10 Bleecker Street, Unit 1B - COMING SOON

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- COMING SOON -

10 Bleecker Street, Unit 1B

NOHO, NEW YORK

$3,150,000

3 Bed  |  2 Bath | Co-Op

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Beautifully planned and designed, this stunning three-bedroom, two-bathroom duplex offers maisonette privacy and co-op amenities in the perfect NoHo location.Furnished rental is an option!

Impeccably gut renovated to maximize its historic character, while adding modern conveniences and high style, this expansive loft residence offers airy living spaces under soaring 13-foot ceilings. Arrive on the upper level via your own private entrance — and take in industrial-chic concrete floors and sleek white art walls highlighted by an original column and beam. The great room provides a spacious and sunny space for living and dining, while the gleaming white-on-white kitchen offers top-notch appliances and a massive marble waterfall island. A rustic barn door reveals a luxurious master suite on this level lined with sumptuous wall coverings and clerestory windows. A huge, fitted walk-in closet attends to the wardrobe, and the en suite bathroom boasts floor-to-ceiling marble, with an oversized walk-in shower and a distinctive trough basin.

Downstairs, flawless wide-plank hardwood leads you to the expansive den/playroom. More columns, clerestory windows and barn doors provide architectural appeal, and bedrooms on this level feature large windows and stunning exposed brick. The full bathroom here dazzles with designer stone and an enormous clawfoot soaking tub. There's a massive storage room with in-unit washer-dryer and utility sink, and air conditioning units provide year-round comfort.

Set within the NoHo East Historic District, 10 Bleecker Street is a handsome Renaissance Revival structure built for commercial use in 1893. Its earliest occupants were garment businesses, novelty companies and tool-and-die firms. Converted to cooperative use in 1986, today's residents enjoy newly updated common areas, video intercom and virtual doorman technology, private storage lockers and bike room, laundry, and a large furnished roof deck with barbecue grills.

Located at where Elizabeth Street meets Bleecker, this building is at the intersection of Downtown Manhattan's best neighborhoods: NoHo, SoHo, The Bowery, Greenwich Village, the East Village and the Lower East Side. Famed Washington Square Park, Tompkins Square Park and Roosevelt Park provide ample green space; NYU is a stone's throw away; and the exciting Essex Crossing development is within easy reach. Transportation from this accessible neighborhood is a breeze with 6, B/D/F/M and N/R/W all nearby.

Get Your Own Slice of the Big Apple: Buying a House in Manhattan with Dylan Hoffman

Get Your Own Slice of the Big Apple:

Buying a House in Manhattan

by Lira Samanta
Posted onApril 19, 2021
5 min read

If you’re ready to buy a house in Manhattan, congratulations! Being able to afford a home in this swanky NYC borough means enjoying unparalleled access to the world’s preeminent nexus of culture, cuisine, architecture, and finance. Internationally renowned museums like the Met and MoMA, theater productions on and off-Broadway, and the culturally ubiquitous Central Park are all just a subway ride away for Manhattanites.

But getting to live in such a cultural epicenter means getting ahead of an exceptionally competitive real estate market. It’s no surprise that in a city with more millionaires than any other place in the world, the most desirable properties can go to contract in a matter of days. And if you’ve never experienced home shopping in a world of co-ops before, well, let’s just say it’s not as simple as finding and making an offer on your dream unit.

We interviewed real estate experts with decades of experience to help you win a bid on your own home in Manhattan’s hyper-competitive, fast-paced market.

Source: (Josephine Baran / Unsplash)

Know the price of a slice of a Manhattan apple

Despite the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the median home price in Manhattan was over $1.1 million in Q3 2020 — one of the highest in the country. Size, location, building type, and proximity to public transportation all factor into home prices.

Dylan Hoffman - COMPASS

Keep in mind that co-ops, which are housing cooperatives collectively owned by the residents, make up over 70% of the marketplace in 2021, while the rest of the housing stock is typically condos and townhouses.

“Condos cost 30% more on average than co-ops,” says Dylan Hoffman, a local agent with over 19 years of experience, who’s sold 37% more properties than the average New York agent. Hoffman notes that small studios in co-ops can start at $265,000 compared to $500,000 in condos. Studio apartments with an alcove for more space start at $650,000 in co-ops compared to $860,000 in condos. One-bedroom apartments in co-ops can start at $700,000 in co-ops compared to $1.2 million in condos.

Closing costs can range from 2.5% to as high as 6% of the sale price, so be sure to leave room in your budget for your attorney and real estate agent, as well as for filing fees and other required deposits.

Prioritize your metropolitan must-haves

Though cosmetic upgrades like fresh paint and new furnishings can be appealing, don’t forget to prioritize your requirements.

“I always tell buyers to look at what you can’t change,” says Hoffman.

“Are you facing an avenue or a street? Do you have a view of a beautifully manicured garden of the townhouse behind or of a brick wall? Are you across the street from a bus station or from a park?”

If you plan to use the subway to get around, make sure you also assess the distance of any homes you’re considering from your most frequently used subway lines.

Painting and refacing cabinets in your new home are doable, but if you’re eager to make bigger home improvements after your purchase, know that many buildings only allow a few units to be renovated at a time. Getting the necessary approvals can take up to four months, so plan for this ahead of time.

Inspections & attorneys

The standard contract for co-ops and condos specifies that the seller must provide a unit in working order, which means that heating and plumbing systems, as well as appliances, must be ready for use as soon as you move in.

Buyers of homes in smaller buildings (with between 5 and 10 units) pay a larger percentage to cover the cost of building upkeep, compared to those who purchase a home in a high-rise. Jean Chou, the principal attorney at JLC & Associates, advises her clients who buy in smaller buildings to schedule their own inspections as part of the homebuying process.

Hiring an attorney, which is a local convention in New York, eases the burden of buyer due diligence on an entire building’s amenities, including elevator updates and hot water service.

Attorneys also help you understand the scope of future upkeep. “Whenever we look at the building’s financials, we get a sense of whether or not the building has those extra reserves and if there is a significant capital improvement that will be needed,” says Chou.

Source: (Dollar Gill / Unsplash)

Challenges to buying your slice of the apple

Unlike other cities, the standard contract for co-ops and condos usually prevents homebuyers from having to worry about typical challenges like mold, termites, or other issues revealed by an inspection. However, cash offers are not uncommon in Manhattan, and knowing how to compete with these is key.

Sellers appreciate cash offers because of their faster timelines, as there’s no need to wait for a mortgage loan. But working closely with your agent allows you to determine what else matters to the seller, like the timing of the deal, or possibly the opportunity to rent back the unit for a few months while they figure out their own next move. A top agent will help you remain competitive even in a cash market.

Flood zones in the city?

You may be wondering what it means for you if your new home is in a FEMA flood zone.

Most homes sold in Manhattan are part of a larger building, and as the building itself may have flood insurance, you may not need coverage of your own. Your mortgage lender will assess the overall coverage and advise on whether you’ll need to purchase flood insurance, particularly if you’re buying a unit on the ground floor of a building.

How to make an offer

When it comes to making a competitive bid on a Manhattan home, “Price is king,” says Hoffman. He also emphasizes the importance of having a complete offer, including a completed REBNY financial form issued by the Real Estate Board of New York, and a preapproval letter from your bank.

