Manhattan

NYC’s historic Five Points neighborhood is officially recognized with street co-naming

Photo on the left courtesy of Lloyd Trufelman; Photo on right courtesy of Wikimedia

October 14, 2021

NYC’s historic Five Points neighborhood is officially recognized with street co-naming

The intersection that formed the notorious Five Points neighborhood in Manhattan will now be officially part of New York City's street grid. The city has installed a sign at Baxter and Worth Streets in Lower Manhattan, marking the exact location of the original Five Points, a notorious 19th-century slum that was home to a diverse group of immigrants. Before this year's street co-naming, there was no official marker at the site to honor the historic spot, considered to be one of the country's first "melting pots." But a successful effort spearheaded by Lloyd Trufelman, who is a tour guide with the Municipal Art Society of New York, along with groups like the New York Adventure Club and the Historic Districts Council led to the street co-naming, symbolizing the return of Five Points to the city 125 years later. Ahead, hear from Trufelman about his campaign to recognize the legendary neighborhood and learn how to sign up for his upcoming walking tour.
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History

See David Chipperfield’s plans to renovate the historic townhouse at 1014 Fifth Avenue

Image © Sebastian Kaempf, KARO Architects

October 14, 2021

See David Chipperfield’s plans to renovate the historic townhouse at 1014 Fifth Avenue

By Michelle Cohen

From October 14 through October 17, cultural organization 1014 will introduce the public to prize-winning architect David Chipperfield's plans for the renovation of an Upper East Side historic and cultural gem at 1014 Fifth Avenue. Built in 1907 and flanked by two 15-story apartment buildings, the Beaux-Arts townhouse faces the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The renowned British architect was chosen in 2020 to design the building's future form after an international competition that included some of the field's most noted names. This weekend “1014 Past and Future” and related programming are taking place as part of Archtober and Open House New York.
Find out more about this unique global cultural hub

Photo courtesy of Brown Harris Stevens.

October 14, 2021

With modernist designer interiors, this $7.5M townhouse next to Central Park is an UWS dream

By Michelle Cohen

Who hasn't dreamed of living on the Upper West Side in a stately row house with room for the whole family and lots of outdoor space? On the market for $7.5 million, this classic home on a park block at 18 West 95th Street embodies the fantasy of townhouse living–complete with carefully considered custom interiors designed with European flair by Resolution: 4 Architecture, a design firm known for its modern homes. In addition to an owners' triplex, the home offers three studio apartments for extra income or guest/office space. Central Park lies just at the end of the block.
Tour the modern-house-in-a-classic-townhouse

Distinctive Homes

This $1.9M Upper West Side brownstone co-op has a soaking tub and sunny private garden

All photos: Rich Caplan

October 12, 2021

This $1.9M Upper West Side brownstone co-op has a soaking tub and sunny private garden

By Devin Gannon

While this Upper West Side co-op is just a few blocks from Central Park, the apartment at 136 West 70th Street comes with its own slice of green space. Asking $1,895,000, the two-bedroom home takes up three floors of a pre-war brownstone, with even more space found in the spacious landscaped backyard. The sunny south-facing garden measures 700 square feet and features lots of plantings and plenty of space to entertain.
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Distinctive Homes

See Jean-Georges’ new dining destination opening at NYC’s former Fulton Fish Market

The Central Market; Renderings courtesy of Roman and Williams Buildings and Interiors

October 7, 2021

See Jean-Georges’ new dining destination opening at NYC’s former Fulton Fish Market

By Devin Gannon

Ahead of next year's opening of the huge foodie destination from world-renowned Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten in the South Street Seaport, we're getting a first look at the 53,000-square-foot space. Several restaurants and bars, fast-casual concepts, and a sprawling central market will open at the Tin Building, a restored early 20th-century waterfront structure that once housed the iconic Fulton Fish Market.
Find out more

