6sqft | NYC local news, events, and apartments

Discord around the construction of One Vanderbilt continues to grow, and the latest contender to enter the ring is Harvard Law professor, "liberal constitutional scholar" and President Barack Obama's former educator, Laurence H. Tribe. Grand Central owner Andrew Penson has tapped the big-time lawyer to battle the city in his fight against the 1,514-foot supertall, according to The New York Times. Yesterday, with Tribe in tow, Penson went head-to-head—yet again—with the tower's developer SL Green at the City Planning Commission hearing. The meeting got as heated as one would expect, and "unconstitutional" and "ridiculous" were just a couple of the words thrown around.
Find out more here

Real Estate Trends

February 5, 2015

Listings Launch at Fort Greene Church Conversion 232 Adelphi Street

When we first got a look inside the church conversion at 232 Adelphi Street we were blown away by the amount of original architecture retained from the structure's holy days, including stained glass windows, vaulted ceilings with exposed steel beams, arched doorways, reclaimed hardwood floors, and plenty of exposed brick. And now that listings have launched at the Fort Greene rental building, we have even more to ogle at. Formerly the Carlton Mews Church, the landmarked 1888 Gothic Revival Church was completely restored by RSVP Studio to feature 12 distinct apartments, including studios, one- and two-bedroom duplexes, and three-bedroom triplexes.
Take a look at the offerings here

February 5, 2015

First Penthouse at the Oosten Hits the Market for $6.4M; ‘Bargain’ Condos Coming to the Market

One of four penthouses in the Piet Boon-designed Oosten is up for grabs at $6.4 million. [6sqft inbox] “Bargain” condos are coming to the market. Expect these to be priced $3 million and under. [Bloomberg] Guoqing Chen, the founder of China’s largest private airline company, has bought a full-floor condo at One57 for $47.4 million. [TRD] […]

Real Estate Trends

February 5, 2015

Adam Charlap Hyman’s Eclectic NYC Apartment Is Like a Design Version of ‘I Spy’

If you’ve ever been to a three-ring circus you know how difficult it can be to pay attention to everything that’s going on. You don’t want to miss a single part of the show. Well, touring designer Adam Charlap Hyman’s New York City apartment is more like a ten ring circus because everywhere you turn you will find magical little treasures and you don’t want to miss any of his eclectic and amusing aesthetic.
We spy a beautiful home right this way

February 5, 2015

Musical Data Project is the Soundtrack to Income Inequality Along the Subway

While we love a good infographic or interactive map, this "musical data-viz project" really sparked our interest as a new way of looking at geographic trends. Artist and programmer Brian Foo translated a 1.5-hour subway ride on the 2 train into a 4.5 minute song that rises and falls based on the income of the neighborhood the train is passing through. What results is an audibly beautiful rendition of the often not-so-pretty diversity in the city's income levels.
Listen to the full song here

February 5, 2015

92 Years of Architecture Through Time Magazine Covers; NY Accent on Its Way Out

Brush up on architectural history through Time magazine covers from 1923 to now. [Curbed] Most New Yorkers leave their houses at 8am, according to this interactive map of when Americans leave for work. [FlowingData] If this isn’t romantic, we don’t know what is. Take a Valentine’s Day tour of the Newtown Creek sewage plant’s digester eggs. [Gothamist] Sean Lennon’s […]

Uncategorized

February 5, 2015

Rents in Harlem Shoot Up, Brooklyn Studios Expensive as Ever

MNS has just released their 2014 report pointing to rental performance in the Manhattan and Brooklyn markets over past year. And as you've probably already guessed there are no surprises here—rents were up. Leading the charge in growth were Harlem where new luxury listings gave the area a major boost, and of course Brooklyn which continued see growth at remarkable rates, particularly with studio units which were up more than 20 percent in some nabes.
Find out more here

Real Estate Trends

February 5, 2015

Renderings Revealed for Sustainable Hudson Square Park by Mathews Nielsen Landscape Architects

Back in June, the Hudson Square Connection (a neighborhood BID) announced their plans to turn Soho Square, the half-acre open space at the intersection of Spring Street and Sixth Avenue in Hudson Square, into a public park. Since then, the Business Improvement District, in partnership with the city and neighborhood stakeholders, has been seeking input from the community to inform the $6 million renovation. Just last night, the design by Mathews Nielsen Landscape Architects was presented to the Community Board 2 Parks Committee, and it features sustainable, green infrastructure, storm water management, and more.
Check out the renderings here

