As we kick off a new year and continue to experience these unprecedented times, I'm here to provide valuable insights into the real estate market so you can stay educated and informed.
I'm pleased to share Compass' Q4 2020 Manhattan Market Report, highlighting the prevailing trends shaping the market.
The longest multi-use state trail in the United States officially opened in New York last week. Running from New York City north to Canada and from Albany to Buffalo along the Erie Canal, the 750-mile Empire State Trail offers off-road trails for cyclists, hikers, runners, cross-country skiers, and snow-shoers. The Trail, which connects 20 regional trails to create a continuous statewide route, will be open year-round.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo first announced plans for the Empire State Trail in 2017 during his State of the State address. The project filled the gap at two existing trails, the Hudson Valley Greenway and the Erie Canalway. In total, 58 separate projects were completed to make the trail continuous; 180 miles of new off-road trail were added and 400 miles of previously disconnected trails were joined.
“There’s no trail like it in the nation – 750 miles of multi-use trail literally from Manhattan to the Canadian Border, from Buffalo to Albany,” Cuomo said in a press release last week. “Not only does it provide an opportunity to experience the natural beauty and history of New York, but it also gives New Yorkers from every corner of the state a safe outlet for recreation as we continue to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The Empire State Trail is made up of three main routes, including the Hudson Valley Greenway Trail, the Erie Canalway, and the Champlain Valley Trail. The north to south segment runs from Battery Park in Manhattan up through the Hudson Valley and Champlain Valley to the Canadian border. The east to west branch starts in Cohoes in Albany County and follows the Mohawk River, the Erie Canal, and ends at Buffalo Harbor State Park.
“The Empire State Trail is a testament to Governor Cuomo’s vision to make New York State an unmatched destination for outdoor recreation,” Erik Kulleseid, commissioner of New York State Parks, said. “Everyone from the most experienced long-distance cyclists to family groups with children will enjoy this pathway. People can take a quick bike ride or walk close to home, or they can plan a multi-day adventure to take them from one end of the state to the other.”
The state launched a website with an interactive map of the Empire State Trail as well as a list of activities available for both on and off the trail. And in October, Cuomo announced a new passport program to encourage New Yorkers to visit the 200 craft breweries found along 10 miles of the Empire State Trail. At each brewery along the trail, visitors can digitally check-in on the app and earn a stamp for the Empire State Trail Passport and the existing program, the Think NY, Drink NY Passport. Stamps lead to rewards, including t-shirts, backpacks, and more.
POSTED ON MON, JANUARY 4, 2021BY DEVIN GANNON
2 Bed | 1.5 Bath | Co-op
Stunning prewar finishes and sunlight await in this spacious two-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bathroom co-op on one of the Upper West Sides's prettiest blocks.
Step into a bygone era of refined architectural details in this bright abode featuring hardwood floors, soaring ceilings, and beautiful, intact millwork throughout. The living/dining room invites you to relax alongside a decorative fireplace and oversized south-facing windows. An adjacent closet and powder room add convenience, while French doors open to a secondary bedroom ideal as a private home office. In the windowed kitchen, you'll find abundant newer cabinetry. At the end of the hall, the owner's suite boasts a king-size layout, roomy closet and en suite bathroom with a soaking tub.
151 West 80th Street is part of a row of three Renaissance Revival apartment houses built in 1895 by Neville & Bagge, one of the most prolific uptown architecture firms at the turn of the 20th century. Today, the boutique walk-up cooperative offers laundry, resident storage, and a bike room. Sorry, no dogs allowed.
Located mid-block on a quintessential tree-lined street, this fine home is flanked by breathtaking brownstones and surrounded by the Natural History Museum and Central Park to the east and Riverside Park a few blocks west. The Upper West Side's greatest restaurants, nightlife venues, and shops are nearby, including Fairway, Citarella, Zabar's and Trader Joes. Transportation is a breeze with 1, B and C trains, excellent bus service, and CitiBikes nearby.
A jet snow thrower in action via MTA’s Flickr
With a forecast of up to 18 inches of snow, Winter Storm Gail is expected to bring more snow to New York City this week than the five boroughs saw all of last year. In response to the nor’easter, expected to hit Wednesday afternoon, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority has activated its 24/7 command center to monitor the storm. The agency is prepared to clear subways, buses, and commuter railways of snow thanks to its fleet of super-powered snow throwers, jet-powered snow blowers, and specially designed de-icing cars to tackle the icy mess.
“The safety of our employees and customers continues to be our first priority as we prepare for the first winter storm of the season,” MTA Chair Patrick Foye said in a press release. “The MTA is no stranger to the challenges posed by inclement weather and is ready as always to rise to the occasion in order to keep New York moving.”
A Hurricane Jet Snow Blower clears a track via MTA’s Flickr
The Long Island Rail Road will operate on an enhanced weekend schedule on Thursday, Dec. 17. The LIRR’s “snow-fighting” equipment includes 978,000 pounds of de-icing material, 22,000 linear feet of third rail heater, 262 portable snowblowers, 235 chainsaws, 167 portable generators, eight truck-mountable salt spreaders, 25 cubic yards of sand, two forklifts, and other vehicles ready to clear the snow.
