March 23, 2020

Brooklyn kids are hanging rainbow art in windows as part of a quarantine-style scavenger hunt

With school closed and playdates off-limits, New York City kids are staying connected with their friends in a creative and colorful way. Children in Brooklyn are drawing and painting pictures of rainbows and displaying them outside of their homes, creating a scavenger hunt perfect for one of the only quarantine-approved activities: a walk around the neighborhood.
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March 23, 2020

The 18th-century Yellow Fever pandemic that led to NYC’s first Health Department

A spot of hope amidst the chaos of our current moment is that we will come out stronger, safer, and more prepared than we were before. Historically, that has actually been the case. For example, New York’s 1795 Yellow Fever Pandemic led to the creation of the New York City Board of Health, which in turn became the Metropolitan Board of Health, then the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, which helps keep the city healthy to this day. Ahead, we take a closer look at this pandemic, which ebbed and flowed from 1793 to 1805, from quarantines to new hospitals to public data.
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March 23, 2020

Work starts to turn Javits Center into a 1,000-bed temporary hospital

"Time matters, minutes count, and this is literally a matter of life and death," Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in a press conference Sunday, during which he requested and subsequently received funding from the federal government to move ahead with the Army Corps of Engineers on erecting temporary hospitals at the Javits Center, Westchester County Center, SUNY Stony Brook, and SUNY Old Westbury. As of Monday morning, the number of positive COVID-19 cases in New York State was nearly 21,000, with more than 12,000 in New York City. Supplies and materials have already arrived at the Javits Center, and it's expected to be complete within a week to 10 days.
Find out more
March 23, 2020

Lawmakers, advocates demand rent freeze for New Yorkers affected by coronavirus

Evictions have been halted. Mortgage payments have been suspended. What about rents? New York renters, elected officials, and tenant advocacy groups are calling for a temporary rent freeze to provide financial relief to both workers and businesses impacted by the coronavirus outbreak. State Sen. Michael Gianaris, who represents parts of Queens, will introduce a measure on Monday that would suspend rent payments for 90 days for tenants and small businesses, as the Daily News first reported.
More here
March 23, 2020

In the South Bronx, affordable housing lottery opens for 31 mixed-income units near Yankee Stadium

At 3120 Park Avenue and 451 East 159th Street, in the Melrose section of the Bronx, 31 affordable apartments are up for grabs for New Yorkers earning 30, 50, 100, and 110 percent of the area median income. The Park and Elton Apartments, which are located close to Yankee Stadium and many public transit options, have available units ranging from $359/month studios to $2,052/month two-bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify
March 23, 2020

Rich colors and a classic reno define this $2.9M Upper East Side co-op

Located just off Park Avenue at 114 East 90th Street, a classic pre-war co-op, this three-bedroom apartment has all the elegance of a 1920s classic-seven, but it's received a modern renovation that has updated the layout for 21st-century living and added rich colors and patterns throughout. Plus it's prime Carnegie Hill location puts it right near both the 86th and 96th Street subway stations, as well as Central Park and the Guggenheim.
Look around
March 22, 2020

Governor Cuomo says NYC must develop an immediate plan to address density issues in parks

Within 24 hours from Sunday morning, NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio and City Council Speaker Corey Johnson must come up with a plan to address continued density issues in the city, especially in parks. "It has to be done quickly, and it's going to have to be dramatic action," said the Governor in a press conference, following a personal visit to the city on Saturday during which he observed a major lack of social distancing in places like Central Park and the Grand Army Plaza Farmer's Market.
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March 20, 2020

The full list of New York’s essential services

Earlier today, Governor Cuomo announced "New York State on Pause," a new executive order aimed at flattening the curve of the coronavirus spread across the state. A big part of this order is a 100 percent closure of non-essential businesses statewide, (effective 8pm Sunday), meaning that all non-essential employees must either work from home or not work. Outside of the obvious answers like healthcare and grocery stores, many have been wondering what exactly the essential services are. Ahead, we've compiled the full list from the state to make this difficult time a bit easier.
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March 20, 2020

