December 20, 2024

‘Black market’ NYC restaurant reservations banned by state law

Gov. Kathy Hochul on Thursday signed legislation that bans the "predatory black market" practice of third-party reservation services arranging and selling reservations at sought-after New York City restaurants. The law targets services that use bots to acquire the most sought-after reservation times on platforms like Resy, which have "wreaked havoc" through no-shows and last-minute cancellations and make dining inaccessible to regular New Yorkers who don’t want to pay extra.
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December 19, 2024

$7.2M penthouse is most expensive sponsor sale in Williamsburg

A penthouse went into contract at the "urban resort-style" One Williamsburg Wharf this week, marking a possible new record for sponsor sales in the neighborhood. Penthouse A is a three-bedroom, three-bath home with an expansive private terrace, fireplace, and sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline and East River. The apartment, which entered contract on Wednesday for $7.2 million, would break Williamsburg's previous most expensive sponsor sale by $2 million if it closes at that price.
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December 19, 2024

NYC’s largest chain stores continue to struggle

For the fifth time in the last seven years, the total number of chain stores in New York City has dropped. The Center for an Urban Future (CUF) on Wednesday released its annual "State of the Chains" report, which found a 1.3 percent decrease in the number of chain stores across the five boroughs over the last year. These findings indicate that, despite many of the city’s central commercial districts experiencing a strong recovery in storefronts, major national retailers continue to struggle.
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December 19, 2024

Hochul deploys 250 more National Guard troops to patrol NYC subway during holiday season

Gov. Kathy Hochul on Wednesday announced that an additional 250 National Guard troops will patrol the New York City subway system during the holiday season, bringing the total count to 1,000 troops following their initial deployment in March. News of additional troops comes even as subway crime is down 10 percent since March, according to the governor. There is currently no planned end date to withdraw the extra troops.
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December 19, 2024

How to spend a perfect holiday afternoon in Central Park

Is there anywhere more magical than Central Park during the holidays? With Christmas and Hanukkah beginning on December 25, take some time and appreciate the peaceful feeling of a day in the park before the rush of parties and gift-giving commences. Read on for our idea of a perfect holiday afternoon in Central Park.
our itinerary, this way
December 18, 2024

Greenpoint rental that is New York’s largest geothermal residential building gets new name, renderings

The largest geothermal residential project in New York has received a fresh rebranding ahead of leasing next year. Lendlease unveiled new branding and renderings for The Riverie, an 834-unit multi-family development at 1 Java Street along the Greenpoint waterfront. The project comprises five interconnected buildings, including a 37-story and a 20-story tower. The development features an all-electric design and a geothermal system that reduces annual carbon emissions from heating and cooling by 53 percent compared to traditional residential systems.
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December 18, 2024

Here are the library books New Yorkers borrowed the most in 2024

New York City's three public library systems revealed the annual most borrowed books of 2024. Across all three of the systems—the New York Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library, and Queens Public Library—the most checked-out title was "Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow" by Gabrielle Zevin, followed by "Happy Place" by Emily Henry and "Fourth Wing" by Rebecca Yaros.
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December 18, 2024

New year, new $10M Greenwich Village loft

With a $5 million renovation dialed in, this sprawling Greenwich Village home looks ready for a new life and a new year. The three-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath co-op at 43 West 13th Street has a dedicated space for every part of your life, including a meditation room and a TV room. Asking $10,000,000, the full-floor loft is a study in the latest and most luxurious fixtures, finishes, and high-tech comforts.
take the tour
December 17, 2024

Breuer Building up for individual, interior landmark designation

The interiors of the Whitney Museum's former Brutalist home may be preserved ahead of a planned renovation. The city's Landmarks Preservation Commission on Tuesday voted to calendar the Breuer Building at 945 Madison Avenue for consideration as an individual and interior landmark. Calendaring comes as the auction house Sotheby's prepares to relocate its headquarters to the Marcel Breuer-designed building; news of a renovation set to begin next year prompted preservationists to urge the agency to landmark the interiors.
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December 17, 2024

