All articles by Stephanie Hoina

A lifelong resident of New York City and married to an architect, Stephanie has a true passion for the city's eclectic mix of neighborhoods and structures and is thrilled to be a part of 6sqft. Though her professional background focused primarily on client services and corporate marketing/communications, she was fortunate to embark on a freelance writing career when her son Zachary was born in 1999, working for a wide range of businesses and non profit organizations. Stephanie currently resides in the Morris Park section of the Bronx, where she will proudly tell you her son is the 4th generation of her husband's family to live on their block. Her first novel, Kissing Atticus Primble, was published in 2014.

July 21, 2014

Looking for a New Home on Central Park South? Just Follow the Big, Red, Iconic Sign to Essex House

By Stephanie Hoina

Essex House didn’t get off to the most auspicious start, with construction beginning mere days after the Crash of 1929. But it was still chugging along when three years later its now famous six-story red neon sign debuted atop the New York skyline. The rest, as they say, is history. Since then the 43-story Art-Deco skyscraper at 160 Central Park South has become one of Manhattan’s most distinguished landmarks -- and home to an impressive list of residents, including Angelina Jolie, Jude Law, and Samuel L. Jackson. Fortunately, you don’t have to be an A-lister to live there; all you need is about $14,000 a month in rent. This 2BR/2BA rental unit features a private 260-square-foot outdoor terrace directly overlooking Central Park and offering starry views of a non-celebrity kind.
Right this way to see what lies beneath that big red sign

Distinctive Homes

7 Cool Things You Probably Didn’t Know About the Bronx

Photo by Leonard J. DeFrancisci / Wikimedia Commons

July 17, 2014

7 Cool Things You Probably Didn’t Know About the Bronx

By Stephanie Hoina

The NY Yankees, Julia the Gorilla, and the Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden all call the Bronx home, but as the borough named for Jonas Bronck (and affectionately called the Boogie Down) commemorates a centennial anniversary in 2014, there is much more to celebrate than Yankee Stadium, the Bronx Zoo, and the New York Botanical Garden. We've hunted down seven cool things about the Bronx that we bet you didn't know. Read them all ahead, then venture northward to see them up close and personal.
Seven cool things about the Bronx

Events & Things To Do

July 17, 2014

Was Hemingway’s Beloved Memoir ‘A Moveable Feast’ Finished Within These Walls?

By Stephanie Hoina

In the fall of 1959 American author Ernest Hemingway rented a small apartment at 1 East 62nd Street, just off Fifth Avenue, in an attempt to achieve some privacy on his visits to New York City. Although eventually published posthumously, A Moveable Feast, was scheduled to be released the following year, and Hemingway spent the better part of 1959 completing this tale of his early days spent among writing giants the likes of F. Scott Fitzgerald, Gertrude Stein and James Joyce. We may never know if the walls of the now Spencer Condominium got to see those finishing touches, but we're pretty sure they’ve witnessed a great deal of history since the limestone mansion was built at the turn of the century for John Drexel, grandson of the founder of Philadelphia banking house Drexel & Co.
Read on to discover a different moveable feast

Distinctive Homes

July 16, 2014

You Won’t Find Oscar Madison in this Immaculate $8.5M Riverside Drive Beauty

By Stephanie Hoina

Maybe we are dating ourselves but we’re betting on the fact that The Odd Couple is one of those rare shows pretty much everyone has heard of, even if you were born well after the 1970’s TV series. Best known for the hilarious dynamic between unlikely roommates “neat freak” Felix Unger and slovenly but amiable Oscar Madison, the show’s setting was Mr. Madison’s Riverside Drive apartment, about ten blocks south of this immaculate 4BR/4BA home in the Peter Stuyvesant located at 258 Riverside Drive. Take one look at this residence’s ten beautifully appointed rooms and you’ll know Oscar Madison would probably have never have been comfortable living here, but he’d be in the minority on that score. What’s not to love?
Whether you're a Felix or an Oscar, see more of this gorgeous home

Distinctive Homes

July 14, 2014

A Grown-Up ”Tree House” on Fifth Avenue in the Upper East Side for $13.25M

By Stephanie Hoina

Okay, so this immaculate penthouse perched high atop 875 Fifth Avenue really isn’t a tree house, but given its miles of treetop views we could be forgiven for taking a few liberties with the term. Packed within Manhattan's roughly 520 million square feet are some of the most amazing residences in the world, many of them boasting gorgeous interiors but not much in the way of outdoor space. It's a concession one must make for living in the most vibrant city in the world. But every once in a while, something special comes along.
See more of this 5th Avenue treehouse

