Manhattan

January 5, 2021

After 20 years, Sarah Jessica Parker sells West Village townhouse for $15M

As was first spotted by the Wall Street Journal, Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick have sold one of their West Village townhouses for $15 million, according to property records. The couple bought the home on Charles Street in 2000 for just $2,995,000. This time last year, the rumor mill said that they'd been trying to sell the property off-market, as they were living in this home while construction took place combining two adjacent townhouses on West 11th Street that Parker and Broderick bought for $34.5 million in 2016.
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January 4, 2021

You can buy Gem Spa’s iconic storefront sign, egg cream machines

While you can no longer order an egg cream at Gem Spa in the East Village, which closed its doors for good in May, you can own a piece of the legendary institution. The landmark newsstand, which has been located on the corner of St. Marks Place and Second Avenue for a century, is auctioning off iconic memorabilia and signage from the store, including its bright yellow storefront sign, egg cream equipment, and gates with designs by the artist Paul Kostabi. The auction has been extended to January 7 at 10 p.m.
Details this way
January 4, 2021

Tulip columns and marble floors complete the mid-century look at this $2M Midtown East co-op

This two-bedroom apartment is located at the Ritz Tower at 465 Park Avenue in Midtown East. Though this is a classic pre-war co-op, designed by Emery Roth nonetheless, this particular high-floor unit has been transformed into a groovy mid-century home, complete with tulip columns, white marble floors, and period-specific decor. Asking $1,995,000, it also boasts incredible northern, southern, and western views through its 14 windows, along with two outdoor terraces.
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December 30, 2020

See inside the new light-filled Moynihan Train Hall

As one of the few bright spots during a very dark time in New York, the new Moynihan Train Hall opens to the public on Friday. The new transit hub expands Penn Station into the landmarked James A. Farley Post Office Building on Eighth Avenue, increasing capacity at the busiest railroad station in the country by 50 percent. On Wednesday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo celebrated the opening of Moynihan Train Hall, which was inspired by the design of the original Penn Station that was demolished in the 1960s. Ahead, get a look inside the new train hall, including the 92-foot-high massive skylights that total one acre and the new waiting areas for the Long Island Rail Road and Amtrak.
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December 30, 2020

Before Times Square: Celebrating New Year’s in old New York

Every year on December 31, the eyes of the world turn to Times Square. New Yorkers and revelers worldwide have been ringing in the New Year from 42nd Street since 1904 when Adolf Ochs christened the opening of the New York Times building on what was then Longacre Square with a New Year's celebration complete with midnight fireworks. In 1907, Ochs began dropping a ball from the flagpole of the Times Tower, and a tradition for the ages was set in motion. But long before Ochs and his proclivity for pyrotechnics, New Yorkers had been ringing in the New Year with traditions both dignified and debauched. From the George Washington and the old Dutch custom of “Calling,” to the rancorous tooting of tin horns, one thing is clear, New York has always gone to town for the New Year.
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December 29, 2020

$449K Gramercy studio is sleek and sophisticated

Though this Gramercy Park apartment is a studio, the bedroom is in a separate nook and there are 11-foot ceilings, making for a seemingly much larger space. Located at the Foundry at 310 East 23rd Street, a converted factory building that's now a 136-unit condop, it's asking $449,000 and has been completely renovated into a sleek, contemporary home.
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December 28, 2020

A special outdoor dining pavilion in Harlem supports Black-owned businesses

The stately brick homes lining West 138th and 139th Streets between Adam Clayton Powell Jr. and Frederick Douglass Boulevards are known as Strivers' Row. The historic Harlem enclave was once home to prominent, wealthy African-American performers, artists, and professionals. More than 100 years later, the neighborhood is once again leading the community with a new outdoor dining and recreation corridor that supports Black-owned businesses. Called the Renaissance Pavilion at Strivers’ Row, the winterized outdoor setup will help local businesses and restaurants serve customers safely through April of next year.
More details here
December 28, 2020

For under $1M, this Greenwich Village co-op is 19th-century charm meets modern living

This Greenwich Village co-op at 111 West 11th Street was built in 1873, and though the building's 20 units have been beautifully modernized, some still retain their historic details. This one-bedroom unit, for example, is anchored by the original wood-burning fireplace. Asking $995,000, the apartment has an open and sunny layout, complete with a contemporary kitchen and an office alcove.
Have a look around
December 22, 2020

The famous ‘2021’ numerals have arrived in Times Square

2021 has arrived in Times Square. The famous, seven-foot numerals are in the plaza for folks to see up-close and take photos with before they're placed on top of One Times Square underneath the famous New Year's Eve ball. The four numbers use a total of 526 LED bulbs and will be in the Times Square Plaza between 46th and 47th Streets until tomorrow at noon.
Find out more here
December 21, 2020

Inside Casey Rubber Stamps: How this tiny rubber stamp shop has survived for 41 years in NYC

