All articles by Dana Schulz

Dana is a writer and preservationist with a passion for all things New York. After graduating from New York University with a BA in Urban Design & Architecture Studies, she worked at the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation, where she planned the organization's public programs and wrote for their blog Off the Grid. In her free time, she leads walking tours about the social and cultural history of city neighborhoods. Follow her on Twitter @danaschulzNYC.

September 14, 2014

Fall House Tour Roundup: From Victorian Homes to Industrial Lofts

By Dana Schulz

Though spring is typically considered the height of house tour season, the fall months offer their own roster of open-door events. It pretty much goes without saying that we love peeking inside all kinds of homes, so we've rounded up here the best of the upcoming tours. From industrial Tribeca lofts to Victorian homes on the Delaware River, there's definitely something for every interior design lover.
All the events here

September 13, 2014

Weekly Highlights: Top Picks from the 6sqft Staff

By Dana Schulz

The Metropolitan Museum of Art unveils its dramatically redesigned plaza, complete with fountains, alleys of trees, new paving, and red, angular canopies over seating benches. Actress Kirsten Dunst and former Nets coach Jason Kidd both put their their apartments on the rental market. Take a deep breathe cheesecake lovers, Junior’s isn’t going anywhere. We talk […]

Uncategorized

September 12, 2014

There’s a Cold War Bomb Shelter Hidden Under the Brooklyn Bridge

By Dana Schulz

Just when we thought we'd seen it all, we get word that there's a Cold War-era bomb shelter hidden under the Brooklyn Bridge, amid the landmark's many secret passageways and forgotten rooms. The nuclear bunker is inside one of the massive stone arches below the bridge's main entrance on the Manhattan side, and it's chock full of supplies, including medication like Dextran (used to treat shock), water drums, paper blankets, and 352,000 calorie-packed crackers (that may be still be edible, in fact).
Find out what else lies beneath and how this hidden shelter was discovered

History

September 11, 2014

Sales at the Broken Angel Condo Conversion Will Launch Next Month

By Dana Schulz

The Broken Angel House in Clinton Hill was one of Brooklyn's most unique landmarks. Artist Arthur Wood purchased the tenement building in 1979 for $2,000 and subsequently transformed it into a whimsical, livable sculpture, complete with stained glass windows made from bottles and glass, a cathedral-like glass addition, and brick wings. It was also the backdrop for the documentary Dave Chappelle's Block Party. Barrett Design and Development purchased the site at 4-8 Downing Street in January for $4.1 million. And it will be repurposed as a condo development, with sales launching next month and a new teaser site up and running.
More details on the development here

New Developments

September 11, 2014

Bromley Caldari Architects’ A-Frame Re-Think Is A-OK on the Shores of Fire Island

By Dana Schulz

Rising from the shores of the Fire Island Pines is an A-frame house, not an usual silhouette for a beach house, but a bit traditional, one may think, for the hip, modern vacation spot. Think again, though, because Bromley Caldari Architects transformed this existing beach rental into a contemporary retreat, rethinking the iconic 1960's architectural style, hence its name A-Frame Re-Think. The firm's main task was to remove the spiral staircase that split the home down the middle and created dark, cramped rooms. In response to the challenge, architects R. Scott Bromley and Jerry Caldari broke through the envelope of the three-story structure, weaving in a modern, sculptural staircase.
More on the A-Frame Re-Think here

September 11, 2014

FriendsWithYou Light Cave Provides an Interactive Art Experience at the Standard High Line

By Dana Schulz

If you're already making Oktoberfest plans to hit up the Standard, High Line's beer garden, you might want to think about imbibing a bit earlier, as the new Light Cave art installation is only on view until the end of September. Presented by FriendsWithYou and commissioned by the Standard Hotel and the Art Production Fund, this public art project "is a symbol of light and connectivity in an architectural form." The inflatable work, which evokes a prehistoric figure and a cavern, spans the entire outdoor plaza in front of the hotel and pulsates with energy and light, creating a sensory rich experience.
More on the fun installation here

Events & Things To Do

September 10, 2014

MAKE/SHIFT by Movisi Takes a New Angle on Modular Shelving

By Dana Schulz

And we mean that literally. The unique wedge-shaped units of Movisi's self-adjusting shelving system MAKE/SHIFT can be installed at almost any angle. They also cleverly interlock with each other thanks to corrugated edges, filling unusually shaped niches, spaces between columns, or empty wall space.
More on the design

September 10, 2014

POLL: Do You Think Bushwick Is One of the World’s Coolest Neighborhoods?

