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.

$2.7M Hamptons home looks like a mid-century paradise out of California

Photo credit: Brown Harris Stevens

June 22, 2020

$2.7M Hamptons home looks like a mid-century paradise out of California

By Dana Schulz

This super cool East Hampton home could easily be mistaken for a traditional southern California mid-century modern masterpiece. Built in 1964 at the height of the movement, the four-bedroom home was designed for indoor-outdoor living with floor-to-ceiling glass windows in every room, a large saltwater pool, and even a tennis court. It's currently for sale for $2,695,000.
Go inside

Distinctive Homes

In Bushwick, this 1885 former Brewery can be your personal mansion for $4M

Photo credit: DDReps, courtesy of Compass

June 19, 2020

In Bushwick, this 1885 former Brewery can be your personal mansion for $4M

By Dana Schulz

Every so often a truly unique listing comes our way, and this is one of those times. This stately building at 31 Belvidere Street in Bushwick was originally the office for the adjacent William Ulmer Brewery when it was built in 1885. Today, it's been converted to an incredible two-family mansion, complete with massive arched windows, giant windows, a cobblestone courtyard, and that beautiful mansard roof.
Look around inside

Photo credit: Russ Ross, courtesy The Corcoran Group

June 18, 2020

In Brooklyn’s first skyscraper, this $1.4M condo has a magazine-ready kitchen and a private terrace

By Dana Schulz

Downtown Brooklyn's Belltel Lofts are housed in a landmarked Art Deco tower at 365 Bridge Street that just happens to be the borough's very first skyscraper. Built in 1929 as the headquarters for the New York Telephone Company, the 27-story building was designed by "architect of the century" Ralph Walker. In 2008, it was converted to condos by Beyer Blinder Belle and now has 217 apartments. This sunny unit, listed for $1,395,000, has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a private terrace that overlooks Downtown Brooklyn and sits against the building's gorgeous brickwork.
See the whole place

Distinctive Homes

June 17, 2020

NYC is ready to enter phase two on Monday

By Dana Schulz

With this Sunday marks 14 days since New York City entered its first phase of reopening, the question posed to Mayor de Blasio has been whether or not the city will enter phase two this coming Monday. In his press conference this morning, the mayor said he believes it's more likely to occur in early July, as he wants to monitor the COVID testing rates in light of recent protests. However, in a press conference just a couple hours later, Governor Cuomo said the city will enter phase two on Monday. "The same metrics we use in New York City are the same metrics we've used in every region across the state, and they have all shown to be accurate and effective. We don't change the rules for New York City," he said, adding that the purpose of a phased approach is to allow local governments "to get their acts together."
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On a quiet West Village mews, this $3.5M loft is super chic

Photo credit: Drew Dies, courtesy The Corcoran Group

June 17, 2020

On a quiet West Village mews, this $3.5M loft is super chic

By Dana Schulz

The West Village's Printing House condo at 421 Hudson Street has been a sought-after loft building for more than three decades, thanks to its location near both Hudson River Park and Soho and its open homes with high ceilings and massive windows. Even more coveted, though, are the homes along the Printing House's mews, a 200-foot gated and landscaped lane stretching from Leroy to Clarkson Streets that was designed by Gunn Landscape Architecture. Now on the market for $3,495,000 is a two-bedroom, 1,500-square-foot duplex on the mews that has a super sleek design and convenient layout.
Look around

Distinctive Homes

This year’s U.S. Open will happen in Queens without fans

Photo via Wikimedia Commons

June 16, 2020

This year’s U.S. Open will happen in Queens without fans

By Dana Schulz

This year's 52nd annual U.S. Open will be held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens from August 31st to September 13th without fans, Governor Cuomo announced in his press conference today. The U.S. Tennis Association will "take extraordinary precautions to protect players and staff," which will include robust testing, increased cleaning, extra space in locker rooms, and dedicated housing and transportation. Last year's event set an all-time attendance record of 737,872, bringing in $400 million in revenue, 80 percent of the USTA’s annual total.
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Events & Things To Do

New York’s latest COVID antibody survey shows a rise in the Bronx and minority communities

Image by Scientific Animations via Wikimedia Commons

June 16, 2020

New York’s latest COVID antibody survey shows a rise in the Bronx and minority communities

