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.

Cheery Park Slope two-bedroom with a roof deck and a mix of pros + cons asks $775K

Listing photos by Hayley Ellen Day / DDReps

August 18, 2021

Cheery Park Slope two-bedroom with a roof deck and a mix of pros + cons asks $775K

By Dana Schulz

There's technically nothing spectacular about this Park Slope co-op, but it's got a cheerful disposition that makes us happy. The $775,000 price tag is also quite eyecatching for a two-bedroom plus roof deck, but it should be noted that the bedrooms are both on the small side, there's minimal closet space, and the rooftop is still mostly raw. However, on the plus side, the home is located at 813 8th Avenue, just one block from Prospect Park.
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For $8.9M, this Bates Masi-designed home in Amagansett is a modernist seaside retreat

Listing photos courtesy of Brown Harris Stevens

August 17, 2021

For $8.9M, this Bates Masi-designed home in Amagansett is a modernist seaside retreat

By Dana Schulz

Less than a block from the Atlantic Avenue Beach, this Bates Masi-designed home is a modernist treasure. Built in 2017, the property consists of a huge main house complete with three outdoor decks, as well as a spacious two-bedroom guest cottage, both of which were designed in the architects' signature contemporary seaside style. But like most Hamptons homes, it's the outdoor space that takes the cake. Here, there's a gunite swimming pool, firepit area, two outdoor showers, and one outdoor foot-wash (for when you've just come off the beach). It's on the market for $8,895,000.
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Listing photos courtesy of Brown Harris Stevens

August 17, 2021

Lower East Side four-bedroom with views of three bridges and the Freedom Tower asks $2.5M

By Dana Schulz

East River Co-op is a four-building complex with a total of 1,672 apartments. It's located on Grand Street, just off the FDR, which means many of its homes have incredible East River views. This apartment at 568 Grand Street has just that, overlooking the Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Williamsburg Bridges, as well as the Freedom Tower. The four-bedroom home also has a private terrace and tons of closet space, and it's asking $2,495,000.
Check it all out

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Full, 24-hour Staten Island Ferry service resumes today

Photo by Natalie Maguire via Flickr cc

August 16, 2021

Full, 24-hour Staten Island Ferry service resumes today

By Dana Schulz

In 2019, the Staten Island Ferry served 70,000 passengers on an average weekday, running at least every 30 minutes all 24 hours. But in March 2020, the Department of Transportation reduced service to only once per hour due to declining ridership during the pandemic. Starting today, though, full service is resuming. "The Staten Island Ferry knits this city together, and the return of 24/7 half-hour service is a sure sign that a recovery for all of us is underway," said Mayor Bill de Blasio.
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Transit

NYC will start offering third doses of Pfizer/Moderna vaccines

Photo credit: Don Pollard/Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo on Flickr

August 16, 2021

NYC will start offering third doses of Pfizer/Moderna vaccines

By Dana Schulz

Today, NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Commissioner Dr. Dave A. Chokshi announced that all city-run vaccine sites, as well as hospitals, pharmacies, and doctor's offices, will start offering third doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines to New Yorkers 12 years of age or older who are moderately to severely immunocompromised. The news comes after the FDA amended the emergency use authorization for the two vaccines last week. Those who qualify include those under active treatment for cancer, those who've received an organ or stem cell transplant, and those with advanced or untreated HIV.
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Policy

Listing photos courtesy of The Corcoran Group

August 13, 2021

Upper East Side four-bedroom is an Art Deco entertainer’s dream, asking $13.75M

By Dana Schulz

The Upper East Side co-op at 895 Park Avenue was built in 1930 to the designs of Sloan & Robertson, best known for the Art Deco Chanin Building in Midtown. The firm employed the same period style here, but this unit has undergone a more recent renovation that infused it with a glamorous Art Deco style that still feels fresh and modern. Asking $13,750,000, the home has four bedrooms, a moody library, formal and informal dining rooms, and, our favorite, a kitchen that resembles a French bistro.
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Listing photos courtesy of Brown Harris Stevens

August 12, 2021

$7.7M Chelsea townhouse has a fashionable duplex and two income-generating rentals

By Dana Schulz

The last time this Chelsea townhouse sold, it made tons of headlines for its super-stylish interiors and the fact that it was owned by Emmy-winning soap opera actress Ellen Parker, best known for a long run as Maureen Reardon Bauer on “Guiding Light.” That was in 2016, and it fetched $7,350,000. It then underwent a modern renovation and relisted in 2018 for $8 million. There were no takers, so it's now back, asking a slightly reduced $7.7 million. Located on a charming tree-lined block at 426 West 22nd Street, the home is made up of an owner's duplex plus two income-producing apartments.
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Spend the night in ‘Real Housewife’ Dorinda Medley’s infamous Blue Stone Manor in the Berkshires

Exterior photo (L) by Alexandra Arnold; Living room photo (R) by Mick Hales. Courtesy of Airbnb.

