All articles by Devin Gannon

Explore literary landmarks of Brooklyn with new self-guided walking tour from BPL

Screenshot courtesy of the Brooklyn Public Library

November 2, 2021

Explore literary landmarks of Brooklyn with new self-guided walking tour from BPL

Discover the fictional places where novels are set and the real-life apartments where authors once lived as part of a new audio tour launched this month by the Brooklyn Public Library. The self-guided literary walking tour, which can be downloaded on your smartphone or opened via web browser, covers eight miles of the borough, from Fort Greene to Bushwick.
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History

Former Anthony Bourdain food hall team to open Singaporean hawker center in Midtown

Photo of a hawker center in Singapore by Aapo Haapanen on Flickr

November 2, 2021

Former Anthony Bourdain food hall team to open Singaporean hawker center in Midtown

By Devin Gannon

Roughly four years since late chef and author Anthony Bourdain canceled his proposal to build a massive Singaporean-inspired food hall in New York City, the plan for the market has been revived. Urbanspace and KF Seetoh, founder of Makansutra, which runs several food courts in Singapore, are teaming up to bring a food market with 18 street-food vendors to 135 West 50th Street in Midtown Manhattan. The market, described as the first authentic Singaporean hawker center in the United States, will open in early 2022.
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Food & Dining

A renovated, detached Ditmas Park Victorian with a front porch and backyard asks $3.1M

All photos by Allyson Lubow

November 2, 2021

A renovated, detached Ditmas Park Victorian with a front porch and backyard asks $3.1M

By Devin Gannon

A fully-renovated freestanding home with a private driveway and backyard is ready to make your Victorian dreams come true. Asking $3,125,000, the six-bedroom 110-year-old residence in Ditmas Park offers original details architecture buffs love, like woodwork and stained glass, while a renovation makes the house functional for today. Located at 477 East 16th Street, the house sits on a historic tree-lined street that feels like a suburban enclave but is just two blocks from the nearest subway station.
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Distinctive Homes

New LIRR concourse at Grand Central unveiled as part of long-awaited East Side Access project

Governor Kathy Hochul rode a test train from Jamaica to the East Side Access complex at Grand Central Terminal on Sun., October 31, 2021. (Marc A. Hermann / MTA) Flickr

November 1, 2021

New LIRR concourse at Grand Central unveiled as part of long-awaited East Side Access project

By Devin Gannon

The project that will bring direct Long Island Rail Road service to Grand Central Terminal hit a major milestone this weekend. Gov. Kathy Hochul on Sunday rode the first passenger LIRR train into the new concourse at the Midtown East transit hub and gave the public a first look at the terminal. Expected to officially open in December 2022, the East Side Access project will provide direct service to Manhattan's east side for Long Island and Queens commuters, while also reducing crowds at Penn Station.
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Bryant Park’s Winter Village is now open for the season

Photo: Angelito Jusay

October 29, 2021

Bryant Park’s Winter Village is now open for the season

By Devin Gannon

Bryant Park has once again transformed into a winter wonderland. The Bank of America Winter Village opened for the season on Friday, offering New Yorkers the only free admission ice skating rink in the city, an open-air holiday market, and cocktails rinkside. The village, now in its 20th year, will be open daily from October 29 through March 6, 2022.
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Events & Things To Do

Bedford Union Armory recreation center officially opens in Crown Heights

Photo credit: Brett Bayer

October 28, 2021

Bedford Union Armory recreation center officially opens in Crown Heights

By Devin Gannon

The transformation of a former armory in Brooklyn into a recreation center is now complete. Located in Crown Heights, the Major R. Owens Health & Wellness Community Center opened its doors on Wednesday, bringing a new 60,000-square-foot community center with an indoor swimming pool, three basketball courts, a soccer field, dance studios, and space for local nonprofits to the neighborhood. The long-awaited project also includes 415 units of housing, expected to open in 2023.
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Brooklyn’s tallest tower tops out at 1,066 feet, becomes borough’s first supertall

Photo by Selvon Ramsawak

October 28, 2021

Brooklyn’s tallest tower tops out at 1,066 feet, becomes borough’s first supertall

