The Monthly Update - November 2024

What’s Next?

After a rebound of sorts this fall, the city’s contract-signed numbers are about 25% higher than this time last year. However, as of late, there seems to be a slight wait-and-see approach taken by buyers (and sellers), partly due to interest rate fluctuations and next week’s presidential election. That said, the 2024 fall season as a whole has been much more robust than the past couple of years. Another contributor is the lower-than-normal inventory levels. Overall, city inventory did not exceed 7,000 homes this year. At the time of this article, there are 6,856 listings on the market ready to be sold. Historically, most fall markets see an increase in inventory well over 7,500 total listings. With the low inventory and elevated contract-signed rates, the city’s real estate foot soldiers — the agents, brokers and salespersons representing buyers and sellers — could definitely feel the increase in activity. 

However, the increased activity didn’t create a true seller’s market! The uptick did not give sellers license to start raising prices closer to 2015-2016 levels, which was the last time homeowners enjoyed a full-fledged seller’s market. Today’s busier-than-usual conditions didn’t even eclipse pricing seen during the COVID rebound markets of 2021. Instead, this year's fall market experienced a slight uptick in activity. Nothing more. However, because it’s been so sluggish for the last 24 months, any increase in activity felt like a breath of fresh air, and all of us felt far busier than we have been since interest rates rose in the summer of 2022. 

The swell in activity was felt primarily in the lower price end of the market, generally at about $2 million and below. That’s no surprise, as buyers in that sector tend to be much more cognizant of and reliant on interest rates. As a result, it’s no surprise the decrease in interest rates coupled with strong pent-up buyer demand created an uptick in buyer movement. And when interest rates, for a brief moment, dipped below 6%, buyers came back to the marketplace and put property under contract. 

But what’s in store? That is the question moving forward, regardless of who takes office, Republicans or Democrats. The city’s real estate market needs lower interest rates to start fueling the very evident amount of pent-up buyer demand. Sellers also need to participate in this comeback as buyers need inventory to choose from in order to start putting more property into contract and create a more sustainable recovery. All this needs to happen before there’s any talk of a “seller’s market." Meanwhile, the recent uptick is a welcome sight for many brokers who’ve been pounding the pavement with their buyers or laboriously selling units that took months, if not years, to sell. 

Looking ahead, the economy remains strong enough, but only time will tell if that continues under the newly elected administration. Interest rates should start to go down further, but only time will tell if the Fed agrees with lowering the interbank rate and passing those savings onto consumers in the way of reduced interest rates across the board. 

So, What’s Next? Only time will tell!

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Local Happenings

New York City Marathon 2024

NOVEMBER 3, 2024

Cheer on your family and friends at this year's NYC Marathon! Thousands of runners from all over the world gather in the big apple, annually, to compete in a 26.2-mile race that spans across all five boroughs. It’s an impressive all-day event that you don't want to miss!

Click HERE to learn more!

Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy

NOV 20 – JAN 5, 2025

Hold on! There's an arsty carnival displaying authentic installation pieces by some of the world's most influential artists from the 20th century? Sign me up! What has been described as “The art event of the year”, by The Independent, Luna Luna was created on the idea of the world's first art amusement park.

Click HERE to learn more!

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Featured Listings

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3 Hanover Square, Unit PH21C

3 Hanover Square, Unit PH21C

FINANCIAL DISTRICT, MANHATTAN

Asking $895,000

1 Bed  |  2 Bath | Co-op

 

Just say no, to cookie-cutter white box living! This brand new, never lived in expansive one-bedroom, one-bathroom penthouse level unit features exceptional finishes, one-of-a-kind views, generous storage and an outstanding Downtown location in a historic, full-service FiDi cooperative.