August 11, 2021

Spend the night in ‘Real Housewife’ Dorinda Medley’s infamous Blue Stone Manor in the Berkshires

By Dana Schulz

The fish room, the creepy Halloween decorations, "I made it nice!" -- IYKYK. Bravo's "The Real Housewives of New York City" has captured many an iconic moment at Blue Stone Manor, former cast member Dorinda Medley's home in the Berkshires. And now you, too, can live like a reality TV star, as Dorinda has teamed up with Airbnb to offer the 1902 hilltop estate in western Massachusetts for two $100 one-night stays on August 23 and 25.
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Listing photos courtesy of Brown Harris Stevens

August 11, 2021

An Escher-like staircase is the star of this $5.25M Soho loft

By Dana Schulz

The geometric, floating staircase at this Soho loft looks like something straight out of a M.C. Escher print, clearly the highlight of the 2,476-square-foot duplex. Located at 118 Wooster Street, the former United Brush Manufactories building, the home has two-three bedrooms, exposed brick, and floor-to-ceiling windows. It's on the market for $5,250,000.
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Revolutionary War-era house in Sag Harbor with a modern update and pool house asks $11.5M

Listing photos by Lifestyle Production Group for Sotheby’s International Realty

August 10, 2021

Revolutionary War-era house in Sag Harbor with a modern update and pool house asks $11.5M

By Dana Schulz

According to the National Register of Historic Places, this Hamptons home was built by Lieutenant Colonel John Hulbert between 1780 and 1790. Hulbert was a general in the Revolutionary War, where he oversaw 3,000 soldiers in charge of protecting the East End from British Invasion. Located in Sag Harbor Village, the home has gotten some modern updates over the years, all of which have received approval from the local boards and are sensitive to the history of the house. With 5,000 square feet, six bedrooms, a 40-foot pool and hot tub, and a guest/pool house, the "Captain's House" is asking $11,500,000.
Go inside

Apply for 13 middle-income apartments in a new Midwood building, from $1,850/month

By Dana Schulz

New Yorkers earning 130 percent of the area median income can apply for 13 apartments in a brand-new Midwood, Brooklyn rental. Located at 1941 Coney Island Avenue, the building is called The Posh and offers tenants a roof deck, parking garage with electric car charging, gym, and more. The apartments, which include $1,850/month studios, $2,250/month one-bedrooms, and $2,750/month three-bedrooms, have sleek interiors with big, floor-to-ceiling windows.
See if you qualify

Affordable Housing

Asking $1.75M, this Upper East Side penthouse has pretty, pre-war details inside and out

Listing photos courtesy of Brown Harris Stevens

August 10, 2021

Asking $1.75M, this Upper East Side penthouse has pretty, pre-war details inside and out

By Dana Schulz

"Pretty" might not be the most exciting adjective, but it's exactly what comes to mind when looking at this petite Upper East Side penthouse. Located at 151 East 83rd Street, the one-bedroom co-op is full of lovely pre-war details both inside and out on the 850-square-foot wraparound terrace. It's on the market for $1,750,000.
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Jon Stewart and Pete Davidson will host 9/11 benefit comedy show at MSG

Photo of Madison Square Garden by ajay_suresh via Flickr cc

August 9, 2021

Jon Stewart and Pete Davidson will host 9/11 benefit comedy show at MSG

By Dana Schulz

To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the September 11th attacks, Jon Stewart and Pete Davidson have organized a special benefit comedy show at Madison Square Garden called "NYC Still Rising After 20 Years: A Comedy Celebration." Other big-name comedians who will perform at the September 12 show include Dave Chapelle, Amy Schumer, Jimmy Fallon, Michael Che, and Wanda Sykes, among others.
More details here