Food & Dining

Manhattan apartment sales hit a 32-year high

Photo by Jason Krieger on Unsplash

October 6, 2021

Manhattan apartment sales hit a 32-year high

By Devin Gannon

More apartments sold in Manhattan in the third quarter of 2021 than at any point during the last 30+ years of tracking, a new real estate market report says. According to a Douglas Elliman report published this week, there were 4,523 closed co-op and condos sales in the quarter, more than triple the same period last year and 76.5 percent higher than the same time in 2019. Even more indicative of the market turnaround following Covid-19, this quarter passed the previous sales record of 3,939 reported in the second quarter of 2007. And in its own market report, The Corcoran Group found sales volume in Manhattan topped $9.5 billion, the highest quarterly volume total ever recorded. This passes the previous record of $8.54 billion set in the second quarter of 2019.
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Real Estate Trends

October 6, 2021

NYC commits $170M to preserve Chinatown’s historic 70 Mulberry Street after fire

By Devin Gannon

The city will nearly double its investment in the restoration of a historic Chinatown building that was destroyed in a fire last year, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Tuesday. After committing $80 million last July to the rebuilding of 70 Mulberry Street, a former public school constructed in the 1890s, the mayor said the city will tack on another $90 million, for a total of $170 million. In January 2020, a fire significantly damaged the site, forcing out five nonprofit organizations. According to the city, all of the groups will be welcomed back as tenants.
Get the details

Policy

Photo of 2019 Village Halloween Parade by Steven Pisano on Flickr

October 5, 2021

The 2021 Village Halloween Parade is officially back on

By Devin Gannon

The Village Halloween Parade is officially back this year thanks to a major donation. The beloved event was scheduled to return after a pandemic-related hiatus, but a lack of funds threatened to cancel the 2021 parade, according to organizers. The parade set a fundraising goal of $150,000 by October 5, and with the help of 183 donors who contributed over $11,000 and Jason Feldman and his wife Missy who made up the difference, the spooky show will go on.
Details here

Events & Things To Do

October 4, 2021

Zig-zagging office tower in Greenwich Village’s ‘Silicon Alley’ nabe nears completion

By Devin Gannon

The new modern office building that replaced the St. Denis Hotel in Greenwich Village is nearing completion. The ground-up development 799 Broadway sits where the Village and Union Square meet, a burgeoning tech hub known as "Silicon Alley." As a majority of construction work on the building wraps up in the coming weeks, Columbia Property Trust, Inc. announced on Monday it has secured its first lease at the building.
Details here

New Developments

After 30+ years, Andy Warhol’s art director lists Noho penthouse for $6M

Listing photos by Daniel Wang of Brown Harris Stevens

October 4, 2021

After 30+ years, Andy Warhol’s art director lists Noho penthouse for $6M

By Dana Schulz

Marc Balet was the longtime art director for Andy Warhol's Interview Magazine, as well as for his talk show 15 Minutes that aired on MTV from 1985 to 1987. Around this same time, in the late '80s, he purchased a three-floor loft at 620 Broadway in Noho that was used as a dance studio. He transformed it into a beautiful, light-filled live-work home, even calling on his friend Fran Lebowitz to have her father, who owned a furniture store, create custom curtains for the 17-foot-tall space. The window treatments remain today, as do many other personal mementos, including lava lamps gifted by Pee-Wee Herman and a huge wall of celebrity photographs. Balet has now decided to put the home on the market for $5,995,000 and considering it also has an incredible amount of outdoor space, it's a place not to be missed.
Check it all out

Asking $4.3M, this historic Harlem brownstone is move-in ready and dressed to impress

Listing photos by Carol McGuinness and Daniel Wang

October 1, 2021

Asking $4.3M, this historic Harlem brownstone is move-in ready and dressed to impress

By Dana Schulz

This gorgeous Neo-Grec home in Harlem's coveted Mount Morris Park Historic District is perfectly preserved on the exterior, and the interiors, though they've been somewhat updated, retain much of their old-world charm. Located at 102 West 123rd Street and on the market for $4,295,000, the home is composed of an owner's triplex plus ground-floor apartment. Throughout, you'll find loads of original paneling, moldings, and stained glass transoms along with stylish but period-appropriate upgrades.
Take a tour

