Architecture And Design

Morris Adjmi’s mixed-use towers top out in Dumbo

Rendering by Williams New York

September 16, 2020

Morris Adjmi’s mixed-use towers top out in Dumbo

Architect Morris Adjmi's latest residential project officially topped out in Dumbo last month. A former parking lot, 85 Jay Street is now home to two sleek 21-story towers comprised of residential units and space for retail. Dubbed Front & York, the complex will bring a mix of 728 condo and rental units to a full block in the neighborhood when it opens next year, making it one of the largest developments in Dumbo. Current availability for the condos ranges from a one-bedroom for $965,000 to a four-bedroom penthouse for $7.85 million.
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New York Botanical Garden’s landmarked glass conservatory reopens after $18M restoration

Photo courtesy of the New York Botanical Garden

September 15, 2020

New York Botanical Garden’s landmarked glass conservatory reopens after $18M restoration

By Devin Gannon

The palm dome of the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory at the New York Botanical Garden reopened on Monday after an $18 million restoration project. Constructed by Lord & Burnham from 1899 to 1902, the stunning glass greenhouse features 11 galleries with plants from around the world, including the garden's Palms of the World gallery. The Haupt Conservancy, which has been closed since March 15 because of the coronavirus pandemic, will reopen to the public at limited capacity on September 22.
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Architecture And Design

Built in 1693, Sag Harbor’s oldest home lists for $1.5M

Photos courtesy of Compass

September 10, 2020

Built in 1693, Sag Harbor’s oldest home lists for $1.5M

By Dana Schulz

Built 327 years ago, this charming cottage is thought to be the oldest home in Sag Harbor Village, however, it wasn't built in Sag Harbor. According to past listings, the home was actually constructed in Sagaponack and then moved five times before settling in Sag Harbor, where it remains today at 64 Union Street and is asking $1,550,000. The original part of the house retains its exposed ceiling beams, wide-plank wood floors, and two working fireplaces. As a bonus, there's a separate studio structure on the property that would make a great guest house.
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18th-century Sag Harbor home is a mix of history and whimsy for $3M

Photo credit: Mike Heller

September 2, 2020

18th-century Sag Harbor home is a mix of history and whimsy for $3M

By Dana Schulz

This picture-perfect Sag Harbor home was originally built in 1791, and a modern restoration in 2013 brought it "back to its former glory," according to the listing. After spending some time as a $1,950/night vacation rental, the home is now on the market for $2,950,000. Inside, the three-bedroom house mixes historic bones with whimsical details, a combo that is echoed outside, where a pergola-covered dining area and secret garden surround the pool.
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For $990K, this historic Hudson Valley Victorian is for sale for the first time in 100 years

All photos courtesy of Compass

September 1, 2020

For $990K, this historic Hudson Valley Victorian is for sale for the first time in 100 years

By Dana Schulz

It's hard to believe this stunning home is asking under $1 million, but it's even more surprising that it's available for the first time in over a century. Located in the Dutchess County hamlet of New Hamburg, the Victorian home was built in 1860 and underwent a full restoration in 2003. In addition to its great location, wrap-around porch, and tons of preserved historic details, the property comes with a separate guest cottage that's just as lovely.
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There’s a professional hockey rink at this $7.7M Connecticut home

Photo by Ravi Capeles

August 31, 2020

There’s a professional hockey rink at this $7.7M Connecticut home

By Dana Schulz

This unusual home in Stamford, Connecticut is thought to be the only private residence in the Tri-State area with its own private indoor hockey rink. It even comes with a Zamboni, heated team benches, lighted scoreboard, and locker rooms--and it's hosted players from the Rangers. Listed for $7,690,000, the 18,000 square feet home sits on 13 acres and also comes with two guest houses, a pool, and a small lake.
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New IKEA, LEGO collaboration makes it fun to clean up toys

Courtesy of IKEA

August 28, 2020

New IKEA, LEGO collaboration makes it fun to clean up toys

By Devin Gannon

For parents tired of picking up and stepping on their kids' pesky LEGO blocks, a new collaboration between the toy company and IKEA may be a perfect solution. The companies on Thursday unveiled their BYGGLEK collection, which includes a series of storage boxes for kids that have LEGO studs on them, perfect for both storing the toys and playing with them. The collection will be available at IKEA stores beginning October 1.
Details this way

