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.

The Met reveals facade banners designed by Yoko Ono

Yoko Ono (b. 1933, Japan), DREAM TOGETHER, 2020, installed at The Metropolitan Museum of Art © Yoko Ono. Image credit: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Photo by Anna-Marie Kellen.

August 21, 2020

The Met reveals facade banners designed by Yoko Ono

By Dana Schulz

For the first time, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is displaying artist-designed banners on its Fifth Avenue facade, and they're from none other than Yoko Ono. Titled DREAM TOGETHER, the 24' x 26' banners read "DREAM" and "TOGETHER," and were revealed in anticipation of the museum's reopening on August 29th. Ono created the piece in response to the global COVID-19 crisis, offering "a powerful message of hope and unity to the world," according to the Met.
READ MORE

Events & Things To Do

For $1.1M, you can own a newly built home on the Rockaway beach

Photos by Allyson Lubow, courtesy of The Corcoran Group

August 21, 2020

For $1.1M, you can own a newly built home on the Rockaway beach

By Dana Schulz

Beach houses aren't reserved for the Jersey Shore and the Hamptons. At Rockaway Point in Queens, this shorefront home is airy, family-friendly, and just steps from the beach. Plus, there are two outdoor decks and additional outdoor space. The four-bedroom home is just four years old and is asking $1,099,000.
See the whole place

Distinctive Homes

Murray’s Cheese opens a new flagship in Long Island City

Photo by Emily Andrews for the Rockwell Group

August 20, 2020

Murray’s Cheese opens a new flagship in Long Island City

By Dana Schulz

When Murray's Cheese first opened in a small storefront on Cornelia Street 80 years ago, they primarily sold milk, eggs, and butter. After becoming a Greenwich Village institution, Murray's has since expanded, moving to a larger storefront across on Bleecker Street in 2004, and opening a location in Grand Central and cheese-aging caves in Long Island, where the business just announced they'll be opening a new shop and restaurant. According to a press release, "Murray’s Cheese Bar LIC will be the restaurant’s flagship location and its first-ever full-service bar, with an adjacent cheese shop offering more than 400 specialty items."
READ MORE

Food & Dining

$1M Carroll Gardens condo mixes historic church details with mid-century vibes

Photos courtesy of The Corcoran Group

August 20, 2020

$1M Carroll Gardens condo mixes historic church details with mid-century vibes

By Dana Schulz

The landmarked South Congregational Church in Carroll Gardens was built in 1857 in the Romanesque Revival style. Located at 360 Court Street, it was converted to condos in 2008. Many of these residences, like this one-bedroom duplex, retain original church details like stained glass windows and vaulted ceilings. But this 880-square-foot home also has been thoroughly modernized with a cool, mid-century vibe. It's currently listed for $999,000.
READ MORE

Distinctive Homes

Amazon will hire 2,000 NYC employees at new Lord & Taylor building location

Photo courtesy of Lord & Taylor

August 19, 2020

Amazon will hire 2,000 NYC employees at new Lord & Taylor building location

By Dana Schulz

Despite a national shift towards working from home, Amazon announced a $1.4 billion plan to hire 3,500 employees across six major U.S. cities, a 10-percent expansion of its current corporate workforce of 35,000, according to the New York Times. This includes 2,000 employees in New York City, who will work from the e-commerce behemoth's newly acquired location at the historic Lord & Taylor building on Fifth Avenue. WeWork bought the landmarked building in 2017 for $850 million, but after a troubling few years, they sold it to Amazon in March for a reported $1.15 billion.
READ MORE

Uncategorized

$450K Prospect Heights studio has old-world details and a work-from-home nook

Photos by Allyson Lubow, courtesy of The Corcoran Group

August 19, 2020

$450K Prospect Heights studio has old-world details and a work-from-home nook

By Dana Schulz

No matter how big or small, we could all use a work-from-home nook these days, and this lovely little studio in Prospect Heights has a perfect one. It also has a cool mix of industrial and old-world architectural details, including tin ceilings, exposed brick, and carved wooden window and door frames, along with creative, modern updates throughout. Located at 675 Vanderbilt Avenue, the co-op is asking $449,000.
See more

