All articles by Devin Gannon

Astor Place Hairstylists has been saved from closing

Mayor Bill de Blasio celebrated the Phase 2 reopening with a visit to Astor Place Hairstylists on June 23, 2020. Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

November 23, 2020

Astor Place Hairstylists has been saved from closing

By Devin Gannon

Just two days before it was set to close for good, Astor Place Hairstylists was saved by a group of New York investors. As the New York Post first reported, enough money has been raised to keep the East Village basement barbershop "open for at least another 75 years," businessman Jonathan Trichter told the newspaper on Monday. Astor Place Hairstylists announced last month plans to permanently close just before Thanksgiving due to a lack of business because of the coronavirus pandemic.
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City Living

NYC unveils $9M plan to restore Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn

Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Arch lighting design test in 2019; Photo courtesy of Jordan Rathkopf/ Prospect Park Alliance

November 23, 2020

NYC unveils $9M plan to restore Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn

By Devin Gannon

Plans to renovate Brooklyn's Grand Army Plaza were unveiled this week, the first major restoration of Prospect Park's historic entrance in decades. The $8.9 million revamp focuses on the Soldiers' and Sailors' Memorial Arch, including replacing the arch's roof, cleaning and restoring the brick and stone structure, repairing the interior staircases, and adding modern lighting to the exterior. Surrounding plaza and landscape berms that frame the plaza will also be restored and new native trees and shrubs will be planted.
More here

Architecture And Design

All 950 units at city’s Gowanus housing development will be affordable

Rendering courtesy of Marvel Architects/SCAPE Landscape Architects

November 23, 2020

All 950 units at city’s Gowanus housing development will be affordable

By Devin Gannon

The city's proposed six-building residential development in Gowanus will be 100 percent affordable, officials announced last week. The Gowanus Green project, part of Mayor Bill de Blasio's administration's plan to rezone the Brooklyn neighborhood, will contain 950 units of affordable housing, with at least 50 percent designated to extremely low and very low-income households. Previously, the plan called for roughly 74 percent of units to fall below the market rate.
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See inside New Jersey’s tallest residential tower, 99 Hudson

All photos courtesy of COA 99 Hudson, LLC

November 20, 2020

See inside New Jersey’s tallest residential tower, 99 Hudson

By Devin Gannon

As residents continue to move in at 99 Hudson Street, new photos of the residential tower were released this month, showing off the exterior and interior of New Jersey's tallest building. Located on the Jersey City waterfront, 99 Hudson rises 79 stories directly across from One World Trade Center. Designed by Perkins Eastman, the building contains a range of studio to two-bedroom residences, along with a handful of penthouses, with units priced between $548,000 and over $4 million.
Take a look

November 20, 2020

Rent this Little Italy loft with original timber beamed ceilings and cast iron columns for $15K/month

By Devin Gannon

An apartment in a former Lower Manhattan police stable is currently renting for $15,000/month. Located at 136 Baxter Street, the Machinery Exchange building once housed horses for the NYPD when the department's headquarters were located at the historic Police Building. After decades as a manufacturing warehouse, the building was converted into condos in 2007. The available unit, which measures an incredible 2,600 square feet and contains four bedrooms, four baths, and two entrances, maintains its industrial roots with original timber beamed ceilings, exposed brick, and cast iron columns.
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Distinctive Homes

Macy’s 2020 holiday windows honor NYC frontline workers

All photos courtesy of Eugene Gologursky/ Getty Images

November 20, 2020

Macy’s 2020 holiday windows honor NYC frontline workers

By Devin Gannon

The first department store in New York City to ever display holiday windows continued its long-standing tradition this week. Macy's on Thursday unveiled its 2020 holiday windows at its flagship Herald Square store with the theme "Give, Love, Believe." According to the store, the windows are a tribute to the city's frontline workers who have worked tirelessly throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
See them here

Events & Things To Do

November 19, 2020

For $3.5M, a Westchester farmhouse with smart technology, swimming pool, and 19th-century barn

