Upper West Side

Those who've been waiting for a glimpse into the late Lauren Bacall's Dakota apartment will finally have their curiosity quelled. Curbed has just spotted the official listing for Ms. Bacall's sprawling Central Park West home and, as expected, it boasts a $26 million asking price. It was previously reported that the apartment was in need of quite a bit of work, but by the looks of things, the home is in fine shape with many of its original 19th century details still intact, including the original plaster moldings, pocket doors, fireplaces, wainscoting and hardware.
Inside the Dakota apartment

<b>Home and Away: Is Airbnb a Threat to the Affordable Housing Market?</b>

Photo courtesy of Airbnb via Facebook.

November 10, 2014

Home and Away: Is Airbnb a Threat to the Affordable Housing Market?

By Michelle Cohen

Controversial room-sharing startup Airbnb, one of the most visible players in what is being called the “sharing economy,” has recently awakened the innovation vs. regulation argument in all the usual ways–and a few new ones, including the accusation that these short-term rentals are depleting the already-scarce affordable housing stock in pricey metro areas like San Francisco and New York City.
What the latest data reveals–and what's being done about it

November 6, 2014

Lauren Bacall’s Dakota Apartment Will Go for a Jaw-Dropping $26 Million

Since Lauren Bacall passed away this summer, many have been watching the iconic actress’s longtime Dakota home in hopes of catching a glimpse of the interior—and a chance at owning Hollywood history. Now word has it that the residence will hit the market any minute now with Warburg Realty brokering what is expected to be a $26 million listing. […]

November 4, 2014

How the Historic Apartments and Hotels of the Upper West Side Came to Be

By Michelle Young

It's hard to imagine today that people had to be lured to settle on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, but such was the case at the turn of the 20th century when the first New York City subway line opened. The Interborough Rapid Transit Line (IRT) started at City Hall, with the most epic of subway stations (now closed off to the public except on official Transit Museum tours). The Astors and other enterprising investors owned the land uptown, purchased in a speculative property boom. Now, the question was how to brand the area.
The history behind the opulent doors of the Upper West Side

Architecture And Design

October 30, 2014

Townhome in Hidden English Tudor Village on Upper West Side Asks $2M

It would be easy to walk right past Pomander Walk on a trip down 95th street, between Broadway and West End Avenue. The quaint little enclave is well concealed by an unsuspecting gate. However, walk through that gate and you’re in for quite a treat. Behind it is one of the most unexpected co-ops on the Upper West Side—an enclave so enchanting that it won the hearts of American treasures like Rosalind Russell, Lillian Gish, and Humphrey Bogart. And right now, one of those co-ops is available for $1.995 million.
Let's take a look

Distinctive Homes

October 30, 2014

President Obama’s College Apartment is Now Renting for $200 Cheaper

Live like a president—back when that president was a struggling student in college. The tiny two-bedroom apartment President Barack Obama once shared with another student while at Columbia is now renting for $2,300 a month, a couple hundred bucks less than its previous $2,500 a month listing price. The quaint home located in a rental building at 142 West 109th Street comes with an old photo of the prez standing in the doorway, and according to the listing, living here could be the road to political greatness: "who knows you might end up at the WHITE HOUSE one day!"
Inside Obama's college digs here

October 28, 2014

Sportscaster Marv Albert Gets $15M for His Lincoln Square Apartment

Famed sportscaster Marv Albert has found a buyer for his sprawling penthouse located at 150 Columbus Avenue. The NYDN reports the "Voice of Basketball" and his wife, former ESPN producer Heather Albert, just inked a contract that points to a $14.9 million deal. The couple originally purchased the 3,553-square-foot penthouse back in 1996 for just $2.39 million, calling it their home for years before heading down to Tribeca—and turning this pretty sweet profit. The penthouse was listed just five months ago.
Inside the home

October 24, 2014

Renovated Country-Chic Condo on the Upper West Side Asks $1.6 Million

We dare you not to fall in love with this adorable penthouse condo at 255 West 92nd Street. This gorgeous 1,178-square-foot renovated pad brings a little country chic to the city, and its additional 800-square-foot rooftop terrace is sure to be a welcome retreat from the city that never sleeps.
Take a look inside, here