Distinctive Homes

Photos by Ryan Fitzpatrick for Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty

August 18, 2020

For $4.5M, a renovated 19th-century colonial with a guest cottage on Long Island

By Dana Schulz

Sometimes the best things in life are the simplest things. And though this Long Island house isn't exactly simple (it does have eight bedrooms, sit on three acres, and have a huge pool and a guest cottage), its traditional style and classical interiors make it a true standout. Located in Locust Valley, a quaint town that's part of Oyster Bay, and asking $4.5 million, the colonial home was built in 1863 but underwent a modern renovation that's brought it into the 21st century.
Go inside

Distinctive Homes

Governor Cuomo has a book coming out about the COVID crisis in New York

Photo: Kevin P. Coughlin / Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

August 18, 2020

Governor Cuomo has a book coming out about the COVID crisis in New York

By Dana Schulz

Crown Publishing announced that a new book by New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo titled "American Crisis: Leadership Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic," will be released on October 13, 2020, just three weeks before election day, as the Associated Press notes. According to Crown, the book will provide Cuomo's "personal reflections and the decision-making that shaped his policy, and offers his frank accounting and assessment of his interactions with the federal government and the White House, as well as other state and local political and health officials."
More details

Policy

Inside the graffiti-covered 191st Street tunnel, NYC’s deepest subway and only underground ‘street’

All photos and video © James and Karla Murray

August 17, 2020

Inside the graffiti-covered 191st Street tunnel, NYC’s deepest subway and only underground ‘street’

By Dana Schulz

The deepest subway station in New York City lies 173 feet below ground (18 stories!) at the 191st Street stop of the 1 train. This stop is also known for the 1,000-foot-long tunnel that connects its station at St. Nicholas Avenue to an entrance on Broadway. Called "Tunnel Street," this is technically the only underground street in the city. For years, however, it was a dark and dingy passageway that troubled locals, so about six years ago, the city commissioned six artists to paint the tunnel with colorful murals. Ahead, photographers James and Karla Murray give us a video tour of the tunnel, along with the insanely deep subway station.
READ MORE

You can rent a rare carriage house on MacDougal Alley for $10K/month

By Dana Schulz

New York City has several hidden mews sprinkled across its mostly gridded landscape, including MacDougal Alley in Greenwich Village. Located just north of Washington Square Park, the gated half-block cul-de-sac was constructed as a stretch of carriage houses to serve the townhouses that lined ritzy Washington Square North. Today, these charming carriage houses remain, and many of them have been transformed into private residences, like this one at number 6 Macdougal Alley. For the first time in 25 years, the nearly 1,800-square-foot red brick home is up for rent, asking $10,000 a month.
See inside

After Cuomo provides health personnel, 9/11 Tribute in Light is back on

Image by David Z from Pixabay

August 17, 2020

After Cuomo provides health personnel, 9/11 Tribute in Light is back on

By Dana Schulz

It takes nearly 40 stagehands and electricians more than a week to produce the annual Tribute in Light display that marks the 9/11 anniversary each year, according to the New York Times. And because they must work in close contact, the National September 11 Memorial & Museum decided last week to cancel this year's memorial. Upon hearing the news, Governor Cuomo, however, stepped in and said he'd provide the medical personnel necessary to make the event happen safely.
More details here

Events & Things To Do

This $8M penthouse near the UN has some killer views

Photo credit: Sean Hemmerle

August 14, 2020

This $8M penthouse near the UN has some killer views

By Dana Schulz

Not only does this penthouse at One United Nations Park have the title "United Nations" in its address, but the sprawling duplex residence has incredible views of the landmark, along with those of Queens, Brooklyn, Midtown Manhattan, the East River, and more. Located at 695 First Avenue, between East 39th and East 40th Streets, the four-bedroom home is nearly 3,000 square feet, with a wrap-around terrace amounting to another 460 square feet.
See more

Distinctive Homes

Cuomo says NYC museums can reopen on August 24

Photo by Taylor Heery on Unsplash

August 14, 2020

Cuomo says NYC museums can reopen on August 24

By Dana Schulz

In a conference call to reporters today, Governor Cuomo said that indoor cultural institutions, aquariums, and museums in New York City can reopen on August 24, provided they adhere to a 25-percent occupancy limit, timed ticketing, pre-set staggered entry, face-covering enforcement, and controlled traffic flow. He also responded to recent calls from gym owners, saying that he'll be releasing reopening guidelines for gyms on Monday.
READ MORE