Another step that can give you an edge is to write a personalized letter to the seller describing your dreams for your life in your new home. “Sellers love that,” says Hoffman. “They’re so emotionally engaged in their home — they have so many fond memories!”

A powerful letter outlining how you plan to carry on the traditions in this home that were dear to the seller in their years of life there can even help you win a bid against a buyer with a slightly higher offer.

Chou stresses the importance of assembling a good team early on, even before you make an offer: “Not just the right attorney but the right agent and the right mortgage banker or loan officer, ideally as soon as possible, even as you’re starting the search process.

“Things move really quickly here,” says Chou. “A lot of times, it’s not unusual for a homebuyer to submit an offer, and they’re being asked to wire over 10% within a week” for an earnest money deposit.

Be sure you have members on your team who you can trust on an expedited timeline so you’re not grappling for resources with only days left to spare.

Source: (Steve Strang / Unsplash)

The lay of the land in Manhattan

Where to start looking for a home in a borough that has over 50 historic neighborhoods? Some areas popular with home buyers in recent years are:

Upper East Side

The Upper East Side is known for upscale shops and restaurants, as well as the Museum Mile, a long stretch of museums including the Guggenheim and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Upper West Side

Bounded on the east by Central Park, the Upper West Side is a primarily residential area and is quieter than some other neighborhoods.

Gramercy

Gramercy is a quiet neighborhood with fewer tourists and is home to the exclusive Gramercy Park.

West Village

Beautiful brownstones and an abundance of cafés and bookshops characterize West Village, which was also the site of the famous Stonewall Uprising in 1969. The legendary Magnolia Bakery got its start here.

Chelsea

Chelsea boasts a plethora of art galleries. It is also home to High Line Park, a unique public space built on top of a historic, elevated rail line. And if you’re an avid concert-goer, Madison Square Garden is just a short walk away.

Greenwich Village

Film connoisseurs need look no further than the IFC Center, a theater that shows the best independent films from all over the world. Greenwich Village is also where the Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit takes place in the spring and fall.

NoHo

NoHo is a residential neighborhood with bohemian vibes, where celebrities like Cher and Britney Spears have had homes. Residents enjoy NoHo’s upscale bars, restaurants, and cafés.

SoHo

SoHo, known for its high-end restaurants and boutiques, is one of Manhattan’s premier shopping destinations. It’s also known as the Cast Iron District for its abundance of historic cast-iron buildings.

TriBeCa

A view of the Hudson River adds to this neighborhood’s appeal, as does the annual Tribeca Film Festival which takes place in the spring.

Source: (XPS / Unsplash)

Tips for buyers in Manhattan

Typically, the market is most active in the spring, followed by the fall after Labor Day. However, buying during off-peak seasons can pay off.

“I’ve sometimes had my busiest months in December,” says Hoffman. “I also don’t leave the city in June, July, and August. There could be a really good opportunity to have less competition because the seller who didn’t sell in the spring needs to move the property, so you might get it for a better price.”

Why use a top agent to buy a house in Manhattan?

Manhattan remains one of the most competitive housing markets in the U.S.; it’s consistently in demand.

A top agent will have the know-how to negotiate concessions in your contract, which in Manhattan apply almost exclusively to new developments. It’s possible to get as much as 25% off of the asking price in the form of HOA fees, transfer taxes, and storage lockers. Top agents help buyers save an average of $23,000 when purchasing a home. (That’s a lot of Broadway tickets you could be buying!)

Ready to begin your search? Find a top real estate agent in Manhattan through HomeLight to stay competitive in your Manhattan home buying search.

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Header Image Source: (Florian Wehde / Unsplash)

Lira Samanta - Contributing Author

Lira Samanta is a freelance writer specializing in creative writing, personal motivation, and technology topics. She spends a lot of her spare time curating her Airbnb wishlist and dreaming about building her own She Shed. Using her economics and data science chops to study trends in real estate prices, she is always excited to find a great deal.

Weekly New York City Real Estate Report

Weekly New York City Real Estate Report

Luxury Market:

37 contracts were signed in the lux-market last week. A slight decline from the previous 4 weeks, but still a strong showing.

Supply:

Last week overall supply came in 3% lower at 7067 total units on the market. 414 units came on the market last week, which was roughly 25% lower than the week before. This might trigger some to think that the active season is winding down, but it’s most likely just a blip and supply should surge again next week. Good press about the vaccine/masks, requirements, press about a "hot" market, better weather and buyer demand will pull sellers to bring inventory on the market.

Pending Sales/Signed Contracts:

The parabolic move of signed contracts continues to astound those of us in the industry. 5124 units are now under contract. 393 contracts were signed last week-- for the first time in over a month signed contracts are under ludacris mode (400+ units signed in a single week) but it’s still extremely strong showing and only down 4% from the previous week. This has to beg the question: how long can this be sustained.

Transaction/Liquid Market:

This is not a price driven REsurgence in the market. We’re not seeing prices jump 30% like we’re seeing with signed contracts. Essentially, the current market has  made up the Covid discount and pricing is at (roughly) 2019 levels. It’s not at 2015/16 levels, which was the height of the last sellers market. In the coming months of summer, when inventory could continue to come on the market but demand lessons, this surge could start to flatline. It will be interesting to see how the supply and demand, tug-of-war, plays out this summer.

Broadway is Coming Back on September 14, Tickets On Sale Now

In a press conference today, Governor Cuomo announced that tickets for future Broadway shows will go on sale on May 6, as performances are expected to resume at 100 percent capacity on September 14. All of New York City’s 41 Broadway theaters closed on March 12, 2020, due to the Covid pandemic. “Broadway is at the core of our New York identity, and a big part of our economy which employs countless performers and show creators, and beginning this September, the show will go on,” the governor said.

Photo by Sudan Ouyang on Unsplash

Earlier this week, the governor announced a near-full reopening of New York on May 19. On this date, restaurants, stores, gyms, salons, amusement parks, and offices can reopen at 100 percent capacity for the first time in 14 months. Two days prior, the subway will resume 24/7 service. As we explained, “The six-foot social distancing guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will remain in effect at these places, which could still limit capacity depending on the space available.”

Theaters were included in the state’s earlier announcement, but because of the time it takes to prepare for a Broadway show, it’s long been speculated that these theaters would wait until the fall to reopen. When Broadway shut down 14 months ago, 31 productions were running, including eight new shows in previews and eight in rehearsal.

Charlotte St. Martin, president of the Broadway League, which represents theater owners and show producers, previously said: “With nearly 97,000 workers who rely on Broadway for their livelihood and an annual economic impact of $14.8 billion to the city, our membership is committed to re-opening as soon as conditions permit us to do so.”

In a press release today, the Broadway League said that many Broadway producers will begin to announce anticipated reopening dates this week on a show-by-show basis. “Ticket sales will resume subject to [the] continuing improvement of public health and vaccination rates, as well as the state’s final approval of each theatre operator’s health and safety protocols,” they explain.

When asked how the seating will work and if attendees will have to show proof of vaccination, Governor Cuomo said that is still being worked out. However, he also announced today that starting May 19, both New York City baseball stadiums will be able to increase capacity to 100 percent for vaccinated people and 33 percent with six-foot distancing for unvaccinated people. There will be two separate seating sections, both of which will require fans to wear masks. He did say that he thinks it would be more difficult to have separate sections in a Broadway theater.

