Manhattan

May 19, 2020

Public art campaign lights up Times Square in support of essential workers

A public art campaign is lighting up Times Square in support of New York City's healthcare and essential workers. As part of a joint effort by Times Square Arts, For Freedoms, and Poster House, "Messages for the City," now in its second phase, features work from more than 30 artists and designers on digital public service announcements in New York, Boston, and Chicago.
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May 19, 2020

Affordable housing lottery opens for 45 units in Central Harlem, from $824

New Yorkers earning 60 percent of the area median income are now welcome to apply for 45 affordable units at a new supportive housing building in Central Harlem. Located at 310 West 127th Street, the residence has set aside 60 percent of its units for low-income or formerly homeless households with special needs referred by city agencies, while the remaining 40 percent are available to the public through this lottery. They range from $824/month studios to $1,451/month three-bedrooms.
See the qualifications
May 18, 2020

New Yorkers invited to design iconic Rockefeller Center flags

A public art competition launched last week that asks New Yorkers to submit designs for the iconic flags that surround the Rink at Rockefeller Center. Led by the site's developer Tishman Speyer, "The Flag Project" is looking for artwork that celebrates New York City, whether it be through graphic design, a drawing, or collage. Winning designs will be made into flags and flown from Rockefeller Center's 192 flagpoles this August as part of a temporary exhibit.
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May 15, 2020

NYC will limit access to Central Park’s Sheep Meadow this weekend

Mayor Bill de Blasio on Friday said police will limit access to parts of some parks, as well as deploy additional Parks Department officials to patrol city beaches this weekend, with temperatures expected to be in the 70s. The NYPD will restrict the number of people allowed to enter the Sheep Meadow lawn in Central Park to avoid overcrowding and curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. And police will again limit access to Piers 45 and 46 at Hudson River Park in the West Village and monitor crowds at Domino Park in Williamsburg for the second weekend in a row.
Details this way
May 14, 2020

David Chang permanently closes Momofuku Nishi in Chelsea, relocates Ssäm Bar to Seaport District

No restaurant in New York City is immune to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, with even restauranteur David Chang's acclaimed Momofuku empire affected. The company announced that its restaurant Nishi in Chelsea will not reopen and Momofuku Ssäm Bar in the East Village will move to Bar Wayo at South Street Seaport to consolidate the teams. Momofuku CCDC in Washington D.C. will also permanently close, in light of COVID-19.
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May 13, 2020

Model Sophia Lie lists her Scandinavian mini-loft in Soho for $625K

Norwegian model and entrepreneur Sophia Lie stayed true to her roots when outfitting her NYC residence. Located at the co-op 110 Thompson Street and recently listed for 625,000, the alcove studio is described as a "Scandinavian sanctuary in Soho," and we can't disagree. From the pale color scheme to the simple built-ins to the minimalist furniture, everything about the fifth-floor mini-loft screams hygge-chic, and if you're feeling this vibe, it's available fully furnished.
Have a look
May 12, 2020

Street artist Tristan Eaton reveals new Midtown mural thanking NYC’s nurses

Los Angeles-based painter and designer Tristan Eaton is well known for his street murals, which he's brought to NYC through a collaboration with Montefiore Hospitals. The towering artwork, which sought to capture the heroism of our healthcare workers, is located on 34th Street and 8th Avenue and is part of a larger appreciation campaign for National Nurses Week sponsored by Montefiore and its creative company of record, Alto NY. They wanted to create a "digital" ticker-tape parade and "extend the Canyon of Heroes to the doors of every hospital in New York." Using Eaton's mural as a template, New Yorkers can create their own hero image by uploading a photo on the website or through Instagram. In addition, Montefiore has created a moving video thanking all the brave nurses.
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May 12, 2020

Work from home NYC: Small-space buff Rae Lambert transforms her entryway into a pop-up office

Last year, we visited the 400-square-foot Hell's Kitchen studio of Rae Lambert and her husband Ryan. In addition to her career as a product marketer for tech companies, Rae runs the awesome blog Small Space, Big Taste, where she shares ideas about re-designing how to live, spend, eat, work and travel. So it comes as no surprise that Rae adapted quickly to quarantine lifestyle, which has forced Ryan to work from home as well. Ahead, Rae takes us on a virtual journey of how she transformed her entryway into a pop-up office, complete with both standing and sitting work stations and some lovely accessories. She also fills us in on what a typical day looks like now for her and Ryan and shares advice for other couples working from home together in a small space.
Watch the video
May 12, 2020

$5.7M Tribeca co-op is two floors of loft living with lots of bonus space

Tribeca loft living is at its finest at this four-bedroom riverfront duplex. Located at 288 West Street, known as the Medium Lipstick Building, the brick warehouse building was built in 1855 as a spice storehouse and has since been converted to 14 co-op units. This particular apartment has all the classic architectural details-- beamed ceilings, wooden columns, exposed brick, arched windows--but with modern additions like a floating glass-enclosed staircase, double-sided fireplace, sleek white built-ins, and a sauna.
Take the full tour
May 8, 2020