Inside this approximately 900-square-foot showplace, beamed ceilings rise above dark, wide-plank floors and oversized tilt/turn windows on the northern, southern and western exposures. A gracious foyer flanked by a coat closet ushers you into a massive 30-foot-long great room perfect for relaxing and entertaining. In the living area, you’re surrounded by custom built-ins and glorious atrium views that give the home a garden-apartment ambiance high on the 21st floor. Plan your next dinner party in the bright dining room featuring a designer light fixture and partial East River views. The open designer kitchen elevates every meal with custom cabinetry, a pull-out pantry, quartzite countertops, a large waterfall island/breakfast bar and pendant lighting. Enjoy a suite of upscale Jenn-Air and Liebherr stainless steel appliances, including a gas range, bottom-freezer refrigerator, dishwasher and built-in microwave.

Head to the corner bedroom to discover exposed brick, a sunny skylight, roomy closets and a generous king-size layout. The sophisticated spa bathroom boasts a wide vanity, custom mirror, walk-in benched shower and elegant floor-to-ceiling stone tile. Custom lighting throughout with Lutron dimmer switches and a dedicated storage unit add wonderful convenience to this fantastic FiDi retreat.

Originally built for the New York Cotton Exchange, 3 Hanover Square is a regal limestone building and one of the Financial District’s first residential conversions. Residents of the well-maintained co-op enjoy full-time doorman/concierge service, a live-in superintendent, laundry on the floor, and storage on each level. Pets, pieds-à-terre and subletting are permitted with board approval.

Situated in the historic Financial District, just a stone’s throw from Wall Street and the revitalized Seaport District, this home enjoys easy access to fantastic Downtown shopping, dining, nightlife and entertainment. There is a bagel shop, deli and restaurants within the building, and the Oculus/Westfield World Trade Center, Whole Foods, and Stone Street’s great outdoor cafés and bars are just blocks away. Relax in the Queen Elizabeth II Garden pedestrian plaza right outside the building, or head to the river bikeways or The Battery for waterfront outdoor space and recreation. Transportation options are plentiful with J/Z, 2/3, 4/5 and R trains, excellent bus service, CitiBikes and the Pier 11 ferry landing all just minutes away.

Uber Launches Shuttle Between Lauardia and Midtown

Hailing a ride to and from LaGuardia Airport just got cheaper. Uber on Tuesday launched a new $18 shuttle service with two routes connecting Midtown Manhattan and LaGuardia Airport, operating daily every 30 minutes from 5 a.m. to 10:45 p.m. Stopping at Port Authority, Grand Central Terminal, and Penn Station, the passenger vans can carry up to 14 passengers with each rider allowed one personal item and one piece of luggage.

month, riders who choose the Shuttle option will receive a 50 percent discount, reducing the fare to $9.

Shuttle routes from Midtown to LaGuardia:

• Route one stops:

  • Port Authority Terminal (340 West 42nd Street, New York) 

  • Grand Central Terminal (106-110 East 42nd Street, New York)

  • LGA Airport Terminal C Arrival level curbside

  • LGA Airport Terminal B Arrival level one – Pillar five 

• Route two stops:

  • Penn Station (214 West 34th Street)

  • LGA Airport Terminal B Arrival level one – Pillar five

  • LGA Airport Terminal C Arrival level curbside

To book a shuttle on Uber, enter your pick-up and drop-off locations, then select the “Shuttle” option. After viewing the fare and pickup time, tap “Request” to complete your reservation. You can reserve up to four seats, with reservations available up to seven days in advance.

LaGuardia is served by five different MTA bus routes, including the free Q70, which travels from Roosevelt Avenue and 61st Avenue, and the M60 route, which connects the Upper West Side and the airport. The Q47, Q72, and Q48 also have stops at the airport.

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Uber launches shuttle between LaGuardia Airport and Midtown

By Aaron Ginsburg

October 8, 2024

Images courtesy of Uber

515 East 72nd Street, Unit 40E

515 East 72nd Street, Unit 40E

UPPER EAST SIDE, MANHATTAN

Asking $2,795,000

2+ Bed  |  2.5 Bath | 1,669 SF | Condo

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This exceptional high-floor two-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom condo ticks all the boxes with an expansive split-bedroom layout, premium finishes and two private terraces in the Tower Residences at a contemporary full-service building with five-star hotel-like amenities and an enviable Lenox Hill location. This unit is also an easy conversion to a three bedroom- see alternative floor plan.