By Devin Gannon

The tallest tower in Brooklyn officially topped out this week. Located at 9 DeKalb Avenue, newly christened The Brooklyn Tower reached its summit of 1,066 feet, the first and only supertall building (300 meters in height or taller) to rise in the borough. Developed by JDS Development Group and designed by SHoP Architects, the mixed-use tower incorporates the landmarked Dime Savings Bank of Brooklyn into both the skyscraper's design and use; the iconic bank building will hold new retail space and an entry to the residential tower through its colonnade. With occupancy expected next year, the 93-story Brooklyn Tower offers 550 residences, with 150 condos for sale and 400 rentals.
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Jersey City’s 99 Hudson sets another city record with sale of $4.4M penthouse

Courtesy of 99 Hudson

October 28, 2021

Jersey City’s 99 Hudson sets another city record with sale of $4.4M penthouse

By Devin Gannon

The tallest residential building in the state of New Jersey has set another record. A penthouse at 99 Hudson Street has sold for $4,438,500, becoming the priciest condo closing in Jersey City. The deal surpasses the previous record of $3,900,000 set six months ago by...99 Hudson. The record-breaking apartment sits on the 76th floor of the 79-story waterfront tower and measures 2,500 square feet.
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Real Estate Trends

After $5M restoration, NYC’s historic Highbridge Water Tower reopens for public tours

Photo by Shinya Suzuki on Flickr

October 27, 2021

After $5M restoration, NYC’s historic Highbridge Water Tower reopens for public tours

By Devin Gannon

Described in 1967 by the Landmarks Preservation Commission as "one of Manhattan's most picturesque architectural monuments," the Highbridge Water Tower reopened on Wednesday following a restoration project. Located in Washington Heights, the octagonal tower opened in 1872 and served as part of the Croton Aqueduct system, helping increase water pressure throughout the borough. While it no longer is part of the city's water system, the 200-foot landmark is the only one of its kind that remains today. The Parks Department also announced free public tours of the inside of the tower led by the department's Urban Park Rangers will resume next month.
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Tucked away in the woods of East Hampton, $3.5M modern home has an art studio and heated pool

All photos courtesy of Brian Bailey from Hamptons Media

October 27, 2021

Tucked away in the woods of East Hampton, $3.5M modern home has an art studio and heated pool

By Devin Gannon

Surrounded by woods, this contemporary home in the Hamptons offers a peaceful retreat. Located at 8 Kettle Court in East Hampton, the private property features five en-suite bedrooms, multiple decks, a heated outdoor pool, and a separate climate-controlled art studio. It's now available for $3,500,000.
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Distinctive Homes

First-ever hotel on wheels to open in the Hudson Valley this winter

By Devin Gannon

The world's first hotel on wheels is set to debut in the Hudson Valley this winter. The New York-based startup company Moliving Inc. revealed earlier this year its first model unit, which measures roughly 400 square feet and includes two outdoor decks. The company believes the movable luxury hotel rooms, which are designed to be easily installed and relocated, offer hoteliers the opportunity to build hotels faster, more sustainably, and to adjust room inventory according to seasonal demand.
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World’s highest outdoor building climb to open in NYC atop Hudson Yards’ Edge

Leaning over the “Apex,” All photos courtesy of Edge

October 26, 2021

World’s highest outdoor building climb to open in NYC atop Hudson Yards’ Edge

By Devin Gannon

If simply standing on the highest outdoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere isn't enough of a thrill, how about scaling the outside of a supertall skyscraper? On Tuesday, Edge, the 100th-floor sky deck that opened at 30 Hudson Yards last spring, debuted "City Climb," a ticketed adventure that challenges visitors to cross a series of open-edged outdoor platforms and stairs along the top of the tower, which stands over 1,200 feet tall. When it officially opens on November 9, City Climb will become the highest external building climb in the world.
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City Living

See the Mexican folk-art sculptures on display around Rockefeller Center for Day of the Dead