Distinctive Homes

A 24-ton stone sphere is hanging in the lobby of Philip Johnson’s 550 Madison Avenue tower

Photos: ©Fred Charles courtesy of Gensler

September 30, 2021

A 24-ton stone sphere is hanging in the lobby of Philip Johnson’s 550 Madison Avenue tower

By Devin Gannon

A massive blue spherical stone now hangs in the lobby of the landmarked office building 550 Madison Avenue, part of a broader project to revitalize Philip Johnson's postmodern gem. The Olayan Group on Wednesday unveiled the renovated space, a project which included preserving the 110-foot arched entry, adding a multi-story window across from the entrance with views through to the new garden, still under construction, and the centerpiece art commission. Designed by artist Alicja Kwade, who had a solo exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art's roof garden in 2019, the art installation includes a 24-ton Azul Macaubas stone sphere hanging from ten polished stainless steel chains only 12 feet above the floor.
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Asking $17.95M, this stately Carnegie Hill brownstone has a brick solarium and magical garden

Listing photos by Eitan Gamliely for Sotheby’s International Realty

September 30, 2021

Asking $17.95M, this stately Carnegie Hill brownstone has a brick solarium and magical garden

By Dana Schulz

The brownstones of Carnegie Hill are some of the most regal on the Upper East Side, and this seven-bedroom stunner at 25 East 92nd Street is definitely no exception. Listed for $17,950,000, the 100-year-old house has over 7,000 square feet of interior space and 944 square feet of beautiful planted gardens and terraces. A unique brick solarium, tons of wood built-ins, and a wine cellar are just some of the special features you'll find here.
Take a tour

Distinctive Homes

Comedian Keegan-Michael Key sells his condo in NYC’s ‘Jenga’ tower for $5M

All photos: Arnaud Lecamus, Silvercup Lifestyle LLC

September 29, 2021

Comedian Keegan-Michael Key sells his condo in NYC’s ‘Jenga’ tower for $5M

By Devin Gannon

Actor-comedian Keegan-Michael Key has sold his Tribeca apartment for $5,000,000, less than the original asking price of $5,495,000. As the New York Post first reported, the two-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath condo is located at 56 Leonard Street, better known as the "Jenga Building" because of each floor's unique layout.
Get the tour

Travis Scott and Kylie Jenner’s rental townhouse in Greenwich Village hits the market for $26.5M

Listing photos by Shannon Dupre of Donna Dotan

September 29, 2021

Travis Scott and Kylie Jenner’s rental townhouse in Greenwich Village hits the market for $26.5M

By Dana Schulz

Over the summer, rapper Travis Scott was renting this massive Greenwich Village townhouse at 80 Washington Place, where his girlfriend Kylie Jenner, who's pregnant with the couple's second child, would come to stay. The home was designed by the firm Clodagh, and it's a whopping 8,700 square feet spread across six stories. There are six bedrooms, eight bathrooms, a custom glass elevator, roof deck, backyard with an outdoor kitchen, terrace hot tub, and a wine cellar and tasting lounge. Another fun fact? The home was once owned by composer John Philip Sousa, known for his famous military marches. It's now hit the market for $26.5 million.
Check it all out

Mixed-use development Manhattan West officially opens today, revealing restaurants, open space, and more

Photo Credit: Jakob Dahlin

September 28, 2021

Mixed-use development Manhattan West officially opens today, revealing restaurants, open space, and more

By Dana Schulz

Following more than 30 years of planning, Brookfield Properties' eight-acre mixed-use development Manhattan West officially opens today. Located on the blocks between 32nd and 33rd Streets and Ninth and Tenth Avenues, the $4.5 billion project serves as a much-needed link on the far west side, bordered by the new Moynihan Train Hall to the east, Hudson Yards to the West, and the High Line to the south. Manhattan West's master plan was designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) and consists of six buildings--four office, one residential, and one boutique hotel. There's also a 2.5-acre public plaza designed by James Corner Field Operations, as well as a Whole Foods, immersive retail, and tons of restaurants including two from Danny Meyer.
See it all here

