Search Results for: green

August 7, 2015

New Yorker Spotlight: Lori Pailet of Aquaskills on Teaching Water-Fearing Adults to Swim

Like many who work in the Financial District, Lori Pailet heads to work before the sun is up. But instead of jumping into an early meeting at an investment bank or law office, Lori meets her clients poolside for a morning dip. As the owner and director of Aquaskills, she spends her days helping New Yorkers reach their aquatic potential. A former artist and designer, Lori has been sharing her passion for swimming since Aquaskills was founded in the early 2000s. She is driven by a desire to help individuals engage safely and happily with the water. Through her hard work and determination, the school has become a go-to for all walks of life looking to learn to swim for the first time, or refine their technique. Along with a team of trained instructors, Lori offers a wide range of classes and lessons depending on skill level, but specializes in adults who either have aquaphobia or who never even learned to dog paddle. Lori was even featured in a NY Times piece last summer about aquaphobia, the story following drummer Attis Clopton as he overcame his fear of water. We spoke with Lori to find out more on her own journey into the pool, and how she approaches those learning to swim for the first time.
Read our interview with Lori here
August 7, 2015

Another 1,000-Foot-Plus Tower Moves Forward Near South Street Seaport

There's no slowing down the city's supertall boom. Crain's reports yet another 1,000-foot plus tall tower could soon be joining the New York City skyline, rising at the combined sites of 80 South Street and 163 Front Street. Chinese investment company China Oceanwide Holdings released a statement saying they would be purchasing the development parcels for $390 million through a U.S. subsidiary from current owner Howard Hughes Corporation. The new tower will sit just south of the South Street Seaport, and amid a grouping of other tall, but not quite as tall, towers.
FInd out more here
August 7, 2015

Live in This Cool, Summery Duplex Located in an 1851 Church for $8,750

One thing we can say about this apartment currently for rent at 215 Degraw Street (a.k.a. 56 Strong Place) in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn: The listing broker likes it. She writes, and we quote: "...this incredible 3 bedroom 3 bath duplex offers more to one lucky renter than this writer can ever hope to convey." But she gives it a shot just the same, explaining that for a mere $8,750 a month, you can bag "The triple Crown of Rentals!" She says more, too, but let's take a look at what's causing all this excitement. First, Landmark at Strong Place is a circa 1851 Gothic Revival church that was converted into a 23-unit condominium in 2010. So already it's more interesting than your average apartment.
And there's more! (this way)
August 7, 2015

Luscious Grassland Carpets Bring Argentina’s Pampas Into the Home

Buenos Aires-based Alexandra Kehayoglou was born into family that's been working in the carpet business for decades. But rather than settling into an office or marketing job at her father's factory, she followed her own will and crafted an innovative range of rugs that bring Argentina's lush grasslands into interiors across the globe. Her designs are threaded with different lengths, and feature organic patterns with all shades of green—the perfect combo for channeling the feel of a barefoot stroll in the country.
Learn more about these soft green rugs
August 6, 2015

Bold Renovation by Ghislaine Viñas Seeks to Make This the Coolest Townhouse in Tribeca

Where to even begin with the renovation of this Tribeca townhouse on Warren Street? The neon colors? The insane art collection? The spiral staircase? The sheep? Needless to say, this project by Ghislaine Viñas Interior Design, also of Tribeca, nearly defies description. It's big, it's bold, it's fun, it looks like something out of a storybook. In fact, the design firm is no stranger to this kind of work–they designed the infamous 80-foot slide that winds through a FiDi penthouse. Do we dare say that this renovation, sans slide, looks like just as much fun?
See more
August 6, 2015

First Look at 22-Story Expansion of Downtown Brooklyn’s Hampton Inn Hotel

We all know Brooklyn's residential market is scorching hot, but its hotel market is booming as well. Two hotels recently opened at the borough's Manhattan Bridge entryway, the 174-room Dazzler Brooklyn Hotel and the 116-room Hampton Inn. The latter has just begun construction on a 145-room expansion on an adjacent lot at 156 Tillary Street, and we've uncovered the first look at what the 22-story Stonehill & Taylor Architects-designed tower will look like (an encore to the striped-brick banality that rose in the first phase).
More details ahead
August 6, 2015