REBNY sues to block NYC broker fee law

The Real Estate Board of New York sued the city on Monday to stop a new law that would shift the payment of broker fees from renters to landlords. The Fairness in Apartment Rental Expenses (FARE) Act, which requires the party who hired the broker to pay the fees, became law over the weekend and takes effect in six months. In a lawsuit filed in Manhattan federal court, REBNY argues the FARE Act violates brokers' rights to free commercial speech under the First Amendment and will lead to "higher rents, fewer properties advertised, and decreased overall transparency of the markets for consumers."
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December 16, 2024

See inside $19.5M Dumbo penthouse, Brooklyn’s most expensive condo for sale

New photos released this week provide a first look inside the most expensive condo currently for sale in Brooklyn. On the market for $19,500,000, Penthouse B takes up the entire 32nd floor of Olympia Dumbo, a new 33-story luxury development at 30 Front Street with a sail-inspired design. The residence, which first hit the market in 2022, measures nearly 5,000 square feet and boasts viral-worthy 360-degree views of the Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan skyline, and beyond.
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December 16, 2024

MTA to start retiring subway trains with retro orange-and-yellow seats in 2025

The New York City subway system's classic orange-and-yellow seat cars are entering their twilight years, set to begin gradually disappearing from the tracks in 2025. Starting next year, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) plans to slowly retire the R46, R62, and R68 subway cars—part of the MTA's "B Division" fleet—known for their colorful L-shaped, back-to-back seating, according to PIX11. The outdated cars will be replaced with the new R211 cars, as outlined in an NYC Transit order form.
here's why
December 16, 2024

Citi Bike to expand in Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx next fall

Citi Bike is set for a major expansion, bringing the bike-share service to 900,000 more New Yorkers in the outer boroughs. Mayor Eric Adams on Friday announced that starting in the fall of 2025, Citi Bike will roll out to underserved neighborhoods like Brownsville and Bay Ridge in Brooklyn, Norwood and Riverdale in the Bronx, and areas west of Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens. The expansion will also add docking stations in high-demand areas to accommodate growing ridership.
See where Citi Bike is expanding
December 16, 2024

Upper East Side luxury rental opens lottery for 33 apartments, from $914/month

A new luxury rental on the Upper East Side launched a housing lottery last week for 33 mixed-income apartments. As a modern interpretation of Manhattan's Art Deco buildings, The Delecor at 250 East 83rd Street in Yorkville offers a pre-war-inspired design with 128 apartments and 25,000 square feet of residential amenities, including a rooftop lounge and indoor pool. New Yorkers earning 40, 60, and 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the units, priced from $914/month for studios to $4,020/month for two bedrooms.
Learn if you qualify
December 13, 2024

New Brooklyn Public Library exhibit features rare photographs of James Baldwin flourishing in Turkey

The Brooklyn Public Library is celebrating the centennial of civil rights activist and writer James Baldwin’s birth with a special exhibition of never-before-seen photographs. Called "Turkey Saved My Life - Baldwin in Istanbul, 1961-1971," the installation features photographs by Turkish photographer Sedat Pakay that shed light on a fertile period in Baldwin’s life when he traveled to the country to distance himself from the racism and homophobia present in America. The exhibition is on view in the lobby of the Central Library through February 28, 2025.
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December 13, 2024

Cookbooks from NYC’s top restaurants and chefs make great gifts for foodie friends and family

Top chefs from–or inspired by–some of the city's best eateries have published books filled with recipes and inspiring tips and tales from the world of New York City dining. Cookbooks are a great last-minute gift and often become a treasured part of the recipient's kitchen repertoire. This treasure trove of edible inspiration includes an international sampling of cuisines, sweet treats, and stellar vegan and vegetarian options, as well as tales from the culinary front lines.
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December 13, 2024

NYC is selling more ‘Cornelia Street’ signs on Taylor Swift’s birthday

Here's a chance to make the Swiftie in your life very happy this holiday season. Back by popular demand, the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) is selling a limited quantity of authentic, commemorative Cornelia Street signs as part of its monthly "sign drops." The signs, which cost $75, will be available for purchase starting Friday, December 13 at 12:13 p.m., coinciding with the pop star's birthday. Taylor Swift once rented a home on the Greenwich Village street, which she name-dropped in her 2019 song "Cornelia Street."
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December 13, 2024

Vote for 6sqft’s 2024 Building of the Year!

