that will make even the most jaded real estate aficionados look twice.
Take a tour of the rest of this pad

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