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 Rite Aid at 81 1st Avenue. Photo © Adam Friedberg

January 16, 2020

Photo exhibit highlights the disappearing single-story buildings of the East Village and LES

By Dana Schulz

In 2015, photographer Adam Friedberg was passing through Astor Place and took notice of the two single-story buildings on Third Avenue and St. Marks Place--the one that housed Continental Bar and the other a McDonald's. From there, Friedberg began a project to photograph all the single-story buildings throughout the changing East Village and Lower East Side neighborhoods and the negative space they created. After capturing 97 of the roughly 105 structures, his work is now on view at the Center for Architecture in an exhibit titled "Single-Story Project."
See more of the photos

Events & Things To Do

January 15, 2020

Carroll Gardens’ one-time most expensive house returns for $10M

By Dana Schulz

Back in 2014, an oversized, four-story townhouse replaced an old garage at 181 President Street in Carroll Gardens, and it became known as one of the most "lavish" homes in Brooklyn thanks to its 5,356-square-foot layout, elevator, landscaped roof deck, wine cellar, home gym, two-car garage with a Tesla charging station, and more. So it was no surprise when it set a neighborhood record upon selling for $9.15 million in 2018. The five-bedroom home is now back on the market, asking a pretty comparable $9,995,000.
Have a look around

Distinctive Homes

In Westchester, an 1860s barn was converted to a mid-century estate for $1.25M

All listing photos courtesy of Houlihan Lawrence

January 14, 2020

In Westchester, an 1860s barn was converted to a mid-century estate for $1.25M

By Dana Schulz

Located in Pound Ridge, a quaint town in northeastern Westchester just an hour's drive from NYC, this sprawling estate set on nearly six acres is asking $1,250,000 (h/t Curbed). The New York Times wrote of Pound Ridge's "wooded slopes, streams and lakes and 19th-century stone walls," all of which create a "bucolic feel" that this home at 39 Old Snake Hill Road also embodies. Originally an 1860s barn, the listing tells us that the property was converted by Vito Fosella, a student of Frank Lloyd Wright, into a charming mid-century residence "ideal for weekend or year-round living."
Take the tour

Distinctive Homes

New-York Historical Society hosting an after-hours ‘Roaring 20s’ party this weekend

Photo courtesy of Dandy Wellington

January 13, 2020

New-York Historical Society hosting an after-hours ‘Roaring 20s’ party this weekend

By Dana Schulz

Photo courtesy of Dandy Wellington The New-York Historical Society is calling all "fabulous flappers and dapper dandies" for a Roaring 20s-themed fete this Saturday. The Jazz Age soiree will come to life with music from Dandy Wellington and encouragement for attendees to wear their most festive costumes. There will also be an open bar, snacks, and a photo booth.
READ MORE

Events & Things To Do

The city helps save Queens’ 190-year-old Neir’s Tavern from closing

Photo by CaptJayRuffins on Wikimedia Commons

January 13, 2020

The city helps save Queens’ 190-year-old Neir’s Tavern from closing

By Dana Schulz

This past October, Neir's Tavern in Woodhaven, Queens celebrated its 190th anniversary. But last week, the Woodhaven Cultural & Historical Society reported on Twitter that the beloved and historic establishment would close its doors for good on Sunday. Originally opened in 1829 as a saloon called the "Old Blue Pump House," Neir's considers itself NYC's oldest bar. When the tavern was in danger of closing in 2009, a local FDNY member and a group of friends bought and restored it, but in December of 2018, the building was sold unbeknownst to them. According to a Facebook post by Neir's, they were unable to negotiate a new "affordable long-term lease" with the new owners. But when Mayor de Blasio heard the news, he and the city stepped in and saved the bar from closing.
How'd they do it?

