East Village

October 19, 2017

Off the grid: The little Flatiron Buildings of the Village

By Andrew Berman of Village Preservation

The Flatiron Building is one of the city’s most iconic and beloved landmarks. Since 1902 it’s been a symbol of New York, though ironically its acute angle formed by the intersection of Broadway and Fifth Avenue makes it an unusual sight in our otherwise orthogonal city on a grid. But while the Flatiron Building may be the most famous product of quirky street angles, it’s far from the only one. In fact, the "off-the-grid" streets of Greenwich Village and the East Village contain scores of them, most of which pre-date the 23rd Street landmark.
Take a tour of the little Flatirons

October 12, 2017

Two Boots Pizza founders’ amazing $10.5M townhouse is filled with memories of a bygone East Village

By Michelle Cohen

New York City is filled with homes–and stories–that are truly one-of-a-kind, and this massive, customized-from-top-to-bottom townhouse at 113 East 2nd Street in the East Village is a perfect example. The five-story townhouse is brimming with creative additions by residents who themselves helped shape one of the city’s most storied neighborhoods. The 7,000-square-foot property finds itself finally on the market for $10.5 million after a decade-long dispute between its owners, Phil Hartman and Doris Kornish, founders of the now-national pizza chain Two Boots, as the New York Post reports. The two divorced in 2008 and have been fighting over the home, where the pair raised three children, ever since. The 25-foot wide two-family townhouse is currently configured as an owner's unit with seven bedrooms and a separate one bedroom apartment on the parlor floor with "very limited and specific commercial uses." Though there are endless details that add originality and livability within, highlights include a serene rear garden and a performance space in the basement and cellar that's complete with a stage and 14-foot ceilings.
Explore this rare bit of East Village history

October 12, 2017

‘Orange is the New Black’ star Natasha Lyonne checks out $2M East Village synagogue condo

By Michelle Cohen

6sqft reported last year that "True Blood" star Alexander Skarsgård had viewed the penthouse-in-a-synagogue at 415 East 6th Street in the East Village; now, the New York Post reports that "Orange Is the New Black" star and noted native New Yorker Natasha Lyonne was seen checking out the 2nd floor unit in the unique condominium building, whose still-active congregation Adas Yisroel Anshe Meseritz will meet in a new space with a separate entrance on the first floor. The $1.99 million apartment–one of only three in the building–has plenty of perks like a key-locked private elevator entry behind its carefully-restored 1910 limestone facade with original stained-glass windows and architectural details.
Take a look,this way

October 10, 2017

For $1.65M, a folksy and funky East Village duplex with prime outdoor space

By Emily Nonko

We are loving this East Village duplex, which boasts a front door straight out to a huge, elevated common terrace that acts like a private park for the residents of this boutique condo at 549 East 11th Street. Inside, a unique, whimsical interior has been decorated by owner Olga Vieira, owner of the yarn-turned-travel business the Koko Company. The apartment was last purchased in 1999 for $180,500 and now it's asking $1.65 million. And if you can't afford that, there's still a chance to Airbnb it.
Check out the outdoor space

Distinctive Homes

September 28, 2017

Iconic album covers of Greenwich Village and the East Village: Then and now

By Andrew Berman of Village Preservation

There’s no shortage of sites in the Village and East Village where great makers of popular music lived or performed. Less well known, however, are the multitude of sites that were the backdrop for iconic album covers, sometimes sources of inspiration for the artists or just familiar stomping grounds. Today, many are hiding in plain sight, waiting to perform an encore for any passersby discerning enough to notice. Ahead, we round up some of the most notable examples, from "The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan" to the Ramones' self-titled debut album.
Learn about the covers and see what the locations look like today

History

September 26, 2017

For $875K, a boho-glam East Village co-op with its own roof deck

By Emily Nonko

Scale to the top of the historic brick townhouse at 111 East 10th Street in the East Village and you'll find this charming one-bedroom co-op now on the market for $875,000. The walk-up may not be great, but there are lots of benefits of living on the top floor here. The ceiling has been heightened and expanded to include a row of skylights, and there's direct access to a private rooftop garden. The unit is part of a unique, coveted cooperative comprised of six 19th century townhouses that sit within the landmarked St. Mark's Historic District, holding 29 residences total.
Take a peek

Distinctive Homes

September 19, 2017

Massive, stunning East Village condo with a similarly impressive roof deck is renting for $10K a month

By Emily Nonko

Looking for a huge, dramatic living space right in the heart of the East Village? It's right here, at 175 East 2nd Street, but it'll cost a cool $10,000 a month. This one-bedroom condo now up for rent spans 1,450 square feet and comes with a 1,247-square-foot roof deck. That's a ton of space, and all of it is dripping in unique, super trendy details: 11-foot ceilings with the original wooden ceiling beams, exposed brick, a fireplace and a long skylight over a renovated kitchen. Chic furniture and artwork fills all the open living space, and the apartment comes with the option to move into it furnished.
You'll be tempted to move in