150 spots open on waitlist for units at waterfront complex in Kips Bay, from $2,092/month

Applications are currently being accepted to replenish a 150-name waitlist for middle-income units at the Waterside Plaza complex in Kips Bay. The four-tower, 1,400-unit development sits next to the East River and runs between East 26th and East 29th Streets. New Yorkers earning 130 and 160 percent of the area median income can apply for the apartments, which range from a $2,092/month studio to a $3,664/month three-bedroom.
How to apply
May 8, 2020

Gray’s Papaya reopens on the Upper West Side with a new hot dog ‘Recession Special’

For the first time in 47 years, corner hot dog outpost Gray's Papaya shut down temporarily on March 30. But as was first reported by West Side Rag, the Upper West Side location is now back open for business. In addition to delivery through Seamless and Grubhub, Gray's is offering window takeout with safe single-serve condiments, and their employees are all wearing masks and gloves. But even more exciting is that they've created a special version of their 35-years-running Recession Special.
What's the deal?
May 8, 2020

East Village landmark Gem Spa has permanently closed

A fixture on the corner of St. Marks Place and Second Avenue in the East Village for 100 years, Gem Spa has permanently closed. The store, considered home to New York's best egg cream, had been struggling financially due to the gentrification of the neighborhood, as well as the loss of its cigarette and lottery licenses last year. While a fundraising effort launched last fall by current owner Parul Patel helped temporarily, the coronavirus pandemic "ultimately sealed the fate" of the institution.
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May 7, 2020

After three years, developer Joseph Chetrit unloads UES townhouse with an indoor pool for $25M

The townhouse might've sold for $14 million under its asking price, but it's still one of the biggest sales to come through since the coronavirus crisis hit NYC. Owner and big-time real estate developer Joseph Chetrit first listed the double-wide home at 118 East 76th back in 2017 for $39 million. The Wall Street Journal, who learned of the sale from a source close to the deal, notes that the Upper East Side home went into contract "for a significantly larger amount" but "was renegotiated due to the market tumult caused by the pandemic." The lavish home boasts a top-floor indoor pool with a glass-enclosed gym that overlooks it, an elevator that stops at all six floors, a cigar bar, and a patio with an outdoor kitchen and living area. 
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May 7, 2020

Lottery opens for 300+ mixed-income luxury apartments on Roosevelt Island, from $506/month

Applications are now being accepted for 313 mixed-income apartments at a new high-rise rental on Roosevelt Island. Developed by Related Companies and Hudson and designed by Handel Architects, Riverwalk Park is a 21-story permanently affordable building, part of a nine-building planned community on the Island. Qualifying New Yorkers earning 40, 50, 80, 130, and 165 percent of the area median income can apply for the apartments, ranging from a $506/month studio to a $3,432 three-bedroom.
Do you qualify?
May 6, 2020

See the immersive art museum proposed for a landmarked Lower Manhattan bank hall

An art center with immersive art exhibitions has been proposed for a landmarked former banking hall in Lower Manhattan. Culturespaces, a French museum operator, presented its plan to adapt the Emigrant Industrial Savings Bank into a center of digital art to the city's Landmarks Preservation Commission on Tuesday. The design proposal from Woods Bagot Architects includes alterations to the landmarked interior to accommodate a ticketing area and necessary audiovisual equipment for the art center, as well as modifications to the exterior of the building.
More here
May 5, 2020

The Weeknd’s penthouse rental at 443 Greenwich in Tribeca is now asking $27.5M

The Weeknd's former rental at 443 Greenwich Street in Tribeca has hit the market for $27.5 million. The Grammy Award winner moved into the $60,000/month penthouse apartment in 2018 with then-girlfriend Bella Hadid. Now for sale and "available immediately," as the Real Deal spotted, penthouse D takes up three levels and includes over 1,000 square feet of private outdoor space.
See inside
May 5, 2020

Garden-level two-bedroom on the Upper East Side is a perfect all-year oasis for $12,950/month

Feeling good at home is more important now than ever, which is why we're so smitten' over this two-bedroom Upper East Side rental. The interior is warm and cozy for those chillier days, while the outdoor garden is a magical summertime oasis. Located at 14 East 64th Street and listed for $12,950 a month, the home is even more enticing for the fact that it can come fully furnished. In addition to the super stylish decor and custom-designed furniture, you'll get three bathrooms, a sky-lit kitchen, and a large lower-level bonus room.
Get a closer look
May 4, 2020

In the West Village, this $4,650/month studio is glam, masculine, and move-in ready

There are a lot of adjectives to describe this studio apartment at 175 West 13th Street, but the biggest thing to know is that it's available fully furnished with no fee. As the listing says, the super-sleek-yet-subtly-glamourous residence is like "having your very own hotel suite in Greenwich Village," as it includes weekly maid service and has been outfitted with perks such as a built-in espresso coffee system, a media wall, and a marble-lined dressing area.
Have a look
April 28, 2020

