13 things you didn’t know about the Woolworth Building

The Woolworth Building, then and now. L: Image courtesy of Library of Congress via Wiki cc; r: Image Norbert Nagel via Wiki cc.

June 29, 2020

13 things you didn’t know about the Woolworth Building

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When the neo-Gothic Woolworth Building at 233 Broadway was erected in 1913 as the world’s tallest building, it cost a total of $13.5 million to construct. Though many have surpassed it in height, the instantly-recognizable Lower Manhattan landmark has remained one of the world’s most iconic buildings, admired for its terra cotta facade and detailed ornamentation–and its representation of the ambitious era in which it arose. Developer and five-and-dime store entrepreneur Frank Winfield Woolworth dreamed of an unforgettable skyscraper; the building’s architect, Cass Gilbert, designed and delivered just that, even as Woolworth's vision grew progressively loftier. The Woolworth Building has remained an anchor of New York City life with its storied past and still-impressive 792-foot height.
Find the city's history in the Woolworth Building
Lottery opens for 94 affordable senior apartments in the heart of Harlem

Photo of Victory Plaza courtesy of Camber Property Group

June 29, 2020

Lottery opens for 94 affordable senior apartments in the heart of Harlem

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A lottery has opened for 94 affordable units for seniors at a new building in Harlem, with 41 of the units for formerly homeless seniors. Victory Plaza, located at 11 West 118th Street, is a 100 percent affordable building developed jointly by Camber Property Group, the Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, and New York City.  To apply, New Yorkers must have at least one household member who is 62 years of age or older, qualify for Section 8 benefits, and earn $51, 200 or less, annually. Eligible applicants will pay 30 percent of their income for the studio and one-bedroom apartments.
More here
Broadway will stay dark for the rest of the year

Photo by Sudan Ouyang on Unsplash

June 29, 2020

Broadway will stay dark for the rest of the year

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In mid-May, the Broadway League continued the suspension of all performances at New York City’s 41 Broadway theaters through Labor Day. At the time, however, many industry insiders said they expected the Great White Way to actually remain dark for much longer. And as of today, that's become a reality. The League provided an update on their website that all performances in New York City will be suspended through the remainder of 2020.
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Apply for 96 mixed-income apartments, half set aside for seniors, in Hunts Point, from $211/month

Rendering courtesy of RKTB Architects

June 29, 2020

Apply for 96 mixed-income apartments, half set aside for seniors, in Hunts Point, from $211/month

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Applications are now being accepted for 96 income-restricted apartments in the South Bronx, with half of those units set aside for seniors. Located at 700 Manida Street, the Hunts Point rental contains eight stories and 108 total units. To apply for the senior housing, New Yorkers must have at least one household member who is 62 years of age or older and earns $40, 960 or less, annually. Eligible applicants will pay 20, 30, or 40 percent of the area median income (AMI) for units that range from a $211/month studio to a $667/month one-bedroom. For the remaining 48 units, New Yorkers earning 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80 percent of the AMI can apply for apartments, ranging in price from an $810/month two-bedroom to $1,960/month three-bedroom.
Find out if you qualify
For under $1M, this East Village co-op has two floors, two bedrooms, and peaceful patio

Listing images courtesy of Brown Harris Stevens

June 29, 2020

For under $1M, this East Village co-op has two floors, two bedrooms, and peaceful patio

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It's probably still shocking to old-time New Yorkers that getting a two-bedroom for under $1 million in the East Village is considered a deal, but that's the case today. This duplex co-op at 103 East 10th Street comes in at $995,000, and in addition to its two floors and two bedrooms, it's got a perfectly peaceful private patio.
Have a look
For $2.8M, this 1840s upstate millhouse has a private waterfall, terraced gardens, and a gorgeous pool

Listing photos courtesy of Houlihan Lawrence

June 26, 2020

For $2.8M, this 1840s upstate millhouse has a private waterfall, terraced gardens, and a gorgeous pool

