Search Results for: "landscape architect"

Astoria’s 31st Avenue gets two-way bike boulevard, more pedestrian space

Images courtesy of NYC DOT

July 7, 2025

Astoria’s 31st Avenue gets two-way bike boulevard, more pedestrian space

By Aaron Ginsburg

The first round of pedestrian and cyclist safety upgrades along 31st Avenue in Astoria is now complete, with more improvements on the way. On Thursday, Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez announced the completion of the first phase of the corridor’s transformation into a bike boulevard, including a new east-west protected bike connection from Vernon Boulevard to Steinway Street that creates a continuous protected route from Astoria to the Queensboro Bridge. The project also expands pedestrian space, upgrades intersections to slow turning vehicles, and adds new public seating.
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NYC traffic deaths hit record low in first half of 2025

Credit: Brett Jordan on Unsplash

July 3, 2025

NYC traffic deaths hit record low in first half of 2025

By Aaron Ginsburg

Traffic deaths in New York City have hit a record low in 2025, marking a significant milestone in the city’s efforts to improve street safety. On Wednesday, Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez announced that there have been 87 traffic-related fatalities so far this year, tied with 2018 and the lowest number since the city began tracking the metric in 1910. Fatalities have dropped 32 percent compared to the first half of 2024, with all vehicle types showing declines, including a 39 percent decrease in deaths involving motorized two-wheelers like e-bikes and a 48 percent decline for motor vehicles.
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New public art exhibition in Midtown East explores what it means to be American

All photos courtesy of The Soloviev Group, unless noted otherwise

May 13, 2025

New public art exhibition in Midtown East explores what it means to be American

By Aaron Ginsburg

A new public art installation in Midtown East celebrates the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States with stories of veterans, farmers, activists, and other everyday heroes. Designed by C&G Partners, the nearly 7-acre exhibition, "Path of Liberty: That Which Unites US," immerses visitors in 55 personal stories brought to life through striking visuals and interactive elements. Opening on May 15, the installation is located at the site of the Soloviev Group's proposed Freedom Plaza casino on First Avenue between 38th and 41st Streets.
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Adams allocates $52M to replace West Village rec center in proposed budget

Tony Dapolito Recreation Center. Tdorante10 via Wikimedia Commons

May 12, 2025

Adams allocates $52M to replace West Village rec center in proposed budget

By Aaron Ginsburg

Mayor Eric Adams is allocating $51.8 million to rebuild a beloved, but run-down, recreation center in the West Village. The 100-year-old Tony Dapolito Recreation Center has been closed since 2019 due to significant structural issues, including foundation damage. Under his proposed fiscal year 2026 budget, Adams includes funding for the Parks Department to demolish the existing building on Clarkson Street and construct a modern facility across the street as part of a new mixed-use development.
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Landmarks approves Frida Escobedo’s new Met Museum wing

Exterior rendering of The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Tang Wing (view from the northwest corner). Visualization by © Filippo Bolognese Images, courtesy of Frida Escobedo Studio

April 23, 2025

Landmarks approves Frida Escobedo’s new Met Museum wing

By Devin Gannon

The Landmarks Preservation Commission on Tuesday voted to approve architect Frida Escobedo's design for a new wing at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The $550 million Tang Wing will replace the Lila Acheson Wallace Wing at the museum's southwest corner and house its collection of 20th- and 21st-century art. The commission also approved landscape changes to Central Park next to the museum, which will include more trees and plantings.
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Architecture And Design

The Frick Collection reopens after $220M renovation: See inside the revitalized Gilded Age museum

West Gallery, The Frick Collection, New York. Photo: Joseph Coscia Jr.

April 17, 2025

The Frick Collection reopens after $220M renovation: See inside the revitalized Gilded Age museum

By Devin Gannon

The Frick Collection is back and more accessible than ever. Following a five-year, $220 million renovation, the Gilded Age house museum reopened on Thursday with more gallery space, an auditorium, improved accessibility, a new cafe, and access to the second floor for the first time. Designed by Selldorf Architects with Beyer Blinder Belle, the project marks the first upgrade and expansion of the 1914 mansion since the home became a museum 90 years ago.
see inside

