‘Welcome’ Sign Will Soon Replace The Iconic Watchtower Sign In Brooklyn

‘Welcome’ sign will soon replace the iconic Watchtower sign in Brooklyn Heights

POSTED TODAY, OCTOBER 24, 2019BY ALEXANDRA ALEXA

VIEW PHOTO IN GALLERY

Rendering courtesy of Columbia Heights Associates

The Brooklyn skyline will soon get a new sign to replace the iconic ‘Watchtower’ one that was put in place by the Jehovah’s Witnesses in 1970 and removed in 2017. The 15-foot-tall red sign crowned the building at 25-30 Columbia Heights for nearly five decades while the Jehovah’s Witnesses owned the campus, which served as their headquarters. The new sign will read ‘Welcome’ in similar red lettering and will be installed before the end of the month, as first reported by the New York Post.

When Columbia Heights Associates (a consortium of developers including LIVWRK and CIM Group) bought the property in 2016, the Department of Buildings didn’t want the sign to be replaced, claiming that it had been put up illegally in the first place. The ‘Watchtower’ sign itself replaced a sign put up by the E.R. Squibb pharmaceutical company, who owned the building first. The DOB maintained that sign was also illegally erected, but lawyers were able to find several documents showing that approvals had been granted. The new sign was approved last November.

The sign will adorn the top of Panorama, a new office and retail campus being developed by Columbia Heights Associates. Encompassing two city blocks, the 750,000-square-foot mixed-use campus will include five interconnected buildings and feature 20 outdoor terraces, collaborative workspaces, a retail plaza, a parking garage, and fitness center.

The sign “reinforces the idea that Brooklyn is an inviting place for companies to set up shop,” according to a recent statement from the developers.

“For decades these buildings and their surroundings were closed to the public, and we wanted our renovation to celebrate Panorama becoming an accessible and vital part of the new fabric of the Brooklyn waterfront,” said Jason Schreiber, principal of investments at CIM Group. “To our neighbors, tenants and the entire city, ‘Welcome’ reflects this message.”

But the new sign won’t necessarily be a permanent fixture. “A Panorama flagship tenant will have the ability to replace the sign and use it as a major branding opportunity,” the developers added.

Tickets Now On Sale For Hudson Yards’ Edge, 1,100-Foot-High Observation Deck

HUDSON YARDS

Tickets go on sale today for Edge, Hudson Yards’ 1,100-foot-high observation deck

POSTED TODAY, OCTOBER 24, 2019BY MICHELLE COHEN

Image courtesy of Related Oxford.

6sqft reported back in March that Hudson Yards had opened a reservation list to experience Edge, the observation platform perched at a record-setting 1,100 feet in the sky. Now you can officially buy tickets to the Western Hemisphere’s highest outdoor sky deck. Visitors can gaze out on a 360-degree view of New York City’s iconic skyline from the champagne bar, or peer down through a glass floor. The platform-in-the-clouds will open on March 11, 2020; you’ll be able to sip cocktails or get a light bite at the 100th floor bar or dine at Peak, the 101st-floor restaurant, café and event space.

Edge represents a major selling point to bring visitors to Hudson Yards, the new 28-acre neighborhood on Manhattan’s West Side, in addition to shopping, dining, 14 acres of public parks and Heatherwick Studio’s Vessel. Designed by William Pedersen and Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF) the observation deck extends 80 feet from the 100th floor of 30 Hudson Yards.

The 765,000-pound observation deck is comprised of 15 sections, each weighing between 35,000 and 100,000 pounds, all bolted together and anchored to the east and south sides of the building. The 7,500-square-foot outdoor viewing area is surrounded by 79 glass panels, each weighing 1,400 pounds. In the words of Jason Horkin, Executive Director of Hudson Yards Experiences, “Stepping onto Edge is like walking out into the sky.”

Edge will be open seven days a week all year from 8:00 AM to midnight. Tickets are $36 if purchased online and $38 purchased on-site ($31 and $33 for kids). New York City residents can buy adult tickets online for $34 and there are special rates for seniors, active and retired members of the U.S. military and groups. You can buy tickets here.

340 East 23rd Street, Unit 9A

340 East 23rd Street, Unit 9A

GRAMERCY PARK, MANHATTAN

1 Bed  |  1 Bath | Condo

Offered At $900,000

 

Surround yourself in breathtaking views, private outdoor space and exceptional interiors in this designer one-bedroom, one-bathroom home in a full-service luxury Gramercy condominium.