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In the Westchester town of North Salem, this 1840s millhouse is a magical getaway, both indoors and out. Set on six acres, it boasts terraced gardens, stone walls, walking trails, a heated pool, guest house, and, most notably, a waterfall. Inside, the home has been renovated but retains its historic details such as elaborate moldings, barn beam framing, wide-plank floors, and brick fireplaces. And it's just listed for $2,795,000.
Take the full tour
Brooklyn-based company repurposes shipping containers for pop-up COVID-19 testing labs

A prototype of D-Tec 1 clinic courtesy of SG Blocks

June 26, 2020

Brooklyn-based company repurposes shipping containers for pop-up COVID-19 testing labs

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As the country enters the fourth month of fighting the coronavirus pandemic, public health experts and officials say the best way to keep the virus under control is expansive diagnostic testing. Harvard research group Global Health Institute says states should greatly ramp up testing to contain the spread of COVID-19, to at least 900,000 tests per day; currently, the U.S. is testing about 500,000 people per day. Paul Galvin realized his company, SG Blocks, which repurposes shipping containers for a variety of uses, could meet this crisis head-on. The Brooklyn-based construction organization has designed a new product line of medical pop-up clinics and COVID-19 testing facilities that are affordable, eco-friendly, and can be constructed just about anywhere.
Learn more
See the 5,650+ restaurants open for outdoor dining in NYC

Mayor de Blasio and First Lady Chirlane McCray celebrate the launch of Phase 2 reopening by eating dinner at Melba’s in Harlem; Photo by Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

June 26, 2020

See the 5,650+ restaurants open for outdoor dining in NYC

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Restaurants and bars officially reopened for outdoor dining this week as part of New York City's phase two of reopening. Since Monday, more than 5,650 restaurants have applied, self-certified, and opened their sidewalk, patios, and adjacent parking spots to diners. To make it easier to find which establishments are open for al fresco dining in your neighborhood, the Department of Transportation on Friday released a dashboard and an interactive map that let New Yorkers search for open restaurants by borough and ZIP code.
More here
NYC will legalize e-bikes and e-scooters

Photo by Thomas Loizeau on Unsplash

June 26, 2020

NYC will legalize e-bikes and e-scooters

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The New York City Council voted on Thursday to legalize electric bikes and scooters citywide and create a pilot program that would bring a shared e-scooter program to neighborhoods underserved by public transit. State lawmakers approved the legalization of e-bikes and e-scooters statewide in April, leaving the decision to local officials on how to regulate the vehicles.
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An outdoor deck and bonus basement make this $1.6M Fort Greene co-op a stand-out

Listing photos by Yale Wagner for The Corcoran Group

June 26, 2020

An outdoor deck and bonus basement make this $1.6M Fort Greene co-op a stand-out

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Some people might snub the idea of living in the garden unit of a townhouse, but what that often affords is a private backyard, such is the case at this Fort Greene co-op. Located at 154 Lafayette Avenue and just listed for $1.6 million, the two-bedroom home also has a large lower level that's currently configured as a second living room but could be converted to a third bedroom suite.
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Crown Heights subway stations to be renamed in honor of Civil Rights icon Medgar Evers

Photo of Franklin Avenue Station © 6sqft

June 25, 2020

Crown Heights subway stations to be renamed in honor of Civil Rights icon Medgar Evers

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Two subway stations in Brooklyn will be renamed after Medgar Evers College and the Civil Rights activist for whom the historic black college is named. Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Thursday announced that Franklin Avenue and President Street stations in Crown Heights will formally be renamed this fall, with MTA maps and signage updated this summer. The new stations--Franklin Avenue-Medgar Evers College and President Street-Medgar Evers College--aim to honor the contributions of the institution ahead of its 50th anniversary.
More here
Park Slope townhouse where Al Capone grew up lists for $2.9M

Listing photos courtesy of Douglas Elliman

June 25, 2020

Park Slope townhouse where Al Capone grew up lists for $2.9M

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Before moving to Chicago as a teenager in 1919, Al Capone lived in Park Slope, in three different townhouses along Park Slope. One of them was this townhouse at 21 Garfield Place. Just listed for $2.9 million (h/t Post), the home today is a three-family with an owner's duplex and two one-bedroom apartments above, all of which have private outdoor space.
See inside
$5.2M Cobble Hill home was built in 1859 as a carriage house and stable

