Architecture And Design

Channel the Spirits of Tesla, Carnegie and Edison in the Former Engineers’ Club HQ for $14K/Month
September 9, 2015

Channel the Spirits of Tesla, Carnegie and Edison in the Former Engineers’ Club HQ for $14K/Month

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Like so many places in this fascinating city, this listing comes with some interesting history: Known today as Bryant Park Place, the primarily residential co-op building at 32 West 40th Street was once the clubhouse of the Engineers' Club. Founded by Andrew Carnegie in 1907, members included–in addition to Carnegie himself–Thomas Edison, President Herbert Hoover, H.H. Westinghouse and Nikola Tesla, who was honored here upon receiving the Edison Medal in 1917 and enjoyed feeding the pigeons in the park across the street. Units 1A and 1K currently comprise a commercial listing–with residential possibilities if you're willing to do your homework. The property–two connected co-op units–is for sale for $3.1 million, and also for rent at $14K a month (in the latter case it would make a pretty impressive HQ for that hot new startup–and since there's a small kitchen, those all-nighters won't be a problem). Buyers may need to unwind some red tape, but according to the listing, residential conversion is possible along with some serious subsequent upside.
Find out more
Hand-Printed Poster of the Empire State Building Is a History Lesson and Art Piece in One
September 8, 2015

Hand-Printed Poster of the Empire State Building Is a History Lesson and Art Piece in One

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The Empire State Building has a long and torrid history and is arguably the most iconic piece of New York Architecture to date, with both native New Yorkers and tourists alike looking to the towering mega-structure as a symbol of man's ingenuity and achievement. That being said, who wouldn't want to adorn their walls with this cool graphic poster of the Empire State Building from designer Taylor Doolittle? In addition to an illustration of the cherished building, this poster will fill your days with useful trivia, as it also includes a slew of facts about the building's history and legacy.
Find out how to get your own print
Historic Brooklyn Heights Site May Be Redeveloped Into 40-Story Condominium
September 8, 2015

Historic Brooklyn Heights Site May Be Redeveloped Into 40-Story Condominium

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Concept studies by the design firm SRA Architecture + Engineering (SRAA+E) reveal that an existing five-story commercial building in Downtown Brooklyn may be redeveloped into a dramatic retail and condominium tower. The prominent 19,000-square-foot, triangular site at 205 Montague Street is located at the gateway of Brooklyn Heights and currently holds a 1960s-era marble and glass office-retail building that was picked up by Joseph Cayre's Midtown Equities back in 2010. In 2012, the development firm filed permits doubling the building's size, envisioning a 100-unit residence that would convert the structure's three upper levels into apartments and add another six stories above. The permits, also filed by SRAA+E, were never approved, but in 2012 an insider told the Brooklyn Eagle, “an awful lot more can be built than what's in the Buildings Department plans." Midtown Equities, who is also busy rebuilding the Empire Stores in Brooklyn Bridge Park, could not be reached for comment.
Find out more about this possible project
Add This Awesome All-Season Igloo to Your Outdoor Oasis
September 6, 2015

Add This Awesome All-Season Igloo to Your Outdoor Oasis

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We're always seeking out cool ways to escape the city, but we're also constantly on the lookout for items that will enhance our city living—and the Garden Igloo certainly falls within this category. This awesome multipurpose geodesic dome was designed both as a winter garden and a summer canopy. It's lightweight and comes with easy, step-by-step instruction, no tools necessary. What better way to enjoy your outdoor space in the colder months of fall and winter than to be chilling outside in your very own Garden Igloo?
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PBDW Architects Add a Dramatic Rear Conservatory to This Greenwich Village Townhouse
September 4, 2015

PBDW Architects Add a Dramatic Rear Conservatory to This Greenwich Village Townhouse

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The scope of this beautiful Greenwich Village Townhouse renovation, completed back in 2003 by PBDW Architects, was massive, but from what we can see, totally worth it. It included adding complete structural reinforcement and new building systems. Additionally, the home's exterior and interior spaces were fully restored, and a new garden and conservatory was added to the back of the building.
See the full renovation
Out in Southampton, a Restored 1740s English Barn Asks $2.4 Million
September 4, 2015