Distinctive Homes

October 17, 2014

New Yorker Spotlight: Emmy-Winning Journalist Christine Chen on Moving from the News Desk to the Yoga Mat

By Susan Cohen

Long before Christine Chen was an Upper West Sider, she was living in Great Falls, Montana. A year out of U.C. Berkeley, she landed her first gig in broadcast journalism—a job that transplanted her from her native Bay Area to a small town in Big Sky Country. For Christine, it was the beginning of a very impressive career that included anchoring at KCPQ, the Fox affiliate in Seattle, and hosting About the Money on KCTS, the PBS station in Seattle. Along the way, she won two Emmys for her work as both a reporter and an anchor. After dealing with severe back pain, Christine knew her body needed a change. Looking for relief, she sought out yoga, which quickly evolved beyond exercise into both a lifestyle and career change. Today, New Yorkers in Chelsea, the Upper West Side, and Westchester have the chance to learn and take classes with Christine. 6sqft recently spoke with Christine to find out how New Yorkers engage with yoga, and what they can look to forward reading next March.
Our interview with Christine Chen

October 17, 2014

Ruler of the Sharjah Emirate Buys at 15 Central Park West for $14.25M

Sultan III bin Mohammed Al-Qasimi, a member of the Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates and current ruler of the Sharjah emirate, has just purchased an apartment at 15 Central Park West with his daughter Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, the 34th Most Powerful Arab Women as noted by Forbes. According to city […]

October 13, 2014

Adorable Upper West Side Co-op Charms with Old-World Touches

Something about this charming pre-war co-op at 316 West 82nd Street makes us feel like we’re on the set of a Woody Allen film. The two-bedroom pad is nostalgic for its 1910 inception with graceful lines, exposed brick, and quiet views of the well-maintained early twentieth century buildings outside the windows.
Let's take a look inside, here

Distinctive Homes

October 10, 2014

NY Jets Owner’s Fifth Avenue Co-op Could Sell for a Record-Breaking $80M

Billionaire NY Jets owner, Woody Johnson is looking to break a record with the sale of his duplex at 834 Fifth Avenue. The unit, which was quietly being shopped around for $75 million, has gone into contract for $80 million. When closed, it will be the city’s most expensive co-op sale ever. This is clearly a billionaire’s game as […]

October 6, 2014

Fashion Designer Elie Tahari Buys Two Units at 15 Central Park West for $25M

Israeli-American fashion designer Elie Tahari has snatched up two units at famed, Robert A.M. Stern- designed 15 Central Park West for a combined $25.25 million, according to city records released today. The pair of adjacent apartments was originally marketed for a total of $29 million. Tahari had previously been renting a three-bedroom unit in the star-studded building for $30,000 a month, but it looks like he's decided to make his stay more permanent, now occupying an entire private floor. Unit 9m has two bedrooms, 1,862 square feet of interior space, and 1,619 square feet of outdoor space. Unit 9G is a three-bedroom unit with 2,237 square feet inside and a spectacular 1,700-square-foot terrace. Both spaces appear to offer a pretty clean slate, perfect for the creative new owner to imbue his signature tailored, modern vibe.
Check out Tahari's new purchases

October 6, 2014

You’ll Feel Right at Home in This Elegant $3.2M Apartment at the Dorilton

Sometimes it takes a while to settle into a new place, but the minute we saw this spectacular residence on the market for $3.2 million in the Dorilton at 171 West 71st Street, it felt like home. While it’s true the landmarked building’s elaborate Edwardian façade could seem a little imposing, the warmth emanating from this immaculate, five-room Upper West Side home more than makes up for any airs the grand and gated entrance might convey.
See why this home will capture your heart

Distinctive Homes

September 26, 2014

D’Aquino Monaco-Designed Apartment at 15 Central Park West Is Colorful and Whimsical

