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.

August 28, 2018

$3M Gramercy apartment is a Gilded Age fantasy in NYC’s oldest co-op

By Dana Schulz

In 1876, Philadelphia hosted the Centennial International Exhibition, the country's first official World's Fair, which brought new technologies and European styles to the forefront. One outcome was a new interest in Aestheticism, especially in New York City. As The Met explains, the "cultural phenomenon" was "the flourishing of an artistic culture and lifestyle" with "an intense interest in collecting and decoration." And if you want to see a modern-day display of this more-is-more trend, look no further than this opulent co-op at 34 Gramercy Park East. Listed for $2,950,000 (including a coveted key to the Park), the home underwent a recent renovation that looked towards the Aesthetic Movement, restoring period details of the city's oldest co-op
You have to see the rest

LinkNYC announces new campaign to celebrate ‘City of Immigrants’

Photo courtesy of LinkNYC

August 27, 2018

LinkNYC announces new campaign to celebrate ‘City of Immigrants’

By Dana Schulz

The city's 1,742 LinkNYC Wi-Fi kiosks are the site of a new campaign to highlight facts and photographs related to immigrants' impact on New York City's life and culture. "City of Immigrants" will feature historic photos from the Associated Press, along with facts from the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs' annual report. For example, did you know 52% of NYC businesses are immigrant-owned, or that nearly half of the city's population speaks a language other than English at home?
Find out more

August 27, 2018

Behind the scenes at Williamsburg’s abandoned Bayside Oil Depot, set to be NYC’s next public park

By Dana Schulz

We first learned about the proposal to turn Williamsburg's former Bayside Oil Depot into a public park nearly two years ago. Since then, co-founders Karen Zabarsky and Stacey Anderson have been working tirelessly with a team of designers and environmentalists to refine their plans to be something both true to the site's history and representative of where the neighborhood is heading. Part of the larger Bushwick Inlet Park, a 28-acre open space along an unused waterfront industrial stretch, the plan is unique in that it plans to adaptively reuse the 10, 50-foot decommissioned fuel containers, transforming them into everything from performance spaces to greenhouses. With a fresh name--THE TANKS at Bushwick Inlet Park--Karen and Stacey recently took 6sqft on an exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour of the abandoned site, giving us a glimpse into how this incredible industrial relic is poised to become NYC's next anticipated park. Get a rare, up-close look at the tanks, hear what these powerhouse women have been up to, and learn what we can expect in the near future.
You won't believe these photos

August 27, 2018

Six middle-income units up for grabs across from Crown Heights’ Lincoln Terrace park and tennis courts

By Dana Schulz

Just 10 days ago, an affordable housing lottery opened across from the Lincoln Terrace/ Arthur S. Somers Park in Crown Heights. These units are available to households earning 60 percent of the area median income, but a new lottery right around the corner will provide middle-income New Yorkers the opportunity to get into the neighborhood, too. As of today, those earning 130 percent of the area median income can apply for six apartments at 1764 Union Street, a new, boutique rental building just two blocks from the 3, 4, and 5 trains at Utica Avenue. The units up for grabs range from an $1,800/month studio to $2,500/month two-bedrooms, and residents will have easy access to the park's two tennis courts, two playgrounds, basketball and handball courts, baseball field, and beautiful wooded lawns.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

August 27, 2018

Top-floor Tudor City studio can be your ‘sun-drenched jewel box’ for $424K

By Dana Schulz

What it lacks in space, this Tudor City studio makes up for in views and location. The 600-square-foot, top-floor, corner apartment has a compact kitchen and a Murphy bed, but it's also lined floor-to-ceiling with built-in shelving and cabinetry. And the huge pane-glass windows not only let in tons of light, but provide incredible views from the 23rd floor of the UN, East River, and Long Island City.
See what else $424,000 gets you

Distinctive Homes

‘Affordable’ middle-income apartments in Bushwick are only $150 cheaper

682 Chauncey Street via Alley Property Management

August 24, 2018

‘Affordable’ middle-income apartments in Bushwick are only $150 cheaper

By Dana Schulz

Sure, you can do a lot with $150 a month, but does that level of savings really constitute as "affordable?" According to the city, yes. The latest housing lottery to come online, reserved for households earning $130 percent of the area median income, is for three $2,450/month two-bedrooms at Bushwick's 682 Chauncey Street. By comparison, market-rate two-bedroom units in the new, 10-unit building go for $2,599 or $2,650.
What's the deal?

