June 2, 2014

Set Designer for Saturday Night Live Buys Artsy SoHo Loft

Leo Yoshimura, a set designer and art director for late night television shows like Saturday Night Live and the Late Show with Conan O'Brien, has purchased unit 5W at SoHo's 565 Broadway for $4.2 million through a listing held by Keller Williams.  This is a D2 class/artist in residence building, meaning it's a former industrial site that was converted to residential and now its apartments must be inhabited by a certified artist. The artistically designed loft seamlessly blends historic character with sleek modernism.  Original columns punctuate the 2,740-square-foot 3BR/3BA space, which retains its large windows and high ceilings.  The interior window cutouts let natural light traverse the entire unit, as does the contemporary frosted glass divider that leads into the boldly painted red den.
More details this way
May 31, 2014

Lower East Side Rental Oozes Rustic Charm

One look at this delightful apartment at 141 Attorney Street and you will be hooked. The bright sunshine flowing in from the north, south and west exposures perfectly showcases distinctive details like the exposed brick walls, gorgeous hardwood floors, custom built-ins, a wide-plank wooden wall, and even a fun over-sized “barn door” (yes, it’s red!).
See more charm!
May 30, 2014

Take a Peek Inside Resolution: 4 Architecture’s Stunning Loft High Above Union Square

Closet space isn’t easy to come by in New York City, so when the owners of this stunning Union Square loft remodeled their apartment a few years back, storage was on the top of their to-do list. With help from Robert Luntz and Joseph Tanney of Resolution: 4 Architecture, the family transformed their newly-expanded apartment into a sleek, modern home with plenty of cabinets and shelves.
See more of the impressive, storage-friendly apartment
May 30, 2014

Your Daily Link Fix: Starchitects Wear Their Buildings as Hats; NASA Prepares for More Mars Exploration

NASA Prepares For More Mars Exploration: Just 2 years after Curiosity touched down on the red planet’s surface, NASA is working on a way to get bigger vehicles there. FastCo. has the inside info. Starchitects Wearing Their Buildings: Architizer has prints from Brooklyn illustrator Paul Stuller, depicting some of the world’s most famous architects wearing […]

May 30, 2014

This Upper East Side Duplex is So Big You Might Need a GPS

Bigger is better so the saying goes, and you’ll get no argument from this nearly 8,000-square-foot duplex at 28 East 70th Street. Luckily, you have us to navigate the way through the 20+ rooms that make this home a truly remarkable residence. The most difficult part of our journey? Where to start! So grab your key (for the elevator) and step right into this stunning condo’s marble-floored reception foyer and spacious entry gallery, ensuring complete privacy for the rest of the home’s wings. Yes, wing is a totally appropriate description to use with a residence of this size.
Enter your destination and away we go
May 30, 2014

One Vanderbilt: New 65-Story Tower Near Grand Central to Stand Taller Than the Chrysler Building

It looks like the Chrysler Building is about to get a new neighbor. According to the New York Times, SL Green has reportedly proposed the development of a 1,200-foot, 65-story tower that would occupy the block between 42nd and 43rd Streets, and Vanderbilt and Madison Avenues. This proposal will have to undergo a review process as part of a new de Blasio administration plan to rezone an area of Vanderbilt Avenue for larger buildings. De Blasio’s proposal is a 2.0 version of a failed bid by Michael Bloomberg that would rezone an area around Grand Central Terminal. Bloomberg’s proposal – which would affect a 73-block area around the terminal - concerned officials and preservationists, who were concerned that the plan would add to the congestion in the area. Fulfilling one of his campaign promises, de Blasio has devised a plan to mitigate those issues as well as keep the city competitive for decades to come, by creating more office space in the prime business location.
Learn more about the iconic tower's new neighbor
May 30, 2014

New Yorker Spotlight: Photographer Barry Rosenthal on Living in the Financial District and Finding Inspiration in Nature