Events & Things To Do

All photos courtesy of Common

August 9, 2021

These new Jersey City micro-apartments are addressing affordability through design

By Dana Schulz

Jersey City was recently ranked the 17th-best city in the nation for young professionals, which isn't surprising considering it's a 10-minute PATH ride to lower Manhattan and has seen a true artistic renaissance unfold over the last decade. But that doesn't mean it's an affordable place for young professionals to live, which is where the new 122-unit micro-apartment property Nest comes in. Located at 190 Academy Street in Journal Square, the property is overseen by innovative multifamily property manager Common and was developed by KSNY and Strategic Properties. The fully-furnished studio apartments start at just $1,277/month and, in the creative spirit of Jersey City, are showing that affordability doesn't mean you have to sacrifice good design. (And just wait 'til you see the amenities.)
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CityMD reinstates virtual line for Covid testing as virus cases in NYC continue to rise

A relatively short CityMD line in November 2020. Photo by Eden, Janine and Jim via Flickr cc

August 9, 2021

CityMD reinstates virtual line for Covid testing as virus cases in NYC continue to rise

By Dana Schulz

Back in December 2020, CityMD instituted a "virtual line" for people seeking Covid-19 tests, which allowed patients to check-in at the front desk and then receive a text when their time was close. The move came in response to complaints about hours-long lines as New Yorkers rushed to get tested before the holidays. Now, with the Delta variant causing a steep rise in cases across New York City, CityMD announced that today it would be reinstituting the virtual line, a stark reminder that the pandemic is not yet over.
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Listing photos courtesy of Brown Harris Stevens

August 9, 2021

Historic West Village rowhouse has a modern garden and glass addition for $11M

By Dana Schulz

This West Village townhouse at 75 Bedford Street is one of the most historic in the neighborhood (in fact, its neighbor is the famous skinniest house in NYC). But inside, it's completely contemporary thanks to glassy rear and rooftop additions and an interior renovation by architect M.N. Ahari. The highlight of the four-bedroom home is undoubtedly the glass and steel great room with 18-foot ceilings that opens to a two-tiered private garden. After last selling in 2017 for $7,800,000, the home is back on the market for $11 million.
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The Upper West Side’s most expensive house for sale has a basement basketball court for $27.5M

Listing photos by Tim Waltman for Sotheby’s International Realty

August 6, 2021

The Upper West Side’s most expensive house for sale has a basement basketball court for $27.5M

By Dana Schulz

Though this is currently the most expensive townhouse for sale on the Upper West Side, it actually got a price chop since it was listed one year ago for $35 million. Now asking $27.5 million, the six-bedroom home at 32 West 76th Street is huge, with 11,300 interior square feet (there are 21 rooms!) and an additional 2,600 square feet of outdoor space spread across two terraces, a backyard, and a full roof deck with an outdoor kitchen and views of the San Remo. In the basement, there's a double-height basketball court, a temperature-controlled wine storage room, and a fitness center.
Take the tour

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A three-level garden and a bonus room make this East Village co-op worth the $1.9M ask

Listing photos by Russ Ross Photography

August 6, 2021

A three-level garden and a bonus room make this East Village co-op worth the $1.9M ask

By Dana Schulz

This East Village co-op is technically a one-bedroom, which may make the $1,895,000 ask seem a bit high. But the 1,200-square-foot spread has two floors, a bonus media room, and a nearly 550-square-foot tri-level terrace that feels like a true urban oasis. Located at 425 East 9th Street, the home has contemporary interiors with exposed brick accents and excellent closet space.
Go inside

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Mockup of Rooftop Films’ Queens Drive-In, courtesy of Rooftop Films

August 5, 2021

Rooftop Films will present 5 free outdoor screenings as part of NYC Homecoming Week

By Dana Schulz

In addition to five free concerts--four hip hop performances in the outer boroughs and one massive show in Central Park--New York City's Homecoming Week will feature five free outdoor film screenings put on by Rooftop Films. Taking place in all five boroughs, the screenings range from documentaries about choreographer Alvin Ailey and Malcolm X/Muhammad Ali to a collection of short films and locally set television episodes. The events will take place from Monday, August 16 through Friday, August 20, and attendees are required to show proof of vaccination.
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Events & Things To Do

