All articles by Devin Gannon

Futuristic hotel/condo tower designed by a Zaha Hadid alum will rise near LaGuardia Airport

Renderings courtesy of SASI Studio

September 17, 2021

Futuristic hotel/condo tower designed by a Zaha Hadid alum will rise near LaGuardia Airport

A high-rise hotel and condo building designed by a former senior architect at Zaha Hadid's firm is coming to Queens. Located at 112-51 Northern Boulevard in Corona, the 25-story mixed-use development, dubbed Eastern Emerald, will have roughly 250 hotel rooms, 191 apartments, and a conference and performing arts center. The 370+ foot project, which will break ground this month, features a futuristic, environmentally-friendly design that will reduce carbon emissions and use clean energy for heating and cooling systems.
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12 best spots for beers and brats in NYC this Oktoberfest

Photo by Brett Sayles on Pexels

September 17, 2021

12 best spots for beers and brats in NYC this Oktoberfest

By Devin Gannon

While the world's largest folk festival in Germany has been canceled for the second year in a row because of the coronavirus, New Yorkers can still commemorate Oktoberfest. Starting this weekend, breweries, beer gardens, and bars across New York City are celebrating Bavarian culture with big brews, German-inspired grub, live music, and fun contests. Ahead, find 11 spots that recreate the magic of Munich during Oktoberfest. And remember, if you're dining and drinking inside, you'll have to show proof of vaccination.
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New rooftop terrace with glass pavilion and one-acre farm opens at the Javits Center

Photo credit: © Albert Vecerka/Esto

September 16, 2021

New rooftop terrace with glass pavilion and one-acre farm opens at the Javits Center

By Devin Gannon

A one-acre working farm opened at the Javits Center rooftop this week, providing a genuine farm-to-table experience for visitors of the convention center. The farm will include over 50 crops and 40,000 pounds of fruits and vegetables, which will be used in meals served on-site. The 200,000-square-foot rooftop, which also includes an enclosed glass pavilion, outdoor terrace, and a solar farm, is part of a $1.5 billion expansion project that has added a total of 1.2 million square feet of event space at the Javits Center.
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Neighborhood Tours

Archtober 2021: This year’s best in-person and virtual architecture and design events

Photo of Little Island by Michael Grimm Photography, Photo of Freshkills Park courtesy of Rebecka Gordon, Photo of the Brooklyn Central Library by the Center for Architecture, and Photo of the Brooklyn Bridge by Ling Tang on Unsplash

September 15, 2021

Archtober 2021: This year’s best in-person and virtual architecture and design events

By Devin Gannon

A monthlong celebration of architecture and design returns to New York City next month with a mix of virtual and in-person events. Now in its 11th year, the Center for Architecture's Archtober includes a host of events, exhibitions, and expert-led tours and talks, all of which provide a behind-the-scenes look at the buildings, cultural institutions, and public space that make New York, New York. For the second year in a row because of the coronavirus, the festival will feature a combination of in-person and virtual programming, allowing more people than ever to participate. Ahead, find just some of our favorite events happening for the festival, which runs through the month of October.
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The Brooklyn Bridge bike lane is finally open

Photo by the New York City Department of Transportation on Flickr

September 15, 2021

The Brooklyn Bridge bike lane is finally open

By Devin Gannon

A long-awaited two-way protected bike lane officially opened on the Brooklyn Bridge Tuesday. Advocated for years by cyclists, the new path replaces the innermost car lane of the Manhattan-bound side of the iconic bridge and leaves the existing elevated promenade for pedestrians only. Both foot and bike traffic on the bridge, nicknamed the "Times Square in the Sky," skyrocketed in recent years, leading to dangerous, crowded conditions.
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Carriage house of historic Brooklyn Heights police station is now a modernized townhouse asking $6M

All photos courtesy of Douglas Elliman

September 14, 2021

Carriage house of historic Brooklyn Heights police station is now a modernized townhouse asking $6M

By Devin Gannon

A restored carriage house of a former Brooklyn police station is asking $5,950,000. Located at 72 Poplar Street, the townhouse sits within the landmarked former Brooklyn Heights precinct building, which was converted into a boutique condominium in 2014. Constructed in 1912 in the Italian Renaissance Revival style, the carriage house now serves as a three-bedroom single-family home with renovations by The Brooklyn Home Company. The property boasts three terraces, a huge roof deck, a garage, Lower Manhattan views, and all of the perks that come with luxury condo living.
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Distinctive Homes

