55 Berry Street, Unit 4B

55 Berry Street, Unit 4B

Williamsburg, brooklyn

Asking $1,695,000

2 Bed  |  2 Bath | Condo


 

Step into this spectacular 1,068 SF true loft condo with storage included in the heart of North Williamsburg, located in the coveted Berry Street Lofts. Apartment 4B seamlessly blends industrial charm with modern luxury, offering soaring 13-foot beamed and concrete ceilings, and expansive oversized windows that frame breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline.

This converted 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom loft boasts high-quality finishes throughout. The spacious high-end custom chef’s kitchen is a culinary dream, equipped with a Marvel wine cooler, Bosch dishwasher, Sub Zero refrigerator, jumbo-sized center island, extra-thick granite countertops, and a stainless steel pantry. The master suite is a sanctuary, featuring an architecturally designed limestone walk-in rain shower, custom vanity, Toto toilet, and a generous walk-in closet. Additional standout features include custom solid wood and glass sliding doors, stainless steel recessed lighting, and elegant maple floors.

The building offers impressive amenities such as a full-time doorman, bike room, a recently renovated upscale gym, and a fully furnished, landscaped common garden. The facade, systems, and windows of the building have also been upgraded to enhance your living experience.

Berry Street Lofts is a boutique 45-unit condo conversion nestled in Williamsburg’s premier historic district, just a few blocks from the Bedford L train and waterfront park/ferry. This location offers a vibrant neighborhood feel with convenient access to local shops and amenities, including Equinox, The Bath House, Whole Foods, Vital Climbing gym, McCarren Park Tennis center, the Apple Store, the William Vale, Lilia, and more.

339 East 58th Street, Unit 9F

339 East 58th Street, Unit 9F

Sutton Place, Manhattan

Asking $339,000

Studio  |  1 Bath | Co-op

 

Enjoy stunning skyline views and the Roosevelt Island Tram gliding by from this high-floor, bright, and spacious studio. Featuring new appliances, a dramatic entry hallway, and classic pre-war details, this home is set in a full-service elevator building with a doorman.

With rich wood floors, the studio offers an open, windowed kitchen with stainless steel appliances, including a dishwasher. Additional highlights include a removable built-in closet, custom lights with dimmers, a ceiling fan, beamed ceilings, an open north-facing view, and a large windowed bathroom with a classic soaking tub.

The building offers a beautifully landscaped and furnished courtyard, a laundry room, and bike storage. Conveniently located near Trader Joe’s just a block away and Whole Foods on 57th St., Sutton Place parks, the East River Greenway, Citi Bike stations, top-tier restaurants, and world-class shopping along 5th Ave., including Bergdorf Goodman. Easy access to multiple transportation options, the 59th St. Bridge, Roosevelt Island via the tram, and the FDR.

The Monthly Update - April 2025

No Fooling! The Manhattan Real Estate Market is Gaining Strength

Before we dive into the Q1 highlights, let’s rewind to understand how we got here.

After Covid, Manhattan experienced one of its busiest markets — not because prices skyrocketed, but because deal volume surged. Fast forward to June 2022: The Fed’s actions to slow the economy sent mortgage rates from 3% to 6% and even touched 8% seemingly overnight. This shift instantly stalled momentum in Manhattan’s real estate market, which was already facing challenges pre-Covid. Since then, we've seen persistently low listing inventory and weak transaction volume. There have been occasional bursts of buyer activity, but Q1 2025 is showing the strongest recovery signs we’ve seen since mid-2022. To be clear: this is not a full-blown comeback, but it's the best market activity we’ve had in about three years.

The Volume Trap

For the past three years, Manhattan has been stuck in a low-volume market. Many sellers who bought in 2015/2016 have seen little to no price appreciation — property values and median price per square foot have been flat for nearly a decade. Naturally, sellers have been reluctant to list if it means losing money. Rising interest rates didn’t help either.

But here’s the good news: In the past month, more listings have hit the market, offering buyers more choices. At the same time, mortgage rates have been gradually falling and now sit around 6.25%. Many buyers can even secure rates below 6% through relationship banking or lender incentives.

A Notable Shift

For the first time in over a year, we’ve surpassed 1,000 contracts signed in a 30-day window. The big question now is: can this momentum last? Many experts are optimistic about Q2 2025 thanks to three key factors:

  • Increased inventory

  • Lower interest rates

  • Strong local economic indicators — including record-setting Wall Street bonuses. This year alone, $47 billion will be paid out to executives, with the lowest bonus coming in at $244,000 — enough for a healthy down payment on a Manhattan one-bedroom. Bonuses are up over 31% compared to last year, giving buyers additional purchasing power.

Pricing is Critical

Despite the encouraging signs, this isn’t a market where sellers can price aggressively. Buyers remain highly sensitive to pricing. If a property is overpriced and lingers on the market for more than 120 days, sellers typically end up accepting about 9% less than the reduced asking price. However, if a property goes into contract within the first 60 days, that discount shrinks to just 2%.

In short, correctly pricing your property is more important than ever. While we’re finally seeing promising signs — more listings, more contracts, and a stronger buyer presence — it’s still a delicate recovery. Sellers who price smartly are the ones who will secure strong offers and close with confidence.

