You can help beautify dozens of NYC parks this weekend

Photo by Tim Krause on Flickr

October 16, 2020

You can help beautify dozens of NYC parks this weekend

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More than 60 parks organizations and community groups are leading cleanups at green spaces across the city this weekend, in response to a growing trash problem at parks. Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic in March, park use in New York soared, as it was one of the safest activities available to residents during the peak of the crisis. But the increase in visitors put additional strain on park management, which is struggling to keep up because of COVID-19 related budget cuts. On October 17, New Yorkers for Parks, City Parks Foundation, Partnership for Parks, and NYC Parks are encouraging New Yorkers to volunteer for a day of cleaning and beautifying the city's parks in every borough.
How to participate
For $2M, a 25-acre Catskills property with an 1835 farmhouse and a newly built log cabin

Photos by Tyler Blodgett for Heather Croner Real Estate Sotheby’s International Realty

October 16, 2020

For $2M, a 25-acre Catskills property with an 1835 farmhouse and a newly built log cabin

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If you're like so many city residents looking for an upstate getaway these days, this incredible 25-acre property in Shawangunk, New York might definitely check a lot of your boxes. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Catskills residence is asking just $2,025,000 (the price of a pretty average NYC condo) and that includes a beautiful 1835 Greek Revival farmhouse, as well as a new log house built from salvaged, antique 1850s barns. All of this is surrounded by landscaped lawns and outdoor event spaces.
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NYC makes outdoor dining permanent, lifts ban on propane heaters at restaurants

Photo by Eden, Janine and Jim on Flickr

October 16, 2020

NYC makes outdoor dining permanent, lifts ban on propane heaters at restaurants

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The New York City Council on Thursday voted to make outdoor dining permanent and year-round and lifted the ban on portable propane heaters. The legislation approved by the Council extends the city's current Open Restaurants program, in which more than 10,500 restaurants have enrolled since June, until September 30, 2021, and requires it to be replaced with a permanent program. Under the program, restaurants will also be able to use portable propane heaters, which were previously banned.
Find out more
Classic Beaux-Arts details abound at this $3.2M Upper West Side three-bedroom

Photo Credit: Empire Optix for Sotheby’s International Realty

October 16, 2020

Classic Beaux-Arts details abound at this $3.2M Upper West Side three-bedroom

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This three-bedroom co-op is located in a row of combined 1899 Beaux-Arts townhouses at 329 West 108th Street, just off Riverside Drive. The $3,200,000 million home is about as grand and classic Upper West Side as they come. From the bay windows and stained glass to the elaborate moldings, coffered ceilings, and ornate mantles, there are gorgeously preserved architectural details in every room.
Take the full tour
See inside the carefully-curated residences at Brooklyn’s tallest tower
October 16, 2020

See inside the carefully-curated residences at Brooklyn’s tallest tower

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From its sky-high outdoor infinity pool to the chic interior finishes designed by Katherine Newman, no details were overlooked at Brooklyn Point, the 720-foot residential tower in Downtown Brooklyn. After topping out last spring, officially becoming the borough's tallest tower, and commencing closings and first move-ins this summer, new photos of the building's model unit were released in September, which show off the eclectic interiors by designer Charlie Ferrer.
More here
Lower East Side’s glassy new condo 150 Rivington has a rooftop with a fireplace and city views

Photo by Gluck+

October 15, 2020

Lower East Side’s glassy new condo 150 Rivington has a rooftop with a fireplace and city views

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Once an enclave for immigrants and the working class, and later a haven for artists, the Lower East Side's evolution continues into the 21st century as a destination for luxury developments. While major projects like the Essex Crossing mega-development and One Manhattan Square have hogged the spotlight, more modest new buildings are also making their mark on the neighborhood, including 150 Rivington. The approachable seven-story apartment building boasts a modern glassy facade, contains 45 condo units, and a cozy landscaped rooftop with an outdoor kitchen, fireplace, and endless city views.
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$11.5M Greek Revival townhouse overlooks the best of the West Village