NYC’s Governors Island will be open year-round for the first time

Photo by Kreg Holt

September 28, 2021

NYC’s Governors Island will be open year-round for the first time

By Devin Gannon

Starting November 1, Governors Island will be open to the public year-round for the first time in its history, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Tuesday. Located in the heart of New York Harbor, the 172-acre island has typically had a limited season that ran between May and October but plans to make the site a 24/7 community have been in the works for nearly two decades. With the island open all year, the city also announced it will make Governors Island a daily stop on NYC Ferry, as well as launch a new route that departs from the Lower East Side.
Find out more

City Living

Waldorf Astoria launches 90th anniversary oral history project

Photo via Wikimedia Commons

September 28, 2021

Waldorf Astoria launches 90th anniversary oral history project

By Dana Schulz

October 1 marks 90 years since the Waldorf Astoria opened its doors on Park Avenue. It was the world's tallest hotel for 32 years and became perhaps the most famous hotel on the globe, too, attracting Hollywood’s elite, world leaders, and famed cultural events and galas. Since 2016, the landmark has been closed for a restoration and reimagination that will bring 375 hotel rooms and suites, along with 375 luxury condos as part of The Towers of the Waldorf Astoria. In anticipation of the reopening in early 2023, and to mark its nine-decade-long history, a new website called Waldorf Stories will "honor, document, and preserve the oral history of the world’s most famous hotel through stories told by the people that lived them."
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Listing photos by MW Studio for The Corcoran Group

September 28, 2021

$7.95M penthouse overlooking St. Marks Church has a Spanish Mission feel atop the East Village

By Dana Schulz

This penthouse in the East Village is stunningly gorgeous, there's no arguing that. But the exact style is so unique it's hard to pinpoint. The current owner, interior designer Alfredo Paredes (a 33-year veteran of Ralph Lauren Corp.) describes his oasis as "bohemian, yet industrial," though we're also getting major Spanish Mission/Santa Barbara vibes. Located at 235 East 11th Street, the two-bedroom duplex has treetop views of St. Mark's Church in the Bowery across the street, as well as a 960-square-foot terrace from which to enjoy them.
Take the tour

Distinctive Homes

Fun food festivals are coming to the Upper West Side and South Street Seaport this month

Taste of the Upper West Side in 2019. Photo via Taste of the Upper West Side.

September 27, 2021

Fun food festivals are coming to the Upper West Side and South Street Seaport this month

By Dana Schulz

This weekend, Taste of the Upper West Side returns, with more than 80 chefs, restaurants, and culinary personalities celebrating the neighborhood and offering up unlimited food, wine, beer, and spirits. And later this month, Taste of the Seaport will take place at Piers 16 and 17, where over 30 Lower Manhattan restaurants will participate, along with live music and art and a special kids' zone.
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This $1.57M East Village loft has original tin ceilings and Tompkins Square Park views

Listing photos by Russ Ross for the Shii Ann Huang Team at Compass

September 27, 2021

This $1.57M East Village loft has original tin ceilings and Tompkins Square Park views

By Dana Schulz

There's so much about this full-floor loft that feels like the old-school East Village, starting with the treetop views of Tompkins Square Park. The three-bed, two-bath co-op at 313 East 10th Street was redesigned by architecture firm AvroKo, who preserved much of the pre-war charm including tin ceilings, reclaimed wide plank oak floors, exposed brick, and two decorative mantels. They also added modern conveniences like handsome, floor-to-ceiling closets and contemporary shelving units. At 1,400 square feet, it's asking $1,575,000.
Look around

Distinctive Homes

For $650K, this salon-style Midtown studio has a ritzy kitchen and Parisian vibes

Listing photos courtesy of Warburg Realty

September 24, 2021

For $650K, this salon-style Midtown studio has a ritzy kitchen and Parisian vibes