By Dana Schulz

Today, Governor Cuomo released the results of the state's second-phase COVID antibody test, which randomly surveyed 12,000 people between May 1 and June 13. When the survey commenced, 12.3% of New York residents tested positive, compared with 13.4% on Saturday. The new results are more telling, however, when it comes to disparities in New York City. Though overall there was only a 1.6% increase (19.9% to 21.6%), the Bronx increased by 5% and Brooklyn and Queens by 2.1%. There are also disparities when it comes to race, as the Black and Latino/Hispanic communities have seen increases of 3.4% and 5% respectively.
More data

Policy

For $30K/month, you can live in this converted East Village synagogue

Image Credit: Warburg Realty/Martin Davis

June 16, 2020

For $30K/month, you can live in this converted East Village synagogue

By Dana Schulz

From the outside, this East Village building still looks like a traditional tenement synagogue, but inside it's an incredible four-story home. Located at 317 East 8th Street, the former 8th Street Shul was built around 1900 and converted to a private residence in 2005. It's now available to rent for $30,000 a month. The new tenant will get to enjoy 22-foot cathedral ceilings in the living room, custom windows with a 19th-century backlit Star of David, a cantilevered balcony, and three outdoor terraces, including a landscaped roof deck with a hot tub.
Take the tour

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Seven New York regions will be in phase 3 this week, gatherings of up to 25 now allowed

Slide from Governor Cuomo’s 6.15.20 press presentation

June 15, 2020

Seven New York regions will be in phase 3 this week, gatherings of up to 25 now allowed

By Dana Schulz

Last week, five New York regions entered phase three of reopening, which includes indoor dining and personal care services such as nail salons, tattoo parlors, and massage parlors. In addition to the North Country, Mohawk Valley, Central New York, Finger Lakes, and the Southern Tier, Governor Cuomo announced today that Western New York will enter phase three tomorrow and the Capital Region on Wednesday. He also modified phase three to increase gatherings from 10 to 25 people.
More details here

Policy

12 virtual things to do this week: Juneteenth, restaurants, Gowanus, and more

Photo of Gowanus by Steven Pisano via Flickr cc

June 15, 2020

12 virtual things to do this week: Juneteenth, restaurants, Gowanus, and more

By Dana Schulz

This week's roster of virtual events pays attention to our current times, from a look at how the restaurant industry reopens with chef Marcus Samuelsson to a special food-based conversation around Juneteenth. In addition, the 92Y continues its "92Y Confronts Hate" series, and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden streams a concert by composer-trombonist Craig Harris, whose music has been focused on the art of breathing since the fatal shooting of Michael Brown in 2014. You can also take virtual tours of Gowanus and the mansions of the Hamptons.
Check out the full list

Events & Things To Do

For $1.1M, a cottage-like Park Slope co-op with a roof deck

By Dana Schulz

The pitched lapboard ceilings, exposed brick, and cozy nooks make this Park Slope co-op feel like a little cottage in the sky. But when you step onto the rooftop and peer across brownstone Brooklyn, you'll be reminded that you're still in the city. Located at 16 Montgomery Place, the two-bedroom apartment has even more lovely perks, including a wood-burning fireplace, three skylights, and tons of built-ins.
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Distinctive Homes

Jersey City moves forward with $40M renovation of historic Loew’s Theatre

All photos taken by James and Karla Murray exclusively for 6sqft.

June 12, 2020

Jersey City moves forward with $40M renovation of historic Loew’s Theatre

By Dana Schulz

The historic Loew's Wonder Theatre in Jersey City is finally set to receive the restoration it's waited years for. Built in 1929 by architect George Rapp in a gilded, Baroque-Rococo style, the Loew's Jersey was as a lavish entertainment destination for decades, until it was converted to a triplex movie theater in the '70s and almost faced the wrecking ball in the '80s. But through a grassroots preservation effort, the city bought the theater in 1987, allowing the nonprofit Friends of the Loew’s to begin restoration and operate as a nonprofit arts center. Though the group has made incredible progress, a significant amount of work remains. Now, the Wall Street Journal reports that Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop is searching for a commercial operator to help with the $40 million restoration and modernization effort of the 3,000-seat theater.
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History

June 12, 2020

100-name waitlist opens for middle-income units at artsy rental in Flatbush, with 6 months free rent

By Dana Schulz

On the border of East Flatbush and Crown Heights, a 100-name waitlist has just opened for middle-income apartments at 824 East New York Avenue. The building, known as the Ensemble, was built in 2018 and is known for its facade adorned with colorful murals. As Bklyner reported, the piece was done by Argentinian artists Ariel Rouco and Augusto Turallas, who worked with the owners to represent the area's different cultures. The units range from $1,800/month studios to $2,600/month two-bedrooms and are available to those earning 130 percent of the area median income. Those selected will receive six months free rent.
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Affordable Housing