So yes, it may be the best spring market we've had in years, but it’s still not the market to get greedy.


Local Happenings & News

Compass says its Data Shows Benefits of 'Pre-Marketing' Listings

Compass is providing an early look at research into the impact of "pre-marketing" listings through the brokerage's Private Exclusives and/or Coming Soon channels.

Courtesy of Real Estate News

Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival

April 20, 2025

Every Easter from 10 AM to 4 PM, Fifth Avenue transforms into a vibrant spectacle as revelers don extravagant bonnets and festive attire for a tradition dating back to the 1870s. The best views are near St. Patrick’s Cathedral, but why just watch? Grab a bonnet and join the fun!

Click HERE to Learn More!

Macy's Flower Show

APRIL 27, 2025 - MAY 11, 2025

Macy’s 2025 Flower Show transforms imagination into a floral wonderland. Visitors will explore surreal gardens, drifting cloudscapes, and vibrant vistas, all bursting with dazzling installations and thousands of breathtaking blooms.

Click HERE to Learn More!


Featured Listings


Stay Connected

221 East 50th Street, Unit 6D/7D

221 East 50th Street, Unit 6D/7D

Midtown East

Asking $1,250,000

3 Bed  |  3 Bath | Co-op


 

Step into this impeccably designed, sunlit duplex nestled in the vibrant Midtown East/Turtle Bay neighborhood.

This exceptional home seamlessly combines two units to create a spacious three-bedroom, three-bathroom residence that makes the most of its expansive layout. Whitewashed oak floors welcome you inside, where a full-width southern exposure reveals bright city views above neighboring rooftops. Custom lighting highlights the open-concept great room's airy ambiance, while the adjacent windowed kitchen boasts top-of-the-line appliances from Bosch, Bertazzoni, and Fisher & Paykel. Toward the rear of this level, a sizable bedroom with a generous walk-in closet sits beside a sleek, modern full bathroom.

A striking custom staircase anchors the home, featuring blackened steel supports, white oak treads, and stylish vertical slats. Ascend to the upper level, where the luxurious primary suite offers another walk-in closet, a spacious windowed en-suite bathroom, and innovative full-height electrolytic glass panels that shift from transparent to opaque with the flip of a switch. The third bedroom, located at the rear of this floor, is complemented by another full bathroom and a convenient in-unit washer-dryer. Thoughtfully designed details include custom closets, recessed lighting, HVAC units enclosed in sleek cabinetry, under-cabinet lighting, premium hardware, and custom millwork, reflecting the exceptional craftsmanship throughout the home.

Located at 221 East 50th Street, this well-maintained postwar co-op features a live-in superintendent, central laundry facilities, bike storage, and a private garden. Set on a charming tree-lined block near Third Avenue, this exceptional home is surrounded by a wealth of dining options and convenient transit choices, with the 6, E, and M trains just three blocks away and Grand Central Terminal’s 4/5, S, and 7 trains close by.
Sorry, no pets allowed.

11-35 45th Avenue, Unit 2H

11-35 45th Avenue, Unit 2H

Long Island City

Asking $700,000

Studio  |  1 Bath | Condo


 

-Condo
-Private terrace
-In-unit washer/dryer
-Easy access to the E/M/G, and 7 subway lines.

Move right into this stunning studio featuring a spacious 312 sq. ft. private terrace. On-site private parking is available for purchase separately.

Located in the highly sought-after Murray Park North, this mint-condition studio boasts floor-to-ceiling windows, sleek hardwood floors, and an in-unit Bosch washer/dryer. The modern kitchen is equipped with Liebherr, Bosch, and Bertazzoni stainless steel appliances, while the spa-like bath offers radiant heated floors for ultimate comfort. With central AC/heat and a large private terrace, this home is a true urban retreat.

Perfectly positioned across from Murray Playground, you’re just minutes from LIC’s top attractions, including MOMA PS1, boutique restaurants, and Court Square, with easy access to the E, M, G, and 7 subway lines.

LIV @ Murray Park North is a full-service elevator condominium offering premium amenities such as a fitness center, landscaped roof deck with BBQs, an on-site resident manager, a video intercom system with remote access, and garage parking.

Coney Island’s Luna Park Opens For Its 2025 Season This Weekend

Luna Park, Coney Island’s iconic beachfront amusement park, will open for the 2025 season this weekend. The historic park will reopen on Saturday, March 29 at 11 a.m. with a three-day celebration, including its annual opening ceremonies featuring the first ride and egg cream christening of the world-famous Coney Island Cyclone roller coaster. In celebration of its 98th birthday, the first 98 visitors will enjoy a free ride on the Cyclone and a complimentary egg cream.

Credit: Luna Park

“Our entire team is filled with gratitude and enthusiasm as we open our doors for the 2025 season,” Alessandro Zamperla, president and CEO of Central Amusement International, said. “It is an honor to continue the incomparable Amusement legacy in Coney Island as we preserve, revitalize, and provide an incredible family-oriented experience in NYC.”

The park will kick off the 2025 season with its annual charity initiative, offering discounted pricing for All Day Extraordinary Wristbands. A portion of the proceeds from opening weekend sales will be donated to local charities, including the Coney Island Sharks, Operation H.O.O.D., Children of Promise NYC, Urban Neighborhood Services, and the Coney Island Public Library.

