6sqft | NYC local news, events, and apartments

Ready for a summer getaway? It doesn’t get much better than this luxurious 11,000 square-foot Southampton home, complete with a two-lap pool, steam room, jacuzzi, and indoor basketball court. Sited on a lush two-acre property about a mile from the ocean at Halsey Neck Beach, the shingle-clad mansion boasts seven bedrooms and ten full bathrooms. Built in 2018, the property was first listed last summer for $24.9 million and is now seeking a reduced $18.995 million.
READ MORE

Distinctive Homes

Sunset Park gains four historic districts

535 to 545 48th Street via LPC

June 18, 2019

Sunset Park gains four historic districts

The Landmarks Preservation Commission on Tuesday voted to designate four historic districts in Sunset Park, protecting the Brooklyn neighborhood from potential out-of-scale alterations and development. The noncontiguous areas include Sunset Park North, Central Sunset Park, Sunset Park 50th Street, and Sunset Park South, all standing out for their cohesive and intact architecture, according to the commission.
More here

Policy

Central Park’s Belvedere Castle reveals $12M restoration

The restored Belvedere, courtesy of the Central Park Conservancy

June 18, 2019

Central Park’s Belvedere Castle reveals $12M restoration

By Dana Schulz

After a 15-month, $12 million restoration and repair project, the Belvedere will reopen to the public on Friday, June 28th. In anticipation, the Central Park Conservancy today opened the historic structure to press, revealing its restored facade, expansive views through new clear-pane-glass windows, new mechanical and utility systems, and a recreation of a wooden tower that was part of Olmsted and Vaux's original plan 150 years ago. Though many New Yorkers refer to the site as Belvedere Castle, "Belvedere" actually means “beautiful view” in Italian and refers to the vistas from the second-highest point in Central Park. Belvedere receives approximately one million visitors each year, and starting this month, they will also be able to see the Castle illuminated at night, as the landmark will be lit for the first time ever.
See more right here

$23M renovated Greenwich Village townhouse comes with a glass-walled lap pool

Listing photos courtesy of Prime Manhattan Residential

June 18, 2019

$23M renovated Greenwich Village townhouse comes with a glass-walled lap pool

The six-level, eight-bedroom townhouse at 109 Waverly Place, asking $23.5 million, already occupies the ultra-luxury zone with its 25-foot width, high-speed elevator and architect-led modern renovation. But an indoor lap pool and a rooftop Jacuzzi put the single family home spanning more than 8,300 square feet in a class by itself. Add to that exclusive combination 1,500 square feet of outdoor space and a cover spot on Interior Design magazine, and you might wonder why the historic Village address has been on the market since 2017, when it was listed for $28 million.
Take the tour

Distinctive Homes

Six significant LGBTQ sites in New York City are landmarked

Top, left to right: GAA Firehouse, James Baldwin Residence, LGBT Community Center; Bottom, left to right: Audre Lorde Residence, Women’s Liberation Center, Caffe Cino; Photos courtesy of NYC LGBT Historic Sites Project

June 18, 2019

Six significant LGBTQ sites in New York City are landmarked

Six sites significant to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community of New York City officially became city landmarks on Tuesday. The city's Landmarks Preservation Commission voted to designate the Gay Activists Alliance Firehouse, the Women's Liberation Center, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center, Caffe Cino, James Baldwin's Upper West Side home, and the Staten Island home of Audre Lorde. The designations coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising, as well as the city's first time hosting WorldPride.
Find out more

Photo credit: Jonathan Blanc / NYPL.

June 18, 2019

NYPL officially rolls out new bookmobile in time for summer

Update 6/18/19: The New York Public Library officially launched on Tuesday its first new bookmobile in decades. The first moving library--NYPL plans to launch two more this year-- will park at PS 11 in the High Bridge section of the Bronx, letting students browse and borrow immediately. It's National Library Week, and the New York Public Library has taken the opportunity to announce that it will be expanding its presence in New York City's neighborhoods this summer in the form of three new bookmobiles. The mobile libraries are headed to communities in the Bronx, Manhattan and Staten Island.
A long-rolling tradition