Tucked away on East 11th Street between First and Second Avenues is a small rubber stamp shop, which, according to the small sign in its window, is "closed when not open" and "open when not closed." Casey Rubber Stamps is filled from floor to ceiling with rubber stamps that have all been handmade by John Casey and his two team members. John Casey is originally from Cork, Ireland and first founded his shop in 1979 on Seventh Avenue South in the West Village. He moved the shop to the East Village 19 years ago but still makes his stamps the old-school way with a negative, a plate, and a mold process that is both more time consuming and expensive than newer methods involving liquid polymer materials or laser cutting. Ahead, go behind the scenes to see how all the amazing rubber stamps are made, tour the interior and workspace, and learn about the shop's history from John Casey.
All that right here
December 21, 2020

Finnerty’s, popular Bay Area sports bar in the East Village, has permanently closed

Considered New York City's unofficial San Francisco sports bar, Finnerty's announced this morning that it's permanently closing its East Village location. For the past 11 years, the Irish pub on Second Avenue has been a go-to spot for Giants and 49ers fans, even hosting the Giant's World Series trophy three times. "The pandemic, along with being unable to reach an agreement with our landlord, forced our hand. There just wasn’t any way forward for us," said Finnerty's owners Dieter Seelig and Brian Stapleton.
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December 18, 2020

For $800K, this Yorkville penthouse has roomy interiors and a wrap-around terrace

For well under $1 million, you're getting a lot of bang for your buck here. Not only is the one-bedroom spacious and elegant, but it has a 450-square-foot, wrap-around terrace. Located at 515 East 85th Street in Yorkville, the co-op building is just steps from Carl Schurz Park and a quick walk to the Second Avenue Subway at 86th Street.
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December 17, 2020

On New Year’s Eve, you can sleep in a private igloo under the Times Square Ball

"To honor the strength and resilience" of New Yorkers this year, Airbnb has teamed up with Nasdaq and Mariah Carey to offer two lucky locals (from the same household!) the chance to ring in the new year under the Times Square Ball. The 10th-floor terrace of the Nasdaq MarketSite will hold a heated igloo-like geodesic dome to get cozy in, as well as provide panoramic views of all the live, broadcasted events and performances that will be going on that night. The guests will also get a personal, virtual greeting from Mariah Carey, a $5,000 shopping credit, and dinner by a private chef.
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December 17, 2020

Feel festive all year round: The best apartments for sale near Rockefeller Center

There’s no place like New York during the holidays. Even in the middle of a pandemic, the city manages to still feel magical this time of year. And Rockefeller Center, with its iconic Christmas Tree, ice skating rink, and Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall, remains the city’s crown jewel of the season. For those who want to feel festive all year round, we’ve found the best apartments located within walking distance to Rockefeller Plaza and priced below $1.5 million, from a $530,000 charming pre-war pad in Midtown East to a $1.27 million Theater District one-bedroom with 12-foot ceilings and a shared outdoor terrace with a fireplace.
Full list ahead
December 17, 2020

Oops! 2020 did it again! We have TWO Buildings of the Year

Earlier this week, 6sqft reported that 15 Hudson Yards was voted 2020 Building of the Year with a whopping 50 percent of the votes. However, after we discovered a glitch in our vote-counting system (how 2020!), the results are too close to call and it’s a virtual tie with One South First. If it were another year, we would extend the voting to call a single winner, but it is 2020, and we don’t want to think about voting anymore! The fact that our readers put these two buildings on par is fitting, as they are both prominent projects that have changed the trajectories of their respective neighborhoods--15 Hudson Yards at the Hudson Yards mega-development and One South First at the Domino Sugar development on the south Williamsburg waterfront. Ahead, learn more about the two buildings and what sets them apart.
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December 17, 2020

In a former Hudson Square printing factory, this $2.3M condo is an old-world dream

Located at 104 Charlton Street in the burgeoning Hudson Square area, this two-bedroom condo is located in a former printing factory and retains old-world details like wood-beamed ceilings, brick walls, and rustic wood floors. Though there are oversized windows, the 2,000-square-foot home has a cozy, cavernous feel. It also has a charming outdoor terrace, and it's asking $2,325,000.
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December 16, 2020

Here’s what you need to know about Times Square’s virtual ball drop this New Year’s Eve

In September, the Times Square Alliance announced that its annual New Year's Eve celebration will take place virtually this year, including the famous ball drop. This will be the first time in 114 years that the December 31 event will not have a crowd. But thanks to a new app developed by Jamestown, Times Square will come to the living rooms of revelers around the world. Turning the New Year's Eve experience into a video game, the app lets users create a personalized avatar, explore a virtual Times Square, play games, and live stream the countdown to midnight.  Real-life musical performances, interviews, and countdowns are still happening this year but will be live-streamed instead.
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December 15, 2020

$22M Upper East Side townhouse has a teak media room, mid-century solarium, and neon accents

Try as we might, it's really impossible to classify the style of this Upper East Side townhouse, currently on the market for $22 million. The five-story home is filled with contemporary decor like neon light art and leather flooring, but also has classic architectural elements running throughout. Then there are all the outliers--an all-teak media room, a prairie-style solarium, and an Ipe garden. Located at 48 East 81st Street, it's just a block from Central Park and the Met.
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December 14, 2020