Policy

Listing images courtesy of The Corcoran Group

August 14, 2020

There’s 8 closets and room to sleep 3 at this $495K Midtown studio

By Dana Schulz

This Midtown East studio may be compact, but it certainly has a lot of storage space and room for guests (if you don't mind getting a little cozy). Located at 235 East 49th Street, just a stone's throw from the UN, the co-op was designed by award-winning architect Robert Garneau, who specializes in small-space layouts. Not only are there a whopping eight closets, but a Murphy bed plus sleeping loft means that three people can spend the night. Other perks include a gas fireplace and pocket doors for added privacy.
A lot more to see in this little place

Distinctive Homes

This Hudson Valley town has the fastest-rising real estate prices in the country

Photo by Paul VanDerWerf via Flickr cc

August 13, 2020

This Hudson Valley town has the fastest-rising real estate prices in the country

By Dana Schulz

Kingston, New York has been called the Hudson Valley's "creative capital." As Brooklyn Based explained, from the 1950s to the '90s, it was home to a massive IBM campus, but the Catskills town grew increasingly vacant afterward. In recent years, however, it's seen a resurgence of newcomers thanks to its historic housing stock, relatively low prices, foodie scene, proximity to outdoor activities, and zoning deliberately meant to attract artists. And in the face of the pandemic, these factors have made Kingston a go-to spot for those fleeing New York City. A report by the National Association of Realtors cited in Bloomberg found that Kingston has the fastest rising home prices in the U.S.
READ MORE

Real Estate Trends

This $4.5M Carroll Gardens townhouse looks like it’s straight off Pinterest

Listing photos by RISE Media, courtesy of The Corcoran Group

August 13, 2020

This $4.5M Carroll Gardens townhouse looks like it’s straight off Pinterest

By Dana Schulz

Boho accents, a mix of mid-century and vintage decor, and original historic details--all of this and more is on display at this gorgeous Carroll Gardens townhouse. Located at 371 Clinton Street, the brownstone home recently listed for $4,499,000 after an impeccable renovation. It has 3,400 square feet, four bedrooms, and a lovely rear garden.
See the whole place

Distinctive Homes

8 middle-income units available at new Bed-Stuy rental, from $2,156/month

The recently reopened Nostrand Avenue LIRR station. Photo: Metropolitan Transportation Authority/Patrick Cashin via Flickr cc

August 12, 2020

8 middle-income units available at new Bed-Stuy rental, from $2,156/month

By Dana Schulz

The recently reopened Nostrand Avenue LIRR station. Photo: Metropolitan Transportation Authority/Patrick Cashin via Flickr cc On the border of Bed-Stuy and Crown Heights, a new rental building at 570 Nostrand Avenue is accepting applications for eight middle-income apartments. The $2,156/month studios, $2,245/month one-bedrooms, and $2,710/month two-bedrooms are available to households earning 130 percent of the area median income. The building has washer/dryers in the units, and is conveniently located to three major subway lines and the LIRR, as well as to all the cool restaurants and bars along Franklin Avenue.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

Opulent Beekman Place mansion closes for $38M less than original listing price

Photo credit: Rise Media, Courtesy of Compass

August 12, 2020

Opulent Beekman Place mansion closes for $38M less than original listing price

By Dana Schulz

More than six years ago, this opulent, eight-story mansion at 29 Beekman Place listed for $49.9 million. Just one year later, it dropped to $37.5 million, with another major price chop this April to $11.45 million. First spotted by Crain's, city property records show that the controversial home near the UN has finally closed for $11.5 million. Crain's explains that it was owned by the former princess of Iran, and was the center of a legal battle involving her sister since 2016. It also went into contract three times and fell through.
See the whole place

Real Estate Trends

New interactive map tells the story of women’s suffrage in Greenwich Village

Screenshot of the 19th Amendment Centennial StoryMap, courtesy of Village Preservation

