The 2022 Year in Review (All in all, not too bad!)

The 2022 Year in Review

(All in all, not too bad!)

All things considered, 2022 turned out to be better than many would have thought, but it was definitely “front-loaded,” with the majority of deals signed and closed in the first six months of the year. 

Throughout the year, The Hoffman Team saw the same trend as the overall New York real estate market. As of Dec. 23, we had closed 104 deals with another 14 units in contract and ready to close in early 2023. However, between January and June 2022, we signed about 76% of those contracts, with the remainder signed from June to December. So, deal activity was definitely front-loaded. Overall, this gave the market a false sense of security. It would’ve been a seriously doom-and-gloom year if the hyperactivity of 2021 didn't carry over into the first half of 2022.

The luxury market saw the same activity trends. By the last half of December, there were 1,304 contracts signed for $4 million and up in Manhattan. There were 836 signed contracts (64%) in the first half of the year compared to 468 (36%) in the second half. (Thank you to Olshan Realty for their luxury market report every week!) 

So, activity both overall and in the luxury sector deteriorated after June 2022 under spiking interest rates and a declining stock market, which is now down 20% year over year. But there’s hope! The Hoffman Team put 11 properties into contract in November alone, and we have over 15 accepted offers at the time I write this newsletter. I think the first half of 2023 will be busy. Interest rates that are flat or gradually descending, an extremely hot rental market and low inventory should give the market a floor moving into early 2023. Beyond that is anyone’s guess!

At this point in my annual review, I usually consider year-over-year metrics, but because of the hectic and frankly erratic last three years, it’s almost not worth doing so. The Hoffman Team’s deal volume for 2022 was $129.82 million compared to $183.95 million in 2021. The pandemic year (2020) saw sales volume of $67.36 million. As you can see, the ups and downs of recent years can’t predict things to come. Because of this volatile annual data, these metrics don’t really count this year, but they’re interesting to look at, and the financial markets like to base their analysis on them. I think it’s misleading. 

All in all, it was a good year. Some months/weeks were dreadful, and others were strong. Generally, the real estate market mirrored interest rates and the stock market — it rebounded when rates fell or the stock market rose. There will likely be more turbulence in 2023, as many pundits predict. But what doesn’t change is The Hoffman Team‘s dedication to our clients and leading real estate transactions with your best interests in mind. That’s our number one asset and enduring promise.

Thank you so much for a wonderful year. We look forward to serving your real estate needs in 2023. 

Listing Spotlight:

June 2023 - MTA to cut Monday and Friday subway service on some lines

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority will modify subway service on seven lines to better accommodate post-pandemic transit ridership trends. The agency on Monday said starting next June it would increase scheduled trips on the weekends and decrease trips on Mondays and Fridays, two days where ridership recovery has been the slowest.

Photo via WikiCommons

The changes will add scheduled trips to the G, J, and M subway lines on weekends, improving headway times by roughly two minutes. These three lines are most used by Brooklyn and Queens commuters to transfer to other subway lines and often have longer wait times on the weekends.

NYC Transit has also proposed an earlier start to weekday A and C rush hour service to accommodate post-pandemic rush hour trends. Manhattan-bound A and C service will begin one trip earlier during the morning rush hour.

There will also be scheduled reductions on Mondays and Fridays to 1, 6, 7, E, F, L, and Q service, following a pattern of lower subway ridership on these days than on mid-week days.

Mondays and Fridays are the days the majority of NYC workers work from home, which has contributed to lower transit usage, according to Gothamist. On the other hand, weekend usage has recovered faster, currently sitting at roughly 77 percent of pre-pandemic levels.

“We continually analyze ridership patterns to better serve riders. These adjustments reflect higher ridership recovery on the weekends, and lower relative ridership on Mondays and Fridays in the post-COVID hybrid work era,” Richard Davey, NYC Transit President, said.

“As riders continue to return to mass transit and patterns change, New York City Transit will adapt service accordingly as we strive to provide faster, cleaner and safer rides.”

As Gothamist reported, riders might wait between three and 30 seconds more than usual for those trains on Monday and Friday.

The scheduled changes to subway service mark the first time that the MTA has initiated significant adjustments since the start of the pandemic. In May 2020, the subway system shut down overnight for the first time in its history, part of a plan to disinfect every car and station to prevent Covid from spreading. A year later, 24/7 service resumed.

The MTA said the service adjustments could save the agency roughly $1.5 million a year, helping to chip away at its current $600 million budget gap as it runs out of federal funding that it obtained during the pandemic.

The MTA has announced other countermeasures to cut its budget deficit, including a projected 5.5 percent fare hike.

MTA to cut Monday and Friday subway service on some lines

POSTED TODAY, DECEMBER 20, 2022BY AARON GINSBURG

Photo via WikiCommons

The Library Books New Yorkers Borrowed The Most in 2022

New York City’s three public library systems released their annual lists for their most checked-out titles of 2022. At the New York Public Library, the most borrowed book of the year was Matt Haig’s The Midnight Library: A Novel. In Brooklyn, the top checkout was Laura Dave’s The Last Thing He Told Me: A Novel, and in Queens, The Paris Apartment: A Novel by Lucy Foley.

Photo credit: Jonathan Blanc / NYPL

Each of the systems had a different top checkout, but The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo: A Novel by Taylor Jenkins Reid appeared on all three lists. Liane Moriarty’s Apples Never Fall, V.E. Schwab’s The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, and Emily Henry’s People We Meet on Vacation were also popular choices.

Brit Bennett’s The Vanishing Half, the top checkout from both the NYPL and Brooklyn Public Library in 2021, appeared on Brooklyn’s list once again.

“New Yorkers have character and it’s no surprise that this year’s top checkouts show they love good books with great characters,” Brian Bannon, NYPL’s Merryl and James Tisch Director of Branch Libraries and Education, said.

“The titles checked out at The New York Public Library this year are wonderful stories that invite readers to take a break from the hustle of everyday life and visit new places (and time periods) with interesting people doing fascinating things. We’re delighted to share these books with our patrons and welcome all New Yorkers to use their library card and choose their next adventure.”

