September 12, 2014

There’s a Cold War Bomb Shelter Hidden Under the Brooklyn Bridge

Just when we thought we'd seen it all, we get word that there's a Cold War-era bomb shelter hidden under the Brooklyn Bridge, amid the landmark's many secret passageways and forgotten rooms. The nuclear bunker is inside one of the massive stone arches below the bridge's main entrance on the Manhattan side, and it's chock full of supplies, including medication like Dextran (used to treat shock), water drums, paper blankets, and 352,000 calorie-packed crackers (that may be still be edible, in fact).
Find out what else lies beneath and how this hidden shelter was discovered
September 12, 2014

Lang Architecture Debuts Completed Hudson Woods Community in the Catskills

Back in July, we sat down with Drew Lang of Lang Architecture to chat about his new eco-village, Hudson Woods, located in the Catskills. Now that the homes are finished, they need forever owners (us! us!). Inhabitat NYC featured the gorgeous—and we mean drop dead gorgeous—homes within the private 26-house neighborhood. The community is located upstate, but only […]

September 12, 2014

South Williamsburg’s New Cool: Everything Below Grand Catches Up with the North

There has always been a somewhat “invisible” line dividing ritzier North Williamsburg and the once-grittier-but-now-gentrifying South Williamsburg neighborhood—and that southern portion’s border is generally considered to be from Grand Street to Division Avenue between Union Avenue and the East River. And though this south side of the neighborhood continues to be populated by a diverse group of residents, new amenity-filled developments are quickly attracting a younger population and pushing prices to match those in the northern part of the nabe. Here, we take a look at some of the most notable developments and a few cool listings bridging the gap ahead.
Find out more here
September 12, 2014

Patrick Stewart Finds a Buyer for His Upper West Side Penthouse

Sir Patrick Stewart of X-Men and Star Trek fame has found a buyer for his Upper West Side pied-à-terre. The two-bedroom, 1,300-square-foot co-op at 118 West 79th Street entered contract after seeing several bids. The actor put the unit on the market in June for $3.8 million. He bought the home in 2003 for $1.8 million with his then-wife Wendy Neuss, but the couple divorced shortly thereafter, and Neuss remained in the penthouse apartment.
Take a look inside
September 12, 2014

This Charming Gramercy Park Pied-a-Terre Glows with a Stunning Skylight

If you’re looking for a pied-a-terre in the coveted historic Gramercy Park, you’re in luck. An adorable one-bedroom penthouse at 206 East 18th Street has just popped up on the market, and it’s the perfect setting for anything from dinner parties to book club. This charming pad won us over with a lovely skylit living room, so we had to take a look inside to see what else it has in store.
Take a look inside the cozy pad, here
September 11, 2014

The Golden Age of Related: A Closer Look at New York’s Leading Real Estate Developer

Founded in 1972 by former tax attorney Stephen Ross, the Related Companies got its start securing funding for affordable housing upstate. Before long, the company moved to New York City, bringing affordable units to Battery Park City and the Upper East Side. When the boom years of the 1990's hit, Related got involved with luxury development, beginning with the renovation and conversion of an historic Beaux Arts building at Union Square into the W Hotel and then the development of 1 Union Square South. Today, the Related name is attached to some of today's biggest and most high profile projects, including One Madison and Hudson Yards. And with more than $15 billion in assets, the company is New York's leading real estate developer.
We take a closer look at Related's high-end portfolio
September 11, 2014

Converted Cobble Hill Firehouse Comes with a Magical Secret Garden

Even if this rustic carriage house at 172 Pacific Street in Cobble Hill hadn’t been featured in various films over the years (including Eat, Pray, Love), its star-quality is more than evident. Although currently configured as a two-unit home, its three loft-like levels can easily be converted into a spacious four-to-six bedroom residence with some very minor adjustments.
No fire pole but lots more to see here
September 11, 2014