A glorious destination for serene relaxation or gracious entertaining, this 700-square-foot showplace features wide-plank hardwood floors, tall ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows and a spacious south-facing terrace where the city skyline unfolds at your feet. There's a generous footprint for living and dining areas, and the sleek chef's kitchen is a minimalist masterpiece featuring lacquer cabinetry and premium appliances by Sub-Zero and Miele. Enjoy more southern vistas in the expansive king-size bedroom, or head to the spa-inspired bathroom to find a graceful freestanding soaking tub, walk-in shower and wide custom vanity with vessel sink. An in-unit washer-dryer and central air add comfort and ease to this lovely Gramercy hideaway.


Beautifully planned by renowned designer Philippe Starck, the Gramercy Starck sets a new standard for contemporary elegance. The full-service luxury condominium spoils residents with 24-hour doorman service; live-in superintendent; a 2,600-square-foot fitness center with sauna and steam room; a full-floor lounge with outdoor terrace, screening room and billiards room; and a landscaped roof deck with cabanas and gorgeous views.


Located in Gramercy and surrounded by Kips Bay, Union Square, the Flatiron District and NoMad, this home places you at the epicenter of Manhattan living with world-class dining, shopping and nightlife at every turn. In this incredibly convenient neighborhood, you'll find a 24-hour CVS, Starbucks, AMC Theater, Fairway and Morton Williams just minutes from your front door. Enjoy easy access to the 4/5/6, L and N/Q/R/W subway lines, ample bus service and the Stuyvesant Cove Ferry Terminal.

Nordstrom’s 7-Level Flagship Opens Next Week

Nordstrom’s massive flagship store officially opens to the public next week, seven years after the company first announced its move to New York City. The department store sits in the base of the Central Park Tower, currently the tallest residential building in the world, and takes up seven floors. And while the tower no longer shares the company’s name, the sheer size of the flagship, along with its unique glass facade, will still make the store stand out. To celebrate the store’s opening on Oct. 24 at West 57th and Broadway, there will be grand opening festivities taking place with lots of free samples, complimentary food, and live entertainment.

Designed by James Carpenter Design Associates (JCDA) with Nordstrom, the store is one of the first new locations to open in Manhattan since the 1920s, according to the company. The wavy, glass facade is meant to provide cool views from both the store and street-level while allowing lots of natural light to flood the space. Other modern perks include 19-foot ceilings and an open floor plan.

Measuring 320,000 square feet across seven floors, with two below street level and five below, the flagship offers a wide selection of merchandise across various price points. The flagship will also offer limited-time concepts from major brands, including Burberry, Nike, Comme des Garcon, Tory Burch, and Christian Louboutin. In April of last year, Nordstrom opened The Men’s Store across the street at 235 West 57th Street, which became the company’s first-ever stand-alone store for men.

Nordstrom doesn’t just focus on shopping, but the experience of shopping. The store will provide services for customers that are on the go, like express alterations, 24/7 online order pick-up in the store, next day delivery, cell phone charging stations, and leather repair.

The store will also offer a collection of unique food and beverage options. Restaurants include Wolf, an Italian restaurant run by Seattle-based chef Ethan Stowell, as well as Jeannie’s, a pizza and pasta restaurant, and a Pacific Rim-inspired spot called Hani Pacific, both run by another Seattle chef, Tom Douglas.

The Broadway Bar on the second floor will serve cocktails and small plates, a cocktail bar with an all-day menu called the Shoe Bar will set up on the shoe floor of the store, and Bistro Verde will offer soups, seafood, and salads on the fifth floor, with outdoor seating expected next year.

Grand opening celebrations kick off on Thursday, Oct. 24 with a “beauty bash” between 8 and 10 a.m. Get your makeup done, learn about beauty tips from experts, and get your hands on some free samples. Doors to the full store will officially open at 10 a.m. on Thursday, with free food and live music.

The party continues over the weekend, with a fall-themed block party on Saturday on Broadway between West 57th and West 59th Streets, which promises even more free food and giveaways. Get the details here.

19 Contracts Signed At $4M+ Last Week

LUXURY MARKET REPORT 2019

Report on Contracts Signed
Manhattan Residential Properties
$4 Million and Above

October 14-20, 2019

19 Contracts Signed

Nineteen contracts were signed last week at $4 million and above, just shy of the 20 + benchmark that the Manhattan market hasn’t hit in 4 months. Condos outsold co-ops, 14 to 1, and 4 townhouses were in the mix. Only 1 condo was sold by a sponsor/developer.