This year, New York City's residential market started heating up, particularly at the top. For the first time in two years, the city recorded sales exceeding $100 million, including a $135 million penthouse at the Aman New York and a $115 million penthouse at Central Park Tower. In addition to the nine-figure deals, new luxury developments sparked interest beyond Billionaires' Row, including a pink-wrapped condo in Fort Greene and an "urban-style resort" on the Williamsburg waterfront. Historic hotels and iconic office buildings entered new chapters, while long-anticipated projects, and some repeat Building of the Year candidates, either marked their completion or are finally nearing the finish line. 6sqft has narrowed our picks down to 16 of the most notable residential projects of the year. Which do you think deserves to be crowned the 2024 Building of the Year? Polls for our 10th annual competition will remain open through 5 p.m. on Friday, December 20. A winner will be announced on Monday, December 23. Happy voting!
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December 12, 2024

NYC has seized 73,000+ ‘ghost cars’ and illegal vehicles during Adams administration

New York City is cracking down on cars with illegal plates and other untraceable vehicles. Mayor Eric Adams and Gov. Kathy Hochul on Wednesday announced that a new task force made up of the city's police department (NYPD) and Department of Sanitation (DSNY) has removed over 7,500 "ghost cars"—vehicles with forged or altered license plates that evade traffic cameras and toll readers—and 27,000 unregistered motorized vehicles in just 12 weeks. Since the start of the Adams administration, more than 73,000 ghost cars and illegal motorized vehicles have been seized.
details here
December 12, 2024

The duplex apartment in Paul Rudolph’s Modulightor Building may be landmarked

A year ago, the Landmarks Preservation Commission designated the Modulightor Building, a Midtown East building designed by renowned architect Paul Rudolph, as a New York City landmark. Now, the agency will consider landmarking the interior of the building as well. On Tuesday, the agency voted to calendar a duplex apartment on the third and fourth floors of 246 East 58th Street designed by Rudolph. According to the commission, the apartment is a "complex, multi-layered late modern residential interior unlike any in New York City."
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December 11, 2024

NYC to close 25 migrant shelters, including Floyd Bennett Field

The massive migrant shelter at Brooklyn's Floyd Bennett Field will close in January as the number of migrants entering New York City reaches its lowest point in 17 months. Mayor Eric Adams on Tuesday announced that the 2,000-bed Marine Park shelter, along with 24 other facilities, will shutter over the next two months as the number of asylum seekers in city shelters has declined for 22 straight weeks. The city wants to close the shelter, located on federal land, to prevent President-elect Donald Trump from revoking the facility’s lease in January or launching immigration raids once he takes office, the New York Times reported.
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December 11, 2024

Bob Dylan’s former Turtle Bay home asks $7.25M

The Manhattan property at 242 East 49th Street has an elevator–and a backyard gate that leads to Turtle Bay Gardens, a private neighborhood park shared by just 20 homes. The renovated 19-foot-wide townhouse, asking $7,250,000, was Bob Dylan's New York City home for more than two decades, with neighbors like Katharine Hepburn, Stephen Sondheim, and E. B. White.
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December 11, 2024

Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor to buy $20M UES penthouse

Another New York Mets contract is grabbing headlines. Shortstop Francisco Lindor is set to score a $20 million penthouse at a boutique new condo building on the Upper East Side. As first reported by the Wall Street Journal, Lindor signed a contract for a 5,000-square-foot penthouse at 200 East 75th Street, an under-construction 18-story tower developed by EJS Group. Penthouse 5, which has six bedrooms and multiple terraces, is likely the baseball star's new home.
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December 10, 2024