Photographer and artist Barry Rosenthal is inspired by nature. His latest series, Found in Nature, is a response to what he was seeing and feeling while out on beaches. Barry, whose pieces can be found in the permanent collection of the MoMA in New York City and the Springfield Museum of Fine Art in Springfield, Massachusetts, is himself being found through Found in Nature. The series was recently featured in Brazil's National Geographic Magazine. Although Barry works in nature, he has lived in the caverns of the Financial District since 1987. Long before the neighborhood would become popular with young professionals and families, Barry and his wife, Elyn, found that the area — then made up primarily of office buildings — had just what they were looking for: space. Over the last 25 years, they and their daughter Macie, now 18, made the Financial District their home. The family was certainly ahead of the curve. As a New Yorker, I was curious to learn more about Barry. What was it like living in this neighborhood back in the '80s, especially from the perspective of a photographer and artist with a keen eye for observing the world? Why did he decide to head out of his studio and work in nature?
READ THE INTERVIEW WITH BARRY ROSENTHAL HERE
May 30, 2014

The Great Outdoors: 6 Luxurious NYC Penthouses with Envy-Inducing Outdoor Spaces to Boot

Warmer temperatures are finally here, and New Yorkers are well on their way to planning their summer trips — to the Hamptons, Berkshires, Jersey Shore, and any other location where they can relax and soak up the sun. The one problem with all of these destinations, though, is the travel. No one wants to wait in traffic on the Jersey Turnpike or sit on a crowded Jitney bus. So wouldn't it be nice if you could enjoy the nice weather without leaving home? At these six stunning penthouses you can, thanks to their beautiful outdoor spaces.
All the urban oases right this way
May 29, 2014

Market Snapshot: The Week of May 29, 2014

An anonymous buyer snagged an 18th - and 19th-floor apartment at 15 Central Park West for $48 million. This purchase is the second most expensive sale in the building, falling "just" $40 million short of former Citigroup CEO Sany Weil's penthouse buy. Most Manhattan apartments don't come with an inch of green space, but the six listings highlighted in our report sure do! Guess which addresses have green escapes hidden from prying eyes... 116 condos sold for an average of $2.4 million; and 137 co-ops sold for an average of $1.2 million during the week of April 28th-May 4th. With summer just around the corner, it looks like buyers are clamoring to close.   For market trends, the latest real estate listings, and an inside scoop on the city's coolest buildings, we turn to CityRealty‘s Weekly Market Snapshot for the scoop.
Get the report here
May 29, 2014

Green City: Eight of the Biggest Eco-Friendly Developments Happening Right Now in NYC

While going green has more or less become the norm in most modern day construction in New York, some projects have really outdone themselves from the ingenuity of design to the sheer scale of size. This is a city where the new police academy will harness the power of re-usable rainwater, and where the Barclays Center's arena roof is being covered with 130,000 square feet of new garden space. New York is placing itself at the forefront of green design and green construction, and here are just eight of the biggest green projects happening right now.
The top green developments in the city this way
May 29, 2014

A Unique $3.2 Million Tribeca Loft to Bring Out Your Inner Artist

On the road again… I can’t wait to get on the road again… Yes, one glance at 466 Washington Street #3W is going to have you feeling like you just got off a bumpy bus ride in Tijuana and stopped in for a beer at a local tavern. That’s part of the charm of this 3,500-square-foot, one-of-a-kind loft. It’s perfectly suited for the artist who was “born to run” or just born to work, embracing a live/work atmosphere. The apartment’s trendy personality, combined with its original hand sewn beams and exposed brick walls produces a blend of old and new, making it a perfect haven for creative inspiration.
Check out more photos of this unique loft here
May 29, 2014

Straus Park Stunner with Striking Balcony Asks $4.65 Million

One of the most sought after units in the exclusive Straus Park condominium is back on the market. The Opus'#18B has changed hands a lot over the past few years but like many others, she has learned that you have to kiss a few frogs to meet your prince. Well, she’s ready to meet her prince - or princess - and she's enlisted Corcoran agent Greg Kammerer to help. The 2,241-square-foot condo may sit at the top of a 22-story building but her giant windows bring the city to her fingertips. And that might be all you need of the Big Apple, because with all that this 4BR/3BA condo has to offer you could find yourself vacationing in your own home.
Take a look inside this pretty penthouse here
May 29, 2014

Ensoleillé! Soleado! Soleggiato! Yes, This Chelsea Condo at 520 West 19th Street is Sunny