The No. 1 contract was PH76B at 80 Columbus Circle, asking $30 million; it was listed in July. This 4,825-square-foot condo is in the residences above the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. The unit has 4 bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms, a terrace off the living room and a 42-foot master suite that faces Central Park. The owner paid $30.55 million in July 2011. Condo amenities include a fitness center, landscaped terrace, a meeting room with Central Park views, and access to the hotel’s pool and spa.

The No. 2 contract was a townhouse at 3 East 94th Street, asking $24.5 million, reduced from $29.5 million when it was listed in November 2016. This 6-story, 25-foot-wide house has 9,850 square feet including 6 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, 2 powder rooms, 5 fireplaces, an elevator, a garden on the ground floor, and a terrace on the top floor. It also has a media room, eat-in kitchen, and a finished basement with a 400-bottle wine cellar. The house was purchased in October 2010 for $18.5 million and then renovated. Annual real estate taxes are $197,525.

180 East End Avenue, Unit 16H

180 East End Avenue, Unit 16H

UPPER EAST SIDE, MANHATTAN

1+ Bed  |  1.5 Bath | Co-op

Offered At $1,500,000

Enjoy remarkable light and space in this sprawling one-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bathroom showplace set atop one of Yorkville's best co-op buildings.


Spanning an impressive 1,425 square feet, this exceptional home provides a stunning setting for lavish entertaining and effortless everyday life with the gorgeous Upper East Side vistas as your backdrop. Hardwood floors pave the space, and tall ceilings rise overhead, but it's the breathtaking den and sunroom topped by a wall of atrium windows that is the home's spectacular focal point. Just below, the expansive great room offers plenty of room for generous living and dining areas surrounded by built-ins and large closets, and the bright chef's kitchen features abundant cabinet space and stainless steel appliances. Head to the corner master suite to find an en suite bathroom and three large closets, including a walk-in, while a powder room adds convenience in the hallway.


Currently configured as a one-bedroom, this expansive floor plan could easily accommodate the addition of a second bedroom, and there's even space to transform the powder room into a full bath if needs require. This unit conveys with an extra-large storage bin.


Gracie Towers is a postwar cooperative offering full-time doorman/concierge service, elevator operators, live-in resident manager, 2,000-square-foot state-of-the-art fitness center, library lounge with pool table, landscaped garden, a stunning rooftop swimming pool and sunroom, and an on-site attended parking garage and convenient circular driveway.


Positioned directly across from Carl Schurz Park, this home delivers front-row access to outstanding waterfront recreation, two dog parks and the East River Esplanade. Great local dining and nightlife lines the nearby blocks, and the 86th Street corridor offers world-class shopping and entertainment. Transportation is a breeze with express bus service, Q and 4/5/6 trains all within reach.

Over 200 FDNY Firehouses Will Welcome Open House Visitors This Weekend

If you–or your favorite fire truck-loving kid–would like a behind-the-scenes look at where New York’s bravest get to work, keep your calendar open this weekend: On Saturday, October 5th, and Sunday, October 6th, the FDNY will be hosting their fifth annual citywide open house.  More than 200 firehouses and EMS stations will open their doors to the public from 11:00am to 1:00pm or 1:00pm to 3:00pm.

Open House locations are listed on FDNY’s interactive map. Firefighters, EMTs and paramedics will be on hand to educate the public about fire and life safety. They’ll be conducting demonstrations, discussing careers in the department and offering tours of FDNY engines, ladder trucks and ambulances.

Uber Copter Launches $200 Helicopter Rides To JFK

As of today, New Yorkers who want to get to JFK Airport as quickly as possible can do so via a private helicopter ride. In an email sent out to customers today, Uber Technologies announced the full launch of Uber Copter, a helicopter that you can book via the app that will take you from the Downtown Manhattan Heliport to JFK for $200-$225. The program opened on July 9th, but now any Uber member can book a chopper on weekday afternoons between 1pm and 6pm. Though you’ll need to get to/from the heliport in lower Manhattan and your terminal, the flight itself is only eight minutes.

The cost of the trip includes ground transportation on both ends. According to the company, “A single tap of a button can get you access to a ride with Uber from your pickup location to the heliport, a helicopter flight, and a ride from the heliport to your destination.” Riders going to the airport can book a chopper up to five days in advance. Returning riders are able to request an Uber Copter when their flight lands. The option will only appear in your app if you’re at JFK or if you’re within a designated zone that includes all of Manhattan south of Houston Street and certain areas with access to the West Side Highway.