$4.5M Mediterranean-style home brings a bit of California living to Westchester

Listing photos courtesy of Houlihan Lawrence

August 25, 2020

$4.5M Mediterranean-style home brings a bit of California living to Westchester

By Dana Schulz

"Santa Barbara comes to Scarsdale," says the listing, and we couldn't agree more. This Mediterranean home in Westchester was built in 1928 in the California stucco style. A pool with a waterfall, multiple terraces, large guest house, and tennis court, complete the west coast picture. The home is on the market for $4,450,000.
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Inside a new luxury Upper West Side condo located on a hidden cul-de-sac

Model residence at 350 West 71st Street; photos courtesy of MW Studio/ Nina Poon

August 24, 2020

Inside a new luxury Upper West Side condo located on a hidden cul-de-sac

By Devin Gannon

The condo building at 350 West 71st Street manages to maintain its historic allure while providing residents all of the perks of modern living. Designed by DXA Studio, the seven-story development on the Upper West Side measures just 75,000 square feet, but still packs in an impressive amenity package, including a library, fitness center, playroom, and large landscaped rooftop with grill and lounge areas. The boutique building sits within the West 71st Historic District, designated 30 years ago for its uniqueness as a tree-lined cul-de-sac and the distinct Beaux-Arts architecture found across the properties.
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Courtesy of WATG

August 19, 2020

This is what a landscaped ‘green block’ would look like in the Flatiron District

By Devin Gannon

During the height of the coronavirus pandemic in New York City, fewer cars were on the road, leading to cleaner air and less noise pollution. And with nearly everything temporarily shut down, New Yorkers sought solace in open green spaces, parks, and open streets closed to cars. As the city is in the midst of reopening, WATG, a global multidisciplinary design firm, has proposed a plan to make the streets of New York greener while helping small businesses recover in the process.
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Winning design proposal brings better mobility and biodiverse ‘microforests’ to the Brooklyn Bridge

By Devin Gannon

Two proposals have been chosen as the winners of a design contest launched earlier this year that sought ways to improve pedestrian space on the crowded Brooklyn Bridge. The Van Alen Institute and the New York City Council on Monday announced that "Brooklyn Bridge Forest," a design that calls for lots of green space and an expanded wooden walkway, won the professional category. And "Do Look Down," which would add a glass surface above the girders and make space for community events and vendors, took the top prize in the young adult category.
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You can rent a rare carriage house on MacDougal Alley for $10K/month

Photos by Andrew Kiracofe for Sotheby’s International Realty

August 17, 2020

You can rent a rare carriage house on MacDougal Alley for $10K/month

By Dana Schulz

New York City has several hidden mews sprinkled across its mostly gridded landscape, including MacDougal Alley in Greenwich Village. Located just north of Washington Square Park, the gated half-block cul-de-sac was constructed as a stretch of carriage houses to serve the townhouses that lined ritzy Washington Square North. Today, these charming carriage houses remain, and many of them have been transformed into private residences, like this one at number 6 Macdougal Alley. For the first time in 25 years, the nearly 1,800-square-foot red brick home is up for rent, asking $10,000 a month.
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Historic Connecticut estate built by the man behind the Empire State Building lists for $8.3M

All photos courtesy of Houlihan Lawrence

August 5, 2020

Historic Connecticut estate built by the man behind the Empire State Building lists for $8.3M

By Dana Schulz

This sprawling English Manor-style estate in Greenwich, Connecticut was built in 1928 by Paul Starrett, one of the main developers behind the Empire State Building and the Plaza. Set on nearly three acres, the seven-bedroom home has grand interiors, romantic landscaping, and a gorgeous pool. It's just hit the market for $8,295,000.
Have a look around here

Brooklyn Laboratory Charter Schools/SITU/WXY

August 5, 2020

This sidewalk ‘front porch’ was designed to help students return to school in COVID times

By Dana Schulz

The list of anxieties surrounding a return to school for students and their parents is seemingly endless, but the architects at SITU and WXY have designed an outdoor lobby that they hope can help alleviate some of this stress. Built upon the work of design-forward scaffolding firm Urban Umbrella, the "Front Porch" concept has been installed at the Brooklyn Laboratory Charter School to "allow students and faculty to be protected from the elements while queuing to enter, while hand sanitizing and having their temperatures taken," according to a press release.
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Architecture And Design

Chinatown’s historic Mott Street is transformed into an outdoor dining oasis

All photos courtesy of Emily Andrews for Rockwell Group

July 30, 2020

Chinatown’s historic Mott Street is transformed into an outdoor dining oasis

By Devin Gannon

Chinatown's Mott Street got a colorful upgrade on Wednesday with a block-long outdoor installation designed by architect David Rockwell. His firm, Rockwell Group, launched DineOut NYC earlier this summer to help New York City restaurants safely open outside by providing design templates for creative ways to use sidewalk and street space. Mott Street, now closed to cars between Mosco and Worth Streets, serves as the program's first community-wide dining area, with multiple restaurants on the strip using the facilities.
More here