No matter how you say it there’s no denying the bright and airy appeal of this sun-filled home at 520 West 19th Street courtesy of floor-to-ceiling windows in just about every room and its very own 48-foot long landscaped terrace. But if you’re looking to soak up your Vitamin D another way, you’re in luck because this Annabelle Selldorf-designed building is perfectly situated between the High Line and the 550 acre Hudson River Park. So whether you’re in the mood to stretch your legs, picnic, sail, kayak, or paddle-board, you’re covered.
See how sunny living here can be!
May 29, 2014

Billionaire Pier Luigi Loro Piana Buys a Glamourous Carnegie Hill Apartment for $11.3 Million

When you've got billions what's $11.3 million spent on some prime NYC real estate? According to city records filed this morning, Italian billionaire (the 1,067th in the world, and the 22nd in Italy) Pier Luigi Loro Piana just purchased a stunning Carnegie Hill co-op at 980 Fifth Avenue through a listing held by Sotheby's. The Italian fashion magnate crossed the billionaire's mark just last July when he and his brother sold an 80% stake in the Loro Piana fashion line to French billionaire Bernard Arnault's LVMH for $2.6 billion. With plenty of closets in this 3BR/3.5BA, including a 100-square-foot dressing room, the Pianas will have lots of room to store some of the luxurious cashmere and wool suits and sweaters that brought their family such great wealth today. The beautiful home also boasts stunning views of Central Park, and the building itself sparked quite a bit of controversy back in 1966 when it was constructed.
More details this way
May 29, 2014

Fifth Avenue Apartment with Views of the Met Changes Hands from One Financial Pro to Another

Crunching numbers all day as one of the leading financial advisors at USB can't be an easy task, so it makes perfect sense why Louise F. Gunderson chose to make this tranquil, inviting apartment her new home. The crystal-clear views of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Central Park Reservoir probably don't hurt either. Ms. Gunderson purchased a unit at 1035 Fifth Avenue for $4.75 million through a listing held by Lisa K. Lippman and Scott Moore at Brown Harris Stevens. The seller, Sylvan Schefler, head of the Investment Banking Department at Drexel Burnham Lambert Inc., likely had the same idea when he acquired the co-op in 1999. The large single-pane tilt and turn windows of this 2BR/3BA home let in tons of natural light and perfectly frame the uniquely Upper East Side views. High ceilings and hardwood flooring throughout are two of the lovely prewar details, while updated touches like custom built-in shelving and charming window seats create a modern, urban feel.
More on the apartment right this way
May 28, 2014

Bec Brittain’s Beautiful Maxhedron Pendant Lamp Creates Stunning Light Constellations

Bec Brittain may be Brooklyn-based, but this lighting designer isn't falling into her Bushwick neighborhood's predilection for rough-edges and unfinished wood. With its calculated geometry, elegant mirrored glass, and a constellation of lights held within, Brittian's beautiful Maxhedron offers the perfect amount of luminance while creating an out of this world refraction that can transform any room.
More images of the incredible lamp this way
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May 28, 2014

Thorndale: Turn of the 20th Century Carriage House Becomes Perfect 21st Century Home

At the turn of the 20th century, the first Model T Ford was still almost a decade from leaving the assembly line at the Ford Motor Company’s Piquette Plant in Detroit, Michigan and horse-drawn carriages were the primary mode of transportation. Carriage houses, like the one at 406 West 45th Street, built in 1905 for Oakleigh Thorne, owner of Thorndale Farms in Dutchess County, were necessary to properly store the carriages and associated equipment, such as saddles, stirrups, bridles, halters, reins, bits, harnesses, etc. By 1927, over 15 million Model T-Fords had been produced and the horse and buggy was on its way to being a novelty from a simpler time, and carriage houses were eventually given second lives as garages, offices, workshops, restaurants and, as in the case of the aptly named Thorndale, beautiful residences.
Take a look at the gorgeous conversion
May 28, 2014

Field Trip to the American Dream (Via the Bronx)

