All articles by Devin Gannon

See inside Long Island City’s new public library designed by Steven Holl Architects

Photo © Paul Warchol

September 25, 2019

See inside Long Island City’s new public library designed by Steven Holl Architects

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Despite standing just 82 feet tall, the new Hunters Point Library manages to stand out among its skyscraper neighbors on the Long Island City waterfront. The concrete structure, designed by Steven Holl Architects, officially opened to the public Tuesday, about two decades after officials proposed building a new Queens Public Library branch. The delays, and the whopping $40 million price tag, appear to have been worth it, as the building, with its carved windows and incredible skyline views, continues to garner approval from top architecture critics.
Take the tour
IKEA will open in Queens next summer

Rendering courtesy of IKEA U.S.

September 24, 2019

IKEA will open in Queens next summer

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IKEA is coming to Queens. The Swedish furniture store announced on Tuesday plans to open a new location at a shopping center in Rego Park next summer. The store, located in the Rego Center, will be the first in the United States with a new layout, according to the company.
More here
Landmarked ‘castle’ in NJ relists for $39M

Photo courtesy of Christie’s International Real Estate

September 24, 2019

Landmarked ‘castle’ in NJ relists for $39M

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An English-style castle in New Jersey has returned to the market, offering potential buyers the chance to feel like royalty near the Ramapo Mountains. Asking $39 million, the three-story Darlington Mansion sits on over 12 acres in Mahwah and contains 58 rooms. Constructed in 1907 by George Crocker, the son of railroad baron Charles Crocker, the estate has been modernly restored over the last decade, all while retaining original materials and architectural elements. The mansion, also known as the Crocker Mansion, last listed in 2017 for $48 million.
See inside
Governors Island gains its first year-round home for the arts

Photo by Zachary Tyler Newton for LMCC

September 23, 2019

Governors Island gains its first year-round home for the arts

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A permanent arts center opened on Governors Island last week, becoming the 172-acre site's first year-round tenant dedicated to arts and culture. The Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (LMCC) has transformed a 19th-century warehouse into a 40,000-square-foot space for arts and educational programming. LMCC partnered with the Trust for Governors Island on the $12 million renovation, with designs from PEI Cobb Freed & Partners and Adamson Associates Architects. Historic details of the building were retained while enabling space for galleries, studios, rehearsal space, and an indoor cafe.
See the space
$139M street repair and infrastructure upgrade project kicks off in Far Rockaway

Rendering of Mott and Central Avenues next to the planned new public library, courtesy of NYCEDC

September 23, 2019

$139M street repair and infrastructure upgrade project kicks off in Far Rockaway

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About 25 blocks of Downtown Far Rockaway will soon see major changes as the Queens neighborhood gears up for one its largest infrastructure project in decades. Construction will kick off this week on a $139 million plan to revamp the area's streets, pedestrian space, and stormwater drainage, city officials announced Wednesday. The project, expected to take three years to complete, falls under the city's Far Rockaway rezoning plan, which was approved in 2017.
More this way
Free cannolis and major pastry discounts for Veniero’s 125th anniversary celebration

Photo by James and Karla Murray exclusively for 6sqft

September 20, 2019

Free cannolis and major pastry discounts for Veniero’s 125th anniversary celebration

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A longtime Italian pastry shop is celebrating its 125th anniversary this month and celebrating in the best way possible: free cannolis. Family-owned and operated since 1894, Veniero's has grown from a small immigrant-owned candy shop in the East Village to a New York City institution, selling more than 150 desserts today. On Monday, Sept. 23, the bakery will offer free mini cannolis (while supplies last), live music, and a discount of 18.94 percent on all orders, according to Time Out.
Get the delicious details
Partial stop work order issued for 200 Amsterdam after wet concrete hits playground

Rendering of 200 Amsterdam courtesy of Binyan Studios

September 20, 2019

Partial stop work order issued for 200 Amsterdam after wet concrete hits playground