Distinctive Homes

For $995K, this dreamy upstate farmhouse gets every detail just right

A diplomat's lofty home in a historic FiDi co-op asks $2.9M

A fashion designer's cozy converted 1920s barn in upstate NY asks $2.9M

Tiffany-blue walls and de Gournay designs surround a $1M UES co-op with Deco-era glamour

This new $14.75M Cobble Hill townhouse looks like it's been standing for a century

Landmarked Boerum Hill townhouse owned by 90s designer Daryl K asks $6M

Daring details add a spark of personality to a classic $2.35M Village co-op

Prospect Heights pre-war co-op seen in 'Black Swan' lists for $1.7M

$1.8M restored Marcel Breuer house on the Hudson has kept its mid-century modern spirit intact

This $1.4M Astoria home is all about flexible, fabulous, and fun townhouse living

VIEW ALL

February 5, 2015

You Can Live Right by the High Line for Just $550K

Here’s a cute one-bedroom apartment at 333 West 21st Street near the High Line, asking $550,000. The home has attractive features like wood beamed ceilings and exposed brick walls, and with enough wall space to hang a multitude of pictures and a décor that’s vaguely reminiscent of the Golden Girls, this charmer is definitely worth a look.
More pics inside

Distinctive Homes

February 4, 2015

Map Revealed for de Blasio’s City-Wide Ferry System

While there were plenty of highlights in Mayor de Blasio's State of the City address yesterday–from affordable housing to raising the minimum wage–it was undoubtedly the announcement of a city-wide ferry system that really got New Yorkers talking. De Blasio said that the ferry service will open in 2017, with pricing on par with the Metrocard, as a way to accommodate the growing population of New York. It will serve neighborhoods including the Lower East Side, Astoria, the Rockaways, Sunset Park, Brooklyn Army Terminal, Bay Ridge, Red Hook, and Soundview, among others. A new map released today shows the entirety of the system, breaking down existing ferry lines, those planned for 2017 and 2018, and those proposed.
More details and the full interactive map ahead

February 4, 2015

Brooklyn’s Most Expensive Listing Ever: A $40 Million Mansion with a Mayoral Past

There's no shortage of beauty inside, out, or around this stunning Brooklyn Heights mansion which has just hit the market for a record $40 million—the most expensive residential property ever listed in the borough. While that amount may make our mere mortal hearts skip a beat, the price tag is certainly warranted when you consider the following: It encompasses 17,500 square feet, there are 15 bedrooms, 16 bathrooms, and more than 9,000 square feet of garden and outdoor space, and it boasts enough original details to make even the biggest history buff's head spin. As the listing so aptly states, "Much like a long awaited centennial celebration, a residential sale of this magnitude comes around very seldom, and when it does, quite often history is made."
Tour the spectacular $40M home here

February 4, 2015

Why 5 Pointz Couldn’t Be Saved; Construction on Staten Island’s Giant Observation Wheel Starts Soon

5 Pointz was once a legendary venue for street art, but today is nothing more than rubble. Why couldn’t the art icon be saved? [Failed Architecture] Construction on Staten Island‘s New York Wheel will start next month. [DNA Info] A duplex penthouse in the celebrity-filled El Dorado has hit the market asking $29 million. The […]

Real Estate Trends

February 4, 2015

Govert Flint’s Futuristic Computer Chairs Allow You to Click with a Kick

Although our bodies are designed to move, the furniture we possess is usually based on a monofunctional posture. Day to day, we tend to segregate our basic bodily needs and just stare at screens, often forgetting how important it is to keep joints and muscles moving. To compensate for this inertia, we'd like to introduce you to "Segregation of Joy" by Govert Flint. This innovative skeletal seat allows you to take different postures and move freely, and boost your health and happiness, all from the comfort of your chair.
Learn more about this interactive seat