Listing photos courtesy of Halstead Real Estate

June 25, 2020

$5.2M Cobble Hill home was built in 1859 as a carriage house and stable

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For the first time since 1977, this one-of-a-kind Cobble Hill home is up for sale. Located at 16 Verandah Place, it's the widest home on the block at 28 feet, and it was constructed in 1859 as a carriage house and stable. Now listed for $5.2 million, the four-bedroom home is full of original details, including the original stable floor, exposed brick, and beamed ceilings. An added fun fact--it was used as a green room for the movie The Intern.
Have a look around
New York reopening guide: What’s open and what you need to know

Photo by Victor He on Unsplash

June 24, 2020

New York reopening guide: What’s open and what you need to know

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In early May, Governor Cuomo revealed that businesses across New York would reopen in four phases. He divided the state into 10 regions and created seven metrics that would determine when a region could begin the process. As of Monday, New York City finally entered phase two, which permits outdoor dining, in-store retail, hair salons, playgrounds, and more. To help make all the transitions a bit easier, we've put together a guide that breaks down what exactly is being monitored to determine reopening, what businesses are allowed to reopen in each phase, and other important info like transportation and testing.
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NYC beaches will open for swimming July 1

Photo of Coney Island by Dan DeLuca on Flickr

June 24, 2020

NYC beaches will open for swimming July 1

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Swimming will be allowed at New York City beaches starting July 1, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Wednesday. Although Gov. Andrew Cuomo gave the green light for state beaches to reopen last month in time for Memorial Day Weekend, the mayor had said the city was "just not ready" to handle the crowds of beachgoers, particularly on public transit. But with the city now in phase two of reopening, the ocean is no longer off-limits, as the Wall Street Journal first reported.
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NYC will now have 67 miles of open streets, the most in the U.S.

Photo looking south on open West End Avenue, taken by 6sqft on 5.16.20

June 24, 2020

NYC will now have 67 miles of open streets, the most in the U.S.

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New York City will add 23 new miles of open streets, bringing the total to roughly 67 miles of streets closed to cars citywide, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Wednesday. When the mayor first announced the program, he committed to opening 100 miles of streets throughout the pandemic. "This is going to be great for people looking for a break this summer with all the things going on, a place for kids to exercise and run around," the mayor said during a press conference. "It's growing, and we're going to keep adding to it."
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With baseball set to return next month, Yankees and Mets will train in New York

Photo of Citi Field by Tomas Eidsvold on Unsplash

June 24, 2020

With baseball set to return next month, Yankees and Mets will train in New York

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Baseball is back. After the coronavirus pandemic put the sport on hold for over three months, Major League Baseball on Tuesday announced a plan to return, with "spring" training to resume on July 1 and opening day games scheduled for July 23 and 24, with no fans. The training will take place at the home stadiums for teams, meaning the Yankees and Mets will return to the Bronx and Flushing starting this week.
Get the details
Lottery opens for 13 income-restricted units in Brownsville, from $800/month

Photo of Broadway Junction by Stanley Wood on Flickr

June 24, 2020

Lottery opens for 13 income-restricted units in Brownsville, from $800/month

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A lottery has opened for 13 income-restricted apartments at a new rental located on the border of Crown Heights and Brownsville in Brooklyn. Designed by Samuel Wieder Architects, the seven-story mixed-use building at 2175 Bergen Street contains 38 total residences and boasts amenities like a fitness center, backyard, and bike room. New Yorkers earning 40, 60, 80, and 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the one- and two-bedroom apartments, priced between $800/month and $2,100/month.
Find out if you qualify
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‘Real Housewife’ Luann de Lesseps lists her Catskills round house for $1.15M

Listing images courtesy of Coldwell Banker Village Green Realty

June 24, 2020

‘Real Housewife’ Luann de Lesseps lists her Catskills round house for $1.15M

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When "Real Housewives of New York" star (Countess) Luann de Lesseps bought this mid-century-modern home upstate in 2018, she said she was drawn to it when she learned that round houses are good Feng Shui. But as the Post first reported, the Countess has just listed the three-bedroom home for $1,150,000 since she's been spending most of her time in the Hamptons instead. Located in the Ulster County town of Port Ewen, the three-bedroom home sits on nearly a full acre right on the Hudson River. It has 200 feet of private river frontage, a private dock, and mooring for a boat.
See the whole place
See inside the enviable amenity spaces of Dahlia, a new condo on the Upper West Side
June 23, 2020

