Brooklyn

Every winter, New Yorkers mourn the outdoor space they can't enjoy due to cold weather. This Greenpoint apartment has solved that problem, by installing a fire pit within a charming private patio. This jealousy-inducing outdoor space is tacked onto a two-bedroom duplex unit from 114 India Street, a condo built in 2008. It's being offered as a short-term rental--completely furnished, with utilities and weekly housekeeping included--for $6,000 a month.
Now see the interior

Distinctive Homes

November 13, 2017

For $2.3M, an Amzi Hill-designed Bed-stuy townhouse with historic details and an artist’s legacy

On one of the prettiest blocks in the landmarked Stuyvesant Heights section of Bed-Stuy, this 3,240-square-foot 1890s brownstone is brimming with historic architectural details. Designed by prolific Brooklyn architect Amzi Hill, 740 Macon Street has been lovingly restored by the home's longtime owners, one of whom happens to be a celebrated local artist whose sense of history and beauty is reflected at every turn. Highlights include arched windows, six tiled fireplaces, parquet floors, wooden shutters, pressed tin ceilings, pocket doors, a pier mirror, egg-and-dart molding and intricate fretwork, plus a landscaped garden and terrace. The two-family townhouse–there's a one-bedroom garden unit for rental income–is asking $2.3 million.
Tour this beautiful four-story house

Distinctive Homes

November 7, 2017

BFDO Architects renovated this Fort Greene brownstone to house a close-knit family

BFDO Architects is no stranger to the innovative Brooklyn townhouse renovation. The firm brought their magic to this landmarked Fort Greene brownstone, purchased by a Hong Kong-based businessman who wanted a home that he, his wife and three adult children could comfortably stay in during his extended visits. BFDO modernized the interior, added new staircases, and utilized every inch of the house to personalize it for each member of the family.
So go check out the work

November 6, 2017

A prewar studio located on the “fruit streets” of Brooklyn Heights asks just $469K

There are many things to love about Brooklyn Heights, one of those being the neighborhood's "fruit streets." Pineapple, Cranberry and Orange streets are all known in the area not just for the whimsical names, but for their historic architecture and prime location near the waterfront promenade. The cooperative at 55 Pineapple Street, also known as the Hamilton House, is one of those stately historic buildings that make the fruit streets so unique. This studio, now on the market for $469,000, retains the building's prewar charm while also boasting some upgrades to maximize the space.
Tour the cozy pad

Distinctive Homes

Nearly 100 middle-income units sit vacant at Brooklyn’s Pacific Park development

Photo of 535 Carlton Avenue, courtesy of Max Touhey for Greenland Forest City Partners

November 6, 2017

Nearly 100 middle-income units sit vacant at Brooklyn’s Pacific Park development

In July 2016, the lottery opened for 298 mixed-income rentals at 535 Carlton Avenue, part of the sprawling Pacific Park complex, in Brooklyn. But now, more than a year later, about 95 units remain vacant at the Prospect Heights site, as City Limits reported. Despite over 93,000 New Yorkers applying for the nearly 300 units within just eight weeks, the applicants were rejected because they did not make enough money to qualify for those specific units. The 95 vacancies, the most expensive apartments at Pacific Park, are reserved for households that earn between 135 and 165 percent of the area median income, which translates to $74,606 and $173,415 annually. Unable to secure tenants for this income bracket, developer Greenland Forest City Partners (GFCP) placed advertisements for the units on market-rate real estate websites.
Find out more

Affordable Housing

FREE RENT: This week’s roundup of NYC rental news

Images (L to R): HOUSE39, THE CRESCENDO, THE LANE and 180 WATER STREET

November 4, 2017

FREE RENT: This week’s roundup of NYC rental news

By Ondel Hylton

Images (L to R): HOUSE39, THE CRESCENDO, THE LANE and 180 WATER STREET Live & Play at THE CRESCENDO: Unprecedented Rental in South Bronx Leasing from $2,100/Month [link] One-of-a-Kind Rentals Debut on West Houston Street in Storied Greenwich Village Building [link] Live at The Monterey: Leasing Special at Upper East Side Rental with Health Club […]

Real Estate Trends

November 3, 2017

Rent a renovated Bed-Stuy triplex with a deck, yard and nanny suite for $6K/month

On one of the neighborhood's most beautiful historic brownstone streets where Clinton Hill and Bed-Stuy meet, the upper triplex of a turn-key renovated townhouse at 22 Brevoort Place is for rent for $6,000 a month, complete with nanny suite/kitchenette, roof access, and a sweet Brooklyn backyard.
Take the three-floor tour