February 4, 2015

A $10 Million Tree Grows in Sean Lennon’s West 13th Street Front Yard

By Annie Doge

Well, at least that's what one disgruntled Greenwich Village neighbor is hoping. Gary and Addie Tomei, parents of actress Marisa Tomei, have filed a lawsuit against next-door neighbor Sean Lennon, son of John and Yoko, alleging that a tree on his property (153 West 13th Street) has spread its roots onto their property (155 West 13th Street), cracking the stoop, breaking the railings, and coming through the basement floor of their townhouse. Sure, they want Lennon to chop the tree down, but they also want $10 million, according to the Post.
More details on the neighborly beef

February 4, 2015

Tiny East Village Treasure Is Huge on Charm and Priced Well Under $1M

In a city filled with space-challenged (okay, let’s just admit it, tiny) living spaces, one can only hope the expression “good things come in small packages” holds true. When we took one look at this adorable East Village co-op at 323 East 8th Street we felt compelled to take a little literary license with the well-known phrase because sometimes “great things come in small packages.”
Check out more of this East Village treasure

Distinctive Homes

February 4, 2015

Are Public Parks Becoming Playgrounds for the Wealthy?; Ideas for Furnishing Your Fire Escape

Are independent park managers and private-public partnerships, like we’re seeing with Barry Diller and Pier55, turning public parks into playgrounds for the wealthy? [New Republic] You’re not the only one who eats on the floor in front of the television. Check out this photo series of how New Yorkers really eat in their cramped apartments. […]

Uncategorized

February 4, 2015

POLL: Would You Pay More for Better Subway Service?

The MTA’s fare hike will take effect in March, raising the price of a single subway ride from $2.50 to $2.75, and it’s made most New York train riders pretty unhappy. But what if service was better? If those flashing “delay” projections were few and far between; massive platform pileups were a thing of the […]

Transit

If You Can’t Beat ‘Em Join ‘Em: Hotels Attempt to Emulate Airbnb Amidst Competition

As the city's war against Airbnb rages on, hotels and bed and breakfasts across the city continue to see their guest numbers drop. But the decrease isn't necessarily due to the lower costs of Airbnb rentals (although we certainly wouldn't discount it) but the fact that visitors to our fair city are looking for an authentic New York experience. DNA Info reports that new hotels across the city are looking to recreate the "real experience" of staying in New York by channelling a "more urban" atmosphere with cool perks—bars amongst them—that lure local residents within their towering walls to hang with their guests.
READ MORE

February 4, 2015

$1M Sunny Loft in Former Chocolate Factory Is a Golden Ticket

The bad news: you won’t find any chocolate here. The good news: You’ll get a brilliant two-bedroom loft lined with western-facing windows, only blocks from Ft. Greene Park, for just under $1 million. Located in the 1 Rockwell Place condos, which was once a chocolate factory and remains the only true converted factory loft space in all of Fort Greene, this apartment has plenty of character thanks to original wood floors, 11-foot ceilings, and exposed beams.
More pics inside

Distinctive Homes

February 3, 2015

Then and Now: From Luchow’s German Restaurant to NYU Dorm

For those of us who came to the city within the past decade, it's hard to imagine East 14th Street without its stretch of bulky NYU dorms, big-box supermarkets, and mini-chain restaurants. But of course this wasn't always what the area looked like. In the late 19th century, the area centered around Irving Place, was full of entertainment venues like the Academy of Music, the city's opera house, Steinway Hall, Tammany Hall, and the City Theatre movie house. And at the heart of it all was a restaurant that catered to both the theater crowd and the German population of the East Village–Luchow's. Luchow's was established in 1882 at 110 East 14th Street at Irving Place when German immigrant August Lüchow purchased the café/beer garden where he worked as a bartender and waiter. It remained in operation for a full century, becoming an unofficial neighborhood and city landmark, until it was replaced by NYU's University Hall dormitory.
Read the full history here

February 3, 2015

HIGHLIGHTS: De Blasio Announces Plans for More Affordable Housing and a New City-Wide Ferry Service

Mayor Bill de Blasio just wrapped up his State of the City address, and in addition to focusing in like a laser beam on affordable housing, the mayor also unveiled a number of additional improvements that certainly had us sitting up straight in our seats. In his address, De Blasio emphasized that his plan would look to creating denser, economically diverse affordable residential communities for not only low-income New Yorkers, but also for chronically homeless vets, seniors and artists. “While the state of our city is strong, we face a profound challenge,” de Blasio said during his speech. "If we fail to be a city for everyone, we risk losing what makes New York, New York…Nothing more clearly expresses the inequality gap—the opportunity gap—than the soaring cost of housing." The mayor also spoke about the administration's plan to raise minimum wage and expand public transit, which would include adding more Bus Rapid Transit lines to the outer boroughs, and, most notably, a brand new city-wide ferry system that would serve areas such as the Lower East Side, the Rockaways and Red Hook for the same cost as a subway ride. Keep reading for more highlights.
Highlights from de Blasio's speech here