All photos courtesy of Tishman Speyer

October 25, 2021

See the Mexican folk-art sculptures on display around Rockefeller Center for Day of the Dead

By Devin Gannon

Rockefeller Center last week kicked off a nearly two-week celebration of Mexican culture and Día de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, with the installation of larger-than-life Mexican folk-art sculptures and other artworks around the plaza. As part of the campus-wide commemoration, see an 11-foot dragon and a 13.5-foot feathered jaguar, an exhibition of fashionably dressed skeleton figures, a Día de Los Muertos display altar, and a floral installation adorning the center's iconic bronze statue Atlas.
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Events & Things To Do

80-foot-tall sculpture and new public plaza unveiled on Jersey City’s waterfront

Photo Credit: SJ Martinez Photography

October 25, 2021

80-foot-tall sculpture and new public plaza unveiled on Jersey City’s waterfront

By Devin Gannon

A massive sculptural portrait was unveiled on the Jersey City waterfront this week, along with a new public plaza. Created by Barcelona-based artist Jaume Plensa, Water's Soul is a monumental 80-foot-tall sculpture depicting a young person in contemplation. The new permanent artwork sits on the Hudson River in Newport, the master-planned, mixed-use community developed by the LeFrak Organization and Simon Property Group.
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Events & Things To Do

For $10.5M, a 19th-century carriage house in Greenwich Village’s historic Washington Mews

All photos courtesy of Douglas Elliman

October 22, 2021

For $10.5M, a 19th-century carriage house in Greenwich Village’s historic Washington Mews

By Devin Gannon

A former carriage house located on one of New York City's most special blocks hit the market this week. Located between Fifth Avenue and University Place in Greenwich Village, Washington Mews is a private cobblestone street, lined with two-story carriage houses. The three-bedroom property at 64 Washington Mews, which dates to the 1840s, has been renovated, but maintains "the integrity of its rich past," according to the listing. It's asking $10,475,000.
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NYC’s newest observation deck Summit One Vanderbilt officially opens

Photos courtesy of SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

October 22, 2021

NYC’s newest observation deck Summit One Vanderbilt officially opens

By Devin Gannon

Midtown's tallest office tower opened its observation deck this week, adding to the city's ever-growing list of sky-high, for-sale spectacles. Designed by Snøhetta, One Vanderbilt's Summit stretches across floors 91 through 93 at the 1,401-foot-tall tower and offers incredible views across a 65,000-square-foot multi-level entertainment venue about 1,000 feet in the air. Tickets start at $39 for general admission and climb to $83 for evening admission that comes with a cocktail.
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For $4.5M, live in NYC’s real-life Arconia condo seen on Hulu’s ‘Only Murders in the Building’

Photos courtesy of Brown Harris Stevens unless otherwise noted

October 21, 2021

For $4.5M, live in NYC’s real-life Arconia condo seen on Hulu’s ‘Only Murders in the Building’

By Devin Gannon

You can live in the real-life Upper West Side condo building that stars as the fictional Arconia in Hulu's mystery-comedy series Only Murders in the Building. Starring Martin Short, Steve Martin, and Selena Gomez, the show was filmed at The Belnord, a grand pre-war residence located at 225 West 86th Street. A renovated three-bedroom at the building just hit the market for $4,495,000.
Take a look

Distinctive Homes

Lottery opens for 138 mixed-income units a block from the Coney Island boardwalk, from $558/month

Photo of Coney Island by Shinya Suzuki on Flickr

October 21, 2021

Lottery opens for 138 mixed-income units a block from the Coney Island boardwalk, from $558/month

By Devin Gannon

Here's a chance to live a block from Coney Island's beloved beach and boardwalk of at a discount. A housing lottery launched this week for 138 affordable apartments at a new complex on Surf Avenue and West 20th Street in the Brooklyn neighborhood. Dubbed Raven Hall, the development has on-site laundry, a community center, a fitness center, and a rooftop terrace with ocean views. New Yorkers earning 40, 50, 60, and 100 percent of the area median income can apply for the units, priced from $558/month studios to $2,229/month three-bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