City Living

New York set to legalize e-scooters and e-bikes

Image via Flickr cc

June 18, 2019

New York set to legalize e-scooters and e-bikes

New York lawmakers reached an agreement on a bill to legalize e-scooters and e-bikes across the state and are expected to vote on the matter this Wednesday, the New York Post reports. The bill would legalize e-bikes and scooters but each city will ultimately be able to decide how to regulate the vehicles. Local governments will also have the power to decide whether to launch shared networks of e-bikes and e-scooters and have complete control over their operations. However, the language in the bill specifically bars New York City from launching an e-scooter sharing system in Manhattan.
More this way

Dumbo celebration marks the 10th anniversary of the iconic Archway’s public life

The Brooklyn Flea under the Archway. Photo: Noemie Trusty, courtesy of Dumbo Improvement District.

June 18, 2019

Dumbo celebration marks the 10th anniversary of the iconic Archway’s public life

By Andrew Berman of Village Preservation

On Friday, June 21, Brooklyn's Dumbo neighborhood will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Archway under the Manhattan Bridge–the "UMBO" of Dumbo (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass), so to speak. The Archway–one of the only covered outdoor spaces in New York City—has for the past decade served as the neighborhood's town square, giving hundreds of thousands of residents and visitors a prime public place for large-scale events, community gatherings, film shoots, art exhibitions and local start-up events. In celebration, expect food, music and visual arts exhibitions befitting a neighborhood with Dumbo's unique creative history.
Ahead, a transformation

Distinctive Homes

A celebrated artist's Upper East Side co-op asks $4.75 million

For $5M, be the first new owner of this historic Cobble Hill wood-frame home in 40 years

For $2M, a Boerum Hill co-op with a colorful Scandi kitchen

Amy Schumer sells Brooklyn Heights townhouse at $1.25M loss

For $4M, East Village living, penthouse-style

Once a parking garage, this $85M Village penthouse is now in line to break neighborhood sales records

Greenwich Village townhouse at the center of NBA gambling scandal listed for $22.5M

Pre-war warmth meets polished loft lines in this $4.25M Village co-op

Turn this $6.9M Brooklyn Heights three-family townhouse into an urban mansion with original details galore

For $6.75M, everything you'd want in a Park Slope brownstone

VIEW ALL

June 17, 2019

23 LGBT landmarks of the East Village and Noho

Their neighbor to the west Greenwich Village may be more well known as a nexus for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender history, but the East Village and Noho are chock full of LGBT culture as well, from the site of one the very first LGBT demonstrations to the homes of some of the greatest openly-LGBT artists and writers of the 20th century to the birthplace of New York’s largest drag festival. Ahead, we round up 23 examples, from Walt Whitman's favorite watering hole to Allen Ginsberg's many local residences to Keith Haring's studio.
Learn the history of all the spots

History

MTA will bring food and retail options to three of the city’s most trafficked subway hubs

Image via Flickr cc

June 17, 2019

MTA will bring food and retail options to three of the city’s most trafficked subway hubs

As subway newsstands continue to decline, the MTA is reconsidering its retail strategy at three of the cities busiest stations, the Wall Street Journal reports. Riders will soon have more underground dining and shopping options, as the agency seeks to replicate the success of Grand Central Terminal—which teems with a wide range of bars, restaurants, and shops—and the Turnstyle Underground Market leading to Manhattan's 59th St-Columbus Circle Station. The three stations set for a revamp are 42nd Street-Port Authority, 42nd Street-Times Square, and 47th-50th Streets-Rockefeller Center.
More details

Transit

Dorrance Brooks Square Historic District, St. Marks United Methodist Church. Image courtesy of NY State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.