Out in Southampton, a Restored 1740s English Barn Asks $2.4 Million

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Forgot Hamptons beach houses–try farmhouses instead. Pictured above is an original 1740s barn that sits on 3.7 acres of land in Sagaponack, a village of Southampton. The structure's intact posts and beams are an example of the traditional English barn design, construction that was brought over by English settlers. The architecture has been meticulously restored and slightly altered to accommodate living spaces. The result? A truly unique residence surrounded by beautiful land and a pool. Start saving your pennies, as it is now on the market asking $2.4 million.
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Minimal Furniture Gets Dressed Up with Handmade Mexican Textiles by Daniel Valero
September 4, 2015

Minimal Furniture Gets Dressed Up with Handmade Mexican Textiles by Daniel Valero

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Architect Daniel Valero recently teamed up with a group of Mexican craftsmen to develop a stylish collection that blends minimal furniture with handmade textiles. Dubbed Mestiz, the line consists of skeletal wooden pieces that are dressed up with textured cloths. In addition to serving as decorative and functional objects, the furniture range provides employment for locals and keeps traditional craft alive.
Learn more about these dressed-up designs
Miraculously Unscathed by Time, This Historic Wooden UES Townhouse Seeks Tenants
September 3, 2015

Miraculously Unscathed by Time, This Historic Wooden UES Townhouse Seeks Tenants

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Townhouses available for rent have a way of seeming decadent and dreamy, the perfect home for a collective of friends or a lucky city family. Their monthly bill is often but a dream for many as well, and this Upper East Side home asking $18,500 a month is no exception; the house itself, however, is quite exceptional. The amazingly preserved home at 120 East 92nd Street, as well as its neighbor at number 122, and a third, a block over at number 160, comprise a trio of wooden houses built between 1859 and 1871, before the city sprung up on all sides. This collection of dainty wooden houses presents an utterly charming shock of nostalgia amid the brick, stone and steel of Manhattan's Upper East. One of the last wood-frame houses to be built in Manhattan, the city's Landmarks Preservation Commission called 120 East 92nd "...a delightful surprise. Time and change have passed it by." But change, in this case, has been good: The three-story, four-bedroom home's longtime owners have renovated it for comfort and livability–and preserved it with the utmost care; it boasts every modern convenience while keeping its historic beauty.
Take a look inside this rare historic home
BSC Architecture’s Graft House Stitches Together a Modern Upside Down Design
September 3, 2015

BSC Architecture’s Graft House Stitches Together a Modern Upside Down Design

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This rectangularly shaped house was originally built in the mid-1960s and is situated at the top of a natural knoll in Lloyd Neck, New York. The home's current design could be described as "upside down" since the private bedroom areas are located on the ground floor and the public areas above. Its recent renovation was completed in 2008 by BSC Architecture and was cleverly named the Graft House after their unique design approach.
Find out how this modern home came to be
Designer Wyatt Little Adds Wit and Whimsy to His Planters
September 3, 2015

Designer Wyatt Little Adds Wit and Whimsy to His Planters

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Earlier today, we brought you the ten best plants for apartment dwellers. But now you need somewhere to put your greenery, and we love the idea of incorporating dry humor and edgy design into the items we select to decorate our homes. Wyatt Little, a Texas-based product designer, takes an unorthodox approach to design, using uncomfortable and unfortunate life experiences and translating them into physical products everybody can relate to. His planters range from shoes hanging on power lines to Slinkies, but they maintain an artistic beauty that would work well with any piece of greenery.
See more of these fun planters
Leaks and Alignment Issues Plaguing Atlantic Yards’ B2 Tower Were More Severe Than Reported

Image via Field Condition

September 3, 2015

Leaks and Alignment Issues Plaguing Atlantic Yards’ B2 Tower Were More Severe Than Reported

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When it was announced that Brooklyn would be host to the world's tallest prefab tower, many believed that a new era of construction was upon us. Called the B2 Tower, the building would rise as stacked 32-story structure, affording all the perks of a conventional edifice, but be quick and inexpensive to build. But as it has been well-documented, the project, announced way back in 2012, has been a major flop. Stricken with delays and countless lawsuits flying left and right, the building today has only reached about half of its height. So where did things go so wrong? A fascinating piece by the Atlantic Yards/Pacific Park Report's Norman Oder on City Limits provides some incredible insight into the project that has failed to deliver on just about every promise put forward.
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Get a Personalized Pattern by Punching Your Address Into This App
September 2, 2015