New York Public Library (Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island):

  1. The Midnight Library: A Novel by Matt Haig

  2. Lessons in Chemistry: A Novel by Bonnie Garmus

  3. The Lincoln Highway: A Novel by Amor Towles

  4. Malibu Rising: A Novel by Taylor Jenkins Reid

  5. People We Meet on Vacation: A Novel by Emily Henry

  6. This Time Tomorrow: A Novel by Emma Straub

  7. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo: A Novel by Taylor Jenkins Reid

  8. Book Lovers by Emily Henry

  9. Verity by Colleen Hoover

  10. It Ends with Us: A Novel by Colleen Hoover

Brooklyn Public Library:

  1. The Last Thing He Told Me: A Novel by Laura Dave

  2. The Midnight Library: A Novel by Matt Haig

  3. Beautiful World, Where Are You by Sally Rooney

  4. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab

  5. People We Meet on Vacation: A Novel by Emily Henry

  6. Malibu Rising: A Novel by Taylor Jenkins Reid

  7. Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty

  8. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo: A Novel by Taylor Jenkins Reid

  9. The Vanishing Half: A Novel by Brit Bennett

  10. Klara and the Sun: A Novel by Kazuo Ishiguro

Queens Public Library:

  1. The Paris Apartment: A Novel by Lucy Foley

  2. It Ends With Us: A Novel by Colleen Hoover

  3. The Judge’s List: A Novel by John Grisham

  4. Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty

  5. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo: A Novel by Taylor Jenkins Reid

  6. The Last Thing He Told Me: A Novel by Laura Dave

  7. Verity by Colleen Hoover

  8. Wish You Were Here: A Novel by Jodi Picoult

  9. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab

  10. What Happened to the Bennetts: A Novel by Lisa Scottoline

Here are the library books New Yorkers borrowed the most in 2022

POSTED TODAY, DECEMBER 19, 2022BY AARON GINSBURG

Photo credit: Jonathan Blanc / NYPL

https://www.6sqft.com/here-are-the-library-books-new-yorkers-borrowed-the-most-in-2022/

415 East 52nd Street, Unit 1AB

415 East 52nd Street, Unit 1AB

MIDTOWN EAST, MANHATTAN

$689,000

1+ Bed  |  1 Bath | Co-op

 

Peace and lush surroundings await in this stunning junior four currently configured as a two-bedroom, one-bathroom courtyard-facing co-op on a serene Beekman cul-de-sac.

This expansive split-layout home welcomes you inside with hardwood floors, tall ceilings and northern views over verdant landscaping. The gracious foyer entry hall boasts three large closets and plenty of room for a desk area. Ahead, discover a spacious living room where wide art walls and garden vistas surround generous seating and dining areas. The renovated pass-through kitchen is finished with snow-white cabinets and countertops and stainless steel appliances, including a gas range with a griddle, a dishwasher and a built-in microwave.

Sleep soundly in the oversized primary bedroom featuring northern and eastern outlooks and two large closets. Just outside, a linen closet leads to the updated, windowed full bathroom, where you'll find a marble vanity and glass partition soaking tub/shower. Across the living room, the second bedroom is perfect for guest, home office or nursery use. A total of six closets means storage will never be a concern in this delightful home.

Sutton House is a white-glove postwar cooperative where residents enjoy a classic canopy entrance, full-time doorman and concierge service, a live-in resident manager, a fitness center, laundry, children's playroom, Culligan water filtration, storage, a bike room, three landscaped roof decks and a 24-hour garage. Pets, gifting, pieds-à-terre and up to 75 percent financing permitted. There is a $139.75 assessment in place until July 2025.

On this delightful tree-lined Beekman cul-de-sac, you'll bask in tranquil residential serenity and spectacular accessibility. Fantastic dining, shopping and services line the nearby streets of Midtown East, including Whole Foods and the Trader Joe's Bridgemarket location just blocks away. This home is close to the United Nations and the city's elite medical centers, with easy access to hidden gem Greenacre Park and miles of uninterrupted waterfront paths along the East River Promenade. Transportation is effortless with E, M/F, 6 and N/Q/R/W trains, excellent bus service, CitiBikes, the FDR and 59th Street Bridge all nearby.

*$139.75 assessment in place until June 2025.

The Monthly Update - December 2022

The Power of the Purchaser in Today's Market.

The winter months can be a very powerful time for buyers to step into the Manhattan/Brooklyn real estate market and purchase a home. Generally, the end of the fall/beginning of winter can be a great time of year to buy. This year, even more so, as the Fall 2022 market felt (was) much slower to sellers than last year, which is weighing heavily on sellers' minds at the moment. Therefore, negotiability is on the table in the 2022 holiday season.

During the fall, real estate activity was under a microscope — much more than in past years  — mostly due to the economic downturn, the real estate slowdown and increased interest rates. That combination resulted in buyers holding off, and that's too bad. For them. Generally, winter months are always a good time for buyers to get serious about their purchase. Historically, locking in a sale during winter from the “leftover listings” that failed to sell in the fall can result in smart money purchases.

However, this year, sellers seem to be a bit more content at lower sale prices than in past years. Of course, it depends on the property, the listing price and how popular the listing is on the market. But most listings are languishing somewhat, (the average days on market rose over 5% from last year) and sellers are more vulnerable than in years past. Buyers should feel that they have some power right now. Interest rates are starting to stabilize and even dip a bit. Another reason buyers should act: At the time of this writing, Jason Richie at HSBC  has the 30-year jumbo rate with no points at 5.578%. Not bad! Plus, if buyers can get some sort of discount off of their property’s asking price, it's a win-win! 

I'm not really sure why buyers aren't out there in droves right now! I would be. For example, I had a buyer purchase in a new development, and the sponsor paid for all of his closing costs (I mean everything!) Plus, they took almost 3% off the sale price. Interestingly, the average negotiation off listing price is about 3% to 7%. And, the longer the property stays on the market, the bigger the discount off of the asking price.

Buyers: I know it's scary to skate out on the ice by yourself, but this is the time when there are good deals to be had and smart purchases to be made. If you like something between now and February 1, I can tell you you'll be a very happy seller in 5 to 7 years if you make an offer and lock in a price. After February of 2023, I think the word is going to get out that The Fed is not raising interest rates, and rates will trickle down. That will be coupled with new inventory supplies this spring. In NYC, rentals also play a huge role in the health of the sales market, and many are predicting a furious rental market come spring. If the U.S. economy can hold on and start to dig out, buyers are going to return, setting the stage for a robust spring market. That said, right now, I wouldn't say it's a full-fledged buyer's market, but it's definitely leaning in your direction! ACT NOW!

Real Estate in the News:

Global Trends Impacting Real Estate in 2023

Looking ahead to the new year, the annual report from PwC highlights the top factors that will drive changes to real estate. Macro forces of today will result in changes for real estate in 2023—from the sales pace and buyer preferences to city infrastructure and investor demand. Check out the article to read about it all, and get an inside peek at the top markets to watch.

Courtesy of PwC

Local Happenings:

OPEN NOW - January 2, 2023

Winter Village at Bryant Park

Bryant Park's Winter Village by Bank of America is back in NYC with holiday festivities and shopping and food at its holiday shops. Its 17,000-square-foot ice-skating rink that's free to use (if you bring your own skates) is always the highlight, but it's Winter Village in all its holiday spirit is a close second. This year, over 170 new and returning kiosks will be there for you to peruse through—all at one of the best NYC parks.