Those wishing to learn more and purchase tickets can visit Broadway.org.

$348M Restoration of Riverside Park is Part of Largest Park Investment in 90 Years

The city announced this week plans to provide $348 million in funding for the rehabilitation of major infrastructure in Riverside Park, marking one of the largest investments at the waterfront park since the 1930s. The project restores the “overbuild,” a series of bridge structures built over the Amtrak tunnels between West 72nd and West 123rd Streets. The deteriorated structure has damaged pathways and affected the park’s usability, according to the city.

“A recovery for all of us means investing in our green spaces,” de Blasio said. “Riverside Park is a New York City gem and I’m proud this investment will keep the park going strong for generations to come.”

Underneath the park is a man-made structure built in the 1930s that covers Amtrak train tunnels below ground. The outdated infrastructure and drainage systems have resulted in bad flooding, possibly impacting the tunnel, also known as the Freedom Tunnel, below ground.

The three-mile Freedom Tunnel was first built by Robert Moses 90 years ago to expand park space for Upper West Side residents. It was used for freight trains until 1980 when its operations stopped. As 6sqft previously reported, the tunnel later became a place of shelter for homeless New Yorkers and served as a blank canvas for graffiti artists. The tunnel reopened in 1991 for Amtrak use.

According to the Riverside Park Conservancy, “failures” in the overbuild structure have damaged pathways, limited access for vehicles, and “created a condition of disrepair” in the park. Additional details and a timeline are expected to be released during the design process, but the city expects to need to conduct additional inspections and temporary stabilization work.

The new funding adds to the $300 million already invested by the de Blasio administration for projects at the park, including the reconstruction of the West 79th Street Rotunda and Boat Basin and new pathways and staircases throughout the park. An additional $11.5 million has been invested in updating the park’s drainage systems.

“The City is committing well over half a billion dollars to restoring Riverside Park’s structural core, the largest investment in the park since the 1930s,” Dan Garodnick, President of Riverside Park Conservancy. “This enormous investment in the park’s fundamental infrastructure will ensure it is there for New Yorkers to enjoy for generations to come.”

Constructed between 1937 and 1941, Riverside Park features a unique four-level design and offers several spots for recreational activities. It was designated a scenic landmark by the Landmarks Preservation Commission in 1980.

The Monthly Update: May 2021

Are there still good deals to be had in the New York City post-COVID market?

It’s no secret that the New York City real estate marketplace is back. And back in a big way. The luxury sector is breaking records, and mid-level properties are seeing huge transaction numbers. But there are still facets of the market that are lagging, and that’s where the best deals can be found.

The Rental Market:

The mass exodus of New York City residents took a huge toll on the rental buildings and landlords, who make up almost 60 percent of the city’s total housing market. The rental market was reeling by late June 2020, and vacancy rates soared to a staggering 30-40 percent. With people renegotiating rental rates 25 percent to as high as 50 percent off of their previous rents, nobody thought the rental market would recover – at least anytime soon. But rentals have already begun to bounce back. There were a few weeks last month where the market signed over 1,000 leases in a one-week period. Those are stunning numbers! The kind of numbers usually reserved for a typical summer market. But overall, pricing is still 25 to 30 percent off from pre-pandemic levels, and there are still impressive deals to be had in rentals. It’s a segment of the market that is still clawing its way back, and it probably won’t be at 100 percent again until sometime mid- to late-spring 2022. The rental market needs a full reopening and a return to universities and offices. It needs Broadway, movie theaters, restaurants, bars, nightclubs and everything that makes New York City great. The rental market is reliant on that, so it’s going to take some time yet.

The Sub-$500,000 Market:

The lowest end of the price spectrum is a market segment where buyers can secure significant discounts — if you make a move today! As in, right now! Like renters, the first-time buyers typical in the sub-$500,000 market tend to be very Manhattan-focused. They are rarely found in their small studio or one-bedroom and spend the bulk of their days and nights enjoying New York City to the fullest. Right now, this buyer pool is renting at a 30 percent discount or enjoying huge returns in the stock market on what would’ve been their down payment into a purchase, or they’re lingering on the sidelines for whatever reason. The stock market is delivering 20 percent returns on their would-be down payments, so why pull it out? They may even be paying half as much renting their current space than if they bought it, so why pull the trigger on a mortgage? But, looking at the bigger picture, purchasing that $325,000 studio that sold for $425,000 just last year would be a great way to create equity quickly and make their way up the apartment ladder to their dream unit in record time.

While Manhattan real estate is breaking records weekly – there are still facets of this market that buyers and renters can take big advantage of if and when they return to the city. They are trickling back already and will do so in droves soon as Mayor De Blasio has set his sights on a full reopening of the city by July 1. So act now if you still want to take advantage of a rare and rapidly recovering market.

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Local Events

Macy’s Flower Show 2021

May 2-16, 2021

Macy’s (socially distanced) 2021 Flower Show theme is "Give. Love. Bloom, a Floral Celebration of Fortitude." The two-week exhibition of exotic flowers & plants from around the world returns to transform Macy’s Herald Square in New York City into a breathtaking floral extravaganza. Learn more here.

Governors Island Activities

Governors Island will officially open to the public starting May 1, ringing in the start of the fun outdoor season in NYC. Ferry trips will be free to seniors, public housing residents, children and those with an NYC ID card. All month long the island will be hosting events including  "glamping" and 5K and 10K races. Learn more here.

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Lifestyle Tips & Tricks

Sell your home faster and for a higher price.

Compass Concierge is the hassle-free way to transform your home with zero upfront costs or interest. I'll work with you to determine how we can maximize the value of your home by taking advantage of select Compass Concierge Services. With Concierge, you do not have to pay the initial out-of-pocket costs for home improvement services like painting, staging, flooring, and more.

Learn how you can maximize the value of your home.

Design Ideas to Try Now

From budget hacks to easy updates, these creative home ideas from HGTV Magazine are sure to spiff up your space. Test a few or try 'em all! Your next weekend project is waiting for you. Courtesy of HGTV

DIY Mother's Day Gifts Mom Will Love

Nothing says thoughtful giving like a homemade gift, especially on Mother’s Day. Anyone can buy a card and a fresh bouquet, but why not get a little crafty with these DIY Mother’s Day gifts made just for her. Courtesy of HGTV

10 Delightful and Delicious Things to Plant in May

April showers may bring May flowers, but May planting brings tasty summer crops. Tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, and peppers are just a few of the delightful veggies we dream of as soon as September rolls around, and May is the perfect time to start planting your favorites for a season full of hyper-local dining alfresco. Courtesy of Veranda

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531 Main Street, Unit 426

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531 Main Street, Unit 426

ROOSEVELT ISLAND, NEW YORK

$1,100,000

2 Bed  |  2 Bath | ~1,364 SqFt.

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Peaceful, waterfront living and gorgeous bridge views await in this sunny two-bedroom, two-bathroom home with private outdoor space in Rivercross, Roosevelt Island's most revered co-op.

Spanning approximately 1,364 square feet, this spacious and bright home drinks in sunlight and gorgeous East River views thanks to walls of south-facing windows. A gracious foyer invites you into the expansive living room, where you'll enjoy a generous footprint for seating and dining areas. Relax and entertain indoors, or step onto the oversized balcony for al fresco dining overlooking the adjacent courtyard, river and 59th Street Bridge. The roomy pass-through kitchen accommodates dinner for one or a dozen with ease thanks to custom cabinetry, a pantry, abundant counter space and stainless steel appliances, including a gas range, dishwasher and built-in microwave.