By Dana Schulz

By the looks of this beautiful kitchen, you'd never know the apartment is only a studio. Instead of the usual cramped, galley kitchen, this one is large, high-end, and even has space for a full-size dining table. The entire place has been finished in a Parisian, salon-style, complete with delicate panel moldings and ceiling medallions, black-and-white marble floors, textured wall and ceiling treatments, and a claw-foot tub. Located at 372 Fifth Avenue, it's on the market for $650,000.
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Distinctive Homes

Apply for 30 affordable units at new Hudson Square tower with amazing views, from $1,224/month

All images courtesy of NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development

September 24, 2021

Apply for 30 affordable units at new Hudson Square tower with amazing views, from $1,224/month

By Dana Schulz

The cool, geometric rental tower at 111 Varick Street was just completed this year, and now it's opened an affordable housing lottery for 30 of its 100 apartments. The units are available to those earning 70, 80, or 130 percent of the area median income and range from $1,224/month studios to $3,219/month two-bedrooms. By comparison, the market-rate units start around $4,000/month for studios. Located in the burgeoning Hudson Square neighborhood, bordering the southern edge of Soho, this 30-story tower was designed by S9 Architecture with a unique undulating precast concrete facade. Because of where it's sited, the building offers incredible views of the Hudson River and skyline.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

September 24, 2021

MTA unveils colorful new subway mosaics at Bedford and 1st Avenue L train stations

By Dana Schulz

This week, the MTA unveiled two new mosaic series at the 1st Avenue and Bedford Avenue L train stations. In the East Village, artist Katherine Bradford created Queens of the Night, a fanciful tribute to the creatives and essential workers (depicted as superheroes) who ride the L train. And in Williamsburg, artist Marcel Dzama created No Less Than Everything Comes Together, a collection of theatric fairytale-like figures under the sun and moon.
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Tribeca’s tricked-out ‘Wolf of Wall Street’ townhouse returns for $10M

Listing photos courtesy of Douglas Elliman

September 23, 2021

Tribeca’s tricked-out ‘Wolf of Wall Street’ townhouse returns for $10M

By Dana Schulz

The Tribeca townhouse-condo that's come to be known as the "Wolf of Wall Street apartment" is back on the market for $10 million. It's owned by race car-driving ex-banker Alan Wilzig, who inspired the character in the movie who introduces Leonardo DiCaprio's character to his future wife. Wilzig bought the three-bedroom maisonette for $3.35 million in the mid-2000s. Located at 7 Hubert Street, the home is its own townhouse, complete with a backyard patio and jacuzzi, street-level garage, and 2,200-square-foot private roof deck. Other tricked-out features include a home gym, movie theater, sauna, massive closets, and access to the condo building's amenities.
See it all here

Distinctive Homes

New members-only bar in Flatiron is located inside a 19th-century church

All photos courtesy of Chapel Bar

September 22, 2021

New members-only bar in Flatiron is located inside a 19th-century church

By Devin Gannon

New York City's latest hot spot is in a church. Opening this week, Chapel Bar is a members-only bar located inside a stunning 19th-century chapel in the Flatiron District that has been transformed into a dreamy cocktail spot, decked out with jewel tones and velvet. Tucked away inside the lobby of the Swedish photography museum Fotografiska, the watering hole is only open to members of the museum or NeueHouse, a company that provides workspaces for creatives.
See inside

Food & Dining

Supersized origami sculptures land in NYC’s Garment District

Photos courtesy of Alexandre Ayer / @DiversityPics for the Garment District Alliance

September 22, 2021

Supersized origami sculptures land in NYC’s Garment District

By Devin Gannon

Seven supersized origami-inspired sculptures are now on display in Midtown Manhattan as part of the neighborhood's latest public art exhibit. Installed by the Garment District Alliance and the Department of Transportation, the exhibition, Hacer: Transformations, features brightly colored steel sculptures of animals that vary in size and resemble the paper-folding art. Created by California-based artist Hacer, the installation will be on display along Broadway between 36th and 39th Streets through November 23.
Get the details

Events & Things To Do

Spring + Thompson

83 Thompson Street

Soho

Loft-like residences in Soho designed by Selldorf Architects

2 beds starting at $4,975,000
4 beds starting at $14,850,000

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Manhattan

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