Affordable Housing

August 24, 2018

After five years and a $20M discount, outrageous Mill Basin mansion finds a buyer

By Dana Schulz

Apparently, 257 feet of waterfront, two boat slips, a 1,000-square-foot pool, a “circular meditation room,” and an outdoor pavilion/kitchen with seating for 40 was not enough to make this over-the-top Mill Basin mansion a hot seller. We'll blame it on the Miami Vice-meets-Star Strek design. But for one daring buyer, this made for quite the deal, as The Real Deal reports that after five years on the market, the home at 2458 National Drive has sold for $10, a whopping $20 million less than its original asking price.
Get a look around

August 23, 2018

See the 800-foot indoor ski slope, water park, and observation wheel coming to North Jersey

By Dana Schulz

Earlier this week, we got a sneak peek at the massive food hall coming to the American Dream mega-mall next to Met Life Stadium. The $3 billion, 4.5 million-square-foot shopping mall, which has been 16 years in the making, will also boast the largest indoor ski slope in the western hemisphere, an NHL-sized ice rink, a 4-D movie theater, a LEGOLAND, an eight-acre Nickelodeon water park and theme park, and an Observation Wheel with 26 climate-controlled gondolas overlooking the NYC skyline from a height "nearly as tall as the Statue of Liberty." And we've now got a first look at what these other over-the-top amusements will look like.
All the details and renderings

New Developments

August 22, 2018

Empire State Building reveals its new Deco-inspired Observatory entrance

By Dana Schulz

There are two things people remember when they visit the top of the Empire State Building, "the views and the line," said Anthony Malkin, CEO and Chairman of Empire State Realty Trust, at an unveiling this morning of the landmark's new Observatory entrance. As phase one of the decade-long Empire State ReBuilding project to modernize the building, the new entrance will greatly increase space and reduce the wait time for the 4.2 million annual Observatory guests. The space includes a "grand staircase which splits around a two-story architectural model of ESB," along with new self-service ticket kiosks, digital screens showing images of the building over its 87 years, and high-tech "airport-style" security.
Take a tour!

Uncategorized

August 22, 2018

Middle-income lotto opens at Bushwick’s glass factory-turned-trendy rental

By Dana Schulz

Two months after leasing kicked off at Glassworks Bushwick, the affordable housing lottery is opening for 19 middle-income units, ranging from $2,098/month studios to $2,715/month two-bedrooms. If this doesn't seem so "affordable," keep in mind that these market-rate apartments are going for $2,500 and $3,100. Plus, the trendy new rental, a cool conversion of the former Dannenhoffer Opalescent Glassworks stained glass factory at 336 Himrod Street, offers a fitness center, lounge, laundry room, book-share library, and, best of all, a landscaped roof deck with a barbeque area.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

Affordable housing lottery opens for new health-focused complex in the Bronx

By Dana Schulz

A year and a half after breaking ground on the project, mental health nonprofit Community Access has opened the affordable housing for a new, $52.2 million supportive housing complex in the Mount Eden neighborhood of the Bronx. As 6sqft previously reported, "it incorporates sustainable elements such as solar panels and a co-generation plant, as well as health-focused amenities like a community garden and kitchen to encourage and teach about healthy eating, outdoor exercise equipment, and a bike sharing program." The building at 111 East 172nd Street has 126 units, 50 percent of which are set aside for formerly homeless New Yorkers or families with special needs. The remaining half is available as of today through the city's lottery and are reserved for those earning 60 percent of the area median income, including $864/month studios and $1,122/month two-bedrooms.
See the breakdown