Food & Dining

Cuomo announces expansion of the Museum of Jewish Heritage

An aerial view of Battery Park City showing the Museum of Jewish Heritage, via Wikimedia Commons

January 8, 2020

Cuomo announces expansion of the Museum of Jewish Heritage

By Dana Schulz

An aerial view of Battery Park City showing the Museum of Jewish Heritage, via Wikimedia Commons "To address the disturbing number of anti-Semitic and other discriminatory attacks in New York, the Governor is proposing a first-in-the-nation domestic terrorism law," reads a bullet point from Cuomo's 2020 agenda. As part of this larger hate crime anti-terrorism act, the Governor has directed the Battery Park City Authority to develop an expansion plan for the Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust so that it will become a "learning destination for school children across the state."
READ MORE

Events & Things To Do

60 more subway stations will get MTA’s tap-to-pay system this month

Photo: Marc A. Hermann / MTA New York City Transit / Flickr

January 8, 2020

60 more subway stations will get MTA’s tap-to-pay system this month

By Dana Schulz

By the close of 2019, the MTA had installed its OMNY tap-to-pay fare system at 64 subway stations across Manhattan and Brooklyn and all Staten Island busses. Some of the busiest spots that already have the contactless payment system include all 16 stations on the 4, 5, and 6 lines between Grand Central-42nd Street and Atlantic Avenue-Barclays Center, as well as Penn Station-34th Street. According to a new press release, OMNY will now expand to 60 more stations by the end of January--including Herald Square, Bryant Park, World Trade Center, and Jay Street-MetroTech--bringing the total to 124 stations.
See all the new stations

New public art installation brings illuminated, interactive seesaws to Midtown West

All photos by Alexandre Ayer

January 7, 2020

New public art installation brings illuminated, interactive seesaws to Midtown West

By Dana Schulz

Yesterday, The Garment District Alliance unveiled its latest public art installation along Broadway between 37th and 38th Streets. Titled "Impulse," it's a collection of 12 oversized seesaws that light up and night and become an "urban instrument" when they emit various sounds as New Yorkers play on them.
READ MORE

Events & Things To Do

Williamsburg’s William Vale hotel opens rooftop ice skating rink with skyline views

Photo courtesy of The William Vale

January 6, 2020

Williamsburg’s William Vale hotel opens rooftop ice skating rink with skyline views

By Dana Schulz

In the warmer months, the 23rd-floor rooftop of The William Vale is one of the hottest spots for an outdoor drink, and now the hotel has introduced a fun way to take advantage of those skyline views during the winter. Vale Rink is a public ice skating rink, as well as a tented lounge that offers hot chocolate and other treats. Admission is $20 for adults and includes your skate rental.
Get the details

Events & Things To Do

Iconic West Village wooden house drops its price to $8.75M

Photos by Allyson Lubow and Corcoran’s Dean DeCarlo, courtesy of The Corcoran Group

January 3, 2020

Iconic West Village wooden house drops its price to $8.75M

By Dana Schulz

If you follow the NYC streetscape Instagram circuit, the historic 1822 home at 17 Grove Street in the West Village will certainly look familiar. Its adorable facade, corner location, and the fact that it's one of the oldest standing wood-frame houses in the Village, all make this property photo-ready. But looks alone don't seem to be doing the trick, as the Post tells us that the home has lowered its asking price to $8.75 million from the $12 million it listed for in April.
See more here

Sales at Trump-branded condos continue to fall behind the rest of Manhattan

By Dana Schulz

In November, 6sqft shared data that showed sales at Trump Tower were still in a post-2016 slump, but year-end figures show that the decline is a larger trend across Trump-branded buildings in NYC. According to CityRealty's annual Manhattan Year-End Report, "In the third full year of Donald Trump’s presidency, the average sales price for the 11 Trump-branded condos in Manhattan once again fell below the Manhattan condo average."
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Real Estate Trends

Ultra-high-end sales defined the 2019 real estate market

Looking north towards Billionaires’ Row in early October © 6sqft

December 27, 2019

Ultra-high-end sales defined the 2019 real estate market

By Dana Schulz

Throughout the year, there was much speculation that the real estate market was on a decline, but according to CityRealty's annual Manhattan Year-End Report, ultra-high-end sales continue to keep the market strong. On par with 2018's 228 sales, this year saw 221 sales at $10 million or more, totaling $4.6 billion, up from last year's $4.2 billion. As CityRealty tells us, this is "largely due to big-ticket purchases near the southern end of Central Park, most notably at 220 Central Park South," which accounts for one-third of that total, as well as a glut of new development condos coming online.
More details ahead