With 10 foot ceiling heights, and located just beneath the penthouse level, this 1,669-square-foot showplace makes a dramatic first impression with walls of windows capturing unimpeded outlooks to the west and north. A gracious foyer flanked by a coat closet and chic powder room introduces the home's wide-plank natural walnut floors and tall ceilings. Ahead, the nearly 31-foot-long corner living/dining room invites you to relax and entertain surrounded by a wraparound balcony and views that stretch from cotton candy sunsets and iconic Midtown skyscrapers to the East River, Roosevelt Island, The Bronx, Queens and beyond. Elevate your culinary expertise in the sleek open kitchen adorned with ebony Macassar cabinetry, Calacatta Gold marble countertops and Dornbracht hardware. The upscale appliances include a Bosch five-burner cooktop and oven, a Sub-Zero refrigerator, a Miele Incognito dishwasher and a Viking convection microwave.

The sprawling owner's bedroom boasts plenty of space for a king-size bed and furnishings, plus a home office or fitness area alongside a private north-facing balcony. Two walk-in closets tend to wardrobe needs, while the en suite spa bathroom offers a large glass shower, a polished marble and ebony Macassar floating vanity and stunning floor-to-ceiling stone tile. Across the living room, the secondary suite boasts western vistas, a roomy closet and a well-appointed private bathroom. An in-unit washer-dryer and individually controlled PTAC units in each room add comfort and convenience to this exquisite Lenox Hill haven.

Enjoy luxury living at 515 East 72nd Street, a modern high-rise condominium featuring a near-endless list of five-star amenities and attentive staff, including 24-hour doorman, concierge, porter, housekeeping and on-site valet parking service. The pet-friendly building's 40,000 square feet of amenities include a landscaped half-acre private park with a lawn, yoga space and outdoor lounge. Recreation and relaxation await in the state-of-the-art fitness center, Olympic-size indoor saltwater pool, hot tubs, sauna and steam rooms, rock climbing wall, indoor squash and basketball courts, while the full-service Elements Spa is just an elevator ride away. A playroom, piano room, and media lounge, complete this superb hotel-like enclave. The beautiful lobby and hallway have recently undergone an extensive renovation.

Located on a tranquil Lenox Hill cul de sac overlooking the East River, this home is inches from a lovely riverside plaza at the end of the block and access to the spectacular East River promenade on the next street. The Upper East Side's signature shopping, dining, entertainment and medical centers fill the neighborhood. Transportation is effortless with Q and 6 trains, excellent bus service, CitiBikes and the FDR all within easy reach.

Please note: There is an assessment of $1,123.20 per month in place until April of 2026 to cover the recent renovation of the lobby and hallways and Local Law 11 work. Also taxes are displayed assuming a STAR abatement.

The Monthly Update - October 2024

Is There Relief In Sight?

Last month, real estate talk in the Manhattan and Brooklyn markets centered around interest rates and whether they'd fall soon. That all came to fruition when the Fed met last month and finally lowered the interbank rate by 50 basis points — the first rate cut since March 2020! 

The assumption has been that buyer pent-up demand has been escalating since rates started rising in Summer 2022, with the expectation that the Fed lowering rates would bring buyers back. So, has that happened??? The foot soldiers of the real estate industry — the real estate agents who pound the pavement every day working on behalf of their clients to get the best price possible — are, in fact, seeing an uptick in volume and overall transaction rates since the Sept. 18 rate cut. Looking ahead to October, is there any anecdotal evidence or water cooler chatter about busier open houses or more buyer inquiries, at the very least? The short answer is yes! 