Electric moped service Revel offers free rides in Brooklyn and Queens for healthcare workers

Healthcare workers in Brooklyn and Queens will receive a free membership from the electric moped service Revel, the company announced Friday. Revel will also expand its service area to cover four major medical centers in those two boroughs, including Elmhurst Hospital, Maimonides Medical Center, NYU Langone Hospital Brooklyn, and SUNY Downstate Medical Center. The measure allows these critical workers to commute to work, instead of taking public transportation.
More here
March 20, 2020

New York State expands 90-day eviction moratorium to commercial tenants

In a press conference this morning in which Governor Cuomo issued the tightest shut-down measures yet, he announced that the State of New York would be expanding its 90-day moratorium on evictions to commercial tenants. After New York City took the step last week to stop eviction proceedings for 90 days, the State of New York on Monday halted residential eviction proceedings indefinitely. With this now expanded to commercial tenants for 90 days, there is a bit more hope for the city's struggling small businesses and restaurants.
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March 20, 2020

30 home office ideas to work in style

If you're starting to get a little stir crazy working from home, why not take this as an opportunity to spruce up your home office setup. Ahead, we've put together some suggestions for setting up the perfect work-from-home scenario, even if you're stuck in a tiny apartment. From practical solutions like wall-mounted desks and storage drawers to fun furniture ideas like an ergonomic stool and even something for your furry friend.
What's your home office style?
March 20, 2020

$749K Upper West Side one-bedroom is a brownstone beauty

When you've got beautiful brownstone features like a huge bay window, crown moldings, and a classical fireplace, you don't want to compete with the architecture but you also want to find a design aesthetic that enhances these details. Which is exactly what's on view at this one-bedroom Upper West Side co-op at 111 West 82nd Street. For $749,000, not only is it easy on the eyes but the apartment has a spacious and efficient layout that would make for a great starter home.
Have a look
March 19, 2020

15 NYC bookstores offering curbside pickup and delivery

Need a distraction? New York City's local bookstores are here to help. While many are not open for browsing, bookstores across the city are offering curbside pickup and delivery options instead. Get lost in a book (and take a break from reality) by supporting your neighborhood's shop from the comfort and safety of your home. Ahead, find 15 of our favorite stores offering pick-up and delivery, as well as other virtual resources, like live-streamed book clubs and author events.
More here
March 19, 2020

Get Park Avenue elegance for just $625K at this Upper East side co-op

Located just off Park Avenue at 115 East 90th Street, this one-bedroom co-op has all the uptown elegance at a fraction of the price. Asking 625,000, the Upper East Side gem has tons of pre-war charm in the form of picture moldings, large windows, and an efficient layout. There's also a surprising amount of closet space and a brand new kitchen and bathroom.
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March 19, 2020

‘The Rosie O’Donnell Show’ returns for one night to support The Actors Fund

With all Broadway, Off-Broadway, and any type of performance suspended through at least April 12th, Broadway.com is bringing back The Rosie O'Donnell Show for one night to benefit The Actors Fund. When her show was on air from 1996 to 2002, O'Donnell was a strong advocate for performance arts and often showcased Broadway ensembles performing numbers from their shows. The one-night event will take place on Sunday, March 22 at 7:00 p.m. and will be live-streamed on Broadway.com and Broadway.com's YouTube channel.
Find out who's performing
March 19, 2020

Waitlist opens for affordable units at luxury Yorkville rental, from $728/month

Applications are currently being accepted to replenish the waitlist for affordable apartments in a luxury Yorkville building. Located at 1775 York Avenue, the building, known as The Brittany, is a high-rise located on the East River waterfront. Apartments--set aside for New Yorkers earning 40 percent of the area median income--include one- and two-bedroom apartments for $728/month and $868/month, respectively.
How to apply
March 19, 2020

