Preservation group asks New Yorkers to suggest cultural sites for landmarking

Photo of the Stonewall Inn, a cultural landmark, by NPCA via Flickr cc

July 15, 2020

Preservation group asks New Yorkers to suggest cultural sites for landmarking

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When it comes to landmarking in NYC, some of the biggest news as of late is that the LPC has calendared a building in Downtown Brooklyn that was home to abolitionists before the Civil War. If landmarked, the decision will be based on the structure's cultural merit, not necessarily its historic architecture. And with more and more people realizing the importance of preserving cultural history, the Historic Districts Council is asking New Yorkers to suggest the cultural sites that they believe are worthy of landmark designation.
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Crown Heights residents rally against proposed 182-unit complex at site of 19th-century senior home

Southern facade; Photo credit: Simia Rassouli

July 15, 2020

Crown Heights residents rally against proposed 182-unit complex at site of 19th-century senior home

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The fight continues over a proposed new development on a large stretch of land in the Crown Heights North Historic District II with an online petition opposing the project collecting over 4,000 signatures. A neighborhood group, Friends of 920 Park, hopes to stop the construction of a seven-story, 182-unit apartment building on land at 959 Sterling Place (920 Park Place), originally the site of the Methodist Home for the Aged and currently the home of the Hebron French Speaking Seventh Day Adventist School. The renewed fight against the project comes ahead of a Brooklyn Community Board 8 and Landmarks Preservation Commission public hearing on the plan later this summer.
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Brooklyn Navy Yard is selling PPE online and at West Elm and Wegmans

Photo of Crye Precision face masks, courtesy of the Brooklyn Navy Yard

July 15, 2020

Brooklyn Navy Yard is selling PPE online and at West Elm and Wegmans

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Face shields, ventilators, cloth masks, hand sanitizer--this is just some of the personal protective equipment being produced by manufacturers at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. To help their tenants who have shifted from their normal business models to make PPE during the pandemic, the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation (BNYDC) announced today a a new initiative called "Made at the Yard." The program includes an online e-commerce portal where tenants can market and sell PPE and related products, as well as PPE vending machines and partnerships with West Elm and Wegmans.
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Open-air cafe proposed along the East River in historic South Street Seaport

View from John Street Rendering courtesy of Woods Bagot/ NYC Parks

July 15, 2020

Open-air cafe proposed along the East River in historic South Street Seaport

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An open-air waterfront restaurant and bar could be coming to the South Street Seaport Historic District. The Howard Hughes Corporation and the city's Parks Department on Tuesday presented a proposal to the Landmarks Preservation Commission for a new concession along the East River Esplanade under the FDR Drive overpass. Designed by Woods Bagot, the "Blockhouse Bar" would be a year-round establishment, with plans to add decking over the pavement, planters, and vinyl coverings during the winter months.
Get the details
$9.2M Upper East Side penthouse has four terraces and lofty rooms

Photo credit: Evan Joseph 

July 15, 2020

$9.2M Upper East Side penthouse has four terraces and lofty rooms

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There's been a lot of talk about New Yorkers ditching the city for the suburbs, but when you've got four outdoor terraces, there's probably less need to leave. This incredible duplex penthouse at 141 East 88th Street on the Upper East Side has just that, along with four bedrooms, four-and-a-half bathrooms, and chic, loft-like interiors.
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Funky $1.2M upstate home is Jetsons on the outside, Flintstones on the inside

Photos courtesy of Houlihan Lawrence

July 15, 2020

Funky $1.2M upstate home is Jetsons on the outside, Flintstones on the inside

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The visuals speak for themselves at this super funky upstate home in Rhinebeck. From the outside, its semi-circular shape and odd window placement read very futuristic. But inside, the home is positively prehistoric-looking, with cave-like vaulted ceilings, stone floors, and tree-branch railings. Listed for $1,195,000, the 11-acre property includes the two-bedroom home, a guest house, animal shelters, fruit orchard, and vegetable garden.
Lots more to see
How to apply for New York’s new COVID-19 rent relief program