Affordable Housing

Huge American Dream mall near MetLife stadium will put NYC’s food halls to shame

Rendering via Vice/Munchies

August 20, 2018

Huge American Dream mall near MetLife stadium will put NYC’s food halls to shame

By Dana Schulz

Is NYC's biggest food hall coming to New Jersey?! According to Eater, that may be the case. They report that the long-stalled (16 years, to be exact) American Dream mall planned for the site next to MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford will have 50 grab-and-go options, 20 full-service restaurants, a Vice-branded food hall, and the world's first Kosher food hall. This is in addition to the $3 billion, 4.5 million-square-foot shopping mall's insane amenities like the largest indoor ski slope in the western hemisphere, an NHL-sized ice rink, a 4-D movie theater, a LEGOLAND, and an eight-acre Nickelodeon water park and theme park.
All the details this way

Food & Dining

Riverton Square, via A&E Real Estate

August 20, 2018

New waitlist opens for mixed-income units at East Harlem’s Riverton complex, from $1,174/month

By Dana Schulz

Last November, East Harlem’s Riverton Square opened up its 7,500-name waitlist for middle-income families. They've now reopened it, this time to a wider range of income brackets. Households earning 60, 80, or 125 percent of the area median income can put their name on the list for units ranging from $1,174/month one-bedrooms to $2,983/month three-bedrooms. The affordable seven-building development was built by the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company in 1947 to serve as housing for WWII veterans. Unlike their similar complexes, Stuyvesant Town and the Bronx's Parkchester, Riverton did not bar black and Hispanic tenants from renting. Today, the 12-acre complex offers a gated community with 12 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds and a public fountain, a new basketball court and playground, and a newly built senior center and after-school center.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

Where I Work: The team behind Black Seed Bagels shows off their new Nomad shop

Head baker Dianna Daoheung and Black Seeds’ new Nomad location

August 17, 2018

Where I Work: The team behind Black Seed Bagels shows off their new Nomad shop

By Dana Schulz

6sqft’s series “Where I Work” takes us into the studios, offices, and businesses of New Yorkers across the city. In this installment, we’re going inside Black Seed Bagels' new Nomad location. Want to see your business featured here? Get in touch! "We founded Black Seed with the goal of bringing extremely well-made bagels, bagel sandwiches, and coffee to everyone," said co-owner Noah Bernamoff. After he and Matt Kliegman met through a mutual friend while running separate restaurants (Matt, The Smile and the Jane Hotel ballroom and Noah, Mile End Delicatessen), they decided to open their first location of Black Seed Bagels in Nolita in 2014. The Montreal-meets-New York-style bagels became an instant foodie hit, and the partners now have locations in the East Village, Battery Park City, and, as of this week, Nomad. 6sqft paid Noah a visit at their latest location in the trendy Ace Hotel and chatted with him about Black Seed's journey. We also met with head baker Dianna Daoheung, who developed the shop's unique hand-rolled, wood-fired bagels (which garnered her a James Beard nomination) and expanded the menu to include sandwich collaborations with fellow NYC restaurants and chefs.
See the space and meet Noah and Dianna

August 15, 2018

Where I Work: Go inside SHoP Architects’ aviation-inspired offices in the Woolworth Building

By Dana Schulz

6sqft’s series “Where I Work” takes us into the studios, offices, and businesses of New Yorkers across the city. In this installment, we’re touring the Financial District offices of SHoP Architects. Want to see your business featured here? Get in touch! The largest collection of WWII-era spotter planes in the world, a massive copper section of the Barclays Center facade, a materials library with hundreds of samples of everything from fabric to flooring--these are just some of the surprises you'll come across in SHoP Architects' offices in the iconic Woolworth Building. The firm's projects include buildings at mega-developments like the Domino Sugar Factory and Essex Crossing, the twisting American Copper Buildings, and the world's future tallest residential skyscraper 111 West 57th Street, and their office certainly embodies this creativity and range of work. After taking a tour of the space, 6sqft chatted with Associate Principal Angelica T. Baccon about this very special office design, what a typical day is like at the firm, and, of course, the backstory behind those planes. We also met with Materials Librarian Kate Smith to learn a bit more about this rare resource that helps inform the ideas at SHoP.
Take the tour!