On the Metro-North Railroad, the MTA will bring on 220 snowblowers, 70 truck-mountable salt spreaders, over 1,800 ice scrapers, 146 chainsaws, 196 portable generators, and 635 track switch heaters, along with dump trucks, backhoes, and emergency response trailers.
A snowblower, via MTA’s Flickr
Starting at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, an empty and tandem tractor-trailer ban will be in effect at the MTA’s seven bridges and two tunnels. The MTA also has on hand 8,300 tons of salt, 50 snowblowers, and 74 truck mountable salt spreaders. Bridges are equipped with embedded roadway sensors for temperature sensors that deliver real-time information on wind velocity, wind direction, humidity, and precipitation through wireless communication, according to the agency. These sensors determine if speed restrictions are necessary.
NYC buses will operate at reduced service and all local buses will be fitted with tire chains. The articulated buses will be replaced by shorter buses. Bus managers can use technology that tracks service when it falls below expected levels on route to make decisions on service.
While the underground subway stations are mostly unaffected by snowfall, the system’s 220 miles of outdoor track are most vulnerable to snow and ice-cold conditions. According to the MTA, the tracks that will be most affected by the snow include the Rockaway A and S line, Sea Beach N line, Flushing 7 line, Brighton B and Q line, and Dyre Avenue 5 line.
According to the MTA, “super-powered snow throwers, jet-powered snow-blowers, and de-icing cars – retired subway cars modified with tanks and other specialized equipment to spray de-icing fluid on the third rail — are ready for immediate deployment.”
NYC Transit’s snow-fighting resources include more than 236,000 pounds of de-icing material, 2,770 ice scraper shoes, 259 third rail heaters, 249 track switch heaters, 218 jet engine powered blowers, 230 portable generators, and a number of service and emergency response vehicles.
The MTA also preps its subway fleet for snow by spraying an anti-freeze agent on door panels, purging air brake lines of moisture to prevent freezing, and equipping electric trains with third rail shoes with holes to stop snow from sticking.
And when the snow throwers, jet blowers, and de-icer cars can’t do the job, MTA signal maintainers are sent out to clear switches with what looks like a couple of brooms. The MTA created a video about the ways they prepare for winter storms. Watch it below:
POSTED: DECEMBER 16, 2020BY DEVIN GANNON
4 Bed | 3.5 Bath | Condo
Take your place among the Upper West Side skyline in this sprawling four-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom condominium with private outdoor space and enviable storage in a modern, amenity-rich condominium.
Spanning a lavish 2,900 square feet high on the 17th floor, this commanding home drinks in sunlight and epic views thanks to walls of east-facing and west-facing double-pane windows. Wide-plank Italian maple hardwood floors and tall ceilings invite you into a gracious foyer flanked by numerous custom closets and a bike room, ensuring storage will never be a concern. Ahead, the impressive great room provides a marvelous footprint for relaxed living or lavish entertaining surrounded by open-sky vistas, handsome built-in cabinetry and a wet bar with a wine refrigerator. The open Poggenpohl kitchen dazzles with gleaming cabinetry, marble countertops and an army of upscale stainless steel appliances by Sub-Zero and Thermador, including two more large wine coolers. Enjoy casual meals at the breakfast bar, or step onto your private terrace for al fresco dining among the sights of the city. A powder room and laundry room with Miele in-unit washer-dryer complete the living spaces.
Head to the west-facing owner's suite to find three closets, including a walk-in, plus sleek built-ins and an en suite marble bath. There's another bedroom suite along the western exposure, and a third suite near the entry offers eastern outlooks. A fourth bedroom, accessible from both the hall and great room, makes for an ideal home office, den or media room. Automatic blinds and designer lighting with smart home controls add effortless ease to this remarkable uptown sanctuary.
Welcome to the New West, a postwar, pet-friendly condominium where residents enjoy 24-hour doorman and concierge service; a fitness center with a pool, sauna and spa; resident lounge; playroom; laundry on each floor; and a magnificent rooftop deck. Subletting, pieds-à-terre and 90 percent financing permitted. Located at the corner of 90th and Broadway, this home is at the epicenter of desirable Upper West Side living with amazing shopping, dining and nightlife in every direction. Central Park and Riverside Park provide world-class outdoor space, and 1/2/3 and B/C trains, excellent bus service and CitiBikes put the rest of the city within easy reach.
NOVEMBER 24, 2020
BY DEVIN GANNON
A new public art installation opened on Monday in the Flatiron Public Plaza as part of the neighborhood’s annual “23 Days of Flatiron Cheer” holiday programming. Designed by firm Studio Cooke John, the Point of Action installation consists of nine metal pavilions surrounded by six-foot concentric circles with ropes that part, creating a “spotlight” and allowing passersby to connect with one another. The firm’s work was selected as this year’s winning design by the Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership and Van Alen Institute.
“Point of Action” designer, architect Nina Cooke John. Photo courtesy of Cameron Blaylock
It’s the first installation in the Flatiron public plaza to take up both the North and South Plazas, which allows visitors to stay socially distanced while still engaged with the work. Lights shine above each circle and outward from the sides of each frame.