Via CityRealty

July 14, 2020

How to apply for New York’s new COVID-19 rent relief program

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Update 7/31/20: The deadline to apply for the rent relief program has been extended by one week to Thursday, August 6.  A new rent relief program launched Tuesday that provides subsidies to eligible low-income New Yorkers financially affected by the coronavirus pandemic. First signed into law by Gov. Andrew Cuomo last month, the assistance program helps low-income households experiencing increased rent burden due to a loss of income because of COVID-19 by sending a one-time subsidy directly to landlords. The payment covers the difference between a household's rent burden on March 1 and the increase in rent burden for up to four months. Applicants must meet several eligibility requirements to qualify for the program.
More here
For $14.50, you can own one of Governor Cuomo’s ‘New York Tough’ posters

Section of the poster, courtesy of the Governor’s Office

July 14, 2020

For $14.50, you can own one of Governor Cuomo’s ‘New York Tough’ posters

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The term Cuomosexual has gone as far as to make it into the Urban Dictionary. But if watching Randy Rainbow sing about the New York governor's COVID-era following is not enough to satiate your Cuomo fix, you can personally own one of his creative albeit interesting "New York Tough" posters. Governor Cuomo revealed the piece, meant to evoke the turn-of-the-century poster art that he's so fond of, in his press conference yesterday; it's available for pre-order for $14.50. The poster depicts the coronavirus mountain that the state scaled and came down, with illustrations of everything from a nose swab test to his press briefing team to his daughter's boyfriend who briefly quarantined with the family. Oh yeah, and Donald Trump is featured as "the man in the moon."
See the full poster here
High Line Nine galleries transform into socially-distanced ‘living storefronts’

Image by Vicky Barranguet

July 14, 2020

High Line Nine galleries transform into socially-distanced ‘living storefronts’

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As New York City slowly reopens with some semblance of normalcy, art galleries are also returning. Earlier this month, the High Line Nine introduced a new initiative that transforms five of its galleries into "living storefronts." The High Line Nine Artist Residency, titled "Dare to Reimagine," allows visitors to walk through the corridor in Chelsea and view artists at work through glass-walled studios. And all works on display will be available for purchase through scannable QR-codes on-site.
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The 15 best air-purifying plants for your home

Photo by Huy Phan from Pexels

July 14, 2020

The 15 best air-purifying plants for your home

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Toxins from carpet, paint, upholstery, and cleaning products are just a handful of modern-day, airborne pollutants that can degrade indoor air quality, and studies have shown too much exposure to these manmade elements can cause lung and respiratory issues over the long run. Luckily, there are a number of houseplants that moonlight as efficient purifiers. Ahead you'll find 15 of the best air-purifying plants suited for apartment living, according to Dr. B.C. Wolverton, a scientist who worked with NASA to develop a breathable environment for long-term lunar habitation.
15 plants to help keep indoor air its purest
Smorgasburg returns to Williamsburg next week as takeout-only ‘Smorg To Go’

2018 Smorgasburg; Photo by Scott Lynch

July 14, 2020

Smorgasburg returns to Williamsburg next week as takeout-only ‘Smorg To Go’

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Popular outdoor food market Smorgasburg returns to Williamsburg next week with a new takeout-only model. As Eater New York first reported, "Smorg To Go" will launch on Monday, July 20, with 10 vendors serving fare at 51 North 6th Street at Kent Avenue, a block from the market's typical summer location at Marsha P. Johnson State Park. The new takeout market will operate seven days per week with a rotating list of vendors.
Find out more
Empire State Building’s observatory reopens next week with new air purification system

Photo by Neil Cooper on Unsplash

July 14, 2020

Empire State Building’s observatory reopens next week with new air purification system

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One of the world's most iconic buildings will reopen its observatory to the public next week. The Empire State Building announced on Monday that visitors can return to the skyscraper's 86th- and 102nd-floor observatory spaces starting Monday, July 20. Capacity will be reduced by more than 80 percent, temperatures will be checked, and face coverings will be required. Plus, the building is deploying a number of improvements for ventilation, including MERV 13 filters, an air purification system, and mechanisms to bring fresh air into the space. New York City could enter phase four as early as July 20, but no official announcement has been made yet.
Details this way
$540K one-bedroom is a cozy, country cottage on the Upper West Side