This season, the park will unveil new arcade games, renovated retail vendors, and a new patio at the Salt & Sizzle restaurant.

Last year, the park opened a brand-new attraction, the Electric Eden Raceway, making history with New York City’s first-ever sustainable electric-powered Go-Karts, and “video mapping gamification.”

Photo by Wabi Sabi on Unsplash

Luna Park will be open daily during spring break (April 11 through 20) and every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until Memorial Day weekend. After Memorial Day weekend, the park will be open daily. Admission to Luna Park is free; rides start at $4.

Next door, Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park reopens for its 105th season on Palm Sunday, April 13 at 10 a.m. for the annual “Blessing of the Rides” ceremony.

The season will kick off with a ribbon-cutting on the boardwalk in front of the iconic attraction, and the first 105 guests will receive a free ride on Deno’s Wonder Wheel. The park will be open weekends through May 18 and then daily from May 23 through September 3.



Coney Island’s Luna Park to open for 2025 season this weekend

By Aaron Ginsburg

March 24, 2025

Cover Photo Credit: Anthony G. Reyes on Flickr

222 East 82nd Street, Unit 5E

222 East 82nd Street, Unit 5E

Upper East Side

Asking $949,000

2 Bed  |  1 Bath | Co-op


 

Just moments from Central Park, this impeccably maintained 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom home is a peaceful retreat with tranquil North and West exposures.

Upon entering Unit 5E, you’re welcomed by a spacious entry foyer with ample closet space and elegant hardwood floors. Designed for effortless living and entertaining, the newly renovated windowed kitchen features sleek stainless steel appliances, granite countertops with a breakfast bar, and generous storage. The sunlit living room comfortably accommodates both seating and dining areas for four, creating an inviting atmosphere. The expansive primary bedroom offers a built-in desk and easily fits a queen or king bed, while both bedrooms enjoy open city views. A beautifully updated windowed bathroom completes the home.

Nestled in a charming prewar building, residents enjoy a live-in superintendent, an elevator, and the convenience of a part-time doorman (11am – 6pm). Additional amenities include a lovely landscaped rooftop garden with furnished seating, a bike room, and a well-equipped laundry room with six washers and dryers.

Located in the heart of the Upper East Side, this home is surrounded by top dining, shopping, and easy access to the Q and 4/5/6 subway lines. 222 E 82nd Street welcomes pets, pied-à-terre buyers, 80% financing, and guarantors.

Redesign of Central Park Drives Will Add Space For Pedestrians and Cyclists

The redesign of Central Park’s six-mile loop road is moving forward, with repaving set to begin next week. On Thursday, city officials announced milling and repaving work will begin on Monday, March 17, to improve the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and e-vehicle users along the route by clearly separating their spaces. The project will begin by revamping the middle and southern sections of the Central Park loop, from 96th Street on the West Drive to 90th Street on the East Drive, with repaving of the northern section scheduled for next year.

The repaving schedule for the southern section of the Central Park drives, weather permitting. Credit: NYC DOT

The work follows a study published last fall, conducted by the Central Park Conservancy, the Department of Transportation, and the Parks Department.

As part of the project, DOT will create consistent separation across the drives to clearly designate an inner pedestrian lane, improving safety by better separating pedestrians from cyclists and e-vehicle users.

Additionally, DOT will adjust traffic signals and improve signage to encourage cyclists’ compliance, while directing pedestrians toward the historic archways to reduce conflicts on the drives.

DOT will also collaborate with the Conservancy and the Parks Department to expand walking and running space along most sections of the drive, while repurposing the now-defunct vehicle lane as a “flex lane” for cyclists and essential vehicle access.

Renderings show three crosswalk designs to be installed for locations with low pedestrian volumes (left), medium pedestrian volumes (center), and high pedestrian volumes (right). Credit: NYC DOT

During the next phase of the project, DOT will reconfigure traffic lights at crosswalks along the drives, replacing standard signals with ones featuring bicycle symbols. At low-traffic crosswalks, these lights may be replaced with “pedestrian crossing” and “active bike lane” warning signs. The final signal designs for medium and high-volume crossings will vary by location.

The Parks Department will work with DOT and the Conservancy to enhance in-park cycling connections by improving the park’s existing bike paths, creating new bike paths along the 86th Street Bridle Path, and better connecting cyclists’ paths to the street grid.

Diagram showing existing allocation of space on the drives of Central Park, left, alongside the planned redesign of the drives, right. Credit: NYC DOT

Milling and repaving are expected to take about six weeks, weather permitting, and will occur on weeknights from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. The work will be done in phases, with milling Monday through Wednesday nights and paving on Thursdays and Fridays to avoid leaving any unpaved roads over the weekend.

The drives will remain open during construction, but bikers and pedestrians should be careful when traveling through the milled sections. Restriping of the road and crosswalks will happen after repaving is complete.

“Turning Central Park’s drives into car-free spaces has allowed the city to reimagine how the park loop can best reflect the needs of parkgoers. NYC DOT will be taking advantage of this repaving to prioritize pedestrian safety while also better accommodating cyclists and legal e-mobility options,” DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said.