$4M gets you the whole renovated Boerum Hill townhouse package, with a bi-level backyard

Brooklyn townhouse living is long past being a well-kept secret, so when you find a ready-to-move-in home in a neighborhood like Boerum Hill, you can expect it won't be a bargain. But having a charming, renovated single-family home like the one at 363 Warren Street, ready from day one, might just be worth the $3,995,000 ask. With a classic brownstone facade and a large, landscaped multi-level rear deck and yard, the four-story home is both historic and timeless.
take the brooklyn townhouse tour
December 10, 2024

Met Museum unveils design for new modern and contemporary art wing designed by Frida Escobedo

The Metropolitan Museum of Art on Tuesday unveiled the design for its new wing dedicated to contemporary and modern art. Designed by Mexico City-based architect Frida Escobedo, the five-story Oscar L. Tang and H.M. Agnes Hsu-Tang Wing, named for the couple who gave a lead donation of $125 million, includes a three-story base, a recessed fourth floor, and a further setback fifth floor, a scaled facade inspired by the 1971 masterplan from Roche Dinkeloo. The $500 million new wing will better connect to the rest of the museum's galleries and address accessibility and sustainability needs. The project, the first Met Museum wing designed by a woman in its 154-year history, will go through a public review process starting in 2025. It is expected to open in 2030.
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December 10, 2024

National Black Theatre’s new 21-story home in Harlem opens lottery for 58 apartments, from $834/month

A 21-story mixed-use tower in Harlem that will soon house the historic National Black Theatre (NBT) and over 200 apartments opened an affordable housing lottery last week. On the corner of 125th Street and 5th Avenue, the new development, Ray Harlem, will include 27,000 square feet for NBT, the city's longest-running Black theater founded in the neighborhood in 1968, 222 residences, and commercial space. About a quarter of the apartments are designated affordable. New Yorkers earning 40, 60, and 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the units, priced from $834/month for studios to $3,643/month for two bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify
December 9, 2024

Paul Newman’s Fifth Avenue co-op is on the market for $10M

The longtime New York City home of Hollywood icons Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward is available for the first time in nearly a half-century. The late actor/director and Woodward purchased the sprawling co-op at 1120 Fifth Avenue in Carnegie Hill in the 1980s and made it their Manhattan pied-a-terre for decades to follow. With iconic Central Park views, multiple terraces, and covetable pre-war details, the elegant residence, asking $9,950,000, is a rare slice of Hollywood history as well as a gracious and iconic New York City home.
step into hollywood history
December 9, 2024

New Lots Library redesign will recognize site’s legacy as an African Burial Ground

A transformational library redesign in East New York will honor the site's legacy as an African Burial Ground. The Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) on Saturday revealed plans for the redesigned New Lots Library by MASS Design and Marble Fairbanks, designed to better serve local residents and recognize the formerly unacknowledged African Burial Ground while celebrating African American culture. The library is slated to close for construction in fall 2025.
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December 6, 2024

Largest and most expensive Stegosaurus fossil now on view at AMNH

One of the largest and most complete Stegosaurus fossils ever discovered—and the most expensive—is now on display at the American Museum of Natural History. Known as Apex, the 150-million-year-old fossil, measuring 11.5 feet tall and 27 feet long, was unveiled on Thursday just inside the entrance to the museum's Richard Gilder Center in the Kenneth C. Griffin Exploration Atrium. Nearly 80 percent complete, the fossil was loaned to AMNH by Griffin, who purchased it for a record-breaking $44.6 million at a Sotheby’s auction in July, according to Gothamist.
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December 6, 2024

This $6M Arts & Crafts estate is like having your own private summer camp in the Hamptons

If you dream of a rustic escape in the form of a luxury hunting lodge in the Adirondacks, but you really don't want to be far from the ocean, this Arts & Crafts-style estate on five-and-a-half acres in East Hampton is just what you're looking for. Asking $5,995,000, Pine Eden at 9 Two Holes of Water Road is a 7,200-square-foot retreat–with guest quarters, patios, a pool and a spa–with the East End's beaches nearby.
tour this unique hamptons retreat
December 6, 2024