Tucked away within the austere limestone façade of Architect Robert A.M. Stern’s 15 Central Park West is this fabulous apartment courtesy of Carl D’Aquino and Francine Monaco of New York-based design firm D’Aquino Monaco. Every single room is a treat to the senses, with bold splashes of color and unusual finishing touches combined to create a living space as cozy as it is quirky.
Tour the colorful and whimsical home here

Architecture And Design

September 25, 2014

$9.7M David Abelow-Designed Penthouse at the Apple Bank Building Boasts a Futuristic Kitchen

The listing for penthouse B at the Apple Bank Building has returned this week, asking $9.68 million. The David Abelow-designed condo first appeared on the market a year ago, asking $12 million. Then the property was delisted earlier this year after dropping its price to $10 million. Now, this 4,055-square-foot duplex may reside in a Beaux Arts building built in 1927, but you wouldn’t know it by the looks of its modern interior. In fact, house hunters might be pleasantly surprised to find a state-of-the-art, chef’s kitchen right out of the space age waiting for them as they enter.
See what we're talking about here

Distinctive Homes

September 19, 2014

William Noble’s Private Central Park West Residence Is on the Market…Again

William Noble would roll over in his grave if he knew the fate of his beloved private residence. The prominent developer built a cluster of spec homes toward the end of the 19th century and chose 247 Central Park West for himself. This 10,745-square-foot home’s impressive history continues as it was once the home of Walt Disney’s grandniece and it remains one of the few single-family homes on Central Park. However, history turns a bit sour beginning in 2006 when Keith Monda, president of Coach, purchased the home and spent a year renovating it as a gallery for his art. He sold the remodeled home to Ukrainian businessman Igor Iankovsky in 2012. Iankovsky apparently never moved in, preferring his French residence instead, and he has been trying to sell the home ever since. We’re not sure if it’s the renovation’s mixed reviews or the sky-high prices, but for some reason this home toggles back and forth on the sales and rental markets. Well, now it’s back with another price drop, asking $27.75 million or $65,000 a month.
Let's take a look inside

September 17, 2014

Robert De Niro Moves into $125K-Per-Month Rental at 15 Central Park West

Robert De Niro's new home may not be in his beloved Tribeca, but the full-floor pad at 15 Central Park West is one of the city's most expensive rentals. Unit 35AB is two separate condos combined into one on the 35th floor. The 6,000-square-foot, five-bedroom apartment is owned by steel magnate Leroy Schecter, who purchased the property in 2008 for $18.9 million. He originally put the condo on the market in 2012 for $95 million, then reduced it to $85 million in April 2013, and once again to $70 million in November. De Niro and his wife Grace Hightower were displaced in 2012 when a fire ripped through their triplex at the Brentmore, 88 Central Park West. The couple has been renting in the West Village, but it looks like they wanted to return to the Upper West Side while renovations are completed on their permanent home. And they're in good company; Alex Rodriguez and investor Henry Silverman have rented the same unit in the past.
Take a look inside the new De Niro digs

Celebrities

September 12, 2014

Patrick Stewart Finds a Buyer for His Upper West Side Penthouse

Sir Patrick Stewart of X-Men and Star Trek fame has found a buyer for his Upper West Side pied-à-terre. The two-bedroom, 1,300-square-foot co-op at 118 West 79th Street entered contract after seeing several bids. The actor put the unit on the market in June for $3.8 million. He bought the home in 2003 for $1.8 million with his then-wife Wendy Neuss, but the couple divorced shortly thereafter, and Neuss remained in the penthouse apartment.
Take a look inside

September 11, 2014

Rent Former Brooklyn Nets Coach Jason Kidd’s Amenity-Packed Apartment for $20K a Month

Live like a former Nets coach—at least while Jason Kidd is in Milwaukee coaching the Bucks. Kidd's departure comes after some dicey events involving politicking and power grabbing after just a year on the job. But rather than dumping his Aldyn pad completely in spite, Kidd has decided to rent it out for $20,000 a month. With some serious off the hook amenities, it's no wonder why this recognized NBA All-Star purchased the Upper West Side apartment in the first place.
A look inside the apartment and building here