“We are at a threshold during this pandemic. Now that our eyes have been opened to realities that have been with us all along, how do we move forward? My hope is that Point of Action makes people think about how we connect to the people we see every day so that we can move forward together,” Nina Cooke John, founder and principal of Studio Cooke John, said in a statement.
Point of Action will be on view from November 23, 2020 through January 1, 2021, on Broadway, Fifth Avenue, and 23rd Street.
“Point of Action beautifully meets our city’s current moment of uncertainty, provoking us to think not only about our interconnectedness with one another, but the role of our public spaces in creating connected, healthy, and resilient communities as we look toward collective recovery,” James Mettham, executive director of the Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership, said.
Photo courtesy of Cameron Blaylock
“There is no better place for this installation than the Flatiron Public Plazas, world-renown public spaces for meeting friends, participating in our public programming, and enjoying art and architecture. We are proud to partner with Van Alen Institute to present Point of Action and we invite visitors from near and far to visit Flatiron this season.”
“23 Days of Flatiron Cheer” will kick off December 1 and run through December 23 with a host of holiday programming, like discounts at neighborhood stores, virtual holiday-themed tours of the Flatiron District, holiday meal kits, digital giveaways, and fundraising opportunities.
All photos courtesy of Cameron Blaylock
As we move into the final month of a raucous 2020, there are many things to be thankful for. A coronavirus vaccine seems to be right around the corner. The election is over, with a transition of power that appears to be moving in the correct direction for now. The Dow hit 30,000 for the first time ever, and New York City just announced that schools will reopen.
But, if you were to examine real estate market activity alone, you'd never know there was so much to be grateful for. There hasn't ever been a better time to buy, and yet I had three calls this morning from buyers who may have “missed the boat.” Maybe we'll see a more robust return to normal after the holidays, but if buyers were smart, they would be negotiating and putting property into contract RIGHT NOW!
The opportunity to buy has never been better, and here's why: Interest rates are hovering around 2.5 to 3 percent. Listings are going into contract anywhere from 5 to 15 percent under their adjusted COVID pricing. The rental market has about 5 percent visible availability and a shadow inventory of close to 20 percent. The cards haven't been in the buyers' or renters' favor like this in the 20 years that I've been selling real estate.
It's the darndest thing, but when the streets are on fire, the buyers run to the hills instead of turning back around and buying, buying, buying. There is a small group of smart buyers who took advantage of our current situation. In five years, when they go to sell, they will be extremely happy as droves come back into New York City and drive prices back up. Invariably, that's what's going to happen in the next six to 12 months. Then buyers will be asking themselves, where were all the discounts I've been reading about!?!?
So if you're a buyer — buy.
Compass has announced its expansion to the State of Hawaii. Top agents from O’ahu, Maui, Kaua’i, and the Big Island have joined the firm.
Read the full article here by Real Estate Weekly.
With Winter on its way and outdoor dining here to stay for the holidays, take off your coat and dine in comfort inside a heated tent!
From Bed-Stuy to the UWS,this article has got you covered with a list of establishments that offer outdoor dining with heaters to keep you warm.
If animal lantern safaris, ice-carving, costumed characters, and stilt walkers sound fun to you, then you'll love this year's annual outdoor Holiday Lights event at NYC's own Bronx Zoo!
Tickets must be ordered in advance this year to allow for social distancing and cost $35 for adults and $23 for children. Check out available dates here!
Nothing welcomes the holiday season quite like a well-decorated, festive home. Whether you prefer traditional red-and-green decor or favor a more subtle use of gold and white, you can infuse every room in your home with holiday cheer. Take decorating inspiration from VERANDA.
Not only will the personalized boxed gifts show your loved ones that you're thinking about them, but they're sure to last well beyond the holiday season. Harper's Bazaar has made a list of the perfect subscription boxes to choose from, from fashion and beauty to food and fitness.
14 Winter Vacation Ideas in the U.S.
A winter vacation is a great cure after the holidays. Where to go is the question, with so many options and destinations. Here are Travel + Leisure's top 14 winter vacation ideas for destinations around the United States. Whether flying or driving, there's sure to be wintery fun within your reach!
Photo by Alex Haney on Unsplash
NOVEMBER 30, 2020
BY DANA SCHULZ
Starting this Thursday, December 3, if you want a chance to see the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree for five minutes (yep, there’s a time limit), you’ll need to reserve advance tickets. In his press conference today, Mayor de Blasio outlined the new system, which includes closing 49th and 50th Streets between 6th and 7th Avenues to vehicular traffic and setting up four-person “pods” where guests will be directed to see the tree. “This is going to be a challenging holiday season in a lot of ways, but it’s still going to be a beautiful one,” said the mayor.
First and foremost, the mayor advocated that people enjoy the tree via the live televised lighting that will air this Wednesday, December 2. “That’s the best way to see it. To feel that moment that we cherish every year when the lights go on and it’s another reminder of the beauty of the holiday season,” said the mayor. The event, which is not open to the public this year, will air on NBC from 8-10pm and will feature performances by the Radio City Rockettes, Dolly Parton, Kelly Clarkson, Jimmy Fallon, Pentatonix, Gwen Stefani, Meghan Trainor, and more.