Sales at the Broken Angel Condo Conversion Will Launch Next Month

The Broken Angel House in Clinton Hill was one of Brooklyn's most unique landmarks. Artist Arthur Wood purchased the tenement building in 1979 for $2,000 and subsequently transformed it into a whimsical, livable sculpture, complete with stained glass windows made from bottles and glass, a cathedral-like glass addition, and brick wings. It was also the backdrop for the documentary Dave Chappelle's Block Party. Barrett Design and Development purchased the site at 4-8 Downing Street in January for $4.1 million. And it will be repurposed as a condo development, with sales launching next month and a new teaser site up and running.
More details on the development here
September 11, 2014

Real Estate Wire: Renewed Hope for the TWA Terminal; Tribeca’s New Bogardus Park

Brazil’s top hotelier is looking to make his mark on 57th Street. Billionaire Rogerio Fasano is in talks to have starchitect Rafael Vinoly design the building. [NYDN] It ain’t easy being green: Vogue contributing editor Lauren Santo Domingo, and her Colombian billionaire beer heir husband, have neighbors up in arms over the noise they’re making trying to […]

September 11, 2014

This Arne Jacobsen MiiBoxen Dollhouse is an 1:16 Replica of the Architect’s Home

Everyone may be raving about the Dutch making their mark on the NYC urbanscape once again, but let's not forget about the Danes who have perpetually kept our interiors cool and colorful with iconic designs like the Panton and the Egg. If you've been looking for a quirky statement piece that's meant to spark some interesting conversations, then consider bringing a little Danish design into your home with this incredible wall-mountable dollhouse by Minimii.
Take a peek inside here
September 11, 2014

Bromley Caldari Architects’ A-Frame Re-Think Is A-OK on the Shores of Fire Island

Rising from the shores of the Fire Island Pines is an A-frame house, not an usual silhouette for a beach house, but a bit traditional, one may think, for the hip, modern vacation spot. Think again, though, because Bromley Caldari Architects transformed this existing beach rental into a contemporary retreat, rethinking the iconic 1960's architectural style, hence its name A-Frame Re-Think. The firm's main task was to remove the spiral staircase that split the home down the middle and created dark, cramped rooms. In response to the challenge, architects R. Scott Bromley and Jerry Caldari broke through the envelope of the three-story structure, weaving in a modern, sculptural staircase.
More on the A-Frame Re-Think here
September 11, 2014

FriendsWithYou Light Cave Provides an Interactive Art Experience at the Standard High Line

If you're already making Oktoberfest plans to hit up the Standard, High Line's beer garden, you might want to think about imbibing a bit earlier, as the new Light Cave art installation is only on view until the end of September. Presented by FriendsWithYou and commissioned by the Standard Hotel and the Art Production Fund, this public art project "is a symbol of light and connectivity in an architectural form." The inflatable work, which evokes a prehistoric figure and a cavern, spans the entire outdoor plaza in front of the hotel and pulsates with energy and light, creating a sensory rich experience.
More on the fun installation here
September 11, 2014

Rent Former Brooklyn Nets Coach Jason Kidd’s Amenity-Packed Apartment for $20K a Month

Live like a former Nets coach—at least while Jason Kidd is in Milwaukee coaching the Bucks. Kidd's departure comes after some dicey events involving politicking and power grabbing after just a year on the job. But rather than dumping his Aldyn pad completely in spite, Kidd has decided to rent it out for $20,000 a month. With some serious off the hook amenities, it's no wonder why this recognized NBA All-Star purchased the Upper West Side apartment in the first place.
A look inside the apartment and building here
September 11, 2014

Let Architect Kevin Bergin Create Your Dream Home in this Minimalist Chelsea Pad

It looks like someone is trying to accomplish a pretty impressive flip. Since September 2012 an investor has gradually acquired the three units that occupy the sixth floor of the Porter House, paying almost $13 million. Now the entire floor is back on the market as one potential dream home package for a whopping $22 million. (Now that’s appreciation if we’ve ever heard of it.) While the nearly double asking price may raise a few eyebrows, there are a few incentives for prospective buyers in the form of a fresh paint job and a masterfully crafted floor plan by up-and-coming NYC architect Kevin Bergin. Admittedly, it’s not a complete remodel, but it’s a start. Let’s take a look inside so you can judge for yourself.
Take a look inside, here
September 10, 2014