7,279 NYC Homes Are Valued at More Than $5 Million

The Upper East Side, where the most $5 million + homes are located, via CityRealty

February 3, 2015

7,279 NYC Homes Are Valued at More Than $5 Million

If you think that statistic is jaw-dropping, consider this, too–those 7,279 homes valued at more than $5 million amount to a total fair market value of $65.2 billion, according to data from the city’s Independent Budget Office. The Wall Street Journal requested the data to take a closer look at the proposal to impose higher property taxes on pied-à-terre owners, and the findings show that "the city’s most expensive homes would generate less money from a higher tax surcharge than what its advocates have suggested."
More details here

February 3, 2015

Boerum Hill Warehouse “Sale” Will Still Set You Back $7.2M, but It’s Worth Every Penny

If you love the wide-open layout a converted warehouse affords, you’ll want to check out this gorgeous residence at 90 Wyckoff Street in Boerum Hill because it was just reduced by nearly 10 percent. And while traditional warehouse sales of the shoe and clothing variety might save you a few hundred bucks, this one will keep a cool $800,000 in your pocket. While the $7.2 million asking price doesn’t qualify for the Boerum Hill townhouse record (a distinction currently held by the house actress Michelle Williams recently sold for $8.8 million), this home is poised to take the runner-up slot and we think it easily holds its own against the competition.
See more of this light-filled home

Distinctive Homes

February 3, 2015

Queens to Get Its First Apple Store; Details Revealed for St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral School Condo Conversion

The first Apple store in Queens will open later this year in the Queens Center Mall. [9to5Mac] The conversion of the St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral School in Nolita will include seven luxury condos with a total sellout of $70.7 million, a church-related community facility, and two townhouses. [TRD] Williamsberry is a new condo, not a fruit snack, set to rise […]

Real Estate Trends

February 3, 2015

Bruce Willis Is Back at It, Buys $17M Duplex at 271 Central Park West

By Annie Doge

Maybe we haven't seen Bruce Willis in a new movie in a couple of years because he's been too busy unloading and buying real estate in New York. First there was the $12 million, 22-acre buy in Bedford, then the $13 million sale of his El Dorado co-op, and now he's purchased a $17 million six-bedroom duplex at 271 Central Park West, just a few blocks away from the El Dorado digs and not too far from the unit he owned before that at Trump Place on Riverside Drive. Clearly Willis likes the Upper West Side, and it looks to us like he's having some fun climbing up the luxury-listing ladder.
Check out Willis's new pad here

February 3, 2015

Mapping How the NYC Subway Could Operate in a 40-Inch Snowstorm

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

Though winter storm Juno isn't going down in history as the biggest snowstorm to ever hit NYC, it was the first time the city completely shut down the subway system due to a snowstorm. Governor Cuomo and the MTA said the shutdown was necessary because a portion of almost every train line runs outdoors. Not happy with that reasoning? Then you'll really enjoy this map from WNYC called the Snowpiercer; it proposes how the subway system could operate during a 40-inch snowstorm.
See the full map here