June 17, 2019

Historic places in the UWS, Harlem and Sunset Park are recommended for state and national designation

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Friday that the New York State Board for Historic Preservation has recommended adding 18 properties, resources, and districts to the State and National Registers of Historic Places. The new nominations include the Upper West Side home of author and civil rights activist James Baldwin, the Dorrance Brooks Square Historic District and the former 32nd Precinct Station House complex in Harlem, and the Fourth Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church in Sunset Park, Brooklyn in addition to 14 other nominated places throughout the state.
Find out how New York continues to recognize varied historic places

City designation saves Brooklyn’s Weeksville Heritage Center from uncertain financial future

The Center’s historic Hunterfly Road Houses via Wiki Commons

June 17, 2019

City designation saves Brooklyn’s Weeksville Heritage Center from uncertain financial future

The Weeksville Heritage Center has been added to a list of 33 Cultural Institutions Groups (CIG), guaranteeing the museum will have its basic operating costs covered, as Curbed first reported. After revealing its precarious financial position earlier this year, Weeksville launched a crowdfunding campaign in May to meet the Center’s short-term operating costs. The effort ended up bringing in over $266,000 from more than 4,100 donors around the world. The coveted CIG designation—the first new addition in more than 20 years and the first black cultural center in Brooklyn to make the list—means that Weeksville will be able to enjoy greater stability as it continues to share its vital mission with visitors and the community.
All the details

Events & Things To Do

City withdraws plan for mixed-income tower proposed for Upper East Side playground

Previous rendering of the original project; Via NYCHA

June 17, 2019

City withdraws plan for mixed-income tower proposed for Upper East Side playground

The New York City Housing Authority has ditched plans to build a private 47-story apartment building on top of a playground on the Upper East Side, agency officials said Friday. The original plan called for a 300-unit tower to replace the playground at the Holmes Tower public housing complex with half of the units affordable and the other half at market-rate, the latter meant to raise funds for repairs at the tower. The new plan for the site will increase the number of market-rate apartments in order to collect more money, NYCHA officials told THE CITY.
Get the details

Affordable Housing

This $13M private island just outside NYC is totally off the grid

Listing photos by Vizzi Media Solutions

June 17, 2019

This $13M private island just outside NYC is totally off the grid

This unique home located in New Rochelle just outside New York City is not only situated on a pair of private islands with over five acres of land, but with a year's worth of fuel oil, the islands are completely self-sustaining for off-the-grid living right in Westchester County. An inspired renovation by the current owner means custom everything and integration with nature without sacrificing comfort. Asking $13 million, Columbia and Pea Islands–and a 5,625-square-foot home–are definitely not your ordinary property.
Take an island tour

De Blasio and Chuck Schumer call for increased helicopter regulations after last week’s crash

Image via Flickr cc

June 17, 2019

De Blasio and Chuck Schumer call for increased helicopter regulations after last week’s crash

Following the deadly crash of a helicopter in midtown last Monday, lawmakers are calling for greater oversight on helicopters flying over the city, the New York Post reported. “I think we need a full ban on any helicopters going over Manhattan itself,” Mayor de Blasio said on WNYC’s The Brian Lehrer Show last Friday, noting that “exemptions should be made for emergency responders, first responders, uniform services,” and news cameras. On Sunday, Senator Chuck Schumer urged the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to include data recorders in all helicopters.
More info

“Harlem Street Scene Showing Local Businesses,” 1939, Photographer: Sid Grossman, Street Scenes Collection, Photographs and Prints Division, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture courtesy of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture

June 14, 2019

New Schomburg Center exhibit explores 20th-century Black placemaking in Harlem

By Lucie Levine

"A Ballad for Harlem," the new exhibit now on view at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, explores the history of the neighborhood and celebrates Black placemaking in 20th and 21st century America. The exhibit uses photographs, manuscripts, objects, art and sculpture from the Schomburg's collection to revisit "Harlem’s places, people, and moments—both known and underrepresented—that capture the realities of community and hardship experienced by Black Americans." Ahead, hear from curator Novella Ford to learn more about the show.
READ MORE

June 14, 2019

This $17.5M historic Tribeca townhouse has a jazz club in the basement

The Bogardus Mansion at 75 Murray Street is an original cast iron treasure. Perfectly configured for conversion to a single family home, the 25-foot-wide Tribeca building, asking $17.5 million, is a true piece of New York City history, with original details and plenty of possibilities, from the noted 75 Club jazz venue in the building's basement to the owner's penthouse with a conservatory, roof deck and stunning lower Manhattan views.
Five floors, a penthouse and a unique speakeasy

