Search Results for: Brooklyn Heights

January 14, 2019

Maggie Gyllenhaal and Peter Sarsgaard put Park Slope townhouse on the market for $4.6M

Nearly thirteen years ago, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Peter Sarsgaard spent $1.91 million on a Park Slope townhouse at 36 Sterling Place. Though their two daughters grew up and went to the exclusive St. Ann’s school in the friendly neighborhood, they now attend school elsewhere, so the couple has decided to list the brownstone in favor of being "able to walk [the children] to school," Gyllenhaal told the Wall Street Journal. In addition to convenience, however, they'll also be looking at a nice profit, considering the home has hit the market for $4,599,000.
Take a look around
November 21, 2018

The backstory on backhouses: How NYC’s hidden rear residences came to be

New York City is full of hidden surprises that even the most dyed-in-the-wool New Yorker may not know about. One such example is the elusive "backhouse" or rear house. There are literally scores of these hidden structures throughout the older neighborhoods of Lower Manhattan like Greenwich Village and the East Village. But because they are generally invisible from the street, they’re typically virtually unknown to anyone other than their residents and immediate neighbors. But these oft-romanticized structures have a complicated and surprising history, one which belies their almost mythical place in the psyche of New Yorkers.
Get the scoop
November 14, 2018

My 3,400sqft: How an extensive renovation revived this eclectic, century-old Ditmas Park home

Advertising professional Stephanie Berman went into a design consultation with designer Fauzia Khanani, of Studio Fōr, simply seeking advice on decor for her Ditmas Park home. “I figured that Fauzia might help me choose a few new throw pillows and maybe a rug or two," Stephanie told us, "but once we sat down to talk, I realized that soft furnishings were not going to do it." After the free two-hour session, won through a silent auction at work, Stephanie and her husband Drummond concluded they actually wanted a full renovation of their century-old home, where their family has lived for over a decade. Through an in-depth collaboration with Fauzia, the Bermans' home was refreshed with brightly painted walls, Mid-century modern touches, eclectic elements, and, of course, new throw pillows. For this project, the first in the neighborhood for Studio Fōr, Fauzia told us: "We wanted to add some modernity to the house but also be respectful of the original design and context."
See inside Stephanie's cozy home
November 5, 2018

How the Men’s League for Women’s Suffrage helped win voting rights in New York

James Lees Laidlaw, the president of the National Chapter of the Men’s League for Women’s Suffrage, wrote in 1912, “The great educational work in the woman’s movement has been done by women, through a vast expenditure of energy and against great odds. There is still work to be done and hard work. We men can make it easier and happier work if we join in it, and no longer stand aside, as too many men have done, leaving the women to toil and struggle, making up in vital energy what they lack in political power.” Thanks to an ongoing great expenditure of energy, American men and women will vote tomorrow. In our own time, there is still work to be done, and hard work, in the fight for equality, justice and universal dignity. The history of the Men’s League for Women’s Suffrage, founded in New York in 1909, offers the reminder that we all can make it easier and happier work if we join in it, and provides a stirring example of how anybody might offer organized, meaningful support to a vital cause.
The Story of Support Continues
October 8, 2018

2018’s best NYC neighborhoods for Halloween trick-or-treating

Once again this year, in addition to the annual Village Halloween Parade, October 31st promises to bring out a veritable parade of pint-sized, adorably costumed youngsters hell-bent on scoring treats and scaring parents and each other. While urban trick-or-treating is nothing like the suburban version, it has its perks (apartment buildings can be like hitting the jackpot)–and its fair share of friendly neighbors, stores, businesses and neighborhood events. Technology–local-social site Nextdoor has a trick-or-treat map that neighbors can add themselves to if they're handing out candy–makes things easier and safer. Like so many other topics, New Yorkers love to argue over which neighborhoods offer the best bounty. Below are a few picks among the least tricky with the best treats.
Where the treats are this Halloween
October 3, 2018