My English composition class at a CUNY school resembles a Benetton ad minus the posing and singular fashion aesthetic. I could run the numbers, but I don’t need to make like Nate Silver to prove my class is almost entirely of immigrants or first generation Americans from a wide range of backgrounds. This makes things particularly interesting when we study the 'American Dream', for it’s far more relevant to my students than it is to, say, me — all snug and secure in my status as a second-generation American not living with the hope for citizenship nor the fear of deportation of myself or my loved ones. One of the materials I use when teaching the American Dream is an article from September of 2013 in The Times about Marco Saavedra, a young man brought here illegally as a toddler in the early ‘90s by his Mexican parents who own and operate a restaurant in the Mott Haven section of the Bronx. Under the auspices of his parents’ emphasis on education, Marco was able to thrive in the public schools’ of NYC and secure full scholarships to Deerfield Academy and then Kenyon College, from where he graduated in 2011. Impressive.
But then it all went south. Literally. More of Andrew's Story here
May 28, 2014

Wall Street Banker Buys Premier Park Avenue Duplex for $8.495 Million

Wall Street banker Brian Kelly and his wife Robin Foley have just purchased a gorgeous Upper East Side duplex at 830 Park Avenue for $8.495 million. Apartment 9/10B is reminiscent of a home in an Edith Wharton novel, which is appropriate because it’s managed to maintain much of its early 20th century charm even as it boasts some of the most modern finishes.
Check out this beautiful duplex here
May 28, 2014

The Hidden City in Manhattan’s “Other” Skyline

As any fan of Spiderman knows, the “corridors” created by Manhattan’s tall buildings are a perfect way to beat traffic through a little web-swinging. But look more closely and Spiderman’s transportation of choice reveals a secret city like none other. One of the most famous and ubiquitous skylines in the world has seen its share of changes — most recently the rise of the Freedom Tower in place of the twin towers of the original World Trade Center — but has remained one of the most recognizable. Yet hidden among New York's tallest buildings is another skyline as unique as the city itself created by the negative air space formed between the granite and steel structures reaching for the sky on each side of the street.
READ MORE
May 28, 2014

New Yorker Spotlight: Minton’s Chef Alexander Smalls Breathes New Life into Legendary Harlem Jazz Club

It was dinner party cocktail chatter that led long-time pals chef Alexander Smalls and former Time Warner CEO Richard Parsons to launch a set of Harlem restaurants. Last fall, five years after that initial talk, the duo re-opened Minton’s, bringing the legendary jazz club back to its former glory, complete with Sunday jazz suppers. Around the same time, they also launched a brand new restaurant down the block called the Cecil, which boasts a cross-cultural menu inspired by Africa’s wide-spreading culinary influence. We sat down with Smalls, an opera-singer-turned chef and longtime Harlem resident, to get his thoughts on the changing neighborhood and what business owners can do to give back.
Read our interview with the culinary legend
May 28, 2014

Loft in Former Celeb Haven at 30 Crosby Street Finds a Buyer for $7.8 Million

Alicia Keys hired a crane when she moved out; Lenny Kravitz reportedly liked to show off his abs to his neighbors; Courtney Love allegedly had a little too much fun in the lobby — this is just some of the gossip from the former rich-and-famous tenants of 30 Crosby Street. In recent years, though, the residents have shifted from A-list celebrities to "everyday millionaires", and instead of Grammy-winning singers and hard-partying actresses, the Nolita building is now home to rich guys like the recent buyer of unit 3B, Justin Leverenz, Director of Emerging Market Equities at Oppenheimer, who purchased the apartment for $7.8 million, according to city records filed yesterday afternoon. The seller was music industry executive Daniel Pelson who paid $2.55 million for the home in 2001. Mr. Pelson listed the property through Town Residential’s Tinnie Sassano. What Mr. Leverenz acquired is a 4,164-square-foot, 3BR/3BA loft full of original historic details, including 19th century rough-hewn wooden columns, pinewood flooring, and exposed brick walls, mixed with contemporary additions like an Italian limestone wood-burning fireplace and a sleek, retro kitchen complete with stainless steel appliances and slab marble countertops.
Check out the rest of the digs this way
May 27, 2014

One-of-a-Kind TriBeCa Loft at 474 Greenwich Street Is Waiting for One-of-a-Kind Owner