For those who do want to go in person, the city’s timed and socially distant approach is as follows:
49th and 50th Streets between 6th and 7th Avenues closed to vehicular traffic
Tree viewing entrances on 49th and 50th Streets at 5th and 6th Avenues ONLY
5-minute tree viewing limit
Guests directed to pods; no more than 4 people in one pod
Virtual queueing activated; guests can scan QR code to see wait times
This is the second year that the city expanded pedestrian space around Rockefeller Center during the holiday season, though last year the intent was to accommodate the massive crowds that visit the tree each year.
Mayor de Blasio first mentioned a ticketed system for the tree in his Sunday press conference, during which he said that his team had been working with the state on the approach. You’ll be able to reserve your tickets on the Rockefeller Center website, though this feature has not yet been made live.
This year’s tree is a 75-foot tall, 11-ton Norway Spruce from Oneonta, N.Y. It will be adorned with 50,000 multi-colored LED lights strung on nearly five miles of wire and will be topped with a 900-pound Swarovski crystal star designed by architect Daniel Libeskind in 2018.
For those interested in skating on the adjacent ice rink, it opened a month later than usual on November 21 to give more time to restaurants currently using the plaza for outdoor dining, and it will close several months early on January 17 to begin work on a major revamp. You can buy tickets here.
The first Christmas tree went up in Rockefeller Center in 1931 when construction workers on the massive development site pooled their wages to buy a tree that they decorated with handmade garland from their families. It’s been lit every year since 1933 and broadcast live on television every year since 1951.
The New York City real estate market is busy, but we're seeing relatively few deals for the amount of activity. To put it another way, real estate brokers will tell you that we are all busy, but not "good busy." Case in point, we just put a property into contract at the asking price in less than 40 days. However, it took over 70 showings to do it!
The phone is ringing. Showings are happening (with staggering frequency, frankly). Listings are on the market for incredible prices. Interest rates are lower than I've ever seen them in my 20-year career. A brave buyer who's getting a great deal just told me she's about to lock her rate. I asked her what she got, and she told me 2.5 percent. Unbelievable!
All these ingredients are bringing buyers to the table, but few are partaking in the feast. There is a confluence of events causing tremendous instability, including the election (which will, hopefully, be resolved within the next few days), the pandemic and the rising outbreaks, empty office buildings and retail storefronts, and very low residential rental rates that keep on falling. Buyers understandably have a lot holding them back.
I've been keeping track of weekly contracts signed since the start of the COVID crisis. We just broke the record and had 198 signings in the week ending on October 23. There will likely be 198 very happy owners selling these properties at tremendous gains five to seven years from now because of the current market conditions. This is why it's bewildering that more buyers aren't moving forward. Potential homebuyers inherently know that they should be buying, and that's the right time to buy. Yet, the fear of a bigger picture with so much uncertainty has foiled their ability to capitalize on probably the best buyers' market I've seen in 20 years. It's understandable, but the buyers who skate out onto the ice first will gain the most.
You may be asking yourself, how can anybody buy with such huge unanswered questions looming on the horizon? What can a skittish buyer do to move forward?
I know! Buy!
It's time. Be the first to skate out on the ice and capitalize when others are hindered by fear. Take advantage of a situation that we may never see again in our lifetimes. This really could be the best buying opportunity in a generation or more. I know it's scary. I know there could be more downturns in the market, but this is New York City, where buyers' markets only happen for a several months every decade. This one began in the middle of the shutdown when we saw the biggest discounts of listing prices. But there are still deals to be had, opportunities to be seized, and the chance to get your piece of the Big Apple at a discount! Once the herd mentality sets and certainty reinstates itself in the consumer psyche, then it'll be over in a flash. Just like that. Poof! Activity will pick up with ferocity with buyers competing with one another, snatching up inventory and sending this current moment's opportunity to the history books.
Modus, an escrow and digital title startup, has joined the Compass family! This exciting addition is another step towards Compass' goal to create the first end-to-end platform in real estate. Modus' digital title and escrow tools will provide Compass agents and clients a seamless closing process. Read more here.
We am excited to announce that Compass has officially expanded to the Aloha State. We would like to extend a warm welcome to our new Compass Hawaii team members. Congratulations Compass Hawaii! Read more here.
Purchase local crafts, grab a fresh-made snack, or peruse local goods at the annual open-air Holiday Market. Then throw on a pair of skates and enjoys NYC’s only free admission ice skating rink! Click here to check out all the shops and plan your visit in advance!
As one of the most iconic seasonal events, The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will go on, but it'll look very different than it has over its last 94 years. Read up here to learn what will change and what remains same during this unprecedented year, and watch the parade on Thanksgiving Day from 9am-12pm EST on NBC.
The days of gyms being grungy, unfinished basements with a dusty weight bench are over. Elle Decor showcases how the pandemic's shutdown of public gyms across the country propelled the home gym from afterthought to a design priority. These times have brought new importance to what many fitness buffs have known all along: where you work out matters almost as much as how you work out.