See inside the enviable amenity spaces of Dahlia, a new condo on the Upper West Side

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As the construction of new condo tower Dahlia wraps up on the Upper West Side, we're taking a look at the 20-story building's impressive amenity package. Designed by CetraRuddy and RKTB Architects, the building at 212 West 95th Street manages to mix the pre-war aesthetic of its neighbors with modern design elements. In addition to its sleek look, Dahlia also offers perks unheard of in New York City, including a huge 5,100-square-foot private elevated park with recreation space for both adults and kids and private parking garage.
See inside
New Jersey will open indoor dining and outdoor amusement parks ahead of July 4th weekend

Photo of the Seaside Heights boardwalk by SurFeRGiRL30 via Flickr cc

June 23, 2020

New Jersey will open indoor dining and outdoor amusement parks ahead of July 4th weekend

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Yesterday, Governor Phil Murphy announced that New Jersey will allow indoor dining and casinos to begin operating at 25-percent capacity on July 2. Today, he said on Twitter that outdoor amusement parks, including rides on the boardwalk, and outdoor water parks, can open on this date with 50-percent capacity. Playgrounds can reopen with no limitations. The governor's decision comes after he allowed beaches to open ahead of Memorial Day Weekend and restaurants to open for outdoor dining on June 15, but some are concerned about taking the next step prior to the busy July 4 weekend.
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NYC creates a task force to crack down on illegal fireworks

Photo by Alexander Kagan on Unsplash

June 23, 2020

NYC creates a task force to crack down on illegal fireworks

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"It is not just a quality of life problem and a noise problem," said Mayor de Blasio in his press conference this morning, discussing the issue of illegal fireworks, "but it can also be dangerous." For these reasons and after a protest outside Gracie Mansion last night, he announced that the city has created an illegal fireworks task force, which will consist of members of the Sheriff’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the FDNY, and the NYPD, all of whom will "go to the root cause" of the problem, which is those who are selling and profiting from the fireworks. As the New York Times reported over the weekend, the city is currently receiving 80 times as many firework complaints than usual.
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118 affordable apartments up for grabs at new Far Rockaway rental, from $367/month

Photo: Marc A. Hermann / MTA New York City Transit on Flickr

June 23, 2020

118 affordable apartments up for grabs at new Far Rockaway rental, from $367/month

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Applications are now being accepted for 118 apartments at a newly constructed affordable rental in the Queens neighborhood of Far Rockaway. Located at 19-15 Nameoke Avenue (also known as 14-14 Central Avenue), the eight-story building incorporates the existing Community Church--the Nazarene into the residential part of the building, which contains 142 total apartments. New Yorkers earning 30, 40, 50, and 60 percent of the area median income can apply for the apartments, which range from $367/month studios to $1,472/month three-bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify
Manida Street in the Bronx becomes NYC’s 150th historic district

Streetview of 842 Manida Avenue, Map data © 2020 Google

June 23, 2020

Manida Street in the Bronx becomes NYC’s 150th historic district

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The Bronx has gained a new historic district, making it the 150th district to be landmarked in New York City. The Landmarks Preservation Commission on Tuesday voted to designate the Manida Street Historic, a block of semi-attached brick homes in Hunts Points. Residents first pushed for the South Bronx street to be recognized in 2010, as development began to accelerate in the neighborhood. "This gem of a district is a complete district that still exists and is not only a reminder of the 20th-century residential development of the South Bronx, but it’s also a reflection and testament to the commitment of its current community," LPC Chair Sarah Carroll said on Tuesday.
Get the details
Macy’s July 4th fireworks will last for three days across NYC