Real Estate Trends

168th Street and Astoria Boulevard subway stations finally reopen

MTA New York City Transit President Andy Byford at the 168 St Station on Monday, December 23, 2019, along with Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer and Assemblymember Al Taylor. Photo: Marc A. Hermann / MTA New York City Transit

December 23, 2019

168th Street and Astoria Boulevard subway stations finally reopen

By Dana Schulz

After a year, the 168th Street 1 train station has finally reopened, marking the first complete elevator replacement at this stop in more than 100 years. In addition, last week, the MTA announced that the Astoria Boulevard N, W station has reopened after nine months and the completion of the first phase of its station modernization.
More info

Transit

Dumbo’s Time Out Market adds rooftop igloos for festive cocktails

Photo: Time Out/Ali Garber

December 20, 2019

Dumbo’s Time Out Market adds rooftop igloos for festive cocktails

By Dana Schulz

Ever since Instagram made popular Midtown bar 230 Fifth's rooftop "igloos" an international sensation, other drinking and dining establishments have been hopping on the dome train, too. The latest comes from Dumbo's Time Out Market food hall, where guests can enjoy a special wintery cocktail menu in an enclosed bubble overlooking the Manhattan Bridge and skyline. Called the Rooftop Iglounge, the three domes are available on a first-come basis and can each accommodate eight guests.
READ MORE

These are the 68 subway stations the MTA will make fully accessible

Photo via Wikimedia Commons

December 20, 2019

These are the 68 subway stations the MTA will make fully accessible

By Dana Schulz

Less than 25 percent of the NYC subway's 472 stations are accessible, but the MTA has pledged to increase that percentage to roughly 40 under it's proposed $51.5 billion 2020-2024 Capital Plan. Back in September, the agency revealed the first 48 stations it would make fully ADA accessible, and now they have announced 20 more (the final two will be announced at a later date), all of which will receive a $5.2 billion investment. Through the upgrades, the MTA's goal is to ensure that no rider is more than two stops from an accessible station.
See the full list of stations

MTA approves $17B budget that includes controversial addition of 500 more subway cops

Photo by rhythmicdiaspora via Flickr cc

December 19, 2019

MTA approves $17B budget that includes controversial addition of 500 more subway cops

By Dana Schulz

When the MTA unveiled its proposed $17 billion 2020 budget and four-year financial plan in November, one of the biggest takeaways was a proposal conceived by Governor Cuomo to increase the number of MTA police officers in subway stations by 500--a 20 percent increase--over the next four years. Though he said it was necessary to address "quality of life" issues such as homelessness, panhandling, and fare evasion, those in opposition pointed to its $249 million price tag, which will only add to the MTA's projected operating deficit of $433 million by 2023. In the lead up to the plan being approved yesterday, elected officials also expressed concern over how the plan will affect low-income New Yorkers. "Arresting hard-working people who cannot afford a $2.75 fare is, in effect the criminalization of poverty," wrote Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in a letter to the Governor.
Find out more

NYC’s third-priciest apartment ever just sold at 220 Central Park South for $92.7M

Via Vornado Realty Trust and Robert A.M. Stern Architects

December 17, 2019

NYC’s third-priciest apartment ever just sold at 220 Central Park South for $92.7M

By Dana Schulz

Despite some trepidation about the luxury sales market, the year is finishing strong, at least near Billionaires' Row, which was just named the most expensive street in the entire world. As the NY Post first reported, property records filed today show a $92.7 million penthouse sale at 220 Central Park South, making it the third-most-expensive NYC sale ever, behind billionaire Ken Griffith’s $238 million purchase also at 220 CPS in early 2019 and Michael Dell's $100 million buy at One57 in 2015. Though it was purchased by an anonymous LLC, the Wall Street Journal uncovered that billionaire hedge-funder Daniel Och is the buyer.
READ MORE

Real Estate Trends

Photo of Trader Joe’s via Wikimedia Commons

December 12, 2019

Trader Joe’s likely heading to Long Island City

By Dana Schulz

Several "well-placed real estate brokers" told the LIC Post that Trader Joe's is heading to Long Island City, where they signed a lease at the recently completed Court Square condo building 22-43 Jackson Avenue. Expected to open at the end of 2020, this will be the grocery chain's 11th location in NYC and second in Queens (the other is in Rego Park).
READ MORE