The sprawling owner's suite boasts plenty of space for a king-size bed and home office area, plus a walk-in closet and an en suite bathroom. The second bedroom delivers balcony views and direct access to the guest bathroom. Three additional closets, including another walk-in, mean storage will never be a problem in this exceptional Roosevelt Island home.

Rivercross is a handsome, well-maintained postwar co-op offering 24-hour doorman and concierge service, live-in superintendent, a playroom, bike room, two large laundry rooms, a two-level state-of-the-art fitness center, saunas, a sun deck and a glorious 60-foot-long atrium swimming pool. Monthly maintenance includes heat and air conditioning, electricity, gas and water.

On serene and secluded Roosevelt Island, you're surrounded by beautiful waterfront recreation and skyline views. Lovely parks sit alongside an array of local shops and services, including a Starbucks, drug and grocery stores, banks, performance spaces, a New York Public Library and the fantastic new Cornell Tech campus. The iconic Roosevelt Island tram, F subway train and the Roosevelt Island Ferry Terminal provide effortless access to the rest of the city and beyond.

307 Clinton Avenue

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307 Clinton Avenue

BROOKLYN, NEW YORK

$2,650,000

7 Bed  |  4 Bath | ~3,000SqFt

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Don't miss this outstanding investment opportunity in centrally located Clinton Hill! The spacious two-family dwelling is currently configured with four income-producing rentals featuring great natural light and prewar architectural detail.

This 25-foot by 60-foot brick building welcomes you with a charming front garden, dormer window and a covered porch flanked by ionic columns. Inside, the first floor features a stunning two-bedroom, one-bathroom residence filled with beautiful wood floors and trim. Formal living and dining rooms flow to a large, windowed kitchen, while a side yard welcomes outdoor lounging and entertaining. Two large bedrooms enjoy backyard views and easy access to a full bathroom. The two-bedroom, one-bathroom second-floor apartment boasts a similar layout with excellent storage. Above, you'll find an attic studio, while the beautifully finished basement features a split two-bedroom floor plan, tile floors and access to the 30-foot by 100-foot lot's expansive backyard.

307 Clinton Avenue is a neo-Georgian style semi-detached house designed in 1922. Located on a stunning tree-lined block in the Clinton Hill Historic District, within easy reach of Fort Greene and Downtown, this building is surrounded by the best of Brooklyn's fantastic dining, shopping and cultural offerings, including the Pratt Institute, BAM, Atlantic Terminal and Barclays Center. Local parks, playgrounds and beloved Fort Greene Park provide wonderful outdoor space minutes away. Transportation options are abundant with G and C trains, excellent bus service and CitiBikes nearby.

The Monthly Update - April 2021

What an Incredible Month for NYC Real Estate!

March and April seemed to indicate New York City real estate is more than ready to come back to life.  Inventory throughout March held steady at just over 7,000 units. Even though a record 1,400 units came onto the market, demand did not let supply inch up much more than one point during any given week last month. We also saw over 300 contracts signed a week leading to over 1,400 completed contracts for the month. 

During that time, the luxury market (properties priced above $4 million) led the charge with more than 30 signed contracts a week stretching back to February!  In Manhattan specifically, there are over 4,000 units currently in-contract.  Another feat never accomplished — or at least not in a long, long time.

Why is the market responding like this now? There are a few theories:

* Pent-up buyer demand. The real estate market was completely shuttered for an entire quarter last year. It then spent the whole third quarter licking its wounds. Q4 started to hear the rumbling of hungry buyers. After all that time off, it's almost like there are two buyer's markets right now, including prospective buyers from 2020 added to the buyers for 2021. With no traditionally bustling spring market last year, many theorize that those homebuyers are back in the market now. 

* Interest rates are still super low. Money is currently very cheap to borrow. 

* People are moving back to the city. Over 1,000 leases were signed in the last week of March, a figure usually reserved for July and August,  the busiest months in the “normal” rental market. Expect this trend to continue as vaccination rates increase. 

* The stock market. The market is creating so much cash and wealth in New York City right now that some say it's overheated. But many people are driven by the confidence it stirs, and they are putting money down on real estate. 

*COVID pricing is still out there. The pandemic's effect on pricing is the primary reason we're currently in one of the hottest market trajectories of all time.

Prices didn't really rise in March or April but transactions have increased. Even though the price delta from the last listing price to closing price shrunk from about 10 percent to about 7 percent, it's lower pricing that has attracted buyers and pushed contract signings to such unprecedented levels. 

Brooklyn is in bidding wars and Manhattan is seeing a huge influx of buyers who are eating up supply...We could be on the cusp of a record-breaking year for Manhattan real estate so get ready!

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Compass is honored to announce that we have been named the #1 independent and #2 overall brokerage in the U.S. by sales volume. See the top 500 here.

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Local NYC Events

Take In A New Light And Sound Show At Union Square!

Blindness, a new Off Broadway performance is set to take over the Daryl Roth Theater in Union Square starting April 2. The socially-distanced sound and light experience will feature "state of the art design that unveils the gripping story of a world changed forever, reminding us that from the darkness, we will all emerge stronger."

Buy Tickets Here

Watch Flicks In The Tribeca Film Festival

Robert De Niro and co.’s Tribeca Film Festival has long shown a spotlight on local indie features, documentaries, foreign films, the latest from big-name talent and the greatest from up-and-coming filmmakers. Time Out New York has your complete one-stop-shopping guide to this year’s festival: must-see picks, showtimes, ticket info, a list of nearby bars and restaurants and oh-so-much more.

Buy Tickets Here

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Radio City Music Hall Is Getting A Rooftop Park And Skybridge

A skybridge that leads to a landscaped rooftop park is coming to Radio City Music Hall. The Landmarks Preservation Commission on Tuesday approved plans from G3 Architecture Interiors Planning and Tishman Speyer to construct a simple pedestrian bridge clad in statuary bronze that would connect the building at 1270 Avenue of the Americas to the planned roof garden atop the historic theater, which will be amenity space for Rockefeller Center tenants. Interconnected green terraces were part of the original architectural vision for the Rockefeller Center complex and this project, which be called Radio Park, will finally bring the plan to fruition.

Historic renderings of Rockefeller Center complex proposal shows rooftop gardens and a skybridge; Courtesy of the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission

Located within the Rockefeller Center complex, Radio City Music Hall opened in 1932 with designs by the Associated Architects and Donald Deskey. The city designated the building as an interior and individual landmark in the late 1970s.

Both the new garden and skybridge are not novel ideas for the iconic complex. As envisioned in the 1930s by architect Raymond Hood and landscape architect Ralph Hancock, Rockefeller Center already has existing roof gardens, as seen at 610 and 620 Fifth Avenue and 1250 Avenue of the Americas.

In a 1934 article, The New York Times called Hood a “pioneer in the treatment of building roofs” for putting thought into the long-forgotten tops of towers, as well as the office workers looking down on them.

“The view from the tower window of Radio City–and the privileged towers of the blocks adjacent–will look down not upon the dirty-brown cluttered waste of unrelieved ugliness which is the roof view of New York, but upon a picture to which art and nature have contributed color and design with a note of gayety,” Hood once said, according to the article.