Prospect Park Boathouse via Flickr/cc

August 13, 2018

Six brand-new, middle-income apartments available right off the park in Prospect-Lefferts Gardens

By Dana Schulz

Prospect-Lefferts Gardens is becoming a more and more coveted neighborhood, especially when you're just a few short blocks from Prospect Park and the B and Q trains at Parkside Avenue, which is exactly the selling point for the new 20-unit rental at 830 Flatbush Avenue. The building was recently completed and as of today, households earning 130 percent of the area median income can apply for six middle-income apartments, including $2,253/month one-bedrooms and $2,716/month two-bedrooms. They'll also have access to a fitness center, laundry room, lounge, bike storage, and roof deck.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

Live on the Williamsburg-Bushwick border for just $1,039/month

Photo via Wally Gobetz/Flickr

August 10, 2018

Live on the Williamsburg-Bushwick border for just $1,039/month

By Dana Schulz

At the beginning of the year, three middle-income apartments came online at the brand new rental 126 Boerum Street in trendy East Williamsburg, just off the Bushwick border and only steps to theL train at Montrose and the J/M at Lorimer. Now, two more units are available, these for New Yorkers earning 60 percent of the area median income and renting for $1,039.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

August 8, 2018

Get a first look at the next proposed mega-development for Sunset Park

By Dana Schulz

Development is certainly heating up around Sunset Park's open railway tracks. Just last week, a one-million-square-foot mixed-use development at 8th Avenue and 63rd Street started making its way through the City's approval process, and now, just around the corner, an equally massive mega-development has been proposed. First spotted by Yimby, the idea from DXA Studio would encompass two blocks along 62nd Street, from 5th to 7th Avenues. Three 18-story towers would incorporate retail, condos, office space, restaurants, a hotel, gym with a pool, community facilities, and public park space.
More details and renderings this way

Book your wedding at the TWA Hotel: Renderings revealed for retro event spaces

The Starstream Ballroom, via MCR

August 8, 2018

Book your wedding at the TWA Hotel: Renderings revealed for retro event spaces

By Dana Schulz

Getting married next spring? Or maybe you're planning a large conference? Either way, if mid-century-modern is your thing, then the news that the TWA Hotel is now booking events for the spring of 2019 and beyond is sure to be exciting. Ahead of reservations for guestrooms opening in December, we now have a first look at the 50,000 square feet of event space, including two ballrooms, a pre-function space complete with Saarinen-designed Knoll furniture like tulip tables and womb chairs, and six high-tech skyboxes.
Get a look at all the spaces

Our 2,500sqft: New homeowners Mark and Lauren take us inside their relaxed Bed-Stuy brownstone

6sqft’s series “My sqft” checks out the homes of New Yorkers across all the boroughs. Our latest interior adventure brings us to the Bed-Stuy brownstone of Mark and Lauren. Want to see your home featured here? Get in touch!

August 7, 2018

Our 2,500sqft: New homeowners Mark and Lauren take us inside their relaxed Bed-Stuy brownstone

By Dana Schulz

The Upper West Side to Bed-Stuy may seem like a big jump, but Mark Macias and Lauren DeGregory haven't looked back. Last August, the lovely couple bought a renovated brownstone in the 'hood, upgrading from a one-bedroom apartment to a three-story 1890 house complete with a rental apartment, owner's duplex, and, best of all, rear deck and backyard. Having a warm, comfortable home was especially vital to the couple because of their schedules. Though he runs his own PR firm, Mark spent their first year as homeowners finishing up his play about Elvis Presley, "The King, The Final Hours." And Lauren's life sciences consulting job keeps her traveling and living out of a suitcase for most of the work week. 6sqft recently paid Mark and Lauren (and their dog Einstein!) a visit, got a tour of their pretty home, and learned a bit more about their new lives as homeowners.
Take the tour