Photo Credit: Warburg Realty

October 15, 2020

$11.5M Greek Revival townhouse overlooks the best of the West Village

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This townhouse at 42 Jane Street is the best of both West Village worlds. From the street, it's classic Greek Revival (it was built in 1846), but inside it's been transformed into a contemporary oasis, with amenities such as a roof terrace with an outdoor fireplace, a basement-level media room, and a luxurious full-floor master suite. Plus, it's directly adjacent to the lovely Jane Street Garden, of which it has perfect views.
Look around
85 NYC restaurants with heaters for outdoor dining

Photo of Bubby’s Tribeca, courtesy of Bubby’s

October 15, 2020

85 NYC restaurants with heaters for outdoor dining

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Though indoor dining is permitted at 25-percent capacity in New York City, a lot of people still don't feel 100-percent comfortable with the idea. Luckily, the city made its outdoor dining program permanent and year-round and gave restaurants the go-ahead to install outdoor heat lamps. If you're looking for one of these spots to dine al fresco without shivering, we've begun a running list throughout the city. Know of another spot? Let us know in the comments!
Check out the full list here
Adorable studio on the Upper West Side’s hidden Pomander Walk asks $395K

Photo credit: Hayley Ellen Day

October 14, 2020

Adorable studio on the Upper West Side’s hidden Pomander Walk asks $395K

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You might be surprised to learn that there's a hidden "English village" tucked away on the Upper West Side, and you may be even more shocked that you can live there for under $400,000. Built in 1921, Pomander Walk is a collection of quaint Tudor-style homes tucked behind a private cast-iron gate off West 94th and 95th Streets. This 326-square-foot alcove studio at the address 266 West 95th Street retains lots of the home's historic charm but has gotten a stylish, contemporary makeover.
Have a look around

Distinctive Homes

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The best ways to celebrate Halloween 2020 in NYC

Photo of pumpkin-headed scarecrows courtesy of NYBG

October 14, 2020

The best ways to celebrate Halloween 2020 in NYC

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Although it's already been a scary year, there are still ways to have some old-school spooky fun in New York City this Halloween. Sadly, popular events like the Village Halloween Parade and the Tompkins Square Dog Halloween Parade have been canceled and traditional trick-or-treating has been deemed a high-risk activity because of the coronavirus pandemic. But there are a number of fall-friendly, socially distanced events still taking place across the city, like a Día de Los Muertos celebration at Green-Wood Cemetery, virtual ghost story readings from the Merchant's House Museum (considered Manhattan's most haunted house), and eerie hayrides and pumpkin picking at the Queens County Farm Museum.
Get the spooky scoop
$1.5M mid-century hideaway in Dobbs Ferry has a salt-water pool and loads of greenery

Photo credit: Modern Angles

October 14, 2020

$1.5M mid-century hideaway in Dobbs Ferry has a salt-water pool and loads of greenery

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At first glance, the backyard of this house looks like an island resort tucked away in the jungle. But it's actually located just 45 minutes outside NYC in Dobbs Ferry. The mid-century-modern home was built in 1961 by architect Ferdinand Gottlieb (best known for his work on the interior of the original Rizzoli Bookstore on Fifth Avenue) as his personal residence. Now listed for $1,450,000, the four-bedroom home has 12-foot arched glass windows that overlook the Hudson River and the Palisades, as well as a salt-water pool and landscaped patio.
See the whole place here
$950K Bed-Stuy cottage has a New Orleans-style balcony and doors from the Domino Sugar Factory

Photos courtesy of The Corcoran Group

October 14, 2020

$950K Bed-Stuy cottage has a New Orleans-style balcony and doors from the Domino Sugar Factory

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This unique Bed-Stuy cottage is full of surprises right from the start. The cast-iron railings lend way to a New Orleans-style balcony, made even more inviting with flower boxes and hanging planters. The large metal double doors on the first floor were salvaged from the Domino Sugar Factory, and there are historic cast-iron supports and wooden ceiling beams inside. And with the efficient two-story layout, the $950,000 asking price is just right.
See inside
Rachel Maddow lists her West Village apartment for $2.4M