Click HERE for more details.

DECEMBER 31, 2022

Times Square New Years Eve

New Year’s Eve 2022 is almost here and 2023 is just around the corner! The biggest party in NYC is back in Times Square and you can attend the evenings' festive celebrations as the famous New Year's Eve Ball descends atop One Times Square. The celebration begins at 6pm with the lighting and raising of the New Year’s Eve Ball, and is followed by a spectacular lineup of events.

Click HERE for more details.

Lifestyle Tips and Tricks:

7 Best National Parks to Visit in Winter

Many people consider a National Park visit an essential summer trip—but don’t sleep on the same parks in the winter. Break out your winter gear and journey to these winter wonderlands.

Courtesy of Travel + Leisure

How to Make Holiday Dinner Cleanup a Breeze

Do you ever feel like you spend more time cleaning up after a holiday meal than you do enjoying it? You’re not alone. Set yourself up for an efficient clean up and spend more time with friends and family. Try out these tips during the holiday season, and even use them for parties all year long.

Courtesy of HGTV

25 New Year's Eve Desserts to Ring in 2023

Celebrate the start of the new year with something sweet! Whether you’re looking for a decadent showstopper or an easy treat, end your meal—and the year—on a delicious note.

Courtesy of Southern Living

THT Listing Spotlight:

Stay Connected:

New Midtown Public Garden Now Open At 550 Madison Avenue

Photo courtesy of Barret Doherty

The new public garden at Philip Johnson’s 550 Madison Avenue building opened this week, the final component of the postmodern landmark’s renovation led by the Olayan Group. Designed by Snøhetta, the lush privately-owned public space (POPS) is located adjacent to 550 Madison in a formerly enclosed mid-block passageway. Increasing the public space at the site by 50 percent, the half-acre garden is now the largest in Midtown East.

The garden connects to the newly renovated lobby, designed by Gensler to respect Johnson’s original arcade. The architects added a rear window in the lobby that overlooks the landscaped garden.

The outdoor space has 48 trees, 200 shrubs, 6,300 bulb plants, and 10,000 herbaceous understory plants. The garden also offers gender-inclusive public restrooms and three food and beverage kiosks.

A 70-foot glass canopy covering the space can collect 93,000 gallons of rainwater every year to be used to sustainably water the entire garden. Snøhetta worked alongside landscape and horticulture companies Phyto, The Dirt Company, SiteWorks, Arup, and Adamson Associates Architects.

“Snøhetta’s design for the new garden transforms the streets surrounding the iconic 550 Madison building into accessible, lavishly vegetated, and highly visible public space,” Michelle Delk, partner and landscape architect at Snøhetta, said.

Photo courtesy of Barret Doherty

“A new lobby window and redesigned storefronts honor Philip John’s original design. We are honored to help return this important part of Midtown to its visitors while contributing to the celebrated vibrancy of New York City.”

The public green space consists of five different sections centered around a tranquil body of water. These distinct sections feature “tree-filled backdrops” and “shrub skirts,” inspired by vegetation found in America’s Northeastern mountains.

Tree species found in the garden include Yellowwood, Sweetbay Magnolia, and River Birch, while the plants found in the garden’s shrub skirt include Mountain Rosebay, Smooth Hydrangea, and Bottlebrush Buckeye.

Other plantings include a diverse cast of regional native species, including Soloman’s Seal, Goatsbeard, Black Cohosh, Coral Bell, and Sword Fern.

The garden’s bloom calendar has been timed to offer a beautiful array of colors, including shades of pink, purple, blue, and yellow, on different dates from February to October annually.

James Ewing courtesy of Gensler

Setting up shop in the kiosks are Eat Offbeat, offering cuisines made by refugee and immigrant chefs, Local Roots NYC, offering farm-to-table Chinese food and bubble tea, and Black Fox Coffee Co., a local New York City coffee shop.

“The half-acre garden at 550 Madison is a welcoming new green space, offering a lush and elegant environment at the center of New York City,” Erik Horvat, managing director of real estate at Olayan America, said in a statement. “The garden’s cutting-edge design and meticulous maintenance positions it among the most beautiful public spaces in the city, while providing a dynamic amenity to tenants of 550 Madison.”

See Snøhetta’s lush public garden now open at 550 Madison Avenue

POSTED, NOVEMBER 17, 2022BY AARON GINSBURG

Photos courtesy of Barret Doherty and James Ewing courtesy of Gensler

NYC Taxi Fares To Increase By 23% For 2023

Photo by Taton Moïse on Unsplash

The cost of an average metered New York City taxi ride will increase by nearly 23 percent by the end of the year. The city’s Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) voted this week to approve fare hikes for yellow cabs, the first increase in roughly a decade. The average passenger metered fare will increase from $15.97 to $19.62 per ride, which will lead to drivers seeing a 33 percent jump in gross revenue, according to the TLC.

Under the approved changes, the base fare for metered rides will increase from $2.50 to $3.00. Surcharges for rush hour trips will increase from $1 to $2.50 and for overnight trips from $0.50 to $1.

For rides to and from John F. Kennedy Airport in Manhattan, the flat fare will increase from $52 to $70. A $5 surcharge will be added to all trips to and from LaGuardia Airport, with the surcharge for trips to Newark Airport increasing from $17.50 to $20.

Chart courtesy of the TLC

Uber and Lyft rates will increase by over 7 percent per minute and 23.93 percent per mile. For example, a trip of 30 minutes and 7.5 miles would cost $27.15, up $2.50 from current rates, according to the commission.

First introduced this September, the new fares will take effect by the end of the year.

The fare hikes come as taxi drivers have struggled to make ends meet in recent years, exacerbated by both for-hire ride services like Uber and Lyft, the Covid-19 pandemic, and inflation.  According to the TLC, the increase in wages for drivers will get more taxis on the road to better meet demand.

The New York Times reports the number of for-hire vehicles operating through ride-hailing on the road dwarfs that of yellow cabs. According to the latest TLC data, there was a daily average of 5,700 yellow cabs on the road citywide in July compared to 46,800 for-hire cars.

“Raising taxi fare rates and minimum pay for high-volume drivers is the right thing to do for our city,” TLC Commissioner David Do said in a statement to the Times. “These raises will help offset increased operating expenses and the cost of living for T.L.C.-licensed drivers.”

With the cost of a medallion jumping from $200,000 in 2002 to $1 million in 2014, many cab drivers face mountains of debt, without seeing a raise in 10 years.

This past September, the TLC approved a deal with the city’s largest taxi medallion lender to forgive over $200 million in debt. According to the Times, officials hope to strike similar deals with other lenders.