Distinctive Homes

From superheroes to speakeasies: 10 walking tours even New Yorkers will love

By Nicole Mondrus

There’s no better way to enjoy the warm weather and see all New York has to offer than by taking a walking tour. Not just for tourists anymore, you can learn more about city history, find a new favorite spot to eat, and even discover some Instagram-worthy views. Ahead, we’ve rounded up 10 of the most fun and information tours in NYC, from superheroes and ghosts to swing dance and pork buns.
Find out more

Events & Things To Do

10 businesses including Tracks Bar will be shuttered in $600M Penn Station revamp

Photo of Tracks Bar by 6sqft

June 14, 2019

10 businesses including Tracks Bar will be shuttered in $600M Penn Station revamp

Recently-revealed renderings show the final design for the new main entrance to Penn Station. It's no surprise that, as the Wall Street Journal reports, the overhaul will mean the eviction of 10 businesses including popular commuter watering hole Tracks Bar. Real estate developer Vornado will be making the decision about which, if any, of the businesses–other than Tracks, mostly chain restaurants–can return when renovations are done.
Find out more

For under $700K, a colorful and cozy Greenpoint co-op close to McCarren Park

Listing images by Rise Media

June 14, 2019

For under $700K, a colorful and cozy Greenpoint co-op close to McCarren Park

Just a few blocks away from both McCarren and McGorlick Parks, this ground-floor Greenpoint co-op at 100 Newel Street is a rare find for the asking price of $699,000. It's full of pre-war elements like original hardwood floors and wainscoting, mixed with modern pops of color and a freshly renovated kitchen and bathroom. While the railroad layout is less than ideal, charming details in every room—including two fireplaces—make it a cozy and intimate place to call home.
Take a look inside

Distinctive Homes

VIDEO: See the city’s highest rooftop pool get lifted 680 feet atop supertall Brooklyn Point

Rendering courtesy of Williams New York/Extell

June 14, 2019

VIDEO: See the city’s highest rooftop pool get lifted 680 feet atop supertall Brooklyn Point

The tallest residential building in Brooklyn was crowned this week with the highest infinity pool in the Western Hemisphere. A video released by Extell shows a 27-foot-long pool being hoisted 680 feet in the air, taking its place atop Brooklyn Point. The 68-story tower, designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox, topped out in April and sits as part of the Downtown Brooklyn development City Point.
See the video

How the MTA’s service changes will affect your Father’s Day weekend

Image via Flickr cc

June 14, 2019

How the MTA’s service changes will affect your Father’s Day weekend

No matter how you're celebrating this Father's Day weekend, the MTA is probably the most likely candidate to throw a last-minute wrench in your plan to be punctual. The planned service changes are fairly merciful, but far from insignificant. Uptown 1, 4, and 6 trains are skipping a bunch of stops uptown, while the D and F take a break for stretches of Brooklyn.
Know before you go

Transit

In a converted Cobble Hill school, this $1.5M co-op has three floors and a private patio

Listing images by Stephano Okmar

June 13, 2019

In a converted Cobble Hill school, this $1.5M co-op has three floors and a private patio

Located in the former St. Paul’s Parish School, a triplex layout and private patio entrance make this Cobble Hill co-op at 203 Warren Street feel like a townhouse, with the added benefit of double-height, lofty ceilings on the main floor. Currently listed for $1,495,000, the two-bedroom residence also has a flexible mezzanine that could easily be converted for any number of uses.
Get the full tour

Distinctive Homes

MTA rolls out rainbow MetroCards and train decals for Pride month

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

June 13, 2019

MTA rolls out rainbow MetroCards and train decals for Pride month

By Dana Schulz

The Federal government may be banning Pride flags at U.S. embassies, but here in New York, our city agencies are prouder than ever to show off the rainbow. The latest initiative comes from the MTA, who has revealed a special set of Pride MetroCards, along with Pride-themed Transit merchandise and a new Pride logo on select subway cars. All of the festive additions mark not only World Pride being hosted in NYC this year but the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising.
See more

June 13, 2019

Chelsea condo once owned by NSYNC member Lance Bass is asking $2.5M

By Annie Doge

A two-bedroom condo in Chelsea once owned by boy band star Lance Bass hit the market this week for $2.5 million, as first reported by the New York Post. Located in celebrity-magnet Chelsea Mercantile, the renovated condo loft at 252 Seventh Avenue measures just over 1,300 square feet. The NSYNC member bought the apartment for $1.49 million in 2010; current owner Ellen Kroner picked it up in 2013 for $2.13 million.
Take the tour

Real Estate groups plan to file lawsuit if rent reform law passes

Image via Pixabay.

