All articles by Diane Pham

Diane is the founder and Editorial Director of 6sqft. After graduating from the University of Southern California with a B.S. in Real Estate Finance & Development and a minor in Architecture, she enjoyed stints at SCI-Arc, the A+D Museum Los Angeles, Perkins Eastman Architects and Resolution 4: Architecture. She also previously served as Senior Editor of Inhabitat.com and spent several years as an analyst at CB Richard Ellis Investments in Milan, Italy.
Pentagon may lease space in Trump Tower at taxpayers’ expense
February 8, 2017

Pentagon may lease space in Trump Tower at taxpayers’ expense

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The line separating Trump's personal business interests and his role as President of the United States continues to blur, as the Washington Post reports today that the Pentagon may lease "a limited amount of space" in Trump Tower. In doing so, the U.S. Defense Department says it will be able to better protect Trump's family, as Melania and Barron have decided to remain in the couple's gilded Trump Tower penthouse, and Donald himself when he is town. The move, however, has one major and obvious sticking point: rent on the space would need to be paid to the Trump Organization—and taxpayer dollars would be used to foot the bill.
more details here
MAP: See how demographics have shifted in every NYC neighborhood over 10 years
February 7, 2017

MAP: See how demographics have shifted in every NYC neighborhood over 10 years

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By now, we're all well aware that New York City is changing, becoming ever more expensive and far less friendly to its middle and low-income inhabitants. But here's a new interactive map from the Citizens Housing and Planning Council (CHPC) that offers us a snapshot view of how upper-income New Yorkers (the majority of whom are white, to be sure) have multiplied throughout the boroughs between 2000 and 2010 to alter the face of the city's demographics.
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Coney Island to add 150,000 square feet of new rides and attractions by 2018
February 7, 2017

Coney Island to add 150,000 square feet of new rides and attractions by 2018

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Hold onto your hats, friends, because Coney Island is getting another 150,000 square feet of fun and amusement. On Monday, The New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) and the city’s Department of Parks & Recreation put out a request for proposals (RFP) for new rides, games and other attractions to be located on five vacant, city-owned parcels bound by Surf Avenue and the Coney Island Boardwalk. The sites are highly covetable and sit in the midst existing offers like Luna Park and, of course, the iconic Wonder Wheel.
more details here
A High Line-esque bridge and park are coming to Newark, New Jersey
February 6, 2017

A High Line-esque bridge and park are coming to Newark, New Jersey

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Change is coming quickly for Newark, New Jersey, where many are pegging the long-troubled city for a renaissance akin to Brooklyn's. In January, city officials and developers unveiled their plans for Mulberry Commons, a 22-acre development in Newark's downtown that would not only bring forth new residential, commercial, and office space*, but also a three-acre park and a High Line-style pedestrian bridge that would connect the Ironbound neighborhood to Newark Penn Station and the central business district. According to the Newark Department of Economic & Housing Development, the city is expected to benefit in excess of $500 million from the project.
more details here
What a teen wants: 7 NYC teenagers on their dream apartment building
February 6, 2017

What a teen wants: 7 NYC teenagers on their dream apartment building

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For many years, New York developers have been working to design family-friendly buildings. As a result, it is now common for new buildings to include playrooms and wading pools. Okay, but what about teens? While buyers often spend considerable time searching for baby- and child-friendly apartments, teenagers’ needs have historically been overlooked. But this doesn’t […]

De Blasio pushes again for ‘mansion tax’ on home sales over $2M
January 30, 2017

De Blasio pushes again for ‘mansion tax’ on home sales over $2M

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Mayor De Blasio will renew his call for a "mansion tax" before this state Legislature in Albany today, reports Politico. In support of rent subsidies for 25,000 low-income senior citizens, the mayor has detailed a proposal that will raise the property transfer tax to 2.5 percent for any sale above $2 million. “We are asking for some basic tax fairness from the wealthiest New Yorkers so low-income seniors can afford their rent and continue to call the greatest city in the world their home,” the mayor said in a statement.
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Iconic portrait artist Aaron Shikler’s stunning UWS apartment returns for $7M
January 26, 2017