NYC taxi fares to increase by 23% by end of the year

POSTED TODAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2022BY DEVIN GANNON

Photo by Taton Moïse on Unsplash

Chart courtesy of the TLC

55 West 17th Street, Unit 405

55 West 17th Street, Unit 405

FLATIRON, MANHATTAN

$2,950,000

2 Bed  |  2 Bath | Condo

 

Discover crisp modern interiors and open-sky views in this immaculate two-bedroom, two-bathroom condominium offering a wealth of upscale amenities and an ideal location where the Flatiron District meets Chelsea.

The sleek 1,417-square-foot welcomes you with bleached hardwood floors, tall ceilings and an open layout that maximizes light and views. Relax and entertain in the inviting living dining room flanked by a wall of built-in cabinetry. Oversized glass doors, Juliet balconies and an ideal position above the building's landscaped terrace provide a wonderful indoor-outdoor ambiance without the upkeep. Chefs will love the beautifully planned open kitchen where black oak cabinetry and white marble countertops surround a fleet of Gaggenau appliances, including a gas cooktop, oven, built-in microwave and dishwasher, plus a Summit wine refrigerator. The wide waterfall welcomes casual dining below designer lighting.

Head to the owner's suite to discover lovely views, king-size proportions and a custom walk-in closet. The en suite spa bathroom impresses with floor-to-ceiling tile, an oversized glass rain shower, soaking tub, wide double vanity and oversized mirrored medicine. The spacious secondary bedroom enjoys a custom closet and easy access to a full guest bathroom with stunning tile and a large tub/shower. In the hallway, a large custom coat closet and expansive laundry room with a side-by-side washer-dryer, sink and cabinetry ensure storage will never be a concern. Central HVAC with Nest thermostats completes this exquisite downtown abode.

Built-in 2018 by esteemed Morris Adjmi Architects, 55 West 17th is a contemporary condominium that blends seamlessly with the surrounding Ladies Mile Historic District with its Danish white brick façade and bold bronze canopy. Residents enjoy a handsome 24-hour attended lobby, fitness center, children's playroom, a dramatic lounge with billiards and a catering kitchen, a screening room with a wet bar, a landscaped terrace with a grilling area, a bike room and storage.

Located just blocks from both Union Square and Madison Square Park, this home offers front-row access to the best of Manhattan living with premier dining, shopping and nightlife on all sides. Foodies will love the proximity to the city's largest year-round greenmarket plus Whole Foods, Trader Joe's and Eataly. Just four blocks away, The High Line and 500-acre Hudson River Park, including the delightful Little Island, offer unbeatable waterfront outdoor space and recreation. Access to transportation is superb with 4/5/6, N/Q/R/W, L, 1/2/3, F/M and PATH trains, excellent bus service and CitiBike stations all nearby.

Starbucks Opens 3 Level Reserve Inside the Empire State Building

Starbucks is opening another of its premium, immersive roasteries within the Empire State Building on Wednesday. Spanning 23,000 square feet across three floors, the new Starbucks Reserve Empire State Building store features immersive experiences like hands-on workshops and guided tasting flights, as well as an extensive menu of coffee beverages, craft cocktails, and artisan food only available at the location.

All images courtesy of Matthew Glac

The new store pays homage to the building’s Art Deco design, which is defined by “strong geometric patterns, rich colors, and ornamental details,” according to the Starbucks website. These same architectural features are found throughout the new Starbucks Reserve location.

All images courtesy of Matthew Glac

On the first floor, patrons will be able to purchase and enjoy their favorite Starbucks beverages, from classics like caramel macchiatos and seasonal coffees to beverages exclusive to Starbucks Reserve like the nitro almond milk mocha and hazelnut bianco latte.

Customers will be able to purchase the Starbucks Reserve Empire State Building Microblend, a new coffee mix inspired by the famous landmark and roasted within the Meatpacking District’s Starbucks Reserve Roastery that opened in 2018.

This blend will be used as the primary ingredient for the store’s variety of coffee beverages and cocktails, offering a flavorful mix of red and black fruit, vanilla, and spice with a “smooth, chocolaty mouthfeel.”

Princi, the Italian artisanal bakery and cafe, will be offering food to compliment the roastery’s drink menu. They will offer a variety of focaccia and pizzas, freshly baked cornetti, as well as avocado toast, brioche, cakes, and tarts.

All images courtesy of Matthew Glac

“Starbucks Reserve locations are designed to spotlight our exquisite Starbucks Reserve coffee and showcase our heritage, expertise, and dedication to coffee craft through interactive coffee experiences where barista craft is the cornerstone,” Mark Ring, senior vice president of U.S. retail at Starbucks, said.

All images courtesy of Matthew Glac

“The Starbucks Reserve Empire State Building store is a one-of-a-kind destination that highlights our commitment to push the boundaries of coffee craft and offer our customers new, immersive and multi-sensory coffeehouses that are designed to inspire and create moments of connection in this special space.”

Located on the first floor is an area where customers can purchase merchandise made by local artists and browse through a collection of seasonally rotating Starbucks Reserve whole-bean coffee.

On the concourse level, there are a few opportunities for customers to learn more about the careful art of crafting Starbucks Reserve’s food and drink. Customers can get hands-on experience by attending a Starbucks Reserve Coffee Workshop, and taste test different coffees and foods in the Experience Lounge and Innovation Bar.

Starbucks Reserve Coffee Workshops will offer interactive, small-group lessons to those interested in learning more about coffee. These workshops are the first of their kind and include topics like Whiskey Barrel-Aged 101, Starbucks Reserve Brewtender for A Day, Espresso Martini Flight Fundamentals, and Fun with Sprit-Free Spritzes.

The second floor features a restaurant and bar where customers can enjoy Princi food, including signature tasting boards and plates, and entrees for brunch and lunch throughout the entire day. Every meal will begin with a complimentary sip tasting of the Starbucks Reserve Empire State Building Microblend.

Those interested in attending a workshop or trying out drinks at the Innovation Bar can purchase a ticket and make reservations here.

Starbucks opens three-level Reserve location inside the Empire State Building

POSTED TODAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2022BY AARON GINSBURG

All images courtesy of Matthew Glac

261 West 25th Street, Unit 1B

261 West 25th Street, Unit 1B

CHELSEA, MANHATTAN

$799,999

Studio  |  1 Bath | Condo

 

*Ideal starter home or perfect for investment.

Designer interiors and full-service, amenity-rich accommodations await in this stunning studio in the heart of vibrant Chelsea.

