Manhattan

The ‘2024’ numerals have arrived in Times Square ahead of New Year’s Eve

All images courtesy of the Times Square Alliance

December 21, 2023

The ‘2024’ numerals have arrived in Times Square ahead of New Year’s Eve

It's nearly time to kiss 2023 goodbye. The iconic, seven-foot-tall numerals that sit under the New Year's Eve crystal ball arrived in Times Square on Wednesday after a cross-country trip. The towering digits are on view at Broadway Plaza between 46th and 47th Streets through Friday, December 22 when they are placed atop One Times Square ahead of the ball drop on the 31st.
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Events & Things To Do

Upper West Side rental opens lottery for 52 mixed-income units, from $1,096/month

Rendering courtesy of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development

December 20, 2023

Upper West Side rental opens lottery for 52 mixed-income units, from $1,096/month

By Aaron Ginsburg

Applications are now being accepted for 52 mixed-income units in a new luxury rental building on the Upper West Side. Located at 266 West 96th Street, the 23-story building includes 171 luxury apartments and exclusive amenities, including an expansive rooftop terrace. New Yorkers earning 70, 80, and 130 percent of the area median income, or between $40,526 for a single person and $198,250 for a household of five people, can apply for the apartments, priced from $1,096/month studios to $3,703/month two bedrooms.
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Affordable Housing

East Midtown Greenway opens, with nearly 3 acres of public open space on the waterfront

Image courtesy of Skanska

December 20, 2023

East Midtown Greenway opens, with nearly 3 acres of public open space on the waterfront

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City has taken a major step forward in its effort to expand the greenway network. The city's Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) and NYC Parks on Tuesday officially opened the East Midtown Greenway and the second phase of the Andrew Haswell Green Park, delivering nearly three acres of public open space, a new pedestrian walkway, a pedestrian bridge, landscaping, and a separated bike lane stretching from East 53rd Street to East 60th Street along the East River. The $197.6 million investment fills a significant gap in the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway.
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The Modulightor Building. Photo credit: Joe Polowczuk

December 19, 2023

Paul Rudolph’s Modulightor Building is now an NYC landmark

By Aaron Ginsburg

The Landmarks Preservation Commission on Tuesday voted to landmark the Modulightor Building, an iconic building in Midtown East designed by renowned modernist architect Paul Rudolph. Located at 246 East 58th Street, the building was built between 1989 and 1993 to house the Modulightor lighting company founded by Rudolph with German physicist Ernst Wagner. According to the commission, the building stands out for its special character and its historical and aesthetic significance in New York City.
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Photo by MusikAnimal by Wikimedia Commons

December 15, 2023

The Whitney Museum announces free admission on Friday nights, second Sundays

By Aaron Ginsburg

The Whitney Museum of American Art will offer free admission and special programming on certain days every month next year. Beginning January 12, the Meatpacking District art museum will drop its "pay-what-you-wish" system on Fridays from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and on the second Sunday of every month. During those times, admission will be free for all visitors.
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Events & Things To Do

December 15, 2023

Free six-acre light installation ‘Field of Light’ opens in Midtown East

By Aaron Ginsburg

A massive installation made of thousands of twinkling lights opened this week in Midtown East. Designed by Bruce Munro, Field of Light at Freedom Plaza includes 18,750 low-light, fiber-optic stemmed spheres that change colors and create a mesmerizing landscape across more than six acres next to the United Nations headquarters. The installation is free to visit thanks to the Soloviev Group, the developer who is proposing building a casino on the vacant site. The 12-month Field of Light is open on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
how to visit

NYC unveils new protected bike lane on 10th Avenue in Hell’s Kitchen

The new, extra-wide bike lane on 10th Avenue. Image courtesy of NYC DOT

December 14, 2023

NYC unveils new protected bike lane on 10th Avenue in Hell’s Kitchen

By Aaron Ginsburg

The city on Wednesday unveiled the first phase of safety upgrades to a stretch of 10th Avenue in Hell's Kitchen. Installed between West 38th Street and West 52nd Street, a new 10-foot wide northbound bike lane will more safely accommodate the growing number of cyclists, e-bike riders, and micro-mobility device users. Additional improvements include new concrete pedestrian islands, new bike corrals, and redesigned intersections to slow down drivers when turning.
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276 units available at affordable Passive House in East Harlem, from $498/month

Renderings courtesy of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development