Photo Credit: Dooley Images

July 14, 2020

$540K one-bedroom is a cozy, country cottage on the Upper West Side

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For the very palatable price of $540,000 this true one-bedroom co-op on the Upper West Side is a cozy, country home. Located at 331 West 89th Street, just steps from Riverside Park, the apartment is full of charming pre-war details like exposed brick, moldings, and a decorative fireplace. The current owner has also outfitted it with on-style accessories like a Smeg refrigerator and romantic chandeliers.
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Travelers from states with COVID surges must provide contact info at New York airports

Photo by CDC on Unsplash

July 13, 2020

Travelers from states with COVID surges must provide contact info at New York airports

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This weekend was a grim time for the nation's struggle against the coronavirus pandemic. Thirty-nine states are seeing rising COVID infection rates, and on July 10, the country set a new record with 66,281 new cases on a single day. On July 11, Florida set a new record for an individual state, with 15,300 new cases. New York, on the other hand, has seen its numbers decrease since it began reopening. And in order to help preserve this progress, Governor Cuomo announced today that travelers coming from problematic states must provide local authorities with their contact information at all New York airports in order to enforce the previously implemented 14-day quarantine.
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After NYC’s first day with no COVID deaths, Mayor warns of virus spread among 20-year-olds

Photo of New Yorkers drinking on St. Mark’s Place in May by Eden, Janine and Jim on Flickr

July 13, 2020

After NYC’s first day with no COVID deaths, Mayor warns of virus spread among 20-year-olds

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On April 7, at the peak of the pandemic, New York City saw more than 800 COVID-related deaths in a single day. But on July 11, the city reported zero coronavirus-related deaths for the first time since March. Across New York State, that number has remained near or below 10 for several weeks. And though this is an incredible feat, especially considering that New York was the global epicenter of the pandemic not too long ago, Mayor de Blasio warned in his press conference today that the city is seeing a rise in positive cases among 20-29-year-olds. To remind these young adults that they're "not impervious," the city will launch a new outreach effort that includes messaging from social media influencers.
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Six-acre private island in Connecticut with a charming cottage asks $2.5M

Photo by Carlos Marques, Marcott Studios

July 13, 2020

Six-acre private island in Connecticut with a charming cottage asks $2.5M

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A nearly six-acre private island off the coast of Norwalk, Connecticut has hit the market for $2.5 million. The property, called Copps Island, features an adorable three-bedroom, two-bath cottage with a huge screened-in porch. The home, which measures about 2,620 square feet, sits on the island's highest point, providing serene views of the Long Island Sound from every room.
Take the tour
INTERVIEW: Architect John Cetra on the Upper West Side’s Dahlia and the changing concept of home

Images courtesy of CetraRuddy

July 13, 2020

INTERVIEW: Architect John Cetra on the Upper West Side’s Dahlia and the changing concept of home

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Designed by CetraRuddy and RKTB Architects, Dahlia at 212 West 95th Street celebrates the Upper West Side's classic residential blocks of pre-war architecture while adding innovative design elements. The condo’s 38 homes and common areas are designed to be more spacious than the average Manhattan apartment, and perks unheard of in New York City include a huge 5,100-square-foot private elevated park, a fitness center with a yoga room, and a private parking garage. Plus, each apartment is situated on a corner of the building, so there’s no shortage of views and natural light. 6sqft recently offered a peek at the 20-story building's interiors, and we've now chatted with architect John Cetra about this new addition to the Upper West Side, the neighborhood, and how apartment building design must be sensitive to changing times and the idea of home in the city.
An interview with John Cetra of CetraRuddy, this way
This $2.25M condo has Lower East Side views galore through its giant windows

Photos courtesy of Halstead Real Estate

July 13, 2020

This $2.25M condo has Lower East Side views galore through its giant windows

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Oftentimes when we gush about views, we're talking about those overlooking the skyline or water. But there's something to be said for these clear-as-day views of the Lower East Side street life. At this two-bedroom loft at 115 Allen Street, massive floor-to-ceiling windows look east along Delancey Street and south down Allen Street, capturing all the neighborhood's vibrancy. In addition, the 1,800-square-foot home has huge swaths of exposed brick walls and a super charming outdoor terrace.
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NYC public libraries reopen 22 branches for grab-and-go service

