Manhattan

The headquarters of the "Queen of the Wrap Dress" (ladies, you know what I'm talking about if you've ever stood in line for one of these sample sales!) is well known for the big, geometric glass structure that sits perched atop the traditional Meatpacking District building. Not so well known, though, is that inside this rooftop crystal is Ms. von Furstenberg's penthouse apartment. And just as you'd expect, the space is full of all of the sleek, yet glamorous style that the designer expresses in her clothing. Conceptualized by Work Architecture, the Diane von Furstenberg headquarters was adapted from this landmarked meat market building to house the firm's flagship store, administrative offices, and production space. The re-imagined rooftop is not only an apartment, but a garden oasis. The staircase, dubbed the "stairdelier" by the architects since it is lined with Swarovski crystals, ties the live/work space together and is its crowning jewel. Descending diagonally through the building's six stories, it reflects light throughout the entire interior.
More about the sparkling staircase and all of the interior eye candy this way

May 23, 2014

The Most Gorgeous New York City Hotel Interiors

By Jason Carpenter

Design is on display in New York's luxury hotels, where the interior look and feel is as important as where it's located. From the lobbies that welcome guests on their first steps into the building to the bars and dining areas later at night, some of a hotel's best design work lays outside the guests' rooms. Here are just a few of our favorite hotel interiors.
See more amazing hotel lobbies here

May 23, 2014

Seaport City: Neighborhood Built on Landfill May Be Coming to the East River

Though bearing little resemblance to its quaint East River neighbor, “Seaport City” could become a reality based on a new study released yesterday by the New York City Economic Development Corporation. But don’t bank on a new set of sought after residential and commercial river views just yet. Seaport City is only one of a number of options presented to the city as part of former mayor Michael Bloomberg's 257-point, post-Hurricane Sandy resiliency plan – and it’s the most challenging on the list.
Find out more about the plan to protect the lower east side

May 23, 2014

Two Penthouses in Chelsea’s Walker Tower Sell for “Just” $30.75M

One lucky (European) buyer scooped up not one but two penthouses in Chelsea’s Walker Tower yesterday for $30.75 million, in what could easily be considered the real estate steal of the year. Toni Haber of Douglas Elliman, who represented the buyer, told the Wall Street Journal that her client “got a really good deal”, as the two units […]

Real Estate Trends

May 23, 2014

American Thread Building Triplex Has Luxury Living and an Original Keith Haring Mural

Standing inside the palatial (trust us, this is not an understatement) 45' x 45' entertaining space in this magnificent triplex at 260 West Broadway, with its soaring arched windows, 26+ foot ceilings and beautifully detailed cast iron columns, you can’t help but feel a cool ocean breeze (Miami anyone?) gently soothe your soul. One could hardly blame you if you decided to stay right there and soak in the sun all weekend long. But that’s like choosing a 4-day getaway when you’ve won an around-the-world adventure because every room in this 8,000 square foot Tribeca residence offers an extraordinary experience for those lucky enough to call it home. It’s hard to know where to begin on the itinerary.
Come on an adventure with us

Distinctive Homes

May 22, 2014

Gorgeous Soho Loft Survived Plans for Lower Manhattan Expressway

It’s hard to imagine that in the mid-20th century the quaint little street known as Broome was the proposed site for the ten-lane Lower Manhattan Expressway, replacing all of the buildings on its north side — including this beautiful charmer at #456. Thankfully those plans never came to fruition and this stunning home with towering 14-foot ceilings, wide plank floors, and intentionally distressed exposed brick walls survived to welcome a new generation of New Yorkers into its midst.
See what survived those expressway plans

Distinctive Homes

May 22, 2014

Memorial Day Events for the New Yorker Who Wants to Stay Local

By Katrina Otuonye

Memorial Day is just a few days away, and if you're like us, you can't wait to take a break from the daily grind. While many have made plans that will sweep them off to far flung places like Paris, for those looking to stay local, there are plenty of incredible events going on across all of NYC's boroughs — rain or shine. Keep reading for our top events to check out this Memorial Day weekend. It’s going to be a busy few days!
All the events this way

Events & Things To Do

May 22, 2014

15 Broad Street: FiDi’s Downtown by Starck is Anything But

The year is 1928: Scotch tape is first marketed by 3M, the first air-conditioned building opens in San Antonio, the clip-on tie is designed, the NY Yankees sweep the Cards in the 25th World series – and the Equitable Trust Building at 15 Broad Street was completed. For nearly 80 years the L-shaped grey brick stone building would house some of the most influential financial companies in the world, until developer A.I. & Boymelgreen rescued it from certain demolition in 2003 and tasked French architect Phillipe Starck to turn it into a luxury condominium worthy of the financial capital of the world.
Check out #2412 at 15 Broad Street