December 13, 2023

276 units available at affordable Passive House in East Harlem, from $498/month

By Aaron Ginsburg

Applications are being accepted for 276 mixed-income units at the world's largest fully affordable Passive House in East Harlem. Located at 50 East 112th Street, the building is the second phase of Sendero Verde, a mixed-use project with affordable housing, outdoor space, a school, community space, and retail. New Yorkers earning 30, 50, 60, and 110 percent of the area median income, or between $19,646 for a single person and $192,610 for a household of seven, can apply for the units, which range from $498/month studios to $3,169/month for three bedrooms.
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Affordable Housing

For $20M, one Tribeca townhouse, three condos, many options

Photo credit: Allyson Lubow Photography

December 13, 2023

For $20M, one Tribeca townhouse, three condos, many options

By Michelle Cohen

If you're interested in living large at 46 Laight Street in Tribeca's historic district, there are plenty of options to consider, assuming you've got plenty of money. Behind its charming brick facade, the 19th-century townhouse has been thoroughly re-imagined as three luxurious urban residences, each one a separate condominium. The building has also gained a curb-cut garage and a gym. The top floors of the home comprise a three-story "penthouse" asking $9 million; an $8 million three-story "maisonette" anchors the building; between the two is a single-floor flat can be included in either purchase. For the serious trophy-seeker, the entire building is asking $19,995,000. Once you've bought the building, you can combine the units, mansion-style, or enjoy a flexible investment property.
So many choices, so much $$$$

Distinctive Homes

Office-to-residential conversions could significantly lower NYC’s carbon emissions: report

Image courtesy of Carl Solder on Unsplash

December 12, 2023

Office-to-residential conversions could significantly lower NYC’s carbon emissions: report

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City could drastically decrease its carbon footprint if the eligibility for office-to-residential conversions is expanded, according to a new report. In the study "Office to Residential Conversions: The Carbon Story," sustainable development consultant Arup found updating zoning rules to allow for more office buildings to become apartments could cut carbon emissions by 54 percent by 2050.
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Revamped One Times Square, home to the New Year’s Eve ball drop, tops out

Image courtesy of Jamestown

December 8, 2023

Revamped One Times Square, home to the New Year’s Eve ball drop, tops out

By Aaron Ginsburg

The $500 million redevelopment of One Times Square, home of the New Year's Eve ball drop, is moving closer to completion. Developer Jamestown on Thursday celebrated the topping out of the project, which is transforming one of the world's most famous buildings into a year-round entertainment hub with a new visitor center, a viewing deck overlooking Times Square, a museum, and lots of advertisements. Located at 42nd Street and Seventh Avenue, One Times Square is expected to reopen to the public in 2025.
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New Developments

Photos show off One High Line as new addition to Chelsea’s hub of high-end architecture

All photos courtesy of Evan Joseph.

December 8, 2023

Photos show off One High Line as new addition to Chelsea’s hub of high-end architecture

By Devin Gannon

Work has wrapped up on One High Line, the two-tower residential development designed by Bjarke Ingels, marking a major milestone for a project that has hit a few bumps along the way. Located next to the iconic elevated park for which it shares a name, the distinctive condominium at 500 West 18th Street consists of a 36-story tower and a 26-story tower that twist in tandem away from each other, maximizing city and Hudson River views. One High Line joins several notable high-end architecture projects in West Chelsea, like Lantern House, 520 West 28th Street, and The Cortland.
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Leasing launches at Pearl House in the Seaport, NYC’s largest office-to-rental conversion

All renderings courtesy of Williams New York

December 7, 2023

Leasing launches at Pearl House in the Seaport, NYC’s largest office-to-rental conversion

By Aaron Ginsburg

Leasing has launched at New York City's largest office-to-rental conversion to date. Developed by Vanbarton Group and designed by Gensler, Pearl House at 160 Water Street in the Seaport District includes 588 luxury apartments and three levels of resort-style amenities at what was a 1970s-era office building. Pricing starts at $3,500 for studios, $4,700 for one-bedrooms, and $6,400 for two-bedrooms, according to Bloomberg.
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See plan to replace former Harlem prison next to Central Park with 105 affordable homes

All renderings courtesy of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office

December 6, 2023

See plan to replace former Harlem prison next to Central Park with 105 affordable homes

By Aaron Ginsburg

A plan to replace a former Harlem prison with affordable housing is moving forward. Gov. Kathy Hochul on Tuesday unveiled Seneca, the winning proposal for a project that will transform the Lincoln Correctional Facility at West 110th Street, which shuttered in 2019, into 105 affordable homes for purchase. The governor selected a team led by Infinite Horizons, L+M Development Partners, Urbane, and Lemor Development Group to develop the roughly $90 million project, which will go through a public review process before final approval.
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December 6, 2023