Distinctive Homes

How Alphabet City’s ‘milk laboratory’ led to modern pasteurization

Nathan Straus’ First Milk Depot, opened in the summer of 1893, courtesy of the Augustus C. Long Health Sciences Library, Columbia University

September 14, 2017

How Alphabet City’s ‘milk laboratory’ led to modern pasteurization

By Andrew Berman of Village Preservation

The utilitarian building at 151 Avenue C between 9th and 10th Streets would hardly elicit a second glance from the casual passerby today. But its unassuming looks belie the incredible story of how Gilded Age science and philanthropy converged here to save thousands of children’s lives. In the 1800s, intestinal infections and diseases like tuberculosis caused by bad milk was running rampant in the city's child population, especially in poor communities like the Lower East Side. To combat the problem, Macy's co-owner Nathan Straus instituted a program to make pasteurized milk affordable or even free. And on Avenue C, he set up a “milk laboratory” to test the dairy and distribute millions of bottles.
The whole history here

History

September 6, 2017

For $879K, a lovely loft in an East Village building designed by Central Park’s architect

By Dana Schulz

Sure this East Village pad is cute--what with its exposed brick walls, reclaimed wood accents, pressed tin ceilings, and boho-chic kitchen--but what really sets it apart is its location at 307 East 12th Street, a landmarked Victorian Gothic/Flemish Revival structure designed in 1892 by the firm of Calvert Vaux, who co-designed Central and Prospect Parks. Built for the Children's Aid Society as a home and job-training center for abused young women, it was converted to co-ops in 1983, and today its lofty apartments boast high ceilings, double-height historic windows, and plenty of pre-war charm. This one-bedroom unit underwent a gut renovation last year and is now asking $879,000.
See it all here

Distinctive Homes

September 5, 2017

East Village’s $3.5M rooftop cottage finds a buyer in just over a month

By Michelle Cohen

6sqft marveled earlier this summer at the utter coolness of the two-unit, three-story property that atop the building at 72 East 1st Street in the East Village. The unit arrived on the market for $3.5 million in June; its top floor is comprised of one of the city’s handful of rare rooftop cabins and cottages. The Nantucket-style cottage is an artists’ studio, with a full-floor penthouse duplex below. Rare and cool clearly count for a lot, because the property has already entered contract at its asking price according to the listing site (h/t Curbed).
Take a look at how these unique homes are laid out

August 28, 2017

Alexander Skarsgärd lands Parker Posey’s former East Village co-op for $2.3M

By Annie Doge

Alexander Skarsgärd, an Emmy-nominee for his role in “Big Little Lies” and star of “True Blood,” has just purchased a co-op at 119 East 10th Street for $2.3 million, $300,000 over the asking price (h/t LLNYC). The East Village apartment once belonged to actress Parker Posey who sold it in 2008 for $1.3 million. Chloe Sevigny also lived in the same building for a few years before making the move to Brooklyn in 2013. The newly-single Swedish actor, who first looked at a penthouse at 415 East 6th Street back in December, chose the historic loft-like one-bedroom, which features wood-beamed ceilings, oversized windows and a communal garden, instead.
See inside

August 25, 2017

James Wagman Architect designed this East Village apartment around a custom helix staircase

By Emily Nonko

This 1,410-square-foot apartment in the East Village, owned by sculptor Yvonne Hananel, is the work of the Manhattan-based firm James Wagman Architects. Their client needed a reconfiguration of the interior to improve its "circulation" and increase the livable square footage for studio space. The entire pad got upgraded, then the architect added a custom-designed, open helix staircase not only as the focal point but as a way to open up more floor space. As for the design, Hananel kept it minimalist. “By keeping the walls white and uncluttered, everything from the green leaves of my ficus trees to the colorful books on the shelves stand out in high relief,” she told Houzz.
Hear more about this East Village reno

August 24, 2017

‘National Lampoon’s’ child actress lists grown-up East Village duplex for $800K

By Annie Doge

Best known for her role as daughter Audrey Griswold in the classic 1983 comedy “National Lampoon’s Vacation,” Dana Barron has listed her East Village duplex for $799,000. The small but adorable pad sits on a tree-lined block near Tompkins Square Park at 418 ½ East Ninth Street, and, as the New York Post reported, the one-bedroom apartment boasts a working fireplace, walk-in-closet and classic spiral staircase.
See inside

On this day in 1974, the Ramones played their first gig at CBGB in the East Village