Photo by John Saeyong Ra via Flickr cc

June 23, 2020

Macy’s July 4th fireworks will last for three days across NYC

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After Macy's announced yesterday that their annual July 4th Fireworks display in NYC would go on despite the pandemic, headlined by John Legend, Mayor de Blasio said in his press conference today that the show will take on a new life this year. There will be five-minute "brief but mighty" bursts of fireworks throughout the five boroughs from June 29th through July 1st, culminating in a finale on Saturday, July 4th, which will be televised from the top of the Empire State Building. On their website, Macy's says they "expect to announce details of the reimagined event soon."
Get the scoop
Funky North Fork loft with a greenhouse roof and attached cottage asks $1.3M

Photos by Tyler Sands/Sand Media House for Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty

June 23, 2020

Funky North Fork loft with a greenhouse roof and attached cottage asks $1.3M

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First spotted by Curbed, this funky home in Greenport, Long Island was built in 1930 as the town's laundry and has since been converted into this very cool live-work loft. Listed for $1.3 million, the 4,400-square-foot building has an exposed greenhouse-inspired roof and big, open rooms full of original woodwork and pops of lime green. Also included in the sale is an adjacent cottage that could be used as a guest house or additional workspace.
Take the tour
Landscape architects West 8 created NYC’s largest private outdoor garden at One Manhattan Square

Rendering courtesy of Extell

June 22, 2020

Landscape architects West 8 created NYC’s largest private outdoor garden at One Manhattan Square

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The coronavirus pandemic--which forced New Yorkers to shelter in place and adhere to social distancing rules--has many apartment dwellers longing for private outdoor space. While a lot of us would be content with a balcony or rooftop access, Extell, the developer behind One Manhattan Square, has taken the idea of residential outdoor space to the next level. At the Lower East Side condo tower, residents have access to 45,000 square feet of green space designed by landscape architecture firm West 8. Considered to be one of the largest private gardens in the city, the East River-facing green space is uniquely located on an incline and contains several distinct areas designed for active and passive use. Ahead, hear from the team at West 8 on creating an urban oasis in one of the city's busiest neighborhoods as well as the many perks of the space, including an adult treehouse, tea pavilion, star-gazing observatory, and more.
Hear from the architects

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Theodore Roosevelt statue will be removed from NYC’s Museum of Natural History

Photo by Mike Steele on Flickr

June 22, 2020

Theodore Roosevelt statue will be removed from NYC’s Museum of Natural History

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A statue of Theodore Roosevelt that depicts the former president on horseback flanked by a Native American man and an African man will be removed from the steps of the American Museum of Natural History, officials announced on Sunday. The decision to take down the statue, which local activists have requested for years, comes as a renewed discourse about racism and racist symbols continues to grow across the country following the death of George Floyd last month.
Find out more
Facebook may be extending its footprint at Hudson Yards

Photo by Dimitry Anikin on Unsplash

June 22, 2020

Facebook may be extending its footprint at Hudson Yards

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Photo by Dimitry Anikin on Unsplash When Hudson Yards officially opened 15 months ago, its largest retail tenant was Neiman Marcus. But in the wake of the COVID pandemic, the retailer filed for bankruptcy in early May, leaving Hudson Yards developer Related Companies to begin marketing the store's nearly 200,000 square feet as office space instead. And today, WWD reports that Facebook, which already has leased 1.5 million square feet in the mega-development, may be interested in the additional space.
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Target to open new stores on the Upper East Side, Upper West Side

Rendering of the Columbus Circle store planned courtesy of Target

June 22, 2020

Target to open new stores on the Upper East Side, Upper West Side

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Manhattan will get two new Target stores, adding to the retail giant's growing New York City footprint. As first reported by PincusCo, the company has signed a 20-year lease for a store at Vornado Realty Trust's 150 East 86th Street on the Upper East Side and a 15-year lease for space at 795 Columbus Avenue on the Upper West Side, overseen by the Chetrit Group. The two new locations, totaling nearly 80,000 square feet, will be small-format stores, which offer easy pick-up service and grab-and-go products.
Get the details
$2.7M Hamptons home looks like a mid-century paradise out of California