15 best ice skating rinks in NYC

By Aaron Ginsburg

When the cool weather of fall fades into the freezing frostiness of winter, it takes a lot of effort to leave our warm, cozy homes. However, one festive activity that gets New Yorkers out of their apartments is ice skating, a New York City tradition since the 1850s. Ahead, find some of the best places in the city to ice skate, from gliding underneath the world's most iconic Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center to attending lessons hosted by Olympic skaters at Manhattan West and Brookfield Place.
Hit the ice

Fifth Avenue’s sparkling snowflake is brighter than ever

Image courtesy of the Fifth Avenue Association

December 6, 2023

Fifth Avenue’s sparkling snowflake is brighter than ever

By Aaron Ginsburg

Fifth Avenue's famous snowflake, a cherished New York City holiday fixture for 40 years, is back and brighter than ever. The Fifth Avenue Association and the Stonbely Family Foundation on Sunday celebrated the lighting of the refurbished snowflake, which features 16,500 sparkling crystals and new high-intensity full-color LED lights. The twinkling 30-foot-wide snowflake is suspended 50 feet above Fifth Avenue and 57th Street from four buildings: the Aman Hotel, Bergdorf Goodman, Bulgari, Louis Vuitton, and Tiffany & Co.
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Events & Things To Do

Photo credit: Nina Poon/MW Studio for The Corcoran Group

December 5, 2023

James Beard Foundation foodie’s Gramercy penthouse with twin terraces asks $3.3M

By Michelle Cohen

"Chef's kitchen" is a common term when it comes to residential listings, but the current owner of this Gramercy co-op at 201 East 21st Street, former James Beard Foundation Chief Strategy Officer and (current) culinary consultant Mitchell Davis, has entertained some of the world's greatest chefs in his kitchen. Asking $3,295,000, the three-bedroom post-war penthouse has one terrace for drinks, another for dining, and a full menu of bespoke designer details in addition to its foodie pedigree.
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Distinctive Homes

Stay in a ‘Wonka’ inspired suite at NYC’s Park Lane New York hotel

All images courtesy of Booking.com

December 4, 2023

Stay in a ‘Wonka’ inspired suite at NYC’s Park Lane New York hotel

By Aaron Ginsburg

Booking.com is giving candy lovers the chance to travel to a world of pure imagination with a stay in a Willy Wonka-themed hotel suite. Inspired by the release of Warner Bros. Pictures' film "Wonka" this month, the exclusive offer includes a two-night stay at the Park Lane New York in Midtown in a room transformed into a sugary wonderland. Booking at the sweet-filled suite opens on December 13 for a two-day stay on December 15-16, priced at $12.15 in honor of the film's release date.
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Events & Things To Do

NYC receives $7.5M from feds for new Governors Island hybrid ferry

Renderings courtesy of the Elliott Bay Design Group

December 4, 2023

NYC receives $7.5M from feds for new Governors Island hybrid ferry

By Aaron Ginsburg

Ferry systems in New York City are getting a boost from the federal government. The U.S. Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has awarded the city over $10 million to modernize its fleet, including $7.5 million for the new Governors Island hybrid ferry and $3 million for a storage facility for the Staten Island Ferry. The funding stems from President Joe Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which was enacted in 2021 and includes up to $108 billion for public transportation.
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Transit

30 Rock opens new rooftop ride ‘The Beam’ recreating iconic construction photo

Visitors enjoy Rockefeller Center’s new interactive experience “The Beam” at Top of the Rock Observation Deck on the 69th floor. Photo credit: Diane Bondareff/AP Images for Tishman Speyer

December 1, 2023

30 Rock opens new rooftop ride ‘The Beam’ recreating iconic construction photo

By Devin Gannon

The observation deck at 30 Rockefeller Plaza is taking visitors to new heights. On Friday, the Top of the Rock debuted The Beam, a new rooftop ride on the 69th floor that recreates the iconic 1932 photo of ironworkers eating lunch on a beam during the construction of the building. During the experience, visitors sit on a beam and are lifted 12 feet above the platform then rotated 180 degrees to face Central Park. Tickets to The Beam cost $25 per person as an add-on for Top of the Rock general admission and come with a digital photo.
details here

Events & Things To Do

For $1.7M, this compact Village loft is a sleek, seamless machine for city living

Photo credit: Edward Menashy.