From the Majestic Stair to Its Well-Dressed Walls, $20M Upper East Side Home is Pure Elegance

This extraordinary residence in The Ruxcroft at 20 East 64th Street is so classically elegant we almost felt like we had to get dressed up just to look at its pictures. One of only two units in this full-service 25-foot wide mansion condominium, its 2010 renovation was careful to restore many of the original period details, most notably the sweeping staircase winding its way through the home. How can anyone not feel elegant gliding down that majestic flight?
More pure elegance right this way
September 10, 2014

Gluck+ Architects’ Scholar’s Library is a Cubic Retreat for Studying in the Woods

Now that school's back in session, we've found the perfect solitary haven for reading, writing, and studying. A minimal cube in the woods, the Scholar's Library by Gluck+ Architects is located in a serene, forested area of Olivebridge, New York. The design is enclosed on the bottom, but open with wrap-around windows on the top. It's "walls" change with the seasons, turning green in the summer, orange in the fall, and white in the winter.
Learn more about this cute studying retreat here
September 10, 2014

For One Day Only, Tour 300 Acres of Freshkills Park

Freshkills Park is the largest landfill reclamation project of its kind in the world, and aside from a weekly public (but escorted) program, it remains a closed site during its massive transformation. Now, the park is ready to give New York inhabitants a better look at what's underway, letting visitors roam free across more than 300 acres of the 2,200 acre park on September 28th from 11AM-4PM. The event, which celebrates the New Springville Greenway, will be like no other, offering up a flurry of fun outdoor activities and music and, above all, a chance to experience the impressive infrastructural project as it moves forward.
More on the sneak 'peak' event here
Pitch a story icon Know of something cool happening in New York? Let us know:
September 10, 2014

Real Estate Wire: $13M for Bed-Stuy’s Tallest Apartment Building; Aby Rosen is Creating His Own Mansion

A ‘seven-star hotel’ will rise on the former site of the Rizzoli Bookstore near Central Park. [WSJ] Aby Rosen wants to turn an 11-unit co-op at 1025 Park Avenue into his personal 19,000-square-foot mansion. [NYDN] Owners of a 13-story, 23-apartment rental at 11 Spencer Court in Bed-Stuy are looking to make $13 million sale—50% more than […]

September 10, 2014

Anatomy of a Killer Flip: The Townhouse Everybody Wanted Heads Back to the Market

In January of 2013, in the dead of winter, an 1899 detail-laden Italianate townhouse fixer-upper at 102 Gates Avenue hit an inventory-starved rising market. The listing price of $1.295 million, was a double-take for many, even though it was less than what properties like it were selling for in the area. Fast forward to September 2014, where renovations, which commenced almost immediately after the sale, are nearing completion (and according to reports, they’ve been done right). Word is that the house is about to head back to the market—at more than twice its winter selling price.
Find out why 375 people waited in the cold for the first open house
September 10, 2014

Daily Link Fix: Time to Claim Your .NYC Domain; Artists Sue Mobile-Library Nonprofit Booklyn Shuttle

Starting next month you can claim your .NYC domain! Booklyn is as cool as Brooklyn. According to the New York Post, a group of book-boosting artists from Booklyn Artists Alliance (spelled with no “r”) is suing the new mobile-library nonprofit Booklyn Shuttle over unauthorized use of its name. City Lab reports on why it’s important that people in […]

September 10, 2014

You May be Able to Print Your Own Solar Panels Soon

Are you one of the many eagerly awaiting the iPhone 6 and iWatch? Well, pretty soon, you may be able to print your very own solar panel to serve as an energy-generating skin or case for your new device. Scientists at CSIRO, Australia's national science agency, along with those at Melbourne and Monash universities, report that they hope to offer the printed solar panels for low-power applications within the next few years. Printed on plastic--and faster, cheaper, and easier to use than traditional silicon panels--they could mean big things for a gadget-obsessed world, as well as for simple building and design applications.
More on the technology here
September 10, 2014

