September 3, 2020

Cuomo says indoor dining could resume with an NYPD task force enforcing COVID-19 rules

Indoor dining could resume in New York City only if police are able to enforce compliance of coronavirus regulations at restaurants, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Thursday. During a call with reporters, the governor said he could allow restaurants to open for indoor dining if the city creates a task force of NYPD officers designated to oversee compliance. Cuomo said he plans to discuss the issue with City Council Speaker Corey Johnson, who on Wednesday called for an immediate start of indoor dining, which has been allowed in every region in the state except the five boroughs.
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September 3, 2020

After threat to defund NYC, Cuomo says Trump will need ‘an army’ to walk down the street

"Forget bodyguards, he better have an army if he thinks he’s gonna walk down the street in New York," Governor Andrew Cuomo said last night in response to Donald Trump's new claims that he's planning to defund New York City. After sending a five-page memo to the U.S. Attorney General and the Office of Management and Budget about Portland, Seattle, Washington, and New York City, Trump Tweeted, "My Administration will do everything in its power to prevent weak mayors and lawless cities from taking Federal dollars while they let anarchists harm people, burn buildings, and ruin lives and businesses."
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September 3, 2020

$1.65M Bed-Stuy townhouse has two apartments and lots of character

This Bed-Stuy townhouse 671 Hancock Street has a lot going for it. First, it's got tons of character, including rustic brick walls and exposed ceiling beams. Second, it's a two-family with an owner's duplex and a garden rental. And third, the $1,650,000 price makes it a great investment for all that you're getting.
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September 2, 2020

First online-only Whole Foods ‘store’ opens in Brooklyn

While new Whole Foods stores in New York City typically open to fanfare from lovers of the grocery chain, a new location in Brooklyn won't get the same in-person hoopla. The first-ever online-only Whole Foods "store" opened in Brooklyn on Tuesday, dedicated exclusively to fulfilling online grocery orders. The new store, which has been in the works for over a year, will not allow any customers inside.
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September 2, 2020

18th-century Sag Harbor home is a mix of history and whimsy for $3M

This picture-perfect Sag Harbor home was originally built in 1791, and a modern restoration in 2013 brought it "back to its former glory," according to the listing. After spending some time as a $1,950/night vacation rental, the home is now on the market for $2,950,000. Inside, the three-bedroom house mixes historic bones with whimsical details, a combo that is echoed outside, where a pergola-covered dining area and secret garden surround the pool.
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September 2, 2020

Free outdoor sculpture garden opens at Rockefeller Center

Another free public art installation has opened at Rockefeller Center. In its second year, the Frieze Sculpture at Rockefeller Center opened on Tuesday as an outdoor sculpture garden with works from six major international artists. Originally scheduled to open this past spring as part of art programs offered by Frieze New York, the installation was postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic.
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September 2, 2020

Hudson Yards’ Vessel and Edge reopen today

Hudson Yards announced that both Vessel and Edge reopen today. The 150-foot-tall climbable public art piece and the observation deck that's 1,100 feet in the air (the highest in the Western Hemisphere) have been closed since March, only two days after Edge officially opened to the public. Both attractions will operate at 25 percent capacity and have numerous health and social distancing protocols in place.
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September 2, 2020

New program asks architects to help design outdoor dining spaces for NYC restaurants

Outdoor dining has offered a much-needed lifeline to many New York City restaurants struggling because of the coronavirus pandemic. But creating a space on city streets and sidewalks that is both inviting to diners and meets the city's safety standards comes at a cost. To help restaurants reopen, the city's Economic Development Corporation partnered with NYCxDesign, the American Institute of Architects, and the Center for Architecture to launch an online network that connects restaurants with architects and designers willing to provide design help for free.
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September 2, 2020

$5.75M brownstone in historic Harlem has a secret garden

The brownstones of Harlem's Mount Morris Park Historic District are some of the most beautiful in Manhattan, like this one at 105 West 122nd Street, which is breathtaking inside and out. This grand, Italianate home was built in 1920 and underwent a gut renovation in 2008 in which historic details like stained glass, woodwork, and moldings were all restored. It also included a new design for the rear garden, which is now a magical retreat. The five-bedroom home is now listed for $5,750,000.
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September 1, 2020