Huge Head Made of Reclaimed Materials Lands in Tribeca; 131 Years of the Dakota

Artist Nicholas Holiber crafts a big head out of reclaimed materials that’ll be on display in Tribeca Park until September. [Contemporist] From brothels to boutiques, GreeneStreet.nyc maps out 400 years of one Soho street’s gentrification. [WIRED] CUNY professor William Helmreich did something meshuga (our new favorite word): He walked every block in every borough. [CBS […]

August 6, 2015

For $2.3M This Breezy Southern Cottage in the West Village Hides a Secret Garden

Tailored upholstery, rattan furniture, and mix-and-match pale floral chintz may convey a southern beach house feel, but the casual elegance of this 1,200-square-foot one-bedroom garden hideaway on a beautiful West Village block extends beyond the home's current decor. Subtle pre-war details like 11-foot ceilings, crown moldings, marble fireplaces and rich dark wood floors contrasted with bright white walls embody the pretty and casual island vibe. There's also central air for those balmy summer days. But what makes this home at 77 Horatio Street most irresistible is the magical 500-square-foot garden at the back, visible just beyond a balcony off the dining area through oversized glass patio doors.
Step inside this pretty downtown bungalow
August 5, 2015

This Sweet $3M Village Co-op Is No Steal, but Its Location Is Stellar

Occupying the entire parlor floor of an elevator building on one of the loveliest blocks in Greenwich Village, this pre-war co-op at 38 West 9th Street may be sweet, but it's far from little; the same could be said of its $2.995 million ask. For that price you'll get two good-sized bedrooms, and, looking at the floor plan, there's plenty of room for a third with a little reconfiguration. There are also loads of charming and well-preserved architectural details in every room.
Take a look around
August 5, 2015

Amy Lau Creates an East Hampton Retreat Using Mid-Century Modern Furniture

When two New York art enthusiasts left the city behind for a getaway home in East Hampton, they made sure to take along designer Amy Lau to create their relaxing lagoon-side residence. After purchasing the four-bedroom house in 2012 for $3.75 million, the couple wanted to create a setting that contrasted their art deco Upper East Side apartment. "We did not set out to collect modernist furniture for our house in the country but rather to find furnishings and art we could live with while relaxing," homeowner Joel Portugal told Modern Magazine. So they enlisted their long-time style influence Amy Lau, in addition to East Hampton architectural consultant Sandra Brauer, to combine mid-century art with tranquil, summery touches.
See the interior here
August 4, 2015

My 1,680sqft: Artist Anne Peabody Invites Us Into Her Landmarked Clinton Hill Carriage House

Our ongoing series “My sqft” checks out the homes of 6sqft’s friends, family and fellow New Yorkers across all the boroughs. Our latest interior adventure brings us to Clinton Hill. Want your home to be featured here? Get in touch! Anne Peabody is no stranger to turning the completely ordinary into something extraordinary. As an artist she creates elaborate and beautiful works with pieces of glass sized as small as a grain of rice to sheets as large as doors; as a preservationist, she’s restored many a home in both her native Kentucky and New York City (her last featured in the Wall Street Journal). Two years ago, Anne and her husband Tony purchased a landmarked home in Clinton Hill. She had long dreamt of owning one of the neighborhood’s historic carriage houses, and when one came to the market she immediately jumped on it. Unfortunately, it wasn’t in an ideal state at signing—the previous owner had 20 cats and no litter box and the floors were soaked in pee—but she knew exactly what she was getting into. We recently visited Anne to have a look at her house before it goes under renovation this fall—a project that will entail restoring the exterior to its original late 1800s glory and the addition of an art studio and glass extension at the back of the home—and to hear why she's always stuck so close to this particular neighborhood. Though the current space is sparse, it’s easy to see the potential that lies within.
Inside Anne and Tony's next big project
August 4, 2015

The New Design Project’s Chelsea Duplex Reno Was Inspired by a Blissful Color Palette