Distinctive Homes

November 1, 2017

Cute Williamsburg condo asks $775K after a clever renovation

This 624-square-foot, one-bedroom condo at 134 North 10th Street in Williamsburg offers the best of both worlds in a small amount of space. A recent reno restored details of the historic townhouse building, like six-inch-wide plank pine flooring, built-in closets, and decorative fireplaces. But the renovation also created an efficient, flexible layout with custom build outs that include shelving, desks, sliding doors, and lofts. After last selling in 2010 for $441,090, this blend of old-meets-new is on the market asking $775,000.
Take a look around

Distinctive Homes

October 31, 2017

$10K/month townhouse triplex in Fort Greene mixes historic details with boho accents

This classic Fort Greene brownstone at 23 South Elliott Place holds an attractive triplex apartment inside. The rental, which covers the parlor floor, second floor and third floor (and includes access to the backyard), is on the market for a cool $10,000 a month. On display across every floor are those exquisite original brownstone details, while a renovation managed to open up the floorplan and bring more light inside.
There's also a hammock out back

Distinctive Homes

New Domino Sugar Factory renderings show barrel-vaulted glass topper and taller towers

292-314 Kent. Rendering by Practice for Architecture and Urbanism via Landmarks Preservation Commission.

October 30, 2017

New Domino Sugar Factory renderings show barrel-vaulted glass topper and taller towers

Update 10/31/17: The Landmarks Preservation Commission did not approve the new plans at the hearing, instead suggesting the architects present revised designs that address how the newly exposed brick will be preserved and how the ground floor will interact with the open space. The Commissioners were divided on the glass topper, with some feeling it appropriately references the building's arches and others feeling it inappropriately treats the structure as a ruin. 6sqft previously shared the latest round of designs for the three million-square-foot Domino Sugar Factory mega-development in Williamsburg, done by Vishaan Chakrabarti‘s Practice for Architecture and Urbanism (PAU). Developer Two Trees broke ground on the first tower in the Domino Sugar Refinery Master Plan last spring, and the lottery opened for 104 affordable units at the SHoP Architects-designed building, the 16-story 325 Kent Avenue. Now, more new renderings of the complex have been released ahead of an October 31 presentation before the Landmarks Preservation Commission (h/t Brownstoner).
More new renderings this way

Images (L to R): CHELSEA29, 800 UNION, ARC and 363 BOND

October 28, 2017

This week’s roundup of NYC rental news

By Ondel Hylton

Images (L to R): CHELSEA29, 800 UNION, ARC and 363 BOND New Rental Tower ‘Chelsea29’ Offers Two Months Free & Launches Affordable Housing Lottery [link] Brand New Rentals Debut in Ridgewood at ‘The Mill’ from $2,000/Month [link] Exclusive Residences Debut at 91 Crosby Street in SoHo, Including Rare $30K Triplex Penthouse [link] Rentals Debut at […]

Real Estate Trends

Snag an affordable apartment in this greenery-rich Williamsburg building, from $670/month

Rendering of 695 Grand Street courtesy of St. Nicks Alliance & NYHC

October 27, 2017

Snag an affordable apartment in this greenery-rich Williamsburg building, from $670/month

Located just steps away from Williamsburg's bustling Metropolitan Avenue, a mixed-use building at 695 Grand Street is now accepting applications for 38 affordable units. Developed by St. Nicks Alliance and designed by Magnusson Architecture and Planning (MAP), the eight-story rental features sustainable design elements like a landscaped terrace and rooftop, as well as a vertical green wall planted trellis on its facade. Qualifying New Yorkers earning 30, 50, 60 and 130 percent of the area median income can apply for units ranging from $670/month studios to $2,056/month three-bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

Crown Building’s five-story penthouse is the latest to join Midtown’s $100M+ club

Penthouse rendering (Aman Resorts)

October 27, 2017

Crown Building’s five-story penthouse is the latest to join Midtown’s $100M+ club

Taking its name from an elaborate pyramid-shaped crown, the Crown Building at Fifth Avenue and 57th Street has been described as one of the city's most desirable retail locations. Michael Shvo and Russian developer Vladislav Doronin bought the non-retail upper floors of 730 Fifth Avenue in 2015 and filed plans to redevelop the Billionaires' Row property, and new details have been revealed, CityRealty reports. An 83-key luxury hotel with a three-story spa, a members-only lounge, a jazz club and cigar bar and two restaurants will start on the fourth floor. Above the hotel, 20 luxury condominiums known as Aman New York Residences will start on the 11th floor. The building's crown jewel will be a 14,000 square-foot five-story penthouse on floors 22-26 asking $100 million.
See more, this way