Iconic portrait artist Aaron Shikler’s stunning UWS apartment returns for $7M

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The spectacular home of late artist Aaron Shikler is for sale once again, reports LLNYC. The painter, who is best known for his brooding and soulful portraits of America's statesmen and celebrities, including John F. Kennedy, Jackie O. and Ronald Reagan, transferred the ownership of the cooperative in the famed Studio Building to his two children in 2013 before his passing in 2015. The family tried last year to sell the co-op for $7.8 million but sadly were unable to find a buyer. Now it appears they're hoping an $800,000 price cut and a bevy of new photos showcasing the ornate interiors will help close a deal.
more photos inside
‘Girls’ and ‘Star Wars’ actor Adam Driver checks out a $4.79M fixer-upper in Brooklyn Heights
January 26, 2017

‘Girls’ and ‘Star Wars’ actor Adam Driver checks out a $4.79M fixer-upper in Brooklyn Heights

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Indie stud Adam Driver's star is quickly rising thanks to his chameleon-like abilities to play characters ranging from Hannah Horvath's troubled and emotionally rich boyfriend on "Girls" to the diabolical villain Kylo Ren in the new "Star Wars" films. Now it appears Driver is looking to take on yet another role: homeowner. Like his "Girls" cohorts, Driver's interest in multi-million dollar properties has been piqued, and The Post reports the actor was recently spotted touring a townhouse at 154 Hicks Street in Brooklyn Heights (the nabe where Girls' creator and lead Lena Dunham also lives). The now-vacant home was formerly used as a multiple-unit rental property and is currently listed for $4.79 million as a 5,444-square-foot single-family residence.
more photos inside
MTA approves fare hike, monthly MetroCard will increase to $121
January 25, 2017

MTA approves fare hike, monthly MetroCard will increase to $121

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This morning MTA officials voted in favor of a subway and bus fare hike, which will go into effect March 19, writes The Times. The transit agency opted not to increase per-ride costs to $3, as previously floated, but to instead up monthly and weekly MetroCard prices from $116.50 and $31 to $121 and $32, respectively. Moreover, although the base price of a ride will not see an increase, there will be a decrease in the "bonus" riders get when they add money to their cards. This will drop from 11 percent to just 5 percent.
find out more here
Designer Zac Posen snags an elegant Upper East Side penthouse for $3.5M
January 25, 2017

Designer Zac Posen snags an elegant Upper East Side penthouse for $3.5M

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Zac Posen may love taking fashion risks, but when it comes to real estate, it's all about the classics. The designer and "Project Runway" judge has just poured $3.5 million into an elegant Upper East Side penthouse, LL NYC shares. The duplex spread sits atop an Emory Roth-designed prewar at 210 East 73rd Street and comes steeped in ornate details like hand-painted ceilings, an iron staircase and a Chesney marble mantle. While the current decor is most certainly in need of a modern facelift, Posen will have plenty of space to flex his creative prowess. The penthouse is a classic six with two bedrooms, two and a half baths and a large 1,800-square-foot wrap terrace. And did we mention there are seven custom closets? Four of them are walk-in!
See more here
Trump’s modest childhood home sells at auction, see new photos inside
January 25, 2017

Trump’s modest childhood home sells at auction, see new photos inside

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Going, going, gone... Today reports that Donald Trump's childhood home has traded hands once again, officially selling at auction last week to an undisclosed buyer for an undisclosed amount. As 6sqft previously reported, the Jamaica, Queens house was purchased by Manhattan real estate developer Michael Davis for $1.4 million in January from a couple who had owned the Trump memento since 2008 (they shelled out just $782,500). Davis' intent from the outset was to flip the property for a hefty return, and while no auction price has been revealed, early estimates projected a closing figure of around $10 million—much thanks to the Donald's presidential win (Trump himself even joked about buying it on the Tonight Show). New photos from the auction also give us additional views into the modest Tudor abode.
see more here
MTA board members admit subway service is terrible
January 24, 2017

MTA board members admit subway service is terrible

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On Monday, numbers released by the MTA served to confirm something we've all known for quite some time now: NYC subway service sucks. More than 60,000 delays plagued weekday service in November 2016, an increase of nearly 10,000 delays over the previous November. The less than favorable figures are a major sore spot for the agency, which is hoping to approve a 25 cent fare hike this week that would bring the cost of a single swipe to $3.
more details here
Whole Foods will open a lower-priced ‘365’ store in Downtown Brooklyn
January 20, 2017