Listing photos courtesy of Brown Harris Stevens

October 13, 2020

Rachel Maddow lists her West Village apartment for $2.4M

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As the Post first reported, Rachel Maddow has put her West Village apartment on the market for $2,349,000. The MSNBC political commentator and her partner Susan Mikula bought the two-bedroom co-op for $1,250,000 in 2010 from REM frontman Michael Stipe. The home is located on a cobblestone street at 130 Jane Street, a former paper warehouse that still retains its original wooden beams.
Look around
$875,000 lake-front home in Westchester was designed by a Frank Lloyd Wright student

Listing photos courtesy of Houlihan Lawrence

October 13, 2020

$875,000 lake-front home in Westchester was designed by a Frank Lloyd Wright student

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Architect Roy S. Johnson was a disciple of Frank Lloyd Wright who designed many a mid-century home around the Hudson Valley area. One unique example is this rustic, lake-front home in the Westchester town of Bedford, which is now listed for $875,000. The home is located on "Old Wagon Road," and though we can't be certain, it seems as though Johnson may have taken inspiration from this locale, as the shape of the house somewhat resembles a covered wagon.
See the whole house
City Winery to open flagship venue at Pier 57 this week

Photo of dining room by Adam Pass

October 13, 2020

City Winery to open flagship venue at Pier 57 this week

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The massive new flagship of entertainment venue and restaurant City Winery will open this week at Hudson River Park's Pier 57. Starting October 15, the restaurant will accept reservations for limited capacity indoor and outdoor dining, with 200 seats available inside and 70 seats outside. City Winery was forced to move from its longtime Varick Street location last year after the Walt Disney Company purchased the property with plans to open new production space and offices there.
Get the details
NYC’s landmarked Roosevelt Hotel will close after 96 years due to pandemic

Photo by Billy Hathorn via Wikimedia Commons

October 13, 2020

NYC’s landmarked Roosevelt Hotel will close after 96 years due to pandemic

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When the Roosevelt Hotel opened on East 45th Street in 1924, it was connected to Grand Central via an underground tunnel, signaling its prominence among New York's Jazz Age society. But nearly 100 years later, the Midtown hotel will shut it doors for good on October 31. As CNN first reported, owner Pakistan International Airlines said in a statement that the decision stems from "the current, unprecedented environment and the continued uncertain impact from COVID-19."
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For $750K, an adorable Ridgewood carriage house with major farmhouse-chic style

Photos courtesy of Douglas Elliman

October 13, 2020

For $750K, an adorable Ridgewood carriage house with major farmhouse-chic style

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Located where Ridgewood, Maspeth, and Bushwick all meet is this completely adorable carriage house that's been listed for $749,000. Built as a back house in 1901, the two-story, two-bedroom home has completely nailed the farmhouse-chic look, with reclaimed hardwood floors and beams, original tin ceilings, and carefully curated decor.
See inside
Mother Cabrini statue unveiled in Battery Park City

Photo credit: Kevin P. Coughlin / Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo on Flickr

October 13, 2020

Mother Cabrini statue unveiled in Battery Park City

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Gov. Andrew Cuomo unveiled a statue honoring Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini, the first U.S. citizen to be canonized by the Catholic Church and patron saint of immigrants, in Battery Park City on Monday. Created by Jill and Giancarlo Biagi, the bronze memorial depicts Mother Cabrini on a boat with two children and faces Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, a symbol of hope for immigrants coming to New York. The governor formed a state commission last year to lead the creation of the memorial after the city's She Built NYC program passed over Mother Cabrini as their next monument, even though she received the most nominations in a public poll.
Find out more
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Grand Central’s historic Oyster Bar closes again