Distinctive Homes

July 11, 2014

Live in a $4 Million Diamond Two Blocks from Union Square

By Stephanie Hoina

At its heart Union Square is a microcosm of the city it calls home. Simply stroll through its center on any given day and you’ll find a colorful, ever-changing street scene of entertainers, eccentrics, merchants and city folk passing through or stopping to meet. Similarly, this gorgeous unit at 10 East 14th Street in the Union Square Lofts and Flats is representative of the quintessential “old world-new world” luxury apartment. Steeped in historic pre-war details such as wide plank hardwood floors, cast iron columns and exposed brick walls throughout, the full floor 2BR/2.5BA home is also filled with the finest in modern touches and high-tech amenities, all combining to create a truly gracious residence.
See how shiny this diamond of a home is

Distinctive Homes

July 11, 2014

Manhattanhenge: Tonight Is Your Last Chance to View This Spectacular Phenomenon in 2014

By Stephanie Hoina

While there is no shortage of stunning views in New York City, some are more expensive to own than others. But here’s one that won’t cost you a cent and belongs to everyone – well, at least for the two times a year the Neil deGrasse Tyson coined “Manhattanhenge” makes its spectacular appearance.
more on the history here

Events & Things To Do

July 10, 2014

Classic $2.1M Park Slope Co-Op Is Right at Home in One of NYC’s Most Desirable Neighborhoods

By Stephanie Hoina

Newer isn’t necessarily better. Over 100 years ago architect Henry Pohlman built the elegant “apartment house” at 261 Garfield Place where you will find this refined yet cozy co-op on the market for $2.1 million. And while we doubt Mr. Pohlman could ever have imagined even the entire building selling for that price, much less a single apartment, it is clear he took great pride in his work. Throughout the 3BR/2BA residence period details abound, with high ceilings, parquet flooring, ceiling medallions, and decorative moulding at every turn. And a wide gallery/hallway leads you from one end of the home to the other.
See more of this classic home in a classic neighborhood

Distinctive Homes

July 9, 2014

Sprawling Outdoor Space Beautifully Complements This Wooster Street Penthouse’s Equally Roomy Interior

By Stephanie Hoina

Let’s see…. charming cobblestone streets, Soho’s artistic vibe, Nolita’s incomparable bakeries and restaurants, or the nearly 2,400 square feet of outdoor space? Yep, it’s hard to pick what would be our favorite part of living at 7 Wooster Street — and we haven’t even made it inside this magnificent penthouse. Once the key-locked elevator opens into this full floor 4-bed, 3-bath, 2,600-square-foot trophy residence we have even more to add to our list of “favorites”.
See more of this spacious residence

Distinctive Homes

July 8, 2014

You Will Go ‘Gaga’ When You Learn Who Once Lived in the Building of This $4.5M Upper West Side Residence

By Stephanie Hoina

The historic building standing at 135 West 70th Street was built in 1927 to serve as a singular meeting place for all the Knights of Pythias lodges of NYC. Designed by architect Thomas W. Lamb, best known for his ornate movie palaces, it’s no wonder that the Pythian is richly decorated in brightly colored and glazed terra cotta embellishments. Though converted to a condominium in 1983, architect David Gura was careful to retain most of the building's ornamental features. Taking great pains to ensure that elements removed from their original positions were salvaged for use elsewhere within the building, his renovation earned a residential design award from the New York Chapter of the American Institute of Architects.
See why this apartment has earned our applause

Distinctive Homes

Ready for Its Close-up: $19.5M Park Avenue Apartment With Interior Staging by Jed Johnson Associates Does Not Disappoint

By Stephanie Hoina

Park Avenue is synonymous with luxury living and this 3BR/4.5BA apartment at the corner of 71st Street does not disappoint. The sprawling residence at 737 Park Avenue features over 4,300-square-feet of perfection starting the moment you step off the elevator onto your own private landing. We won't blame you for doing a little fist-pump after taking possession of the keys. Expertly staged by Arthur Dunnam of renowned interior design firm Jed Johnson Associates (whose work has been featured in Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, and Interior Design), the home is beautifully divided into public and private spaces.
Take a closer look at Mr. Dunnam's interior vision