Photos courtesy of Compass

July 27, 2020

Famous ‘haunted house’ in Clinton Hill reduces its price to $3.4M

By Dana Schulz

This Greek Revival home looks like something one might find in New Orleans or Savannah, but it's actually right in Clinton Hill. Its southern charm, however, has not seemed to help the home at 136 Clinton Avenue find a buyer; it's been on and off the market for four years, originally asking $4.8 million. One year ago, the price dropped to $3.6 million, and it's just been lowered again to $3,420,000. Perhaps its "haunted" past is scaring off potential buyers. The historic home is known to be one of the most haunted in Brooklyn.
Lots more ahead

Open-air cafe proposed along the East River in historic South Street Seaport

View from John Street Rendering courtesy of Woods Bagot/ NYC Parks

July 15, 2020

Open-air cafe proposed along the East River in historic South Street Seaport

By Devin Gannon

An open-air waterfront restaurant and bar could be coming to the South Street Seaport Historic District. The Howard Hughes Corporation and the city's Parks Department on Tuesday presented a proposal to the Landmarks Preservation Commission for a new concession along the East River Esplanade under the FDR Drive overpass. Designed by Woods Bagot, the "Blockhouse Bar" would be a year-round establishment, with plans to add decking over the pavement, planters, and vinyl coverings during the winter months.
Get the details

Funky $1.2M upstate home is Jetsons on the outside, Flintstones on the inside

Photos courtesy of Houlihan Lawrence

July 15, 2020

Funky $1.2M upstate home is Jetsons on the outside, Flintstones on the inside

By Dana Schulz

The visuals speak for themselves at this super funky upstate home in Rhinebeck. From the outside, its semi-circular shape and odd window placement read very futuristic. But inside, the home is positively prehistoric-looking, with cave-like vaulted ceilings, stone floors, and tree-branch railings. Listed for $1,195,000, the 11-acre property includes the two-bedroom home, a guest house, animal shelters, fruit orchard, and vegetable garden.
Lots more to see

Image by Vicky Barranguet

July 14, 2020

High Line Nine galleries transform into socially-distanced ‘living storefronts’

By Devin Gannon

As New York City slowly reopens with some semblance of normalcy, art galleries are also returning. Earlier this month, the High Line Nine introduced a new initiative that transforms five of its galleries into "living storefronts." The High Line Nine Artist Residency, titled "Dare to Reimagine," allows visitors to walk through the corridor in Chelsea and view artists at work through glass-walled studios. And all works on display will be available for purchase through scannable QR-codes on-site.
More here

INTERVIEW: Architect John Cetra on the Upper West Side’s Dahlia and the changing concept of home

Images courtesy of CetraRuddy

July 13, 2020

INTERVIEW: Architect John Cetra on the Upper West Side’s Dahlia and the changing concept of home

By Michelle Cohen

Designed by CetraRuddy and RKTB Architects, Dahlia at 212 West 95th Street celebrates the Upper West Side's classic residential blocks of pre-war architecture while adding innovative design elements. The condo’s 38 homes and common areas are designed to be more spacious than the average Manhattan apartment, and perks unheard of in New York City include a huge 5,100-square-foot private elevated park, a fitness center with a yoga room, and a private parking garage. Plus, each apartment is situated on a corner of the building, so there’s no shortage of views and natural light. 6sqft recently offered a peek at the 20-story building's interiors, and we've now chatted with architect John Cetra about this new addition to the Upper West Side, the neighborhood, and how apartment building design must be sensitive to changing times and the idea of home in the city.
An interview with John Cetra of CetraRuddy, this way

Here’s what a car-free, pedestrian-friendly NYC could look like

If parking was removed and private cars banned on West 45th Street; courtesy of PAU

July 10, 2020

Here’s what a car-free, pedestrian-friendly NYC could look like

By Devin Gannon

In a city that currently has the most streets closed to cars in the country, with plans in store to add more designated busways and charge vehicles entering its busiest streets, is New York ready to be car-free? Architect Vishaan Chakrabarti and his firm Practice for Architecture and Urbanism think so. The New York Times took a look at PAU's plan, "N.Y.C. (Not Your Car)," which calls for a ban of private motor vehicles in Manhattan and an expansion of sidewalks and pedestrian-only space.
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$5.75M Upper East Side townhouse has connections to the Astors and Roosevelts