Photo by Jazz Guy on Flickr

October 12, 2020

Grand Central’s historic Oyster Bar closes again

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Less than two weeks after reopening for the first time in over six months, Grand Central Oyster Bar has temporarily closed again. The Midtown East restaurant resumed indoor service at its iconic dining room on September 30, the day indoor dining was permitted again in New York City. But with indoor dining capped at 25 percent capacity in the city, the Oyster Bar, which normally relies on commuters and tourists, could not do enough business to stay open.
More here
New bus-only lanes in the South Bronx will speed up city’s slowest routes

Photo credit: Marc A. Hermann / MTA New York City Transit on Flickr

October 12, 2020

New bus-only lanes in the South Bronx will speed up city’s slowest routes

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Nearly three miles of dedicated bus lanes equipped with transit signal priority technology and enforcement cameras opened in the South Bronx last week, part of the city's plan to speed up the system's notoriously slow travel times. The new lanes run along East 149th Street between Southern Boulevard and River Avenue and are used by four heavily-used bus routes, the Bx2, Bx4, Bx17, and the Bx19. The bus improvement project is the fourth to be completed since Mayor Bill de Blasio announced his Better Buses Restart plan in June amid the city's coronavirus pandemic recovery.
Get the details
This whimsical Brooklyn Heights townhouse is full of fun surprises for $6.25M

Photo credit: Shannon Dupre/DDReps, courtesy of The Corcoran Group

October 12, 2020

This whimsical Brooklyn Heights townhouse is full of fun surprises for $6.25M

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A velour reading nook built into the side of a cabinet, candy-colored accents everywhere, an abstract mural on the backyard fence--these are just some of the funky, whimsical touches you'll find throughout this Brooklyn Heights townhouse. Located at 286 Hicks Street and asking $6,250,000, the five-bedroom home "encourages you to really live and play your best life," as the listing says. Originally a two-family, it's been converted back to a single-family residence, including a rear extension on the first two floors, so there's plenty of space for everyone and all your needs.
You have to see the rest
First look at New York City’s largest private outdoor garden at One Manhattan Square

All photos courtesy of Evan Joseph

October 9, 2020

First look at New York City’s largest private outdoor garden at One Manhattan Square

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New photos of the sprawling outdoor space at condo tower One Manhattan Square were released this week, providing a first peek at what developers say is the largest private garden in New York City. Designed by landscape architecture firm West 8, the green space measures 45,000 square feet, sits on an incline, and boasts unique features like a furnished adult treehouse and a Japanese-inspired tea pavilion.
See it here
Industry leaders discuss future of post-pandemic NYC during two-day ‘City of Tomorrow’ summit

Credit: Thomas Heatherwick Studio

October 9, 2020

Industry leaders discuss future of post-pandemic NYC during two-day ‘City of Tomorrow’ summit

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The past seven months fighting the coronavirus in New York City have laid bare the inequalities that exist in housing, infrastructure, open space access, and wellness. How can the largest city in the United States sustainably recover after COVID-19 while prioritizing the health of all of its residents? Industry leaders will explore this topic and the future of the city during a two-day virtual summit this month hosted by 92nd Street Y and Hundred Stories. The fourth annual "City of Tomorrow: Building a Better Future" summit will take place virtually on October 13 and October 14, with all talks free for the public to view.
More this way
This dreamy $3.25M Fort Greene condo was made for live, work, and play

Photo credit: Shannon Dupre/DDReps, courtesy of The Corcoran Group

October 9, 2020

This dreamy $3.25M Fort Greene condo was made for live, work, and play

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From an aesthetic perspective, this Fort Greene condo has a lot to talk about--gorgeous plaster ceiling moldings, original brick arches, and creative and contemporary flourishes. But it's also got quite a lot going for it in terms of practicality. For $3,250,000, the home at 407 Clermont Avenue has three floors, three bedrooms, a multi-tiered garden and deck, and a massive basement rec room that's been transformed into a home gym, crafting area, and home office.
See more here
Did you know the MTA had an armored money train that ran from 1951 to 2006?

Interior of the money train via Wikipedia

October 8, 2020

Did you know the MTA had an armored money train that ran from 1951 to 2006?