A historic Crown Heights Kinko House has hit the market for $1.6M

What's a Kinko House you may ask? First off, the name comes from the developer--Kings and Westchester Land Company--who built them in the northern section of Crown Heights between 1905 and 1912, according to Brownstoner. Designed by architecture firm Mann & MacNeille, the two-family houses are unique in that each unit has its own front door, stairway, porch, and cellar. Each group of six houses also has its own architectural style, and 1040 Sterling Place, which just hit the market for $1,625,000, was done in a brick Arts and Crafts style. This home is being sold with both duplex units, so a new owner could potentially combine them for one large residence.
Find out more about this rare house
March 18, 2020

Stay fit while staying home: The best home gym equipment

The gym is closed. It's still too cold to hit the park, beach, or local outdoor track (or you'd just rather stay at home). There are only so many times you can walk the dog. But your health and fitness–and sanity–depend on being able to get some exercise. This could be the best time to put that at-home workout plan into action–especially since exercise is one of the best ways to boost your immune system. Whether it's a yoga practice, cardio, training for a race or building strength, let the list below inspire you to get moving, even if you're in a small NYC apartment.
Get moving
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March 18, 2020

131 affordable apartments available near Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx, from $667/month

An affordable housing lottery launched this week for 131 apartments in a newly constructed building in the Bronx. The 13-story building at 150 Van Cortlandt Avenue East in Bedford Park sits near a handful of public parks and playgrounds, including the Williamsbridge Oval recreation center, Harris Park, and the city's third-largest park, Van Cortlandt Park. Qualifying New Yorkers earning 50, 60, 90, 110 percent of the area median income can apply for the units, which range from $667/month studios to $2,346/month three-bedroom apartments.
Find out if you qualify
March 18, 2020

1,000-bed hospital ship coming to New York Harbor

In a press conference on Wednesday, Governor Cuomo announced that he'd reached an agreement with the federal government for the USNS Comfort hospital ship to be dispatched to New York Harbor to help with the growing need for hospital beds, in particular ICU, as the number of COVID-19 cases continues to grow in New York City and New York at large.
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March 18, 2020

Amidst massive ridership declines, MTA seeks $4B+ in federal aid

Facing a 60 percent decline in subway ridership and a 90 percent decline on commuter rails, the already-cash-strapped MTA is seeking more than $4 billion in federal aid, according to a letter the agency sent yesterday to the New York Congressional Delegation. "Assuming ridership trends this week continue for six months," they wrote, the anticipated revenue losses to the MTA are $3.7 billion, along with $300 million in annualized COVID-19 expenses.
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March 18, 2020

For $12M, combine these two historic Harlem townhouses for the mansion of your dreams

Two neighboring Harlem townhouses have seen a big price drop since hitting the market last year. First listed for a combined $27 million, the historic homes at 32 and 33 Mount Morris Park West are currently listed separately for $7.95 million and $3.95 million, respectively. The 7,000-square-foot, five-bedroom property at 32 Mount Morris Park has been respectfully gut-renovated, while the townhouse next door, which has the same footprint and unique architectural elements, needs restoration work.
See the properties
March 17, 2020

As NYC suspends land use and rezoning actions, some officials want to also ban construction

All city land use and rezoning processes have been temporarily suspended as a result of the coronavirus outbreak, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Monday. In an executive order, the mayor directed procedures "applicable to the city planning and land use processes" to freeze for the duration of New York's state of emergency.
Learn more
March 17, 2020

NYC bars and restaurants can now sell to-go cocktails

To stop the spread of coronavirus, New York officials on Monday closed all restaurants and bars, with the exception of takeout and delivery services. The new rules, as mandated by Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Liquor Authority, allow businesses to sell to-go alcoholic beverages, including wine and liquor for the first time, as long as it is with a food purchase. This change in liquor laws will continue until April 15 but could be extended.
Details here
March 17, 2020

Apply for 35 affordable apartments in new Upper East Side passive house, from $747/month