November 30, 2023

For $1.7M, this compact Village loft is a sleek, seamless machine for city living

By Michelle Cohen

What this high-floor corner loft in the International Tailoring Company Building at 111 Fourth Avenue lacks in floor space, it makes up in well-designed form and function. The three-room co-op, asking $1,695,000, has been freshly renovated with an architect's expert eye; the result is sophisticated rather than small. Breathtaking city skyline vistas through massive loft windows–and 13-foot ceilings–add a definite boundless quality to the picture.
See how it all fits

Distinctive Homes

Drivers will likely pay $15 to enter certain parts of Manhattan as part of congestion pricing plan

Photo by Raidarmax on Wikimedia Commons

November 30, 2023

Drivers will likely pay $15 to enter certain parts of Manhattan as part of congestion pricing plan

By Aaron Ginsburg

Drivers entering certain parts of Manhattan could be charged a $15 toll as part of New York City's congestion pricing program, the first of its kind in the nation. As first reported by the New York Times, the Traffic Mobility Review Board released a report on Thursday detailing the pricing structure for the tolls for the Central Business District Tolling Program, which covers an area of Manhattan from 60th Street to the Battery. The program aims to alleviate traffic, encourage the use of public transit, and reduce pollution, all while generating $1 billion in annual revenue for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
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This $22.5M Chelsea townhouse is like living in your own private modern museum

Photo credit: REPN for Sotheby’s International Realty

November 29, 2023

This $22.5M Chelsea townhouse is like living in your own private modern museum

By Michelle Cohen

From the garage, gym, and sauna on the lower floors to a roof terrace that floats above the highest ones, this newly minted $22,500,000 Chelsea townhouse is an architectural wonder in the form of a massive modern mansion. Finally available after a lengthy design and construction phase helmed by renowned architect Andrea Steele, this 9,000-square-foot home at 217 West 20th Street goes beyond bold contemporary design to include a private parking garage, an elevator, and innovative glazing that fills all six floors with sunlight. The 25-foot-wide townhouse has 1,500 square feet of exterior space on two terraces and a subterranean garden. All of this effort hasn't gone unnoticed: The home received the Society of American Registered Architects' Award of Excellence.
tour this bold manhattan mansion

Distinctive Homes

Stephen Sondheim’s Turtle Bay townhouse sells for $7M

All photos courtesy of Compass

November 29, 2023

Stephen Sondheim’s Turtle Bay townhouse sells for $7M

By Devin Gannon

Late songsmith Stephen Sondheim's Turtle Bay townhouse has sold for the asking price of $7,000,000. As first reported by the Wall Street Journal, the unnamed buyer of 246 East 49th Street lives in New York and is a fan of the Broadway legend. The seven-bedroom home hit the market in July and entered contract the following month.
details this way

Central Park views and a classic Upper East Side address for $2.5M

Photo courtesy of DDreps

November 28, 2023

Central Park views and a classic Upper East Side address for $2.5M

By Michelle Cohen

If you love the classic architecture and elegance of the Upper East Side, this charming co-op at 1 East 66th Street deserves a look. Located in a coveted Fifth Avenue full-service building designed by renowned architect Rosario Candela in 1949, the apartment benefits from five-star hotel services and plenty of amenities. Within, the turn-key home, asking $2,495,000, is bathed in south-facing light and blessed with Central Park views.
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Distinctive Homes

Central Park’s Bow Bridge closes for renovations

Photo by Pierre Blaché from Pixabay

November 28, 2023

Central Park’s Bow Bridge closes for renovations

By Aaron Ginsburg

The famous Bow Bridge in Central Park will close for two months for renovations. The Central Park Conservancy on Sunday announced in a social media post the iconic bridge will not be open to the public from November 27 through January 2024 for repairs that include replacing its wood decking. Parkgoers will still be able to access the Bethesda Terrace and Ramble area from the East and West Drives through West 77th, West 78th, East 74th, and East 78th Streets, as well as from Belvedere Castle going south, according to TimeOut.
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Policy

First expansion of Harlem’s historic Apollo Theater to open this winter

Photo by Shahar Azran

November 27, 2023

First expansion of Harlem’s historic Apollo Theater to open this winter

By Aaron Ginsburg

Harlem's world-famous Apollo Theater will open the doors to new performance space in February. The highly anticipated expansion, the first in the institution's 90-year history, will deliver a new 25,000-square-foot facility with two theaters, office space, a central lobby, and gallery space on the third and fourth floors of the Victoria Theater on West 125th Street. The Apollo Stages at The Victoria will open on February 1.
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520 Fifth Avenue

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2 beds starting at $3,435,000
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