Photo credit: Brown Harris Stevens

June 22, 2020

$2.7M Hamptons home looks like a mid-century paradise out of California

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This super cool East Hampton home could easily be mistaken for a traditional southern California mid-century modern masterpiece. Built in 1964 at the height of the movement, the four-bedroom home was designed for indoor-outdoor living with floor-to-ceiling glass windows in every room, a large saltwater pool, and even a tennis court. It's currently for sale for $2,695,000.
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29 affordable senior and supportive housing units available near Prospect Park, from $411/month

Photo by Thomson200 on Wikimedia

June 19, 2020

29 affordable senior and supportive housing units available near Prospect Park, from $411/month

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A lottery opened this week for 29 affordable apartments designated for seniors and formerly homeless women and families at a new rental in Flatbush. The nine-story building at 1921 Cortelyou Road replaced the nearly century-old Baptist Church of the Redeemer in 2018 but incorporates a new sanctuary in its design. To apply for the apartments, New Yorkers must have at least one household member who is 62 years of age or older and earns $73, 680 or less, annually. Eligible applicants will pay 30, 40, or 60 percent of the area median income for units ranging from a $411/month one-bedroom to a $1,148/month two-bedroom.
Do you qualify?
Here are the five NYC streets getting a ‘Black Lives Matter’ mural

Photo by Anthony Quintano on Flickr

June 19, 2020

Here are the five NYC streets getting a ‘Black Lives Matter’ mural

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Mayor Bill de Blasio on Friday unveiled the five streets that will be painted with a "Black Lives Matter" mural. The large artwork will be designed along Centre Street in Manhattan, Richmond Terrace on Staten Island, Joralemon Street in Brooklyn, 153rd Street in Queens, and Morris Avenue in the Bronx. Earlier this month, the mayor said the streets will also be renamed after the movement, in addition to the street painting. A similar mural dedicated to Black Lives Matter was painted on Fulton Street in Bed-Stuy last weekend.
Details here
In Bushwick, this 1885 former Brewery can be your personal mansion for $4M

Photo credit: DDReps, courtesy of Compass

June 19, 2020

In Bushwick, this 1885 former Brewery can be your personal mansion for $4M

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Every so often a truly unique listing comes our way, and this is one of those times. This stately building at 31 Belvidere Street in Bushwick was originally the office for the adjacent William Ulmer Brewery when it was built in 1885. Today, it's been converted to an incredible two-family mansion, complete with massive arched windows, giant windows, a cobblestone courtyard, and that beautiful mansard roof.
Look around inside
11 ways to celebrate Juneteenth in NYC

Photo by Erick Zajac on Unsplash

June 19, 2020

11 ways to celebrate Juneteenth in NYC

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Juneteenth has been observed by African Americans nationwide for more than 150 years as a celebration of the day enslaved Black people were liberated in the United States. This year, as Black Lives Matter demonstrations continue across New York City, the holiday takes on special significance as a day of action, reflection, and education. New York officials are recognizing the weight of the anniversary by making Juneteenth an official state holiday and a city holiday, set to be observed by public schools next year. Although the festivals and cookouts of the past are on hold this year in light of the coronavirus, there are many virtual and socially distanced events happening across the city, from a digital day of dance to a cyclist-led Freedom Ride.
See the list
New York bars violating reopening rules could lose liquor license or be forced to close, under new order

Photo of New Yorkers drinking on St. Mark’s Place in May by Eden, Janine and Jim on Flickr

June 18, 2020

New York bars violating reopening rules could lose liquor license or be forced to close, under new order

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Any New York bar or restaurant found to be in violation of the state's reopening rules could now immediately lose their liquor license or be forced to shut down. Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Thursday signed two executive orders that would allow for officials to revoke liquor licenses if state guidelines are not followed. The governor's second executive order holds bars responsible for the area in front of their establishment. The mandates come after Cuomo said he would reverse the reopening of some regions if the state's guidelines were not followed. According to the governor, more than 25,000 complaints about businesses in violation of the reopening plan have been filed statewide since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, with a majority of grievances made about restaurants and bars in Manhattan and in the Hamptons.
Find out more
$16M Woolworth Tower condo has 22-foot ceilings and World Trade Center views

Images courtesy of The Corcoran Group.