For $990K, this historic Hudson Valley Victorian is for sale for the first time in 100 years

It's hard to believe this stunning home is asking under $1 million, but it's even more surprising that it's available for the first time in over a century. Located in the Dutchess County hamlet of New Hamburg, the Victorian home was built in 1860 and underwent a full restoration in 2003. In addition to its great location, wrap-around porch, and tons of preserved historic details, the property comes with a separate guest cottage that's just as lovely.
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September 1, 2020

300+ restaurants sign on for $2B lawsuit over New York’s indoor dining ban

The plot continues to thicken over when and if indoor dining will resume in New York City, with New Jersey starting indoor restaurant operations this Friday and Mayor de Blasio hinting that it won't return in the city until a COVID vaccine is approved. And now, a group of 337 restaurants has signed on to a lawsuit that is seeking $2 billion from the city and state. As Crain's reported, the main plaintiff is 28-year-old Queens Italian restaurant Il Bacco, which is just 500 feet over the Nassau County border where restaurants were allowed to reopen indoor dining.
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September 1, 2020

Madison Square Garden, Barclays Center to serve as polling sites for 2020 election

Two major sports arenas in New York City will serve as polling sites for the general election in November, providing a socially distanced way for residents to vote in person. The city's Board of Elections announced that Madison Square Garden and the Barclays Center will both be Early Voting and Election Day poll sites, the result of a deal made between players of the National Basketball Association and the league to resume playoffs after teams refused to play following the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin. The agreement involved several social justice initiatives, including the use of NBA arenas across the country as voting locations for the upcoming election.
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September 1, 2020

66-year-old East Village restaurant Veselka shares its COVID struggles

After closing in March, Veselka reopened for takeout and delivery at the end of April, and both their main location and their secondary spot in the Market Line food hall are open for outdoor dining. But like so many others across the city, the 66-year-old Ukrainian restaurant is struggling without indoor dining. In a video interview with photographers James and Karla Murray, second-generation co-owner Tom Birchard said, "We need to have more tables than we have right now to survive long-term."
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September 1, 2020

$6M Park Slope brownstone has an old-world wine cellar and four outdoor spaces

Take one look at the old-world wine cellar at this Park Slope brownstone, and it'll make perfect sense that the owners are selling because they're winemakers relocating to California. And the absolutely gorgeous home, listed for $6 million, also has plenty of places to enjoy a nice glass of vino, including four outdoor spaces. The townhouse was completely renovated, retaining its impeccable historic details, while adding modern conveniences and a wonderful, income-producing apartment on the garden floor.
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August 31, 2020

There’s a professional hockey rink at this $7.7M Connecticut home

This unusual home in Stamford, Connecticut is thought to be the only private residence in the Tri-State area with its own private indoor hockey rink. It even comes with a Zamboni, heated team benches, lighted scoreboard, and locker rooms--and it's hosted players from the Rangers. Listed for $7,690,000, the 18,000 square feet home sits on 13 acres and also comes with two guest houses, a pool, and a small lake.
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August 31, 2020

NYC will resume issuing permits for youth sports leagues next month

The city's parks department will resume issuing permits for outdoor youth sports next month, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Friday. While the fields and ballparks have been open throughout the coronavirus pandemic, NYC Parks will issue permits for organized, low-risk sports played outdoors starting on September 15. Sports leagues for baseball, softball, and soccer will be issued permits, but indoor sports, including swimming, will not be allowed.
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August 31, 2020

Why is New York’s Houston Street pronounced ‘How-stun?’