Uber hopes to start offering the service in other cities, as well. They also are working on their Elevate program, a network of flying taxis that they hope will bring aerial ridesharing to Dallas, Los Angeles, and Melbourne (their first international market) by 2023. The small, electric VTOL (vertical takeoff and landing) aircrafts would shuttle people between suburbs and cities, as well as within cities.

After a deadly helicopter crash in Midtown Manhattan in June, local lawmakers including Mayor de Blasio and State Senator Chuck Schumer called for stricter regulations on helicopter rides, with the Mayor even proposing that all rides over Manhattan be banned aside from those taken by emergency and first responders, uniform services, and news camera crews. To date, no official action has been taken.

Hyperloop Could Get You From NYC to DC in 30 Minutes

Over the past few months, Virgin Hyperloop One has been bringing its XP-1 test Pod on a cross-country roadshow, allowing residents in cities that may adopt the technology to learn more about the project and its progress. They made a stop at Rockefeller Plaza last Friday, as the New York Post reported, giving visitors a glimpse inside the 20-foot vessel that may one day get passengers from NYC to Washington DC in just 30 minutes.

“It’s propelled using electromagnetic propulsion; it actually lifts up on the tracks like it’s floating,” marketing director Ryan Kelly explained during the event, according to the Post. “Because it runs in a tube, where there’s almost zero aerodynamic drag, it allows us to go as fast as a plane.” Reps for the project said the vehicle can reach speeds of nearly 600 mph.

“New York is obviously a global city, we came here for the sustainability aspect of this,” Kelly added. “We see big value in connecting cities like metro stops…New York to Washington would be great.”

The concept for Hyperloop was first dreamt up by Elon Musk in 2012 and open-sourced for others to develop. On May 11, 2017, Virgin Hyperloop One’s XP-1 completed the world’s first full-system test—the company called it their “Kitty Hawk” moment. A press release explains that the recent roadshow has been a way of encouraging early adoption. Ten states are now exploring the technology, including Missouri, Texas, Colorado, Ohio, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Washington, Indiana, and Oregon, in addition to Nevada where the test site is located. The government created the Non-Traditional and Emerging Transportation Technology Council to standardize Hyperloop technology and advance safety and regulatory certifications.

The technology appears to be on track for a 2029 debut in the US with NYC on the shortlist of launch cities.

The Post reported that the company may already have a deal in the works to install the Hyperloop system between Mumbai and Pune in India.

310 Lexington Avenue, Unit 10E

310 Lexington Avenue, Unit 10E

MURRAY HILL, MANHATTAN

1 Bed  |  1 Bath | Co-op

Offered At $649,000

 

With windows in literally every room with views of the Chrysler Building, this high-floor one-bedroom co-op is a sunny escape with unbeatable storage in ultra-convenient Murray Hill.


Every inch of this spacious corner apartment is beautifully arranged for entertaining, relaxing and effortless daily life. Three big closets are placed throughout for coats, linens and wardrobe, and great built-ins add even more convenient storage. At 30-feet-long, the main living space provides a generous footprint for living, dining and home office areas, and the sunny windowed kitchen features excellent cabinet space and stainless steel appliances. Through the dressing area, you'll find a large bedroom, and the adjacent windowed bathroom features floor-to-ceiling tile and a big tub/shower. Move right into this expansive home, or bring your contractor to create the upgraded Murray Hill home of your dreams.


310 Lexington is a postwar cooperative offering 24-hour doorman service, live-in superintendent, laundry, bike room, storage, a landscaped patio and roof deck. Board policies permit pieds-à-terre, co-purchasing and guarantors. Two pets per apartment are allowed with board approval, including dogs under 40 lbs.


Located in the heart of Murray Hill, near Midtown, Kips Bay and NoMad, this home offers fantastic access to shopping, dining and outdoor space, including the Kips Bay theater, Fairway Market, Grand Central Station and Bryant Park. Transportation is excellent with S, 4/5/6, 7, B/D/F/M and Metro-North trains plus the 34th Street Ferry Landing and Midtown Tunnel all within reach.

The Monthly Update - October 2019

Big Money Is On Pause: What Do They Know That We Don’t? 