Whimsical Chelsea Duplex with Hot Tub Asks $3.9 Million

There’s something about the grotto-esque garden duplex at 121 West 15th Street that makes us feel like we just stepped into a Disney movie. Perhaps it’s the soft edges and delightfully crooked banisters, or the whimsical fireman’s pole—yes, there’s a fireman’s pole. Whatever the case, this magical apartment may not be “the happiest place on earth,” but it will undoubtedly put a smile on your face.
Take a look inside here
September 9, 2014

Junior’s Isn’t Going Anywhere, Owner Turns Down a $45M Offer to the Dismay of a Hungry Developer

Lovers of cheescake, rejoice! Downtown Brooklyn's Junior's diner will stay put. According to the New York Times, the restaurant's owner, Alan Rosen, has turned away all offers for the space located at the corner of Flatbush Avenue Extension and Dekalb Avenue. Rosen put the property on the market back in February and, unsurprisingly, was met with plenty of interest from hungry developers looking to build luxury condos atop site. After a summer of sleepless nights and much agonizing over his decision, Rosen has shot down the offers, including a whopping $45 million bid. Why? Sentimental value.
More on Rosen's heartfelt decision
September 9, 2014

New Yorker Spotlight: Mac Sillick and Sandy Hall of Black Tree, the LES ‘Farm to Sandwich’ Favorite

Plenty of new restaurants and bars have been popping up on the Lower East Side over the last few years, but one of the more recent standout eateries to appear is Black Tree. This Brooklyn transplant has only been around for a little more than a year, but their incredible menu has drawn in everyone from food critics at the Wall Street Journal and Zagat to Guy Fieri—who by the way can be seen dusting Black Tree sandwich crumbs from his goatee in an episode of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. We recently caught up with Mac Sillick and Sandy Hall, the owners and culinary creatives behind the delicious Downtown venture, to chat about their business. Find out about their "farm to sandwich" approach, why they only use locally sourced food, and why they moved their business from Crown Heights to the Lower East Side. **GIVEAWAY**: The fellas are also offering up one lucky reader 'drinks for two' at the Black Tree bar. Keep reading to find out how you can enjoy some organic cocktails on the house!
The interview and giveaway here
September 9, 2014

Bushwick is the 7th Coolest Neighborhood in the World According to Vogue

Bushwick's star continues to rise amongst fashionistas. Not only does the neighborhood have its own candle, but Vogue magazine just named it the 7th coolest neighborhood in the world. The article, which appears in the September issue, cites cutting-edge art galleries, "Jay Z–approved restaurants" like Roberta’s, and quirky pop-ups in unexpected spaces as some of the items drawing cool kids in. Centro in Sao Paolo, Canal Saint-Martin in Paris, and Brera in Milan are just a few of the other nabes that round out the top 15. Another silly list, yes, but the story does beg the question: Has Anna Wintour even been to Brooklyn?
What do you think? Weigh in here
September 9, 2014

New Adaptive Architecture Project Explores How Physical Spaces Can Morph Based on Heat

Generally, if a building starts moving, it's a very bad thing. But a new shape-shifting architecture concept from the students at Barcelona’s Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalunya proves otherwise. Responding to the notion that as buildings become smarter and greener they should also be responsive to their external environments, the project, dubbed Translated Geometries, explores how physical spaces could someday morph based on various environmental inputs.
More on the new technology here
September 9, 2014