Situated in an 1880s factory building, this intriguing 1-bedroom, 2-bath home at 474 Greenwich Street offers surprises at every turn. From its adorable checkered kitchen floor to the exposed beam ceilings, every room is a conversation starter. We aren’t sure what the exposed brick walls would say if they could talk (that’s over 100 years of secrets hidden away!) but we certainly have a lot to tell.
See what there is to talk about!
May 27, 2014

Giza: Itai Bar-On’s Unique Modern Lighting Solution Using Industrial Materials

Israeli industrial designer Itai Bar-On's favorite material is concrete — a love that stems from his family’s multi-generational construction business. But when the designer decided to test the limits of aluminum, he managed to create a stunning lighting fixture that emphasizes the natural qualities of a material that's often blasted to a sheen or bathed in a candy-colored powder paint finish.
Check out this sweet lamp here
May 27, 2014

Your Art and Design Events Agenda, For the Week of May 27, 2014

Boo! The long Memorial Day weekend and its endless picnics are over. But you can still celebrate the short work week with all things arty! Indulge in your love of film — from the silent era to tomorrow's documentary stars — or channel your inner entrepreneur at a panel on how to price your own designs. Also be sure to rest up for the weekend as artist studios open up across Brooklyn with Bushwick Open Studios and NARS Foundation. Just be sure to leave some time on your schedule to check out Bushwick's first art fair, the NEWD Art Fair!
All the best events here
May 27, 2014

Condo at 149 Skillman Avenue Lets Its Light Shine!

What kind of apartment needs custom blinds from the Shade Store? The kind with floor-to-ceiling windows flooding the unit with light! And we’re not talking any standard floor-to-ceiling windows. Architect Michael Muroff decided to throw us a beautiful curve ball by designing a wall-sized window in the living room accented with a giant, skylight – or more appropriately, an angled ceiling of windows. The result is a living space you could practically sunbathe in. An abundance of light isn’t the only thing 149 Skillman Avenue #4B has to offer. The 1,070-square-foot, 2BR/2BA unit has a few other surprises, including a steam shower and a private roof deck with a gorgeous view of the Manhattan skyline. That means a spectacular show for the apartment’s residents when the 4th of July fireworks return to the East River for summer 2014.
See what else this beautiful condo has to offer here
May 27, 2014

See New Renderings of Fortis’s Waterfront Residential and Hotel Development at 151 Maiden Lane

New renderings of Fortis Property Group’s mixed-use development at 151 Maiden Lane have been revealed! As reported by New York YIMBY, permits were filed last week for the new tower which will sit upon a 281,000-square-foot waterfront development site that the company purchased back in August of last year. Fortis’s new residential project will boast a 161,000-square-foot, 52-story luxury condominium with […]

May 27, 2014

Diane von Furstenberg’s Penthouse Sparkles Above Her Meatpacking HQ

The headquarters of the "Queen of the Wrap Dress" (ladies, you know what I'm talking about if you've ever stood in line for one of these sample sales!) is well known for the big, geometric glass structure that sits perched atop the traditional Meatpacking District building. Not so well known, though, is that inside this rooftop crystal is Ms. von Furstenberg's penthouse apartment.  And just as you'd expect, the space is full of all of the sleek, yet glamorous style that the designer expresses in her clothing. Conceptualized by Work Architecture, the Diane von Furstenberg headquarters was adapted from this landmarked meat market building to house the firm's flagship store, administrative offices, and production space. The re-imagined rooftop is not only an apartment, but a garden oasis. The staircase, dubbed the "stairdelier" by the architects since it is lined with Swarovski crystals, ties the live/work space together and is its crowning jewel. Descending diagonally through the building's six stories, it reflects light throughout the entire interior.
More about the sparkling staircase and all of the interior eye candy this way
May 26, 2014

Take a Tour of the Only House in the United States Designed by Ai Weiwei

China's most provocative artist can add architect to his already extensive resume. Known around the world for his contemporary artwork and political activism, Ai Weiwei has also had a hand in designing this sprawling compound in upstate New York. Located in bucolic Ancram — just a two-hour drive from New York City — the Tsai Residence was originally commissioned by a pair of Upper East Side art collectors. The 2,800-square-foot structure was completed in 2006 and put back on the market a few years later in 2013 for a whopping $4.25 million. But the hefty price tag comes with a unique distinction — it's the only house in the United States that Ai has ever designed.
Take a tour of the pricey, one-of-a-kind property here
May 25, 2014