By Devin Gannon

A contemporary farmhouse in Westchester County that has been designed as a modern country retreat is currently asking $3.5 million. The home at 9 Post Office Road is located in Waccabuc, a hamlet in the town of Lewisboro. Constructed in 2018, the home successfully mixes a traditional wood siding exterior with sleek interiors and smart, energy-efficient finishes.
Take the tour

Distinctive Homes

MTA considers ditching unlimited MetroCards, cutting service amid budget crisis

Photo credit: Billie Grace Ward via Flickr

November 19, 2020

MTA considers ditching unlimited MetroCards, cutting service amid budget crisis

By Devin Gannon

Subway and bus service could be cut by 40 percent, thousands of workers laid off, unlimited MetroCards eliminated, and fares increased under a budget proposed by the Metropolitan Transportation on Wednesday as the agency faces the worst financial crisis in its history. The grim 2021 budget comes as the MTA faces a tremendous deficit amplified by the coronavirus pandemic, with no federal relief in sight. The agency on Wednesday projected a deficit of $15.9 billion through 2024.
Details here

Nearly everything is custom-made at this $3M East Village two-bedroom

All photos courtesy of Travis Mark for Sotheby’s International Realty

November 18, 2020

Nearly everything is custom-made at this $3M East Village two-bedroom

By Devin Gannon

No detail was overlooked in the design of this two-bedroom home in the East Village. From the custom chef's kitchen to the walls of built-in shelving and storage, the apartment at 170 Second Avenue manages to be extremely efficient without sacrificing sophistication. Currently asking $2.995 million, the apartment sits on the 12th floor of a pre-war co-op that was completed in 1928.
See inside

Distinctive Homes

Indoor dining at City Winery will require $50 on-site COVID test

Photo of the main venue by Adam Pass

November 18, 2020

Indoor dining at City Winery will require $50 on-site COVID test

By Devin Gannon

Entertainment venue and restaurant City Winery will launch next week a coronavirus testing pilot program for guests who want to dine indoors. The Pier 57 establishment, which just opened its new flagship location last month, will require all patrons and staff to take a rapid COVID-19 test before entering on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings only. Those visiting City Winery on those two days will make a reservation via Resy online and make a payment of $50 per person for the test. It's the first restaurant to create a COVID testing program for indoor dining, according to City Winery.
Get the details

Food & Dining

This year’s best in-person and virtual holiday markets in and around NYC

By Devin Gannon

Like the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting, and the Times Square ball drop on New Year's Eve, many of the city's holiday markets will also be online-only this year because of the coronavirus pandemic. While nothing beats the magic of New York City during the holiday season and the traditions that come along with it, there are still ways to support local artists, businesses, and vendors this year. In addition to a few markets happening in-person this year, including the open-air shops at Bryant Park, a number have gone virtual, allowing you to shop safely from home, no matter where that is.
Full list ahead

Events & Things To Do

Landmarks designates first historic district in East Flatbush

Photo courtesy of Landmarks Preservation Commission

November 17, 2020

Landmarks designates first historic district in East Flatbush

By Devin Gannon

East Flatbush now has its first historic district. The Landmarks Preservation Commission on Tuesday voted to landmark a section of the Brooklyn neighborhood on East 25th Street between Clarendon Road and Avenue D, home to 56 cohesive limestone and brownstone properties. As 6sqft previously reported, local residents led the landmarking effort of the block, which has been named the "greenest block in Brooklyn" by the Brooklyn Botanic Garden four times.
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Policy

Penthouse inside historic Central Park South tower’s copper roof to be auctioned off

All renderings courtesy of Concierge Auctions and Nest Seekers International

November 17, 2020

Penthouse inside historic Central Park South tower’s copper roof to be auctioned off