The Met Museum Officially Opens Its Newly Renovated $65 Million Plaza

A dramatically redesigned plaza in front of the Metropolitan Museum of Art on Fifth Avenue was dedicated today and named in honor of its sole donor, David H. Koch. The four-block long plaza, which flanks the museum’s famous entrance steps, includes two fountains, alleys of trees, new paving and red, angular canopies/parasols over seating benches. The redesign of the plaza space was two years in the making and cost $65 million, contributed entirely by Mr. Koch, a trustee of the museum. In his remarks inside the museum at the Temple of Dendur, Mr. Koch said that when Daniel Brodsky, the museum’s chairman, asked how the new plaza was going to be paid for he said he “had a good idea – why don’t I do it?!” Mr. Koch, who attended the ceremony with his wife, Julia, and three children, said that the plaza “became a passion for me.” He had lived nearby when it was under discussion and he said he hoped it will last for 50 years until a future philanthropist funds another renovation.
More from the event here
September 9, 2014

Cobblestone Quaintness and Modern Comforts Await Tribeca Penthouse’s Lucky New Owner

It never ceases to amaze us how effortlessly one can “time travel” from the sleek, steel, and thoroughly modern skyscrapers of Manhattan to the old-time charm of places like 463 Greenwich Street, otherwise known as The Romanoff. We guess that's part of New York City's magic, and it casts its spell on us daily as we meander through one of the most diverse real estate markets in the world. The idyllic cobblestone streets that greet you as you make your way to this triple-mint, full-floor penthouse loft in Tribeca offer a study in contrast to the contemporary tone of the exquisite four-bedroom home inside. Original details like exposed brick and ceiling beams combine with modern comforts and stunning finishes to perfectly bridge the home’s turn-of-the-century roots with its 21st century incarnation. The flawless design by Turett Collaborative Architects features soaring 17-foot ceilings, an abundance of wood-framed windows, and custom Arrigoni wide-plank Bavarian oak floors, all enveloping a vast open entertaining expanse.
See more of where this home's cobblestone streets lead
September 9, 2014

Studio Garneau Creates a Morphing Home from a Tired Prewar Apartment

Why settle for a boring one-bedroom when you can live in a home that morphs to create different rooms? Inhabitat NYC recently featured Studio Garneau‘s Transformer, a cool mini-loft that can, you guessed it, transform to fit its tenants’ needs. The NYC-based architecture firm started with a dilapidated, multi-room prewar apartment, knocked down the walls, and then built a large, track-mounted sliding wall that acts as […]

September 9, 2014

Regal Penthouse at 1185 Park Avenue Returns, Asking $25 Million

The impressive penthouse at 1185 Park Avenue is back on the market. The palatial estate was listed last year, asking $27.5 million. However, buyers apparently felt that price was too expensive for a sprawling five-bedroom duplex with an astounding 2,850-square-foot wrap-around terrace. So, the Carnegie Hill prewar pad has returned with a $2.5 million discount and high hopes that history won’t repeat itself.
Take a look inside the pristine pad, here
September 9, 2014

REVEALED: $210 Million Upgrade for Grand Central’s Subway Station As Part of One Vanderbilt Tower

As part of a five-year, $210 million plan to significantly upgrade Grand Central's subway station, developer SL Green hopes to install new staircases to the train platforms, two new street-level entrances and a refurbished mezzanine level, and a 4,000-square-foot ground-level commuter waiting area. The improvements were conceived in conjunction with the MTA and the de Blasio administration earlier this year as the first component of the Midtown East Rezoning project. The transit upgrades must all be completed before tenants can occupy One Vanderbilt (planned for completion in January 2020), SL Green's new 65-story office tower planned for the entire block west of Grand Central and north of East 42nd Street. Designed by Kohn Pederson Fox, the tower will be the second-tallest building in the city when completed.
More on the upgrades ahead
September 8, 2014

Cliffs Notes on New York’s Most Famous Storied Residential Buildings

The newest apartment houses, be it now or some 150 years ago has always been of great interest to New York buyers and renters. And like today, their appeal make sell-outs as easy as pie. From Manhattan's very first apartment building to those that followed a decade or so later, those initial projects continue to remain the city's most coveted digs—not to mention the city’s most expensive. But what stands out among these famous buildings as the years passed was the introduction of not-yet-available services—ranging from running water and elevators to electricity and communal amenities. Whether we are talking about the Dakota or the luxurious the Osborne Flats, learn why these century-plus-old buildings continue to enchant the rich, the famous, and the rest of us.
Click here for Cliffs Notes on NYC's most historic homes
September 8, 2014