Whole Foods will open a lower-priced ‘365’ store in Downtown Brooklyn

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Downtown Brooklyn is quickly becoming one of NYC's most desirable commercial hubs. On top of hosting a lengthy roster of big name retailers and entertainment centers—which include a new Target, Trader Joe's, Century 21, Apple store, Alamo Drafthouse cinema, and Barclays Center—the neighborhood will also welcome a brand new, lower-priced Whole Foods concept store called "365." According to a press release, the store will open in early 2018 at Two Trees' 300 Ashland Place, and be set up as a no-frills version of the grocery giant.
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Interactive chart reveals the diversity of NYC’s street trees
January 12, 2017

Interactive chart reveals the diversity of NYC’s street trees

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Just as New York's population is a melting pot of ethnicities, the city's tree population is just as diverse. A new interactive chart from Cloudred give us a look at how tree genus breaks down across the five boroughs. As seen above, if one zooms in on the largest chunks of graph across Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island and the Bronx, it becomes quickly apparent that maple, oak, pear, and planetree trees have their roots firmly planted in the ground—as do a bunch of "unknowns," which account for about 14 percent of the city's total tree population.
find out more here
Mike Myers relists Tribeca loft he bought a week ago for $15M
January 11, 2017

Mike Myers relists Tribeca loft he bought a week ago for $15M

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Nah, baby, nah... It took just a week for Mike Myers to change his mind about purchasing a sprawling $14.65 million loft in Tribeca's 443 Greenwich Street. The Observer reports the funnyman has just relisted the 4,241-square-foot spread for a slightly higher $15 million. While it's not clear what prompted his decision, Myers' move gives us a fresh look inside the four-bedroom, four-and-a-half bathroom condo currently being marketed by Compass. The firm incidentally is also trying to help him sell his Mercer Street penthouse, currently going for $15.95 million.
more views inside here
Citi Bike to add ‘Laserlight’ projection feature to improve rider safety
January 11, 2017

Citi Bike to add ‘Laserlight’ projection feature to improve rider safety

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Citi Bike is gearing up for a high-tech upgrade this winter in the form of lasers, reports Metro. The bike share's operator, Motivate, and the designers at Blaze have teamed up to outfit 250 bikes with Laserlight, a safety light that combines a 300 lumen LED with a forward projecting laser that continuously beams an image to warn cars and pedestrians a bike is approaching.
find out more here
My 600sqft: Journalist Alexandra King turns a schlumpy Park Slope rental into a stunning boho-chic pad

Our ongoing series “My sqft” checks out the homes of 6sqft’s friends and fellow New Yorkers across all the boroughs. Our latest interior adventure brings us to the Park Slope apartment of journalist and gallery owner Alexandra King. Want to see your home featured here? Get in touch!

January 10, 2017

My 600sqft: Journalist Alexandra King turns a schlumpy Park Slope rental into a stunning boho-chic pad

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If you needed any more proof that British women just have "it" when it comes to style, place your gaze no further than Alexandra King. The expat journalist, writer and one half of downtown gallery Lyles & King seems to have a knack for turning naught into something noteworthy—just look at her apartment. Alexandra came to NYC seven years ago, first living on her own and then moving into a grimy Chinatown pad with her then-boyfriend-now-husband, Isaac. Following a somewhat traumatic event at their old building, the pair decided to leave Manhattan and high-tail it to leafy Park Slope. While their new neighborhood offered a different kind of charm than Chinatown, their one-bedroom rental still left a lot to be desired; the accent walls for example were painted in what Alexandra describes as "a bizarre shade of poop brown." But leave it to an enterprising creative to transform a turd into a gem. Alexandra saw plenty of potential in the dank space and jumped on the lease. Despite having a few what have I done?! moments, Alexandra worked her magic and completely transformed the apartment. Ahead she gives 6sqft a tour of her bright boho-chic abode, and shares her fail-safe plan for creating an inspiring home.
go inside
Cuomo announces 750-mile Empire State Trail, a continuous trail connecting NYC to Canada
January 10, 2017

Cuomo announces 750-mile Empire State Trail, a continuous trail connecting NYC to Canada