Photo of Carl Schurz Park by CityRealty In 2017, Sky Management filed plans to build a 22-story Passive House rental building at 515 East 86th Street, just off York Avenue near Carl Schurz Park and the East River. Designed by Arquitectonica with EP Engineering, the environmentally friendly building has tons of amenities, some of which include a pet spa, dog run, co-working space, fitness center, and yoga studio. In terms of outdoor space, there's a grilling terrace, landscaped interior courtyard, and roof deck. The 35 affordable units in the building are available to those earning 40, 60, 80, and 130 percent of the area median income and range from $747/month studios to $3,123 two-bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify here
March 17, 2020

Calvin Klein co-founder’s $100M equestrian estate is Westchester’s priciest listing

Westchester's largest privately owned property is now also the county's most expensive listing. Stonewall Farm, an equestrian estate situated on 740 acres, has just hit the market for $100 million. The property—which is located in Granite Springs, about an hour from the Belmont Park racetrack—is owned by Calvin Klein co-founder Barry Schwartz and his wife Sheryl, who purchased the first 673 acres for $3.25 million in 1979. The sprawling estate has a 40-stall barn, two 24-stall barns, hayfields, apple orchards, professional racing facilities, and riding trails.
Lots more to see here
March 17, 2020

How grocery stores are adapting amidst coronavirus: Product limits, senior shopping times, reduced hours

By now, we've all seen the lines wrapping around the block to get into Trader Joe's or the crazed shoppers buying 100 rolls of toilet paper. And all of this panic shopping and stockpiling, coupled with the state's new guidelines on businesses, has caused grocery stores in the region to adjust their hours and practices. From reduced hours to elderly-only shopping times to purchase limits, this is how businesses like Trader Joe's, Fairway, Whole Foods, Wegmans, and some more local spots are coping amidst the coronavirus health crisis.
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March 16, 2020

Brooklyn’s Ample Hills Creamery files for bankruptcy

Popular Brooklyn-based ice cream purveyor Ample Hills Creamery has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the Real Deal reported. The filing will enable the company to restructure its debt and organizations while keeping its 13 New York stores open. In a statement to the website, Ample Hills said the filing was not as a result of the current COVID-19 pandemic, but instead allows for the business to "course correct."
More here
March 16, 2020

Soho’s iconic Vesuvio Bakery comes back to life

Keeping in mind that the city's new restaurant policy will likely affect it, Gothamist has reported that a new bakery has opened in the former Vesuvio Bakery storefront at 160 Prince Street. They've called themselves Vesuvio Bakery and intend on preserving as much of the iconic, 100-year-old establishment's physical look and simple community aesthetic.
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March 16, 2020

How the coronavirus is affecting New York City real estate

FaceTime video tours, virtual open houses, and plunging interest rates; the real estate business in New York City in the time of COVID-19 isn’t business as usual. But as impactful and uncertain as the global pandemic is, it may not be bad for business. An important and unique attribute of this particular crisis, though, is uncertainty. There are new developments each day, and new answers–for public health and welfare, of course, but also for businesses affected by the virus.
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March 16, 2020

What you need to know about NYC’s school closures

All New York City public schools will be closed for at least four weeks in response to the coronavirus, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Sunday. "This is a decision that I have taken with no joy whatsoever, with a lot of pain, honestly, because it's something I could not in a million years have imagined having to do," the mayor said. Starting Monday, the city's nearly 1,800 schools will be closed until April 20 at the earliest. The city, which is the largest public school system in the country with 1.1 million students, has pledged to provide grab-and-go meals to students, open enrichment centers to serve children of first responders and healthcare workers, and supply 300,000 iPads to students without access to devices.
Get the details
March 16, 2020

New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut impose tri-state set of coronavirus rules

The only region in the country so far to come together in such a coordinated way in the lack of federal uniformity, Governor Murphy of New Jersey, Governor Cuomo of New York, and Governor Lamont of Connecticut announced on a conference call this morning an overarching set of rules to "flatten the curve" of the coronavirus spread. This includes no gatherings of 50 or more people, no dine-in at restaurants and bars, and the closing of movie theaters, casinos, and gyms. Any non-essential travel between 8pm and 5am every day is also strongly discouraged.
More details available here
March 16, 2020