City Living

December 11, 2019

One Vanderbilt’s observation deck named the Summit, will have two glass-floored overhangs

By Dana Schulz

After attending a presentation by One Vanderbilt's developer SL Green, the Post was able to share some juicy new details on the office building's observation deck, which will be the second-highest outdoor deck in the city and is being designed by Snøhetta. Now known as The Summit at One Vanderbilt, the 59th-floor deck will have "two step-out, glass floor ledges that overhang Madison Avenue." Also on this floor will be food and beverage options, and on the floor below will be an "'infinity room' with 40-foot-high ceilings." The building is set to open in August 2020, while the Summit will begin welcoming guests (who will pay $35 for the experience) at the end of 2021.
More details right here

December 10, 2019

2019 holiday gift guide: 20 gifts for the New Yorker who has it all

By Dana Schulz

Not sure what to get the New Yorker who has it all? We've put together a list of 20 items at every price point that will satisfy even the most jaded New Yorker. From historic prints of old New York and classic mom-and-pops to skyscraper champagne flutes and Brooklyn map coasters to some more offbeat items like a sew-your-own Jane Jacobs doll and an authentic Katz's deli apron.
Check them all out here

December 9, 2019

See NYC’s 2019 holiday windows (without facing the crowds)

By Dana Schulz

The city may have created additional pedestrian space around Rockefeller Center this year, but the throngs of tourists are still filling the streets around the Christmas tree and holiday windows. If you'd rather not deal with the crowds, photographers James and Karla Murray have captured the best of this year's windows, from the magical "Frozen" themed light show at Saks Fifth Avenue to the artistic displays at Bergdorf Goodman. Ahead, see what's on view this year and learn a bit more about what goes into creating these whimsical scenes.
It's the most wonderful time of the year!

Events & Things To Do

Lottery opens for 20 affordable and supportive studios in Brownsville, from $571/month

Photo by DanTD via Wikimedia Commons

December 6, 2019

Lottery opens for 20 affordable and supportive studios in Brownsville, from $571/month

By Dana Schulz

One- and two-person households earning 50 or 60 percent of the area median income (between $21,978 and $51,240 annually) can now apply for 20 affordable studios at 212 Hegeman Avenue, a newly constructed, 71-unit rental in Brownsville. Sixty percent of the units are set aside as supportive housing for formerly homeless and disabled New Yorkers, while 29 percent are open to the public. Residents can take advantage of on-site social services, a computer lab, landscaped rear yard, and laundry room.
READ MORE

Affordable Housing

This Saturday, celebrate the 300th anniversary of Brooklyn’s Lott House

Photo by Alyssa Loorya, VP of Friends of the Lott House

December 4, 2019

This Saturday, celebrate the 300th anniversary of Brooklyn’s Lott House

By Dana Schulz

It's been 300 years since the Hendrick I. Lott House was built on a rural piece of land in Marine Park, Brooklyn. One of the few Dutch-American houses remaining in NYC, in its original location no less, the Lott House also has the distinction of being the longest single-family owned and occupied home in the city. Though it is currently closed for renovations, the Lott House still hosts educational events, and this Saturday, they'll be celebrating their milestone anniversary with a holiday celebration, tree lighting, and rare chance to go inside.
More details

Sione in early October 2019, photo by CityRealty

December 3, 2019

23 affordable apartments available at a brand new Lower East Side rental, from $613/month

By Dana Schulz

The Sioné, located at 171 Suffolk Street on the corner of East Houston, has launched an affordable housing lottery for 23 units, available to those earning 40, 60, and 130 percent of the area median income. Not only does the building sit in a prime Lower East Side location (just one block from Clinton Street Baking Company and three from Katz's), but it offers a slew of amenities like a gym and outdoor terraces, as well as apartments with modern finishings and high-tech upgrades. The available units range from $613/month studios to $2,200/month one-bedrooms, a much lower price than the market-rate rentals which start at $3,926/month for studios and $5,078/month for one-beds.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

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