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Update 9/20/19: NYC Parks reopened P.S. 199's playground on Friday after determining the area was no longer at risk. SJP Properties, the developer of 200 Amsterdam Avenue, said in a statement: "We are pleased that the school park has been reopened following review by the school and Parks Department, which deemed the area safe." Wet concrete fell 55 stories from an under-construction Upper West Side tower on Wednesday, hitting a school playground below. The Department of Buildings issued the condo project at 200 Amsterdam Avenue a partial stop work order to prevent work above 40 stories on that side. A parent told West Side Rag that his son and his friends were hit by the falling concrete while playing at P.S. 199's playground during recess, but no injuries have been officially reported to the DOB.
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Apple’s Fifth Avenue flagship reopens with famed glass cube and new public plaza

Photo by Aaron Hargreaves for Foster + Partners

September 20, 2019

Apple’s Fifth Avenue flagship reopens with famed glass cube and new public plaza

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Apple's famous Fifth Avenue flagship reopens Friday after more than two years of renovations. The glass cube has returned as an entrance to the store, set above the newly updated and locust tree-lined public plaza. As 6sqft previously reported, it cost $2 million to remove the cube in 2017 during the Midtown Manhattan store's expansion.
Take a step inside
Jersey City to launch on-demand bus service operated by ride-sharing app Via

Photo courtesy of Via

September 19, 2019

Jersey City to launch on-demand bus service operated by ride-sharing app Via

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Commuters in Jersey City will soon be able to hail a city bus from their smartphones. In a partnership with ride-sharing app Via, the city will launch on-demand bus service as an alternative to often delayed-plagued New Jersey Transit, Mayor Steven Fulop announced Thursday. Passengers can request a shared trip using Via's app and then will be given a "virtual" bus stop within walking distance from both pickup and drop-off locations.
More this way
The city wants to put a self-filtering floating swimming pool on the East River

Rendering by Family New York, Courtesy of Friends of +POOL

September 19, 2019

The city wants to put a self-filtering floating swimming pool on the East River

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Swimming in the East River may once again become a reality. The city's Economic Development Corporation is seeking ideas for a floating pool that would filter the water of the East River to allow for safe swimming, according to a request for expressions of interest (RFEI) released Wednesday. A similar idea was first announced in 2010 by the nonprofit +POOL, which has been working with the city for years, as THE CITY first reported. The pool would likely be built between the north side of Brooklyn Bridge and the south side of Pier 35 on the Lower East Side, according to the request.
Get the details
One Vanderbilt tops out at 1,401 feet, becomes tallest office building in Midtown

Photo of One Vanderbilt © 6sqft

September 17, 2019

One Vanderbilt tops out at 1,401 feet, becomes tallest office building in Midtown

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The Grand Central Terminal-adjacent supertall One Vanderbilt officially topped out this week, reaching its full 1,401-foot height. Designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox, the tower is now Midtown's tallest office building and the fourth-tallest skyscraper in New York City. One Vanderbilt, developed by SL Green, measures 1.7 million square feet and boasts a unique terra cotta facade as well as the fourth-highest observation deck in the city.
Another supertall makes its mark
The world’s tallest residential building, Central Park Tower, tops out at 1,550 feet

Central Park Tower in early Sept., Photo © 6sqft

September 17, 2019

The world’s tallest residential building, Central Park Tower, tops out at 1,550 feet

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Central Park Tower officially topped out on Tuesday, breaking the record set by nearby 432 Park Avenue for the tallest residential building in the world. Reaching 1,550 feet high, the skyscraper at 217 West 57th Street would be the tallest building in New York City if not for the 400-foot spire of One World Trade, as New York Magazine reported. Developed by supertall-specialists Extell, Central Park Tower includes a seven-story Nordstrom flagship store and 179 luxury condos.
Get the details
New Brooklyn Museum exhibit will explore the legacy of Studio 54 for the first time

Dustin Pittman. Stroke of Midnight at Studio, 1978–79. Photograph, 15x 20 in. (38.1 x 50.8 cm). Courtesy of the artist. © Dustin Pittman

September 16, 2019

New Brooklyn Museum exhibit will explore the legacy of Studio 54 for the first time