NYC Council passes ‘City of Yes,’ paving the way for 82K new homes

The City Council on Thursday voted 31-20 to approve Mayor Eric Adams' landmark "City of Yes" housing proposal, marking a major step forward in addressing New York City's critical housing shortage. The final version of the plan largely resembles the mayor's original vision but includes amendments by the Council that lower the projected number of new homes from 109,000 to roughly 82,000 over the next 15 years. The plan also includes significant investments in affordable housing, homeownership, tenant protections, and sewer, street, and open space infrastructure development across the five boroughs.
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December 5, 2024

Feds approve $10B Port Authority Bus Terminal redesign

A $10 billion plan to transform Midtown's aging Port Authority Bus Terminal into a world-class transit hub has received approval from the federal government and the city of New York. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) on Wednesday was issued a record of decision by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) after an "exhaustive" environmental review. The first phase of work, which will construct deck-overs above Dyers Avenue, is slated to begin early next year.
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December 5, 2024

Long Island City luxury tower opens lottery for 72 apartments, from $3,423/month

A new 35-story luxury tower in Long Island City has launched a housing lottery for 72 middle-income apartments. Located at 23-10 42nd Road, Aura combines curated boutique residences with spacious layouts and an expansive amenities package not commonly seen in other developments in the neighborhood. New Yorkers earning 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the units, priced from $3,423/month for studios to $4,376/month two bedrooms.
Learn if you qualify
December 5, 2024

8 best spots for holiday lights in NYC

With Christmas trees illuminated, festive bars and restaurants decked out in tinsel, and seasonal markets in full swing, the holiday season has officially landed in New York City. In addition to gift-giving and Santa selfies, an easy way to get into the holiday spirit is by experiencing one of the city's many holiday light installations, whether it be in gardens, zoos, or on the Hudson River.
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December 4, 2024

Designer gift picks: 15 NYC creatives share their favorite finds for this holiday season

6sqft asked New York City designers, architects, and artists for their favorite gift ideas this year–cool stuff they’d love to give (or get). Read on for a curated mix of unexpected items selected by a few of the city’s most talented creatives. We hope you’ll find some inspiration in your quest for the perfect gift.
NYC creatives' gift picks, this way
December 4, 2024

One High Line penthouse sells for $47M

The most expensive Downtown deal of the year belongs to One High Line in Chelsea. According to public records, a penthouse at the Bjarke Ingels-designed condominium on West 18th Street sold for $47 million last month. Last June, the apartment entered contract after asking $52 million. According to CityRealty, Penthouse 36 is the most expensive apartment to sell at One High Line to date; another penthouse at the building asking $49 million entered contract in January but has not closed yet.
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December 4, 2024

Williamsburg’s first waterfront ice skating rink opens in Domino Square

The first ice skating rink on the Williamsburg waterfront is now open. Located within the newly-completed public plaza Domino Square, the 7,000-square-foot rink offers skaters stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and East River. The rink offers public skating, themed events, and private rentals, with holiday-themed skate nights and live DJ sessions throughout the season.
LET'S SKATE
December 4, 2024

New Year’s Eve fireworks in Central Park and Prospect Park canceled this year because of drought

New York City's parks will be unusually quiet this New Year's Eve. Due to the ongoing drought, firework shows will not take place in Central Park or Prospect Park this year, as first reported by the New York Times. Running non-profit New York Road Runners said City Hall and the Parks Department instructed them to forgo this year's fireworks display during the annual New Year's Eve race in Central Park. In Prospect Park, the traditional fireworks show has been swapped for a drone light show, featuring images of iconic NYC landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty.
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December 3, 2024

The best Christmas trees in New York City

With holiday festivities ramping up in New York City, neighborhoods across the five boroughs are coming alive with dazzling displays of festive cheer. The city's Christmas and holiday trees, whose allure brings visitors from all corners of the world during the holiday season, all come with their own festive flare. Discover some of the city's most stunning holiday trees, from Rockefeller Center's world-famous tree to lesser-known—but just as elegant—trees at the South Street Seaport and Luna Park.
Find the holiday magic
December 3, 2024