Hell on Wheels: Misadventures as a NYC Bicyclist

I’ve been walking this town for over 20 years. It's one of my favorite things to do since it inspires my ideas as an author and informs my pride as a denizen. I also hate crowded subways and will do nearly anything to avoid the madness of rush hour (and this was before getting stuck on a packed subway car under the East River during the 2003 blackout). My connection to New York is most profound when walking the streets, meandering from neighborhood to neighborhood, taking in the show, taking in a bite to eat, all the while making ideas in my little factory of an imagination. I was more active in my walks of New York as a younger man, but even as a family man, I find time to take epic treks on days off or those rare weekend days that are available for leisure.
Cycling Manhattan? Brilliant idea or a lapse of sanity? Andrew's Story here
May 23, 2014

Make Muzz’s Beautiful Spin Cast Bowls Your Dinnertime Centerpiece

You don't always need fancy machines and high-tech systems to create a jaw-dropping product. Just look at these beautiful, cobalt-streaked bowls from Muzz Design. By using the simple act of spinning, co-founders Erin Turkoglu and Melodi Bozkurt were able to turn otherwise boring dishes into exquisite works of art brimming with history.
Details on the unique timepiece here
May 23, 2014

The Most Gorgeous New York City Hotel Interiors

Design is on display in New York's luxury hotels, where the interior look and feel is as important as where it's located. From the lobbies that welcome guests on their first steps into the building to the bars and dining areas later at night, some of a hotel's best design work lays outside the guests' rooms. Here are just a few of our favorite hotel interiors.
See more amazing hotel lobbies here
May 23, 2014

Seaport City: Neighborhood Built on Landfill May Be Coming to the East River

Though bearing little resemblance to its quaint East River neighbor, “Seaport City” could become a reality based on a new study released yesterday by the New York City Economic Development Corporation. But don’t bank on a new set of sought after residential and commercial river views just yet. Seaport City is only one of a number of options presented to the city as part of former mayor Michael Bloomberg's 257-point, post-Hurricane Sandy resiliency plan – and it’s the most challenging on the list.
Find out more about the plan to protect the lower east side
May 23, 2014

Penthouse Loft at 185 Plymouth Street in DUMBO Sells for $3 Million

Just in time for Alloy's penned Spring 2014 move-in date, the north penthouse (#PHN) at 185 Plymouth Street closed yesterday afternoon for $3.08 million, according to city records. All units in the former Brillo factory are officially now sold out. Units in the coveted DUMBO property hit the market March of last year, and after managing to sell eight units in less than a week without even listing the property, Alloy decided to raise the prices of the two remaining units, #PHN and #PHS, to $3.4 million and $3.95 million respectively. But that clearly didn’t slow buyers down from wanting to lay claim to some of DUMBO’s hottest new property.
Take a closer look at these lofts that are all the rage in Dumbo
May 23, 2014

American Thread Building Triplex Has Luxury Living and an Original Keith Haring Mural

Standing inside the palatial (trust us, this is not an understatement) 45' x 45' entertaining space in this magnificent triplex at 260 West Broadway, with its soaring arched windows, 26+ foot ceilings and beautifully detailed cast iron columns, you can’t help but feel a cool ocean breeze (Miami anyone?) gently soothe your soul. One could hardly blame you if you decided to stay right there and soak in the sun all weekend long. But that’s like choosing a 4-day getaway when you’ve won an around-the-world adventure because every room in this 8,000 square foot Tribeca residence offers an extraordinary experience for those lucky enough to call it home. It’s hard to know where to begin on the itinerary.
Come on an adventure with us
May 22, 2014

Gorgeous Soho Loft Survived Plans for Lower Manhattan Expressway

It’s hard to imagine that in the mid-20th century the quaint little street known as Broome was the proposed site for the ten-lane Lower Manhattan Expressway, replacing all of the buildings on its north side — including this beautiful charmer at #456. Thankfully those plans never came to fruition and this stunning home with towering 14-foot ceilings, wide plank floors, and intentionally distressed exposed brick walls survived to welcome a new generation of New Yorkers into its midst.
See what survived those expressway plans
May 22, 2014