“We thank New Yorkers for their patience while we deliver these upgrades to the city’s most iconic park and we appreciate the close partnership with Parks and the Central Park Conservancy.”


Redesign of Central Park drives will add space for pedestrians and cyclists

By Aaron Ginsburg

March 10, 2025

Cover Photo by Dietmar Rabich on Wikimedia

Time Out to Open New Food Hall in Union Square

Time Out is opening its second food hall in New York City this fall. Set to occupy the ground floor of Union Square’s Zero Irving tech hub, the 10,000-square-foot Time Out Market will feature a curated selection of the city’s premier culinary and cultural experiences. The 300-seat space will include seven kitchens, a fully stocked bar, an outdoor terrace, and a stage for live performances by local artists, according to Time Out.

The Union Square food hall will further Time Out’s mission of showcasing the best established and emerging food vendors, as well as cultural talents, in each city where it operates.

Photo courtesy of Eden, Janine and Jim on Flickr

The opening will mark Time Out’s 11th location worldwide, with the first opening in Lisbon, Portugal in 2014. Seven more Time Out markets are planned to open between 2025 and 2027. Time Out’s first NYC location opened on the Dumbo waterfront at 55 Water Street in 2019.

“Time Out Market New York, Union Square will not just be a place to eat: it will be a platform for culinary and cultural talents—where you can discover the city’s flavors and fresh ideas, and experience New York’s creativity all at once; a place for people and the local community to come together,” Virginia Rector-Birbal, vice president for U.S. Time Out Market, said. “It will be for everyone, every day—for all ages, budgets, tastes—under one roof.”

Zero Irving, the 22-story office tower at 124 East 14th Street, opened in 2022. Urbanspace leased 10,000 square feet on the ground floor to host a technology training center and incubator, offering co-working and event spaces.

Developed by RAL Cos. and JRE Partners, the building stands on the former site of the P.C. Richard & Son building. The project faced years of intense opposition from local preservationists and community groups who argued that the rezoning required for development lacked protections for primarily low-rise, residential neighborhood, as 6sqft previously reported.

Urbanspace is expected to vacate the building by the end of the month, but provided no reason for the departure. It’s also not clear how much Time Out is paying to rent the space, but rents in the building started at $120 per square foot when it opened in 2022, as reported by Crain’s New York.


Time Out to open new food hall in Union Square this fall

By Aaron Ginsburg

March 7, 2025

Cover Photo Credit: Filip Wolak

432 West 52nd Street, Unit 5A

432 West 52nd Street, Unit 5A

Midtown west

Asking $1,100,000

2 Bed  |  2 Bath | Condo


 

Experience impeccable finishes in this beautiful two-bedroom home, offering a rare chance to live in a stunning new construction building conversion in the heart of Midtown West.

This sunlit corner unit features an expansive great room, enhanced by tall 9-foot ceilings and white oak hardwood floors throughout. The open-concept kitchen is a masterpiece of style and functionality, featuring integrated appliances, sleek lacquer cabinetry, a stainless steel appliance suite, and elegant Caesarstone countertops.
The serene primary bedroom with an en suite bath is bathed in natural light. The spa-like bathrooms impress with custom vanities, frameless glass walk-in showers, floor-to-ceiling tile, and radiant heated floors. Modern conveniences include central climate control, energy-efficient windows, and an in-unit washer-dryer, ensuring maximum comfort and ease.

432 W 52 is a boutique condominium offering premium amenities, including a 4,200-square-foot landscaped rooftop deck, a residents' lounge, a fully equipped fitness center, and a part-time doorman service. Nestled in the heart of Midtown West, you’re close to Central Park, the Theater District, Columbus Circle, and Times Square. With nearby access to the A/C/E, B/D, 1, and N/Q/R subway lines, the entire city is at your fingertips.

201 East 66th Street, Unit 16G

201 East 66th Street, Unit 16G

lenox hill

Asking $565,000

Studio  |  1 Bath | Co-op


 

Welcome to this beautifully fully renovated, oversized alcove studio featuring breathtaking eastern exposure that fills the space with natural light throughout the day. Thoughtfully designed with sophisticated, modern touches, this serene apartment boasts brand-new wood flooring, freshly skim-coated walls, and luxurious finishes throughout.


The state-of-the-art kitchen showcases high-end upgrades, including Cesar custom-made Italian cabinetry for elegant storage, sleek Caesarstone countertops, and premium appliances such as a Liebherr refrigerator, Miele cooktop, and combination Miele convection oven and microwave. A Bosch dishwasher completes the space, ensuring effortless cleanup and modern convenience.


The expansive living room is outfitted with Hunter Douglas Pirouette motorized window shades, blending both functionality and refined style. The luxurious, spa-inspired bathroom features designer finishes, including Porcelanosa tile for a polished aesthetic, Purist x Kohler shower fixtures for a premium bathing experience, and a sleek Casita x Kohler sink.