Roy Lichtenstein’s former Nomad loft hits the market for $4.5M

The former Nomad loft of late pop-art artist Roy Lichtenstein is for sale, asking $4.5 million. Lichtenstein, who was a native of New York City, lived at the four-bedroom home at 105 East 29th Street from 1984 to 1988. Located on the eighth floor, the sprawling space measures 3,200 square feet and features four exposures from 19 windows. As 6sqft reported last year, Lichtenstein's son Mitchell listed a home in the Greenwich Village Historic District for $25 million; today it's back on the market for just under $20 million.
Take the tour
September 8, 2018

FREE RENT: This week’s roundup of NYC rental news

Images (L to R): The Lewis, The Parkline, House39 and Twenty Broad Midtown West’s The Lewis: Sleek, Stylish + Modern Rentals Leasing with Two Months Free [link] One Month Free at The Parkline in Prospect Lefferts Gardens; Studios from $1,995/Month [link] Midtown’s House39 Offers Luxury Residences with 1 Month Free; Generous Layouts + 360 Degree […]

August 24, 2018

Despite drop in average rent, Battery Park City is still the most expensive zip code in the U.S.

Despite a year-over-year decrease in its average rent, Battery Park City ranks as the most expensive zip code for renters in the United States, according to a RentCafe report. In 2017, the average rent in this downtown neighborhood was roughly $6,000/month. And while it experienced a nearly two percent decrease this year, with average rent falling to $5,657/month, Battery Park City is still the not-so-winning winner. Not surprising but still bleak, 26 out of the 50 zip codes with the most expensive average rents in the U.S. are located in Manhattan.
See the list
August 23, 2018

100 things to do in NYC that are completely free

Despite being one of the most expensive cities to live in, New York City offers many free activities, events, and attractions all year round, letting you pinch pennies when the rent check is due. From free lectures at the Met to free group meditation classes, there are tons of activities that don't cost a dime. To help New York visitors and natives alike, we've put together a guide of the 100 best wallet-friendly things to do in the Big Apple.
See the full list
July 17, 2018

Our 1,000sqft: Creative couple Amy and Brian show off their newly renovated Prospect Park South co-op

Back in 2015, 6sqft visited bubbly Amy Sprague at her Boerum Hill studio. Three years, two dogs, and one adorable meet-cute story later, Amy has moved over to Prospect Park South with her fiance Brian Schundler. After their dogs, Charlie and Ladybug, brought them together in the dog park, these two lovebirds decided to not only become homeowners but to undertake a complete gut renovation of their pre-war co-op. Brian, a landscape architect, favors mid-century-modern decor and minimalism, while Amy, a packing designer, loves vintage finds and earthy vibes. Luckily, this creative couple was able to mix their styles to create a comfortable home that uses clean lines and crisp architectural elements as a backdrop for their more eclectic finds and textures. Amy and Brian recently gave 6sqft a tour of their recently completed two-bedroom apartment and shared how the reno process went, how they mixed their aesthetics, and what it's like living with two 80+ pound pups.
Take the tour!
July 6, 2018

ODA reveals playful facade, outdoor space for former Jehovah’s Witnesses’ site in Dumbo

In the latest news from CityRealty, a new rendering of the exciting design for a 10-story, 165-unit building that will rise at the former Jehovah's Witnesses-owned property at 80 Adams Street has been revealed. Buyer Jeffrey Gershon of Hope Street Capital closed on the $60 million purchase of what was a single-story garage in November. ODA New York was listed on the permits, which meant we were likely to see an innovative design; now that design is here in rendering form.
More details this way
June 1, 2018

Own a pair of 1840s clapboard houses in Clinton Hill for $4.4M

Wooden houses are certainly dispersed throughout Brooklyn, but it's a rare opportunity when one hits the market. A few months ago, we uncovered a listing for Crown Heights' oldest home, a circa-1850s wood frame. Now, a pair of rare clapboard homes have hit the market in Clinton Hill and they're even older. Numbers 448 and 450 Waverly Avenue are thought to have been built in the 1840s or even earlier, according to the neighborhood's designation report. "The unusual pair of extremely wide (25 feet) clapboard houses" are the only example of pure Greek Revival buildings in the district, and they can be yours, individually or together for $4.4 million.
Take the tour
May 17, 2018