$4.9M lakefront mansion was built for the founder of Tuxedo Park

Photos by Jump Visual

June 11, 2020

$4.9M lakefront mansion was built for the founder of Tuxedo Park

By Dana Schulz

Tuxedo Park is probably best known on the surface as the place where the tuxedo got its name, but the reason that this style landed here from English nobility is that this upstate gated community was home to Gilded Age mansions and their wealthy, high-society residents. Today, most of these incredible homes remain, including this one at 84 East Lake Road. In fact, the monolithic stone lake house was built for Pierre Lorillard, heir to the Lorillard Tobacco Company and founder of Tuxedo Park. Currently listed for $4,900,000, the incredible estate sits on four-and-a-half acres and boasts a grand oval living room with 24-foot ceilings, several stone outbuildings, a floating dock, barn, carriage trails, and more.
See the whole place

Distinctive Homes

14 virtual Pride events in NYC this year

Image by gagnonm1993 from Pixabay

June 11, 2020

14 virtual Pride events in NYC this year

By Dana Schulz

2020 marks 50 years since the first NYC Pride March was held, one year after the Stonewall riots. Though the LGBTQIA+ and New York City communities aren't able to celebrate in the big way that NYC Pride had planned, there will still be a special virtual March, along with many other ways to mark this momentous occasion from home, from panel discussions to a virtual 5K run to rallies and conferences.
The full list of events

Events & Things To Do

New York’s first guidelines for indoor dining include 50% capacity

Photo by Mike Von on Unsplash

June 11, 2020

New York’s first guidelines for indoor dining include 50% capacity

By Dana Schulz

As it currently stands, restaurants in New York are allowed to reopen for outdoor dining in phase two, which will likely occur in early July in the city, and for indoor dining in phase three, which probably won't be any sooner than late July. In his press conference yesterday, Governor Cuomo laid out the first guidelines for indoor dining. Most notably, and expectedly, they include a 50-percent occupancy limit and rules for table spacing and table barriers.
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$2.5M Central Park South penthouse has a wrap-around rooftop with beer taps, grills, and a ‘lawn’

Images courtesy of Brown Harris Stevens

June 11, 2020

$2.5M Central Park South penthouse has a wrap-around rooftop with beer taps, grills, and a ‘lawn’

By Dana Schulz

A heated pergola, outdoor kitchen with both barbecue and teppanyaki grills, beer taps, a wine fridge, entertainment center, outdoor lounge, and a recreation "lawn" -- this is just some of what you'll get at this Central Park South's wrap-around rooftop terrace. The two-bedroom penthouse at 152 West 58th Street also has incredible views of the adjacent skyscrapers along Billionaires' Row, including the famous Essex House sign that reflects into the glass of One57. The interiors are super open and sleek, and the home has just hit the market for $2,490,000
See more here

Distinctive Homes

84 affordable senior apartments available at new green development in the Bronx’s Concourse Village

Photo by Nelson Mejia Jr. via Flickr cc

June 10, 2020

84 affordable senior apartments available at new green development in the Bronx’s Concourse Village

By Dana Schulz

In a super convenient Bronx location, a brand new, sustainable development that was built as subsidized housing to help seniors "age in place" has just opened an affordable housing lottery for 84 apartments. Available to households with at least one member who is 62 years of age or older and who earn between $0 and $51,200 annually, the units will cost tenants 30 percent of their income. Designed by MAP at 122 East Clarke Place in the Concourse Village neighborhood, the building encourages social interaction through lounges on each floor, a roof terrace, and landscaped rear yard for outdoor cooking.
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Affordable Housing

With 8,000 units, Jersey City project will be the Tri-State’s largest mixed-income housing development

Rendering of Cove Pointe, community green. Rendering by Minno and Wasko

June 10, 2020

With 8,000 units, Jersey City project will be the Tri-State’s largest mixed-income housing development

By Dana Schulz

After receiving approval from the city, last week, developer BRP Companies revealed renderings for their Bayfront Redevelopment Project in Jersey City along the Hackensack River. Located on a former brownfield site, the 100-acre project will be built in phases, eventually resulting in 8,000 units of mixed-income housing (35 percent of which will be affordable), said to be the largest such project in the region. This fall, construction will kick off on the 16-acre first phase, known as Cove Pointe, which will bring 1,092 units of housing, with 382 set aside as affordable and workforce housing.
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$3.5M Cobble Hill townhouse has classical interiors and a cool roof deck