Summer can be slow for the upper end of the real estate market in Manhattan. But this year, it’s been especially — I mean really, really — slow for the past four months. Was it because all the big buyer deals closed before July 1 to avoid the new mansion tax escalation? That certainly is part of it. But still, it’s unusually and suspiciously quiet. So much so it’s causing buyers in other segments of the market pause or pull out altogether. 


According to a weekly tracker of signed contracts over $4 million (considered the luxury market threshold), there has only been $1.3 billion in sales of luxury market product so far this year compared to $1.9 billion this time last year. We have also seen 13 consecutive weeks with fewer than 20 contracts signed over the $4 million threshold (20 contracts per week is considered a healthy benchmark, according to the report). Broken down by the number of units sold, the research goes on to note that, compared to this time last year, unit sales are down 57 deals. 


Even Compass Chief Evangelist Leonard Steinberg, when asked where luxury market buyers are putting their money if not in Manhattan property, reported that the rich have been squirreling away savings, with those savings reportedly doubling over the past couple years. Leonard also noted that not only are the wealthy not buying, they are actively selling. They are selling second homes and investment properties, supposedly to free up cash and position themselves for a continued decline in real estate over the next month or even years. 


Could a report from Smart Insider showing that insider stock sales have risen to a two-decade high in the U.S. be related? According to their data, corporate insiders — top executives and board members — sold a combined $19 billion of stock in their own companies through to mid-September. That puts them on track to hit about $26 billion for the year, which would mark the most active year since 2000.


All this stagnation at the top has not helped the middle and low end of the markets, either. Yes, it’s true that the middle- and lower-end buyers are much more affected by interest rates. Plus they typically buy and sell real estate more out of necessity than for investment, so they have no choice but to push ahead in all markets: buyer, seller or stagnant. The middle to lower end of the market looks to the luxury market as a barometer to both real estate and the overall economy. When the upper end slows or drops,  it permeates throughout the rest of the market and has a deep impact on buyer psyche. And we’re seeing that today. Right now, buyers are taking longer to sign contracts and negotiate deals or they’re just dropping out of the market entirely. That’s largely because they look to the ultra-wealthy as bellwethers of what lies ahead in the global marketplace — and not a lot of it seems very good. Add to that market uncertainty around an impeachment process and upcoming presidential election year, and only time will tell.

Local October Events

New York City Wine & Food Festival 

October 10-13th 

New York City’s biggest wine and food festival is back for its 12th year! Enjoy events, wine tastings, intimate dinners, hands-on classes, demos from culinary personalities, and more. 100% of the net proceeds benefit Food Bank For New York City and the No Kid Hungry campaign to end childhood hunger in America and in the five boroughs of NYC. Learn more here.

Artisanal Sweet Treats Bazaar 

October 20th 

Celebrate Dessert Month on October 20th and discover our city's best artisanal sweet-makers! You’ll find experimental donuts, handmade macaroons, creative peanut-butter cups, small-batch fudge, fresh cookies and cupcakes, and much more! Click here for more mouthwatering details.

18 Contract Signed Last Week $4+ Million

LUXURY MARKET REPORT 2019

Report on Contracts Signed
Manhattan Residential Properties
$4 Million and Above

September 23-29, 2019

18 Contracts Signed

Eighteen contracts were signed last week at $4 million and above. Condos outsold co-ops, 9 to 6, with 3 townhouses in the mix. Prices were reduced on average by 16% off the original asking price before a contract was signed. Properties spent an average of 564 days on the market.

Stat Geek Alert: Last week marked the best performance by co-ops since the week of June 24, when 6 co-ops were also sold.

The No.1 contract was 8A at 155 West 11th Street, asking $19.8 million--it sold in only 60 days. The 3-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom unit has 3,965 square feet and outdoor space totaling 1,264 square feet. It is owned by Tamara Mellon, fashion designer and co-founder of Jimmy Choo luxury shoes, who purchased the unit for $18,355,982 from the sponsor in September 2016. The condo is known as The Greenwich Lane, a 5-building complex comprised of 193 apartments and 5 townhouses. Amenities include a concierge, doorman, parking, fitness center, a 25-meter swimming pool, golf simulator, garden, residents’ lounge, and children’s playroom.

The No. 2 contract was a 6-story brick townhouse at 49 East 67th Street, asking $13.475 million, reduced from $24 million when it went on the market in October 2015. This 20-foot-wide house has 8,926 square feet including 6 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, and 2 powder rooms, The house also has a 50-foot swimming pool in the basement and an elevator. It was owned by pop star Billy Joel from 1981 to 1991.