June 13, 2019

Real Estate groups plan to file lawsuit if rent reform law passes

Snag the Greenest Seat in Town: Gufram's 1972 Pratone Chair is Shaped Like a Patch of Grass

Real estate industry leaders say they will file a lawsuit against the state to challenge a package of bills containing changes to current rent regulations, which expire on June 15, the Observer reports. As 6sqft previously reported, the legislative package headed to both chambers for a vote this week contains landmark changes to current rent regulations aimed at strengthening New York’s rent laws and tenant protections. Industry stakeholders say they'll challenge the legislation on several points including one that makes the rules permanent, rather than having them expire every few years. The lawsuit would also challenge the retroactive nature of a provision to lower the amount landlords can charge for major capital improvements.
The industry fears 'disaster'

THE 6SQFT SHOP

The 6 best furniture rental companies in NYC

8 best places in NYC to thrift for home goods

The best websites for buying and selling used furniture in NYC

Everything you need to know about using a guarantor in NYC

15 quintessential NYC gifts for the New Yorker in your life

Raising chickens in NYC: Laws, tips, and everything else you need to know

Everything you need to know about affordable housing: applying, getting in, and staying put

10 best plants for apartment dwellers

New York City's best holiday markets of 2023

VIEW ALL

1,250-name waitlist opens for affordable co-ops at Chelsea’s Penn South, starting at $84,000

23rd Street subway station and Penn South, via Wiki Commons

June 13, 2019

1,250-name waitlist opens for affordable co-ops at Chelsea’s Penn South, starting at $84,000

By Dana Schulz

Though it's rare, the city does offer affordable apartments to purchase, and a new waiting list is now open for residences at Penn South, a limited-equity housing co-op (h/t Rachel Holliday Smith). The Chelsea development stretches between Eighth and Ninth Avenues from 23rd to 29th Streets and is comprised of 10 buildings and nearly 3,000 units. Though the complex was constructed almost 60 years ago, its location today is prime thanks to a booming Chelsea and proximity to Hudson Yards. Those who meet the income requirements can enter the 1,250-name waitlist for studios starting at $84,372, one-bedrooms from $101,247, and two-bedrooms from $151,870.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

De Blasio plans to extend NYC’s limits on Lyft and Uber and make them permanent

Via Flickr

June 13, 2019

De Blasio plans to extend NYC’s limits on Lyft and Uber and make them permanent

As the city's for-hire vehicles (FHVs) rack up nearly 800,000 rides per day, Mayor Bill De Blasio announced on Wednesday the Taxi and Limousine Commission's new plan to extend last year's cap on for-hire vehicle licenses, the New York Post reports. A second cap will be placed on the length of time FHVs can let their cars cruise the city without passengers in the most congested part of Manhattan, below 96th Street. Last August, the city also suspended the issuance of new licenses. The new policies are expected to increase driver salaries by about 20 percent and make traffic in Manhattan below 60th Street six to 10 percent faster.
Find out more

The Urban Lens: Capturing the final days of the Lower East Side’s shuttered Streit’s Matzo Factory

Ramon, Streit’s Mazo; © Joseph O. Holmes

June 13, 2019

The Urban Lens: Capturing the final days of the Lower East Side’s shuttered Streit’s Matzo Factory

6sqft’s series The Urban Lens invites photographers to share work exploring a theme or a place within New York City. In this installment, Joseph O. Holmes shares his photo series of Streit's Matzo Factory, the now-shuttered LES institution. Are you a photographer who’d like to see your work featured on The Urban Lens? Get in touch with us at [email protected]. In 2015, after nearly 90 years in operation, Streit's Matzo Factory on the Lower East Side closed its doors. But before the property's new owners demolished the site to make way for luxury condos, the Streit family let photographer Joseph O. Holmes tour the space. Through photos of the four-building factory, its old-school machinery, and its workers, Joseph captured the final days of this neighborhood icon. "If I hadn't shot it, most of it would be forgotten," Joseph told 6sqft. Although Streit's closed more than four years ago and condo building 150 Rivington has since risen in its place, Joseph's poignant photos were given new life this month. The developer purchased some of the photos to hang permanently in the lobby of 150 Rivington as an ode to the building's industrial roots. Ahead, hear from Joseph about what it was like to photograph the maze-like factory and why he finds old machines so beautiful.
See inside and meet Joseph