Saks Fifth Avenue drops casino proposal

Image courtesy of Warren LeMay on Flickr

April 11, 2025

Saks Fifth Avenue drops casino proposal

By Aaron Ginsburg

Saks Fifth Avenue has folded its bid for a gaming license, ending the company's plan of adding a casino atop its Midtown flagship store. As first reported by Crain's, the department store withdrew its bid for one of three coveted downstate gaming licenses expected to be awarded by the end of the year, with a Saks spokesperson saying the company is now "focused on other strategic priorities." In recent months, minimal communication between Saks’ parent company, Saks Global, and those involved in the casino process had suggested that the retailer was abandoning its proposal.
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Policy

$8M for ultra-modern townhouse living with a yard and six bedrooms in a Nomad condo

Photo courtesy of Michael Weinstein from MW- Studio

April 8, 2025

$8M for ultra-modern townhouse living with a yard and six bedrooms in a Nomad condo

By Michelle Cohen

It's not easy to find a Manhattan apartment with six full bedrooms and enough outdoor space for a summer full of barbecues without investing in a multi-story townhouse–and the maintenance burden that comes with it. Asking $7,985,000, this duplex condo at 120 East 29th Street is a study in contemporary design, surrounded by all the convenience and fun of the Nomad neighborhood and nearby Madison Square Park. Its six bedrooms are separated to give breathing space to family and guests; perhaps best of all, a wall of windows on the home's lower level opens onto 1,600 square feet of private landscaped backyard and patio space.
take the tour

Distinctive Homes

From a cemetery to an island: The best places to see cherry blossoms in NYC and when to visit

Cherry blossoms at Little Island. Photo Credit: Liz Ligon

March 28, 2025

From a cemetery to an island: The best places to see cherry blossoms in NYC and when to visit

Sara Evans is the Director of the Living Collections and Curator at The Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn. While that title may sound ironic given her workplace, cemeteries are home to a large breadth of plant life. This includes cherry blossom trees, of which Green-Wood has 172.
cherry blossoms this way

Leasing launches at Williamsburg Wharf, from $3,500/month

All images courtesy of Naftali Group

March 25, 2025

Leasing launches at Williamsburg Wharf, from $3,500/month

By Aaron Ginsburg

Brooklyn's latest waterfront development officially launched leasing for its luxury rentals. Designed by Brandon Haw Architecture, Williamsburg Wharf contains five 22-story residential buildings and 20,000 square feet of amenities along the East River in South Williamsburg. Two Williamsburg Wharf and Three Williamsburg Wharf include 334 apartments across the two towers, with pricing starting from $3,500/month for a studio.
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Former JFK Airport hotel launches lottery for 125 affordable apartments, from $784/month

Rendering of the indoor/outdoor garden planned for residents at Baisley Pond Park Residences. Courtesy of OSD

March 24, 2025

Former JFK Airport hotel launches lottery for 125 affordable apartments, from $784/month

By Aaron Ginsburg

A former hotel near John F. Kennedy International Airport that has been converted into a housing development launched a lottery last week for 125 affordable apartments. Located at the former JFK Hilton in South Jamaica, the Baisley Pond Park Residences includes over 300 affordable and supportive housing units, a 2,400-square-foot healing garden, and on-site social services. New Yorkers earning 50 and 60 percent of the area median income can apply for the apartments, priced from $784/month for studios to $1,493/month for two bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

Amy Schumer lists Brooklyn Heights townhouse for $14M

All photos courtesy of Evan Joseph

March 21, 2025

Amy Schumer lists Brooklyn Heights townhouse for $14M

By Devin Gannon

Amy Schumer is selling her Brooklyn Heights townhouse and moving back to Manhattan. The actress and comedian has listed her Federal-style home at 19 Cranberry Street for $14 million; she paid $12.25 million for the property in 2022. As first reported by the Wall Street Journal, Schumer and her husband Chris Fischer are moving to be closer to their son's school.
take the townhouse tour

Proposed Freedom Plaza casino complex next to U.N. reveals waterfront public park

Renderings courtesy of OJB Landscape Architecture

March 21, 2025

Proposed Freedom Plaza casino complex next to U.N. reveals waterfront public park

By Aaron Ginsburg

Newly released renderings offer a closer look at a public waterfront park planned alongside a proposed casino complex near the United Nations. Unveiled on Thursday, the new video and imagery showcase the nearly 5-acre public park planned as part of Soloviev Group's proposed Freedom Plaza casino project. Designed by OJB Landscape Architects, the green space would feature an 18,000-square-foot central lawn, 1.2 miles of accessible pathways, a children's play area, an amphitheater, scenic overlooks, and more.
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City seeks proposals for 100% affordable development and new rec center in Hudson Square