You Can Now Take A Private Helicopter To Brunch At JFK’s TWA Hotel

It’ll cost you a pretty penny—$340 per person, to be exact—but you can now take a private helicopter to brunch at JFK’s buzzy new TWA Hotel. Helicopter service Blade and the Gerber Group have partnered on the limited-edition offering, which is open for reservations on Sundays only through November 3rd.

The ticket price includes pre-take-off drinks at the Blade lounge just off the West Side Highway, a five-minute chopper ride to the airport, brunch at the rooftop pool (each person will receive a $50 meal credit with their ticket), pool access, and a chopper ride back to the Blade hub in Manhattan. Check out more details or make a booking here.

If you snag a reservation for Sunday, October 20, you may want to stick around for a panel discussion at 4 p.m. featuring the designers, engineers, and other contractors who brought the iconic Eero Saarinen-designed building back to life. The afternoon will also include performances of four musical compositions inspired by the TWA Flight Center, commissioned by Open House New York and Access Contemporary Music to celebrate the building’s reopening.

Development Plans For Ex-Amazon Site In LIC Move Forward

Soon after Amazon canceled plans to build a new headquarters in Long Island City, the city began reviving earlier plans to bring a mix of residential and industrial spaces to the neighborhood. Developers and city officials are still in talks over how the 28-acre site—which includes land owned by both the city and plastics company Plaxall—will be used. As Politico recently reported, the vision is starting to come into sharper focus with property owners now engaging the neighborhood and community board to help determine the future of the waterfront site.

As 6sqft previously reported, the city first issued a request for proposals on two city-owned sites along 44th Drive in Long Island City’s waterfront area, known as Anable Basin, three years ago. In 2017, officials selected TF Cornerstone’s proposal, which included 1,000 units of housing (25 percent of which would be affordable), 100,000 square feet of industrial space, 400,000 square feet of commercial space, a new 600-seat school, retail space, and an acre of open space along the waterfront.

This proposal—which would require a rezoning—seems to be the basis going forward, but developers have learned a thing or two from the Amazon controversy. Noting that a disengaged process and protests from local residents and politicians ultimately doomed the Amazon deal, any plans for the site moving forward will go through the city’s public review process, Politico reported.

“We’ve learned a lot from the Amazon experience. I think what we’ve learned is that there’s a huge opportunity in Long Island City to attract innovation jobs, open up the waterfront,” Jeremy Shell, a principal at TF Cornerstone, told Politico. “We want to look at the plan comprehensively, and we need to put the community goals first.”

As part of the appeal to community concerns, developers said that any housing element would focus on affordability. “I don’t think we’re looking to build expensive, waterfront condos,” said MaryAnne Gilmartin of L&L MAG, a development partner on one of the sites. “This is not a condo play.”

We don’t have clear insights into how big a role residential development will play in the project, but it might end up being less than originally planned for. “We also have heard that we have quite a bit of housing and many people have expressed that they’d like to see more commercial uses and job opportunities,” Shell noted.

A consultant hired by the developers estimated that the project could yield 50,000 new jobs over a decade. That number doubles what Amazon promised the city in exchange for substantial tax breaks.

City Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer and City Council Speaker Corey Johnson echoed the call for a “vigorous, community-driven process,” per Van Bramer’s written statement. Both are seeking higher offices over the coming years and, as Politico noted, are aware that polling showed a majority of local residents supported the Amazon deal and the jobs it promised.

Sources told Politico that Plaxall, a family-owned company, has yet to participate in the discussions. The firm’s managing director, Paula Kirby, said they “remain committed to pursuing a vision that builds on LIC’s history as a center of innovation and creativity, and to working with our neighbors and the city on a plan to make Anable Basin an integral part of the future LIC waterfront.”

Meanwhile, Amazon has been pursuing a different expansion in NYC. Sources have said the online shopping giant has been eyeing sites in Maspeth and at or near Brooklyn’s Industry City for new logistics facilities, in addition to real estate shopping for office space in Manhattan. So far, no leases have been confirmed.

[Via Politico]

7 West 96th Street, Unit 9E

7 West 96th Street, Unit 9E

UPPER WEST SIDE, MANHATTAN

2 Bed  |  2 Bath | Co-op

Offered At $1,195,000

 

Experience quintessential Upper West Side living in this bright two-bedroom, two-bathroom co-op on a tree-lined Central Park block.