By Dana Schulz

Yesterday, we reported that Vogue listed Bushwick as the 7th coolest neighborhood in the world. The article claims that few places garner as much global attention as the Brooklyn ‘hood. And while we don’t doubt Anna Wintour’s editorial chops, we want to know what you think. Images: Shawn Hoke via photopin cc & Susan NYC […]

Uncategorized

September 10, 2014

You May be Able to Print Your Own Solar Panels Soon

By Dana Schulz

Are you one of the many eagerly awaiting the iPhone 6 and iWatch? Well, pretty soon, you may be able to print your very own solar panel to serve as an energy-generating skin or case for your new device. Scientists at CSIRO, Australia's national science agency, along with those at Melbourne and Monash universities, report that they hope to offer the printed solar panels for low-power applications within the next few years. Printed on plastic--and faster, cheaper, and easier to use than traditional silicon panels--they could mean big things for a gadget-obsessed world, as well as for simple building and design applications.
More on the technology here

New Adaptive Architecture Project Explores How Physical Spaces Can Morph Based on Heat

By Dana Schulz

Generally, if a building starts moving, it's a very bad thing. But a new shape-shifting architecture concept from the students at Barcelona’s Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalunya proves otherwise. Responding to the notion that as buildings become smarter and greener they should also be responsive to their external environments, the project, dubbed Translated Geometries, explores how physical spaces could someday morph based on various environmental inputs.
More on the new technology here

September 9, 2014

REVEALED: $210 Million Upgrade for Grand Central’s Subway Station As Part of One Vanderbilt Tower

By Dana Schulz

As part of a five-year, $210 million plan to significantly upgrade Grand Central's subway station, developer SL Green hopes to install new staircases to the train platforms, two new street-level entrances and a refurbished mezzanine level, and a 4,000-square-foot ground-level commuter waiting area. The improvements were conceived in conjunction with the MTA and the de Blasio administration earlier this year as the first component of the Midtown East Rezoning project. The transit upgrades must all be completed before tenants can occupy One Vanderbilt (planned for completion in January 2020), SL Green's new 65-story office tower planned for the entire block west of Grand Central and north of East 42nd Street. Designed by Kohn Pederson Fox, the tower will be the second-tallest building in the city when completed.
More on the upgrades ahead

September 8, 2014

Frank Gehry Bounces Back from WTC Snub with New Construction Technology Endeavor

By Dana Schulz

It was big news last week that Frank Gehry's designed plans for the Performing Arts Center at the World Trade Center were axed by execs of the site. Though he may have felt slightly snubbed, based on quotes he provided to the New York Times, Gehry seemed unaffected overall. His mellow reaction toward the dis is now further substantiated by news that his IT company Gehry Technologies has been acquired by American location technology firm Trimble (the owner of 3D drawing software SketchUp) in order to "transform the construction industry by further connecting the office to on-site construction technologies," according to Trimble.
More on the starchitect's new partnership here

September 8, 2014

REVEALED: New Skyline Renderings for Nordstrom Tower at 217 West 57th Street

By Dana Schulz

Back in July, we learned that Extell's Nordstrom Tower will rise 1,775 feet–just one foot shorter than One World Trade Center, making it the tallest residential building in the world. Now, New York YIMBY has released renderings of how the 92-story supertall will look against the rest of the skyline. Though official images from Extell haven't been released, these preliminary sneak peeks are pretty impressive.
More on the new development here