Storage abounds with an impressive wall of closets—including a walk-in—providing exceptional organizational options. The spacious layout offers incredible flexibility, easily convertible into a junior one-bedroom with ample room for a queen-sized bed or a dedicated work-from-home office space.
Located in the sought-after cooperative at 201 East 66th Street, this impeccably maintained building offers 24-hour doorman service, garage parking, a commercial gym, and exceptionally low maintenance fees. Pet-friendly living is welcome, with policies that promote a strong sense of community. While subletting, pied-à-terre ownership, guarantors, and parent purchases are not permitted, gifting is considered on a case-by-case basis. This unbeatable Upper East Side location provides unparalleled convenience with easy access to the F, Q, 4, 5, and 6 subway lines, along with vibrant dining, shopping, and cultural hotspots.
Don’t miss this opportunity to call this meticulously updated, move-in-ready residence your next home!
Please note: $241/month capital assessment in place through 11/30/25.

A Fish Sculpture by Frank Gehry Now Hangs at 3 World Trade Center

A new sculpture by famed modernist architect Frank Gehry is now on display in New York City. Silverstein Properties on Thursday unveiled “Untitled (Fish on Fire, Greenwich Street) 2024,” a 20-foot by 7-foot copper fish sculpture suspended in the lobby of 3 World Trade Center. Gehry, known for his creative use of materials and innovative designs found around the world, has used the fish as a motif in his work since the 1980s. The new sculpture is the “largest suspended fish sculpture ever created” by the architect, according to Silverstein.

Photos courtesy of Spencer Lasky

The fish form can be seen throughout Gehry’s six decades of work, including sculpture projects like “Fish Sculpture” at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona and “Standing Glass Fish” at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. In 1983, he created his first set of fish lamps as part of a collaboration with Formica; a 1984 exhibit at the Gagosian Gallery in Los Angeles put 20 of his lamps on display.

Photos courtesy of Spencer Lasky

He returned to making fish lamps in 2012, with a design that “reflected the evolution of his architectural work in the intervening decades,” architecture critic Paul Goldberger wrote in 2021.

“Like Gehry’s architecture, the fish lamps have matured, and with them he has built on what came before, not rejecting it but bringing out of it something grander, more powerful, and even, at its best, majestic,” Golberger said.

The new sculpture is illuminated from within, glowing a warm russet color. The exterior features scales shaped like feathers and leaves. According to a press release, the piece slowly rotates, casting light and shadows throughout the space.

Silverstein Properties, the developer behind the redeveloped World Trade Center, said the sculpture has been a year in the making, as part of a collaboration with Silverstein, Gehry, and art gallery Gagosian.

Gehry’s sculpture adds to the public art of the World Trade Center, and the Financial District as a whole. Artworks at the complex include Frank Stella’s “Jasper’s Split Star” and Jenny Holzer’s text installation at 7 World Trade Center, James Rosenquist’s “Joystick” at 3 World Trade Center, and Kozo Nishino’s “Sky Memory” at 4 World Trade Center.

Photos courtesy of Spencer Lasky

Photos courtesy of Spencer Lasky

“I am delighted to host Frank Gehry’s iconic fish sculpture – one of his largest – inside the 3 World Trade Center lobby,” Larry A. Silverstein, Chairman, Silverstein Properties.

“This collaboration is the latest in our company-wide commitment to public space art and creative thinking throughout our buildings.”


A fish sculpture by Frank Gehry now hangs in the lobby of 3 World Trade Center

By Devin Gannon

February 27, 2025

All photos courtesy of Spencer Lasky

The Monthly Update - March 2025

Quick Market Update & Note About Condo vs. Co-op

February saw a steady rise in contracts signed, with deals rising 37.4% month-over-month at the time of this writing. Inventory is also steadily gaining ground and is only 3.2% less than it was at this point last year. Despite interest rates' pesky ability to stick around 7%, buyers are still aggressively putting property under contract, and the anecdotal water cooler chatter is that plenty of buyers currently have accepted offers or are negotiating deals that are yet to hit the contract-signed market. As it turns out, many industry experts, including bankers, real estate attorneys and real estate brokers, expect this spring to be busy! They like to call this a “liquid market," meaning many properties and deals will be changing hands, but it remains to be seen if “price action“ will come into play. Will prices start to rise, finally, after staying relatively flat for the past 72 months? Only time will tell.

Condo vs. Co-op

The allure of owning a high-end property in New York City has always been a trophy for many affluent (and not as affluent) people who are drawn here. But these buyers have choices: They can either purchase a co-op or a condo. Recently, the appeal of owning upscale condominiums has taken flight, leaving luxury co-ops in the dust. 

In January 2024, one seller sold his Park Avenue co-op for $7.4 million, or nearly 60% less than the original $17.7 million asking price. This sale emphasizes the point that co-ops are staying stagnant by way of resale and falling behind condos in resellability. 

Not long ago, co-ops were considered the gold standard for New York City living. The idea of purchasing a co-op on the Upper East Side's Fifth, Park or Madison avenues attracted some of the wealthiest families around the world. Lately, however, many buyers have preferred high-end luxury condos, which are more of a “downtown" thing. They’ve also elected a lifestyle with fewer rules and more modern amenities. Buyers from all over have been less enamored with the stately, old-world charm of uptown co-ops and have instead gravitated towards more “hip” downtown living in contemporary new-construction glass towers.