Photo of Todt Hill-Westerleigh branch; credit: Jonathan Blanc / NYPL

July 13, 2020

NYC public libraries reopen 22 branches for grab-and-go service

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New York City's public libraries on Monday opened 22 branches for limited grab-and-go service as part of a phased reopening process. The joint plan involves a gradual reopening of physical locations in stages, with seven to eight branches opening for contactless pickups and book returns to start. All libraries were forced to close in March because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Get the details
See the ‘Black Lives Matter’ murals popping up on streets across New York City

Photo courtesy of Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer’s office

July 10, 2020

See the ‘Black Lives Matter’ murals popping up on streets across New York City

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First announced by Mayor Bill de Blasio as a celebration of Juneteenth last month, giant murals spelling out Black Lives Matter have been popping up across New York City, with the streets also officially co-named after the movement. There are eight large-scale murals total: Centre Street and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard in Manhattan, Richmond Terrace on Staten Island, 153rd Street in Queens, Joralemon and Fulton Streets in Brooklyn, Morris Avenue in the Bronx, and on Fifth Avenue in front of Trump Tower.
See more here
White Horse Tavern temporarily loses liquor license over social distancing violations

Photo by Eden, Janine and Jim on Flickr 

July 10, 2020

White Horse Tavern temporarily loses liquor license over social distancing violations

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The state's liquor authority this week suspended the liquor license of the White Horse Tavern, charging the 140-year-old West Village bar with more than 30 violations. The New York State Liquor Authority on Wednesday said the business repeatedly violated Gov. Andrew Cuomo's executive order mandating bars and restaurants to comply with social distancing guidelines. It's the first establishment in New York City to temporarily get its liquor license revoked since the start of the city's open restaurants program last month, Eater New York first reported.
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Here’s what a car-free, pedestrian-friendly NYC could look like

If parking was removed and private cars banned on West 45th Street; courtesy of PAU

July 10, 2020

Here’s what a car-free, pedestrian-friendly NYC could look like

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In a city that currently has the most streets closed to cars in the country, with plans in store to add more designated busways and charge vehicles entering its busiest streets, is New York ready to be car-free? Architect Vishaan Chakrabarti and his firm Practice for Architecture and Urbanism think so. The New York Times took a look at PAU's plan, "N.Y.C. (Not Your Car)," which calls for a ban of private motor vehicles in Manhattan and an expansion of sidewalks and pedestrian-only space.
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This gorgeous $1.1M Upper East Side co-op was once the office of Marilyn Monroe’s psychiatrist

Photos courtesy of Compass

July 10, 2020

This gorgeous $1.1M Upper East Side co-op was once the office of Marilyn Monroe’s psychiatrist

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Marilyn Monroe may not have been very open at the time about her mental health struggles, but they've since been documented through diary entries and letters she'd written. As Vanity Fair noted, in the mid-1950s, Monroe saw a psychiatrist, Dr. Margaret Hohenberg, on the recommendation of her acting coach Lee Strasburg. Dr. Hohenberg, whom she visited up to five times a week, operated out of a first-floor office at 155 East 93rd Street. This exact Carnegie Hill apartment, now a residential co-op unit, has just hit the market for $1,125,000. It has lovely pre-war details, lots of closet space, and a nicely modernized kitchen.
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$5.75M Upper East Side townhouse has connections to the Astors and Roosevelts

Photo credit: David Paler for The Corcoran Group

July 10, 2020

$5.75M Upper East Side townhouse has connections to the Astors and Roosevelts

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How's that for bragging rights? This incredible townhouse at 530 East 87th Street in Yorkville was built in the 1870s by the Astor family, and it later was owned by one of Theodore Roosevelt's granddaughters. In more recent years, it underwent a designer renovation (it was even featured in Architectural Digest) that includes four wood-burning fireplaces with original mantles, lacquered walls, and a whimsical garden with climbing vines and lanterns.
Lots more to see
NYC cancels all large events through September