September 7, 2014

MESH Architectures’ Atrium House Will Have You Saying “Toto, I Don’t Think We’re in Williamsburg Anymore”

By Dana Schulz

You're not dreaming; this house is in Williamsburg. In fact, it harkens back to the neighborhood's industrial roots and stays true to the low-scale character of the area. The navy blue cube was originally built as a garage that occupied the entire 22’ x 100’ lot, but when converted to residential use in 2011, NYC zoning regulations mandated that a certain percentage of the site be reserved for a yard. Enter MESH Architectures, the creative firm that devised a genius plan to incorporate the required outdoor space as an inner atrium, letting the outside in while still maintaining a sense of privacy. The central space is composed of two volumes - a double-height great room and the courtyard surrounded by folding-glass doors on three sides. The great room, master bedroom, and bathroom sit behind these glass walls, seamlessly blending the indoors with the zen, outdoor area.
Take a look inside this architectural marvel here

September 6, 2014

Weekly Highlights: Top Picks from the 6sqft Staff

By Dana Schulz

We talk to Sue Chin, the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Chief Architect, about designing for a very different clientele–tiger, sharks, gorillas, and more. We’ve got the dirt on Frank Gehry’s Ground Zero Performing Arts Center rejection. Coffee Culture: Are neighborhood cafes the first sign of gentrification? Travel back in time to Radio Row, the city’s original […]

Uncategorized

September 5, 2014

Chiat Beach House by HS2 Architecture was Built with an 18th Century Barn Frame

By Dana Schulz

Since it looks like New York's summer heat wave came a little late this year, we decided to feature one of our most swoon-worthy seaside dwellings. The Chiat Beach House by HS2 Architecture is located in the small Southampton town of Sagaponack, notable for being the country's most expensive zip code back in 2009. And though this home might not scream "million dollar listing," it most certainly is something to see, as it's built around an 18th century Vermont barn frame that was salvaged, restored, and re-erected to create the home's striking "great room."
Take a tour around the property

September 5, 2014

Museum of the City of New York to Premiere Documentary “Rebuilding the World Trade Center”

By Dana Schulz

In advance of the 13th anniversary of 9/11, the Museum of the City of New York will be premiering the documentary Rebuilding the World Trade Center. The 62-minute film features footage shot over the past eight years by artist Marcus Robinson, documenting the work at Ground Zero through the eyes of the construction workers, "from the site managers to those who dug the building’s foundations and the ironworkers who assembled its steel frames." The film will premier at the museum on the evening of Tuesday, September 9th and will be followed by a panel discussion with New York Times reporter James Glanz. It will then premier nationally on the History Channel on September 11th at 6 pm.
More on the documentary and upcoming event

September 4, 2014

Katz’s Deli Co-Owner Jake Dell Nabs $1.9 Million Greenwich Village Pad

By Dana Schulz

The Lower East Side's iconic Katz's Deli was the talk of the town recently when it came to light that the neighborhood institution had sold its air rights. It's speculated that a parcel of adjacent buildings will be demolished to make way for a new cantilevered building. Jake Dell, the third-generation co-owner of the 126-year-old pastrami mainstay, has been quoted as saying that the sale will not affect the deli in any way, though he didn't cite specifics of the deal. But regardless of the details, it looks like Dell made out pretty well for himself, as he's just scooped up a $1,899,000 apartment at 808 Broadway in the heart of Greenwich Village. Just a short walk from Katz's, his new pad is described as a "Park Avenue-inspired home."
Take a look inside the pastrami king's new digs

September 4, 2014

Ryall Porter Sheridan’s Hamptons Pavilion is Clad in Spanish Cedar

By Dana Schulz

It must be hard to come up with a design to complement an existing log house, but Ryall Porter Sheridan succeeded with their Spanish cedar-clad Hamptons Pavilion. Interestingly, this material is neither Spanish nor cedar, but rather from an evergreen tree in the mahogany family. It's also the traditional material used for making cigar boxes. But despite its confusing moniker, the paneling creates a structure that is both modern and organically connected to the surrounding landscape.
More details on the Hamptons Pavilion right this way

