Midtown

November 12, 2024

Saks Fifth Avenue cancels holiday light show

For the first time in nearly two decades, Saks Fifth Avenue's holiday light show—a beloved New York City tradition—will go dark this year. As first reported by the New York Post, the festive experience, which attracts hordes of holiday shoppers and tourists to Midtown, has been canceled this year to save money during what has been a "challenging year" for luxury stores, according to the company.
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Events & Things To Do

Everything you need to know about the 2024 Veterans Day Parade in NYC

Photo by Sgt. Randall A. Clinton for MarineCorps New York on Flickr

November 8, 2024

Everything you need to know about the 2024 Veterans Day Parade in NYC

By Aaron Ginsburg

This year's Veterans Day returns to New York City on Monday, November 11. As the country's largest Veterans Day commemoration, the event features 20,000 marchers and over 150 vehicles traveling down Fifth Avenue in tribute to our armed forces. The 105th annual parade starts at 12:30 p.m. at 26th Street and Fifth Avenue and heads north until ending at 47th Street. The United States Marine Corps is this year's featured service.
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Events & Things To Do

Updated Midtown South rezoning plan could create nearly 10,000 new homes

8th Avenue below 40th Street. Photo © Ondel Hylton

November 1, 2024

Updated Midtown South rezoning plan could create nearly 10,000 new homes

By Aaron Ginsburg

New zoning tools will allow the city to build bigger apartment buildings in Midtown Manhattan, doubling the new housing units permitted under a proposed rezoning. The Department of City Planning on Thursday released an updated draft of the Midtown South rezoning plan to incorporate floor area ratio (FAR) caps of 15 to 18, enabled by the state's recent repeal of the 12 FAR cap. This change allows larger developments and roughly 9,700 new homes, up from a previous estimate of 4,000, in a 42-block area of Midtown where housing development has been largely prohibited.
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This year’s Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree comes from Massachusetts

Photo courtesy of Tishman Speyer

October 28, 2024

This year’s Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree comes from Massachusetts

By Aaron Ginsburg

This year's Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree has been unveiled. The 74-foot-tall Norway Spruce hails from West Stockbridge in Massachusetts—the first tree sourced from the state since 1959—and will be cut down on Thursday, November 7, and make its journey to Manhattan. The spruce arrives at Rockefeller Center on Saturday, November 9. Following the tree's decoration with thousands of twinkling lights and its iconic Swarovski star, the annual tree lighting ceremony takes place on Wednesday, December 4.
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Events & Things To Do

Fifth Avenue’s tallest condo tower, 520 Fifth Avenue, tops out at 1,002 feet

Renderings courtesy of Binyan Studios unless otherwise noted.

October 28, 2024

Fifth Avenue’s tallest condo tower, 520 Fifth Avenue, tops out at 1,002 feet

By Aaron Ginsburg

The tallest residential tower on Fifth Avenue has officially topped out. Developed by Rabina and designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF), the 88-story mixed-use tower at 520 Fifth Avenue has topped out at 1,002 feet, making it the second tallest structure on the iconic corridor after the Empire State Building. Slated for completion in 2025, the elegant skyscraper will feature boutique office floors on the lower levels, with luxury condos beginning on the 42nd floor.
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New Developments

See the plan to transform Fifth Avenue into premier, pedestrian-friendly corridor

Images courtesy of City Hall

October 17, 2024

See the plan to transform Fifth Avenue into premier, pedestrian-friendly corridor

By Aaron Ginsburg

Here's a peek at what a pedestrian-friendly Fifth Avenue could look like. Mayor Eric Adams on Thursday revealed a proposed redesign of the iconic thoroughfare between Bryant Park and Central Park into a pedestrian-focused corridor by cutting the number of traffic lanes from five to three, nearly doubling the width of sidewalks, shortening crosswalks, and planting more than 200 trees. The $350 million project, the first major alteration to Fifth Avenue in its 200-year history, aims to turn the boulevard into a grand shopping street, akin to the Champs-Élysées in Paris and Ginza in Tokyo.
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Macy’s to host new holiday market at Herald Square flagship

Photo by Eden, Janine and Jim on Flickr

October 15, 2024

Macy’s to host new holiday market at Herald Square flagship

By Aaron Ginsburg

Macy's will debut its first-ever holiday market at its iconic Herald Square flagship this season. In partnership with Urbanspace, which runs the popular open-air holiday markets in Bryant Park, Union Square, and Columbus Circle, Macy's Holiday Square will open on November 1 inside the store on 34th Street and feature local and holiday vendors. Following the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, a new market dubbed the Herald Holiday Market will open on the plazas outside the store starting December 6.
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Events & Things To Do