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An exhibition opening at the Brooklyn Museum next year will explore for the first time the enduring impact of Studio 54. Opening in March, Studio 54: Night Magic examines the influence that the disco-era nightclub continues to have on design, cinema, and fashion today. Iconic photography and roughly 650 objects, including drawings, paintings, music, and decor, will be on display.
Get the details
Application fee for New York rentals officially capped at $20

Photo courtesy of CityRealty

September 16, 2019

Application fee for New York rentals officially capped at $20

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New York officially capped the cost of applying for an apartment at $20, clearing up confusion over a key part of rent reform legislation passed earlier this summer. The Department of State announced on Friday that licensed real estate brokers and salespeople cannot charge more than $20 for a rental application, as Gothamist first reported. The DOS released a set of guidelines to help real estate professionals understand the new rent laws.
More here
Long Island City’s Skyline Tower is now the tallest outer-borough building

Rendering by Binyan Studios

September 13, 2019

Long Island City’s Skyline Tower is now the tallest outer-borough building

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A tower on the rise in Queens just became the tallest building in New York City outside of Manhattan. Hitting the 63rd floor, Skyline Tower has officially surpassed in height its neighbor and previous record-holder, the 673-foot-tall Citigroup Building. Located at 23-15 44th Drive, the new Long Island City tower offers studio to four-bedroom homes, priced between $500,000 and $4 million. Upon its completion, Skyline Tower will reach 762 feet and contain roughly 800 condos.
Learn more
NYC’s subway is finally starting to improve, MTA says

Photo by Dan Phiffer on Flickr

September 13, 2019

NYC’s subway is finally starting to improve, MTA says

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After an abysmal couple of summers, New York City's subway system finally saw significant improvement in service this year, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority announced Thursday. According to data from the agency set to release in full next week, the on-time performance rate reached 84 percent on weekdays last month, up from just over 68 percent last August. That is the highest on-time performance, which measures the percentage of trains that reach their terminal location within five minutes of their planned arrival, recorded in roughly six years.
More this way
New exhibit from photographers James and Karla Murray celebrates mom-and-pop storefronts of NYC

Photo © James and Karla Murray

September 9, 2019

New exhibit from photographers James and Karla Murray celebrates mom-and-pop storefronts of NYC

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A free photography exhibition highlighting mom-and-pop shops of New York City opens in the East Village next week. Photographers and award-winning authors James and Karla Murray hosted two workshops earlier this year on using photography and oral history to "raise public awareness, build community, and encourage advocacy." The free exhibition, "Capturing the Faces & Voices of Mom-And-Pop Storefronts," shows off the photos and interviews from the workshop's participants, as well as large-scale photos of now-shuttered East Village shops, taken by James and Karla.
More here
Contest calls on New Yorkers to eat a slice of pizza in every borough in one day, using only public transit

Photo by City Foodsters on Flickr

September 6, 2019

Contest calls on New Yorkers to eat a slice of pizza in every borough in one day, using only public transit

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In what may be the most New York competition ever, the annual 5 Boro Pizza Challenge returns this month, asking participants to combine their love of slices and public transportation. The contest involves five pizzerias in five boroughs. On Saturday, Sept. 28, the list of shops will be revealed, sending racers off to plot their journeys. Another NYC twist? The use of cars to travel between destinations is not allowed.
More delicious details this way
City seeks nonprofit to run NYC’s first cultural institution dedicated to immigrants

Inwood Hill Park, courtesy of Dana on Flickr

September 6, 2019

City seeks nonprofit to run NYC’s first cultural institution dedicated to immigrants

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The city is seeking proposals from nonprofits interested in running a new immigrant research center and performing arts center in Inwood. The city's Economic Development Corporation and the Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) released a request for expressions of interest on Wednesday for a nonprofit organization to "design, construct, and operate" the Northern Manhattan Immigrant Research and Performing Arts Center (IRPAC). The neighborhood boasts a diverse community, with 49 percent foreign-born as well as the city's highest concentration of residents of Dominican descent.
More here
De Blasio considers helmet requirement for Citi Bike riders