Spanning approximately 1,100 square feet, this exceptional residence is filled with prewar details like gleaming hardwood floors, tall ceilings, fine millwork and a distinctive archway. Arrive in a welcoming gallery entry filled with closets while the large living/dining room awaits with peek-a-boo Central Park views. The spacious windowed kitchen is beautifully equipped with great cabinet space and granite countertops surrounding top-notch stainless steel appliances, including a gas range, dishwasher and built-in microwave. The corner king-size master suite features an enviable walk-in closet, a second closet and a windowed en suite bathroom. Direct across from the home's well-appointed guest bath, the nicely sized second bedroom features western exposures and a roomy closet.


7 West 96th Street is a handsome Art Deco cooperative offering a beautifully renovated lobby, 24-hour doorman service, state-of-the-art central laundry, bike room, basement storage and a lovely roof deck with Central Park and skyline views.


Located just inches from Central Park, this home makes world-famous outdoor space your backyard. Trader Joe's is nearby and The Shops at Columbus Square put Whole Foods, HomeGoods and Michael's at your immediate disposal while the fine dining, gourmet shops and nightlife of the Upper West Side surround you. Transportation options are abundant with B and C trains around the corner, 1/2/3 trains three blocks west, and crosstown bus service just outside your door.

The City Wants A Self-Filtering Floating Swimming Pool On The East River

Swimming in the East River may once again become a reality. The city’s Economic Development Corporation is seeking ideas for a floating pool that would filter the water of the East River to allow for safe swimming, according to a request for expressions of interest (RFEI) released Wednesday. A similar idea was first announced in 2010 by the nonprofit +POOL, which has been working with the city for years, as THE CITY first reported. The pool would likely be built between the north side of Brooklyn Bridge and the south side of Pier 35 on the Lower East Side, according to the request.

The project would not be the first floating pool to open in New York City. As the city became more crowded, and therefore more concerned with public health, officials opened pools to serve as public baths, with the earliest built on the Hudson and East Rivers beginning in 1870.

By 1890, the city was home to 15 floating pools. But increased pollution of NYC’s waters made the baths unusable, and all facilities were taken out of commission by the 1940s. Today, the only remaining floating pool in the city, and the entire country, is in the Bronx. Although this pool, dubbed the Floating Pool Lady and located at Barretto Point Park in Hunts Point, is chlorinated.

According to the city, a floating pool “will restore a lapsed tradition of river swimming dating back to the 1800s of the first floating bathing areas in the East River, and further the city’s goal of improving access to recreational waterfront space.” The pool would be one of the first urban river-sourced swim facilities in the U.S.

The team behind +POOL released its design for a self-filtering floating pool almost a decade ago. The complicated process has involved working with the city and local stakeholders, as well as conducting site feasibility studies at 11 spots and studying the city’s water quality.

Renderings of the group’s project from 2017 reveal a plus-shaped pool with four pools in one: a kiddie pool, a sports pool, a lap pool, and a lounge pool. The walls of +POOL would filter the water to remove bacteria and contaminants. Kara Meyer, the deputy director of Friends of +POOL, told THE CITY that they are  “looking forward to responding,” to the city’s RFEI.

Responses to the request are due no later than 4 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 1. Find more information about submission requirements here.

Robert de Niro-Funded Studio Taps Bjarke Ingels To Design $400M Astoria Studio

The star power involved with Robert de Niro’s planned production studio in Astoria continues to grow. The development group—which includes developer Wildflower Ltd, Raphael De Niro, and Jane Rosenthal—has just revealed a first look at the 650,000-square-foot facility designed by Bjarke Ingels Group. The $400 million project, called Wildflower Studios, will establish a hub for the creation of film, television, and other forms of entertainment, including augmented reality and virtual reality. The facility is expected to create more than 1,000 daily union jobs.

“It has been incredible to work with such an iconic cast of collaborators from all aspects of visual media to imagine the future of film production in New York City,” said Bjarke Ingels in a statement. “Due to the unique space conditions of working on an urban site, we were challenged by Wildflower to distill all the physical, logistical, technical and experiential aspects of film production into a one of a kind vertical village for film.”

The project will comprise a “strategically planned mix of interconnected spaces,” including various stages, production-support areas, open and private offices, and lounges. The design “aims to foster the best creative work possible by providing opportunities for human connection,” per the developers. In response to feedback from the community and local officials, the proposal also incorporates parking, public water access, and land conservation areas for the neighborhood to enjoy.