Credit: JJBers on Flickr

October 11, 2024

Chrysler Building ownership is in limbo

By Aaron Ginsburg

The owners of the Chrysler Building are fighting to hold onto the iconic Art-Deco skyscraper after falling behind on more than $21 million in rent. RFR, led by Aby Rosen, on Monday, made a legal filing accusing landlord Cooper Union, which owns the land under the Chrysler, of driving away tenants with its response to a campus protest last October, which influenced several tenants to cancel or terminate their leases, as reported by Crain's New York. But data from CoStar shows that the tower's occupancy rose to 85.7 percent as of September 30, up from 82.8 percent in 2023.
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Real Estate Trends

New York City’s only revolving restaurant to reopen under Danny Meyer

Photos courtesy of New York Marriott Marquis

October 11, 2024

New York City’s only revolving restaurant to reopen under Danny Meyer

By Devin Gannon

Restaurateur Danny Meyer is reviving New York City's only revolving restaurant. Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG) and the New York Marriott Marquis Hotel announced plans to renovate and reopen The View, an aptly named bar and restaurant on floors 47 and 48 that opened in Times Square in 1985. The new menu will feature American classics with a "theatrical twist."
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Food & Dining

Bryant Park’s Winter Village opens this month

Photos by Colin Miller

October 10, 2024

Bryant Park’s Winter Village opens this month

By Aaron Ginsburg

It's time to get into the holiday spirit in New York. The annual Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park is returning for its 23rd season later this month. Starting on October 25, the festive event features New York City's only free-admission ice skating, the park's iconic open-air holiday market featuring more than 180 small businesses, a rinkside food hall and bar, heated private igloos, and more. The Winter Village is open through March 2, 2025.
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Events & Things To Do

Skylift opens at Rockefeller Center: Top of the Rock ride offers new panoramic perspective

Photo credit: Diane Bondareff/AP Content Services for Tishman Speyer

October 2, 2024

Skylift opens at Rockefeller Center: Top of the Rock ride offers new panoramic perspective

By Devin Gannon

Rockefeller Center opened its new rooftop ride this week, adding another attraction to the Top of the Rock observation deck. From the 70th floor of 30 Rock, Skylift brings visitors up an additional three stories on a revolving open-air platform for a front-row view of the New York City skyline. Floating above the rooftop, the glass platform offers a unique 360-degree perspective of the city at 900 feet above street level.
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30 Rock’s new ‘Skylift’ platform takes visitors 900 feet above NYC

Renderings courtesy of Tishman Speyer

September 25, 2024

30 Rock’s new ‘Skylift’ platform takes visitors 900 feet above NYC

By Aaron Ginsburg

The view from one of New York City's most iconic observation decks is about to get even better. Opening on October 1, Skylift at the Top of the Rock takes visitors above the 70th floor at 30 Rockefeller Plaza on an open-air platform that offers unobstructed, 360-degree city views. The new experience starts at $35 as an optional add-on to general admission to the Top of the Rock.
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Events & Things To Do

Rainforest Cafe to host pop-up at the Empire State Building

Photo Credit: Douglas Neiner on Flickr

September 20, 2024

Rainforest Cafe to host pop-up at the Empire State Building

By Aaron Ginsburg

It's for real this time: Rainforest Cafe is coming to the Empire State Building. The beloved jungle-themed restaurant is hosting a pop-up at the skyscraper's 86th-floor observatory from October 3 through 6, offering exclusive Rainforest Cafe and Empire State Building merchandise, along with special food items for fans of the iconic eatery.
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Pedestrian plaza, two-way bike lane now on Broadway near Union Square

Cyclists and pedestrians travel along the newly redesigned plaza block on Broadway, from East 17th Street to East 18th Street. Credit: NYC DOT

September 13, 2024

Pedestrian plaza, two-way bike lane now on Broadway near Union Square

By Aaron Ginsburg

Broadway is gradually becoming a safer, more welcoming space for pedestrians and cyclists. Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez on Thursday announced the completion of the latest phase of "Broadway Vision," bringing a new pedestrian plaza, two-way bike connections, and other safety upgrades between East 17th and East 21st Streets. The Union Square Partnership and the Flatiron NoMad Partnership will maintain the new spaces.
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Food hall opening at Amazon’s Fifth Avenue office