Photo by Shinya Suzuki on Flickr

September 5, 2019

De Blasio considers helmet requirement for Citi Bike riders

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Twenty cyclists have been killed in New York City so far this year, double the number of deaths from 2018. In response, Mayor Bill de Blasio unveiled in July a plan to spend roughly $58 million over the next five years to make streets safer for cyclists by adding protected bike lanes and redesigning intersections. This week the mayor said his office is looking into some new ideas: requiring Citi Bike riders to wear helmets and making bikers obtain licenses (h/t Gothamist).
Get the details
Expect more cuts to L train service this fall

Photo by Stephen Rees on Flickr

September 5, 2019

Expect more cuts to L train service this fall

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While the L train slowdown has gone largely unnoticed so far by commuters, the MTA is throwing an unexpected wrench in next weekend's travel plans. The L train will not run between Manhattan and Brooklyn from Friday, Sept. 13 to early Monday, Sept. 16 to make space for new accessibility projects, the agency announced on Wednesday. The shutdown allows the MTA to install an escalator at the Union Square station and make the L and F, M platform at 14th Street-6th Avenue more accessible.
Find out more
Penn Station’s popular Tracks bar has shuttered

Photo © 6sqft

September 4, 2019

Penn Station’s popular Tracks bar has shuttered

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Penn Station's longtime oyster bar has officially closed its doors. After nearly two decades, Tracks Raw Bar & Grill will relocate from its spot underneath the Midtown West transit hub to a new location nearby at 220 West 31st Street, as first reported by Untapped Cities. As 6sqft learned in June, the bar, along with nine other businesses, was forced to vacate to make way for a new Penn Station entrance, part of Gov. Andrew Cuomo's $600 million overhaul of the station.
More details here
Take a jazz-filled tour of historic Fort Greene homes

Photo courtesy of CityRealty

September 4, 2019

Take a jazz-filled tour of historic Fort Greene homes

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While it's always easy to admire the stunning brownstones of Brooklyn's Fort Greene neighborhood from the outside, here's your chance to appreciate them up close. The 34th Fort Greene House Tour takes place on Sunday, Sept. 22, opening up unique homes from the 19th-century to architecture enthusiasts. Hosted by the Fort Greene Association, the theme of this year's tour is "Houses, History & All That Jazz," with some homes on tour featuring live music, in honor of the neighborhood's musical legacy.
How to get tickets
Fashion brands reportedly boycott The Shed over Stephen Ross ties

Photo by Iwan Baan, courtesy of The Shed

September 4, 2019

Fashion brands reportedly boycott The Shed over Stephen Ross ties

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After news broke last month about the Hamptons fundraiser Related Companies CEO Stephen Ross hosted for President Donald Trump, there were calls to boycott organizations owned by his company. While Equinox, SoulCycle, and David Chang's Momofuku Restaurant Group separated themselves from Ross to clear the air, some fashion brands have more recently blacklisted Ross-linked entities, including the arts center The Shed at Hudson Yards, which was developed by Related. The New York Post reported this week that Michael Kors, Vera Wang, and the Academy of Art have canceled shows at the venue following the fundraiser fallout in August.
Is The Shed so last year?
City Planning Commission approves plan to build four borough-based jails as Rikers replacement

Rikers Island, photo by Tim Rodenberg on Wikimedia

September 3, 2019

City Planning Commission approves plan to build four borough-based jails as Rikers replacement

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The City Planning Commission on Tuesday approved a plan to replace the Rikers Island complex with four new jails across the city. The plan, unveiled by Mayor Bill de Blasio in 2017, would close Rikers by 2026 by moving inmates to new, smaller facilities in Lower Manhattan, the South Bronx, Downtown Brooklyn, and Kew Gardens. Despite disapproval from four community boards, three borough presidents, and criminal justice advocates, nine CPC members voted in favor of the plan, with three opposed and one abstained. The proposal will move to the City Council on Thursday for a public hearing.
More here
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