By Devin Gannon

A three-level penthouse apartment in a Billionaires' Row building with pre-approved, construction-ready designs will hit the auction block next month. Currently listed for $40 million and appraised at $100 million after renovations, the apartment at 150 Central Park South will sell with no reserve to the highest bidder during an online auction hosted December 18 to December 22 through Concierge Auctions. Plans from SPAN Architecture call for a five-bedroom, five and a half bathroom penthouse with four terraces and unobstructed Central Park views.
More here

Distinctive Homes

Krispy Kreme opens on the Upper West Side

Renderings courtesy of Krispy Kreme

November 17, 2020

Krispy Kreme opens on the Upper West Side

By Devin Gannon

Finally, some sweet news. Krispy Kreme on Tuesday opened its latest New York City shop at the corner of Broadway and 96th Street on the Upper West Side. The new doughnut shop comes after the company opened a new store in Harlem and a massive flagship in Times Square this summer, part of a Krispy Kreme expansion in the city.
Delicious details here

Food & Dining

The 2020 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree has officially arrived in NYC

Photo by Michael Vadon via Wikimedia

November 16, 2020

The 2020 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree has officially arrived in NYC

By Devin Gannon

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree has taken its rightful place in Midtown. This year, a 75-foot tall, 11-ton Norway Spruce from Oneonta, N.Y. will serve as the centerpiece for the famous event. Donated by Daddy Al's General Store, the approximately 80-year-old tree last week was cut down, hoisted by a crane, and delivered by flatbed truck to Manhattan on Saturday. The public cannot attend the tree lighting ceremony this year because of the coronavirus pandemic, but the live event will be broadcast nationally on December 2.
More here

Events & Things To Do

Photos by Paul Martinka

November 16, 2020

Prospect Park’s 150-year-old Endale Arch returns with stunning original details after restoration

By Devin Gannon

An original architectural element of Prospect Park that dates back to the 1860s has returned to Brooklyn's backyard. Following a five-year restoration, the Endale Arch reopened to the public last week, with parts of its stunning design envisioned by park creators Frederick Olmsted and Calvert Vaux on display for the first time this century.
Get the details

Architecture And Design

86 middle-income apartments up for grabs at new Downtown Brooklyn rental, from $2,241/month

Photo by LWYang on Flickr

November 16, 2020

86 middle-income apartments up for grabs at new Downtown Brooklyn rental, from $2,241/month

By Devin Gannon

A new housing lottery has launched for 86 middle-income apartments at a brand new residential building in Downtown Brooklyn. Designed by J Frankl Associates and Charles Mallea, 260 Gold Street rises 13 stories on a former parking at the corner of Tillary and Gold. Qualifying New Yorkers earning 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the apartments, which include $2,241/month studios, $2,362/month one-bedrooms, $2,848/month two-bedrooms, and $3,282/month three-bedrooms.
Do you qualify?

Affordable Housing

For $2M, a Connecticut estate with a rebuilt barn and ties to the NYC art world

All photos courtesy of Sean Fowler, Planomatic

November 13, 2020

For $2M, a Connecticut estate with a rebuilt barn and ties to the NYC art world

By Devin Gannon

A five-acre estate in Connecticut that once belonged to a New York City heiress and patron of the arts is now asking $1.995 million. The property at 453-455 Newtown Turnpike was once owned by Alice DeLamar, the daughter of Joseph Raphael DeLamar, a mining mogul who made a fortune in the industry during the late 19th century. Throughout her life, Alice financially supported the careers of many artists and writers, even allowing many of them to stay at her multiple properties. The unique compound includes a four-bedroom main house, two guest cottages, an 1800's blacksmith forge, and a three-room "dollhouse."
Take the tour

Distinctive Homes

November 13, 2020

New food hall Jacx & Co opens at massive Long Island City office complex

By Devin Gannon

As New York City restaurants continue to face an uncertain future, a new food hall in Queens is defying the odds. The Jacx & Co opened on Wednesday at 28-17 Jackson Avenue in Long Island City, part of a mega-development from Tishman Speyer. The opening line up of eateries includes a mix of established NYC vendors and some newbies, including Crif Dogs, Beebe's, Taïm, Fieldtrip, Ghaya, Lotus + Cleaver, and Méxology.
Details this way