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In order to collect fares from various stations, the MTA created a special armored train that moved all the subway and bus fares collected to a secret room at 370 Jay Street in Downtown Brooklyn. As Untapped Cities learned, the money trains, which ran from 1951 to 2006, had 12 collecting agents and one supervisor, all of whom were armed and wearing body armor. After the Metrocard arrived, the revenue collection system changed, and the final armored train rode in January 2006 on the same day the Money Room closed.
Find out more
Forest Whitaker buys Upper East Side apartment with Greek-inspired garden for $1.6M

Listing images by Alan Barry; courtesy of Compass

October 8, 2020

Forest Whitaker buys Upper East Side apartment with Greek-inspired garden for $1.6M

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Academy Award winner Forest Whitaker has purchased a duplex apartment on the Upper East Side for $1.595 million, according to city property records. Located at 42 East 73rd Street, the three-bed, three-bath home boasts a Greek-inspired garden, with stately columns, a brick patio, and mature plantings. Whitaker, who is also a Sustainable Development Goals Advocate for the United Nations, snagged the property for about 8 percent less than the last listed asking price of $1.74 million. It was first listed last October for $1.895 million.
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THE 6SQFT SHOP

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6 NYC apartments with outdoor space you can rent for less than $5,000/month
October 8, 2020

6 NYC apartments with outdoor space you can rent for less than $5,000/month

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With the impending cool weather likely to limit the hours spent at city parks (which proved to be so necessary this summer) and the current health crisis still raging, New Yorkers will have to find creative ways to get some fresh air safely this fall and winter. For those looking for some outdoor space without having to leave home, we're rounding up the best New York City apartments with outside amenities currently available to rent for $5,000/month and under, whether it's in the form of a private garden, balconies, or a shared roof deck.
See the full list
$6.5M ‘upside-down’ townhouse in Williamsburg takes mid-century glam to the next level

Photo credit: Shannon Dupre/DDReps, courtesy of The Corcoran Group

October 8, 2020

$6.5M ‘upside-down’ townhouse in Williamsburg takes mid-century glam to the next level

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This uber-modern townhouse at 107 South 4th Street looks nothing like any of its Williamsburg neighbors, with its honeycomb and concrete facade. And inside, the surprises keep coming. The layout was designed as an "upside-down house" so that the kitchen and main living spaces could take advantage of the East River and skyline views, and all throughout, you'll find "fine-art, high-design, and Mid-Century modern pedigree," as the listing puts it. The four-bedroom house is on the market for $6,500,000.
Don't miss the full tour
Here’s how to find out if your neighborhood is in a COVID-19 cluster zone

Map of Brooklyn’s Covid-19 cluster; courtesy of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office

October 8, 2020

Here’s how to find out if your neighborhood is in a COVID-19 cluster zone

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In an effort to contain new clusters of the coronavirus, Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday ordered non-essential businesses to close and houses of worship to restrict capacity in parts of Brooklyn and Queens and suburbs of New York City. The new initiative divides the clusters into three categories depending on the rate of transmission, with red, orange, and yellow zones determining the level of restrictions in place. The new rules will be in effect for a minimum of 14 days starting on Thursday. To clear up confusion over the cluster zones, the city released a searchable "Find Your Zone" map that allows New Yorkers to enter their address to find what zone they live, work, and go to school in.
More this way
After 22 years, Kim Cattrall is selling her beachfront Hamptons home for $3.25M

Photo: Gavin Zeigler for Sotheby’s International Realty

October 7, 2020

After 22 years, Kim Cattrall is selling her beachfront Hamptons home for $3.25M

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In 1998, the same year she began her breakout role in Sex and the City, actress Kim Cattrall bought this East Hampton home for just $450,000, according to the New York Times, who first reported that it's now been listed for $3,250,000. The shingled home is a lovely mix of casual beach house and contemporary design, and the property also has a detached studio. "I thought about selling the property after my divorce in 2004," Cattrall told the Times, "but I just couldn’t — 22 years later, it’s time."
See the whole property
Soho and Noho rezoning proposal moves forward with 800 new affordable units planned