Photo by James and Karla Murray exclusively for 6sqft

July 10, 2020

NYC cancels all large events through September

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All major events that require a city permit have been canceled through September 30, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Thursday. The city said it will not issue a permit for any event that would be located within a designated Open Streets or Open Restaurants area, an attempt to "prioritize open spaces for public use." This means annual street fairs and parades, like favorites the Feast of San Gennaro and the West Indian-American Day Carnival, will not take place this year.
More here
See the ‘Black Lives Matter’ mural in front of Trump Tower

All photos by Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

July 9, 2020

See the ‘Black Lives Matter’ mural in front of Trump Tower

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After announcing last month that he'd be painting "Black Lives Matter" in front of Trump Tower, Mayor de Blasio today helped paint the mural in bright yellow letters outside the building on Fifth Avenue between 56th and 57th Streets. "Let’s show Donald Trump what he does not understand, let’s paint it right in front of his building for him," the mayor said today.
Details here
See the design proposals that would make the Brooklyn Bridge a pedestrian oasis

“Back to the Future,” Bjarke Ingles Group and Arup

July 9, 2020

See the design proposals that would make the Brooklyn Bridge a pedestrian oasis

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The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the importance of public space, especially in a city like New York, where residents lack private backyards and most common spaces are too narrow for proper social distancing. A design contest launched earlier this year looking for ideas on how to improve the overcrowded pedestrian promenade of the Brooklyn Bridge, where thousands of walkers and cyclists fight for space daily. The Van Alen Institute and the New York City Council on Thursday announced the six finalists for the "Reimagining Brooklyn Bridge" design contest, with selected proposals calling for less space for cars and more for people.
See the designs

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Bronx Little Italy sets up ‘Piazza di Belmont’ for outdoor dining on Arthur Avenue

All photos courtesy of the Belmont Business Improvement District

July 9, 2020

Bronx Little Italy sets up ‘Piazza di Belmont’ for outdoor dining on Arthur Avenue

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With indoor dining on hold, the city has committed to expanding the already very successful outdoor dining program it launched in late June when phase two began. With more than 7,000 restaurants participating, the program grew this month to include several open streets across the five boroughs, and in the Bronx, the selected street is Arthur Avenue, the heart of Bronx Little Italy. Starting tonight, from Thursdays to Sundays, Arthur Avenue between East 188th Street and Crescent Avenue is transforming into a European-style al fresco dining setup called Piazza di Belmont, with more than 25 restaurants participating.
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Manhattanhenge returns to New York City’s grid this weekend

Photo via d26b73 on Flickr

July 9, 2020

Manhattanhenge returns to New York City’s grid this weekend

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Despite all of the life changes New Yorkers are currently grappling with, some things remain the same. The annual magic of Manhattanhenge has officially returned, bringing a much-needed moment of zen to the city. Twice a year the sunset aligns perfectly with Manhattan's street grid, providing a picture-perfect glow radiating between two skyscrapers. As first reported by Gothamist, the phenomenon took place on May 30, with the second event happening on July 12.
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The 14 best apartments near the High Line
July 9, 2020

The 14 best apartments near the High Line

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In the decade since the High Line opening, the surrounding area of West Chelsea has exploded into one of Manhattan’s most desirable areas for developers building luxury real estate. (It didn't hurt that the opening of the now-famous elevated park coincided with a neighborhood rezoning.) These days, any walk along the park reveals a variety of development in different stages of construction right alongside buildings that have welcomed new, typically wealthy residents over the past several years. 6sqft has rounded up the 14 defining buildings now open around the High Line. There are the early trailblazers, like the energy-efficient condo HL23, as well as the starchitect standouts, like Zaha Hadid's 520 West 28th, and of course, the new kids on the block, including Bjarke Ingels' twisting towers The XI and Thomas Heatherwick's bubbled Lantern House condo.
See the full list here
An aircraft carrier has been transformed into a floating restaurant in Harlem

Photo courtesy of Baylander Steel Beach

July 9, 2020

An aircraft carrier has been transformed into a floating restaurant in Harlem

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Photo courtesy of Baylander Steel Beach New Yorkers have outdoor dining on their minds these days, but a new spot that opened last week is taking the idea to the next level. Just off the West Harlem Piers at 125th Street, the former Baylander IX-514 aircraft carrier has been transformed into a new restaurant and bar called Baylander Steel Beach. First spotted by I Love the Upper West Side, the one-time U.S. Navy ship now has several levels of outdoor seating, as well as a covered section that will be opened once the city allows indoor dining.
Take a tour of Baylander
For $645,000, this Soho one-bedroom is modern and move-in ready

Photo credit: DDReps. Styled by Jason Saft, Staged to Sell Home.