Aside from the big meal, setting the Thanksgiving table is a big part of the occasion for many families. After all, you want your table to look as good as the food you serve. Parade recommends adding a small detail or two to elevate your Thanksgiving tablescape.
Located in the micro nabe of Beverley Square East, this detached single family home offers parking, bedrooms galore and an interior stuffed with original details. Dating to the early 20th century, 340 East 18th Street also boasts a front porch and a rear yard for plenty of fresh air space.
The Beverley squares, both east and west, were largely developed by T. B. Ackerson, who envisioned carving upscale neighborhoods out of the former farmland of Flatbush. He had competition from other enclaves as multiple developers sought to lure home buyers with the promise of modern living outside of the city.
The Colonial Revival-style No. 340 East 18th Street likely dates to between 1901-1902 when many of the houses in the neighborhood were constructed. It was definitely in place by 1905, when it appears on Sanborn map of the area.
It was designed with generous entertaining spaces on the first floor, including a large foyer, parlor, library and a dining room in addition to an updated kitchen. The upper two floors hold seven bedrooms, a full bath and laundry.
The formal rooms of the first floor are packed with unpainted woodwork, including columned mantels with mirrored overmantels, wood floors with inlaid borders, built-ins and a dining room with beamed ceilings, wainscoting and plate rail. There’s also stained glass to be found.
The rear of the first floor has been modernized with an L-shaped kitchen with white cabinets, room for a table and glass doors looking out out to the rear garden. Adjacent to the kitchen is a full bath and storage.
The original stair with a window seat at the landing leads to the less detail filled upper floors but the bedrooms still have wood floors and simple moldings. Three of the four bedrooms on the second floor have windowed bays. There’s just one full bath shared by the bedrooms but one bedroom boasts an original marble sink and the floorplans show a passthrough with sink in between two other bedrooms. The other full bath in the house is located in the basement.
Out back there’s a wood deck off the kitchen with stairs leading down to a lawn with a raised planting bed. A driveway runs along the side of the house.
The house hasn’t been on the market since 1989. It’s now listed for $2 million with Dylan Hoffman and Andrew T. Corso of Compass. What do you think?
[Listing: 340 East 18th Street | Broker: Compass] GMAP
Uncertainty is the enemy in many scenarios, especially in financial markets, employment and the real estate sector. Right now, there are a number of deals happening in the city. However, many buyers are on pause as a multitude of question marks lie ahead, in business, health, politics and more. In the meantime, the rental market continues to sink lower while the sales inventory climbs ever upward.
Sale prices seem to be wavering in the wind like a kite — momentarily holding steady, then changing direction with another guest of wind. The metaphor holds true for the scads of unsure buyers, as well. We're seeing a lot of interest but also a lot of trepidation. In some markets, especially in Brooklyn, listings are going to contract seemingly immediately, and some even, dare I say it, bidding wars.
What lies ahead is anyone's guess, frankly. In the wake of a world-altering pandemic, today's market feels different than it did after other world-altering, life-changing events from our past. Probably because there is so much hanging in the balance at this very uncertain moment. Nobody knows what the next six weeks will hold, not just in terms of COVID, but also all the hot button issues such as the Supreme Court nomination, national social justice demonstrations and, oh, that presidential election thingy. Will New York City be able to keep numbers low in light of a return to school and indoor dining? Or will a second wave be on the horizon? Is a full recovery of the economy possible without a vaccine or will we see a broader global economic downturn? Uncertainty is everywhere--so it’s understandable that buyers have a bit of this as well. They can’t help themselves. It’s everywhere.
Other regions across the country, including larger cities, are experiencing tremendous sellers' markets. But we're not quite there in New York City. Yet. Our market as a whole seems to be in flux. On hold Paused. Halting. In transition. Stopped. Resting. Waiting for the other shoe to drop. And yet, some buyers are confidently skating out onto the ice and being rewarded handsomely for it with record-low interest rates, listing prices (arguably) 10 percent less than before COVID, with extra negotiation room on top of that.
It's a good time to buy. Really good. And buyers who are boldly forging ahead know this. All the questions cannot be answered right now. All the uncertainty cannot be removed. But to live in the moment is to seize the day, to live your life in the city that you love and help revive and care for it. There's a reason why we were all here. It's because we love New York City. And our city will come back. It always has, and it always will.
Leaf Peeping 2020
Who doesn't love witnessing the gorgeous transformation of leaves during the fall? Autumn is a magical time of year in our beautiful state. Take a trip out of the city to recharge and enjoy the fresh air and stunning scenery by exploring this 2020 Fall Foliage Map for optimal leaf peeping!
Most Anticipated Restaurants Opening this Fall
Looking to try something new? As we settle into the new season, new restaurant openings are on the horizon. Eater New York has rounded up a list of the most exciting openings to look forward to through the end of this year. Read up here.
62 Best Fall Crafts to Help Celebrate the Season
Autumn is finally here, and that means it's time for a some easy, earth-toned, comfy-cozy DIYs. Country Living has gathered together the best crafts to bring in the new season. Each of these easy, family-friendly crafts is super cute and incredibly simple to make.