Steps to a successful renovation? Pick an awesome color palette and then work with what you've got. That was the plan behind The New Design Project's renovation for this Chelsea duplex. "With a blissful color palette and a seamless mix of statement pieces, graphic artwork and ethnic accessories, this Chelsea duplex apartment oozes sophistication and elegance," the firm explains. These guys are no strangers to NYC spaces–they perfected a modern aesthetic in this West Village townhouse and this 400-square-foot Uptown apartment. Here, they worked with good apartment bones–high ceilings and natural light–to create a calm, simplified, modern space.
See more of the finished product
August 4, 2015

Soho Loft Has Plenty of Work Space Plus All the Comforts of Home for $9,500 a Month

An increasingly rare find these days, this quintessential artists' loft at 51 Greene Street in the heart of Soho is available for short- or long-term leasing for $9,500 a month. The sky-lit, sun-filled, top-floor space embodies the loft ideal, yet comes with many of the comforts loft-dwellers sometimes sacrifice for all that open space. Unlike some pre-war lofts, there's a private keyed elevator. Also unlike some live-and-work spaces, there's a second half bath, a washer/dryer, and (at least) two bedrooms. Perhaps best of all, there's a spacious private roof deck for gazing out on the downtown cityscape.
Check out the space, this way
August 3, 2015

Actors and Filmmakers of Tribeca: The Movie Mecca Downtown

With its cobblestone streets, quirky artists' lofts and industrial-chic architecture, Tribeca is a hot spot for filming movies and television scenes. This past spring, we did a round up of the musicians that call Tribeca home; now we're taking a look at the flock of actors and filmmakers who have made the move to the 'hood's picturesque streets. Tribeca's most famous resident, Robert De Niro, is often credited with transforming the neighborhood into the vibrant place we know today by opening multiple restaurants, developing property, and most notably creating the world-famous Tribeca Film Festival. In addition to De Niro, we mapped out Tribeca's celebrity residents who are famous onscreen and behind the scenes. Ranging from Gwyneth Paltrow's "fuzzy nap zones" with river views to Lena Dunham's artist loft from "Tiny Furniture," it's clear that celebrities feel at home in Tribeca.
More details and our celeb map
August 3, 2015

A Classic Six Co-op Overlooking Washington Square Park Asks $2.75 Million

Central Park is usually hailed as the best New York park to live right off of. It definitely is one of the best, but that shouldn't override another great NYC park–Washington Square Park. Downtown in Greenwich Village, you'll get a whole different atmosphere consisting of performers, musicians, students, chess players and everyone else coming to hang around the park's iconic fountain. Yes, it's livelier and louder than Central Park, but if you're looking for a co-op with a little more excitement and fun right outside, this apartment at 39 Washington Square South might fit the bill. It's an impressive classic six unit that's just hit the market for $2.75 million.
Check it out
August 3, 2015

Summer Rental: This Upper East Side Townhouse with a ‘Dramatic’ Past Wants $25k for Five Weeks

This five-story townhouse at 50 East 64th Street between Madison and Park Avenues is available for rent, fully furnished, for five weeks only, from August 1 to September 7. The asking rent for that time is $25,000; according to the listing, it's "about half what this house would rent for on a conventional one year basis." Within its 6,000 square feet are 14 rooms and 1,500 square feet of outdoor space on three levels.  The recently-renovated home is as grand as it gets without going too far over the top; it's Upper East Side style sans velvet and chintz, opulence without clutter–though a wealth of decorator flourishes make it clear the interiors didn’t get this way by accident.
See what your month-long residence could look like
August 1, 2015

July’s 10 Most-Read Stories and This Week’s Features

July’s 10 Most-Read Stories My 425sqft: Tour a Bubbly Packaging Designer’s Boerum Hill Studio Filled with Eclectic Finds Julia Roberts Lists Greenwich Village Apartment for $4.5M New York’s First-Ever Penthouse: A 54-Room Upper East Side Mansion Built for a Cereal Heiress Day vs. Night: What NYC’s Population Looks Like Tetra-Shed: A Portable Wooden Home Office […]