June 18, 2020

$16M Woolworth Tower condo has 22-foot ceilings and World Trade Center views

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The top 30 floors of Tribeca's venerable Woolworth Tower at 2 Park Place have been redeveloped by Alchemy Properties and given new life by French architect Thierry W. Despont. They now comprise a limited collection of 32 luxury condominium residences. On the familiar landmark's 29th floor, this sprawling three-bedroom condo, asking $15,950,000 million, spans 4,623 square feet, not counting its vast terraces. No expense has been spared in bestowing the finest in finishes and state-of-the-art systems throughout.
See more of this updated deco trophy pad
Plan for mini beach and waterfront esplanade at Bushwick Inlet Park moves forward

Rendering courtesy of Abel Bainnson Butz, LLP.

June 18, 2020

Plan for mini beach and waterfront esplanade at Bushwick Inlet Park moves forward

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The city's plan to bring a waterfront park and small beach to Greenpoint is moving forward. The Parks and Waterfront Committee of Brooklyn's Community Board 1 earlier this month approved a revised design from New York City Parks and architect firm Abel Bainnson Butz for a 1.9-acre passive park at Bushwick Inlet Park. The nearly $10 million project redevelops and remediates a section of land known a the Motiva parcel, which is bounded by Kent Avenue and Quay Street and North 14th Streets.
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NYC reveals outdoor dining plan ahead of Monday’s phase two reopening

Photo by Krisztina Papp on Unsplash

June 18, 2020

NYC reveals outdoor dining plan ahead of Monday’s phase two reopening

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New York City is officially entering phase two of reopening on Monday. The news has led to questioning of the de Blasio administration as to their plan for outdoor dining, with Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer and others rallying for immediate action yesterday. In his press conference on Thursday, the mayor laid out details of the city's Open Restaurants program that will allow restaurants to set up sidewalk seating and curb lane seating, convert adjacent parking spots into seating, utilize plaza seating through Business Improvement Districts, and, come July, add seating areas on streets currently closed to cars.
More here
16 books about New York City by Black authors

Photo by Trnava University on Unsplash

June 18, 2020

16 books about New York City by Black authors

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The Black Lives Matter movement has strong roots in New York City, and with this in mind, 6sqft has put together a list of books about or related to New York City, all by Black authors. Including fiction and nonfiction, our list includes classics like Paule Marshall's Brown Girl, Brownstones and James Baldwin's The Fire Next Time to contemporary works like Kiley Reid's Such a Fun Age and Elaine Welteroth's More Than Enough.
Check out the full list
NYC freezes rent for stabilized apartments

Photo by Goh Rhy Yan on Unsplash

June 18, 2020

NYC freezes rent for stabilized apartments

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The Rent Guidelines Board on Wednesday voted to freeze rents for one year for rent-regulated apartments, offering tenants temporary relief in the current economic recession caused by the coronavirus. The nine-member board approved a measure that freezes rent for one-year leases and for the first year of two-year leases, which can increase 1 percent during the second year.
More here
In Brooklyn’s first skyscraper, this $1.4M condo has a magazine-ready kitchen and a private terrace

Photo credit: Russ Ross, courtesy The Corcoran Group

June 18, 2020

In Brooklyn’s first skyscraper, this $1.4M condo has a magazine-ready kitchen and a private terrace

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Downtown Brooklyn's Belltel Lofts are housed in a landmarked Art Deco tower at 365 Bridge Street that just happens to be the borough's very first skyscraper. Built in 1929 as the headquarters for the New York Telephone Company, the 27-story building was designed by "architect of the century" Ralph Walker. In 2008, it was converted to condos by Beyer Blinder Belle and now has 217 apartments. This sunny unit, listed for $1,395,000, has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a private terrace that overlooks Downtown Brooklyn and sits against the building's gorgeous brickwork.
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New report calls for a 425-mile protected bikeway that would connect NYC’s five boroughs

Current bike lanes by Union Square; Photo courtesy of the NYC Department of Transportation on Flickr

June 17, 2020

New report calls for a 425-mile protected bikeway that would connect NYC’s five boroughs