Courtesy of NYC HPD

February 19, 2025

City seeks proposals for 100% affordable development and new rec center in Hudson Square

By Devin Gannon

The city is seeking proposals for a new mixed-use development in Hudson Square with 100 percent affordable housing and a new recreation center. Mayor Eric Adams' office on Tuesday released a request for proposals for 388 Hudson Street, a roughly 14,000-square-foot vacant lot owned by the Department of Environmental Protection. The housing and rec center is proposed for the northern portion of the site, with a new public plaza planned for the southern end.
details here

26 apartments available at new waterfront development in Williamsburg, from $3,434/month

Renderings courtesy of Naftali Group, unless otherwise noted

February 18, 2025

26 apartments available at new waterfront development in Williamsburg, from $3,434/month

By Aaron Ginsburg

Here's a chance to live at a new waterfront development in Williamsburg for slightly less. A housing lottery opened last week for 26 middle-income apartments at Williamsburg Wharf, an under-construction five-tower complex at 464-484 Kent Avenue. Upon completion, the development will add 850 condo and rental residences with resort-style amenities and a new waterfront park to the neighborhood. New Yorkers earning 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the rent-stabilized apartments, priced from $3,434/month for studios to $4,395/month for two bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

City unveils design of new Hudson Square public plaza

Photo of existing Hudson-Houston Plaza by Tdorante10 on WikiCommons

February 4, 2025

City unveils design of new Hudson Square public plaza

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City is moving forward with plans to turn part of a parking lot in Hudson Square into a new public plaza. The city's Parks Department, DEP, and the Hudson Square Business Improvement District this week unveiled the design for Hudson-Houston Plaza, a new 0.26-acre open space at the intersection of Hudson and Houston Streets that will provide a much-needed public area for the neighborhood while allowing for continued DEP operations below ground. The northern half of the city-owned site will become an affordable housing development, known as 388 Hudson Street.
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Architecture And Design

244 apartments available at luxury Hunter’s Point rental, from $2,490/month

Image courtesy of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development

January 23, 2025

244 apartments available at luxury Hunter’s Point rental, from $2,490/month

By Aaron Ginsburg

A housing lottery launched this week for 244 middle-income apartments at a new luxury waterfront rental in Long Island City. Located at 2-21 Malt Drive in Hunter's Point South, the 38-story building is part of the three-tower Malt Drive development, which will add more than 1,000 new homes to the neighborhood upon completion. New Yorkers earning 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the units, priced from $2,490/month for studios to $3,590/month for two bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

$7.2M penthouse is most expensive sponsor sale in Williamsburg

Renderings courtesy of Naftali Group

December 19, 2024

$7.2M penthouse is most expensive sponsor sale in Williamsburg

By Aaron Ginsburg

A penthouse went into contract at the "urban resort-style" One Williamsburg Wharf this week, marking a possible new record for sponsor sales in the neighborhood. Penthouse A is a three-bedroom, three-bath home with an expansive private terrace, fireplace, and sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline and East River. The apartment, which entered contract on Wednesday for $7.2 million, would break Williamsburg's previous most expensive sponsor sale by $2 million if it closes at that price.
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Met Museum unveils design for new modern and contemporary art wing designed by Frida Escobedo

Exterior rendering of The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Tang Wing(view from the southwest corner). Visualization by © Filippo Bolognese Images, courtesy of Frida Escobedo Studio

December 10, 2024

Met Museum unveils design for new modern and contemporary art wing designed by Frida Escobedo

By Devin Gannon

The Metropolitan Museum of Art on Tuesday unveiled the design for its new wing dedicated to contemporary and modern art. Designed by Mexico City-based architect Frida Escobedo, the five-story Oscar L. Tang and H.M. Agnes Hsu-Tang Wing, named for the couple who gave a lead donation of $125 million, includes a three-story base, a recessed fourth floor, and a further setback fifth floor, a scaled facade inspired by the 1971 masterplan from Roche Dinkeloo. The $550 million new wing will better connect to the rest of the museum's galleries and address accessibility and sustainability needs. The project, the first Met Museum wing designed by a woman in its 154-year history, will go through a public review process starting in 2025. It is expected to open in 2030.
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Architecture And Design