Distinctive Homes

July 7, 2014

Resolution 4: Architecture Brings Modernism to the Bronx Waterfront

By Stephanie Hoina

Waterfront views and innovative architecture: San Francisco? Manhattan? Miami? How about the Bronx? Residents of many Throgs Neck neighborhoods have happily traded off expansive living spaces and large backyards for the spectacular views of the Eastchester Bay and the bridge whose name the community bears. Though spaces can be a bit compact along the water, a challenging lot size didn’t stop Resolution: 4 Architecture from creating a home whose beauty rivals that of its view. Among the modest homes tucked neatly into small parcels along the waterfront, the Bronx Box stands out as a proud example of how infill housing is an innovative way to make the most of narrow lots in urban areas.
Learn more about this beautiful home

July 3, 2014

Stunning Penthouse Illustrates Why “Time and Again” The Dakota is One of Manhattan’s Most Treasured Residences

By Stephanie Hoina

Author Stephen King considers Jack Finney’s classic novel, Time and Again, to be “THE great time-travel story” ever, and figuring prominently in the main character’s attempts to travel back to the late 1800’s is the building that still sits prominently at 1 West 72nd Street, The Dakota. Its significance in the plot is not simply because it was completed around the time of the story’s setting, but rather for a more interesting notion: The Dakota faces a section of Central Park which, when observed from the apartment in the story, remains relatively unchanged from the day it was completed in 1884. A timeless view.
see how 19th Century charm meets 21st Century chic

Distinctive Homes

July 2, 2014

$6.5M Flawless Merging of Two Gretsch Condominium Units is Music to Our Ears — and Our Eyes

By Stephanie Hoina

In our humble opinion putting down roots in New York City should be on everyone’s bucket list. And that’s exactly what Friedrich Gretsch, an immigrant from Mannheim, Germany did in 1883, when he founded a small musical instrument shop in Brooklyn that later became a dynasty still in existence today. In 1916, as The Gretsch Company expanded, his son moved the operation to a mammoth ten-story factory at 60 Broadway in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, now the site of this luxury residential condominium conversion by architect Karl Fischer and interior designer Andres Escobar & Associates completed in 2003.
Read on to see why this apartment is music to our ears - and eyes

Distinctive Homes

July 1, 2014

With a Shamir Shah Designed Interior, $5.25M West Chelsea Duplex Is a Work of Art

By Stephanie Hoina

Smack dab in the middle of the West Chelsea Arts District sits this exquisitely appointed 3BR/3.5BA duplex at 456 West 19th Street. We couldn’t think of a more perfect location for this glorious work of art which showcases the wonderfully creative and tasteful touches of world-renowned interior designer Shamir Shah and offers huge canvases of wall space tailor-made for your own artistic influences.
Tour the home here

Distinctive Homes

July 1, 2014

The Air Up There: New Map Shows Untapped Development Potential of Every Manhattan Property

By Stephanie Hoina

When Extell Development, Hines and JDS Development Group tapped into air space along West 57th Street to push their projects to well above 1,000 feet, preservationist groups were up in the arms. Their outrage prompted The Municipal Art Society, a non-profit whose mission is to “fight for intelligent urban design, planning and preservation through education, dialogue and advocacy”, to create a new map showing just how much untapped development potential exists in the square footage above every property in Manhattan.
More on how the map was developed

June 30, 2014

Seamless Fusion of Units Makes $3.8M Sutton Place Gem Largest Apartment Ever Offered at Plaza 400

By Stephanie Hoina

Let’s just cut to the chase. Someone, somewhere along the way, had the brilliant idea (and a bank account to match) to combine three adjacent apartments at Plaza 400 into this sprawling 2,800-square-foot home. So if city living with suburban-sized rooms is on your bucket list and you've got $3.8 million to spare, look no further than this 5BR/4BA apartment located at 400 East 56th Street.
See the end result

Distinctive Homes

June 27, 2014

Soho Square Poised to Get Multimillion Dollar Makeover

By Stephanie Hoina

Coming on the heels of a rezoning last spring that will yield much more residential and retail development in the area just north of Canal Street, the Hudson Square Connection Business Improvement District embarked on an ambitious $27 million campaign to create more open space and beautify the neighborhood’s streets. First up was a $200,000 investment at Freeman Plaza West a few months after the City Council approved the rezoning. The vacant property near the entrance to the Holland Tunnel was magically transformed into an unexpected but charming garden respite with the addition of umbrellas, tables, chairs and trees.
What are the plans for Soho Square?