Photo by Vlada Karpovich from Pexels

October 7, 2020

Soho and Noho rezoning proposal moves forward with 800 new affordable units planned

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The plan to rezone two affluent Manhattan neighborhoods will enter the public land use review process, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Wednesday. The proposed rezoning of Soho and Noho includes replacing 1970s-era zoning rules and incentivizing the creation of about 800 permanently affordable homes, part of an effort to bring affordable housing to all New York City neighborhoods, even upscale ones.
Details here
Amazing archival photos show New York City in the 1940s and ’50s

“Bar Scene” Village Preservation (GVSHP) Image Archive

October 7, 2020

Amazing archival photos show New York City in the 1940s and ’50s

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Nonprofit advocacy and educational organization Village Preservation is well known for many things, one of which is its historic image archive. Their newest addition is the Jean Polacheck Collection, which dates largely from the 1940s through the mid-1950s, and includes scenes of Washington Square Park, the interior of clubs and restaurants, and other NYC street scenes. Ahead, step back in time with a sneak peek of some of these wonderfully illustrative photos and learn about the woman behind them.
See more here
$8.9M Chelsea penthouse has a movable glass wall, four terraces, and a roof deck

Listing photos courtesy of The Corcoran Group

October 7, 2020

$8.9M Chelsea penthouse has a movable glass wall, four terraces, and a roof deck

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The Metal Shutter Houses is a contemporary condo designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Shigeru Ban in 2008, at the beginning of West Chelsea's starchitect boom. Today, despite its many notable neighbors, the boutique building at 524 West 19th Street still offers some of the most covetable homes. The penthouse unit is now listed for a reduced $8.9 million. Not only does the home span two floors, but it has a 20-foot, upward-pivoting, glass wall that opens to a large terrace to create a massive indoor/outdoor living space. There's also another private terrace off the master bedroom, two balconies, and a huge roof deck complete with a hot tub. Oh, and let's not forget the direct views of Hudson Yards and the Empire State Building.
Take the tour
Jersey City waterfront rental opens with 400+ luxury units and ample amenity package

All images courtesy of Brookfield Properties unless otherwise noted

October 6, 2020

Jersey City waterfront rental opens with 400+ luxury units and ample amenity package

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Another new luxury residential building has opened along the Jersey City waterfront. The new 35-story tower is part of the second phase of the VYV complex at 444 Warren Street and joins the north tower which opened in 2017. Together, they contain over 850 apartments and boast a plethora of perks, including an eighth-floor indoor-outdoor amenity deck with a pool and grills, two fitness centers, and multiple co-working spaces.
Get the details
Read before you vote! NYPL releases 200 book titles to get us election-ready

Photo credit: Jonathan Blanc/NYPL 

October 6, 2020

Read before you vote! NYPL releases 200 book titles to get us election-ready

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There's exactly one month until the presidential election, but that's still plenty of time to educate yourself about the issues at stake. To make things easier, the New York Public Library has released its 2020 Election Reading List, which features 200 titles for adults, teens, and children that "offer illuminating and engaging explorations of key voter issues, from climate change, foreign policy, and education to healthcare, political polarization, and movements toward greater justice and socioeconomic equality."
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Just 30 minutes from NYC, a renovated Westchester barn with gardens, orchards, and a pool asks $1.35M
October 6, 2020

Just 30 minutes from NYC, a renovated Westchester barn with gardens, orchards, and a pool asks $1.35M

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A converted barn in Westchester County that sits on three acres of land and boasts gardens, orchards, and an in-ground pool has hit the market for $1.35 million. Located in the hamlet of Hartsdale, which is roughly 20 miles from New York City, the property, known as Hillbrook Farm, offers the best of both worlds: sprawling, private green space and easy access to restaurants, retail, and public transit.
Take the tour
Everything you need to know about houseboat living in NYC, from finding a boat to securing a slip