July 9, 2020

For $645,000, this Soho one-bedroom is modern and move-in ready

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It's not easy to find an affordable one-bedroom in Soho, but this apartment at 101 Thompson Street is priced just right at $645,000. Though the bedroom is more of an alcove, the place feels open and bright, and the location is ideal, right next to Vesuvio Playground, two blocks from the C and E trains at Spring Street, and in the middle of all the best shops and restaurants (like Dominique Ansel Bakery just around the corner!).
See more of this stylish pad
$1.45M Carroll Gardens condo has Civil War-era details and a sunny patio

Photo credit: Vistabee

July 8, 2020

$1.45M Carroll Gardens condo has Civil War-era details and a sunny patio

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The Mill at 376 President Street in Carroll Gardens is a Civil War-era jute warehouse that's been transformed into a 55-unit condo building, and many of the loft-like units feature architectural details from this time. This two-bedroom apartment, listed for $1,450,000, features many of these elements, including original red oak beams, wood hewn ceilings, and exposed brick. On top of all that charm, it has a sunny outdoor patio.
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190-year-old Neir’s Tavern reopens for outdoor dining in Woodhaven

Photo courtesy of Neir’s Tavern

July 8, 2020

190-year-old Neir’s Tavern reopens for outdoor dining in Woodhaven

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After nearly shutting its doors earlier this year because of a rent increase and then temporarily closing in March because of the coronavirus, it's been a tough few months for Neir's Tavern, a bar in Queens founded more than 190 years ago. But, with support from regulars, the historic establishment in Woodhaven reopened this month for outdoor dining, the New York Post reported.
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NYC’s oldest gay bar launches crowdfunding campaign to stay afloat

Julius’ Bar. Map data © 2020 Google

July 8, 2020

NYC’s oldest gay bar launches crowdfunding campaign to stay afloat

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On the corner of West 10th Street and Waverly Place, Julius' Bar stands as the oldest gay bar in New York City. It's also known for the "Sip-In" that took place here in 1966, which ultimately led to legal LGBT bars and was one of the most significant instances of LGBT activism prior to Stonewall. Julius' was forced to close its doors in mid-March amidst the COVID crisis, and they've since been unable to reopen. Therefore, they've launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise $50,000 that will keep them and their employees afloat until indoor dining is permitted.
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New Jersey mandates that face masks be worn outside

Photo by Gustavo Fring from Pexels

July 8, 2020

New Jersey mandates that face masks be worn outside

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Nearly three months after Governor Cuomo mandated face masks be worn in outdoor public spaces in New York, Governor Phil Murphy of New Jersey has finally done the same. Murphy did mandate face masks be worn indoors back in April, but it wasn't until an appearance this morning on MSNBC's Morning Joe that he said he'll be signing an executive order today. "They’ve been strongly recommended out-of-doors. We’re gonna turn that up a notch today... If you can’t socially distance, it’s gonna be required." His announcement comes
More info
Governors Island will reopen on July 15 with limited capacity

Photo by Kreg Holt

July 8, 2020

Governors Island will reopen on July 15 with limited capacity

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Summer is not totally canceled in New York City. Governors Island will officially reopen to the public next week for passive activities only and with a new reservation system for ferries. The Trust for Governors Island announced on Wednesday a system that lets visitors reserve tickets for ferry trips to the 172-acre site for the first time ever, as a way to allow for social distancing. Originally planned to open for the season in May, the Trust had postponed its opening in April because of the coronavirus.
Get the details
At a former school on the Upper West Side, this $22.5M penthouse has a two-level terrace