Architecture And Design

June 26, 2014

Classic $6.5M 79th Street Condo is the Epitome of Upper East Side Living

By Stephanie Hoina

When we think of the Upper East Side, this home at 50 E.79th Street is exactly what we imagine: a grand residence with classic lines and Central Park views. You will feel special from the moment you walk into the marble floored-entrance gallery of this 4BR/4BA corner unit in a Brown & Gunther designed building. The formal floor plan gives each exquisite room its just due while still allowing for comfortable entertaining. Though tucked away in their own private little world, each section of the expansive living space is easily accessible from the main gallery.
See more of this home's classic lines

Distinctive Homes

June 25, 2014

$3.3M Lenox Hill Condo: Almost Versailles… But Then There’s That Kitchen

By Stephanie Hoina

Remember the Sesame Street segment called “One of These Things is Not Like the Others”? (If you don’t, click here for a reminder). Well, it’s exactly what came to mind as soon as we saw photos of this gorgeous Upper East Side apartment located in Bridge Tower Place at 401 East 60th Street. The lush details in every room conjure up the French baroque style of Versailles with its lavish decoration and romantic elegance. Every room that is, except the beautiful but sorely out of place kitchen.
See why the kitchen doesn't seem to belong

Distinctive Homes

June 24, 2014

Multiple Walker Tower Owners Also Buying Units in Sister Property Stella Towers

By Stephanie Hoina

Take two Art Deco commercial buildings designed by Robert Walker in the roaring twenties and mix in a little 21st century residential conversion magic by JDS Development Group, Property Markets Group, and Starwood Capital Group, and what do you get? Apparently two highly successful projects that now have even more in common - owners who have purchased units in both buildings.
Why did owners double up on their investments?

Uncategorized

June 23, 2014

West Village Rental in Renowned Bing & Bing Condominium Offers a Lot of Bang for the Buck

By Stephanie Hoina

Celebrity sightings are not uncommon in the West Village and along the quiet, leafy street named Christopher filled with charming homes owned by the likes of the late Phillip Seymour Hoffman and comedienne Amy Sedaris. But residents here take it all in stride, and that low-key vibe permeates the walls of this beautifully appointed 3-bedroom, 2-bath condo at 45 Christopher Street. This corner unit’s original beamed ceilings, hardwood floors, and light-filled rooms offer a perfect setting to the city views greeting you to the north and west.
See more pics of this Christopher Street charmer

Distinctive Homes

June 18, 2014

Caveat to DeBlasio’s Grand Central Terminal Area Rezoning Would Require Special Permit for New Hotels

By Stephanie Hoina

The impetus behind the rezoning plan allowing taller towers in the blocks surrounding Grand Central Terminal - specifically the five blocks of Vanderbilt Avenue from East 42nd Street to East 47th Street - is to keep New York competitive with office development in other major cities like London and Shanghai. However, according to the Wall Street Journal, the hotel-workers union, which had a key role in the demise of a similar proposal under former Mayor Michael Bloomberg, has flexed its muscles once again, seeking a concession that would require any new hotels to receive a special permit from the City Planning Commission and the City Council.
More details on the rezoning here

Real Estate Trends

June 17, 2014

$8M Full Floor Greene Street Loft Leaves Us Speechless

By Stephanie Hoina

They say a picture is worth a thousand words and we’re inclined to agree. While we love using words to tell you all about some of the most amazing residences on the market, we’re not sure words can quite do this Soho beauty justice. Located in a landmarked building at 60 Greene Street, with its cobbled stones and quaint charm, this nearly 4,000-square-foot full floor condominium loft not only took our words away, it took our breath away too!
See why this loft took our words - and our breath - away

Distinctive Homes

June 17, 2014

A Garden So Private No One Has The Key? Now We’ve Heard It All

By Stephanie Hoina

Forget the legendary and uber-privileged access to the oasis known as Gramercy Park. The newest wave of private gardens are apparently so exclusive even residents can’t enjoy a stroll through the lush greenery. Take the 2,400-square-foot courtyard currently being designed at The Sterling Mason, a new Tribeca loft building where an apartment can set you back up to $24 million. In a city where even the tiniest bit of green space is viewed as the ultimate amenity, turning what would have been a barren airshaft into a verdant outdoor sanctuary seems like a terrific idea. Tapping Deborah Nevins, one of the world’s most sought-after landscape designers to do it, an even better one. Keeping residents from enjoying more than a visual inspection of the rich white blossoms, lush green leaves, ivy walls and sculptural stream? Eh, we’re not so sure about that.
What's up with this off limits trend?

Architecture And Design

All articles by Stephanie Hoina

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