Holly Hunter lists historic Fort Greene townhouse for $4.5M

Holly Hunter seems to be a perennial house hunter. In 2014, the Academy Award-winning actress sold her Greenwich Village apartment for $7.6 million. Now, she’s selling again, according to the Post. Hunter has just listed her 19th-century Brooklyn brownstone at 20 South Oxford Street, half a block away from Fort Greene Park, for $4.5 million. Built in 1864, the four-bedroom Italianate home is filled with original details.
See it all
April 28, 2018

FREE RENT: This week’s roundup of NYC rental news

Images (L to R): THE LEWIS, THE EAGLE, 83 BUSHWICK PLACE and THE PIERREPONT Sleek, Stylish + Modern Rentals at The Lewis Leasing with 2 Months Free [link] The Eagle, Downtown Brooklyn’s 32-Story Rental Tower Offers 2 Months Free [link] East Williamsburg’s 83 Bushwick Place Leasing with 1 Month Free [link] Brooklyn Heights Luxury Rental […]

April 18, 2018

Our 2,200sqft: The founders of Ample Hills ice cream give the scoop on their sweet Boerum Hill home

If you've ever indulged in an Ample Hills ice cream cone, you know that their fanciful flavors (Ooey Gooey Butter Cake, the Munchies, and Snap Mallow Pop, just to name a few!) are perfectly matched by the Brooklyn company's whimsical shops. But founders Jackie Cuscuna and Brian Smith definitely didn't grow in seven years from their first storefront in Prospect Heights to nine locations, including one in Disney World, and a forthcoming Red Hook factory where they'll produce 1 million gallons a year, without a lot of hard work and business smarts. And it's this combination of playfulness and attention to detail that they've carried over to their adorable Boerum Hill home, which they moved into two years ago with their eight-year-old son and 11-year-old daughter. A triplex in a quintessential Brooklyn brownstone, their home has cheery pops of color, mid-century-modern furnishings, and an eclectic mix of decor and family mementos. 6sqft recently visited the couple to tour their space, hear why they love Brooklyn, and learn about Ample Hills' plans.
Tour this sweet home and hear from Brian and Jackie
April 6, 2018

John Steinbeck’s former Upper East Side home, complete with his original writing desk, asks $5M

On the 34th floor at the Tower East on 72nd and 3rd Avenue is the former home of Nobel Laureate John Steinbeck. "The Grapes of Wrath" and "Of Mice and Men" author lived here with his third wife, Elaine Anderson Steinbeck, until his death in 1968. She stayed in the apartment until her death in 2003, after which time it was completely renovated with new windows, floors, plumbing, electric and an expanded entrance with the addition of an adjacent three-bedroom apartment. But the new owners left a few nods to the literary great, including keeping his study intact, complete with his original wooden desk, notes on the wall, and posters, according to the Post.
Take a look
April 4, 2018

15-room Ditmas Park Victorian with a sun porch and Jardin à la Française asks $3M

This stunning home has everything you could possibly want from a Ditmas Park Victorian: sprawling, standalone, and full of original details such asparquet floors, stained glass, French doors, built-ins, a sun porch, and even a Jardin à la Française out back. Located within the neighborhood's eight-block historic district, 485 East 17th Street is asking $2.995 million for its three stories of well-maintained space.
See the whole place
March 23, 2018

My 330sqft: A Greenpoint photographer does ‘grandpa cool’ in his earthy pad

After studying photography in Massachusetts, Brett Wood moved to New York in 2001. At the time, all he knew is that he wanted to be close to the artists he admired, but nearly two decades later, he's made a home for himself in Brooklyn and a career that sends him around the world. Though he's usually capturing other New Yorkers' home for 6sqft, Brett has now stepped out from the behind the lens to show off his own Greenpoint pad. A mix of earthy colors and textiles, eclectic finds from his travels, and an aesthetic that he endearingly describes as "cool grandad," Brett's home is certainly the making of someone with an eye for style.
Take the tour
March 14, 2018