Rendering courtesy of Tishman Speyer

According to the architects, access to the rooftop park would be possible through 50 Rockefeller Center and from the newly constructed skybridge to be built from the 10th floor of 1270 Avenue of the Americas. The architects plan to remove existing windows on the east side of 1270 Avenue of the Americas and convert them to doors and remove existing limestone cladding and aluminum spandrel, which will be stored for reuse.

The new bridge will feature a medium-bronze finish panel cladding, glass railings, and lights also in bronze that will be located between panels. The lighting will also be found throughout the garden, illuminating its pathways.

Courtesy of the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission

Measuring 24,000 square feet, Radio Park will feature paved and landscaped areas, pathways, pavilions, and plenty of seating and lounging areas. Notably, neither the skybridge nor the garden will be visible from street level, a major factor in the LPC’s approval on Tuesday.

The commissioners expressed excitement for the project, both for its nod to the historic vision of Rockefeller Center as well as what it could mean for the future of New York City and its recovery in the aftermath of the pandemic. “What a great affirmation this is, not just for Rockefeller Center, but for our city during this time,” LPC Commissioner Frederick Bland said of the project.

EB Kelly, who manages Rockefeller Center for Tishman Speyer, said during Tuesday’s hearing that COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of outdoor space for New Yorkers and sees the rooftop park as a way to bring office workers back to the complex.

Manhattan Board Community 5 recommended approval for the project and Kelly Carroll of the Historic Districts Council testified in favor of the proposal. “There is both historic and current precedent for rooftop use within the Rockefeller Center complex and the proposed skybridge makes more roof access possible,” Carroll said on behalf of the HDC. “The insertion of the bridge within existing masonry openings is sensitive and this application is totally appropriate.”

According to a spokesperson for Tishman Speyer, the rooftop park is expected to open in the fall of 2021 and will be available to those working in Rockefeller Center and their guests.

“As we continue to reimagine our physical spaces and the experiences we can offer at Rockefeller Center, we are thrilled that the Landmarks Preservation Commission approved our proposal, which dates back to the earliest days of Rockefeller Center’s conception,” a spokesperson for Tishman Speyer said in a statement to 6sqft. “During this time when outdoor access is important, it is especially meaningful to be able to provide an additional 24,000 square feet of green space at the Center.”

The rooftop garden is the latest plan from Tishman Speyer to address the needs of New Yorkers in a new post-COVID era. Last April, Landmarks approved plans to restore the connection between the concourse and the sunken plaza, an element included in the original plans for the historic Midtown site. The project will reclaim a path for pedestrians around the plaza, while also creating a better connection to the concourse, as 6sqft previously reported.

The Monthly Update - March 2021

What A Roller Coaster!

 Nobody thought that at the end of February and the dawn of the spring market that inventory would be diminishing, but that's exactly what we're seeing. Buyers are snatching up homes as soon as they come onto the market and last summer's COVID slowdown seems to be a distant memory. 

While pricing is still a key factor in how quickly things will move, buyers are definitely on the hunt and ready to purchase. We were seeing 15, 18, 25 people at open houses by appointment. Of course, not all properties sell in one weekend.  It can still take 30 to 45 days for buyers to cycle through listings before they make the offer but they are making offers and that's a far cry from six months ago (when we tied the recorded high total inventory volume). Today, inventory is shrinking, and it's buyers who are initiating the push.

That said, no one knows if this momentum will continue. As we move deeper into the spring market and more and more homes are listed, it remains to be seen if buyer's appetites will continue to consume that much product. But, something tells me the Manhattan marketplace (and New York City as a whole) is on the verge of roaring back. The luxury market is responding like it hasn't in half a decade. Which is a huge relief!

If you look at the bigger picture, before COVID, the real estate market gradually declined between 2015 to the end of 2019. We were just starting our cyclical climb back up when COVID hit. So, it feels like we're starting now where 2019 left off. The real estate market just forgot about 2020 and is jumping right into 2021! At least as far as activity is concerned. 

No one knows what the future will bring, but I can tell you that it appears to be quite bright. Everybody in the industry is buzzing with transactions, deals, and energy so be sure you contact me to get in the game before you miss the boat! 

Coney Island Amusements Can Reopen in April!

Looking ahead to warmer months, Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Wednesday said outdoor amusement parks, indoor family entertainment centers, and overnight summer camps in New York will be allowed to reopen. If the state’s coronavirus positivity rate continues to trend downward, indoor entertainment centers can reopen starting March 26 at 25 percent capacity, outdoor amusement parks and rides on April 9 at 33 percent capacity, and eventually, overnight summer camps in June.

All facilities that plan to reopen must submit plans with health protocols to the local health department. Customers will be required to have a health screening and temperature checks and face coverings and social distancing will be mandated. More specific details for sleepaway summer camps will be released by the state’s Department of Health in the coming weeks.

Indoor entertainment centers, which Cuomo has not yet laid out which businesses fall into this category, and amusement parks must disinfect high-touch areas throughout the day, have staff enforce compliance, and sell timed tickets in advance. If attractions cannot ensure distancing or frequent sanitation, they cannot reopen.

“With continued decreases in the infection and hospitalization rates, we have been able to take steps toward beginning our post-COVID recovery and we are excited to now be in a place where we can bring back our recreational industries with safety protocols in place,” Cuomo said in a statement. “As we’ve said time and time again, our success will be dictated by our actions and as long as we stay united and keep carrying this momentum forward in a positive direction, we will be able to see more and more sectors of our economy reopen.”

Coney Island amusements can finally reopen in April

The announcement is especially good news for outdoor amusement parks, which remained one of the few industries in the state unable to reopen since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. Even last August as bowling alleys, gyms, indoor museums, and cultural institutions were permitted to reopen at limited capacity, outdoor rides and attractions remained closed.

Coney Island amusement operators have urged Cuomo to release reopening guidelines since last summer, but until Wednesday, there has been little information from the state, except that amusement parks are a “unique risk” for spreading COVID-19.

Caitlin Girouard, a spokesperson for the governor, told Politico last August: “Places of public amusement remain closed under current State policy as they present a unique risk for transmission of coronavirus due to the high-traffic, high-touch, shared machinery and equipment, and opportunity for congregation.”

Last summer was meant to be a big season for Coney Island, following a $13 million renovation of Luna Park and the 100th-anniversary celebration of Deno’s Wonder Wheel. In January, Council Member Mark Treyger, who represents Coney Island, wrote a letter to Cuomo that laid out ways to reopen the outdoor park for the 2021 season, which typically begins on Palm Sunday.

“While indoor activities such as casinos, gyms, museums and spa services reopened to the public during the summer, the state refused to lift the ban on outdoor amusements, eliminating any opportunity for the businesses to operate during the peak tourist and visitor months,” Treyger said, as the Brooklyn Eagle reported. “It is reported widely that this past season resulted in an estimate of at least $100 million in revenue loss for the Coney Island amusement district.”

As New York’s COVID-19 data continues to trend in the right direction, Cuomo has announced a number of reopening plans. This month, the subway will resume some overnight service, indoor dining returned, the curfew at restaurants and bars was extended, and large arenas and stadiums will reopen to fans.