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When the coronavirus pandemic hit New York City earlier this year, many New Yorkers swapped the subway for cycling as a more socially distant way to commute. Now as the city enters its COVID-19 recovery phase, a planning group is calling on officials to build a network of protected bike lanes across the five boroughs. The Regional Plan Association (RPA) on Wednesday released a report that details plans for a 425-mile bikeway that could be constructed over the next five years and provide a continuous, safe connection between the boroughs.
More here
NYC is ready to enter phase two on Monday
June 17, 2020

NYC is ready to enter phase two on Monday

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With this Sunday marks 14 days since New York City entered its first phase of reopening, the question posed to Mayor de Blasio has been whether or not the city will enter phase two this coming Monday. In his press conference this morning, the mayor said he believes it's more likely to occur in early July, as he wants to monitor the COVID testing rates in light of recent protests. However, in a press conference just a couple hours later, Governor Cuomo said the city will enter phase two on Monday. "The same metrics we use in New York City are the same metrics we've used in every region across the state, and they have all shown to be accurate and effective. We don't change the rules for New York City," he said, adding that the purpose of a phased approach is to allow local governments "to get their acts together."
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43 income-restricted units available at new Harlem high-rise, from $1,208/month

Photo of 56 West 125th Street © CityRealty

June 17, 2020

43 income-restricted units available at new Harlem high-rise, from $1,208/month

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Applications are now being accepted for 43 middle-income apartments at a brand new rental in the heart of Harlem. Located at 56 West 125th Street, the 17-story building contains 141 units and more than 8,700 square feet of ground-floor retail. Qualifying New Yorkers earning 80 and 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the apartments, ranging from $1,208/month studios to $2,710/month two-bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify
On a quiet West Village mews, this $3.5M loft is super chic

Photo credit: Drew Dies, courtesy The Corcoran Group

June 17, 2020

On a quiet West Village mews, this $3.5M loft is super chic

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The West Village's Printing House condo at 421 Hudson Street has been a sought-after loft building for more than three decades, thanks to its location near both Hudson River Park and Soho and its open homes with high ceilings and massive windows. Even more coveted, though, are the homes along the Printing House's mews, a 200-foot gated and landscaped lane stretching from Leroy to Clarkson Streets that was designed by Gunn Landscape Architecture. Now on the market for $3,495,000 is a two-bedroom, 1,500-square-foot duplex on the mews that has a super sleek design and convenient layout.
Look around
This year’s U.S. Open will happen in Queens without fans

Photo via Wikimedia Commons

June 16, 2020

This year’s U.S. Open will happen in Queens without fans

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This year's 52nd annual U.S. Open will be held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens from August 31st to September 13th without fans, Governor Cuomo announced in his press conference today. The U.S. Tennis Association will "take extraordinary precautions to protect players and staff," which will include robust testing, increased cleaning, extra space in locker rooms, and dedicated housing and transportation. Last year's event set an all-time attendance record of 737,872, bringing in $400 million in revenue, 80 percent of the USTA’s annual total.
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Nathan’s Famous will hold 2020 hot dog eating contest without fans

Photo by Chun-Hung Eric Cheng on Flickr

June 16, 2020

Nathan’s Famous will hold 2020 hot dog eating contest without fans

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While most of New York City's annual summer activities and celebrations have been canceled or postponed this year because of the coronavirus, one event will still take place. Nathan's Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest will forge ahead in Coney Island on July 4, but with no fans, fewer eaters, and social distancing measures in place.
More details
New York’s latest COVID antibody survey shows a rise in the Bronx and minority communities

Image by Scientific Animations via Wikimedia Commons

June 16, 2020

New York’s latest COVID antibody survey shows a rise in the Bronx and minority communities

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Today, Governor Cuomo released the results of the state's second-phase COVID antibody test, which randomly surveyed 12,000 people between May 1 and June 13. When the survey commenced, 12.3% of New York residents tested positive, compared with 13.4% on Saturday. The new results are more telling, however, when it comes to disparities in New York City. Though overall there was only a 1.6% increase (19.9% to 21.6%), the Bronx increased by 5% and Brooklyn and Queens by 2.1%. There are also disparities when it comes to race, as the Black and Latino/Hispanic communities have seen increases of 3.4% and 5% respectively.
More data

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