Transit

THE 6SQFT SHOP

The best websites for buying and selling used furniture in NYC

The 6 best furniture rental companies in NYC

8 best places in NYC to thrift for home goods

Everything you need to know about using a guarantor in NYC

New York City's best holiday markets of 2023

15 quintessential NYC gifts for the New Yorker in your life

10 Ways to Decorate an Exposed Brick Wall Without Drilling

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

10 Great Places to Buy Affordable Art in New York City

VIEW ALL

February 3, 2015

Luxe Penthouse at the Carlton House Sells at a Discounted $52 Million

It's been a couple weeks since we've seen a sale break the $50 million mark, but lo and behold, the penthouse at Extell Development's Carlton House has just sold for $52 million. According to city records filed today, the top unit sold at a markdown, originally listed for $65 million back when it first hit the market in October 2013. The price cut, however, shouldn't discount what's inside. The six-bedroom, six-plus-bathroom, 8,988-square-foot Upper East Side duplex features a private outdoor roof space (there's 5,261 square feet of outdoor space in total), en-suite bathrooms in all the bedrooms and wrap-around terraces. The building itself also boasts quite an interesting backstory. It was originally designed in 1940 by Kenneth B. Norton, but not completed until 1950 as construction was halted during World War II. After purchasing the building in 2010, Extell hired Beyer Blinder Belle to convert the structure into condos. The job cost a reported $350 million and Extell's President Gary Barnett told The New York Times that the decision to preserve the building was “actually more expensive than if we tore the damn building down and built it again.”
Check out the floor plan here

Real Estate Trends

February 3, 2015

Hillary Clinton’s Campaign Headquarters May Be in Brooklyn; Behind the Scenes of the Loew’s Kings Theatre Restoration

When and if Hillary Clinton announces her presidential bid, her campaign headquarters may be in Brooklyn, which seems to be the new hot spot for the democratic party. [Brooklyn Magazine] For the best U.S. architecture per square mile, head to… Dallas? [CityLab] Tour Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka’s Harlem townhouse. [Architectural Digest] A new project […]

Uncategorized

February 3, 2015

Survey Says: Construction Workers Ranked the Happiest Employees

Living in New York City you without doubt run into more than a handful of construction workers every day. But next time instead of scurrying past a construction site one of these days, maybe shoot the hard-hatted folks a smile. As it turns out, the building industry ranks #1 in happiest employees.
Find out why here

February 3, 2015

Historic Park Slope Brownstone on Prospect Park Asks $5 Million

This five-story brownstone at 920 President Street has been home to the same family for decades. Consequently, it’s maintained a lot of its original details like stained glass windows, pier mirrors, pocket doors, and wainscoting. And a location right on Prospect Park makes this the perfect canvas for creating your dream home, all with an asking price just $5 under $5 million.
Take a look inside

February 2, 2015

Wake Up Over and Over Again in This $6M Yorkville Townhouse with Soaring Vaulted Ceiling

It’s Groundhog Day, and Punxsutawney Phil promises six more weeks of winter–not necessarily a bad thing if you’re viewing the latest snowfall through a picturesque wall of windows while cozying up to a roaring fire. And that’s exactly what you’ll find in this gorgeous townhouse at 343 East 84th Street in Yorkville.
More of this stunning home this way

Distinctive Homes

February 2, 2015

What Would Happen if New York Let Everyone Ride the Subway for Free?

With the MTA fare hike just over the horizon, the question of whether or not all of New York has fair access to affordable public transportation comes into play. The hike, effective March 22nd, will push the cost to $2.75 per ride and $116.50 for a 30-day MetroCard, an increase of a quarter and $4.50, respectively. Like New York, cities across the globe are struggling with the same issue, but there are more than a handful of rogue riders in each taking matters into their own hands. About 500 riders in Stockholm have banded together to create Planka.nu (translation: "Dodge the fare now"), a scheme that has members pay $12 in monthly dues (an unlimited ride pass for 30 days costs about $120) which results in a cash reserve that can more than cover any fines that a member may occur. While illegal, the actions of these few scamps shed light on one important policy that's already being taken on by cities across the U.S.: subsidies. As noted in a recent article by The Atlantic, in the U.S., where government subsidies cover between 57 and 89 percent of operating costs for buses and 29 to 89 percent of those for rail, many public transit systems are quite affordable, costing in most cases less than $2, on average. So they ask, why not make the whole system free?
Is free transportation in New York unthinkable?

Developers Rush to Break Ground and Add Affordable Housing Before Tax Incentives End

Image via Pexels

February 2, 2015

Developers Rush to Break Ground and Add Affordable Housing Before Tax Incentives End

It would be nice to think that developers added affordable housing to their projects out of the goodness of their hearts, but it probably has more to do with the construction bonuses and tax incentives afforded for up to 25 years to developers when they reserve at least 20 percent of a building's units for poor and moderate-income tenants. But this real estate tax break, known as the 421a abatement, is set to expire on June 15, lighting a fire under developers to break ground on new projects. The concern, though, is that some development sites receive 421a benefits as of right (meaning solely for putting up a new building), while others are required to include affordable housing. The difference is based on geographic location. For example, Manhattan between 14th and 96th Streets and the waterfronts of Brooklyn and Queens must include affordable housing. According to Crain's, some housing advocates "want projects to get abatements only if they create affordable units—which are priced for renters who earn 60 percent or less of the area's median income."
What does this mean for the future of affordable housing?