East Village icons Veniero’s and Veselka will reopen this Friday for takeout and delivery

Treat yourself this Friday to a meal of pierogis followed by cheesecake. East Village icons Veselka and Veniero's Pasticceria & Caffe, the Ukrainian restaurant that started in 1954 and the Italian bakery that opened in 1894 respectively, will both reopen for takeout and delivery on May 1. Eater spotted the news on Veniero's Instagram that the bakery will reopen for takeout, delivery, and curbside pickup. Likewise, Veselka posted on their Instagram that they will open for takeout and delivery.
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April 28, 2020

Rockefeller Center revamp gets Landmarks approval

A proposal to renovate Rockefeller Center's public realm was approved on Tuesday by the Landmarks Preservation Commission. Led by Tishman Speyer and designed by Gabellini Sheppard Associates, the project aims to restore the connection between the concourse and the sunken plaza, an element included in the original plans for the historic Midtown site. The design, which was revised following a public hearing in January, focuses on the pools of the channel gardens, the sunken plaza, and new seating and planting to maintain the plaza's well-defined edges.
More here
April 28, 2020

Eight-story Beekman Place mansion lowers price yet again to $11.45M

It's been more than six years since this stately home at 29 Beekman Place first listed for $37.5 million, and it's now back on the market for less than a third of that price. Built in 1934 as the largest of all the mansions along the exclusive enclave, the home is eight stories and has 10 bedrooms, 11 bathrooms, two terraces, and amazing East River views. It's only had three owners in its lifetime, starting with its first resident, CBS founder William S. Paley.
Take the tour
April 27, 2020

Construction resumes at controversial 200 Amsterdam Avenue tower

Construction resumed last week at a condo project on the Upper West Side two weeks after its developer halted all work in response to the state-ordered ban on non-essential projects in March. The city's Department of Buildings granted SJP Properties construction permits for the tower at 200 Amsterdam Avenue for emergency work, as THE CITY first reported, much to the frustration of some local residents and officials.
More details
April 27, 2020

The Empire State Building’s new light shows honor essential workers and first responders

After kicking off on Saturday, the Empire State Building will continue to put on nightly light shows in honor of specific first responders and essential workers. The landmark began its #HEROESSHINEBRIGHT series by paying tribute to the FNDY and EMS on Friday, doctors, nurses, and the medical community on Saturday, and correction officers on Sunday. Tonight, watch the building blink orange, blue, and white in honor of the U.S. Coast Guard, as well as blue and gold in honor of the U.S. Navy.
See the rest of the lineup
April 24, 2020

Upper East Side apartment has a funky Murphy bed and a futuristic white-box design for just $350K

Perhaps the pandemic lifestyle has inspired you to go more minimalist. If so, this alcove studio on the Upper East Side may be pretty appealing. Located at 205 East 63rd Street, just east of Third Avenue, the legal one-bedroom has a futuristic vibe with stark white walls, porcelain floors, and furniture, save for the strategically placed pops of lime green. For just $350,000, there's a foyer, full kitchen, large living room (currently outfitted with a modern Murphy bed to free up even more space), and a whopping six closets.
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April 24, 2020

$3M Washington Square Park condo has a secret closet and an Insta-friendly vintage kitchen

If you've been perusing Pinterest for design inspiration to spruce up your apartment during quarantine, look no further than this totally adorable Greenwich Village apartment. The seafoam kitchen has vintage attitude with SMEG's retro appliances, and there are cool boho accents all over. There are architectural details, too, like exposed brick and a 19th-century fireplace, and there's even a secret closet hidden behind part of the built-in bookshelf  (You need to pull the copy of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes to access!). What's even better is that when you step outside of the building at 106 Waverly Place, you're just around the corner from Washington Square Park.
Check it all out
April 23, 2020

For $9.3M, be the first to live in this designer Tribeca penthouse

Does quarantine have you dreaming about more apartment space? How about 3,000 square feet inside and 2,200 square feet outside? That's what you'll get at this penthouse at 430 Greenwich Street in Tribeca. The lucky new owner who drops $9,275,000 on the co-op will be the first tenant; previously a raw loft space, it was recently renovated and custom-designed by architect Robert Marino. Not only did he add an irrigated roof garden with an outdoor kitchen, but he complimented the interior's original features like exposed timber beams and steel supports with super-chic additions including imported Italianate bronze work.
You'll want to see more of this one
April 22, 2020

See the giant heart design on Bryant Park’s lawn

A giant heart was mowed into Bryant Park's lawn this week as a message of support for the city's healthcare personnel and essential workers. The park, which recently transformed its Winter Village ice skating rink into its famed lawn, will reopen its green space to the public in early May. Social distancing regulations will be in effect, according to the Bryant Park Corporation.
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