2020 Simple Organizing and Design Ideas
Over the past six months, we've all realized the importance of our homes and the impact of our living spaces. For the third annual Real Simple Home, Real Simple partnered with talented designers and organizers to share ideas for making every area inviting, calming, and ultra-functional. Explore here.
#TheHoffmanTeam
2 Bed | 2 Bath | Co-op
Elegant contemporary design and stunning city views abound in this impeccably renovated two-bedroom, two-bathroom home in a full-service, amenity-rich co-op, just steps from Union Square.
Spanning 1,400 square feet, this seamlessly combined unit is the epitome of style and refinement with its muted color palette, white oak wide-plank floors and premium finishes. Golden light fills every room thanks to a dozen windows facing south and wes and outfitted with Hunter Douglas motorized shades. From the gracious foyer, you're invited into a spacious living room and dining area where Fifth Avenue views stretch all the way to One World Trade. The sleek open kitchen dazzles with wooden cabinetry, custom under cabinet lighting, Ceasarstone quartz Countertops and a fleet of upscale stainless steel appliances, including a Viking gas range, Miele dishwasher and French door Sub Zero refrigerator.
The desirable split-bedroom layout places the owner's suite alongside the western exposure, where you'll find three extra-large closets and a gleaming en suite bathroom with a frameless glass shower featuring a Grohe rainshower head, gorgeous tile and outfitted with Robern vanity and medicine cabinet, Dornbracht fixtures and a Toto toilet. The second bedroom faces south and enjoys easy access to a second full bath outfitted with a tub/shower. Both bedrooms are a quiet place perfect for relaxation thanks to CitiQuiet windows. Generous custom closet space, including a huge walk-in closet near the entry, and an in-unit Miele washer-dryer complete this masterfully designed, light-filled haven.
The Wedgwood House is a smoke-free postwar, pet-friendly co-op offering 24-hour doorman service, a live-in superintendent, laundry, bike room and storage. The outstanding landscaped roof deck features panoramic views, and the onsite parking garage is accessible from within the building.
Located at the intersection of the Flatiron District, Union Square, Greenwich Village and Chelsea, this home is surrounded by the best of Manhattan living. Foodies will love the easy access to Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, Eataly and the Union Square greenmarket. Enjoy glorious outdoor space and events at Madison, Union and Washington Square Parks. Access to transportation is unbeatable with N/Q/R/W, 4/5/6, L, F/M and PATH trains, abundant bus service and CitiBike stations all within easy reach.
One of the surest ways to know an out-of-towner is if they pronounce it “HUE-stun” instead of “HOW-stun” Street. But have you ever wondered why we don’t say it like the Texas city? The Times received this question from a reader and turned to Gerard Koeppel‘s book “City on a Grid: How New York Became New York” for the answer. According to Koeppel, “Houston the city is named after Sam Houston. Our street was named after a fellow named William Houstoun, who was a prominent Georgian, from a long line of Scotsmen.”
William Houstoun was born in 1755 in Savannah, Georgia. He began legal training at London’s Inner Temple, but returned to Georgia in 1783 to represent his state in the Continental Congress. He was a delegate in the 1787 Constitutional Convention and was one of the original trustees of the University of Georgia at Athens, but despite his “southern pedigree,” it was his wife who “had the kind of clout that earns a person a street named in his honor,” according to Koeppel.
Houstoun married Mary Bayard in 1788. She was a member of the prominent Bayard family, mostly lawyers and politicians from Wilmington, Delaware who were leaders in the Democratic party and traced their roots to Peter Stuyvesant. In New York, the family owned several large farms, but the same year she was married, Mary’s father, Nicholas Bayard III, fell on financial trouble and had to sell his 100-acre farm in present-day Soho.
In a separate interview with NY1, Koeppel explained, “He figured the only way he was able to hold onto the land was to lay it out into a grid and sell it off in lots.” So he carved it into 35 blocks, naming the east-west streets and numbering the north-south streets (the latter were later renamed for Revolutionary War generals like Wooster and Greene). He named one of these thoroughfares “Houstoun Street” in honor of Mary’s husband. The southern boundary was renamed Bayard Street, which also still exists today. But why do we now spell it “Houston?” Koeppel’s theory is that Sam Houston was gaining so much fame that people began confusing the two spellings.
There seem to be parallel universes at play in the New York City real estate market right now. As of the end of August, there were over 8,200 listings on the market, which is about 700 units more than an average August. Meanwhile, about 150 to 175 listings are going into contract every week since the reopening; a typical market week would see that figure at over 250 units.
According to these numbers, the market would be perceived as slow: high inventory, low demand. I hear many agents saying they're getting no phone calls, no emails, no requests to see the properties they're listing and marketing.
And yet there seem to be many more agents, like us, saying that this is the busiest they've ever been! The Hoffman Team has put 20 units in contract in August. We currently have over $10 million in buyers' offers out. We have an inventory of over $40 million in listings, and the majority of them are getting phone calls, offers and plenty of action.