Photo credit: WRNS Studio, SCAPE, Bilyana Dimitrova

September 11, 2024

Food hall opening at Amazon’s Fifth Avenue office

By Devin Gannon

New York City is getting another food hall. Earlier this year, Texas-based operator Food Hall Co. announced plans to open Shaver Hall, a 35,000-square-foot culinary experience on the ground floor of the historic Lord & Taylor building on Fifth Avenue. After serving as the department store's flagship for over a century, the landmark was bought by Amazon and converted into office space, which opened last year.
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Food & Dining

Times Square food festival is back with more than a dozen restaurants

Photos by Sara Kerens

August 9, 2024

Times Square food festival is back with more than a dozen restaurants

By Aaron Ginsburg

Flavors from around the world will converge on Times Square next month. For the first time since 2019, the Times Square Alliance will host Taste of Times Square, an outdoor food and music festival featuring over 25 restaurants with diverse cuisines. To bring side-street restaurants to the heart of the bustling district, the festival will be set up at Broadway Plaza and Duffy Square between 45th and 48th Streets. The event takes place on Monday, September 9 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
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What you need to know about NYC’s Dominican Day Parade

Photo Credit: Benjamin Kanter/Mayoral Photo Office on Flickr

August 8, 2024

What you need to know about NYC’s Dominican Day Parade

By Aaron Ginsburg

The 42nd annual National Dominican Day Parade returns in vibrant colors to Midtown on Sunday, August 11. The parade celebrates New York City's Dominican community, the largest in the United States, and Dominican heritage with live music, parade floats, striking costumes, traditional food, dance, and much more. This year's parade theme, "Merengue Nuestro Ritmo" (Merengue Our Rhythm), honors the rich history and cultural significance of the iconic Caribbean dance style, with the legendary merengue band Los Hermanos Rosario serving as the grand marshal.
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Events & Things To Do

Rockefeller Center transformed into Parisian ‘Viewing Village’ for the Olympics

All photos courtesy of Tishman Speyer

July 29, 2024

Rockefeller Center transformed into Parisian ‘Viewing Village’ for the Olympics

By Aaron Ginsburg

Rockefeller Center has turned into a hub for Team USA during the 2024 Olympics. NBCUniversal transformed The Rink into an "Olympics Viewing Village," with a Paris-themed patio, French food, watch parties, photo-ops with an Eiffel Tower replica and medal podium, and special appearances by athletes. The interactive experience, which also includes a Parisian-inspired bar sponsored by Michelob ULTRA, is open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. until the closing ceremony on August 11.
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Events & Things To Do

Photos courtesy of Aman New York

July 10, 2024

Aman New York penthouse sells for $135M

By Devin Gannon

A five-story penthouse at the Aman New York at 730 Fifth Avenue has sold for $135 million, marking New York City's most expensive sale of the year. As first reported by Bloomberg, the deal surpasses a $115 million penthouse at Central Park Tower that closed in June. The 12,500-square-foot sky mansion aptly sits in the actual crown of the 100-year-old Midtown Manhattan tower, known as the Crown Building for its gilded exterior. Opened in 2022, the Aman New York is an ultra-luxury hotel-condo with 83 hotel rooms and 22 residences. The Wall Street Journal on Thursday identified Vladislav Doronin, the billionaire and founder of OKO Group, the developer of the Aman, as the buyer of the record-breaking penthouse.
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IKEA is coming to Fifth Avenue in Midtown

IKEA’s Red Hook location. Photo courtesy of Eden, Janine, and Jim on Flickr.

July 2, 2024

IKEA is coming to Fifth Avenue in Midtown

By Aaron Ginsburg

IKEA is returning to Manhattan. The home goods store will open a new store in Midtown within 570 Fifth Avenue, an office tower developed by Extell Development. Ingka Investments, the investment arm of Ingka Group which owns most IKEA stores worldwide, plans to open an 80,000-square-foot store across two cellar levels with a corner entrance on Fifth Avenue. The Swedish company opened a store on the Upper East Side in 2019 but closed about two years later.
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Real Estate Trends