Our 900sqft: Native New Yorkers Aria and John open up their retro, colorful Harlem home

When asked to sum up the aesthetic of their Harlem apartment in a few words, Aria and John Chiaraviglio chose "inviting, unique, open, retro and fun," and after a recent visit to the full-floor brownstone home, we couldn't agree more. Aria, a Doctoral student in Child Psychology, and John, Vice President of the Financial Intelligence Unit of a major bank, both grew up in NYC--she in Tribeca and he on the Upper East Side. The old-school, quirky vibes reminiscent of artist-loft Tribeca are seen everywhere, from Aria's Elvis collection to the couple's countless vintage finds, yet the traditional style one would associate with uptown are brought out through mid-century modern furnishings and an attention to entertaining. Ahead, take a tour of this spunky couple's colorful, comfy, and classy home and learn about their best thrifted pieces, the theme parties they host, their Derby collection, and why they love living in Harlem.
Get an inside look!
January 29, 2018

Jay-Z and Beyoncé’s former Hamptons rental is listed for $16M

A star-studded mansion in the Hamptons described as the embodiment of a "Gatsby era estate," has hit the market for $15.99 million. While many celebrities have partied at this sprawling eight bedroom, 11.5 bathroom pad, Beyoncé and Jay-Z might rank as the home's most famous renters. The celebrity duo rented the mansion at 30 Wainscott Stone Highway, called "Goose Creek," in 2012, paying $400,000 to spend the month of August there and film a music video. According to Mansion Global, Jennifer Lopez and Madonna have also rented the home at one point.
See inside
January 24, 2018

Pre-war prestige: NYC’s top-10 buildings designed by Emery Roth

From the Bronx to Brooklyn, architect Emery Roth (1871-1948) left an indelible mark on the architecture and cityscape of New York. Specializing in luxury apartment buildings, the advent of steel-frame construction facilitated Roth’s projection of historicist designs to new heights. While Roth is best known for prestigious projects such as his slew of residences along Central Park West, he also designed numerous middle-class homes and houses of worship. Adding to the impressiveness of his scope of work is the story behind the man.
Learn about Emery Roth and his most distinctive projects
January 13, 2018

NYC RENTALS: This week’s roundup of rental news & offers

Images (L to R): Avalon Brooklyn Bay, SKY, Ellipse and Henry Hall Greystar Unveils New Amenities and Renovated Apartments at The Chelsea Jersey City Waterfront Rental ‘Ellipse’ Unveils New Amenities, Pool Coming This Summer Brooklyn Heights Rental Tower Leasing One and Two-Bed Units with Discounted Deposits Newly Listed One-Beds at 1209 Dekalb from $2,150/Month Eastchester […]

December 28, 2017

6SQFT’S TOP STORIES OF 2017!

As we wrap up 2017, 6sqft is taking a look back at the top stories of the past 12 months in topics like apartment tours, celebrity real estate, new developments, transportation proposals, and history. From a look inside a 150-square-foot tiny apartment to new renderings of the Moynihan Station train hall to a look back at the gritty Meatpacking District of the '80s and '90s, these are the stories that readers couldn't get enough of.
See the full list here
December 13, 2017

INTERVIEW: Zoning and land-use attorney Michael Hiller fights to uphold the Landmarks Law

Michael Hiller is a zoning and land-use attorney who has represented community groups in seemingly impossible quests for about 20 years. His high-profile cases have often been against the Landmarks Preservation Commission, notably Tribeca's iconic Clock Tower Building and new construction along historic Gansevoort Street, both of which are pending appeal by the defendants. As one legal observer commented, "He has become an expert in the nuances of the Landmarks Law from a legal perspective. In court, he is very talented on his feet before a very hot bench, before judges who ask a lot of tough questions." His successes have won him designation as a Super Lawyer every year since 2009 as well as the 2017 Grassroots Award from the Historic Districts Council. 6sqft recently visited Michael at his office to learn more about his work.
Ahead, hear from Michael and learn more about his current cases