July 31, 2015

$5,100/Month Prospect Heights Townhouse Duplex Is So Brooklyn

There's a certain type of interior style you see a lot in Brooklyn these days. It's historic, with original wood floors and fireplaces and crown moldings. But there's also something very modern to it, maybe in the lighting or the kitchen design or the furniture. This apartment, a duplex at 598 Bergen Street in Prospect Heights, covers all those bases. It's got the perfect Brooklyn vibe throughout both floors of the townhouse rental–even the listing calls it the "classic Brooklyn townhouse." It's asking $5,100 a month.
See the rest of it
July 31, 2015

Luxurious Modernism and Eclectic Spirit Coexist in This Classic Soho Loft by DHD Interiors

We've highlighted a few projects from DHD Architecture + Interior Design before, and one thing we love about the firm’s work is their talent for combining classic spaces with modern ideals and adding unexpected twists. Their designs often feature clean, crisp lines, interesting lighting and open floor plans and integrate residents' multifaceted personalities. In this case, they work their eclectic magic on a Crosby Street loft located on a cobblestoned Soho block in that neighborhood's Cast Iron Historic District. Dating from 1882, the building, a former department store, was converted to a 10-unit condominium residence in 2001.
Step into this cool loft space...
July 31, 2015

Feasibility Study to Address Streetcars or Light Rail for Brooklyn-Queens Waterfront

In the ongoing discussion of expanding the city's mass transit options to underserved areas, we may be a step closer to addressing the need for transit along the Brooklyn and Queens waterfront–between Astoria, Red Hook and Sunset Park, according to CapitalNY. While many of those areas have transit to and from Manhattan covered, a north-west connection is needed (and relying on the G train doesn't help much). An advisory committee comprised of developers, transportation experts and civic organizers has formed to address this need. Recently, the consulting firm of HR&A Advisors (former employers of city planning commissioner Carl Weisbrod) was hired by the committee to study the feasibility of a streetcar service or a light rail line to connect Sunset Park to Astoria, connecting rapidly growing neighborhoods like Red Hook, Williamsburg and Downtown Brooklyn, as well as burgeoning business and industry hubs like Long Island City and the Brookyn Navy Yard.
Find out more
July 30, 2015

Historic Grandeur and an Architect’s Eye for Modern Design Meet in This Prospect Heights Townhouse

We've featured the work of this home's current owners–principals at WE Design–before, including the architects' previous home, and this latest oeuvre (or possibly magnum opus) is yet another impressive example. Though the luck of having a great house to begin with helps, this 4,100-square-foot, four-story beauty at 390 Sterling Place, on what is arguably the prettiest street in prime Prospect Heights, hits all the high notes after an amazing renovation. For lovers of historic homes there are pristine original details at every turn. For modern interior design fans the renovation has meant the latest and greatest in appliances and fixtures (including central A/C and "new everything") and a perfectly on-trend clean and modern look throughout. At $4.25 million, it's a big price tag, but the location is super-prime–and so is the home.
Tour this grand and gorgeous home, this way
July 30, 2015

Ricky Martin Gets $7.55M for Noho Pad

Ricky Martin moved into 40 Bond–the Herzog & de Meuron-designed Noho condo famous for its graffiti gate and green glass/green cast iron facade–back in 2007, shortly after the building was completed. He paid $5.7 million for unit 6C, which is perfectly spacious and lovely, but has had a bit of trouble getting it off his hands, first trying to rent it and then listing it for $8.3 million back in 2013. But the Post reports that the Latin pop star has finally found a buyer, who paid $7.55 million for the three-bedroom pad.
More interior pics ahead
July 29, 2015

Rare UES Townhouse Addition Coming to Fifth Avenue’s Museum Mile

New buildings along Fifth Avenue on the Upper East Side are hard to come by, but a rare development prospect may be in the works for a small site on a dormant stretch of the avenue in Carnegie Hill. Building permits filed yesterday detail the construction of a five-story residential addition atop an existing eight-story, 30-foot-wide townhouse at 1143 Fifth Avenue, between 95th and 96th Streets. The brick and limestone building designed by J.E.R. Carpenter, was erected in 1923, and up until recently, housed staffers of the French Embassy. Last June, the 16,000-square-foot, seven-unit property was unloaded by the French government for $36.4 million and picked up by a buyer listed as 1143 5th Ave LLC.
More on the potential development ahead