Places

Essex Crossing’s public park is now open on the Lower East Side

Images by QuallsBenson

June 13, 2019

Essex Crossing’s public park is now open on the Lower East Side

A 15,000-square-foot park—the latest component of Essex Crossing to open to the public—is now complete on the Lower East Side, right in time for summer. Designed by landscape architecture firm West 8 (best known for designing the Hills at Governors Island), the park is a welcome addition to the neighborhood, where the ambitious Essex Crossing project is still in full swing, with seven of its nine sites now open or under construction.
More details

June 12, 2019

New IKEA collaboration features robotic furniture for small space living

The way people live in their homes is constantly evolving, and IKEA manages to keep evolving to address our changing needs; case in point: a new collaboration between the Swedish furniture giant and Ori, an American startup that has been developing robotic furniture ideal for modern living, has resulted in a new IKEA line called ROGNAN. The new "robotic furniture solution for small space living," will help modern urbanites combine comfort and convenience in small spaces, without sacrificing style.
See robotic furniture in action, this way

Six restaurants to open this fall in Nordstrom’s flagship store at Central Park Tower

Rendering courtesy of Nordstrom

June 12, 2019

Six restaurants to open this fall in Nordstrom’s flagship store at Central Park Tower

Six unique restaurants and bars will set up shop at Nordstrom's flagship store in New York City when it opens in October. Located in the base of the supertall at 225 West 57th Street, known as the Central Park Tower, the 285,000-square-foot Nordstrom takes up seven floors of the building. As Eater NY first reported, the restaurants will be run by two chefs from Seattle: Ethan Stowell and Tom Douglas.
Get more details

Seven years in the works, Jeanne Gang’s $383M Museum of Natural History expansion breaks ground

A rendering of the front façade of the Gilder Center (L) by Studio Gang, 2019; Center interior (R) by MIR and Studio Gang, 2019.

June 12, 2019

Seven years in the works, Jeanne Gang’s $383M Museum of Natural History expansion breaks ground

Following delays caused by a lawsuit aimed at protecting the adjacent, city-owned Theodore Roosevelt Park, a groundbreaking ceremony on June 12 officially kicked off construction of the American Museum of Natural History’s new Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation. Designed by architect Jeanne Gang—who was initially brought on board the project seven years ago—the $383 million Center will add new galleries, classrooms, a theatre, and an expanded library while linking 10 museum buildings for better circulation throughout the campus. Originally slated to open in 2020, the construction process is expected to last three years.
All the details

Same celebration, different courses: The routes of Pride marches and parades in NYC

“GAA and Vito Russo marching in 1st Christopher St Liberation Day Parade,” The New York Public Library Digital Collections. 1970.

June 12, 2019

Same celebration, different courses: The routes of Pride marches and parades in NYC

By Cait Etherington

Decades ago, New York City's Pride Parade was controversial because it focused on LGBTQ rights. And while there's always more work to be done, five decades later, the LGBTQ community has gained legal recognition and acceptance. And in sharp contrast to the first Pride March, the annual event now seems to attract as many politicians and corporate sponsors as it does activists. But one controversy persists—the Pride Parade route itself.
Route this way

Historic Clinton Hill home that spawned ghost stories is back on the market for $3.6M

Listing images by Elizabeth Dooley

June 12, 2019

Historic Clinton Hill home that spawned ghost stories is back on the market for $3.6M