Architecture And Design

September 4, 2014

Penthouse Perfection: Peeking into Manhattan’s Top Sky-High Listings

By Dana Schulz

The penthouse craze began in the early 20th century thanks to media tycoon William Randolph Hearst. He took up residence in a three-floor apartment at the Clarendon at 137 Riverside Drive and, when his landlord refused to let him expand further, Hearst bought the entire building, adding two new floors to the top of his mansion, crowned by a new copper mansard roof. Now, 100 years later, the rich and famous are still making headlines with their pricey penthouse purchases. Fellow media mogul Rupert Murdoch recently purchased a $57.25 million triplex penthouse, along with an additional full-floor unit (because why stop at just three?) at One Madison. His bachelor pad totals more than 10,000 square feet of interior space, wrapped in floor-to-ceiling glass. Is this the new standard for penthouse living? We're taking a look at some of the top sky-high listings in Manhattan to find out.
Don't miss these incredible penthouse stunners

September 3, 2014

Fashion Wunderkind Kira Plastinina Buys $2.5 Million Chelsea Apartment

By Dana Schulz

You may remember Kira Plastinina making headlines back in 2008, when she, all at the age of 16, launched her namesake fashion line, opened a dozen US stores, and later that same year closed them all and filed for bankruptcy. Originally from Moscow, Kira has now launched a new high-end fashion line called Lublu in Dallas, Texas, but it looks like she might also be planning to make some moves in the Big Apple. According to city records, she purchased apartment 3A at the Slate Condominium at 163 West 18th Street for $2.45 million.
Take a look inside here

September 3, 2014

REVEALED: SHoP-Designed Condos by Anbau on the Upper East Side

By Dana Schulz

Looks like the Upper East Side will be adding another luxury condo project to its roster--but this time it's an "affordable luxury" building. Located at 1711 First Avenue at East 89th Street, the 34-story building is being designed by SHoP Architects for Anbau Enterprises, who has shared renderings of the project with New York YIMBY. The building will have a bluestone base with a small cantilever over the 89th Street entrance. The rest of the façade will be brick and glass, offering floor-to-ceiling windows without the total curtain wall appearance. The western façade will be slightly glassier than the rest of the building.
More details here

September 3, 2014

Prodigy Network Closes on $85 Million FiDi Site for Their ‘Cotel’ Crowdfunded Hotel

By Dana Schulz

Back in June, we took a look at the winning designs for Prodigy Network's 17John 'Cotel' (collaborative + hotel = cotel), the city's first crowdsourced hotel and the world's first collaborative hotel. Now, the real estate crowdfunding startup has closed on the 15-story rental building at 17 John Street for $85.3 million, $25 million of which came from crowdfunded equity. Additional financing came from Deutsche Bank and another institutional investor. The property will be transformed into a 23-story, 191-unit extended-stay hotel, designed for the next generation of business traveler.
More on the first-of-its-kind project in NYC

September 2, 2014

INTERVIEW: Andrew Berman, Executive Director of the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation

By Dana Schulz

There's been a lot of controversy around preservation in New York City as of late, and through it all, the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation (GVSHP) seems to always make its voice heard. From debunking myths about affordable housing and historic districts to advocating for the Village's next great landmark, GVSHP remains on the front lines of the field. Founded in 1980 to preserve the architectural heritage and cultural history of the Village, the organization now includes the East Village, South Village, Far West Village, Noho, and Meatpacking District in its purview. Part of the reason for GVSHP's expansion stems from the tireless efforts of its longtime Executive Director, Andrew Berman. Since 2002, he has overseen the research, educational programming, and advocacy of one of the city's leading preservation nonprofits. We recently sat down with Andrew to learn more about his views on the current state of preservation in the city and where he hopes to take GVSHP in the future.
Read our full interview here

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