Moby’s former Central Park West turret penthouse is four floors of views for $5.75M

We've gotta hand it to Moby--he has had some killer taste in real estate over the years, from his "tiny but charming" Nolita penthouse to the incredible midcentury house in Westchester he sold for charity. But perhaps the most fabulous place of all was his four-story penthouse at the iconic El Dorado on Central Park West, where he lived from 2005 to 2008. Not only is the sprawling co-op located in the landmarked building's south tower (it occupies the entire 31st, 32nd, 33rd, and 34th floors), but it boasts four landscaped terraces with sweeping skyline and Central Park views. First reported by the Post, it's now back on the market for $5,750,000.
Get a full tour
March 13, 2020

Amid coronavirus fears, subway ridership falls 20% while Citi Bike sees a 70% increase

In the face of growing coronavirus concerns, many New Yorkers are avoiding public transportation and heeding advice to walk or bike whenever possible. As the Daily News reported, ridership on Wednesday was down nearly 20 percent on subways and 15 percent on buses compared to March 2019. A similar comparison on Thursday morning showed Metro-North ridership was down by 48 percent and Long Island Rail Road ridership down 31 percent. According to the New York Times, the number of cyclists crossing the East River bridges has doubled since the beginning of March and Citi Bike has seen a 70 percent increase in trips so far this month.
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March 13, 2020

$18.3M sustainable playground breaks ground at the Battery

As the threat of climate change grows, parks in New York City are working to become more resilient. Officials on Thursday broke ground on an $18.3 million waterfront playground at the Battery in the Financial District. The Battery Playscape, as it's being called, is expected to be one of the city's largest sustainable parks. It will triple the size of the current playground and will feature a rainwater runoff system and a wide variety of durable plants.
See the design
March 13, 2020

48-year-old Chinatown restaurant Jing Fong temporarily shuts down

NYC's largest Chinese restaurant, Jing Fong, has temporarily shut its doors at 20 Elizabeth Street amid the coronavirus health crisis. The situation is two-fold for the iconic dim sum restaurant; not only is business down 30 to 40 percent, according to the Post, but since the restaurant has 800 seats, they fall under Governor Cuomo's order that gatherings of 500 or more be shut down. The effect of the pandemic has been especially hard for restaurants in Manhattan's Chinatown, as well as those Chinatowns in Flushing and Sunset Park.
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March 13, 2020

This Greenwich Village rental with Parisian panache is asking $7,500/month

Custom wooden shutters, a wood-burning fireplace, and original casement windows bring a European flair to this Greenwich Village rental. A two-bedroom corner unit in the Windsor Arms co-op building at 61 West 9th Street is asking $7,500/month and it comes fully-furnished with "designer-grade pieces," according to the listing.
Take the tour
March 13, 2020

Amazon will buy former Lord & Taylor flagship from WeWork for over $1B

After The Real Deal first learned of the possible deal in late February, the Post is now reporting that Amazon is doling out $1.15 billion to acquire Midtown's Lord & Taylor building from WeWork. Rumors that Amazon would potentially lease the building circulated last summer ahead of WeWork's planned IPO. The sale will have big implications for both companies, giving WeWork much-needed capital and representing Amazon's largest real estate acquisition to date. According to the Post, the landmark building will become Amazon's NYC headquarters and home to "several thousand employees in the coming years."
More details
March 12, 2020

2,000 spots open on waitlist for middle-income apartments across East Harlem

A housing lottery is launching to replenish the waitlist for a number of rental buildings in East Harlem. Starting Monday, applications will be accepted for 2,000 spots on a waitlist for buildings at 1890-1990 Lexington Avenue, 1940-1962 First Avenue, 420-455 East 102nd Street, 1295-1309 Fifth Avenue, and 1660 Madison Avenue. New Yorkers earning 150 and 160 percent of the area median income can apply for the apartments, ranging from $1,667/month studios to $3,714/month four-bedroom apartments. Eligible applicants will be randomly selected and placed on the waitlist for future vacancies.
Find out if you qualify
March 12, 2020