Here's a rare chance to own one of the city's most historic homes, the Lefferts-Laidlaw House at 136 Clinton Avenue in Clinton Hill (and part of the Wallabout Historic District). Built around 1836, the home "typified the villas that were erected in Brooklyn's early suburbs in the early-to-mid nineteenth century" and might be the "only remaining temple-fronted Greek Revival style residence in Kings County," according to the 2001 designation report. It's become known as one of the most haunted houses in the city, thanks to stories of "doorbells rung, doors rattled" on a nightly basis in the late 19th century—but the tongue-in-cheek tone of the original New York Times reports is hard to miss. Perhaps the scariest thing left about it is the asking price. The home has been on and off the market for years, last seeking $4.5 million in 2016. Now, the property is back for a significantly reduced $3.6 million.
Take the tour

New York reaches major deal to strengthen rent and tenant protections

Image by Jorbasa Fotografie / Flickr

June 12, 2019

New York reaches major deal to strengthen rent and tenant protections

Democratic leaders in Albany announced Tuesday that an agreement has been reached on a package of bills that will significantly strengthen New York’s rent laws and tenant protections. As the New York Times reports, contained in the legislative package headed to both chambers for a vote this week are landmark changes to current rent regulations, which expire on June 15. The new legislation is meant to address concerns about the high cost of housing and the sweeping inequality that has resulted from it. To that end, as the Times explains, "the changes would abolish rules that let building owners deregulate apartments, close a series of loopholes that permit them to raise rents and allow some tenant protections to expand statewide." These changes have long been opposed by the real estate industry, which lost some of its influence in Albany when its Republican allies became outnumbered in the State Senate in the November elections.
Find out the details

In Yorkville, Emery Roth-designed church and Colonial Dames mansion get landmark status

Photos courtesy of the LPC

June 11, 2019

In Yorkville, Emery Roth-designed church and Colonial Dames mansion get landmark status

By Nicole Mondrus

Members of the Landmarks Preservation Commission voted Tuesday in favor of landmarking two historic sites in Yorkville--the First Hungarian Reformed Church of New York at 344 East 69th Street and the National Society of Colonial Dames in the State of New York at 215 East 71st Street. As 6sqft previously reported, the Hungarian Reformed Church was designed in 1916 by esteemed architect Emery Roth as one of his few religious buildings and his only Christian structure. The Colonial Dames headquarters is housed in an intact Georgian Revival-style mansion built in 1929.
Find out more

Policy

Renderings reveal Madison Place, new 800-foot condo tower in Nomad

Rendering courtesy of DBOX

June 11, 2019

Renderings reveal Madison Place, new 800-foot condo tower in Nomad

The anticipated 805-foot condo tower currently rising in Nomad at 15 East 30th Street—dubbed Madison House—has just unveiled a teaser website and new renderings to give us a peek of the project, inside and out. The 62-story building was designed by Handel Architects, and Gachot Studios will be helming the interior design. Having already topped out, sales are expected to launch in September, including a range of one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom residences and an expansive duplex penthouse with a private terrace and elevator entry.
More details

Via Wikimedia

June 11, 2019

The Strand bookstore gets landmarked, despite opposition from owner and community

The Landmarks Preservation Commission voted on Tuesday to designate The Strand bookstore as an individual landmark, despite opposition from the store's owner and local community members. Nancy Bass Wyden, who owns the Strand building, did not support designation because she worried that restrictions placed on landmarked buildings would prevent timely construction or renovation of the store in the future. While more than 11,000 people signed a petition opposing the designation, according to Wyden's attorney, the commission voted unanimously in favor of landmarking. "Although this is not the outcome we hoped for, we'll continue to serve our customers as we have done robustly for 92 years," the Strand wrote in a tweet Tuesday.
Full scoop this way

Policy

Photo by Timothy Schenck, courtesy of the High Line.

June 11, 2019

The High Line’s final section, the Spur, is open

The High Line's newest section, the Spur, opened to the public last week following a ribbon-cutting celebration on Tuesday. Elected officials, artists, advocates, supporters, community members, and architects involved in the project were on hand for a speaking program that welcomed visitors to the new space. The Spur–the last section of the original elevated rail to be converted into public space–extends east along West 30th Street and ends above 10th Avenue; it's also home to the High Line Plinth, the first site on the High Line dedicated to a rotating series of contemporary art commissions. Simone Leigh’s "Brick House" is the first Plinth commission.
Photos and more, this way

The Clinton Hill block where Notorious B.I.G. grew up has officially been named after the famous rapper