This sun-splashed abode welcomes you with a massive south-facing window, beautiful oak floors and sky-high ceilings dotted with recessed lighting. In the main living area, you'll find plenty of room for sleeping, seating and home office areas. Elevate your culinary skill in the gorgeous open kitchen where oak cabinetry features lacquer accents, leather-wrapped hardware, Calacatta Gold marble backsplashes and Caesarstone countertops. A suite of top-of-the-line appliances, including a Bertazzoni cooktop and oven, Bosch dishwasher and a Sub-Zero refrigerator, complete the space. The beautiful bathroom boasts floor-to-ceiling Thassos tile, plus a large tub shower and sleek vanity adorned with contemporary fixtures. A huge custom walk-in closet and an in-unit washer-dryer complete this impeccable, move-in ready Chelsea haven.

Built in 2015, The Seymour is a stunning contemporary condominium offering an enviable list of amenities and services, including a handsome lobby with 24-hour doorman and concierge service, a bright fitness center that opens to a beautiful central garden, a resident's lounge with a fireplace and pool table, media room, library, storage and a fantastic roof deck complete with panoramic views, multiple seating areas and an outdoor kitchen.

Set in prime Chelsea, this home is surrounded by an exciting array of dining, nightlife and art spaces, including Hudson Yards' world-class venues. Foodies will be happy to find Whole Foods, Fairway, Trader Joe's and Eataly nearby, while Madison Square Park, The High Line, Hudson River Park and Chelsea Piers provide outdoor space and recreation. Access to transportation is effortless with A/C/E, 1, F/M, R/W and PATH trains, excellent bus service and CitiBike stations all nearby.

Everything You Need to Know About the 2022 NYC Marathon

The world’s premier marathon event is returning in full force to New York City on Sunday. On November 6, tens of thousands of runners from around the globe will flock to the city to partake in the 51st annual TCS New York City Marathon, a 26.2-mile race that takes participants through all five boroughs and finishes in Central Park. The marathon is returning at full capacity for the first time since 2019 with 50,000 fully-vaccinated runners racing in this year’s event.

History of the race
The marathon was first held in 1970 by New York Road Runners Club presidents Fred Lebow and Vincent Chiapetta. Lebow and Chiapetta led 127 participants on a few laps around the park. Entry to the race cost just $1, with the fastest runner winning $1,000.

The race grew significantly in 1976 when Manhattan Borough President Percy Sutton expanded the route across all five boroughs in celebration of the marathon’s bicentennial. Intended as a one-time route expansion has turned into a permanent feature. The entry for that year’s race skyrocketed from its usual couple hundred to 2,096 runners.

The marathon’s popularity soared to new heights in 1978 when Norwegian Olympian Grete Waitz finished at 2:32:30, breaking the women’s world record. Waitz’s feat encouraged runners from all across the world to come and test their stamina, and soon marathon attendance ballooned to the tens of thousands of participants that now return to the city every year to compete.

Because of Covid, the New York Road Runners reduced the field size to 25,010 runners last year and in 2020, the group held a virtual event.

When it starts
The marathon will kick off on Sunday in different waves, with each group of contestants beginning at different times. The professional wheelchair division sets off at 8 a.m., followed by the handcycle category and select athletes with disabilities at 8:22 a.m.

Professional women start the race at 8:40 a.m., followed by professional men at 9:05 a.m. Then every 35 minutes a new wave of contestants set off, with the first wave of general participants starting at 9:10 a.m., followed by more waves at 9:45 a.m., 10:20 a.m., 10:55 a.m., and 11:30 a.m.

The route
The entire run spans 26.2 miles and takes participants through all five boroughs. The race kicks off in Staten Island, leading runners across the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge and up through Brooklyn neighborhoods Bay Ridge, Sunset Park Slope, Fort Greene, Bedford-Stuyvesant, and Williamsburg.

Runners then cross the Pulaski Bridge into Long Island City, Queens before traveling across the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge into Manhattan, running north up First Avenue into the Bronx over the Willis Avenue Bridge.

Race participants then circle back around and enter back into Manhattan over the Madison Avenue Bridge before traveling south, passing the east side of Central Park and finishing at its southern end.

Where to watch in person
Along the 26.2-mile course to watch runners, most of the route is jam-packed with spectators. Some of the most popular locations to cheer on runners are in Bay Ridge at mile three when most runners are still full of energy, in Fort Greene at mile eight where neighborhood residents pile onto their stoops to celebrate the passing runners and at the Pulaski Bridge at mile 13.

Other great locations to observe the race are on the Upper East Side along First Avenue as runners make the home stretch toward Central Park, and along Museum Mile on the park’s east side as runners approach the finish line.

Where to watch on TV
The marathon will be live on ESPN2 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. EST, on WABC-TV, Channel 7 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. EST, and on ESPN’s Spanish streaming service ESPN3 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. EST, according to the New York Times. It will be the first time a domestic Spanish-language broadcast of the TCS New York City Marathon will be produced and distributed by ESPN.

ESPN3 will also offer views of the finish line from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST to watch as runners finish the race. Other ways to watch the race can be found here.

Everything you need to know about the 2022 NYC Marathon

POSTED ON WED, NOVEMBER 2, 2022BY AARON GINSBURG

Image courtesy of Steven Pisano on Flickr

Nearly 100 NYC Streets Will Go Car-Free For Trick-or-Treating

For the first time, dozens of New York City’s “Open Streets” will expand operating hours on Halloween to make trick-or-treating safer for young New Yorkers. As part of the Department of Transportation’s “Trick-or-Streets,” nearly 100 streets, plazas, and other commercial corridors across the city will be closed to cars on October 31 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

In addition to announcing the new expanded Open Street hours on Halloween, DOT on Monday cut the ribbon on the 34th Avenue Open Street redesign in Jackson Heights, which transformed the busy roadway into space for pedestrians and cyclists.

“It is thrilling to build on the triumph of our thriving Open Streets this Halloween by providing greater access to safer, shared community spaces,” DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said. “And as a bonus, we are celebrating Trick or Streets with all who have made the 34th Avenue Open Street possible.”

Here is a list of select locations across the city:

Bronx

  • Jenning Street, from Prospect Avenue to Chisholm Street. Hosted by the Caldwell Enrichment Program Inc.

  • Willis Avenue, from East 147th Street to East 148th Street. Hosted by the Third Avenue Business Improvement District.

  • Decatur Avenue, from East Fordham Road to East 193rd Street. Hosted by the 10th Annual Ms. Abbies Children’s Halloween Extravaganza.

Brooklyn

  • Berry Street, from Broadway to North 12th Street. Hosted by the North Brooklyn Open Streets Community Coalition.

  • Beverly Road, from East 2nd Street to Church Avenue. Hosted by NYC DOT.

  • Chauncey Street, from Howard Avenue to Saratoga Avenue. Hosted by the Chauncey Street Block & Tenant’s Association.