February 2, 2015

Jaw-Dropping Photos of Williamsburg Covered in Ice; American Bible Society Sells HQs for $300M

By now you’ve probably heard about the fire raging on in Williamsburg, but you probably haven’t seen these unbelievable images of the neighborhood frozen in ice. [NYDN] The American Bible Society has sold its Lincoln Square headquarters for $300 million. [WSJ] 10 of Frank Lloyd Wright’s buildings, including the Guggenheim Museum in NYC, have been […]

Real Estate Trends

February 2, 2015

A 1960s Woodland Residence Gets a Modern Extension Set on Stilts

Updating an old home comes with its challenges, but when you're faced with an unconventional site like the one seen above, adding a room isn't as easy as pouring some foundation. When approaching this project in Pound Ridge, Method Design wasn't afraid of thinking outside the box, and they applied a clever, eco-friendly design solution to the challenging renovation: a new room set on stilts. This beautiful addition is not only functional, but it also perfectly mirrors and melds with its sloped and wooded locale.
Learn more about this striking eco-extension

February 2, 2015

Brooklyn Paramount Theatre Will Reopen as a Gilded Public Performance Venue

Back in the summer we uncovered the history of the Brooklyn Paramount Theatre, which has been home to Long Island University's gymnasium since 1963. But now, the day before the Loew's Kings Theatre, a fellow historic movie house in Brooklyn, is set to reopen to the public, we've learned that the Paramount will follow suite. Brooklyn Daily reports that the Flushing Avenue theatre in Downtown Brooklyn will once again show live performances to the public, thanks to a deal between LIU and an affiliate of the Barclays Center, which will bring 1,500 seats back to the venue (down from the original 4,000) and showcase musical and comedy performances and boxing matches, all with an emphasis on emerging artists. The remainder of the space will still serve as a practice gym for LIU athletics.
More details ahead

February 2, 2015

NYC Breaks Tourism Record in 2014, Sees Increase in Chinese Visitors

After our commute this morning we couldn't help dreaming of getting out of this city for a couple of weeks (or months, who's counting), but 56.4 million people had the exact opposite idea in 2014. That's how many tourists visited the big apple this past year, smashing the previous record of 54.3 million visitors in 2013. One country that helped with the increase was China, not surprising considering the growing trend of wealthy Chinese investing in the NYC real estate market. According to the Times, "City officials estimate that more than 740,000 visitors came from China in 2014, almost five times as many as in 2009."
More on the record-breaking tourism trend

City Living

February 2, 2015

Great Piggery War Was an Early Gentrification Battle; Meet the Man with the Most Pizza Boxes in the World

Gentrification battles can be traced back to the 1850s when Midtown West’s many piggeries were set to be replaced with apartments. [NYP] Vote for building of the year in 14 categories featuring thousands of projects from all corners of the globe. [ArchDaily] Tour a cozy Carroll Gardens apartment that was six years in the making. [Apartment […]

Uncategorized

February 2, 2015

Build Your Own Urban Utopia with Ittyblox’s Ultra-Detailed Miniature City Blocks

Modernists and preservationists can now plan the city of their dreams without a war of words from their opposing side. Called Ittyblox, this 3D-printed modular collection features tiny structures, ranging from Tudors to modern towers, that can be arranged—and re-arranged—to make a diorama of dynamic city blocks.
See more here

February 2, 2015

Charming Renovated Upper East Side Duplex Asks $2.5M

There’s a nice new Upper East Side duplex on the market, asking $2.5 million. This turn-of-the-century pad is on the fourth and fifth floors of 165 East 60th Street, and it has been “cautiously renovated,” making sure to maintain all of its old school charm such as beamed ceilings and hardwood floors even though it sports modern updates.
Take a look inside here

Distinctive Homes

February 1, 2015

Altius Architecture’s Wooden Boathouse Puts a Contemporary Twist on Traditional Canadian Design