Photo of the 79th Street Boat Basin by Jim Henderson on Wikimedia

October 6, 2020

Everything you need to know about houseboat living in NYC, from finding a boat to securing a slip

By
In Amsterdam, houseboats are considered an affordable way to live in the center of the city. They're also popular in other global cities, from London’s Little Venice to waterfront neighborhoods in Vancouver, Los Angeles, and Sydney. So why doesn’t New York City—with its 578 miles of coastline—have a thriving houseboat community, too? While it's impossible to know for certain, recent estimates for Manhattan suggest that year-round houseboat residents or “liveaboards” may now number fewer than 50.
More on houseboat living and how to do it yourself
$2.75M Prospect Lefferts Gardens mansion is dripping with pre-war opulence

Photo Credit: Gamut Photos for Sotheby’s International Realty

October 6, 2020

$2.75M Prospect Lefferts Gardens mansion is dripping with pre-war opulence

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It's not every day a mansion like this comes to the market in Brooklyn, especially at a $1.25 million discount. The incredible Renaissance Revival-style, limestone home in Prospect Lefferts Gardens first listed for $4 million in 2018, but the price has now come down to $2.75 million. Located at 125 Maple Street, it's full of opulent, pre-war details like stained glass windows, elaborate moldings and ceiling medallions, and regal columns galore. Plus, there's the sheer size of it--the home spans just about 6,000 square feet and has five bedrooms.
See the whole place
Schools in New York City’s COVID hot spots will close starting Tuesday

After fully reopening last week, some schools in NYC will have to close again. Photo credit: Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

October 5, 2020

Schools in New York City’s COVID hot spots will close starting Tuesday

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Schools in nine New York City ZIP codes where COVID-19 cases have grown rapidly will temporarily close starting Tuesday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. Mayor Bill de Blasio first announced on Sunday plans to shut down schools in these neighborhoods, which includes about 200 private schools and 100 public schools. While de Blasio's original proposal would also shutter non-essential businesses in these hot spots and high-risk activities in an additional dozen ZIP codes that are seeing an increase in cases, Cuomo on Monday said only schools will be closed as of now, adding that the state will review the data before taking further action. The governor said he would not "recommend any NYC family send their child to a school" in those areas.
Get the details
Chelsea’s 84-year-old Peter McManus Cafe needs your help

Photo of Peter McManus Cafe © James and Karla Murray

October 5, 2020

Chelsea’s 84-year-old Peter McManus Cafe needs your help

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Like thousands of small businesses, one of New York City's oldest family-run establishments is struggling to survive because of the coronavirus pandemic. Irish bar Peter McManus Cafe, located at 152 Seventh Avenue in Chelsea, has been serving pints of Guinness and their famous burgers since 1936. While the McManus family, who has continuously owned the bar for four generations, has seen their fair share of challenges in its 84 years, COVID-19 has made it increasingly difficult to stay in business.
More details this way
A guide to voting in the 2020 election in NYC

Photo by Tiffany Tertipes on Unsplash

October 5, 2020

A guide to voting in the 2020 election in NYC

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If you're reading this post, you probably don't need a reminder to get out there and vote for the presidential election on November 3. But you might have some questions about how things are working this year, with the pandemic coming into play. Luckily for New York City residents, voting is easy and safe, and we've compiled a guide with everything you need to know about deadlines, voting by mail, and voting in person.
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16 middle-income apartments up for grabs at luxury rental near Grand Central, from $1,949/month

Photos: Left by Noble Construction Group; Right by Lester Ali

October 5, 2020

16 middle-income apartments up for grabs at luxury rental near Grand Central, from $1,949/month

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Twenty percent of the 429 apartments at 222 East 44th Street is reserved as affordable housing. Two-and-a-half years ago, a lottery opened for 109 units for those earning 40, 60, and 130 percent of the area median income, and it looks like some of those on the higher end of the spectrum are newly available, as another lottery is open for 16 middle-income units. The glass tower in Midtown East was designed by Handel Architects and is a quick walk to Grand Central, the UN, and Midtown. Plus, it's got a ton of great amenities.
Find out if you qualify
Eataly NYC’s new honey-themed rooftop restaurant is the bee’s knees