New York Public Library announces the best books of 2024

The New York Public Library has released its annual list of the best books of the year. The list, selected by committees and librarians who read hundreds of books across several genres, chose the best books of 2024 for kids, teens, and adults. This year, the library staff also released books about, or set in, New York City. The lists build on NYPL's century-old tradition of recommending the most-loved titles to New Yorkers of all ages, choosing books that reflect the city's diverse readership.
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December 3, 2024

Conversion of Bushwick’s 19th-century William Ulmer Brewery into a mixed-use development begins

Work has begun to transform Bushwick's landmarked William Ulmer Brewery into a mixed-use development. Developed by Rivington Company and designed by DXA Studio, the two-phase project restores the 19th-century building's ground floor and three cellar levels for commercial use, while converting the second, third, fourth, and penthouse levels into apartments. The project will also breathe new life into the building's exterior, with a rehabilitation of its masonry and a new roof.
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December 2, 2024

MTA rolls out first-ever festive ‘holiday train’ on Metro-North

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is spreading holiday cheer across the tri-state region, offering commuters a festive way to ride the rails. The transit agency on Friday introduced the first-ever Holiday Lights Train on the Metro-North, operating on random rotation on the Hudson Line, Harlem Line, and New Haven Line at all times through the New Year. The festive trains are decked out with colorful exterior lights and play special holiday-themed safety messages at select stations.
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December 2, 2024

For $3.3M, this historic Brooklyn Heights home comes with condo convenience

Instead of having to choose between a historic, pre-war home in Brooklyn Heights and the convenience of condominium living, this three-bedroom apartment at 170 Hicks Street allows you to enjoy a combination of the two lifestyles, with an elevator and space to spare. Asking $3,300,000, this 1,940-square-foot condo occupies a full floor in a historic townhouse in the heart of the Heights. Elegant interiors–think antique chandeliers and crown moldings–recall the building's history and a private terrace provides enviable views of the surrounding neighborhood.
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December 2, 2024

How an UWS dry cleaner brings joy to the community through elaborate Barbie window displays

There’s a splash of hot pink on Amsterdam Avenue — well, Barbie pink. Since the "Barbie" movie came out in the summer of 2023, a dream house scene with doll versions of characters from the movie, including Margot Robbie’s Barbie and Ryan Gosling’s Ken, has been on display (and still growing) in the window of Apthorp Cleaners. But Barbie has a much longer history with this Upper West Side dry cleaner. Since owner Debra Kravet and her husband Joel moved into the space at 383 Amsterdam Avenue in 2009, Debra has been creating elaborate Barbie window displays in keeping with pop culture, the seasons, and timely events. Right now, a "Wicked" display with doll versions of Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo as Glinda and Elphaba complement the “Barbie” movie window.
details here
December 2, 2024

Apple leases additional 61K square feet at 11 Penn Plaza

Apple has expanded its footprint in Vornado's Penn 11 office tower in Midtown, acquiring an additional 61,000 square feet. As reported by The Real Deal, the tech giant has signed a new lease that brings its total space in the building to 460,000 square feet and extends its occupancy through the expiration of Macy's lease in 2035. The company now spans the fourth through 14th floors of the 26-story tower, located at 11 Penn Plaza between West 31st and 32nd Streets on Seventh Avenue.
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November 27, 2024

The 23 best NYC holiday markets this year

The holiday season has officially arrived in New York City, bringing with it the quest for the perfect gift. Whether you're searching for one-of-a-kind jewelry or artwork, or are craving a festive treat, the city's holiday markets will have something special for everyone. Ahead, find some of the best spots to find unique and meaningful gifts for loved ones this holiday season, from long-standing markets at Bryant Park, Union Square, and Columbus Circle to exciting newcomers like Macy's Holiday Square.
your gift hunt starts here

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