  • Hall Street, from Park Avenue to Myrtle Avenue. Hosted by the Hall Street Block Association.

  • Howard Avenue, from Macon Street to Halsey Street. Hosted by the Friends of Saratoga Park Bed-Stuy + LLTCRN.

  • Albemarle Road, from Argyle Road to Rugby Road. Hosted by the Prospect Park South Annual Halloween Celebration.

Manhattan

  • Avenue B, from East 6th Street to East 14th Street. Hosted by the Loisaida Open Streets Community Coalition.

  • Avenue Of The Americas, from Spring Street to Dominick Street. Hosted by the Hudson Square Business Improvement District.

  • Bond Street, from Lafayette Street to Bowery. Hosted by il Buco.

  • Broadway, from West 25th Street to West 27th Street. Hosted by the Flatiron 23rd Street Partnership.

  • Broome Street, from Allen Street to Ludlow Street. Hosted by the Lower East Side Partnership.

  • East 10th Street, from 1st Avenue to 2nd Avenue. Hosted by the Village Halloween Costume Ball.

Queens

  • 31 Avenue, from 33rd Street to 35th Street. Hosted by the 31st Avenue Open Street Collective.

  • 34th Avenue, from 69th Street to Junction Boulevard. Hosted by 34th Avenue Open Streets Coalition.

  • Barton Avenue, from 149 Place to 150th Street. Hosted by the Asian American Federation.

  • Murdock Avenue, from 180th Street to Dead End. Hosted by the Addisleigh Park Civic Association.

  • Woodside Avenue, from 76th Street to 78th Street. Hosted by the Thai Community USA NYC.

  • Hollis Avenue, from 211th Street to 212th Street. Hosted by A Haunting in Hollis.

There are also a number of special Halloween events at select Open Streets locations:

  • Dumbo Arch Way, Pearl Street between Water Street and Anchorage Place in Brooklyn. At 4 p.m. the annual March to the Arch will commence. The parade marches through Dumbo and Brooklyn Bridge Park led by brass bands and puppets. From 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., the Dumboween Party will feature live music, arts and crafts, a photo booth, and a costume contest for both humans and pets.

  • 12th Street Plaza, 12th Street between 44th Avenue and 43rd Road in Queens. From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. families are welcome to trick-or-treat at storefronts around the 12th Street Plaza. Guests will be able to partake in arts and crafts, eat candy, and more.

  • Myrtle Avenue Plaza, Myrtle Avenue from Grand Avenue to Emerson Place in Brooklyn. From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. the annual Myrtle Avenue Monster Mash dance party will welcome back guests with games, treats, dancing, a live DJ, and a special Thriller dance-off.

  • Quisqueya Plaza, Dyckman Street between Broadway and Seaman Avenue in Manhattan. A Halloween Parade will begin at 3 p.m., with appearances by Congressman Adriano Espaillat, Councilwoman Carmen De La Rosa, and Assemblyman Manny De Los Santos.

A full list and interactive map with all Halloween Open Streets locations can be found on the NYC Department of Transportation’s website.

Nearly 100 NYC streets will go car-free for safe trick-or-treating this Halloween

POSTED TODAY, OCTOBER 24, 2022BY AARON GINSBURG

Photo courtesy of Marco on Flickr

1199 Park Avenue, Unit 17D

1199 Park Avenue, Unit 17D

UPPER EAST SIDE, MANHATTAN

$1,395,000

2 Bed  |  2 Bath | Co-op

 

Welcome home to this two-bedroom, two-bathroom co-op gem! Perched on a high floor, 17D is bathed in southern light all day. The generous foyer opens up to a large living room with custom built-ins and an excellent layout. A lovely terrace, with plenty of space for outdoor dining, provides 270-degree views, including the reservoir in Central Park and the East River.

The living room flows into the formal dining room, which can accommodate a 10-person table and side furniture easily. With its own windows, the dining room can be turned into a third bedroom or homeoffice if desired.

The galley kitchen is equipped with a suite of stainless steel KitchenAid and Electrolux appliances, and custom butcher block counters, providing ample space for all your cooking needs.

The split layout of the private spaces is perfect. The primary wing features a king-size bedroom, a full bathroom, custom closets (including a walk-in!) and is tucked away from the rest of the home. The second bedroom features custom built-ins and allows flexibility for a true second bedroom, an office, a home gym, or a den. Nearby is the second full bath and a wall of closets or pantry space. There is a ton of storage space throughout the home with three wardrobe closets with built-in bureaus, two coat closets in the foyer, one oversized linen closet and a pantry closet. All interior doors have been replaced with solid wood and new hardware. From light to space, and with its thoughtful layout, this home has it all.

Located in the heart of Carnegie Hill, 1199 Park Avenue is a luxury full-service cooperative with a 24-hour doorman, live-in super, and a beautifully landscaped common roof deck. Additionally, there is a laundry room on every floor, a third-party garage, and bike storage along with a common storage room. Conveniently located just minutes from Central Park, Whole Foods, countless top restaurants, as well as the subway and cross-town bus.

Two-Way Bike Lane Opens In Downtown Brooklyn’s Schermerhorn Street

One of Brooklyn’s busiest and most dangerous streets became safer this week. The city’s Department of Transportation on Wednesday unveiled the Schermerhorn Street redesign, which includes a two-way protected bike lane, one-way vehicle traffic, and new pedestrian space. The street is an essential east-west route that connects cyclists to and from the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges.

Before

After

The new design complements Downtown Brooklyn’s Shared Streets network and prioritizes pedestrian and cyclist safety. On a typical weekday, more than 1,000 cyclists travel along Schermerhorn Street.

The redesign implements a “one-way conversion” for vehicle traffic on Schermerhorn Street between Smith Street and Flatbush Avenue to create space for a 10-foot two-way bike lane on the street’s south side.

The new Schermerhorn Street bike lane aims to work seamlessly with the nearby protected bike lane network, including the recently completed Brooklyn Bridge bike lane.

“Schermerhorn Street had been the worst bike lane in Brooklyn for years,” Council Member Lincoln Restler said. “Now, we finally have the two-way protected bike lane that our community has demanded and that will allow New Yorkers to cycle through Downtown Brooklyn safely and efficiently.”

Data shows that protected bike lanes reduce traffic deaths and serious injuries by 18 percent, according to the city. Pedestrian islands have also been shown to decrease serious injuries and deaths by 35.5 percent.

The Schermerhorn Street bike lane redesign is part of the DOT’s broader Shared Streets plan in Downtown Brooklyn. The plan aims to support a “pedestrian-centric business district” by naturally slowing traffic and prioritizing the travels of pedestrians and cyclists while still allowing vehicles to do pick-ups and drop-offs.