Photo credit: David Paler for The Corcoran Group

July 10, 2020

$5.75M Upper East Side townhouse has connections to the Astors and Roosevelts

By Dana Schulz

How's that for bragging rights? This incredible townhouse at 530 East 87th Street in Yorkville was built in the 1870s by the Astor family, and it later was owned by one of Theodore Roosevelt's granddaughters. In more recent years, it underwent a designer renovation (it was even featured in Architectural Digest) that includes four wood-burning fireplaces with original mantles, lacquered walls, and a whimsical garden with climbing vines and lanterns.
Lots more to see

See the design proposals that would make the Brooklyn Bridge a pedestrian oasis

“Back to the Future,” Bjarke Ingles Group and Arup

July 9, 2020

See the design proposals that would make the Brooklyn Bridge a pedestrian oasis

By Devin Gannon

The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the importance of public space, especially in a city like New York, where residents lack private backyards and most common spaces are too narrow for proper social distancing. A design contest launched earlier this year looking for ideas on how to improve the overcrowded pedestrian promenade of the Brooklyn Bridge, where thousands of walkers and cyclists fight for space daily. The Van Alen Institute and the New York City Council on Thursday announced the six finalists for the "Reimagining Brooklyn Bridge" design contest, with selected proposals calling for less space for cars and more for people.
See the designs

July 9, 2020

The 14 best apartments near the High Line

By Emily Nonko

In the decade since the High Line opening, the surrounding area of West Chelsea has exploded into one of Manhattan’s most desirable areas for developers building luxury real estate. (It didn't hurt that the opening of the now-famous elevated park coincided with a neighborhood rezoning.) These days, any walk along the park reveals a variety of development in different stages of construction right alongside buildings that have welcomed new, typically wealthy residents over the past several years. 6sqft has rounded up the 14 defining buildings now open around the High Line. There are the early trailblazers, like the energy-efficient condo HL23, as well as the starchitect standouts, like Zaha Hadid's 520 West 28th, and of course, the new kids on the block, including Bjarke Ingels' twisting towers The XI and Thomas Heatherwick's bubbled Lantern House condo.
See the full list here

Historic 1797 manor house in Westchester hits the market for $4.7M

Listing photos courtesy of Houlihan Lawrence

June 30, 2020

Historic 1797 manor house in Westchester hits the market for $4.7M

By Dana Schulz

Known as the Manor House, this 18th-century Federal-style Colonial in Westchester county has just hit the market for $4,699,000. Set on 1.44 acres, it's one of the largest parcels of land in Larchmont, and at nearly 7,000 square feet, the home is just as spacious as its perfectly manicured grounds. It has a romantic double front porch and a large rear porch, as well as eight fireplaces, six bedrooms, and tons of historic details.
Take the full tour

Architecture And Design

Morris Adjmi’s mixed-use towers top out in Dumbo

New York Botanical Garden’s landmarked glass conservatory reopens after $18M restoration

Built in 1693, Sag Harbor’s oldest home lists for $1.5M

18th-century Sag Harbor home is a mix of history and whimsy for $3M

For $990K, this historic Hudson Valley Victorian is for sale for the first time in 100 years

There’s a professional hockey rink at this $7.7M Connecticut home

New IKEA, LEGO collaboration makes it fun to clean up toys

$4.5M Mediterranean-style home brings a bit of California living to Westchester

Inside a new luxury Upper West Side condo located on a hidden cul-de-sac

This is what a landscaped ‘green block’ would look like in the Flatiron District

Winning design proposal brings better mobility and biodiverse ‘microforests’ to the Brooklyn Bridge

You can rent a rare carriage house on MacDougal Alley for $10K/month

Historic Connecticut estate built by the man behind the Empire State Building lists for $8.3M

This sidewalk ‘front porch’ was designed to help students return to school in COVID times

Chinatown’s historic Mott Street is transformed into an outdoor dining oasis

For $17M, this eco-friendly Brooklyn Heights Passive House went from beige to bold

Famous ‘haunted house’ in Clinton Hill reduces its price to $3.4M

Open-air cafe proposed along the East River in historic South Street Seaport

Funky $1.2M upstate home is Jetsons on the outside, Flintstones on the inside

High Line Nine galleries transform into socially-distanced ‘living storefronts’

INTERVIEW: Architect John Cetra on the Upper West Side’s Dahlia and the changing concept of home

Here’s what a car-free, pedestrian-friendly NYC could look like

$5.75M Upper East Side townhouse has connections to the Astors and Roosevelts

See the design proposals that would make the Brooklyn Bridge a pedestrian oasis

The 14 best apartments near the High Line

Historic 1797 manor house in Westchester hits the market for $4.7M

138 Willoughby Street in Downtown Brooklyn

Architecture And Design

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