So, what makes us so different? The Hoffman Team takes pride in educating our buyers and our sellers to embrace the unique opportunities that our current circumstances have to offer. We know that this is a difficult time for many, and we will help everyone work through this process as much as we can. But know that there are opportunities for all of those who choose to embrace the moment. We are here to help sellers move on and to assist buyers in starting anew. Whenever there is change, there is opportunity. If you lean into this historic time with positivity, possibilities can emerge, lives can heal, and our world can be reborn from the ashes of the, at times, scary and traumatic events we've been through over the last five months.
We choose to embrace this moment. We choose to take the opportunities and educate all who are ready to take this journey with us, whether that's new adventures outside of New York City or an exciting fresh start within our beautiful city. Either way – we think positivity will prevail. That's the tale we choose to embrace.
Last month, Compass launched a brand new comparative market analysis (CMA) tool, powered by Compass' investment in artificial intelligence (AI). “Compass’ new CMA enhances our agents’ market expertise by making AI-powered recommendations and simplifying complex data so they can help their clients build the best possible pricing strategy for their home.”
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With temperatures cooling down, it's the perfect time to enjoy refreshing fall air, especially while safely dining outside! TimeOut has compiled a list of nine restaurants in NYC that are serving up delicious food and stunning outdoor ambience. Plan your next dinner out here.
2 Bed | 2 Bath | Condo
Spectacular high floor two-bed, two-bath unit with panoramic views of the Midtown Manhattan skyline with views of iconic NYC landmarks from the corner window.
Newly renovated this open and bright apartment has been meticulously renovated. The new chefs kitchen with stainless steel appliances is open to the living space which lends itself to entertaining along with the wet bar with minifridge and wine cooler. The master suite features a large L-shaped walk-in-closet, and the new master bathroom has dual sinks and a large soaking tub. This split two-bed unit also has a private washer/dryer and is a must see.
The Warren House Condominium is a full-service building featuring a 24-hour doorman, full-time concierge, and porters. Amenities include; beautifully landscaped roof deck with sweeping city views, garage, cold storage, bicycle room, and private storage.
It takes nearly 40 stagehands and electricians more than a week to produce the annual Tribute in Light display that marks the 9/11 anniversary each year, according to the New York Times. And because they must work in close contact, the National September 11 Memorial & Museum decided last week to cancel this year’s memorial. Upon hearing the news, Governor Cuomo, however, stepped in and said he’d provide the medical personnel necessary to make the event happen safely.
In a statement, Governor Cuomo said:
This year it is especially important that we all appreciate and commemorate 9/11, the lives lost, and the heroism displayed as New Yorkers are once again called upon to face a common enemy. I understand the Museum’s concern for health and safety, and appreciate their reconsideration. The state will provide health personnel to supervise to make sure the event is held safely while at the same time properly honoring 9/11. We will never forget.
The first Tribute in Light was projected into the sky six months after September 11, 2001. It has then been projected every September 11 from dusk to dawn. The Museum has been managing it since 2012.
The public art installation was developed by the Municipal Art Society and Creative Time, who brought together six artists and designers and a lighting consultant. The projection takes place from the roof of the Battery Parking Garage, just south of the 9/11 Memorial, and is run on temporary generators. From two 48-foot squares, comprised of 88, 7,000-watt xenon lightbulbs, the twin beams shine up to four miles into the sky, “echoing the shape and orientation of the Twin Towers,” according to the Museum.
Prior to the governor stepping in, the Museum had developed an alternative memorial, Tribute in Lights, in conjunction with NYC & Company, the city’s marketing and tourism arm. This would have had iconic New York City buildings, including One World Trade Center, light their spires and facades in blue.
In a statement on their website, 9/11 Memorial & Museum President and CEO Alice M. Greenwald said:
In the last 24 hours we’ve had conversations with many interested parties and believe we will be able to stage the tribute in a safe and appropriate fashion… I want to particularly thank Mike Bloomberg, Governor Cuomo, and the Lower Manhattan Development Corp. for their assistance in offsetting the increased costs associated with the health and safety considerations around the tribute this year and the technical support of so many that will enable the tribute to be a continuing source of comfort to families and an inspiration to the world going forward.
Last month, the National September 11 Memorial & Museum announced that they would not have the traditional “reading of the names” at this year’s 9/11 ceremony. Usually, family members of some of the 3,000 who lost their lives gather on stage and read the names of the victims, often including personal messages. To adhere to social distancing guidelines this year, a recorded reading of the names that’s part of the Museum’s “In Memoriam” exhibition will be broadcast.
Family members will still be welcome on the plaza, and the rest of the ceremony will remain largely unchanged, save for social distancing and mask requirements. This year’s ceremony will begin at 8:30am with the first of six moments of silence beginning at 8:46am, at which time houses of worship will toll their bells. The moments of silence are observed at the exact times each World Trade Center tower was struck and fell, when the Pentagon was attacked, and the crash of United Airlines Flight 93.
2 Bed | 1 Bath | Co-Op
*304 West 89th Street:*
-Co-Op
-Live-in super
-Bike and private storage for rent
-Pied-a-terres are permitted with board approval
-Subletting allowed with board approval for up to two years
__________________________________________
Move right into this flawless, beautifully updated two-bedroom, one-bathroom home in a stunning Upper West Side cooperative less than a block from Riverside Park.