Located along Steinway Creek in Queens, the project is sited at 87 19th Avenue. The property was previously used as storage for finished pianos by manufacturer Steinway & Sons and sits within a larger parcel owned by the company.

The construction comes at a time when the film and television industry in New York is growing at a rapid pace. As 6sqft reported in April, Netflix plans on expanding its NYC footprint by building new production centers in Bushwick and Flatiron.

Plans are being filed with the New York City Council, which is expected to review the application for minor height amendments and community waterfront access. Construction could start as early as next year.

205 West End Avenue, Unit 25W

205 West End Avenue, Unit 25W

LINCOLN SQUARE, MANHATTAN

1 Bed  |  1 Bath | Co-op

Offered At $685,000

 

Bask in glorious light and epic river views in this meticulously updated, high-floor one-bedroom in a spectacular Lincoln Square cooperative.


Positioned high on the 25th floor, this home drinks in remarkable southern light and open-sky views that skim over the surrounding parks to the sparkling Hudson River. Stunning designer updates greet you the moment you arrive in the gracious foyer. Pale hardwood paves the floors, fresh paint and chic wallcoverings run throughout, and handsome trim and designer light fixtures add elegance to bright living spaces. The vast living room provides a sun-drenched backdrop for gracious entertaining while the gorgeous galley kitchen marries sleek cabinetry and countertops with premium stainless steel appliances. A smart pocket door reveals a tranquil bedroom where two extra-large custom closets and a dressing area leading to a breathtaking spa bathroom with floor-to-ceiling, Spanish porcelain tile, Toto toilet and a walk-in, Grohe rain shower. An additional custom closet provides extra storage, and through-the-wall air conditioning ensures year-round comfort in this serene designer showplace in the sky.


Lincoln Towers is a postwar eight-building cooperative positioned on 20 acres of private playgrounds and recreation plus lovely gardens and parks. Residents of the complex enjoy 24-hour doorman and concierge service, live-in maintenance staff, gyms, children's playrooms, package rooms, private and common storage, bike rooms, laundry facilities, indoor parking garages and outdoor parking spaces, plus on-site dry cleaners, private security and managing agents. Liberal board policies allow pets with restrictions, pieds-à-terre, parents buying for children, co-purchasing, subletting after the first two years and 70% financing.


Located in vibrant Lincoln Square, this home offers the ideal mix of accessibility and outdoor space. Enjoy afternoons along the miles-long Hudson River Greenway or in nearby Riverside Park. Shop along Broadway or take in world-class entertainment at Lincoln Center or the Theater District. Transportation from this Upper West Side enclave is a breeze with 1/2/3 trains just minutes away, and B/C trains along Central Park West.

Map Predicts Perfect Fall Foliage In Your Area

It’s officially Fall, and whether you’re good and ready for sweater weather or you’re sorry to see summer go, there’s no avoiding the fact that cooler temps and shorter days are on the way. One way to savor the changing seasons is to enjoy the majestic hues of autumn foliage. If you’re hoping to catch the changing season at its peak, there’s no better tool to plan your leaf-peeping strategy than SmokyMountains.com‘s Fall Foliage Prediction Map. This interactive infographic will tell you when and where foliage is expected to appear, and when it will reach its peak, in your area. Here in NYC, expect peak foliage to hit around mid-October.

To create the map, a complex algorithm was developed that carefully analyzes several million data points and outputs approximately 50,000 predictive data pieces. This data then enables the program to forecast county-by-county the precise moment when “fall peak” will occur.

Some of the data points processed by the algorithm include National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) historical temperatures, precipitation, forecast temperatures, and forecast precipitation; historical leaf peak trends; and peak observation trends.

“The predictive fall leaf map helps potential travelers, photographers and leaf peepers determine the precise future date that the leaves will peak in each area of the continental United States. By utilizing the date selector at the bottom of the map, the user can visually understand how fall will progress over a region. We believe this interactive tool will enable travelers to take more meaningful fall vacations, capture beautiful fall photos and enjoy the natural beauty of autumn. Our nationwide fall foliage prediction map is unique – it is one of the only fall leaf tools that provides accurate predictions for the entire continental United States,” said data scientist and CTO Wes Melton.

The map can forecast county-by-county the precise moment when fall peak will occur and covers a 12-week period between September 7 and November 30. Check out the full map here >>

[Via SmokyMountains.com]

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