August 12, 2020

New interactive map tells the story of women’s suffrage in Greenwich Village

By Dana Schulz

Next week, on August 18th, we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment. Though the fight to give women the right to vote was a national effort, much of the movement had roots in New York City. And like most 20th-century advocacy efforts, a lot of that action was centered downtown. To mark this momentous occasion, Village Preservation has created an interactive 19th Amendment Centennial StoryMap that showcases the remarkable number of people and places in Greenwich Village, the East Village, and Noho that played a key role in the women’s suffrage movement.
READ MORE

History

Listing images courtesy of Warburg Realty

August 12, 2020

$645K Upper East Side studio got a glam makeover

By Dana Schulz

This 530-square-foot Upper East Side studio may be petite, but it has everything you'd need--tons of closet space, a full kitchen, and space for both a bed area and a seating area. Listed for $645,000 at 165 East 72nd Street, the co-op is also a catch for the glam makeover it received.
See more

Distinctive Homes

MTV cancels VMAs at Barclays Center, announces outdoor performances throughout NYC

Photo by Ajay Suresh on Flickr

August 11, 2020

MTV cancels VMAs at Barclays Center, announces outdoor performances throughout NYC

By Dana Schulz

Along with most other large events for the rest of the year, MTA has decided to cancel the annual Video Music Awards ceremony that would have been held at Brooklyn's Barclays Center on August 30th. Instead, "The 2020 VMAs will be held on Sunday, August 30th and pay homage to the incredible resiliency of New York with several outdoor performances around the City with limited or no audience, adhering to all state and city guidelines," according to a joint statement from MTV and the Barclays Center.
More details here

Events & Things To Do

Photos by Allyson Lubow, courtesy of The Corcoran Group

August 11, 2020

Creative touches and a charming patio set this $2.2M Park Slope loft apart

By Dana Schulz

Buildings like this one, Ansonia Court, are full of lofts will all the classic details--beamed ceilings, exposed brick, and cast iron accents. And though this unit is no different, its creative touches and charming little patio give it a bit of extra selling power. Listed for $2,180,000, the three-bedroom Park Slope co-op is spread over two floors and has bright, cheerful rooms.
Look around

Distinctive Homes

There’s a basement basketball court at this $35M Upper West Side brownstone

Listing photos courtesy of Brown Harris Stevens

August 10, 2020

There’s a basement basketball court at this $35M Upper West Side brownstone

By Dana Schulz

And that's just the beginning. In addition to a basketball court in the basement, this $35 million Upper West Side brownstone has 21 rooms, four outdoor spaces, a wine cellar, and a personal gym. The home at 32 West 76th Street just came out of a multi-year renovation that left it with and some serious contemporary flair and nearly 11,000 square feet of indoor living space.
See it all here

Distinctive Homes

David Chang, Tom Colicchio, and others propose ‘Safe and Just Reopening Plan’ for restaurants

Photo by Marcus Herzberg from Pexels

August 10, 2020

David Chang, Tom Colicchio, and others propose ‘Safe and Just Reopening Plan’ for restaurants

By Dana Schulz

Despite the outward success of outdoor dining, New York City's restaurant industry is struggling. A report from the NYC Hospitality Alliance found that 83 percent of restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and event venues did not pay their full July rent, and last week, unemployed Americans lost the $600 bonus to their unemployment checks. And with indoor dining on hold indefinitely, there seems to be no clear path forward. This is why nearly 50 restaurant owners in the city, including David Chang, Tom Collichio, and Danny Meyer, have penned a letter to Governor Cuomo outlining their four-part "Safe and Just Reopening Plan" that most notably calls for eliminating the tipped minimum wage.
Learn about the whole plan here

All articles by Dana Schulz

Pitch a Story

Interested in seeing the property in person?

Interested in seeing the property in person?

Distinctive Post Form

Get in Touch

Send us a Tip

Interesting in learning more about purchasing a new home?

Thinking about selling your home?

Sell a Home (Footer)

Before You Move On from this Page.

Your Passport to NYC:Subscribe for Local Insights and Stories!

Before You Move On
from this Page.

Your Passport to NYC:
Subscribe for Local Insights and Stories!