See the 1,100-unit Gotham Point towers coming to the Long Island City waterfront

All renderings courtesy of VUW Studio

September 14, 2021

See the 1,100-unit Gotham Point towers coming to the Long Island City waterfront

By Devin Gannon

A massive development with over 1,000 units of housing is coming to Long Island City's Hunter's Point South neighborhood. Developed by the Gotham Organization and RiseBoro Community Partnership, Gotham Point includes two towers and a total of 1,132 residences, 75 percent of which are affordable. The project is part of a broader plan first announced in 2013 by former Mayor Michael Bloomberg to redevelop nine parcels of land in Hunter's Point South and bring 5,000 new apartments to the neighborhood. As the first tower nears completion, 6sqft got an exclusive look at Gotham Point, the latest residential project to rise on the Queens waterfront.
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Robert A.M. Stern will design affordable Bronx building with 40 apartments for sale

Rendering courtesy of Robert A.M. Stern Architects

September 13, 2021

Robert A.M. Stern will design affordable Bronx building with 40 apartments for sale

By Devin Gannon

About a month after Robert A.M. Stern's affordable rental building opened in Brooklyn, the renowned architect's firm has been tapped to design another residential development designated for low-income New Yorkers. The city's Department of Housing Preservation and Development last week announced a project to bring 40 homeownership opportunities to a new 8-story building in the Bronx, which will be designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects (RAMSA) and developed in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity, Camber Property Group, Almat Urban, and Interboro Community Land Trust. The building, located near Claremont Park, will have apartments that are affordable to families of three earning up to $93,000 annually.
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See the new observation deck and rooftop ride proposed for 30 Rock

All renderings courtesy of Tishman Speyer

September 10, 2021

See the new observation deck and rooftop ride proposed for 30 Rock

By Devin Gannon

One of the city's most popular observation decks could be getting a facelift. Tishman Speyer Properties has proposed several enhancements to the Top of the Rock deck at landmarked 30 Rockefeller Plaza, including a rotating attraction that lets visitors recreate the iconic "Lunch atop a Skyscraper" photo, a kinetic globe, and a new viewing platform on the 70th floor. The proposal was recommended for approval by Manhattan Community Board 5 last week and will be heard by the Landmarks Preservation Commission on Tuesday.
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Policy

With Norman Foster back as the architect, 2 WTC construction could begin soon

Photo by Phil Dolby on Flickr

September 9, 2021

With Norman Foster back as the architect, 2 WTC construction could begin soon

By Devin Gannon

Twenty years after the terrorist attacks of September 11, the redevelopment of Lower Manhattan's World Trade Center complex is nearly complete. But one tower still hasn't got off the ground. After architecture firm changes and financing problems, developer Silverstein Properties said construction is set to begin in the coming months on 2 World Trade Center with a new design from Norman Foster's Foster + Partners. As first reported by Commercial Observer, the developer is close to securing an anchor tenant, which would lead to a construction loan and the start of work within "the next six to 12 months."
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The 6 best furniture rental companies in NYC

By Devin Gannon

New Yorkers are no strangers to moving, whether it's because they found a new roommate, a better rent deal, or a more convenient neighborhood. Not only is furnishing your apartment expensive, but it's also not guaranteed that the new sofa you bought will fit in your next place. As a result, many nomadic city dwellers are turning to furniture rentals to outfit their temporary abodes. Furniture rental companies offer a cheaper, more flexible, and more sustainable alternative to buying new. Plus, most companies deliver, assemble, and then remove the furniture when your rental term is up, alleviating some of that moving-related stress. Ahead, we take a look at six of the best furniture rental companies that serve New York City and break down each by the products offered, lease terms, and rent-to-buy options.
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I.M. Pei’s Sutton Place townhouse sells for $8.6M

Photos courtesy of Christie’s International Real Estate

September 9, 2021

I.M. Pei’s Sutton Place townhouse sells for $8.6M

By Devin Gannon

The New York City home where the late renowned architect I.M. Pei lived for 45 years has found a buyer. As first reported by the Wall Street Journal and confirmed by property records, the four-story home at 11 Sutton Place sold for $8,600,000, an increase from the initial 2019 asking price of $8,000,000. Pei, the mastermind behind the Louvre's glass pyramid and countless other projects, bought the home in the early 1970s with his wife, Eileen, for just $215,000, according to the newspaper.
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47 affordable apartments available at new rental near the Bronx Zoo, from $1,254/month

Rendering courtesy of NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development

September 8, 2021

47 affordable apartments available at new rental near the Bronx Zoo, from $1,254/month