Distinctive Homes

May 22, 2014

Developer Harry Macklowe Pays $585 Million for the Bank of New York Tower

According to the Wall Street Journal, a group of investors, led by developer Harry Macklowe, has just paid $585 Million for One Wall Street, the headquarters of Bank of New York Mellon Corp. A spokesman for Macklowe declined to disclose what the developer plans to do with the 50-story tower, but word is that other bidders for […]

New Developments

May 22, 2014

Light-Filled Lincoln Center Apartment Gets Lucky New Buyer

At 3 Lincoln Center (a.k.a. 160 West 66th Street), residents have the bragging rights of living in the only residential building in the Lincoln Center of the Performing Arts complex. And wouldn't you brag too if right outside your window was the Metropolitan Opera House and Juilliard? Apartment 46A is home to the most recent boaster. Sold for $3.9 million, the 1,562-square-foot unit has splendid north - and west - facing panoramic views that can be taken in through the huge, wraparound windows. The 9.5-foot ceilings add to the bright openness of this 2BD/2.5BA apartment.
Check out all the magnificent views and interiors this way

May 21, 2014

Derek Lam Scoops Up a Light-Filled Apartment in Gramercy Park North for $4.8 Million

Hot off the sale of their Soho loft, fashion designer Derek Lam and his partner Jan-Hendrik Schlottmann just closed on a $4.8 million 3BR/3.5BA pad at 50 Gramercy Park North, according to city records filed this afternoon. The home, which was listed by Kirk and Paige at Douglas Elliman, boasts a 40-foot expanse of floor-to-ceiling windows that give the home a decidedly modern California aesthetic that is very much in the vein of a Neutra icon. Though the current decor is quite subdued, if Lam's F/W'15 line is any indication of his preferred palette, we expect that this new space will be accented with plenty of rich blues, greens, and a bit of orange.
Have a look inside the stunning apartment

May 21, 2014

$13 Million Central Park West Pad Will Make Your Head Swim

Well, if you were getting your finances together to buy the $13 million apartment at 15 Central Park West, you can get off the phone with your accountant because it's sold. Unfortunately for you, Noel Berk of Mercedes/Berk has sold the Upper West Side stunner to someone else for $13.075 million. But that’s not going to stop us from writing about it, so sit back and take in the splendor that is the apartment you just barely missed out on. Unit 15K is an absolutely astounding 3BR/3.5BA beauty, with giant windows that bathe the entire apartment with light. Upon entry to this 2,500 square-foot haven, you’re greeted with a gorgeous foyer with Venetian plaster walls. This leads to a spacious living room with huge windows so as not to obstruct your view of the Lincoln Center. There’s a dining room situated right off the living room, a perfect place to seat your guests as they spend too much time oohing and ahhing over your apartment to remember to eat. And speaking of food, let’s take a trip into this kitchen.
You won't believe your eyes when you see the view from this gorgeous kitchen, here

May 21, 2014

Beautiful Eco-Friendly Loft on Watts Street Sells

It looks like Town Residential’s Danny Davis has done it again. He has made someone fall in love with another apartment, this time at 125 Watts Street. Unit #4 is the quintessential loft experience with high ceilings, white brick walls and tons of light. This historic, pre-war building is perfectly situated in Northwest Tribeca, right on the edge of Soho. This area has those desirable cobblestone streets, not to mention having plenty of dining and shopping to appeal to your chic side, while still being situated right near Hudson River Park and Pier 25 to appeal to your athletic side. You know what they call that? Nirvana.
See what Nirvana looks like here

May 21, 2014

Plans Filed for the SOM-designed Apartment Tower at 401 West 31st Street

Brookfield Office Properties filed its first plans yesterday for their SOM-designed residential tower located at 401 West 31st Street, adjacent to all the Hudson Yards hoopla. The 756,674-square-foot, 702-foot-tall tower will host 790 apartments with 3,438 square feet of retail on its ground level. The design sits within a grouping of glass towers and a low slung, tapering structure. The […]

May 21, 2014

Five Opulent and Ornate Spaces Looking for an Occupant

Anyone who's gone apartment hunting in Manhattan knows it can get a little monotonous — the bone-white walls, standard hardwood floors, and typical layouts. Sometimes the blank canvas just isn't enough; sometimes you need a little oomph. For those of you who enjoy ogling beautiful homes that have been carefully designed and expertly decorated, we've rounded up five opulent and ornate spaces currently looking for an occupant.
See all the stunning spaces this way!

10 New York Neighborhoods for Artists Now

Update: Check out our 2017 edition for the latest!