Get a Personalized Pattern by Punching Your Address Into This App

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Nope, this isn't some kind of spam mail scheme. Called A Place to Departure, this incredible app harnesses the power of Google Maps and pairs it with a clever algorithm to generate a pattern, unique to you, based on your location. With results ranging from leafy designs to Rubik's cube-like motifs, you're likely to find yourself inputting your entire address book before you know it.
Find out more here
Giant LEGO Blocks Let You Build Anything from a Coffee Table to an Entire Room
September 2, 2015

Giant LEGO Blocks Let You Build Anything from a Coffee Table to an Entire Room

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We've seen our fair share of adult LEGO projects, including architecturally themed sets of blocks, a full scale model of New York City, and even an entire bedroom made of 20,000 of the colorful modules. But none of these endeavors have quite the versatility of EverBlock, giant LEGOs that can be used to build tables, chairs, walls, and even full rooms and structures. As the company explains, "Anything you've constructed can be taken apart and re-assembled again, and the pieces can be re-used to build other objects, making EverBlock a unique green building method."
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Bed-Stuy Brownstone With Its Historic Details Intact Asks $1.9 Million
September 2, 2015

Bed-Stuy Brownstone With Its Historic Details Intact Asks $1.9 Million

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The days of finding an affordable historic brownstone in Brooklyn are long gone. Today, brownstones–like this one at 348 Gates Avenue in Bed-Stuy–are priced into the millions. Because the home has much of its historic interior details intact, like mantles, high ceilings and the original hardwood floors, it's especially pricey for the neighborhood, with an asking price of $1.9 million. It's also in a convenient area of the neighborhood, bordering Clinton Hill and off the main drag of Franklin Avenue. So, will this brownstone achieve its high ask?
See more to decide
Fresh Futon From KARUP Is Fashionable, Functional and a Perfect Fit for Guests
September 1, 2015

Fresh Futon From KARUP Is Fashionable, Functional and a Perfect Fit for Guests

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Everybody wants to visit NYC, and as most New Yorkers know from firsthand experience, whether you like it or not, the couch often ends up being a crash pad for friends and family. That's why we love KARUP's Fresh Futon; not only does it provide a comfy place to relax after the daily grind, but it's also the perfect bed for out-of-town guests. Plus, unlike the futons you slept on in college, this one's actually stylish.
more on this fantastic design here
Loft Renovation in DUMBO’s Eagle Warehouse Building Is Playful and Strategic
September 1, 2015

Loft Renovation in DUMBO’s Eagle Warehouse Building Is Playful and Strategic

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This playfully decorated loft is located in DUMBO's landmarked Eagle Warehouse Building. Although the space has always been generous in square footage, prior to the renovation the original residence only had two small windows and very little natural light. To open up and brighten the home, Etelamaki Architecture removed the kitchen walls and introduced various design treatments to increase the presence of natural light and to define distinct functional spaces.
Check out the rest of the loft
The UWS Apartment Babe Ruth Once Called Home Is Selling for $1.595M
August 31, 2015

The UWS Apartment Babe Ruth Once Called Home Is Selling for $1.595M

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This apartment may not look like much, but baseball greatness once slept within its walls. The Upper West Side abode Babe Ruth called home at the end of his epic career is now on the market for $1.595 million. According to the Post, an open house held this weekend at the 345 West 88th Street address drew in over 50 people—a mix of folks looking buy, and surely those simply hoping for a glimpse into The Bambino's former digs.
More inside the Sultan of Swat's former home
Whimsical Map Colorfully Details 400+ New York Icons
August 31, 2015

Whimsical Map Colorfully Details 400+ New York Icons

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A couple weeks ago we dug up a map from the 1950s that offered up a mind-boggling menagerie of all things New York. With over 300 points of interest hand-illustrated in painstaking detail, we found ourselves overtaken with with awe. Now, comes yet another marvelous map courtesy of Rafael Esquer, founder of Soho’s Alfalfa Studio. His stunning depiction—aptly named Iconic New York™— is made up of over 400 hand-drawn city icons. A labor of love, the piece took Esquer an incredible two-and-a-half years to complete.
more on iconic New York™ here
Dattner Architects’ Prismatic, Concrete Salt Shed Reveals Itself