By Devin Gannon

Just a few blocks from the Bronx Zoo, a new rental building is now accepting applications for 47 affordable units as part of a new housing lottery. Located at 1973 Daly Avenue in West Farms, the 11-story building offers residents a community room, lounge, fitness center, and outdoor recreational space. Qualifying New Yorkers earning 60 percent of the area median income can apply for the apartments, priced at $1,254/month for a studio, $1,343/month for a one-bedroom, and $1,611/month for a two-bedroom.
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Affordable Housing

Gloria Vanderbilt’s Beekman Place apartment finds a buyer in just a month

All photos courtesy of Anastassios Mentis/Brown Harris Stevens

September 8, 2021

Gloria Vanderbilt’s Beekman Place apartment finds a buyer in just a month

By Devin Gannon

Listed a little over a month ago, Gloria Vanderbilt's former Midtown East apartment is now in contract. As reported by the New York Post, the two-bedroom home at 30 Beekman Place was asking $1,125,000, with monthly maintenance fees of $4,311. CNN anchor Anderson Cooper, the son of the late heiress/businesswoman/artist, put his mom's apartment on the market in early August.
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Here’s how New Yorkers affected by Hurricane Ida can get help

Gov. Kathy Hochul tours a storm-damaged apartment in Inwood. The heavy rains of Tropical Storm Ida forced part of a parking garage to collapse and damaged a ground floor apartment, and vehicle, on West 218th Street. Photo: Kevin P. Coughlin / Office of Governor Kathy Hochul on Flickr

September 7, 2021

Here’s how New Yorkers affected by Hurricane Ida can get help

By Devin Gannon

President Joe Biden on Monday approved a major disaster declaration for New York, making federal funding available to residents and businesses in counties affected by flooding last week caused by the remnants of Hurricane Ida. According to an early estimate from state officials, Ida caused $50 million in damage to public property and to more than 1,200 residences. In addition to the financial relief provided by FEMA, there are several resources available to New Yorkers who need help in the aftermath of the storm, including temporary shelter, food and basic needs, and cash assistance.
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Apply for 63 mixed-income units at new FiDi high-rise with rooftop terraces, from $1,329/month

Renderings courtesy of NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development

September 7, 2021

Apply for 63 mixed-income units at new FiDi high-rise with rooftop terraces, from $1,329/month

By Devin Gannon

A housing lottery launched this week for 63 mixed-income apartments at a new 34-story tower in the Financial District. The mixed-use building 7 Dey Street is conveniently located next to the Fulton Center transit hub and boasts amenities like multiple outdoor spaces, a fitness center, a co-working room, and more. Qualifying New Yorkers earning 70 or 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the apartments, ranging from $1,329/month studios to $3,235/month two-bedrooms.
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Affordable Housing

What you need to know about NYC’s basement apartments

Photo courtesy of HPD

September 3, 2021

What you need to know about NYC’s basement apartments

By Devin Gannon

This week, Hurricane Ida brought record rainfall and historic flash flooding to New York City, which ultimately led to the deaths of at least 13 New Yorkers. A majority of the people killed lived in basement apartments, where water was able to get in and block the only way out. These "hidden" units have always been prevalent in New York City, which is home to roughly 50,000 basement apartments, although that number is likely much higher as many of them are considered illegal. The tragic events of this last week have renewed calls from advocacy groups and elected officials to legalize basement apartments to make them safe for the more than 100,000 New Yorkers who live in them. Ahead, learn about the difference between a legal and illegal basement apartment, what can be done to protect tenants, and what the future holds for these homes, seen as a critical component of the city's insufficient affordable housing stock.
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Hurricane Ida brings historic flash flooding across NYC, second record rainfall in 10 days

Photo courtesy of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office on Flickr

September 2, 2021

Hurricane Ida brings historic flash flooding across NYC, second record rainfall in 10 days

By Devin Gannon

Less than two weeks ago, New York City experienced the most rainfall ever recorded in a single hour with 1.94 inches documented in Central Park on August 21. That record was smashed on Wednesday night when the remnants of Hurricane Ida hit the region, bringing 3.15 inches of rain to the park between around 8:50 p.m. and 9:50 p.m. The historic rainfall caused a flash flood emergency to be issued in the city for the first time ever, brought the subway system to a standstill, and ultimately left at least 12 New Yorkers dead.
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Policy