$70M Plan To Build Manhattan’s First Public Beach

What at first appeared a lofty dream is now closer to reality. The Hudson River Park Trust on Thursday announced three requests for proposals for the construction of Manhattan’s first public beach. The project includes a 5.5-acre public park on the Gansevoort Peninsula in the Meatpacking District that would be home to a resilient “beach” with kayak access, a sports field, scenic lounge spots, and a large public art installation.

Credit: James Corner Field Operations, courtesy of the Hudson River Park Trust

The site, located on the western end of Little West 12th Street and what remains of 13th Avenue, formerly served as a parking lot for the city’s Department of Sanitation. In 2019, the Hudson River Park Trust tapped James Corner Field Operations, the team behind the High Line and Domino Park, to design the new park.

The park at Gansevoort Peninsula will include a sandy beach area with kayak and small boat access, a lawn, a seating area north of the waterfront, a sports field, a dog run, lounge chairs, and a salt marsh with native grass and plantings.

On the southern end of the park, the Whitney Museum of American Art is currently constructing David Hammons’ Day’s End art installation. With its open, skeletal structure, the publicly accessible artwork is an ode to an earlier work created by Gordon Matta-Clark on Pier 52. Gansevoort Peninsula will be the largest single green space in the four-mile-long Hudson River Park, according to the Trust.

Credit: James Corner Field Operations, courtesy of the Hudson River Park Trust

“Gansevoort Peninsula will be a spectacular public space for all New Yorkers, whether they’re enjoying Manhattan’s first public beach, playing on the ballfields, or looking out in the salt marsh,” Madelyn Wils, president of the Hudson River Park Trust, said. “As Hudson River Park moves closer to completion, we are excited to be in position to start construction on one of our signature projects this coming spring.”

The $70 million project is being funded by the city and restricted funds to the Trust. Construction was initially expected to begin last year, but like most development projects, the coronavirus pushed the start date to later this spring with a completion date of 2023.

Hudson River Park’s Pier 26 opened last September and includes 2.5 acres of indigenous plants, recreation fields, and an impressive man-made rocky tidal marsh, and a cantilevered walkway. Forthcoming projects included Little Island at Pier 55, which has a spring opening date, Pier 57 with Google as the anchor tenant, Pier 97, and the reconfiguration of Chelsea Waterside Park.

“We are thrilled that the Trust is continuing to build on the success of the recently opened and very popular Pier 26 with the redevelopment of Gansevoort Peninsula,” Deputy Mayor Vicki Been said. “The creative and unique design will add to New York City’s diverse and ever-growing selection of world class parks and community spaces. The City is proud to invest in expanding open spaces for New Yorkers and moving the Hudson River Park one step closer to completion.”

Jerry Seinfeld, Fran Lebowitz Among Other Celebs Making New COVID PSAs For The MTA

Photo by Jenna Day on Unsplash

Jerry Seinfeld, Edie Falco, Cam’ron, Debbie Mazar, Whoopie Goldberg, Fran Lebowitz–these are just a few of the 25 New York celebrities whose voices were recorded by the MTA for a new set of subway PSAs. The announcements, which begin today, are meant to bring humor and some good old-fashioned NYC swagger to the subway as the city begins its recovery. The project was done in collaboration with Nicolas Heller, a talent scout who has gained notoriety for his popular Instagram account New York Nico. “This was such a dream project and I wanna give a huge thanks to my team who helped make this whole thing happen in less than 6 weeks with $0,” he wrote in a post today.

According to the MTA, the project was conceived to bring “a dose of authentic New York swagger into the system” and to provide “a morale boost and some much-needed humor for customers returning to the system as New York begins to recover from the pandemic.”

The full campaign will include roughly 50 recordings, and this first phase will run for about a month at 400 subway stations, thousands of subway cars, and close to 4,500 buses.

In a statement, Heller said:

This is such an honor for me. Mass transit is the cultural lifeblood of our city and partnering with the MTA to bring some joy into the system after the most challenging year imaginable is the least I can do to help with the system’s broader recovery. The city’s subways and buses–and the range of characters who ride them–have always been central to my work and I’m so grateful that I could help bring some of the most recognizable voices of iconic New Yorkers to the system. The members of the MTA workforce have braved the pandemic and heroically moved essential workers throughout the pandemic. This is for them.

All of the celebrities involved in the project were asked to infuse their personalities into the recordings while putting an emphasis on mask-wearing and social distancing. The full list of 25 participants is:

Cam’ron

• Whoopi Goldber

• Young M.A.

• Jerry Seinfeld

• Edie Falco

• Bowen Yang

• Awkwafina

• Angie Martinez

• Bob the Drag Queen

• Debi Mazar

• Michael Rapaport

• Jadakiss

• DesusNice

• The Kid Mero

• MaliibuMitch

• Dave East

• FivioForeign

• Pat Kiernan

• Angela Yee

• Peter Rosenberg

• Ilana Glazer

• Michael Kay

• Eric Andre

• Abbi Jacobson

And if you’re still working from home, the MTA has put together the clip above and provided some sample scripts here:

Whoopi Goldberg: Hey, it’s Whoopi Goldberg. Please remember to always wear a mask on the train and in the station. And remember to wear it the right way. Do your part to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and keep our city safe. ‘Cause, honey, everybody wants to go out. Okay? Thank you.

Jerry Seinfeld: Hi this is Jerry Seinfeld. Please do your best to practice social distancing on the train and in the station. Staying 6ft apart is not only a great way to keep our city safe—think how much you’ll save not needing cologne. Thanks, New York.

Edie Falco: Hey New Yorkers—Edie Falco here. Getting a seat on a crowded train can feel like winning the lottery, but please be courteous. Offer your seat to someone who may need it more than you. And please wear your masks—let’s make courtesy the only thing that’s contagious on the train. Thanks, New York.

Cam’ron: Ey yo check it out it’s Harlem’s own Killa Cam. Look—I don’t care if you from uptown, downtown, Harlem, Switzerland, wherever. I don’t care if you a chicken or a duck. And you know what? Covid don’t care either. Are you wearin’ a mask? Ya, well is it covering your mouth and nose? Then good, you’re doing great. Remember not only wearin’ a mask is the law—it’s the right thing to do.

Awkwafina: Showtime! Just kidding, New York. It’s your girl, Awkwafina. And no, I’m not here to do sweet dance moves or swing around a pole. Bummer, I know. But, I am here to give you an important reminder: please wear your mask at all times while on the train or in the station. Actually, just wear it whenever you leave the house. Thanks for helping to keep New York City safe, and have a great day.

NYC Indoor Dining To Reopen Two Days Early On Friday

Indoor dining will reopen in New York City at 25 percent capacity this week two days earlier than originally planned. Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Monday announced restaurants can start serving customers inside on Friday instead of Valentine’s Day on Sunday. The governor pointed to a one-month decline in positivity rates of the coronavirus statewide, declaring the “post-holiday surge” over.

“They’d [restaurants] like to open a couple of days earlier so they can be ready for Valentine’s Day, get the staff oriented, get supplies into the restaurants,” Cuomo said during a press briefing on Monday. “That’s a reasonable request.”

According to the governor, the percentage of positive COVID-19 cases over a seven-day average citywide dropped from 7.94 percent on January 4 to 4.42 percent on February 7.   As the number of new COVID-19 cases and new hospitalizations continue to decline, Cuomo last month lifted all restrictions in the state’s orange zones and some yellow zones.