Memorial Day Events for the New Yorker Who Wants to Stay Local

Memorial Day is just a few days away, and if you're like us, you can't wait to take a break from the daily grind. While many have made plans that will sweep them off to far flung places like Paris, for those looking to stay local, there are plenty of incredible events going on across all of NYC's boroughs — rain or shine. Keep reading for our top events to check out this Memorial Day weekend. It’s going to be a busy few days!
All the events this way
May 22, 2014

The Heights: One of Brooklyn’s Most Talked About Condominiums is Sold Out

The Heights is sold out! According to city records, the penthouse, and last available unit of the Brooklyn Heights condominium, has officially sold for $4.95 million. This extraordinary apartment at 30 Henry Street, listed by Corcoran Group's Deborah Rieders, touts one of the most expensive prices in Brooklyn, at approximately $1,730 per square foot. Getting a glimpse into this apartment is like trying to spot a rare bird, but from what we’ve gleaned, it’s pretty splendid. The luxury building replaced the home of the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, and has been the subject of a lot of speculation from the day the filings were discovered. At one point it was rumored that BKSK Architects was planning for the building to have a waterfall! From what we can see, it appears the waterfall ultimately became a fountain in the courtyard but hey, what’s a legend if not the subject of grandeur?
Take a peek inside this elusive penthouse here
May 22, 2014

Your Daily Link Fix: Stylish Bathroom Accessories for Baby Boomers; A Look at Apple’s First Attempt at the Smartphone

Swarm of Bees Removed From Williamsburg Street: Williamsburg was abuzz yesterday, but not anymore. A beekeeper removed a swarm of 24,000 bees from Montrose Avenue yesterday. DNAinfo has the story. 6 Shots of the Demolition of Cherry Street Pathmark: They came in like a wrecking ball! They’re clearing out the Cherry Street Pathmark to make […]

May 22, 2014

15 Broad Street: FiDi’s Downtown by Starck is Anything But

The year is 1928: Scotch tape is first marketed by 3M, the first air-conditioned building opens in San Antonio, the clip-on tie is designed, the NY Yankees sweep the Cards in the 25th World series – and the Equitable Trust Building at 15 Broad Street was completed. For nearly 80 years the L-shaped grey brick stone building would house some of the most influential financial companies in the world, until developer A.I. & Boymelgreen rescued it from certain demolition in 2003 and tasked French architect Phillipe Starck to turn it into a luxury condominium worthy of the financial capital of the world.
Check out #2412 at 15 Broad Street
May 22, 2014

Light-Filled Lincoln Center Apartment Gets Lucky New Buyer

At 3 Lincoln Center (a.k.a. 160 West 66th Street), residents have the bragging rights of living in the only residential building in the Lincoln Center of the Performing Arts complex. And wouldn't you brag too if right outside your window was the Metropolitan Opera House and Juilliard? Apartment 46A is home to the most recent boaster. Sold for $3.9 million, the 1,562-square-foot unit has splendid north - and west - facing panoramic views that can be taken in through the huge, wraparound windows. The 9.5-foot ceilings add to the bright openness of this 2BD/2.5BA apartment.
Check out all the magnificent views and interiors this way
May 21, 2014

Derek Lam Scoops Up a Light-Filled Apartment in Gramercy Park North for $4.8 Million

Hot off the sale of their Soho loft, fashion designer Derek Lam and his partner Jan-Hendrik Schlottmann just closed on a $4.8 million 3BR/3.5BA pad at 50 Gramercy Park North, according to city records filed this afternoon. The home, which was listed by Kirk and Paige at Douglas Elliman, boasts a 40-foot expanse of floor-to-ceiling windows that give the home a decidedly modern California aesthetic that is very much in the vein of a Neutra icon. Though the current decor is quite subdued, if Lam's F/W'15 line is any indication of his preferred palette, we expect that this new space will be accented with plenty of rich blues, greens, and a bit of orange.
Have a look inside the stunning apartment

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