Affordable housing lottery opens at Harlem Passive House with tech space, from $362/month

Rendering courtesy of NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development

August 5, 2021

Affordable housing lottery opens at Harlem Passive House with tech space, from $362/month

By Dana Schulz

An affordable housing lottery for those earning 30, 60, or 100 percent of the area median income has launched at the new Harlem rental Balton Commons. Located at 267 West 126th Street, the energy-efficient building meets Passive House standards and will feature tech incubator space managed by Silicon Harlem, community facility space, and ground-floor retail. The 32 available units range from $362/month studios to $2,398/three-bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

Famous restaurant designer outfitted this $18M Soho duplex with colors, patterns, and playfulness

Listing photos courtesy of Douglas Elliman

August 5, 2021

Famous restaurant designer outfitted this $18M Soho duplex with colors, patterns, and playfulness

By Dana Schulz

It's pretty rare that the bathrooms in an apartment are just as photogenic as the rest of the place, but every single space in this Soho loft is colorful, full of patterns, and intentionally playful. And it's no surprise considering the 6,000-square-foot condo was designed by Ken Fulk, who counts among his projects Major Food Group’s top restaurants, including Carbone in Miami, Sadelle’s in Soho and Vegas, and the Crown Club at Barclays Center. Fulk describes the five-bedroom duplex as "part city townhouse and part country manor house." Located at 151 Wooster Street, it's on the market for $17,995,000.
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Listing photos by Rise Media for Sotheby’s International Realty

August 4, 2021

180-year-old Sag Harbor home with ties to local newspaper and Truman Capote lists for $3.2M

By Dana Schulz

Known locally as the historic Hunt-Johnson Home, this classical house was built in 1841 by Colonel Henry Wentworth Hunt, who founded the local newspaper the Sag Harbor Corrector, today known as the Sag Harbor Express. It remained in the Hunt-Johnson family for three generations until it was sold in 1951 to Joe Petrocik and Myron Clemente. The couple was good friends with Truman Capote, and, in fact, Capote's 1968 red Mustang convertible is still in the garage with the original "Capote" license plate. The charming three-bedroom home retains much of its original architecture and is on the market for $3,195,000.
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$6M Soho loft of artist Michael Somoroff is full of unique sculptures and strange geometry

Listing photos by Richard Caplan

August 4, 2021

$6M Soho loft of artist Michael Somoroff is full of unique sculptures and strange geometry

By Dana Schulz

Conceptual artist, director, and photographer Michael Somoroff moved into this Soho loft at 112 Prince Street over 25 years ago. He then spent three years turning the sprawling home into a living art piece unlike anything we've ever seen. As the listing describes, the living spaces are all outlined by "spectacular, floor-to-ceiling, sculptural 'volumes'... all individually assembled and crafted by artisans on-site." There are also three funky bedrooms, a towering library, and classic loft details, all for the asking price of $5,995,000.
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All the NYC companies mandating Covid vaccines for employees

U.S. Army National Guard photo by Specialiat Li Ji via Flickr cc

August 3, 2021

All the NYC companies mandating Covid vaccines for employees

By Dana Schulz

New York City is taking the national lead on Covid vaccine mandates. Last week, both city and state governments said they would require employees to be vaccinated. And today, Mayor de Blasio announced that New Yorkers will need to show proof of vaccination to enter restaurants, gyms, and entertainment venues, the first such policy in the U.S. Many private companies, both local and national, are also following suit and requiring employees to be vaccinated. Some, like developers Durst and Related, say they will fire those who do not get inoculated. Others, like Google, Twitter, Lyft, and Uber, have also extended their work-from-home policies. The following list will be updated as more companies implement vaccination mandates.
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New York City recommends vaccinated people start wearing masks indoors again

Photo by Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office

August 2, 2021

New York City recommends vaccinated people start wearing masks indoors again

By Dana Schulz

Following the CDC's new guidance last week on indoor mask-wearing, Mayor de Blasio and Health Commissioner Dr. Dave Chokshi are recommending that even vaccinated New Yorkers start to once again wear masks in public indoor settings. The CDC made their recommendations based on a national rise in cases tied to the Delta variant and findings that vaccinated people can spread the variant. In New York City, the number of new cases has risen by nearly 20 percent in the last month.
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All articles by Dana Schulz

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