New Developments

Rezoning plan for Sunset Park’s Industry City set into motion

Photo courtesy of Industry City

October 24, 2017

Rezoning plan for Sunset Park’s Industry City set into motion

The public review process for the rezoning of Industry City begins Tuesday, an effort to boost total capital investment of the sprawling campus to $1 billion and generate 13,000 on-site jobs and 7,000 off-site jobs over the next decade. Currently, Industry City sits on 35 acres with 16 buildings in its waterfront Brooklyn neighborhood of Sunset Park. The rezoning would restore the century-old campus and increase total usable square footage from 5.3 million to 6.6 million square feet. After presenting plans to the City Planning Commission and creating an environmental statement, the project will then enter the Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP) this Spring, followed by the public review process.
Find out more

Prospect Park will go permanently car-free starting January 2, 2018!

Image Prospect Park Alliance

October 23, 2017

Prospect Park will go permanently car-free starting January 2, 2018!

By Metro New York

For walkers, joggers, and cyclists, Prospect Park will soon be a completely car-free refuge. Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Monday that the park will permanently become car-free, beginning January 2, 2018. Currently, Prospect Park’s East Drive is still open to cars during morning rush hour. Prospect Park previously went car-free this past summer. From […]

Uncategorized

October 23, 2017

For $3,500 a month, this Bed-Stuy brownstone rental has charm, personality, and a private backyard

In a sea of cookie-cutter rentals, there are a rare few that look like home–or even like an interesting place to live. Located at 481 Greene Avenue in what seems to be the new neighborhood of choice for the city's interior design professionals, this two-bedroom brownstone apartment goes far beyond the average Bed-Stuy rental when it comes to good looks. The gut-renovated 1,100-square-foot first floor unit is one of only six, and it comes with the rare bonus of a private back yard.
Have a look around

Images (L to R): LEFRAK CITY, 4720 CENTER BOULEVARD, 200 WATER STREET and PERCH HARLEM

October 21, 2017

This week’s roundup of NYC rental news

By Ondel Hylton

Images (L to R): LEFRAK CITY, 4720 CENTER BOULEVARD, 200 WATER STREET and PERCH HARLEM At LeFrak City, New Amenities Unveiled After $70 Million Renovation; Rentals from $1,485/Month [link] Luxury on the East River at View 34; No Fee Rentals with up to Three Bedrooms [link] Leasing Continues at Perch Harlem, Built to Meet Passive […]

Real Estate Trends

A massive Japanese-themed food hall is coming to Sunset Park’s Industry City

Courtyard at Industry City, photo courtesy of Industry City

October 20, 2017

A massive Japanese-themed food hall is coming to Sunset Park’s Industry City

A 20,000 square foot Japanese food market will open in the Sunset Park neighborhood of Brooklyn next year, adding to New York City's growing infatuation with food halls. The market, called Japan Village, will set up shop in Industry City, a sprawling 16-building, 6.5 million-square-foot complex of creative office space. In addition to the food hall serving up authentic dining options, Japan Village will include an izakaya restaurant, a sake store and a specialty grocery store.
More this way

Real Estate Trends

October 20, 2017

Pretty Park Slope co-op with a hammock under the window asks $895K

This two-bedroom cooperative, at 401 8th Avenue in Park Slope, is pretty as can be. After last selling in 2011 for $480,000, the pad got a full renovation to make the interior "magazine worthy cool," as the listing puts it. It'd be hard to argue with that, considering they've hung a hammock underneath the living room window, added open wood shelving, and lined the walls with interesting artwork. All the while, original details like moldings and parquet floors were kept. It all makes for an appealing property now on the market for $895,000.
READ MORE

Distinctive Homes

October 19, 2017

City officially pitches four neighborhoods for Amazon’s HQ2

Mayor Bill de Blasio and the New York City Economic Development Corporation released their official pitch for Amazon's second headquarters on Wednesday, one day before the deadline. Boasting the city's talented tech workforce, the de Blasio administration has pitched Midtown West, Long Island City, the Brooklyn Tech Triangle (DUMBO, Downtown Brooklyn and the Navy Yard), and Lower Manhattan as the four best spots for Amazon to call home. The tech giant's nationwide competition, announced in September, set out to find their next headquarters, called HQ2. The company promises the headquarters will bring 50,000 new jobs and $5 billion in initial city investment.
Find out more

Policy

October 19, 2017

LAST CHANCE! Win 2 tickets to the Municipal Art Society’s architectural tour of Gowanus