Other streets that are in the process of being revamped include Hoyt and Fulton Streets, Elm Place and Livingston Street, and Bridge Street. Proposed streets to undergo a redesign include Willoughby Avenue, Pearl Street, Lawrence Street, Fleet Street, and Bond Street.

The bike lane’s redesign comes as the DOT celebrates Biketober, a month-long series of open-street events that focus on bike programming, education, rides, and resources. Events will teach participants about riding, bike repair, bike law education, and more.

“As our administration continues to add and protect bike lanes, we are not simply isolating one type of infrastructure — we are looking holistically at our streets and implementing comprehensive plans to make them safer,” Mayor Eric Adams said.

Adams continued: “This Biketober, the cycling community can feel confident that this administration is prioritizing their safety and taking action with tools proven to keep cyclists, pedestrians, and all road users safer. We look forward to continuing to work with the community to identify opportunities for these kinds of redesigns.”

Two-way bike lane opens on Downtown Brooklyn’s chaotic Schermerhorn Street

POSTED TODAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022BY AARON GINSBURG

Photos © NYC DOT

Your Q3 2022 Manhattan Market Report is Here!

We are excited to announce the release of the Compass Q3 2022 Manhattan Market Insights Report. This report highlights the prevailing trends shaping the market.

Have questions about how Q3 2022 wrapped up, market forecasts, or anything else real estate? We’d love to connect! Don't hesitate to reach out below and we will get back to you.

Statue of Liberty’s Crown Reopens After Over Two years

Photo by Noconatom on Wikimedia

The Statue of Liberty’s crown on Tuesday reopened to the public for the first time since the start of the pandemic. The crown closed in March 2020 when Covid-19 first hit New York City due to concerns about spreading the virus in the statue’s enclosed spaces. Visitors should be prepared to climb the 162 steps to the top as there is no elevator service.

Liberty Island’s grounds opened to the public in July 2020, and the Statue of Liberty’s observation deck reopened at 50 percent capacity on July 1, according to the National Park Service.

Statue City Cruises is the only authorized ferry service for trips to and from both Liberty Island and Ellis Island, according to the parks service. Third-party solicitors should be avoided.

Tickets, which cost $24.30 for adults, $18.30 for seniors, and $12.30 for kids ages 4-12, must be purchased in advance, with boat rides to the statue departing from Battery Park in Manhattan and Liberty State Park in New Jersey.

A maximum of four tickets can be purchased per order, and only one reservation per person is permitted during any six-month period.

Purses, backpacks, fanny packs, camera bags, tripods, keys, writing instruments, umbrellas, shopping bags, food and drink, and any other item that might be an obstacle on the staircase must be put in the nearby lockers before guests climb the steps.

Statue of Liberty’s crown reopens for the first time in over two years

POSTED TODAY, OCTOBER 11, 2022BY AARON GINSBURG

Photo by Noconatom on Wikimedia and via WikiCommons

201 West 70th Street, Unit 34G

201 West 70th Street, Unit 34G

UPPER WEST SIDE, MANHATTAN

$1,200,000

1 Bed  |  1 Bath | Co-op

 

Fall in love with this spacious one bedroom, one bathroom home with a private balcony, spectacular Central Park views and breathtaking sunrises in the heart of the Upper West Side. Located on the 34th floor, this stunning home welcomes you in through an entry foyer to an expansive sun-filled dining and living area with iconic Eastern Central Park and skyline views. The living room leads to an outdoor private balcony to soak in fresh air and the Manhattan skyline while you relax or entertain. This immaculate home includes beautiful herringbone hardwood floors, crown molding and four large closets with home office options. The kitchen is beautifully arranged with cherry wood cabinets, stone countertops, and Bosch stainless steel appliances. The large bedroom can accommodate a King-size bed, room for a sitting area or a desk, with more picturesque views of Central Park and the East facing skyline. The sleek bathroom includes hand-made Italian tile and mirrors. Call today for your private visit of this (approx.) 725 square foot Upper West Side sanctuary or for additional information.

One Sherman Square is a commanding postwar cooperative featuring a welcoming circular driveway and gardens. Residents of the pet-friendly building enjoy a contemporary lobby, 24-hour doorman and concierge service, a live-in superintendent, fitness center, laundry, an onsite parking garage and a glorious landscaped roof deck with spectacular views. Subletting, pieds-à-terre, co-purchasing and gifting are permitted with board approval. Located in prime Lincoln Square, this home is at the epicenter of Upper West Side excitement surrounded by lush outdoor space at Central Park, Riverside Park and the Hudson River waterfront. Foodies will love the easy access to Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, Zabars, Citarella, the original Fairway Market and renowned Café Luxembourg. Enjoy fantastic shopping along Broadway, or take in world-class entertainment at Lincoln Center or the Beacon Theater. The 1, B and C trains, excellent bus service and CitiBikes put the rest of the city within easy reach.

New York’s 2022 Fall Foliage Map Is Here!

New York State has begun its colorful transformation into fall. The first signs of autumn can already be seen in the Adirondacks, with the rest of the state to soon follow suit. To help New Yorkers follow the cycle of foliage, the state released this week its annual Fall Foliage Report. The interactive map is updated weekly using observations and reports from a state-wide group of volunteers known as “leaf peepers,” as 6sqft previously reported.

It takes approximately two weeks for fall foliage to complete its cycle, changing from the vibrant greens of the summer to the darker hues of the fall. Historically, the cycle begins in the Adirondack and Catskill mountains in early September, gradually spreading out across the state.

Peak foliage in New York City and on Long Island takes place in mid-November, with peak brilliance typically lasting three to four days in any given spot.

“From colorful foliage and unparalleled natural landscapes to breathtaking historical sites and one-of-a-kind state parks, there’s nothing like New York in the fall,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement announcing the start of this year’s fall foliage season.

“During this season, we invite travelers from New York and out-of-state to plan a perfect autumn adventure – whether it’s climbing an Adirondack peak, visiting a Long Island winery, or walking along Buffalo’s waterfront – and see what our great state has to offer.”

The state encourages New Yorkers and visitors alike to explore the state’s natural landscape amid the changing leaves. Whether it be in the Catskills, Finger Lakes, or Long Island, there is no shortage of destinations to enjoy the fall foliage.

The state’s tourism website, I LOVE NY, recommends hiking as the best way to take in the autumn foliage. For more experienced hikers, Mount Haystack in the Adirondacks is a great option. Haystack is the third-highest peak in the entire state and gives an incredible vantage point to take in the surrounding fall scenery.

For New Yorkers who don’t want to venture far from the city, there are plenty of great spots to observe the foliage within the five boroughs and on Long Island.