The Ramones outside of CBGB, photo via CBGB

August 16, 2017

On this day in 1974, the Ramones played their first gig at CBGB in the East Village

By Devin Gannon

On August 16, 1974, four men dressed in leather motorcycle jackets and Converse high-tops hit the stage at CBGB, an iconic East Village dive bar, for the very first time. After this debut performance, the Ramones, who hailed from Forest Hills, Queens, became the first regulars at CBGB, a spot known for the cutting edge punk rock musicians that played there, like Talking Heads, Patti Smith and Blondie. In the year 1974 alone, the Ramones played there over 70 times.
Find out more

History

July 20, 2017

Colorful Pop art-filled East Village townhouse designed by Annabelle Selldorf asks $7.5M

By Michelle Cohen

The neighborhood is known for its tiny, cramped apartments, so living in an East Village townhouse already seems impossibly fortunate. But this four-story, 5,200-square-foot townhouse at 26 East 5th Street has the extra bragging rights to a top-to-toe renovation by starchitect Annabelle Selldorf. Built in 1900, this single-family home uses a 35-foot deep extension to add light and square footage, and the current residents have packed those square feet with a colorful Pop art collection and perfectly imperfect details. Minus the art, it's asking $7.5 million.
Take the tour

Distinctive Homes

July 13, 2017

One of NYC’s rare rooftop ‘cottages’ is for sale, asking $3.5M in the East Village

By Michelle Cohen

The listing calls the two-unit, three-story property that tops the condominium building at 72 East 1st Street "the most unique property in the East Village," and while it may not be the entire city's most interesting, it's definitely among them. The lower unit is a full-floor penthouse duplex, above which is perched a perfect replica of a New England cottage. The property is for sale for $3.5 million; while much has been written about the city's handful of rooftop cabins and cottages, they rarely appear on the market. In this case, the Nantucket-style cottage is an artists' studio, which makes it even cooler.
Check out this little sky cottage

June 28, 2017

Map: Where to watch the Macy’s fireworks this July 4th

By Michelle Cohen

Here's a handy guide outlining some prime spots for experiencing Macy's Fourth of July live fireworks extravaganza this Tuesday evening; in addition, the folks that put on the show have provided a helpful interactive neighborhood finder so you're well situated when things go boom. Take a fun quiz here, then find out the best spots to watch from. Or just check out some prime spots here.
More info this way

June 22, 2017

Rich wood and brick decorate this renovated East Village rental, for $13,995/month

By Emily Nonko

This East Village rental, at the Pear Tree Place condo at 203 East 13th Street, is rich in prewar material. The 11-and-a-half-foot ceilings are lined with wood beams, the walls are covered with exposed brick and the floor with a maple wood. The three-bedroom pad, on the rental market for $13,995/month, also comes with some perks: a planted terrace off the kitchen, an audio/visual system with two drop-down movie screens, and heated floors in the bathrooms.
Now go see it

Distinctive Homes

June 19, 2017

Magical gardens surround this $775K Alphabet City aerie

By Michelle Cohen

The gardens are open to the public but the views are all yours from this well-configured studio at 257 East 7th Street in the easternmost reaches of the East Village. The block is, as the listing suggests, one of the neighborhood's most picturesque, with a history of community pride by longtime homeowners and a rare eclectic collection of historic townhouses. The verdant Flowerbox building, one of the neighborhood's first and most beautifully-designed luxury developments, is next door, and the East River Park foot and bike path is steps away. This charming studio is asking $775,000.
Get a closer look

Distinctive Homes

June 18, 2017

East Village loft lined with shelving and storage space asks $4,600/month

By Emily Nonko

Space and storage are what this East Village loft has to give. The unit is from 300 East 4th Street, a brick cooperative built in the 1940s. While you can pick up a unit here for $1.299 million, this one is actually up for rent at $4,600 a month. With over 850 square feet, there are two mezzanines to hold a bedroom and a flexible bonus space. Custom closets were added, and built-ins line the walls, offering storage galore. Best of all, this lofty space takes in tons of light from five large windows.
Take the tour

Distinctive Homes

Looking back at New York’s ‘Summer of Love’ and the birth of the East Village

Hippies singing and playing music in Washington Square Park in the late 1960s. Photo: Peter Keegan

June 14, 2017

Looking back at New York’s ‘Summer of Love’ and the birth of the East Village

By Cait Etherington

It has been 50 years since 1967’s “Summer of Love” when young people from around the world flocked to San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury district and to other urban neighborhoods, including New York’s East Village, to trip out at psychedelic dance parties, sleep in city parks, and live and do whatever they pleased. While the hippie subculture was already flourishing prior to the Summer of Love, by mid 1967, hippies and their music, style, and communal way of life had caught the attention of the mainstream media and as a result, reached a critical mass of young people who were now eager to ditch their suburban homes to “turn on, tune in, and drop out.” Reactions to the Summer of Love in New York were predictably mixed. An estimated 50,000 young people descended on the city to join the movement, but many New Yorkers, including longstanding residents, police officers, and politicians, had little interest in spending the Summer of Love soaking up the good vibes. In the end, the city’s Summer of Love saw as much conflict and violence as peace and love, and debates about rental prices, real estate values, and the gentrification of the Lower East Side were all part of the conflict.
find out more here