Toronto-based Altius Architecture took inspiration from traditional Canadian Muskoka Lake boathouses to build this stunning, tranquil retreat in upstate New York. Dubbed Lake Joseph Boathouse, the contemporary wooden home features a stark black pitched roof and is connected to the land by a wooden platform and a wooden bridge on the upper level. Although the overall design was driven by strict local guidelines, the architects have managed to create a magical weekend home designed to enjoy the beautiful mirrored waters.
Learn more about this lake retreat

Architecture And Design

New Yorker Spotlight: Jessica Siskin of Misterkrisp Builds Food Art from Rice Krispies Treats

Photo courtesy of Erin Kestenbaum

January 30, 2015

New Yorker Spotlight: Jessica Siskin of Misterkrisp Builds Food Art from Rice Krispies Treats

By Susan Cohen

Food artist Jessica Siskin requires just three ingredients before getting to work: Rice Krispies, marshmallows, and butter. Yes, Jessica's specialty is masterfully molding Rice Krispies Treats, but these are far from your average after-school snack. She has taken the childhood favorite up a few notches to create edible works of art, and developed it into her business, Misterkrisp. The company was born a little over a year ago in Jessica's New York kitchen. Since then, she's been exploring the Rice Krispies possibilities all the while growing a loyal following on Instagram where 15,000 followers delight in her work. A quick scroll through Misterkrisp's photo page reveals everything from classic New York bagels to emojis to a bowl of ramen–all made out of Rice Krispies Treats. It's fair to say that Jessica's creativity is limitless, especially since many of her krisps, as she calls them, are customer requests. We recently spoke with Jessica to learn more about the architecture of Rice Krispies Treats and the daily rewards of providing New Yorkers with food art.
Read the full interview here

January 30, 2015

$1.25M Lower East Side Loft Offers a Beautiful Blank Slate and a Glass Bedroom Wall

The expansive living area of this rare-to-the-market designer loft in the former Garfield Building on the Lower East Side offers complete flexibility within its gorgeous exposed brick walls. Floor-to-ceiling double-paned windows, beamed ceilings, and white oak floors all artfully combine to present a beautiful blank slate easily configured to perfectly suit your needs.
More pics this way

Distinctive Homes

One Manhattan Square

252 South Street

Lower East Side

Sweeping views and endless amenities

1 beds starting at $1,230,000
2 beds starting at $1,990,000
3 beds starting at $2,790,000

Learn More

January 30, 2015

‘Workplace of the Future’ Winner Attaches Health-Conscious Sky Gardens to Existing Buildings

Wouldn't it be great if you could stock up on kale during the workday without having to wait on the lunchtime line at Whole Foods? If Organic Grid+, the winner of Metropolis magazine's "Workplace of the Future" design competition, comes to fruition you'll be able to grow your own greens at the office while taking in the various other health benefits that the proposed sky gardens afford. Conceived by London-based interior designers Sean Cassidy and Joe Wilson, Organic Grid+ proposes a flexible office layout, health-conscious technology, and glass sky gardens that latch onto existing buildings–all with the goal of improving the physical and mental well-being of employees as well as changing "the negative associations of working in open-plan offices."
More details here

January 30, 2015

Crumbling 150-Year-Old Church Renting for $18K; More Than $55B Worth of Properties Sold in 2014

Rent a crumbling historic church in Fort Greene $18,000 a month. [DNA Info] More than $55 billion worth of NYC properties sold last year. This includes multifamily buildings, development sites, and commercial buildings across New York City. It was the best investment sales market seen in 30 years. [Crain’s] Things got heated over the 421-a […]

Real Estate Trends

January 30, 2015

Philippe Malouin Designs Space-Saving Hanger-Chair Hybrid

Hosting dinner parties can be a challenge for those of us who live in cramped city apartments. If you don't enjoy asking your guests to eat while sitting on the floor, there's a simple space-saving solution that will help with this common dilemma. Created by London-based, Canadian-born designer Philippe Malouin, the Hanger Chair is an elegant collision between, you guessed it, a hanger and a folding chair. When you don't need the extra seating, you can hang the chairs in the closet, neatly and out of sight.
Learn more about this innovative chair with a hook

January 30, 2015

Cedar-Clad House on Mt. Merino Boasts Breathtaking Views of the Hudson River and Mountains