One of the surest ways to know an out-of-towner is if they pronounce it "HUE-stun" instead of "HOW-stun" Street. But have you ever wondered why we don't say it like the Texas city? The Times received this question from a reader and turned to Gerard Koeppel's book "City on a Grid: How New York Became New York" for the answer. According to Koeppel, "Houston the city is named after Sam Houston. Our street was named after a fellow named William Houstoun, who was a prominent Georgian, from a long line of Scotsmen."
The whole history right this way
August 31, 2020

As NYC parks see growing garbage problem, city launches anti-trash campaign

Coronavirus-related budget cuts and an increase in use may be to blame for the growing garbage problem across New York City green spaces. As Gothamist reported, the number of 311 complaints about garbage and litter increased by 120 percent from the same period last summer. To address this increase in green space litter and to encourage New Yorkers to "show your park some love," the city's Parks Department launched a new "Toss Your Trash" campaign last week.
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August 31, 2020

New Jersey will open indoor dining and movie theaters for Labor Day weekend

Much like his decision to open beaches ahead of Memorial Day weekend, Governor Phil Murphy of New Jersey will allow indoor dining to resume across his state this Friday, just ahead of Labor Day weekend. In a Tweet this morning, Murphy said that restaurants and bars can begin operating indoors at 25-percent capacity with social distancing in between tables. In a later press conference, he also announced that movie theaters and other indoor performance venues can reopen on September 4.
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August 28, 2020

Keith Haring’s personal art collection will be auctioned off to raise money for NYC’s LGBTQ Center

On September 24, Sotheby's will open the auction for "Dear Keith: Works from the Personal Collection of Keith Haring." The auction is comprised of more than 140 artworks from Haring's personal collection and is expected to raise close to $1 million, all of which will all go directly to the LGBTQ Community Center. The collection is being donated by the Keith Haring Foundation, which was set up by the artist and activist himself shortly before he passed away from HIV/AIDS in 1990. It includes pieces by Jean-Michel Basquiat, Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Kenny Scharf, Jenny Holzer, and George Condo.
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August 28, 2020

New IKEA, LEGO collaboration makes it fun to clean up toys

For parents tired of picking up and stepping on their kids' pesky LEGO blocks, a new collaboration between the toy company and IKEA may be a perfect solution. The companies on Thursday unveiled their BYGGLEK collection, which includes a series of storage boxes for kids that have LEGO studs on them, perfect for both storing the toys and playing with them. The collection will be available at IKEA stores beginning October 1.
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August 28, 2020

NYC Council extends cap on food delivery fees until indoor dining resumes

The New York City Council on Thursday voted to extend the cap on commissions that restaurants are charged by third-party delivery services. The legislation, first enacted in May, restricts fees services like Grubhub and Uber Eats can charge to 20 percent per order during a state of emergency. The cap will now be in effect until restaurants are able to resume indoor dining at maximum occupancy and 90 days following. There is still no plan to bring back indoor dining, despite the city meeting the state's coronavirus metrics.
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August 28, 2020

A modern reno turned this $2.35M Prospect Lefferts Gardens townhouse into a serene family home

This townhouse at 179 Midwood Street in Prospect Lefferts Gardens was built as a classic limestone residence in 1905, but in 2012, local firm von Dalwig transformed it into a modern, serene family home. By removing interior walls and opening up the rear facade to the garden, the architects were able to "accommodate the open living and views desired within a compact house and lot," according to their project page. The three-bedroom house is now listed for $2,350,000.
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August 27, 2020

This year’s Met roof garden installation tackles ‘the wall’

When the Metropolitan Museum of Art reopens on August 29, this year's eighth annual installation on the Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Roof Garden will also be on view. Titled Lattice Detour, the work by Mexican artist Héctor Zamora tackles a prevalent symbol in today's society--the wall. The 11-foot-tall work deliberately screens views of Central Park and the skyline to evoke the feeling of a barrier to viewers. But the bricks are stacked on their sides, thereby letting in light and air and referencing the latticed celosía walls that are used for shade and ventilation in the Middle East, Africa, Iberia, and Latin America.
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August 27, 2020

Massive Two Bridges projects can move forward without City Council approval

Three projects that include the construction of four towers and the creation of nearly 3,000 housing units in Two Bridges meet all zoning requirements and can move forward without City Council approval, an appeals court ruled Thursday. The Appellate Division of State Supreme Court reversed a lower court's ruling that had stopped the Manhattan megaproject from going ahead.
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August 27, 2020