A Chef and a Sculptor Balance Work and Home in This Elizabeth Roberts-Designed Williamsburg Loft

After years of searching for an industrial space to use as a studio and a comfortable home, a married couple—he's a chef and food writer, she's a sculptor—transformed this 3,500 square-foot ground-floor Williamsburg Loft into a well-balanced live/work space that includes a top tier kitchen and plenty of light and space for creating art.
See how a creative couple makes use of this versatile, comfortable space
September 8, 2014

Torafu’s Koloro is a Cute and Functional Office Wrapped Up in a Compact Desk

If you work from home, you know how difficult it is to separate personal and professional life. But not if you have something like this—a desk that you can just turn over when you finish work, leaving all the clutter and to-do lists behind. The cute Kororodesuku (Koloro desk) is a brilliantly simple design by Japanese designers Torafu studio; it's made from wood and comes in any color you like.
Learn more about this cute little desk
September 8, 2014

Rare Full-Floor Loft in Tribeca is a Work of Art by Famed Norwegian Architectural Firm Tupelo

Artists seem to find inspiration everywhere, often taking even the simplest of ideas and turning them into striking masterpieces. Well, whoever winds up living in this rare full-floor artists loft at 144 Franklin Street in Tribeca will hit the inspiration jackpot. Norwegian architectural firm Tupelo has indeed turned its simple industrial form replete with massive cast iron columns, beamed ceilings, hand-oiled maple floors, and custom oversized double-glazed windows into a beautiful work of art. This stunning, 3,000-square-foot, three-bedroom loft was created for-and-by artists, which is evident the moment you step from the key-locked elevator through the original factory door and witness the seamless combination of spectacular modern design with Tribeca’s industrial history.
Get inspired by more of this masterpiece here
September 8, 2014

Frank Gehry Bounces Back from WTC Snub with New Construction Technology Endeavor

It was big news last week that Frank Gehry's designed plans for the Performing Arts Center at the World Trade Center were axed by execs of the site. Though he may have felt slightly snubbed, based on quotes he provided to the New York Times, Gehry seemed unaffected overall. His mellow reaction toward the dis is now further substantiated by news that his IT company Gehry Technologies has been acquired by American location technology firm Trimble (the owner of 3D drawing software SketchUp) in order to "transform the construction industry by further connecting the office to on-site construction technologies," according to Trimble.
More on the starchitect's new partnership here
September 8, 2014

Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick’s Greenwich Village Townhouse Back on the Market for $22M

Everybody's favorite Sex and the City star and her hubby just put their Greenwich Village townhouse back on the market for $22 million. After a brief disappearance in April, a new listing, held by none other than Million Dollar Listing's Frederik Eklund and John Gomes, has emerged with a small price chop, down $3 million from its previous ask. The beautiful five-bedroom home at 20 East 10th Street is certainly fit for a star, measuring 6,800 square feet and boasting seven fireplaces, a private garden with a Juliet balcony, two oversized skylights, 50' long bookcases, and a full floor master bedroom with terrace—amongst many, many other luxuries. The townhouse, of course, also comes with two Carrie-worthy walk-in closets, which are worth a peek just to see what SJP has stored away.
Take a tour of the incredible home here
September 8, 2014

REVEALED: New Skyline Renderings for Nordstrom Tower at 217 West 57th Street

Back in July, we learned that Extell's Nordstrom Tower will rise 1,775 feet–just one foot shorter than One World Trade Center, making it the tallest residential building in the world. Now, New York YIMBY has released renderings of how the 92-story supertall will look against the rest of the skyline. Though official images from Extell haven't been released, these preliminary sneak peeks are pretty impressive.
More on the new development here
September 8, 2014

This Art-Filled West Village Penthouse Also Features an Unbelievable Rooftop Terrace