In New York City, yellow zones remain in place in eastern and western parts of the Bronx, Washington Heights, and in Kew Gardens/Forest Hills in Queens. This designation means the area has experienced a seven-day rolling average of a 3 percent positivity rate over the past 10 days.

“I think at this point it’s safe to say the holiday surge was anticipated, the holiday surge did happen, but the holiday surge is over,” Cuomo said last month.

Indoor dining, which resumed at 25 percent capacity on September 30 after six months of closure, shut down again on December 14 after the rate of hospitalizations failed to stabilize. Restaurants in nearly every region in New York except the five boroughs and those in designated “zones” have been allowed to serve diners indoors at 50 percent capacity. Industry advocates have questioned Cuomo’s decision to close New York City restaurants and not in other places.

Bars and restaurants have been hit tremendously hard by the pandemic and related closures. According to the New York State Department of Labor, more than 140,700 city bar and restaurant jobs have been lost over the last year. Just between the months of November and December 2020, the industry lost 11,700 jobs.

“We commend Governor Cuomo for permitting indoor dining to resume in New York City on Friday, instead of Sunday the originally scheduled date,” Andrew Rigie, executive director of the NYC Hospitality Alliance said, in a statement. “This will allow restaurants to generate much needed revenue from the Valentine’s Day weekend business, much of which they would have lost because the holiday falls on a Sunday this year.”

State rules for indoor dining require that temperature checks at the door for all customers, one member of each party will be required to provide contact information for tracing if needed, tables must be set up six feet apart, and face coverings will be required for all diners when not seated at a table.

250 West 90th Street, Unit 17B

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250 West 90th Street, Unit 17B

UPPER WEST SIDE, MANHATTAN

$830,000

1 Bed  |  1 Bath | Condo

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Wide-plank hardwood floors and tall ceilings invite you into this spacious 17th-floor one-bedroom with open-sky northern views. Custom built-ins and closets throughout the unit make sure storage is never an issue.

The kitchen has a breakfast bar and pass-through to the bright and spacious living room which can easily accommodate a designated area for dining. A terracotta marble-tiled bathroom finishes off this must-see property.

Welcome to the New West, a postwar, pet-friendly condominium where residents enjoy a 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.

The Monthly Update - February 2021

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Happy New Year to All of Us!

We don’t know what 2021 has in store yet but based on the responsiveness of the last quarter in 2020, things seem to be on the up and up! 

The real estate market finished with 32 percent more signed contracts year-over-year*.  It's both startling and welcome news! Just when things were supposed to be winding down at the end of the year, the market was actually heating up.  It's been extremely busy and buyers have been incredibly active. We're looking forward to carrying that momentum right through Q1 2021. 

So, what's pushing buyers into the market? Softer prices, low interest rates and increased inventory.  Prices are still anywhere from 5 to 15 percent under pre-COVID levels, and there's usually some room for negotiation under that (Unless they are priced competitively to begin with…then we are actually still seeing bidding wars...I’ve been involved in two this week alone!). 

For the last five years or so, we've been seeing a declining market and lower property values. The oversupply of luxury condos that filled the headlines years ago caused a trickle-down effect for the rest of the market. Interest rates in some cases are even lower than they were before COVID. And they were already extremely low then! Add in a bountiful supply of listings, and buyers are acting like kids in a candy store — picking and choosing what they want and buying at prices that they dictate (in most cases). And we haven't even hit the spring market yet!  That's when we typically see the biggest increase in inventory.  

The stock market is hovering over 30,000 and breaking records every other day. Interest rates are likely to remain low for the rest of 2021, and the rest of the nation is seeing a windfall in their respective real estate markets. That means Manhattan and Brooklyn should see the same record pace in transactions and properties sold well into 2021. 

And who is leading the charge? The luxury sector, if you can believe it! After five years of a down market, buyers are purchasing luxury property (units priced at $4 million and above) and transacting in record numbers. The luxury market segment broke weekly records for contract signs several times over the past four months. While developers may have over-built the luxury sector between 2015 and 2019, buyers are snatching up those properties, sometimes at a discount as high as 25 percent. But as these buyers continue to push that market forward, developers and sellers are starting to pull back and be less negotiable.

*as per urbandig.com

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Local Events

'To Go' Restaurant Week 2021

Through Feb. 7

NYC Restaurant Week is back, with a focus on takeout and delivery options across all 5 boroughs. Each participating eatery will offer an entrée with at least one side dish for lunch or dinner at $20.21 a meal to commemorate the new year. 

Get the full list of participating restaurants and more information here!

Children's Open Book Discussion [Zoom]

Thurs. Feb. 25, 4PM

Join the librarians at the Columbus library for our kids book discussion. Kids ages 3-12 (accompanied by a caregiver) will be able to share their thoughts about the characters they meet and exciting plots they've explored. 

Click here for more information!

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News & Lifestyle Tips

Your Q4 2020 Manhattan & Brooklyn Market Reports are here!

As we continue to experience these unprecedented times, we are here to provide valuable insights into the real estate market so you can stay educated and informed.

We are pleased to share Compass' Q4 2020 Manhattan & Brooklyn Market Reports, highlighting the prevailing trends shaping these markets. 

Have questions about how Q4 2020 wrapped up, market forecasts, or anything else real estate? We’d love to connect! Don't hesitate to reach out.

HoffmanTeam@compass.com

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11 Common Kitchen Design Mistakes

As kitchens become more integrated into our homes and our daily routines, your cook space should reflect your personal style, whether you prefer all-white kitchens, kitchens with color, modern kitchens, or even a small kitchen. Veranda asked designers and architects from around the country to share the biggest kitchen design mistakes to avoid. 

Courtesy of Veranda

HGTV's Take on The Biggest Home Design Trends for 2021

After a year that guided many of us to spend more time at home, the new year is an opportunity to bring comfort and creativity to our living spaces. From calming Zen room ideas to stylish (and smart) approaches to home office design, HGTV is predicting 15 of the biggest interior design trends for 2021.

Courtesy of HGTV

2021 Color of The Year

Pantone is the latest to reveal its prediction for the 2021 color of the year. See which shades you can expect to see in the coming year from some of the biggest names in paint. See the top shades on Better Homes & Garden's radar so far.
Courtesy of Better Homes & Gardens

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MTA Unveils Digital Memorial Honoring The 100+ MTA Workers Lost To COVID-19

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Photos courtesy of Marc A. Hermann/ MTA

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority on Monday unveiled a memorial dedicated to the 136 employees who have died from the coronavirus since March. The tribute, named “Travels Far: A Memorial Honoring Our Colleagues Lost to COVID-19” after a poem by Tracy K. Smith commissioned for the project, includes an eight-minute video featuring photographs of the frontline MTA workers who lost their lives to the virus. The video will run on 138 three-panel digital screens at 107 subway stations across the city starting Monday.

“The pandemic has marked an unimaginably challenging and painful time at New York City Transit,” Sarah Feinberg, interim president of New York City Transit, said in a press release.

“Today marks the next step in our ongoing efforts to honor the colleagues, friends and family members who were taken from us too soon. These men and women were the heroes of the transit system – conductors, bus and train operators, cleaners – but they were also mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, sons and daughters. We think of them daily and we continue to mourn them with their friends and families.”

Designed by MTA Arts & Design, the tribute will feature the “Travels Far” poem in multiple languages as well as an original score by the same name from composer Christopher Thompson. Starting Monday and running through February 7, the video will play twice consecutively three times per day at 10:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m., and 8:30 p.m.