May 20, 2014

10 New York Neighborhoods for Artists Now

It’s become all too common in New York City — artists move into a neighborhood, make it trendy and culturally vibrant, and then are forced out by rising rents. It happened in Greenwich Village, Soho, the East Village, DUMBO, and Williamsburg. Do not be disheartened, though, there are still plenty of artist enclaves with thriving creative communities. Ahead are our ten current frontrunners — some may surprise you!
Where the artists are flocking

Events & Things To Do

May 20, 2014

The Historic Worth Building Gets a Few New Residents

New York socialites Avi and Savar Leigh just became the proud owners of apartment #5D at 73 Worth Street. As of May 19th, the Strategies of Wealth financial planner and her businessman husband put down $2.8 million to become the new residents of the Worth Building in Tribeca's Historic District. Their gorgeous new 1,925 square-foot loft, listed by Danny Davis of Town Residential, features solid oak floors and large windows throughout. There’s a large great room situated perfectly for entertaining, and an eat-in kitchen with custom cherry wood cabinets, black granite countertops and the stainless top-of-the-line Subzero refrigerator that has become an essential to any chef’s kitchen.
Take a look inside the Savar's new home here

May 20, 2014

Picture-Perfect Apartment in the Trump International Finds a Buyer

The Donald has no shortage of high-rise real estate accolades, but the Trump International Hotel & Tower, located at 1 Central Park West, is considered by many one of his most successful developments. Adapted from a former office tower in 1997, it soars 44 stories above Columbus Circle with stunning views of Central Park and the Hudson River. The lower 22 floors are occupied by a hotel, while the upper 22 contain 158 modern, sunny private residences that are nothing short of trump-tacular. Unit 23D, which recently sold for $8.55 million through Ido Berniker at Mercer Partners, is no exception to the billionaire-worthy design. The 3BR/3.5BA apartment has 10-foot ceilings, as well as sleek modern finishes that really make the interior shine.
More about the spectacular home this way

May 19, 2014

Observations: Sherpas Not Needed

By Carter B. Horsley

Some people have great hair that never goes astray. That made me think about buildings with their new-fangled window-washer rigs. They’re not new but the recent “gold rush” of high-end residential condominiums have led some developers to design curious new building forms that would appear to be major obstacle courses for those marvelous skywalkers who brave the elements and have never experienced a tinge of acrophobia. The faint-hearted, of course, prefer sheer city cliffs, but only the bravest descend from the heights over the new often bumpy terrain.
Sherpas not needed

Architecture And Design

May 19, 2014

Gorgeous Lenox Hill Apartment Redefines Luxury

Whoever coined the term “the lap of luxury” was clearly thinking of The Mayfair’s apartment #2BC at 610 Park Avenue. This opulent residence, with a $20 million price tag, is so lavish you feel elegant just looking at it. The gorgeous marble entrance gallery is a perfect first impression, setting the tone for the rest of the apartment. The Mayfair was originally the Mayfair Regent Hotel, built back in 1925 by Rosario Candela’s famous partner J.E.R. Carpenter. The building was converted to 15 floors of beautiful condos in 1997.
Take a look inside this palatial pad here

Distinctive Homes

May 19, 2014

Your Daily Link Fix: Samsung to Increase Phone Security; 16 Women to Watch in NY Tech

The Grace Building Refinanced: Bryant Park’s neighbor has just been evaluated for nearly 3x its previous appraisal, leaving its owners with some fat pockets. NASDAQ has the details on this incredible refinancing. Manhattan Leases More Gym Space: New York City’s gotta keep it tight and right. The Real Deal has the real… deal on the […]

Uncategorized

May 16, 2014

Greene Street SoHo Loft Will Cast a Spell on You (Sorry, Quirky Fireman Statue Not Included)

Greene Street in SoHo is the kind of block you walk down and can’t help but marvel at its rich collection of cast-iron architecture — arguably part of the most extensive of its type in the world. Close your eyes and you can almost (okay, maybe at 3AM, but work with me here) hear the clip-clop of the horse drawn buggies reminiscent of the year 1880, when this undeniable gem was built. Fortunately, although modern in its amenities (it was converted to loft condos in 2000), 20 Greene Street and the apartments within retain much of their 19th century charm, from the building’s classic facade to unit 2B’s high ceilings with exposed piping and cast iron Corinthian columns.
See why this SoHo loft will cast its spell on you

Distinctive Homes

May 16, 2014

Has Governor Cuomo Found a Way to Fix Pier 40?

Governor Andrew Cuomo has reached a tentative deal with developers that could save Pier 40, according to the New York Times. In the new deal, Governor Cuomo would transfer unused development rights to another site on West Side Highway in exchange for $100 million to repair Pier 40. Restoration would involve gradually demolishing St. John’s Terminal Building and replacing it with residential buildings and shops over a period of 10 years.
Learn more about Governor Cuomo's deal to save Pier 40 here

Real Estate Trends

May 16, 2014

Socialites Buy a Home in the Former Building of One of New York’s Most Infamous

New York socialites Danielle and Jonathan Segal have decided to upgrade from their 2BR/2.5 co-op on 65th Street, to a gorgeous 3BR/3BA apartment… one block away. The daughter of Ilan Cohen, owner of real estate company Elite Management, and her hedge fund husband have just put down $4.77 million on apartment 2B at 133 East 64th Street, with the help of Fox Residential's listing agents Barbara Fox and Brad Loe.
Take a look inside the beautiful home here

May 16, 2014

Contemporary West Houston Street Duplex Loft Finds a Buyer