All photos courtesy of Eataly

October 2, 2020

Eataly NYC’s new honey-themed rooftop restaurant is the bee’s knees

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Eataly's seasonal restaurant in the Flatiron District has undergone a transformation once again. Last week, Serra d'Autunno by Birreria debuted at the 14th-floor rooftop with a new concept dedicated to honey, with "buzzworthy" specialty menu items and cocktails. The restaurant has also partnered with New York-based The Honeybee Conservancy to donate 10 percent of net proceeds from every "honey-focused" dish to the group's Sponsor-a-Hive program.
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Union Square’s cherished dinnerware store Fishs Eddy speaks out about COVID struggles

A view of Fish’s Eddy’s storefront at 889 Broadway in June 2019. Map data © 2020 Google

October 2, 2020

Union Square’s cherished dinnerware store Fishs Eddy speaks out about COVID struggles

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"We’re like a fish gasping for air — literally," said Julie Gaines, the owner of Fishs Eddy, to the New York Post. The much-loved Union Square store has been in business since 1986, selling mix-and-match, reasonably priced dinnerware that includes NYC-themed items and quirky finds like Obama shot glasses and parking ticket plates. Since the pandemic hit, however, they've only been doing 30 percent of their usual business, much of which is based on tourists, which is making it harder and harder to afford their high rent.
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Penthouse at Zaha Hadid’s High Line condo sells for $20M, a 60% cut from original asking price

Photo by Tim Fisher, Courtesy of Related Companies

October 2, 2020

Penthouse at Zaha Hadid’s High Line condo sells for $20M, a 60% cut from original asking price

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The triplex penthouse at late architect Zaha Hadid's High Line-hugging condo building has sold for just over $20.2 million, a significant price cut from its initial asking price of $50 million in 2016. Penthouse 37 at 520 West 28th Street measures 6,853 square feet and boasts a massive private rooftop terrace with a glass-walled lounge and enough space for 100 guests. As the Real Deal first reported, the buyer of the apartment is Wesley Edens, co-founder of private equity firm Fortress Investment Group and co-owner of the Milwaukee Bucks.
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37 middle-income apartments available at resort-like rental in Long Island City, from $1,990/month

Rendering by NEAT Agency

October 2, 2020

37 middle-income apartments available at resort-like rental in Long Island City, from $1,990/month

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A housing lottery launched this week for 37 middle-income apartments at a new, amenity-packed rental in Long Island City, Queens. Dubbed The Cove and located at 43-12 Hunter Street, the 18-story tower contains 123 apartments and boasts ground-floor retail, an outdoor roof terrace, a game room, a library, and a fitness center. Qualifying New Yorkers earning 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the units, which include $1,990/month studios, $2,345/month one-bedrooms, and $3,072/month two-bedrooms.
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Rustic and retro mix at this $1.75M West Village duplex

Photos courtesy of The Corcoran Group

October 2, 2020

Rustic and retro mix at this $1.75M West Village duplex

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We just can't help smiling when looking at this lovely three-bedroom co-op at 92 Horatio Street in the West Village. The duplex unit is full of rustic details--exposed brick, beamed ceilings, tin ceilings--from when the building was built in 1920, but it also is full of colorful, retro decor that keeps the place feeling fresh. It's currently asking $1,750,000.
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8 spots to celebrate Oktoberfest 2020 in NYC

Photo by Brett Sayles on Pexels

October 1, 2020

8 spots to celebrate Oktoberfest 2020 in NYC

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Although the world's biggest Oktoberfest festival in Munich won't take place this year because of the coronavirus pandemic, there are still ways to celebrate Bavarian culture locally this month. Biergartens and beer halls across New York City are serving up traditional biers and brats, decking out their spaces with festive decorations, and putting on live music. And while indoor dining can officially resume as of this week, most restaurants also have spacious outdoor patios and gardens, as well as take-out and delivery options.
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