Revel electric mopeds return to NYC with strict safety rules

About a month after Revel suspended service following the death of two riders, the popular electric mopeds returned to New York City streets on Thursday. But before New Yorkers take the rideshare scooters for a spin, the company is requiring riders to complete new in-app safety training and snap a helmet selfie before every ride. Revel, which first launched in 2018, is also increasing penalties for rule-breaking by using moped data to find riders who ride the wrong way down one-way streets, on sidewalks, and a number of other offenses.
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August 27, 2020

$499K Crown Heights condo got a makeover from a major plant influencer

When 6sqft took a tour of model Summer Rayne Oakes' apartment in 2016, her home was filled with more than 500 plants. Today, that collection has grown to 1,100 and Summer has written a book on how to "cultivate green space in your home and heart." Most recently, she took this idea and applied her style to a studio apartment at the new Crown Heights condo 111 Montgomery Sreet (h/t NY Post). Listed for $499,000, the apartment is a cool mix of contemporary finishes, boho decor, and, of course, plants galore.
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August 27, 2020

The best NYC apartments for sale under $500K

Like New York City, the real estate market is slowly starting to recover, with hundreds of new apartment listings posted each day. With some industry experts calling it a buyer's market due to an increase in inventory citywide, we're taking a look at some of the best deals for apartments on the market that are listed for under $500,000. From a spacious two-bedroom with a balcony and an outdoor pool in Riverdale to a charming studio with unique architectural details in Prospect Heights, find out what $500,000 can get you in NYC right now.
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August 27, 2020

$1.75M townhouse is a modernist hideaway in Prospect Heights

This townhouse clad in zinc and Brazilian Ipe definitely doesn't look like the rest in Prospect Heights, and that may be its biggest selling point. The modernist single-family home is like a secret hideaway in the middle of Brooklyn--enter through the gate on Underhill Avenue and find yourself in a landscaped corridor/front yard complete with bamboo, native grasses, and hydrangeas. Pair it with the sleek contemporary interiors, and this home earns its $1,750,000 price tag.
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August 26, 2020

Coney Island’s colorful Mermaid Parade will take place virtually this weekend

Coney Island's beloved Mermaid Parade returns this weekend with a twist. The annual event will be live-streamed online Saturday, August 29 as a "Tail-a-Thon," a parody of a telethon that will raise real money for charity. Marchers, dancers, and musical groups will be performing live from remote locations and available to view online, starting at 1:30 p.m.
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August 26, 2020

In Westchester, a mid-century modern home by Paul Rudolph asks $5.6M

Known as the Edersheim Residence, this Westchester home was built in 1958, but in the 1980s, owners Maurits and Claire Edersheim asked famed architect Paul Rudolph (who had renovated their Manhattan apartment in 1970) to completely revamp the residence. Rudolph added a new front facade, a trademark sunken living room, skylights, a guest house, indoor and outdoor pools, a covered porch, and much more. According to Galerie, the most recent owners retained all of Rudolph's modernist details but worked with the Paul Rudolph Foundation on a modernization that made the home nearly net-zero. They've now listed the stunner for $5.6 million.
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August 26, 2020

Without federal aid, MTA says subway and bus service could be cut by 40 percent

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority on Wednesday laid out a grim plan detailing service cuts and fare hikes that could be implemented without additional federal aid. Without at least $12 billion in funding from Washington, subway and bus service could be cut by up to 40 percent, a devastating blow to millions of New Yorkers and the city's economy. During a board meeting on Wednesday, Chair Pat Foye said the coronavirus crisis has had a far larger toll on ridership and revenue than the Great Depression a century prior.
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August 26, 2020

$2.3M West Village studio is a ‘zen cocoon’ designed for fashion lovers

This cool West Village home is not your average studio apartment. For one, the interior has been designed as what the listing describes as a "zen suite," complete with carved wooden doors from Bali, grasscloth and leather walls, and a flat-screen TV that ascends from the foot of the bed. Secondly, the bedroom alcove has been transformed into a custom dressing room/closet fit for a fashionista. Located at 400 West 12th Street, the famous Superior Ink condo, the 943-square-foot home is asking $2.3 million.
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August 26, 2020