September 4, 2014

$1.2M Picture Perfect Penthouse on the Upper West Side Features Two Private Rooftop Terraces

Did you ever see a piece of art and feel immediately drawn to it? Well, that’s exactly how we felt the first time we laid eyes on this turn-of-the-century townhouse at 134 West 88th Street. From its beautiful cornice and decorative façade to the lovely planters overflowing with greenery that adorn each window, it sits majestically among its peers on one of the Upper West Side’s most beautiful tree-lined blocks. And this picture perfect one-bedroom penthouse situated on the building’s top two floors is everything you’d expect – and more. While there’s certainly an abundance of charm in the original exposed brick, wood beamed ceilings, and top-nailed, wide-plank hardwood floors, the home exudes a decidedly modern rustic appeal.
See what makes this home so breathtaking

Distinctive Homes

Coffee Culture: Are Neighborhood Cafes the First Sign of Gentrification?

Photo: Cafe Grumpy in Greenpoint by Premshree Pillai cc

September 3, 2014

Coffee Culture: Are Neighborhood Cafes the First Sign of Gentrification?

By Michelle Cohen

From “coffices” to lab-like minimalist gourmet coffee meccas to cozy neighborhood hangouts, neighborhood cafes are a fine example of the essential “third place” mentioned in discussions of community dynamics: that place, neither work nor home, where regulars gather and everyone’s welcome. Along with yoga studios, art galleries, community gardens, vintage clothing shops, restaurants with pedigreed owners and adventurous menus and, some say, a change in the offerings on local grocery shelves, cafes are often the earliest sign of neighborhood change. The neighborhood cafe serves as a testing ground for community cohesiveness while adventurous entrepreneurs test the still-unfamiliar waters around them. Beyond the literal gesture of offering sustenance, cafes provide a place where you can actually see who your neighbors are and appreciate the fact that at least some of them are willing to make an investment locally.
Get a fleeting glimpse of old New York City cafe culture in the West Village, meet the future of coffee distribution in Red Hook.

August 19, 2014

Steven Harris Architects’ West 87th Street Townhouse is a True Urban Sanctuary

By Dana Schulz

Walking down West 87th Street past the stately brick and brownstone townhouses, a stunning white home with huge picture windows stands out as something special. The magic really starts, though, upon entering the house. Renovated by Steven Harris Architects, this striking townhouse not only provides a spacious layout filled with tasteful contemporary furniture, but the firm's work retains historic details like ornate crown moldings and the original, commanding staircase. The highlight of the townhouse is the oversized windows, which let in plenty of natural light, offer cross ventilation, and open to an abundance of outdoor space.
Tour the rest of this Upper West Side beauty

August 18, 2014

Fully Furnished Upper West Side Rental Has Everything You Need and More

Personally, this 2,500-square-foot triplex at 108 West 78th Street in the Broadway Corridor had us at its gorgeous exposed brick walls, but there’s plenty else to get hooked on even without its close proximity to some of the best New York City has to offer. What makes it even better? This beautifully appointed and fully-furnished rental can be yours (in a manner of speaking) for only $16,500 a month.
Exposed brick and more right this way

Distinctive Homes

Morningside Heights: From Revolutionary Battle to Columbia University Campus

Bloomingdale Road (now Broadway) and 114th Street in 1895

August 14, 2014

Morningside Heights: From Revolutionary Battle to Columbia University Campus

By Michelle Young

Today, it's hard to imagine Morningside Heights without the flurry of students hurrying to class at Columbia University. It may be even harder to imagine it without some of its signature architecture: the gothic Cathedral of St. John the Divine, the largest cathedral in the world, Riverside Church, with its former bowling alley, or Grant's Tomb along the Hudson River. But Morningside Heights got an exciting start in the history of New York City (and America, as it turns out)!
The incredible story of Morningside Heights, from past to present, this way

August 13, 2014

Spanx Founder Sara Blakely Makes $18 Million Profit on 15 Central Park West Apartment Sale