August 6, 2018

15 middle-income units available in up-and-coming Midwood, from $1,350/month

By Dana Schulz

As we recently noted, "Midwood might not yet be considered an up-and-coming ‘hood," but it is getting a Target and the food hall treatment, which seems to be NYC's answer to the "Whole Foods effect." And for New Yorkers who are keen to get in at the very beginning of a possible transformation, the city's latest affordable housing lottery could be just the answer. As of today, middle-income households earning 130 percent of the area median income can apply for 15 units at the newly constructed rental 1930 Avenue M. It's located right at the corner of Ocean Avenue, which in recent years has seen a surge of new residential development. The available apartments range from $1,350/month studios to $2,050/month two-bedrooms.
READ MORE

Affordable Housing

August 6, 2018

College students and children as young as 10 can now apply for IDNYC

By Dana Schulz

Since its inception nearly four years ago, IDNYC has seen more than 1.2 million New Yorkers enroll for the free card, making it the largest local identification program in the nation. And now, Mayor de Blasio has announced three updates that will even further expand the program's reach--the minimum age has been lowered from 14 to 10, students living in local college housing can now apply, and technological updates allow the application system to pull from existing city agency records to streamline the process.
All the details this way

This August, party on the rooftop of the New York Aquarium

Photo via Flickr/cc

July 30, 2018

This August, party on the rooftop of the New York Aquarium

By Dana Schulz

Sure, there are plenty of rooftops to get your drink on this summer, but here's a chance to do it with fireworks and fish. As part of the inaugural season of their new Ocean Wonders: Sharks! exhibit, Coney Island's New York Aquarium is hosting late-night Friday and Saturday night rooftop parties during August and Labor Day weekend. The aquarium usually closes at 7pm, but for Summer Nights they'll welcome guests until 10pm with cocktails and a fireworks display on the roof of their new building, as well as extended access to the nine new spaces, including a 40-foot-long immersive coral reef tunnel, a rare look into the underwater "Grand Canyon," and a real hull from a local shipwreck.
All the details

Events & Things To Do

July 26, 2018

Moby lists Westchester midcentury stunner for $1.3M with a promise to donate proceeds

By Dana Schulz

Not only is Moby a singer/songwriter, DJ, photographer, vegan restauranteur, and animal rights activist, but he also has an eye for unique real estate. He formerly owned a whimsical replica castle in LA, and in March he dropped $1.24 million on a midcentury-modern stunner in Pound Ridge to be near his childhood home in Darien, Connecticut. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright-disciple David Henken in 1956, the Westchester home has jaw-dropping mahogany interiors, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the woods and a quaint garden, and a swimming pool. But after realizing that he's still spending most of his time on the west coast, he re-listed the property for $1.3 million, according to Curbed. And in true Moby fashion, he took to Instagram to say that he'll be donating proceeds from the sale to animal rights causes and progressive political candidates.
You don't want to miss this one

Governor Cuomo announces plans for NYC’s next ‘food hall’ at LaGuardia Airport

Photo via Flickr cc

July 25, 2018

Governor Cuomo announces plans for NYC’s next ‘food hall’ at LaGuardia Airport

By Dana Schulz

Shake Shack, Irving Farm coffee, La Chula taqueria--these sound like your typical food hall staples, but this time they're not in a Brooklyn warehouse or a trendy new building, but in LaGuardia Airport. Governor Cuomo announced today the lineup of in-state food purveyors for Terminal B, which will open in phases starting later this year as part of his massive $8 billion overhaul of LaGuardia. When complete, the entire new airport will have a total of 50 new restaurants, shops, and services, many of which will be local small businesses.
Get the scoop

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