New York extends eviction moratorium until early 2022

Photo by Avi Werde on Unsplash

September 2, 2021

New York extends eviction moratorium until early 2022

By Devin Gannon

The New York State Legislature on Wednesday extended a temporary freeze on evictions until early next year during a rare special session. Expected to protect hundreds of thousands of tenants who have faced financial hardships as a result of the pandemic, the move comes one day after the state's eviction moratorium expired and a week after the United States Supreme Court overturned the federal moratorium. Lawmakers also modified the moratorium so it complies with the court's decision, which found it inconsistent with due process laws. Most evictions in New York will now be on hold until January 15, 2022.
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Policy

Joshua Kushner and Karlie Kloss buy Puck Building penthouse last listed for $42.5M

Photo by Eden, Janine and Jim on Flickr

September 2, 2021

Joshua Kushner and Karlie Kloss buy Puck Building penthouse last listed for $42.5M

By Devin Gannon

Joshua Kushner and Karlie Kloss are in contract to buy the largest penthouse at the historic Puck Building, a condo project in Nolita developed by the venture capitalist's family's real estate company. As first reported by the Wall Street Journal, Penthouse 1 measures an incredible 7,241 square feet and contains five bedrooms, seven and a half baths, and sprawling outdoor space. The final sales price hasn't been released, but the home was last listed for $42.5 million.
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New exhibit on NYC photographer Bill Cunningham to open during New York Fashion Week

Credit: ESI Design

September 1, 2021

New exhibit on NYC photographer Bill Cunningham to open during New York Fashion Week

By Devin Gannon

A new installation dedicated to the life of legendary New York City fashion photographer Bill Cunningham will open this month. The immersive exhibit, called "Experience The Times of Bill Cunningham," will feature large-scale reproductions of the photographer's famous photos, audio and video segments, and artifacts, like his trademark Biria bicycle and his blue worker’s jacket. Coinciding with the start of New York Fashion Week, the exhibit opens at the South Street Seaport on September 12 and runs through October 30.
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100 years after WWI, all-Black unit Harlem Hellfighters awarded Congressional Gold Medal

New York’s famous 369th (Old 15th) Infantry Regiment arrives home from France. From the National Archives via Wikimedia Commons

September 1, 2021

100 years after WWI, all-Black unit Harlem Hellfighters awarded Congressional Gold Medal

By Devin Gannon

One of the most decorated all-Black American regiments is finally getting nationally recognized more than a century after World War I. President Joe Biden last week signed into law the Harlem Hellfighters Congressional Gold Medal Act, which posthumously honors the 369th Infantry Regiment. Made up mostly of New Yorkers, the Harlem Hellfighters spent 191 days on the front-line trenches, longer than any other American unit. Despite their courage and sacrifice, the soldiers returned home to face racism and discrimination.
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Jean Nouvel’s condo tower 53W53 reveals lavish wellness amenities

All photos by Evan Joseph

August 31, 2021

Jean Nouvel’s condo tower 53W53 reveals lavish wellness amenities

By Devin Gannon

The private club and wellness center at Jean Nouvel's residential tower in Midtown West is a work of art. New images of the lavish full-floor space at 53 West 53, which rises adjacent to the Museum of Modern Art, were released this week, unveiling for the first time the club's elegant gym, squash court, golf simulator, saunas, and 65-foot lap pool that is surrounded by a green wall made up of 3,500 plants.
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Shake Shack

August 31, 2021

Shake Shack and Milk Bar team up for limited-edition birthday-inspired shakes

By Devin Gannon

Two New York City companies have announced a sweet new collaboration. Shake Shack and Milk Bar have teamed up on two limited-edition milkshakes: the chocolate birthday cake shake and the cornflake chocolate drizzle shake. The delicious treats combine Shake Shack's famous frozen custard with Milk Bar's unique desserts.
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Apply for 35 affordable studios at former Bronx army reserve center for $892/month

Rendering courtesy of NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development

August 27, 2021

Apply for 35 affordable studios at former Bronx army reserve center for $892/month

By Devin Gannon

Applications are now being accepted for 35 studios set aside for low-income New Yorkers. Located at 555 Nereid Avenue in Wakefield, the building sits on the site of the former Joseph A. Muller Army Reserve Center. The newly redesigned four-story site, dubbed the Muller Residences, now contains roughly 90 units, with 54 apartments set aside for formerly homeless veterans and 35 for those earning 60 percent of the area median income, which are available through this current housing lottery. Applicants must earn between $30,583 annually for a one-person household and $57,000 annually for a two-person household to qualify for the $892/month studio apartments.
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Affordable Housing

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