And the numbers don’t lie: For properties over $10 million, condos saw a 45% growth rate from 2014 to 2024, while co-ops only went up only 16%. High-end downtown condos in areas like Tribeca, SoHo and the West Village are now seen as the pinnacle of luxury living. And we can’t forget Midtown's Billionaire's Row, where addresses like 432 Park and 220 Central Park South have seen exponential growth over the last decade, leaving “stuffy” co-ops behind. A lot of this shift has to do with the changing demographics. Younger and affluent buyers are choosing a different lifestyle and view co-ops as “antiquated” and “old school.” 

So, what does this mean for the future of co-ops? Well, some cooperative buildings are getting hip to the game by loosening their restrictions and adding amenities to remain competitive with their rivals. However, most are still sticking to their guns by requiring 50% down and 5 times the price in post-closing liquid assets, all while forbidding subletting. Plus, the majority of co-ops still require voluminous board packages plus an in-person interview, which, frankly, often just hinges on the buyer's personality. 

In my humble opinion, and as a co-op ownersomeone who sells in many co-ops, I find it very  frustrating that these buildings have not yet become leaner, “friendlier“ and better prepared for the 21st century and beyond. Only time will tell if co-ops start to become more competitive. Still, for now, particularly in the luxury market, co-ops are on a downward trajectory while condo popularity continues to rise.


Local Happenings

Sarah Cahill:

The Future Is Female

March 8th, 2025

Join pianist Sarah Cahill for a six-hour marathon performance celebrating women composers from the Baroque era to today. From 2-8 PM, Cahill will perform over seventy compositions by female musicians, bringing to light brilliant works history has often overlooked.

Click HERE to learn more!

St. Patrick's Day Parade

March 17th, 2025

The celebration kicks off at 11am and continues until about 4:30pm. The parade route starts at 44th Street and travels up Fifth Avenue past the beautiful St. Patrick's Cathedral, ending at 79th Street.

Click HERE to learn more!


Lifestyle Tips and Tricks

The History of Home Staging

Learn how staging evolved from placing furniture in select rooms to the high-stakes art form it is today.

Courtesy of U.S. News

8 Interior Design and Renovation Tips from Experts

Define what you want to achieve with the renovation, taking your lifestyle needs and budget realities into consideration.

Courtesy of U.S. News


Stay Connected

The $700M Climate Research Hub Coming to Governors Island

A state-of-the-art hub dedicated to climate change research is moving forward on Governors Island. Led by Stony Brook University, the New York Climate Exchange is a cross-sector, nonprofit group dedicated to research and developing solutions to the global climate crisis. The Exchange on Thursday released new renderings of the 400,000-square-foot campus designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) to include classrooms, laboratories, student and facility housing, new open space, and more. The Exchange also announced the selection of Skanska USA as the construction manager for the climate center, which is scheduled to break ground next year.

Illustrative renderings courtesy of The New York Climate Exchange and Skidmore, Owings & Merrill

Illustrative renderings courtesy of The New York Climate Exchange and Skidmore, Owings & Merrill

Following the 2021 rezoning of the island’s southern end and a two-year bidding process, Mayor Eric Adams and the Trust for Governors Island in 2023 selected the New York Climate Exchange, led by Stony Brook, to build the nation’s first climate research and education hub on Governors Island.

The project adds 4.5 acres of outdoor space, 230,000 square feet of new buildings, and repurposes another 170,000 square feet of existing buildings. According to SOM, the new buildings will “weave sinuous mass timber pavilions, topped with photovoltaic arrays,” and range in height from eight to four stories to match the scale of historic Ligget Hall, which will provide student dorms and staff accommodations.

The new climate center will be the first large-scale commercial building in New York to use mass timber, a sustainable alternative to concrete and steel. The building will achieve the “Living Building Challenge” certification by using geothermal and solar energy, minimizing carbon footprint, implementing sustainable waste management systems, and elevating construction and shorelines to mitigate sea-level rise.

“Today’s announcement marks an exciting milestone in the development of the New York Climate Exchange, which will help lead New York City’s efforts to accelerate tools for cities to prepare for and adapt to climate change with expansive research and educational opportunities right here on Governors Island,” Clare Newman, President and CEO of the Trust for Governors Island, said.

“Once built, the Exchange’s facilities will serve as a model for sustainable and resilient urban environments while supporting Governors Island’s growth as a resource for New Yorkers. We congratulate the Exchange and Skanska USA in bringing this project one step closer to completion.”

Illustrative renderings courtesy of The New York Climate Exchange and Skidmore, Owings & Merrill

Through a mix of old and new buildings, the campus will include research labs, classrooms, greenhouses, dorms, and community spaces. The first phase of the plan includes 4.5 acres of new open space, adding to Governors Island’s existing 120 acres of space.

The Exchange will focus on programming, research, and policy work related to the built environment, community resilience and health, financial solutions, energy and carbon management, and the key role of oceans.

“We are honored to have been selected by the Climate Exchange to construct this important facility that will serve not only as a model for sustainability, but a hub dedicated to researching and creating innovative climate solutions,” Sean Szatkowski, executive vice president-general manager, Skanska USA Building, said.

“Our extensive experience in building sustainable and resilient infrastructure combined with our ability to bring a full scope of emerging technologies to construction, will allow us to create a state-of-the-art climate innovation center, featuring elements of mass timber, solar and geothermal power, as well as initiatives to adaptively reuse and preserve the island’s historic structures.”