NYC’s gilded Crown Building is landmarked

Photo credit: Landmarks Preservation Commission

May 16, 2024

NYC’s gilded Crown Building is landmarked

By Devin Gannon

One of Midtown Manhattan's crown jewels is finally a city landmark. The Landmarks Preservation Commission this week designated the Heckscher Building at 730 Fifth Avenue as an individual landmark, officially recognizing the tower's ornate French Renaissance style, influence on Midtown's iconic commercial corridor, and overall impact on the New York City skyline. The tower, built 100 years ago and renamed the Crown Building in the 1980s for its gilded appearance, is now home to Aman New York, a luxe hotel-condo with 83 hotel rooms and 22 residences.
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Bryant Park to host 30+ free yoga classes this summer

Photos courtesy of Angelito Jusay

May 15, 2024

Bryant Park to host 30+ free yoga classes this summer

By Aaron Ginsburg

Free yoga classes are returning to the lawn at Bryant Park this summer. Presented by performance apparel brand Calia, the classes kick off on May 29, with sessions hosted on Tuesday mornings at 10 a.m. on the park's upper terrace and on Wednesday evenings at 6 p.m. on the lawn. Running through September 25, the classes will be led by some of the city's most sought-after yoga instructors and open to participants of all experience levels.
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Events & Things To Do

One Madison Avenue unveils lush rooftop garden and stylish steakhouse by Daniel Boulud

One Madison Avenue Rooftop Exterior. Courtesy of SL Green, by Neoscape

April 10, 2024

One Madison Avenue unveils lush rooftop garden and stylish steakhouse by Daniel Boulud

By Devin Gannon

An office tower in Midtown is luring tenants with food and lush outdoor space. SL Green this week unveiled plans for a steakhouse by Chef Daniel Boulud at One Madison Avenue, an adaptive-reuse commercial building facing Madison Square Park. In addition to La Tête d’Or by Daniel, the first-ever steakhouse from the French chef, the tower will feature a sprawling event and rooftop space designed by David Rockwell and catered by Boulud.
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Fifth Avenue’s tallest residential tower launches sales, from $1.7M

Rendering courtesy of Binyan Studios

April 10, 2024

Fifth Avenue’s tallest residential tower launches sales, from $1.7M

By Aaron Ginsburg

Sales launched this week at 520 Fifth Avenue, the tallest residential tower on Fifth Avenue. Developed by Rabina and designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF), the 88-story skyscraper soars 1,000 feet above Midtown and features boutique office floors on the lower levels, a luxury members-only hospitality club, and 100 condos starting on the 42nd floor. Residences range from one to four bedrooms, with prices starting at $1.7 million.
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New Developments

Renovation of Eero Saarinen’s modernist Midtown skyscraper is complete

Photos courtesy of Colin Miller

April 9, 2024

Renovation of Eero Saarinen’s modernist Midtown skyscraper is complete

By Devin Gannon

One of New York City's most iconic modernist skyscrapers has been revitalized for a new era. Designed by renowned 20th-century architect Eero Saarinen, the 38-story Midtown Manhattan office building 51W52, also known as the CBS Building, received a $128 million renovation by Harbor Group International (HGI), which acquired the building from CBS owner Paramount in 2021. HGI says the upgrades, which includes an updated lobby and lounge, conference center, and cafe, have helped the building see 350,000 square feet in new leases and renewals after an increase in vacancies last year.
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Architecture And Design

Macy’s annual Flower Show brings sights and scents of spring to Herald Square

Photo credit: Macy’s, Inc.

March 25, 2024

Macy’s annual Flower Show brings sights and scents of spring to Herald Square

By Devin Gannon

It may still feel like winter in most of New York City, but in Herald Square, spring has sprung. Macy's on Sunday unveiled its 49th annual Flower Show, filling its flagship store in Midtown with thousands of unique living plants and flowers. This year's show features Christian Dior Parfums with an installation and pop-up boutique exploring the history of the iconic Miss Dior fragrance.
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Focus on 57th Street: Manhattan real estate insiders Leslie Hirsch and Howard Morrel chart the rise of Billionaires’ Row

Photo by Martti Salmi on Unsplash

March 13, 2024

Focus on 57th Street: Manhattan real estate insiders Leslie Hirsch and Howard Morrel chart the rise of Billionaires’ Row

By Michelle Cohen

New York City’s most successful real estate agents make it their business to know the city’s highlights, hot spots, secrets, and specialties; many are NYC natives or longtime residents whose love for the city’s streets and avenues adds indisputable value to their career of choice. We’ve asked a few top agents to tell us about their favorite neighborhoods and share their views on what the city's future may hold. Read on for insights from Leslie Hirsch, an insider with an enviable view from Billionaires' Row.
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