For the first time, East Harlem’s exclusive Rao’s is offering delivery

Noncelebrity New Yorkers will finally be able to taste the iconic Italian food of Rao's, long considered the city's most exclusive restaurant. As part of a joint program led by culture brand Thrillist and ghost kitchen operations company Zuul, the East Harlem institution will offer delivery of its signature dishes for the first time ever. As part of the program, ten New York City restaurants will lead a two-week chef residency with limited-edition menu items available for takeout and delivery.
Details here
December 14, 2020

Rhonda Sassoon puts Soho’s famous ‘Dean & Deluca loft’ on the market for $5.8M

Six-and-a-half years ago, Rhonda Sassoon, fourth wife and widow of famed hairdresser Vidal Sassoon, dropped $5.8 million on this stunning Soho loft at 133 Wooster Street. Not only is it notable for its sprawling 3,600-square-foot layout, but for the fact that she bought it from Dean & Deluca co-founder Jack Ceglic, who created his cookbook right in this very kitchen. Sassoon has now put the co-op back on the market for $5.8 million, hoping to break even.
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December 11, 2020

East Village Ukrainian restaurant Veselka is expanding with a pierogi bar

When Veselka first opened on the corner of 2nd Avenue and East 9th Street in 1954, the business was a small candy shop and newspaper stand. Sixty-years later, and the Ukrainian restaurant serves up 21,000 pierogis, 2,500 latkes, and 110 gallons of borscht each week. That is until the pandemic hit. In September, owner Tom Birchard spoke about how the restaurant was struggling. But thanks to a dedicated customer base filling its heated sidewalk seating and indoor tables, as well as a growing delivery and national shipping arm, Veselka is expanding to the space next door, as was first reported by EV Grieve. The addition will be complete with a new "sushi bar-style counter that will showcase the restaurant’s pierogi-making process," according to the New York Times.
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December 11, 2020

Asking $1.5M, this classic Chelsea co-op is full of Asian influences

The listing for this Chelsea one-bedroom says it "delivers sensations of a tranquil Zen Garden." From the hand-carved, fern-leaf motif window shutters and doors to the woven bamboo bedroom ceiling to the hand-painted woven fabric wall coverings, the 875-square-foot home mixes its classic co-op details with unique Asian-inspired decor, all of which was envisioned by designer Paul Ochs. It's located at 465 West 23rd Street, the iconic London Terrace Towers, and is asking $1,495,000.
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December 10, 2020

For $489K, a classic Upper West Side studio right off Central Park

If you're cool with a studio, here's your chance to live just off Central Park in a classic Upper West Side co-op... for only $489,000. This lovely residence is located at The Bancroft, also just steps from the West 72nd Street subway station. It's got two large, arched windows that bring in plenty of light, along with classic pre-war details.
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December 9, 2020

You can spend a toy-filled night inside FAO Schwarz

It's like Night at the Museum meets Big--one lucky New York City family of four will get the chance to spend the night inside FAO Schwarz, arguably the world's most famous toy store. The experience comes courtesy of Airbnb, who arranged the stay especially for the holidays. For just $25, you'll be able to freely roam the store, as well as receive a special tour from a real FAO Schwarz toy soldier. Other perks include a shopping spree, a fantastic feast, and a music lesson on the store’s iconic Giant Dance On Piano.
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December 9, 2020

$57M penthouse at 111 West 57th Street joins list of NYC’s priciest pandemic sales

A penthouse apartment at the supertall 111 West 57th Street has sold for over $50 million, making it one of the priciest real estate deals in the city since the coronavirus pandemic struck this spring. Duplex Penthouse 75 sold "for around the list price" of $57 million, according to a spokesperson for the Billionaires' Row development. The two-level apartment has four bedrooms, five and a half baths, and boasts 14-foot ceilings and incredible views of Central Park.
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December 7, 2020

Pearl River Mart to close Tribeca flagship next year

Pearl River Mart will shutter its Tribeca flagship early next year, store owners announced last week, becoming the latest New York City institution to shutter because of the coronavirus pandemic. In a blog post, company president Joanne Kwong said negotiations with the landlord "have stalled" and that he "has made clear his desire to use the courts to recoup every dollar he can, not just from our business, but from our personal assets." Despite the closure, Pearl River Mart, which has sold one-of-a-kind Asian-inspired decor and cookware in Manhattan since 1971, will keep its stores and new food concept in Chelsea Market open and the company said it has already secured a new location in the neighborhood.
More here
December 7, 2020

NYC’s highest outdoor observation deck is twinkling with 50,000 lights for the holidays

Edge, the city's highest outdoor observation deck at 1,131 feet (as well as the highest in the entire western hemisphere), is all ready for its first holiday season. The Hudson Yards attraction is adorned with 50,000 twinkling lights illuminating the Skyline Steps and interior spaces and is offering a limited-edition holiday "Cocoa in the Clouds" to keep you nice and toasty while you take in those insane views.
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