Central Park’s first statue of historical women unveiled

The "bronze ceiling" has officially been broken in New York City's most famous park. A new statue depicting women's rights activists Sojourner Truth, Susan B. Anthony, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton was unveiled in Central Park on Wednesday, becoming the park's first monument of real-life women. The new statue comes on the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th amendment, which granted some women the right to vote.
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August 26, 2020

Krispy Kreme unveils new Times Square flagship

Just like their doughnuts, Krispy Kreme says its new 24-hour Times Square flagship will be "fresh and one-of-a-kind." Opening on September 15, the massive, immersive new shop will feature the world's largest glaze waterfall, a doughnut-making theater, and the ability to produce 4,560 doughnuts an hour.
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August 26, 2020

There’s a giant gorilla sculpture in Hudson Yards

To raise awareness and funds for the critically endangered gorilla species, public artists Gillie and Marc Schattner have created a massive sculpture of the animal that arrived this week in Hudson Yards' Bella Abzug Park. Titled King Nyani, Swahili for gorilla, it's the world's largest bronze gorilla sculpture and can fit two to three humans just in its hands.
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August 25, 2020

New York Fashion Week is still on for next month

One of fashion's biggest events will still take place in New York City next month. Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday announced that New York Fashion Week will be held September 13-17 for a mix of live and virtual fashion shows, under stringent coronavirus restrictions and capacity limits. Indoor events will be able to take place at 50 percent capacity and with no spectators, according to the governor.
Details here
August 25, 2020

The Sill partners with the Met for a new art-inspired plant collection

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is marking its 150th anniversary this year, and as part of the celebration, they're embarking on new exhibits and collaborations, one of which is this fun partnership with The Sill. The "Met 150 Edit" is a multi-designer capsule collection from the plant company that features limited-edition earthenware planters and fun art-inspired message pops ("Vincent Van Grow" and "Untitled Greens #1").
Shop the collection here
August 25, 2020

NYC cultural institutions would be allowed to put on performances outdoors, under proposed bill

A New York City Council member will introduce a bill this week that would allow cultural institutions to set up events and exhibits outdoor, the New York Daily News first reported. Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer, who represents parts of Queens and is chair of the Cultural Affairs Committee, wants the city to give nonprofit groups space to perform on parking lots, streets, and parks. "The city of New York is the cultural capital of the world and right now it's a city that's a little sad," Van Bramer told the Daily News. "The city of New York without music and dance and theater is just not the same New York."
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August 25, 2020

Inside the stunning, abandoned City Hall subway station

When the New York City subway opened on October 27th, 1904, it was the magnificent City Hall station that served as the backdrop for the festivities, with its arched Guastavino-tiled ceiling and skylights. But by 1945, the newer, longer subway cars could no longer fit on the station's curved tracks, so it was closed. Today, the New York City Transit Museum occasionally offers tours of the abandoned station, which is how photographers James and Karla Murray were able to capture these beautiful photos. Ahead, see more of the station and learn all about its history.
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August 25, 2020

New York is setting up COVID-19 testing sites at JFK and LaGuardia airports

New coronavirus testing sites will be set up at John F. Kennedy and LaGuardia airports to limit the spread of the virus from out-of-state visitors, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Monday. The testing sites will allow "faster testing of people coming in, including hospital staff," the governor said during a press briefing. The additional measure comes as New York saw a record low COVID-19 test positivity rate of 0.66 percent on Monday, making it the 17th straight day with a positivity rate below 1 percent.
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August 25, 2020

See designs for the Brooklyn park dedicated to LGBTQ advocate Marsha P. Johnson

Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Monday dedicated Brooklyn's East River State Park to Black transgender rights activist Marsha P. Johnson, making it the first state park in New York named after an LGBTQ person and transgender woman of color. Located on the Williamsburg waterfront and known for hosting popular outdoor market Smorgasburg, the park will feature a new colorful public art installation honoring Johnson, who played a significant role in the Stonewall Uprising and was a founding member of the Gay Liberation Front. The dedication comes on what would have been Johnson's 75th birthday.
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August 25, 2020