Target opens new store on the Upper East Side

Photos courtesy of Target

October 20, 2021

Target opens new store on the Upper East Side

By Devin Gannon

Target has expanded its New York City footprint once again. A new store opened on the Upper East Side this week a year after the company announced the new Manhattan location. Located at 150 East 86th Street, the 55,000-square-foot store is Target's 12th store in the borough and its 11th "small-format" location, which offers convenient on-the-go options and pick-up service.
Details here

City Living

New York City mandates vaccines for all city employees

Photo Credit: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office

October 20, 2021

New York City mandates vaccines for all city employees

By Devin Gannon

New York City workers must be vaccinated by the end of the month or be placed on unpaid leave, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Tuesday. The new vaccination mandate eliminates the option for testing and applies to the entire municipal workforce of 160,500 workers, including all police officers and firefighters. About 46,000 unvaccinated city workers need to get at least their first dose by Friday, October 29, or risk losing their paycheck.
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Policy

Thomas Jefferson statue will be removed from NYC Council chambers but new location undecided

Photo by Glenn Castellano. Courtesy of NYC Public Design Commission

October 19, 2021

Thomas Jefferson statue will be removed from NYC Council chambers but new location undecided

By Devin Gannon

A 7-foot-tall statue of Thomas Jefferson will be removed from the New York City Council's legislative chambers after residing there for nearly 100 years. The city's Public Design Commission voted on Monday to take down the statue from the chambers but did not decide where it should be relocated. Calls to remove the statue of Jefferson, who owned more than 600 slaves, first came about two decades ago but intensified in recent years as more attention was paid to memorials and monuments honoring racists and racist symbols.
Details here

Policy

36 mixed-income apartments available in the East Village, from $857/month

Rendering courtesy of NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development

October 19, 2021

36 mixed-income apartments available in the East Village, from $857/month

By Devin Gannon

A housing lottery opened this week for 36 apartments at a new East Village rental. Located at 302 East 2nd Street, the 14-story building, called "East Village Homes," was developed by Asian Americans for Equality (AAFE), a nonprofit that serves low-income immigrant communities across the city. New Yorkers earning 50, 80, and 140 percent of the area median income can apply for the apartments, which range from $857/month one-bedrooms to $2,774/month two-bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

Former Cuomo aide Melissa DeRosa lists her Brooklyn Heights duplex for $2.6M

All photos courtesy of Brown Harris Stevens

October 19, 2021

Former Cuomo aide Melissa DeRosa lists her Brooklyn Heights duplex for $2.6M

By Devin Gannon

Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo's top aide Melissa DeRosa is selling her Brooklyn Heights duplex two months after leaving her job with the state. Located on the fourth floor of 22 Pierrepont Street, the three-bedroom home is asking $2.59 million. DeRosa jointly owns the apartment with her husband Matthew Wing, but, as the New York Post first reported, the couple recently split.
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Distinctive Homes

NYC subway ridership topped 3.2 million riders in one day for the first time since Covid

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

October 18, 2021

NYC subway ridership topped 3.2 million riders in one day for the first time since Covid

By Devin Gannon

For the first time since the start of the pandemic, the New York City subway saw over 3.2 million riders in one day. Gov. Kathy Hochul and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority on Friday announced 3,236,904 customers rode the subway on October 14, passing the previous record made a week prior by 50,000 customers. The record set last week still remains far below pre-pandemic levels; average weekday ridership regularly exceeded 5.5 million trips before Covid.
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For $7.5M, a family-friendly Brooklyn brownstone on a park block

All photos by Evan Joseph

October 18, 2021

For $7.5M, a family-friendly Brooklyn brownstone on a park block

By Devin Gannon

A recently renovated brownstone located on a park block with eight bedrooms, four baths, and private outdoor space? This home checks all of the boxes. Asking $7.49 million, the townhouse at 541 1st Street in Park Slope was professionally designed and furnished, with attention paid to not only preserving historic details but also complementing them with modern upgrades. In addition to the designer-curated interiors, the home boasts a charming rear garden and a parlor-level deck.
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Distinctive Homes

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