There is also a new website dedicated to the COVID-19 memorial that features the video and photographs of the MTA employees. You can find the full list of NYC subway stations displaying the memorial here.

“TRAVELS FAR, with its poignant title and thoughtful words by Tracy K. Smith, helps us remember these courageous members of the MTA family in a way that pays tribute and honors them and their workplace contributions,” Sandra Bloodworth, director of MTA Arts and Design, said.

“Surrounded by a spectrum of colors, the portraits in black and white allow us a glimpse into unique personalities known to their families and colleagues. This memorial shows that art can be a powerful messenger, conveying loss and honoring the memory of our colleagues.”

The poem “TRAVELS FAR” by Tracy K. Smith reads as follows:
What you gave—
brief tokens of regard,
soft words uttered
barely heard,
the smile glimpsed
from a passing car.

Through stations
and years, through
the veined chambers
of a stranger’s heart—
what you gave
travels far.

313 West 118th Street, Unit PHG

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313 West 118th Street, Unit PHG

HARLEM, MANHATTAN

Asking: $2,750,000

3 Bed  |  2.5 Bath | Condo

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This elegant three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom penthouse duplex delivers outstanding indoor-outdoor living with a sprawling private terrace and sun-filled interiors in an amenity-rich South Harlem condominium.

Hardwood floors, tall ceilings, and unbelievable natural light greet you the moment you enter this impressive 2,250-square-foot home. On the upper level, the vast great room features a row of windows along the northern exposure while double French doors open to a breathtaking south-facing private terrace. Outside, handsome built-in seating areas and lush landscaping surround a well-equipped, high-end summer kitchen featuring a built-in gas grill by Fire Magic and True refrigerator drawers. These upscale appliances make this an exceptional outdoor entertaining space unlike any other in the building.

Inside, the huge open kitchen boasts rows of custom cabinetry, granite countertops, and stainless steel appliances, including a vented gas range and dishwasher. Enjoy casual meals at the wide breakfast bar while the adjacent living room provides a flexible footprint for lavish dining and seating areas. A convenient powder room and three closets complete this level.

Downstairs, in the owner's suite, you'll find tall beamed ceilings, a walk-in closet, motorized blackout shades, and an en suite bathroom with a large tub/shower and double vanity. Two more bright bedrooms offer easy access to the guest bathroom and plenty of space for a well-appointed home office. Extra storage space and a laundry closet with a washer and vented dryer add incredible convenience. Andersen French doors and windows throughout the home contain low-emissive glass, providing year-round comfort and substantial energy savings. New heat/air conditioning units with thermostats have Global Plasma Solutions air quality devices that reduce viruses, mold and bacteria.

313 West 118th Street is a stunning condominium building with a gorgeous brownstone façade, attended lobby with video intercom entry, a fitness center overlooking the indoor children's playroom, courtyard garden, laundry facilities, and onsite parking. Low monthly common charges and tax abatement in effect until 2030.

Located on a tree-lined street in residential South Harlem, this home is surrounded by breathtaking architecture and Harlem's renowned dining and nightlife. Morningside Park, Marcus Garvey Park, and Central Park fill the neighborhood with hundreds of acres of outdoor space, and 2/3, B and C trains, excellent bus service, and CitiBike stations put the rest of the city within easy reach.

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$51B Plan To Redevelop Midtown West And Replace The Port Authority

Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Thursday unveiled an ambitious plan to transform over 100 acres of Midtown West as part of a new “transit-oriented” development. The $51 billion proposal adds a new train hall south of Penn Station, replaces the Port Authority Bus Terminal, extends the High Line, and adds up to 1,400 units of new affordable housing. The project is one part of the governor’s proposed $306 billion infrastructure plan, introduced on Thursday during his fourth 2021 State of the State address.

“Now we will expand our vision with a new Manhattan Midtown West development project to create a new West Side transit hub, and build upon it with new residential, commercial and public works projects that will combine to form a new, vibrant, exciting district extending over 140 acres,” Cuomo said. “Now 140 acres may not sound like much in Upstate New York, but in Manhattan it is massive.”

Parts of the Midtown West redevelopment project is already complete, including the new Moynihan Train Hall, which opened at the historic Farley Building this month, and a new Long Island Rail Road entrance at 33rd and 7th Avenue. At the center of the project is Penn Station, which Cuomo described on Thursday as a “cluster of catacombs.”

Designed to handle 250,000 commuters per day but saw 650,000 in 2019, the transit hub is one of the nation’s busiest. To add transit capacity and commuter comfort, Cuomo wants to create the Empire Station Complex, which would link an upgraded Penn Station, the Moynihan Train Hall, and a new terminal, dubbed Penn South, that will be built one block south of the existing site. The plan, first introduced by the governor in 2016, would add eight new tracks and increase train capacity by 40 percent at the station.

The Empire Station Complex plan includes acquiring a stretch of property south of Penn Station, currently owned partly by Amtrak and the Archdiocese of New York. The new hub requires full funding for the Gateway Project, which includes the construction of two new Hudson River rail tunnels and the renovation of two existing tunnels. While President Donald Trump never agreed to split the bill for the project, Cuomo said President-elect Joe Biden will be a “champion of national infrastructure investment.”

Plans to renovate, replace, or relocate the Port Authority Bus Terminal have been on the table for a long time. In May 2019, the agency released three options to fix the troubled building, which included either rebuilding the terminal while buses used the existing terminal, using the lower level of the Javits Center, or just renovating the existing terminal instead of rebuilding from the ground up. No additional details were provided by the governor except that the bus terminal will be replaced with a new “state-of-the-art facility.”

“We will completely redevelop the terminal, adding space for commercial development, dramatically improving the commuting experience, removing bus traffic and pollution from the surrounding community,” Cuomo said during Thursday’s address.

The $51 billion project also includes a residential component, in addition to retail and commercial space. According to Cuomo, the plan could create up to 1,400 units at “14 building sites available” in an area stretching from Broadway to the Hudson.

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And earlier this week, the governor announced plans to extend the High Line from its current 10th Avenue terminus with a new L-shaped elevated walkway that will connect to the public plaza at Manhattan West, a mixed-use development from Brookfield Property Group. The extended elevated park would end on 9th Avenue, across from the entrance to the new Moynihan Train Hall.

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Cuomo also wants to extend the High Line from 34th Street and 12th Avenue past the Javits Center and cross the West End Highway, ending at Pier 76 at Hudson River Park, currently a tow pound run by the NYPD. In his 2020 State of the State address, Cuomo unveiled plans to redevelop the site, which will be vacated by the end of the month, as a 5.6-acre public park

“Connecting the High Line to Hudson River Park is something we have explored since our earliest days as an organization,” Robert Hammond, co-founder and executive director of the High Line, said in a statement.

“Our communities and neighborhood groups have expressed overwhelming support for this connection, which would give people the ability to walk from Penn Station to Hudson River Park and only have to cross one street. The plan would not only improve public safety and mobility in the area, but also serve as way for New Yorkers to better access all of the incredible offerings in the district.”

Other major infrastructure projects include continuing the redevelopment of LaGuardia and John F. Kennedy International Airports, completing phase two of the Second Avenue Subway extension, developing the UBS Arena at Belmont Park, and much more.