Rendering of the Spring Street Salt Shed courtesy of Dattner Architects

August 31, 2015

Dattner Architects’ Prismatic, Concrete Salt Shed Reveals Itself

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Summer is coming to a close, and in a few months we'll be navigating the city's treacherous streets perfecting our penguin waddles and fine-tuning our black ice magna-vision. This winter season, downtown Manhattan residents may find a sliver of comfort knowing that the rock salt used to mitigate slippery streets will be stored in one of the most grandiose salt sheds on Earth. Recently unshrouded, the Department of Sanitation's 67-foot-tall Spring Street Salt Shed flaunts a prismatic concrete facade evoking the intriguing faceted forms of salt crystals. The award-winning design, crafted by the public works masters at Dattner Architects and WXY Architecture + Urban Design, comes with a sizable price tag of $10 million. The structure was crowned the "Taj Mahal of Salt" back in 2010, noting that it cost more than nine recently constructed city salt sheds combined. Nevertheless, even in its unpolished state, we have to admit this riverfront iceberg is pretty captivating. And despite its utilitarian use, its form is well-worthy of its prime Hudson Square locale.
More renderings and info right this way
BSC Architecture Simplifies a Park Slope Brownstone Redesign Through Subtraction
August 31, 2015

BSC Architecture Simplifies a Park Slope Brownstone Redesign Through Subtraction

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This 1899 Park Slope brownstone underwent an extensive renovation inspired by its new owners' desire to recreate their previous living space. Their former home was an airy, light-filled space with small private bedrooms adjacent to large communal areas, fostering a sense of family cohesion and intimacy. Unfortunately, their vision was contradictory to the existing Brooklyn structure. But these types of challenges can be a designer's greatest motivator, and the team from BSC Architecture took the test head on. Drawing inspiration from the words of Gordon Matta Clark, "a response to cosmetic design; completion through removal; completion through collapse; completion through emptiness,” the redesign was realized through a process of strategic removal.
More on this clever project here
Revealed: Floor Plans and Pricing for Jean Nouvel’s MoMA Tower
August 31, 2015

Revealed: Floor Plans and Pricing for Jean Nouvel’s MoMA Tower

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After progress crept along for nearly ten years, Jean Nouvel's highly anticipated MoMA Tower, officially known as 53W53, is now inching closer to the finish line. A year ago we got a peak at unofficial penthouse floorplans, and the first interior renderings were revealed in February, followed by a pre-sales-launch video of the interiors in May. Now, the Post has uncovered floorplans and pricing for three of the units in the 1,050-foot, 82-story asymmetrical tower. They include a 3,846-square-foot, 55th-floor three-bedroom asking $21.7 million; a smaller 55th-floor three-bedroom for $14.42 million; and a 4,362-square-foot, 72nd-floor three-bedroom duplex going for $39.2 million.
More floorplans and pricing
A Price Cut for a Gated Mansion in Jamaica Estates, Queens
August 31, 2015

A Price Cut for a Gated Mansion in Jamaica Estates, Queens

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Yes, you can live in a 6,500-square-foot, five bedroom mansion right in New York City. It's here, at 184-15 Hovendon Road in Jamaica Estates, Queens. The neighborhood is known for its large plots and spacious freestanding homes, but this property takes it to the next level. Not only is it gated in, but the interior is awash in marble, coffered ceilings and Venetian plaster walls. It's got a new asking price since it first hit the market last year, with a price chop down from $3.488 million to $3.388 million.
Check out this interior
New Renderings of Fisher Brothers’ Curvy Murray Hill Rental at 225 East 39th Street
August 28, 2015

New Renderings of Fisher Brothers’ Curvy Murray Hill Rental at 225 East 39th Street

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It's always a pleasure when a hulking above-ground parking garage bites the dust; this is not Miami after all, take the subway! And thanks to the legendary real estate firm Fisher Brothers, a soul-crushing 705-car parking garage at 225 East 39th Street was razed last year in preparation for an elegant 36-story rental tower. New renderings posted on the development firm's website illustrate how the tower may bring a bit of pizzazz to a rather un-glamorous section of Murray Hill. With completion scheduled for spring 2017, groundwork is well underway with sections of the foundation slab poured and steel rebar projecting skyward.
More on the project ahead
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