Image by Hayes Davidson

July 8, 2020

At a former school on the Upper West Side, this $22.5M penthouse has a two-level terrace

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Not only is this apartment three floors, but it has a two-floor terrace, too. It's the Terrace Penthouse at 555 West End Avenue, a former Beaux-Arts school building transformed into a 13-unit boutique condo. The Upper West Side home is currently listed for $22.5 million and has four bedrooms, a two-story living area connected by a floating staircase, and a full-floor roof terrace that's accessed via an outdoor staircase leading from the wraparound terrace.
See inside the place
The Strand will open on the Upper West Side this month

Photo of the Strand’s new UWS storefront, taken by 6sqft on July 7, 2020 

July 7, 2020

The Strand will open on the Upper West Side this month

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After a long and dramatic saga, the Upper West Side's Book Culture closed for good in February, but a new beloved book store is opening up in the storefront. The Strand announced earlier this year that third-generation owner Nancy Bass Wyden signed a lease for the space, which will be renamed The Strand at Columbus Avenue. And Gothamist received confirmation from the owner that it'll be opening this month.
Get the scoop
Brooklyn locals call for Barclays Center to be renamed for Jackie Robinson

Photo by Ajay Suresh on Flickr

July 7, 2020

Brooklyn locals call for Barclays Center to be renamed for Jackie Robinson

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The Barclays Center has made many headlines recently, as it's served as a hub for the city's Black Lives Matter protests. And some locals hope to keep this momentum going and are pushing for the arena to be renamed for Brooklyn Dodgers player Jackie Robinson, the first African American Major League Baseball player. Arthur Piccolo of Park Slope actually began the effort back in 2006, but recently revived it, telling the Brooklyn Paper, "You’re seeing certain individuals being criticized and their statutes rightly removed, and here’s the opportunity to do something symbolic."
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At the Upper West Side’s iconic El Dorado, a $20M duplex with iconic Central Park views

Listing photos courtesy of Tim Waltman

July 7, 2020

At the Upper West Side’s iconic El Dorado, a $20M duplex with iconic Central Park views

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The El Dorado is iconic for so many reasons--its Art Deco architecture, its design by Emery Roth, its two-part tower silhouette--but nothing can beat those Central Park views. And this 15th- and 16th-floor duplex at the classic Upper West Side co-op has 36 windows through which to see these views, along with a 50-foot private balcony. Just listed for $19,999,000, the home has four bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and tons of classic pre-war details.
Take a tour here
Brooklyn’s most photographed block opens for outdoor dining

Courtesy of the Dumbo Improvement District

July 6, 2020

Brooklyn’s most photographed block opens for outdoor dining

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Over the weekend, nearly two dozen streets currently closed to cars opened to outdoor dining, including one of New York City's most photographed blocks. In the Brooklyn neighborhood of Dumbo, outdoor dining was expanded onto several streets, like on Washington Street between Water Street and Front Streets, where the Manhattan Bridge is perfectly framed between buildings. As part of the expanded open restaurants program, the Dumbo restaurants can take over the streets on Friday nights and weekends only.
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$999K Fort Greene co-op is super stylish with room to spare

Photo credit: Melanie Greene

July 6, 2020

$999K Fort Greene co-op is super stylish with room to spare

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From the just-under-a-million pricetag to the lovely historic features to the outdoor space, this Fort Greene co-op has a lot going for it. Located at 143 Lafayette Avenue, the apartment is currently configured as a one-bedroom plus home office, but that bonus space would also make a great nursery or sitting room. An added bonus--the private deck overlooks the pre-war building's English garden, which is complete with whimsical landscaping and seating areas.
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Three acres of new green space open at Brooklyn Bridge Park

Photo by Alexa Hoyer

July 6, 2020

Three acres of new green space open at Brooklyn Bridge Park

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Three acres of new parkland opened at Brooklyn Bridge Park on Monday, putting construction of the waterfront park one step closer to completion. Located east of Pier 2, the Pier 2 Uplands features a 6,300 square foot lawn and a new water play area made up of salvaged pieces of Pier 3. Runoff water from the play area will be caught by an underground retention tank and will be reused for irrigation throughout the site.
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The High Line will reopen next week with timed-entry reservations