Photo credit: Allyson Lubow, courtesy The Corcoran Group

June 10, 2020

$3.5M Cobble Hill townhouse has classical interiors and a cool roof deck

By Dana Schulz

Located in the heart of Cobble Hill at 206 Warren Street, this charming brick rowhouse has all the classical elements you'd hope for in a townhouse--moldings, built-ins, tin ceilings--as well as a lovely private roof deck. The three-story, three-bedroom home has just hit the market for $3,495,000.
See the whole house

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$1.6M Tudor feels like a storybook castle in Westchester

Photos courtesy of Houlihan Lawrence

June 9, 2020

$1.6M Tudor feels like a storybook castle in Westchester

By Dana Schulz

Photos courtesy of Houlihan Lawrence This enchanting Tudor home in the Westchester town of Larchmont looks like something straight out of a fairytale, from its storybook facade to incredible architectural details like beamed and vaulted ceilings, arched stained-glass windows, and tons of moody work. Located at 1 Beechtree Drive on a quiet cul-de-sac, the six-bedroom home is asking $1,599,000 (h/t CIRCA).
Go inside

For just under $2M, this Hamilton Heights penthouse has a roof deck as large as the apartment

Photo credit: Heidi Solander, courtesy The Corcoran Group

June 9, 2020

For just under $2M, this Hamilton Heights penthouse has a roof deck as large as the apartment

By Dana Schulz

It's not uncommon to find apartments with outdoor space, but it is uncommon to find one with a roof deck as large as the interior. This two-bedroom condo in Hamilton Heights is 1,779 square feet inside and has a private roof deck that's an additional 1,619s square feet. Located at 458 West 146th Street, the penthouse unit's outdoor space boasts cherry trees, climbing ivy, evergreens, and plenty of space for outdoor lounging and dining. The interiors are bright, open, and classical yet modern.
See inside

Distinctive Homes

Coveted townhouse in Queens’ enchanted Forest Hills Gardens lists for $2.5M

Photo credit: Tina Gallo, courtesy The Corcoran Group

June 8, 2020

Coveted townhouse in Queens’ enchanted Forest Hills Gardens lists for $2.5M

By Dana Schulz

This magical enclave looks more like an English village than a part of Queens, but, in fact, Forest Hills Gardens was built in the early 20th century to resemble England's garden cities. The private community consists of more than 800 free-standing and attached houses, of which one of the latter has just hit the market for $2,485,000. The six-bedroom house at 34 Greenway Terrace has the neighborhood's signature Tudor style, as well as a front patio, rear private parking spot, finished basement, and plenty of preserved details.
Go on a tour here

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My 3,000sqft: Architect Wid Chapman renovated his Upper East Side home using color and openness

All apartment photos by Ashok Sinha

June 5, 2020

My 3,000sqft: Architect Wid Chapman renovated his Upper East Side home using color and openness

By Dana Schulz

Wid Chapman's parents were profound modernists, his father an architect who worked for Marcel Breuer, and his mother an artist who studied with Josef Albers. The career that Wid has built for himself as an architect and interior designer who specializes in hospitality design is uniquely his own but showcases the influences of his parents. When it came time to design his personal apartment on the Upper East Side, it was his own family who influenced the renovation. "Providing space intimate enough for our small immediate family but room for an extended one, the project reconfigures and reshapes extant spaces to defer to the apartment’s sweeping Central Park views," said Wid, adding that "color and materiality" were also central to the project. Ahead, take a full tour of this one-of-a-kind apartment and hear from Wid about his background and career and the specifics of the renovation.
Take the tour here

All New York regions other than NYC will be in phase two of reopening next week

An aerial view of Buffalo, NY, part of the Western region. Photo by formulanone via Wikimedia Commons.

June 5, 2020

All New York regions other than NYC will be in phase two of reopening next week

By Dana Schulz

As of Wednesday, seven of New York's 10 designated regions were in phase two of the state's four-part reopening plan--Central New York, Finger Lakes, Mohawk Valley, North Country, Southern Tier, Western New York (the Buffalo area), and the Capital Region. And yesterday, Governor Cuomo announced that the Mid-Hudson Valley is on track to enter phase two on Tuesday, June 9th and Long Island on Wednesday, June 10th. With state guidelines and social distancing measures in place, this allows office-based workers, real estate services, in-store retail shopping, outdoor dining, and some barbershop services to resume.
More details here

Policy

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