While New York City may not be filled with the same amount of greenery as the Catskills and Adirondacks, there is still plenty of beauty to be found in its public parks. Central Park’s autumn leaves can be viewed from within the park or from some of the city’s observation decks, including Top of the Rock.

Forest Park in Queens and Prospect Park in Brooklyn are two other great options to stroll through and enjoy the breathtaking fall leaves. Long Island offers grand views of the fall both along its coasts and on Fire Island and Montauk Point.

New York’s 2022 fall foliage map has arrived

POSTED ON THU, SEPTEMBER 15, 2022BY AARON GINSBURG via 6sqft.com

Image courtesy of I LOVE NY

The Monthly Update - October 2022

During Macroeconomic Headwinds,

Manhattan is Holding its Own! 

While many predict housing prices will drop 20% to 30% nationwide, Manhattan and the surrounding New York City markets are holding their own. That’s mainly because, during the COVID rebound year – while the rest of that country was seeing increases in prices almost month over month – Manhattan and the surrounding boroughs, particularly prime areas of Brooklyn, were seeing high transaction rates, but pricing really didn’t go much higher than 2018/2019 levels. This could prove to be a lifesaver as the housing market unfolds and the overall real estate markets come down to more realistic pricing levels. 

Manhattan and Brooklyn were in the throes of the COVID rebound in 2021 and half of 2022. Just like the rest of the industry, it all came to a screeching halt in June of this year, due largely to rising interest rates and a downturn in the stock market. Things have somewhat recovered and adjusted since then, and the market continues to be strong when put against prior “normal“ real estate years. For instance, 163 apartments were put into contract the third week in September. That’s pretty much on par with the same week in September 2019. The saving grace for Manhattan and Brooklyn is that sellers weren’t really able to push pricing up in 2021-2022, even though transactions were at a record pace. This means the downturn or recovery months to follow should be relatively easy on prices. Yes, there will be some adjustments, but not the 20% to 30% many pundits are expecting throughout the country. 

Of course, time will tell, but Manhattan and prime Brooklyn have the advantage of a very wealthy clientele, buyers and sellers alike. There are many more cash buyers in New York City: roughly 30% to 40% of all transactions are cash in any given price range and above 50% in prime Manhattan markets. If there is even a slight price adjustment, buyers generally come out of the woodwork to take advantage of that discount. Plus, the real estate market in New York City has a backstop called the rental market. For the most part, these two markets swing back and forth from one another. When the rental market gets too hot, renters tend to return to the sales market and vice versa. Right now, rental prices are 30% higher than pre-COVID levels, which means we are seeing additional buyers in the sales marketplace. These are people who were initially interested in renting but decided that, now that rents have exceeded mortgage plus HOA fees, they’ll dip back into the sales market despite higher interest rates.

Of course, no one has a crystal ball or knows exactly what the three, six or nine months will bring. But Manhattan has been able to weather most major housing market drops in the past. This time should be no different.

THT Listing Spotlight:

Lifestyle Tips & Tricks

NYC Wine & Food Festival

The Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival celebrates its 15th Anniversary on October 13-16, 2022. With more than 80 events, the NYCWFF is the largest food and wine festival in NYC and is widely recognized for its walk-around tasting events that celebrate America’s favorite foods, intimate dinners with world-renowned chefs, late night parties, hands-on classes, brunches and more. Click HERE to purchase tickets!

Halloween on the Harlem Meer: Pumpkin Flotilla

Thursday, October 28th come dressed in your Halloween costume and watch the Harlem Meer get spooky! Drop off your very own carved pumpkin and find a spot along the edge of the Harlem Meer to watch as the jack-o’-lanterns float by in New York’s largest pumpkin flotilla. Click HERE for more information!

What You Should Be Planting in the Fall

This may be a little known fact, but fall is the key planting time for a beautiful garden. It's also the key time to give your plants one last manicure before winter sets in. Now that summer's heat is cooling off, it's time for you to switch out your summer annuals for fall appropriate annuals and plant spring bulbs before the first frost. Courtesy of Southern Living

Best Places to See Fall Foliage in the U.S.

It's time for sweater weather, hot apple cider, and best of all, seeing the leaves change from the lush greens of summer to the bright golds, oranges, and reds of autumn. Check out the 21 best places to see fall foliage. Courtesy of Travel + Leisure

25 Easy Pumpkin Carving Ideas

Carve your own funny, scary, or beautiful pumpkin carvings this Halloween. Your whole family will find plenty to love about these easy pumpkin carving ideas—from a classic smile to a flame.
Courtesy of Better Homes & Gardens

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Lincoln Center Announces October 8th Opening For David Geffen Hall

David Geffen Hall, the new home of the New York Philharmonic, is set to open to the public on October 8. To celebrate the opening, the hall is hosting a series of events throughout October, beginning with the world premiere of San Juan Hill: A New York Story by composer Etienne Charles. After two celebratory galas, an open house weekend will take place on October 29 and 30, featuring hundreds of artists who will be “animating the hall with performances, participatory activities, and family events,” according to a press release.

Photo courtesy of Michael Moran

In 2004, plans to rebuild the Philharmonic’s hall were announced. After numerous construction delays and trouble with keeping an architect, entertainment mogul David Geffen donated $100 million to revitalize the project.

In March, it was announced that the hall had been completed two years ahead of schedule and on budget, despite logistical constraints created by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects and Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects, the $550 million state-of-the-art concert hall seats approximately 500 guests and improves upon the sound quality and accessibility issues found in the previous hall.

Photos courtesy of Chris Lee

The new hall “represents a statement of faith in New York and its artistic community,” delivering 6,000 jobs for New Yorkers and supporting $600 million in ongoing economic development, according to a press release.

“A huge community came together around the idea of a bright future at a dark time for our city. Now, we are able to celebrate an economic engine, a vibrant creative hub, and a cultural home for both the New York Philharmonic and all New Yorkers,” Katherine Farley, chair of the board of directors at Lincoln Center, said.

“We are so grateful to the many people who helped bring us to this moment—chief among them David Geffen for his original generous and catalytic gift and Clara Wu Tsai for her gift that enabled the acceleration of the project by two years.”

San Juan Hill: A New York Story was commissioned by the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts for the New York Philharmonic. It will be performed by Etienne Charles and Creole Soul accompanied by the orchestra and conducted by music director Jaap van Zweden.

Choose-what-you-pay tickets for San Juan Hill: A New York Story are now on sale. There will be a limited number of free tickets available on October 8 at the hall’s welcome center at 10 a.m.

Lincoln Center announces October 8 opening for David Geffen Hall

POSTED ON TUE, SEPTEMBER 27, 2022BY AARON GINSBURG

Photo courtesy of Chris Lee and also Michael Moran

Your new home awaits.