Williamsburg’s first waterfront ice skating rink opens in Domino Square

All photos courtesy of Two Trees Management

December 4, 2024

Williamsburg’s first waterfront ice skating rink opens in Domino Square

By Aaron Ginsburg

The first ice skating rink on the Williamsburg waterfront is now open. Located within the newly-completed public plaza Domino Square, the 7,000-square-foot rink offers skaters stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and East River. The rink offers public skating, themed events, and private rentals, with holiday-themed skate nights and live DJ sessions throughout the season.
LET'S SKATE

Events & Things To Do

11 public projects in NYC recognized for excellent design

Renderings courtesy of NYC Parks unless noted otherwise

November 1, 2024

11 public projects in NYC recognized for excellent design

By Aaron Ginsburg

Eleven innovative projects across New York City have been recognized for their contributions to nurturing a more sustainable and engaging public realm. Mayor Eric Adams this week announced the winners of the 42nd annual Awards for Excellence in Design, selected by the city's Public Design Commission (PDC) from hundreds of submissions in 2023. This year's award-winning projects exemplify how urban planning can vastly enhance the daily lives of New Yorkers, transcending mere aesthetics to create resilient infrastructure, foster community bonds, and provide accessible recreational and educational spaces.
read about the winners

Architecture And Design

Hunter’s Point waterfront rental opens lottery for 173 apartments, from $2,490/month

Renderings by Binyan unless otherwise noted.

October 29, 2024

Hunter’s Point waterfront rental opens lottery for 173 apartments, from $2,490/month

By Aaron Ginsburg

Applications are now being accepted for 173 middle-income apartments in a new luxury rental development on the Long Island City waterfront. Located at 2-20 Malt Drive in Hunter's Point South, the 34-story building is part of the three-tower Malt Drive development bringing over 1,000 new homes to the area. New Yorkers earning 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the units, priced from $2,490/month for studios to $3,590/month for two-bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

Rental component of One Domino Square opens lottery for 120 apartments, from $2,832/month

One Domino Square. Photo credit: Evan Joseph

October 14, 2024

Rental component of One Domino Square opens lottery for 120 apartments, from $2,832/month

By Aaron Ginsburg

A housing lottery launched this week for 120 middle-income apartments at the rental portion of One Domino Square, part of the Domino Sugar Factory redevelopment in Williamsburg. The first residential project designed by architect Annabelle Selldorf, One Domino Square consists of a 39-story building with 160 condos and a 55-story building with nearly 400 rental units, the latter of which is the tallest tower in the neighborhood. The affordable apartments will be available through a lottery to New Yorkers earning 125 and 130 percent of the area median income; apartments are priced from $2,832/month for studios to $4,415/month for two bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

SCAPE and Bjarke Ingels to turn former Connecticut power plant site into public park

Rendering courtesy of SCAPE and Bjarke Ingels Group

October 3, 2024

SCAPE and Bjarke Ingels to turn former Connecticut power plant site into public park

By Michelle Cohen

After a private company's plan to develop waterfront housing languished, Manresa Island, an extension of Norwalk, Connecticut that reaches into Long Island Sound, sat in limbo, held captive by the hulking mass of a defunct 20th-century power plant that rose from its lush marshland. Area residents Austin and Allison McChord have unveiled a plan to transform the abandoned land into a fully accessible and dynamic natural park and community destination with event and recreation spaces by 2030. The couple enlisted the aid of internationally renowned architect Bjarke Ingels of BIG and award-winning landscape architecture firm SCAPE to design the next life for the island as a thriving community hub.
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Architecture And Design

Project to protect Staten Island shores and restore marine life is complete

Credit: SCAPE & Ty Cole

September 27, 2024

Project to protect Staten Island shores and restore marine life is complete

By Aaron Ginsburg

After over a decade of effort, a coastal resilience project designed to protect Staten Island shores with livable habitats for sea creatures is complete. Gov. Kathy Hochul on Friday announced the completion of Living Breakwaters, an $111 million project creating 2,400 feet of breakwaters to safeguard homes and businesses in Tottenville from future extreme weather events. The project features eight partially submerged structures that will break storm waves, decrease erosion, and serve as habitats for marine life.
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Architecture And Design

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