Images via New York City Council on Flickr

June 11, 2019

The Clinton Hill block where Notorious B.I.G. grew up has officially been named after the famous rapper

Despite the rainy weather, hundreds of people gathered at St. James Place in Clinton Hill on Monday to honor the legacy of Christopher Wallace, better known as Notorious B.I.G. or Biggie Smalls. As amNY first reported, the block between Fulton Street and Gates Avenue—where the famous rapper grew up—will now also be known as "Christopher 'Notorious B.I.G.' Wallace Way." Biggie's mother, Voletta Wallace, was present at the event and she remembered the last time she saw a huge crowd on the street, the day Biggie was murdered 22 years ago. “It was a sad day,” Wallace said, “and when I saw the crowds, tears came to my eyes and I said to my friend, ‘My son was well-loved.’” This time around, seeing everyone gathered there for the unveiling brought "happy tears" to her eyes.
More info

Celebrities

Waldorf Astoria condos will launch sales in the fall

Photo by James and Karla Murray exclusively for 6sqft.

June 11, 2019

Waldorf Astoria condos will launch sales in the fall

The redeveloped Waldorf Astoria residences have a new teaser website, and according to an announcement by the historic hotel's owner, Beijing-based Anbang Insurance Group Co., the new condos will be called The Towers of the Waldorf Astoria. The Wall Street Journal reports that sales of 375 private residences at the storied hotel will begin in the fall.
Find out more

June 11, 2019

$340K Prospect Heights studio fits plenty of style and storage into its 300 square feet

At only 300 square feet, this Prospect Heights studio is very small, but its thoughtful design doesn’t miss a thing. The co-op at 400 Lincoln Place last sold in 2012 for only $85,000 and has been almost entirely reimagined since then. A custom built-in Murphy bed, storage solutions throughout, and a sleek stainless kitchen earn its $339,000 price tag.
Take a look inside

Distinctive Homes

720 West End Avenue

Upper West Side

Serene Upper West Side homes near Riverside Park

1 beds starting at $1,005,000
2 beds starting at $2,495,000
3 beds starting at $3,495,000
4 beds starting at $5,850,000

Learn More

Via Wikimedia

June 10, 2019

Leaking skylight of World Trade Center’s Oculus may not be fixed for 9/11 anniversary

Since 2016, the skylight of the World Trade Center's Oculus has reopened on each anniversary of September 11 as part of the "Way of Light" ceremony. But the annual event may not happen this year. The skylight, which has been leaking since last fall, may not be repaired in time for this year's anniversary, the Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday.
Learn more

Uncategorized

The Four Seasons is closing this week, less than a year after $40M reopening

Photo via Wikimedia

June 10, 2019

The Four Seasons is closing this week, less than a year after $40M reopening

Less than a year after moving out of the historic Seagram Building and reopening a new space, the famed Four Seasons Restaurant will close Tuesday, the New York Times reported. The news comes after the restaurant reopened last year on East 52nd Street with a $40 million renovation. And last December, former managing partner Julian Niccolini resigned after pleading guilty to sexual assault in 2016.
Get the details

Food & Dining

Image via Wikimedia cc.

June 10, 2019

Hell’s Angels East Village HQ to become rental apartments

Another touchstone of colorful East Village lore is becoming apartments: The Hell's Angels headquarters at 77 East 3rd Street, formerly the New York City home of the notorious motorcycle clan, was purchased for $10 million this week by Lower East Side property management company Better Living, the New York Post reports; Real estate investor Nathan Blatter had bought the building from the bikers back in February. After a year-long $2 million renovation, the developer plans to offer “standard, regular East Village apartments.” The six-story building will have retail spaces on the ground floor that formerly housed the biker clubhouse bar.
Find out more

Uncategorized

June 10, 2019

Asking $1.7M, this unusual West Village co-op is three studios combined

Located on a picture-perfect West Village street a block from the Hudson River, this loft-like co-op at 92 Horatio Street is made up of three studio apartments that have been combined. The fortunate result, asking $1.7 million, is a unique two-bedroom home with spacious rooms, two baths and lots of living and entertaining space.
More this way..

Distinctive Homes

June 10, 2019

You can buy a Gramercy Park penthouse with a private roof deck for only $760K