$4.5M Mediterranean-style home brings a bit of California living to Westchester

"Santa Barbara comes to Scarsdale," says the listing, and we couldn't agree more. This Mediterranean home in Westchester was built in 1928 in the California stucco style. A pool with a waterfall, multiple terraces, large guest house, and tennis court, complete the west coast picture. The home is on the market for $4,450,000.
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August 24, 2020

Inside a new luxury Upper West Side condo located on a hidden cul-de-sac

The condo building at 350 West 71st Street manages to maintain its historic allure while providing residents all of the perks of modern living. Designed by DXA Studio, the seven-story development on the Upper West Side measures just 75,000 square feet, but still packs in an impressive amenity package, including a library, fitness center, playroom, and large landscaped rooftop with grill and lounge areas. The boutique building sits within the West 71st Historic District, designated 30 years ago for its uniqueness as a tree-lined cul-de-sac and the distinct Beaux-Arts architecture found across the properties.
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August 24, 2020

New condo at East Village gas explosion site launches sales from $1.35M

It's been five-and-a-half years since the buildings at 119, 121, and 123 Second Avenue were destroyed in a deadly gas explosion caused by an illegal tap into the gas main. The corner site at 45 East 7th Street now has a new life as a boutique condo by architect Morris Adjmi who, in his firm's trademark, designed a building sympathetic to its surroundings. Dubbed No45e7, the 21-unit East Village building just launched sales, which range from $1.35 million one-bedrooms to $4 million two- and three-bedrooms, along with an $8.3 million penthouse. A major perk of the project is that each apartment has its own private terrace.
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August 24, 2020

NYC unveils outdoor learning option for schools

New York City schools can use backyards, streets closed to cars, and certain parks for outdoor learning, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Monday. Unveiled just weeks before school is expected to open next month, the new option takes the "best ideas from around the world" to make school safe for students, teachers, and school staff, according to the mayor. "We know the disease doesn't spread the same outdoors," de Blasio said. "We want to give schools the chance to do as much outdoors as they can."
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August 24, 2020

Car-free blocks with diverse outdoor dining options open in Queens

Two neighborhoods in Queens hit especially hard by the coronavirus are slowly getting back on their feet thanks to a new communal dining experience. David Rockwell and his firm Rockwell Group unveiled last week two new community outdoor dining areas on car-free blocks in the Queens neighborhoods of Elmhurst and Jackson Heights, part of the firm's DineOut initiative. Both communities, which are considered to be among the most diverse neighborhoods in New York City, offer a variety of cuisines, including Tibetan, Nepali, Indian, Thai, and more.
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August 24, 2020

Tiffany & Co. reveals plans for a glass addition to Fifth Avenue flagship

At the beginning of the year, Tiffany & Company moved after 80 years from its Fifth Avenue flagship to a temporary spot next door while the original location at 727 Fifth Avenue began a renovation. Today, the iconic jewelry company revealed the three-story glass addition that will top their reimagined home, designed by Rem Koolhaas' Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA).
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August 24, 2020

$1.3M West Village co-op feels like a ‘Hollywood bungalow’

The graceful arches, dark floors mixed with painted ceilings, and natural light from three exposures make this West Village co-op feel like a "Hollywood bungalow," as the listing says. Listed for $1,320,000, the one-bedroom home is located at 75 Bank Street. The Art Deco building is known as Abingdon Court and is right across from both Bleecker Playground and Abingdon Square Park.
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August 21, 2020

Why can’t Coney Island’s rides reopen?

On Monday, bowling alleys were allowed to reopen, and as of this Monday, gyms and fitness studios, as well as museums and indoor cultural institutions can also reopen at a reduced capacity. So why are Coney Island's amusements still closed? As reported by NY1, Coney Island's amusement operators have joined the New England Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (NEAAPA) to advocate for a reopening before the end of the summer.
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