The outdoor kitchen and garden at this $1.9M Boerum Hill condo make for a true urban oasis

This two-bedroom-plus-office condo at 440 Atlantic Avenue, asking 1.85 million, offers the promise of tranquility and outdoor living in Brooklyn's bustling Boerum Hill. Situated at the back of the building with no adjoining neighbors is a private outdoor oasis complete with verdant landscaping and an outdoor kitchen.
Get the inside-outside tour
March 12, 2020

In a former church, $2.75M Brooklyn Heights co-op has cathedral ceilings and stained glass windows

Original stained glass windows, 23-foot vaulted ceilings, and cathedral-like arches--this incredible Brooklyn Heights c0-op has all the heavenly features you'd hope for in a church conversion. Located at 99 Clinton Street, the 1850 church was turned into residences in 1980, and this $2,750,000 unit is perhaps its most spectacular.
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March 11, 2020

See inside Peak, the 101st-floor restaurant at Hudson Yards

Hudson Yards is already home to restaurants from acclaimed chefs like José Andrés, David Chang, and Thomas Keller, but as of tomorrow, a new modern American dining option opening in the neighborhood will create an even higher standard, literally. The 10,000-square-foot restaurant and bar Peak will sit on the 101st floor of 30 Hudson Yards, the development's tallest tower. Not only does it connect to the 1,100-foot-high sky deck Edge below, but it offers insane 360-degree views and a chic design scheme. Ahead, see some of the first photos of Peak.
Details and views here
March 11, 2020

Airbnb contest seeks world’s most outrageous home designs

Airbnb is searching for the world's most unique and unusual short-term rental home as part of a new contest. Ten people will be awarded $100,000 each to design a groundbreaking home that is both livable and a space for social good, the company announced on Tuesday. Proposals can include renovations to an existing Airbnb property, a project in progress that needs funding, or a totally unbuilt project.
More details here
March 11, 2020

NYC’s coronavirus cancellations, closures, and precautions

With city and state government closing schools until at least the end of April and shutting down restaurants and bars aside from takeout and delivery, NYC is in unprecedented times. 6sqft has begun compiling a list of closures, cancellations, and postponements, as well as information on how the subway, ride-share companies, and public entities like libraries are handling the outbreak and how refunds or credits are being issued. As the situation develops, we'll be updating this list to the best of our knowledge. This list was last updated at 2:30 pm on Thursday, March 26.
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March 11, 2020

Governors Island announces free programming ahead of May 1 opening

With the weather finally warming up, it's time to start planning spring and summertime activities. The Trust for Governors Island on Monday unveiled its lineup of free programming for the island's 2020 season, which officially kicks off on May 1. Throughout the season, more than 30 organizations will bring installations, exhibitions, workshops, and more to the 172-acre site, with most programs focusing on visual art, climate change and environmental science, and culture.
Find out more
March 11, 2020

City alleges Chelsea Hotel owners harassed tenants during renovation

Lawyers for the city's Department of Housing Preservation announced Friday that the Chelsea Hotel’s owners did not qualify to receive a Certificate of No Harassment (CNH)–the document required for them to continue renovations to convert the dilapidated landmark into a luxury hotel with apartments. The document is required under a decades-old law to protect Single Room Occupancy residences from tenant harassment. As The Real Deal reports, The city's allegations of harassment are the result of tenant complaints that since owners Richard Born and Ira Drukier of BD hotels began work after acquiring a stake in the property in 2016, conditions like leaky ceilings, exposed electrical wires, high lead levels, vermin and lack of heat have made living there unsafe.
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March 10, 2020

Concrete, stone, plaster, and an enviable terrace elevate this $5M Tribeca loft

Modern condominium living gets a loft-industrial lift in this $4,995,000 two-bedroom Tribeca duplex at 471 Washington Street. In addition to a hefty collection of concrete, plaster and statement stone, a planted terrace provides abundant outdoor living potential. It's all done with clean lines, authentic materials and lots of light.
Take the tour

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