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Joggers, walkers, cyclists, cross country skiers and just about anyone who can move their feet will in the very near future be able to follow a single trail direct from the bottom of Manhattan all the way to the border of Canada. This morning Governor Cuomo announced that the state would invest in building a $200 million Empire State Trail that would span 750 miles and become the largest, state multi-use trail in the nation. The project would build upon two existing but incomplete trailways—the Hudson River Valley Greenway (now 50 percent complete) and the Erie Canalway (now 80 percent complete)—and essentially run from Battery Park City all the way up to the Canadian border in the North Country, and from Albany to Buffalo.
more details this way
Jared Kushner will leave role as CEO of Kushner Companies
January 9, 2017

Jared Kushner will leave role as CEO of Kushner Companies

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In just 11 more days, Donald Trump will take office as the 45th President of the United States. And just as Trump is gearing up for his four-year term, his son-in-law Jared Kushner and daughter Ivanka Trump are preparing to take on major roles as well. Last week it was revealed that the pair would be moving into a six-bedroom, $5.5 million mansion in D.C., and now the New York Times reports that Kushner will step down as CEO of Kushner Companies as he transitions from real estate mogul to full-time presidential advisor.
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Civil rights map is a celebration of social justice history in NYC
January 7, 2017

Civil rights map is a celebration of social justice history in NYC

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With a new president entering the White House this month, there is a lot of uncertainty in the air, particularly when it comes to the rights of minority groups in the U.S. In light of these tumultuous times, the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation (GVSHP) has created an interactive map that highlights, and celebrates, the fight for social justice that's taken place in and around the East, West and Greenwich Villages. The map tool covers more than 100 locations, each signifying a site where African Americans, women, immigrants, Latinos and the LGBT community have fought for equality and representation over the centuries.
explore the map here
Before & After: 10 NYC blocks and enclaves transformed by pedestrian-friendly design
January 6, 2017

Before & After: 10 NYC blocks and enclaves transformed by pedestrian-friendly design

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New York clocks in more steps on average than any other state in the country, and that number is most definitely skewed by New York City where more residents hit the pavement than the gas pedal. But in a town that's seemingly dominated by pedestrians, car culture maintains the right of way. According to Vision Zero, NYC's program to reduce traffic-related fatalities, being struck by a vehicle is the leading cause of injury-related death for children under 14, and the second leading cause for seniors. Providing more public space for pedestrians has become an increasing concern for the city over the last decade, and as such, a multitude of plans have been put forward to create sanctuaries from traffic or to reconfigure streets to keep people safe. But beyond preventing traffic accidents, by planting more trees, expanding sidewalks and bike paths, and installing seating, these urban renewal projects have also been key in promoting walking, biking, health and ultimately a more desirable and habitable New York City.
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Port Authority’s ‘quid pro quo capital plan’ for NY and NJ stifles infrastructure improvements
January 5, 2017

Port Authority’s ‘quid pro quo capital plan’ for NY and NJ stifles infrastructure improvements

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Yesterday, 6sqft revealed Governor Cuomo's plan to give JFK Airport a long overdue overhaul, an endeavor that would cost nearly $10 billion, funded just over two-thirds in part by the private sector with another $2 billion provided by the government. Given that most of New York and New Jersey's regional transportation infrastructure (including bridges, tunnels and airports) falls within the joint jurisdiction of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, New Jersey will as a result receive similar funding for a project of their own—and that's a problem according to The Record reporter Paul Berger. Yesterday, Berger published a confidential document obtained from the Port Authority that details how $30 billion will be spent on infrastructure over the next 10 years. While the purpose of the Port Authority is to divvy up cash across the region based on need, as Berger writes, the document simply shows how "interstate jealousies over funding" have led to a "quid pro quo capital plan" that completely bucks this objective.
more details here
Get 2-for-1 tickets at 74 museums, venues, tours during NYC Attractions Week
January 5, 2017

Get 2-for-1 tickets at 74 museums, venues, tours during NYC Attractions Week

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If you hate flying solo, this deal is for you. Starting January 17th, the city will kick off its first ever NYC Attractions Week, a 20-day (not 7!) extravaganza that will offer two-for-one admission at more than 70 New York destinations and experiences, including museums like the Guggenheim and Cooper Hewitt, rides to the top of the Empire State Building and One World Trade Center, access to Lincoln Center and The Metropolitan Opera House, and much more.
find out more and #seeyourcity
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