By 6sqft

With cleanup efforts underway along the notoriously polluted Canal and a slew of new developments rising, Gowanus is undoubtedly one of the top neighborhoods to watch. But we can't talk about its future without also looking back at its history. On October 28th, the Municipal Art Society is hosting a walking tour of Gowanus led by architectural historian Matt Postal that will explore the area's past as an industrial shipping center and its transformation into a trendy, artistic enclave. Not only will the two-hour tour take you to the city's oldest concrete structure and oldest retractile bridge, but it'll make stops at the new residential and commercial spaces. Interested in attending for free? MAS is giving away two tickets to "Gowanus Grows in Brooklyn," but today is the last day to enter!
Find out how to enter here

Events & Things To Do

The 50 most expensive neighborhoods in New York City

The Flatiron District, photo via Pixbay

October 19, 2017

The 50 most expensive neighborhoods in New York City

Taking the top spot from Tribeca for the first time in a long time, the Flatiron District now ranks as the most expensive neighborhood in New York City, according to data compiled by Property Shark. In its latest report looking at the residential market during the third quarter of 2017, the group lists the 50 priciest neighborhoods in the city, with the usual upscale 'hoods like TriBeCa, Central Park South and Hudson Square rounding out the top tier (h/t Time Out NY). In another plot twist, Red Hook has become Brooklyn’s most expensive neighborhood this quarter--overthrowing DUMBO--with a median sale price of $1.92 million in Q3.
See the full list

Real Estate Trends

October 18, 2017

Where I Work: Inside the plaster and mural studios at Evergreene Architectural Arts

By Dana Schulz

6sqft’s new series “Where I Work” takes us into the studios, offices, and off-beat workspaces of New Yorkers across the city. In this installment, we’re touring the Industry City space of Evergreene Architectural Arts, one of the nation's foremost restoration and conservation firms. On Monday evening, the Historic Districts Council will present their 29th annual Landmarks Lion Award to Jeff Greene of EverGreene Architectural Arts, one of the nation's foremost experts in specialty contracting for both traditional and new, innovative techniques for restoring and conserving murals, ornamental plaster, and decorative finishes. "Jeff has been pivotal in restoring some of New York City’s most beloved landmarks to their proper glory," said HDC’s executive director Simeon Bankoff. And indeed, this is true; their commissions include the recent restoration of the New York Public Library’s Rose Reading Room, Brooklyn's Loew’s Kings Theater, the Eldridge Street Synagogue, and the McKim, Mead and White-designed University Club, where the event will be held, and this only scratches the surface of their hundreds of projects throughout the country. In anticipation of Jeff's recognition, 6sqft was given a behind-the-scenes tour of EverGreene's new office and studios in Industry City, where the firm's master artisans were hard at work painting murals, casting plaster moldings, and researching the history of several upcoming projects. We also spoke with Jeff himself about what inspired him to get into the field ("I ate the crayons before marking the walls," he says), how preservation has changed since he started the firm in 1978, and what some of his favorite projects have been.
Hear from Jeff and take a tour of EverGreene's incredible space

October 17, 2017

Bay Ridge Avenue R subway stop reopens with a modernized station

By Metro New York

The Bay Ridge Avenue train station that was once a dark and dreary stop along the R line has completed its six-month renovations, the MTA announced Friday. The 102-year-old station was closed in April so the agency could bring it into the modern age with countdown clocks at all three entrances, Wi-Fi, digital displays, USB ports […]

Transit

My 865sqft: A treehouse bedroom grows inside the Williamsburg loft of two creatives

6sqft’s series “My sqft” checks out the homes of New Yorkers across all the boroughs. Our latest interior adventure brings us to the Williamsburg apartment of designer Gregoire Abrial and marketing creative Hang Pham. Want to see your home featured here? Get in touch!

October 17, 2017

My 865sqft: A treehouse bedroom grows inside the Williamsburg loft of two creatives

By Diane Pham

Raw, industrial loft spaces are increasingly difficult to come by these days in NYC, so when you walk into one that's been custom outfitted by its tenants to a tee, the experience is truly unique. Found inside none other than Williamsburg's infamous artists bunker, 475 Kent, is the 865-square-foot loft of French furniture designer Gregoire Abrial and Vietnamese-born marketing creative Hang Pham. Ahead the international duo offer up a tour of their inimitable Brooklyn space (that upon move-in seven years ago had nothing more than a bathtub, toilet, and kitchen sink) which they've outfitted with "slow designs" by Gregoire (more on that ahead), items bartered with neighbors, refuse found on the street, tchotchkes and treasures from family, friends and travels, and, of course, a pretty amazing DIY treehouse bedroom.
go inside their creative home

Live in a studio along the Williamsburg waterfront from $613/month

15 Dunham Place offers spectacular Williamsburg Bridge views, photo courtesy of C&C Apartment Management

October 16, 2017

Live in a studio along the Williamsburg waterfront from $613/month