History

Site of East Village gas explosion sells for $9.15M

Image of the site via Google Street View

June 12, 2017

Site of East Village gas explosion sells for $9.15M

By Devin Gannon

In March 2015, an explosion caused by an illegal tap into the gas main destroyed three buildings and killed two people in the East Village. Last month, Maria Hrynenko, the owner of the wrecked properties at 119 and 121 Second Avenue, sold two of the lots to Yaniv Shaky Cohen’s Nexus Building Development Group Inc. for $9.15 million, according to the New York Post. The third site destroyed by the explosion at 123 Second Avenue sold last year to Ezra Wibowo for $6 million, about $4 million less than the asking price.
Find out more

Real Estate Trends

Help bring the world’s largest rhino sculpture to Astor Place

Rendering of the rhino sculpture in Astor Place

May 31, 2017

Help bring the world’s largest rhino sculpture to Astor Place

By Devin Gannon

The Northern White Rhino species faces imminent extinction as only three remain on Earth. To raise awareness, a husband-and-wife sculpting duo are creating the largest rhino sculpture in the world and installing it in Astor Place (h/t Time Out). Gillie and Marc plan on putting $150,000 of their own money behind the project and created a Kickstarter page to raise the additional $50,000 needed to complete it. If all goes according to plan, the sculpture, titled "The Last Three," will be installed in January 2018.
Find out more

Events & Things To Do

Trader Joe’s opening second 14th Street location

Rendering of 432-438 East 14th Street via Benenson Capital Partners, LLC

May 26, 2017

Trader Joe’s opening second 14th Street location

By Dana Schulz

It's been 11 years since Trader Joe's opened its first NYC location on Union Square, and now the discount grocer has three others in Manhattan, one in Brooklyn, and one in Queens. This past year, they announced that new outposts will open in Brooklyn Heights, the Upper West Side (their second in the neighborhood), Soho, and on the Lower East Side at Essex Crossing, and today The Real Deal reports they've inked a deal for a 23,000-square-foot space across from Stuyvesant Town, just three avenues east on 14th Street from their original store. The site at 432 East 14th Street is replacing the former Stuyvesant Post Office, a controversial closure that even launched a local "save the post office" campaign.
Get the whole scoop

Uncategorized

May 24, 2017

Greet the sun from your solarium or tech-friendly garden in this $1.7M East Village duplex

By Michelle Cohen

This unusual East Village one-bedroom duplex condo in the Village Mews at 407 East 12th Street checks all the boxes without shouting–that is, it lets a rare and fabulous garden paradise do the talking, which in this case means asking for $1.695 million. The 750-square-foot home was recently renovated from tip to toe, and the design is tasteful without being generically "luxe." And while this not-huge condo wouldn't work for a growing family or a communal crew, it looks heavenly for anyone seeking, an "oasis away from city living" while situated on a lovely street in the heart of what could be called an oasis of city living, with its 24-hour energy and unending list of destinations of every kind.
Here comes the sun

Distinctive Homes

Rosario Dawson’s family wants to buy low-income housing units in the East Village

544 West 13th Street under construction in January, via Paul A. Castrucci Architect (L)

May 15, 2017

Rosario Dawson’s family wants to buy low-income housing units in the East Village

By Annie Doge

Actress Rosario Dawson’s family hopes to buy low-income apartments in a newly renovated building as part of a city program that converts abandoned homes into affordable units. Rosario grew up in an East Village squatter’s den and her family continues to live in the East 13th Street co-op, even after the actress became famous and amassed a net worth of more than $16 million. According to the New York Post, long-time tenants of the building say the Dawson family bullied their way into controlling a third of the 14-unit residence over the last 20 years.
Get the full scoop

May 11, 2017

East Village micro-maisonette has all the quirks and loads of charm for $500K

By Michelle Cohen

Lovers of half-legal, barely livable but totally adorable East Village boltholes, step right this way. This two-story hideaway at 121 East 10th Street, tucked into the Saint Mark's Historic District, is a short walk from all of your favorite things to do, and also in a pretty building–one that's apparently filled with adorable East Village boho duplex caves–on an absolutely gorgeous street. It's basically a duplex studio with its lower half seriously below-grade–but it sure looks cozy down there.
Take a look

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