Spanning roughly 1,000 square feet, this home masterfully blends prewar details and contemporary updates. Enter the gracious foyer to discover an expansive living room, featuring Brazillian cherry hardwood floors, 9-foot-tall coved ceilings, handsome millwork and eastern windows. The open windowed chef's kitchen invites you to test your culinary skill with abundant cabinetry, granite counters, glass tile backsplashes and upscale stainless steel appliances, including a vented Bertazzoni range, Leibherr refrigerator, a panelled Miele dishwasher and a Marvel wine refrigerator. An over-sized pull out pantry adds extra convenience. Two spacious bedrooms feature custom Closet Factory closets and extraordinary northern, open-sky views that stretch across the Upper West Side's historic rooftops. The main bedroom features a 10-foot wide custom closet with lots of bells and whistles - 4 separate clothes racks and 3 deep drawers, multiple shelves, and 28 shoe compartments plus 2 pull out racks for belts/jewelry/ties and a pull out bar for dry cleaning. Concealed with NY Sliding Door Company custom built mirrored doors. The windowed bathroom is filled with charming tile and marble, and built-in cabinetry, an extra closet, and designer lighting add style and ease to this exceptional co-op residence.
Designed in 1922 by the acclaimed Rosario Candela, 304 West 89th Street is a handsome brick and limestone co-op where residents enjoy a live-in superintendent who receives packages, a laundry room, storage lockers and bike room. Board policies permit pets, 80 percent financing, parents buying for children, gifting, co-purchases and guarantors with approval.
Set on a tree-lined street near the corner of West End Avenue, this home is at the center of the Riverside-West End Historic District and surrounded by delightful architecture on all sides. Sprawling Riverside Park, itself a scenic landmark, is just seconds from your front door, and Central Park sits less than a half-mile east. The renowned dining, nightlife and gourmet shopping of the Upper West Side is moments away, and access to transportation is excellent with 1/2/3 trains and abundant bus service nearby.
*Current assessment of $166.42 until 12/31/2023
1 Bed | 1 Bath | Co-Op
Enjoy ample sunshine from south-facing windows located in every room of this charming one-bedroom co-op apartment in a sought-after prime Chelsea neighborhood. The quiet, nicely laid out apartment is perched in a gorgeous brick elevator building set in the middle of a tree-lined residential street.
Enter the generous foyer and arrive in the renovated, windowed kitchen, featuring stainless steel appliances and ample counter and cabinet space. To the left of the foyer, you'll find the spacious living room, and to the right, the bedroom. The sun-filled bedroom features ample storage space with a full wall of large closets. In the hallway you'll find the renovated, windowed marble bathroom outfitted with gleaming square tiles and fine fixtures. Nine-foot ceilings rise overhead, while hardwood floors run throughout the home adding to the airy feel of this property.
130 West 16th Street is a fabulous pre-war elevator building featuring a lovely rooftop garden (open April through October) with a wood deck and beautiful city views. The building includes a live-in super, central laundry room and voice intercom system. Set between Union Square and Chelsea Market, you'd be hard pressed to find a better neighborhood in New York. The fabulous High Line is three blocks west. Nearly every subway line A/C/E, 1/2/3, N/Q/R, 4/5/6, L and two PATH trains are located within blocks. Great West Village restaurants, quaint shops and stores and just around the corner from Westside Market and Whole Foods. Pets allowed with board approval. Sublets permitted after one year; no pied—terres permitted.
Social distancing guidelines have definitely gotten restaurants to be extra creative, like The Rooftop at Pier 17 which has just opened a new dining experience where guests can book one of 28 “mini-lawns.” Called The Greens, the experience has transformed the South Street Seaport rooftop venue into private cabana-style plots, each of which can accommodate eight guests.
Pier 17–a food/drink, retail, and entertainment complex designed by SHoP Architects–opened in 2018, with its 1.5-acre rooftop space serving as a restaurant and cocktail lounge. In addition to an annual summer concert series, in the winter months, the rooftop transforms into the city’s only open-air rooftop ice-skating rink.
The Greens is the rooftop’s newest incarnation. The mini-lawns measure 14′ x 14′ and come with lounge chairs, an umbrella, a beverage cooler, and USB ports for charging electronic devices. There will be proper cleaning procedures, hand sanitizer stations throughout, and contactless ordering done through guests’ individual phones.
Guests also have the option to reserve one of four gaming lawns, also available for groups of up to eight people. They each measure 12′ x 48′ and have available games to rent like bocce ball, cornhole, and giant Jenga. There will be a 32-foot-wide LED screen on the north side of the rooftop, where guests will be able to watch a game. They can also look forward to live music, DJs, and the return of Seaport Cinema.
When it comes to the menu, there are plenty of snacks like calamari, corn on the cob, and hummus. The rest of the food menu consists of seasonal items like a tomato strawberry salad, fish and chips, a lobster roll, and a burger. The cocktails are fun and summery and include a frozen jalapeno-watermelon margarita, a pineapple colada, and a mint tropic punch.
The Greens officially opened on August 1st and is open seven days a week from 11 am–11 pm, weather permitting. Online reservations for the mini lawns and gaming lawns are preferred and can be made in advance on the Pier 17 website.