Food & Dining

NYC releases map of positive COVID cases by ZIP code

Courtesy of the NYC Department of Health

November 13, 2020

NYC releases map of positive COVID cases by ZIP code

By Devin Gannon

New York City's health department this week released real-time data on new coronavirus cases by ZIP code and borough for the first time. An interactive map and a table show the percent of people who tested positive by ZIP code for the most recent seven days of available data and the rate of people tested during the last week. The detailed data comes as the city faces a surge of new cases of the virus in every borough, with an 89 percent increase in cases citywide compared to two weeks prior.
Learn more here

Policy

David Adjaye and Aston Martin collaborate on residences and luxury car at 130 William in FiDi

All residence images courtesy of Aston Martin

November 12, 2020

David Adjaye and Aston Martin collaborate on residences and luxury car at 130 William in FiDi

By Devin Gannon

Five apartments for sale at Sir David Adjaye's first New York City tower have been custom-designed by luxury carmaker Aston Martin. Located on the 59th and 60th floors of 130 William, a 66-story condo in the Financial District, the exclusive units come with a special edition Aston Martin DBX, an SUV designed in collaboration with Adjaye. The five condos include two penthouses, one priced at $11.5 million and the second at $10.5 million, and three loggia residences, priced at $3.985 million, $5.985 million, and $10 million.
See inside

Dr. Anthony Fauci honored as ‘Brooklyn COVID Hero’

Official White House Photo by Tia Dufour on Flickr

November 12, 2020

Dr. Anthony Fauci honored as ‘Brooklyn COVID Hero’

By Devin Gannon

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious disease expert, was honored by his hometown borough this week for his work throughout the coronavirus pandemic. Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams on Tuesday named Fauci, who grew up in Bensonhurst and Dyker Heights, a "COVID-19 Hero," for helping others amid the health crisis.
Get the details

Uncategorized

See New York City’s newest public park at the Upper West Side’s Waterline Square

All photos courtesy of Elizabeth Felicella

November 12, 2020

See New York City’s newest public park at the Upper West Side’s Waterline Square

By Devin Gannon

New photos of the public park at the Waterline Square development were released this week, showing off the nearly three acres of green space designed by MNLA. Positioned in the middle of the three glassy Upper West Side towers, Waterline Square Park offers a tucked-away oasis for the community, along with a huge playground and unique water features. When it officially opened this summer, the park hosted a number of socially-distanced events including live music performances and yoga classes.
See it here

Architecture And Design

November 11, 2020

Tired of roommates? Here are 5 studios in NYC renting for under $2,500/month

By Devin Gannon

Sharing space with roommates in a small New York City apartment has never been easy. But doing so during a pandemic while many are still working from home? Almost impossible. As winter approaches and takes safe outdoor activities with it, now may be a good time to look for your own apartment. And with average rents still down compared to the same period last year, you're more likely to scoop up a decent deal. For those ready to ditch the roommates, we've found five studio apartments perfect for one, from a sunny Sutton Place rental for $1,538/month to a $2,479/month junior one-bedroom with amenities in Gramercy Park.
Details this way

Distinctive Homes

This 1865 post + beam barn has been reimagined in historic Germantown, and it’s asking $3.6M

Photo credit: Courtesy Corcoran Country Living

November 10, 2020

This 1865 post + beam barn has been reimagined in historic Germantown, and it’s asking $3.6M

By Devin Gannon

In Germantown, a converted post and beam barn has hit the market for $3.6 million. Presently a three-story home with three bedrooms, the property at 114 Best Lane offers an eclectic take on the classic farmhouse, with high, wood-beamed ceilings and four massive fireplaces. Constructed in 1865, the Hudson Valley home has been restored as an artistic indoor-outdoor living oasis, which also includes an adjacent "guest barn" and nearly 15 acres of land.
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Distinctive Homes

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