Illustrative renderings courtesy of The New York Climate Exchange and Skidmore, Owings & Merrill

The first phase of the project includes academic, research, and convening spaces, new construction and restored historic buildings, and four acres of open space. Construction on the Exchange will begin next year and wrap up by 2029.

Under the plan, the Trust for Governors Island will provide ferry service every 15 minutes, including via a hybrid electric ferry, which launched last year.

As 6sqft previously reported, total costs are estimated to be about $700 million, with $150 million in previously allocated city capital funding, $100 million from the Simons Foundation, and $50 million from Bloomberg Philanthropies. The remaining funds for development and operational costs will be raised by the Exchange.



See the $700M climate research hub coming to Governors Island

By Devin Gannon

February 20, 2025

Cover Illustrative renderings courtesy of The New York Climate Exchange and Skidmore, Owings & Merrill

304 East 65th Street, Unit 6D

304 East 65th Street, Unit 6D

lenox hill

Asking $925,00

1 Bed  |  1 Bath | Condo


 

Your Lenox Hill dream home awaits in this stunning move-in ready one-bedroom, one-bathroom home featuring spacious and bright interiors, an oversized wraparound terrace and outstanding amenities in a full-service luxury condominium.

Inside this 770-square-foot residence, hardwood floors, and floor-to-ceiling windows facing north and east create a wonderful backdrop for relaxing and entertaining. The gracious foyer opens to a well-proportioned living/dining room wrapped by a large balcony perfect for morning coffee and after-dinner drinks. In the updated kitchen, abundant white cabinetry and gray countertops surround stainless steel appliances, including a gas range, dishwasher and built-in microwave.

Sleep soundly in the king-size bedroom featuring two extra large closets and access to the balcony. The full bathroom impresses with a large jetted tub/shower, wide vanity and floor-to-ceiling marble tile. A large coat closet and central air add comfort and convenience to this uptown retreat.

The Rio is an iconic postwar condominium tower where residents enjoy 24-hour doorman and live-in superintendent service, an updated lobby, a lovely garden and a roof deck with dramatic 360-degree views. Central laundry, a package room, free resident storage, bike storage, and state-of-the-art wellness offerings, including a fitness center, spa, sauna, steam room and indoor swimming pool, complete the pet-friendly building. Subletting, pieds-à-terre, corporate ownership and overseas buyers are permitted with board approval.

Located on a tree-lined Lenox Hill block, this home is surrounded by fantastic Upper East Side and Midtown shopping, dining and nightlife venues, plus Rockefeller University, Cornell Tech and renowned Eastside medical institutions. Head to Central Park or the East River promenade for extraordinary outdoor space and recreation. Transportation is effortless with F, N/Q/R/W and 4/5/6 trains, excellent bus service, CitiBikes, the Roosevelt Island tram, FDR and 59th Street Bridge all nearby.

There is currently an assessment of $73.86/month in place until 04/2026.

554 4th Avenue, Unit 3A

554 4th Avenue, Unit 3A

Gowanus, Brooklyn

Asking $750,000

1 Bed  |  1 Bath | Condo


 

Make the heart of Brooklyn your home in this modern one-bedroom, one-bathroom condominium featuring move-in ready designer interiors and a fantastic location where Gowanus meets Park Slope.

Inside this nearly 700-square-foot home, tall ceilings rise above hardwood floors, and floor-to-ceiling windows capture eastern outlooks. The spacious and bright living room provides a generous footprint for seating and dining areas alongside built-in shelving. In the gourmet open kitchen, custom cabinetry and beautifully veined marble surround upscale appliances, including a KitchenAid gas range and a Bosch refrigerator and dishwasher. The large waterfall island is the perfect spot for casual dining and conversation. The king-size bedroom features a reach-in custom closet, while the spa bathroom boasts floor-to-ceiling marble, a large tub/rain shower and an extra-large medicine cabinet. An in-unit Bosch washer-dryer, custom coat closet, and automatic Hunter Douglas shades on all windows add wonderful convenience to this turnkey Brooklyn home.

Built in 2019, 554 Fourth Avenue is a modern glass condominium where residents enjoy a video intercom entry system with smartphone controls, a stylish lobby, a fitness center, package and bike rooms, and an outdoor terrace.

From this accessible Gowanus location, the vibrant Park Slope, Greenwood Heights, Red Hook, Carroll Gardens, Sunset Park and Industry City neighborhoods are just minutes away. Abundant nightlife, dining and shopping venues line the nearby streets, and you're just five blocks from 586-acre Prospect Park and its magnificent open space, cultural institutions, events and year-round greenmarkets. Nearby R, F and G trains, excellent bus service, CitiBikes and the Gowanus and Prospect expressways provide easy access to the rest of the city and beyond.

Relive The Famous Public Art installation ‘The Gates’ in Central Park - 20 Years Later

“The Gates,” the public art installation that took over Central Park with saffron-colored fabric panels for 16 days in 2005, is returning to New York City—virtually. To celebrate the installation’s 20th anniversary, New Yorkers can relive the monumental artwork from Christo and Jeanne-Claude through an augmented reality experience on the Bloomberg Connects app. Plus, an exhibition now open at The Shed in Hudson Yards titled “Christo and Jeanne-Claude: The Gates and Unrealized Projects for New York City,” explores the legacy of the artists and their work, as well as the journey behind bringing “The Gates” to life.

Artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude first proposed the installation in 1980, when Central Park was in a fragile state. There was concern the park’s deteriorating conditions could undermine the artwork’s purpose: to celebrate both the park and New York City.

Photo: Wolfgang Volz © 2005 Christo and Jeanne-Claude Foundation

After a successful revitalization of the park by the Central Park Conservancy, the project received newfound interest from former Mayor Michael Bloomberg and was approved in 2003.

Photo: Wolfgang Volz © 2005 Christo and Jeanne-Claude Foundation

The immersive installation featured 7,503 saffron-hued gates that weaved their way along 23 miles of pathways in the park. The gates measured 16 feet tall and varied in width depending on the park’s walkways.

Vertical poles were secured by narrow steel base footings weighing 613 to 837 pounds each and fastened atop the paved surface. The project was completely financed by the artists themselves, and free to the public, according to TimeOut.

Bringing a burst of color to New York City’s bleak winter, the installation attracted four million visitors and generated an estimated $254 million in economic impact during its two-week display.

Using the Bloomberg Connects app, viewers can experience a portion of the installation between East 72nd Street and Cherry Hill. The experience is available through March 23.

The immersive AR experience showcases the installation in stunning detail, with each gate swaying as though caught in the breeze. The app also adapts to the weather, with the scene mirroring an overcast sky on cloudy days, while sunny days feature a brighter display.

© 2025 Joe Pugliese and Dirt Empire

Photos courtesy of Bloomberg Philanthropies © 2025 Christo and Jeanne-Claude Foundation

The Shed in Hudson Yards is hosting a two-part exhibition that delves into the making of “The Gates.” The first section focuses on the iconic installation, featuring original artworks by Christo, including drawings, scale models, and actual components from the project.

Visitors can also explore a virtual, animated model displayed on a large-scale map of Central Park, following the 25-year journey from conceptualization to completion.

A map of the AR experience. © 2025 Christo and Jeanne-Claude Foundation

The second part highlights a selection of Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s unrealized proposals for New York City. Though never brought to life, these projects showcase the duo’s ambitious vision and deep connection to the five boroughs, where they lived from 1964 until their passing.

For the first time in the United States, these works will be presented using scale models and digital reproductions of Christo’s drawings, offering a close look into the creative process behind the project.

Tickets are available on a pay-what-you-wish basis, with a suggested price of $10.


Relive monumental public art installation ‘The Gates’ in Central Park, 20 years later

By Aaron Ginsburg

February 13, 2025

Cover Photo: Wolfgang Volz© 2005 Christo and Jeanne-Claude Foundation

151 Central Park West, Unit 11-North

151 Central Park West, Unit 11-North

Upper West Side

Asking $12,000,000

3 Bed  |  3 Bath | Co-op


 

Timeless elegance with breathtaking Central Park views. Perched high above Central Park, Apartment 11 North at The Kenilworth is a meticulously restored and exquisitely renovated masterpiece that seamlessly blends modern luxury with its original 1907 grandeur. With an expansive 39 feet of direct Central Park frontage, this exceptional home offers unobstructed, picturesque views stretching from the iconic duck pond to the skyline beyond—an irreplaceable vantage point in one of Manhattan’s most coveted locations.

This three-bedroom, three-bathroom residence unfolds with a dramatic 15-foot gallery, leading into a magnificent 25-foot-wide living room. Towering ceilings adorned with meticulously restored original crown molding amplify the sense of grandeur, while oversized, custom wood-framed windows bathe the space in natural light. Restored pocket doors open to a 20-foot-long formal dining room, making the home perfect for both intimate gatherings and grand entertaining. The exquisite original oak paneling, now finished in a soft, creamy white, remains intact, and an ornate hearth bears the coat of arms of England’s Castle Kenilworth (circa 1100)—the very inspiration behind this landmark residence’s name.

The corner primary suite is a sanctuary of refinement, offering dual perspectives over Central Park to the east and the historic Universalist Church tower to the north—a rare and coveted feature shared by only three residences. Custom-built closets and a windowed en-suite bathroom finished in timeless cream marble complete this private retreat. The additional two bedrooms, one currently designed as a sophisticated, lacquered library, showcase open city views and share fully renovated, spa-like bathrooms.

The kitchen wing is equally impressive, featuring a newly installed wet bar and butler’s pantry, a custom eat-in kitchen with white cabinetry, stone countertops, and top-of-the-line Viking and Sub-Zero appliances. A walk-in pantry and separate laundry room ensure effortless convenience. Every element of the home has been meticulously updated, including state-of-the-art central air conditioning, all-new plumbing and electrical systems, and historically accurate fenestration—preserving the home’s timeless character while offering modern comfort.

Built in 1908 in the distinguished French Second Empire style, The Kenilworth is one of New York’s finest prewar cooperatives. This white-glove building offers an elevator operator, full-time doorman, resident manager, private storage, central laundry, and a resident roof terrace. With 50% financing permitted and pet-friendly policies, it is an exceptional offering in every way.

Apartment 11 North at 151 Central Park West is a rare and breathtaking residence, where history, elegance, and modern luxury converge. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a true masterpiece in the heart of the Upper West Side.