It looks like the penthouse at 221 West 13th Street had a bit of trouble selling back in 2011, which is good news for some lucky prospective renters because the beautifully decorated West Village duplex is now available, fully furnished, for $25,000 per month. We’re pretty sure there’s a saying for that: one man’s misfortune is another man’s opportunity. Apparently, the space was originally designed as two separate residences, which may have had something to do with its trouble finding a new owner… well, that and the fact that price kept increasing. Whatever the case, this three-bedroom townhouse has quite a few surprises up its sleeve.
Take a look inside here
September 7, 2014

MESH Architectures’ Atrium House Will Have You Saying “Toto, I Don’t Think We’re in Williamsburg Anymore”

You're not dreaming; this house is in Williamsburg. In fact, it harkens back to the neighborhood's industrial roots and stays true to the low-scale character of the area. The navy blue cube was originally built as a garage that occupied the entire 22’ x 100’ lot, but when converted to residential use in 2011, NYC zoning regulations mandated that a certain percentage of the site be reserved for a yard. Enter MESH Architectures, the creative firm that devised a genius plan to incorporate the required outdoor space as an inner atrium, letting the outside in while still maintaining a sense of privacy. The central space is composed of two volumes - a double-height great room and the courtyard surrounded by folding-glass doors on three sides. The great room, master bedroom, and bathroom sit behind these glass walls, seamlessly blending the indoors with the zen, outdoor area.
Take a look inside this architectural marvel here
September 6, 2014

Weekly Highlights: Top Picks from the 6sqft Staff

We talk to Sue Chin, the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Chief Architect, about designing for a very different clientele–tiger, sharks, gorillas, and more. We’ve got the dirt on Frank Gehry’s Ground Zero Performing Arts Center rejection. Coffee Culture: Are neighborhood cafes the first sign of gentrification? Travel back in time to Radio Row, the city’s original […]

September 5, 2014

New Yorker Spotlight: Sue Chin on Designing for a Very Different Type of Client at the Wildlife Conservation Society

Susan (Sue) A. Chin, FAIA is an architect and designer with a very different type of clientele. Currently, her roster includes tigers, gorillas, and sharks, all of whom have very specific design needs. As the Vice President of Planning & Design and Chief Architect at the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Sue oversees the architectural and design needs of the Society's zoos and parks (Bronx Zoo, New York Aquarium, Central Park Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, and Queens Zoo), as well as their conservation work around the globe. The organization currently has about 500 projects in 65 countries, which means her work is showcased as far away as Madagascar. 6sqft recently spoke with Sue about WCS, how she got into the field as a teenager, her clients (both human and non), and the exciting new exhibit under construction at the New York Aquarium in Coney Island.
Read our full interview with Sue here
September 5, 2014

Gorgeous Upper East Side Townhouse is Looking for Its Forever Owner

With all the hubbub over Common Core these days (have you seen the NEW math?), it’s nice to know that some things simply add up the way they should – like this incredible 4,125-square-foot single-family townhouse located at 506 East 87th Street. Situated on a tree-lined street near Carl Schurz Park, this beautifully renovated residence built in 1899 was purchased in April 2013 for $7.99 million, but then sold in January 2014 for $6.85 million, a pretty steep drop for just eight months. It's now back on the market for $7.75 million, so here’s hoping the third time’s the charm and the new owners will spend many years enjoying all that this home has to offer.
Take a peek inside this incredible home
September 5, 2014

Real Estate Wire: $190M for America’s Dirtiest Hotel; How High Tech Investors Live

An image of what could go up at the long-stalled Kedem winery site in south Williamsburg. [Brownstoner] They’re just like us? The super-rich buy super-expensive apartments and fill them with super-expensive furniture but never actually occupy them. [NYDN] The priciest properties belonging to tech investors, entrepreneurs and CEOs. [TRD/Business Insider] Joseph Chetrit has agreed to pay $190 […]

Our Mission

More than just current events, here you'll learn about the places, people, and ideas that are shaping your city.