Photo by Iker Alonso on Flickr

July 6, 2020

The High Line will reopen next week with timed-entry reservations

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The High Line will reopen to the public this month with a new timed-entry reservation system. The elevated park, which had been closed since mid-March because of the coronavirus, will open on July 16, with free reservations available starting 10 a.m. on July 9. A limited number of walk-up passes will be available at the entrance at Gansevoort and Washington Streets each day.
Get the details
NYC enters phase three of reopening today

Photo by Florian Wehde on Unsplash

July 6, 2020

NYC enters phase three of reopening today

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New York City is officially the final region in the state to begin phase three of reopening, but unlike other parts of New York, the city's third phase will not include indoor dining. However, outdoor recreation like basketball and tennis courts, dog runs, and personal-care services like nail salons and tattoo parlors will reopen with social-distancing measures in place. The decision to postpone indoor dining came from the governor's office last week amidst a surge in COVID outbreaks across the country and a continued presence of large gatherings in the city.
More details ahead
Lottery opens for 126 affordable apartments in the Bronx’s Longwood, from $471/month

Credit: Peter Clements Architect P.C

July 2, 2020

Lottery opens for 126 affordable apartments in the Bronx’s Longwood, from $471/month

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A housing lottery launched this week for 126 affordable and moderate-income apartments in the Bronx neighborhood of Longwood. Located at 975 Tiffany Street, the rental features a fitness center, a community facility, bike storage, and a laundry room. Qualifying New Yorkers earning 30, 40, 50, 60, and 100 percent of the area median income can apply for the apartments, ranging from a $471/month one-bedroom to a $1,200/month three-bedroom.
Find out if you qualify
Before Nathan’s there was Feltman’s: The history of the Coney Island hot dog

Feltman’s via Boston Public Library

July 2, 2020

Before Nathan’s there was Feltman’s: The history of the Coney Island hot dog

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The name Nathan's has become synonymous with Coney Island, whether it be for the annual hot dog-eating contest or the childhood nostalgia of the boardwalk. It's also become arguably the biggest name in the hot dog world in general. But, believe it or not, Nathan's was not the first place to serve up franks in the seaside neighborhood. That distinction goes to Feltman's, which was begun in 1867 as a pushcart by German immigrant Charles Feltman, considered the inventor of the hot dog on a bun.
Find out how the Coney Island hot dog got its start
Across NYC, 50 new public artworks respond to COVID and systemic racism crises

L to R: Rafael Domenech, Peripheral poem 68 (countermonument pavilion); Andre D. Wagner, Old School, Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn NY 2020; Sharon Madanes, Pulse. All photos courtesy of the artists.

July 2, 2020

Across NYC, 50 new public artworks respond to COVID and systemic racism crises

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When coronavirus began to bear down on the city, the Public Art Fund conceived a way to bring an artful approach to the crisis. They teamed up with 50 New York-based, emerging artists for a multi-platform exhibition Art on the Grid. As the exhibit developed, though, "the parallel epidemic of systemic racism came into sharp and painful focus," they tell us, which led to both crises setting the backdrop for this powerful public art series. Now on display on 500 bus shelters and more than 1,700 LinkNYC kiosks across the five boroughs, the exhibit showcases themes such as healing and loss; community and isolation; intimacy and solitude; and inclusivity and excitability.
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$2B project in Astoria calls for massive mixed-use district with 2,700 housing units

Rendering the civic park at Innovation QNS courtesy of ODA

July 2, 2020

$2B project in Astoria calls for massive mixed-use district with 2,700 housing units

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A proposal to build a mixed-use district in Queens that would encompass five blocks and create thousands of new housing units was unveiled this week. Dubbed "Innovation QNS," the $2 billion project would bring 2,700 units of mixed-income housing, 250,000 square feet of creative office space, 200,000 square feet of retail, a new school, two acres of public open space, and new neighborhood amenities to Astoria. With ODA Architecture as the architect of the master plan, the mixed-use district is a joint private venture led by Silverstein Properties, Kaufman Astoria Studios, BedRock Real Estate Partners.
See the plan

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