The number of listings that went into contract in September was up, driven mainly by mortgage interest rates that declined throughout the month, including after the Fed's 50-point reduction. Twenty-five percent more contracts were signed in Sept. 2024 than in Sept. 2023. That's great news since September is often one of the slowest months for listings to go into contract (contrary to popular belief), while October is generally the busiest month of the fall season for signed contracts. 

Put another way, September is a “listing month“ in New York City, not a “signed contract” month. Historically, there's a spike in new listings after Labor Day, which starts to taper off later in the month. However, this September, the number of new listings was lower than last year. Buyers coming back into the market with zest and vigor because of lower rates, but with less inventory to choose from — this is the ideal seller's market recipe sellers have been waiting for over two years! 

Don’t get me wrong, there are still hurdles to overcome. Real estate generally doesn't turn around overnight, and we still have the election and other geo-political situations to navigate through the rest of 2024. The challenges that might prevent a strong 2025 spring season are not completely clear at present. I’m not making a call that spring will see the return of a full-fledged seller's market — there are just too many unknown factors at play right now. That said, it is shaping up to be one of the stronger spring seasons the market has seen in quite some time. Maybe even going back to 2015-2016, the last time sellers enjoyed a brisk market in their favor.

But only time will tell. Inventory is still quite low compared to historical norms, and signed contract numbers are up YOY. If these two things continue on the same path, and the Fed continues to lower rates, as they are slated to do a few more times this year, things could be looking up for the New York City market – finally!

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News & Local Happenings

NYC Food & Wine Festival

OCTOBER 17 - 20, 2024

It's that time of the year! Check out four days and over 80 events for this year's NYC WFF hosted by Food Network. The foodie extravaganza consists of city-wide tastings, limited time offers, pier parties and more! Click HERE to learn more!

Pickle For P.I.N.K.

OCTOBER 23, 2024

The proceeds will support breast cancer research through Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), the highest rated breast cancer organization in the US. Looking to play?

Click HERE to register.

Can't make it but would like to donate? Click HERE to donate.

NYC Village Halloween Parade

OCTOBER 31, 2024

It's back and spookier than ever! Head downtown to check out this year's iconic parade, stretching along 6th Avenue from King Street to 15th Street. Expect to see more than 50,000 ghouls, zombies, witches, robots, Jedis, monsters and more to take the streets! Click HERE to learn more!

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Listing Spotlight

50 Gramercy Park N. #15AB - $4,000,000

10 W. 15th St. #1027/28 - $2,795,000

110 Riverside Dr. #15C - $2,600,000

200 E. 66th St. #D1701 - $2,375,000

536 E. 12th St. #4R - $1,548,000

55 E. 72nd St. #2N - $1,395,000

300 W. 145th St. #2C - $835,000

345 E. 73rd St. #3A - $790,000

234 E. 35th St. #3 - $650,000

30 E. 37th St. #6G - $599,000

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536 East 13th Street, Unit 4R

536 East 13th Street, Unit 4R

East Village, MANHATTAN

Asking $1,548,000

2 Bed  |  1 Bath | 866 SF | Condo

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Welcome to this sun-drenched two-bedroom home in the heart of the East Village, located within a boutique condominium. This south-facing residence offers a bright and inviting atmosphere, highlighted by a private balcony perfect for soaking up the sunshine. The spacious interior features large Belgian casement windows that bathe the living space in natural light, complementing the wide plank oak floors and high ceilings. With picturesque views of a landscaped rear yard and a charming East Village garden, this home strikes a perfect balance between urban living and serene surroundings.

The kitchen is a blend of style and functionality, featuring custom Italian cabinetry and integrated stainless-steel appliances from Bertazzoni, Liebherr, and Bosch. A custom marble island serves as both a practical workspace and a beautiful spot for entertaining. The spa-like bathroom is adorned with luxurious marble finishes, built-in shelving, and a deep 63-inch Zuma soaking tub, creating a relaxing retreat. Both bedrooms offer ample closet space, and the unit includes deeded private storage that can double as a personal workout area. Included in the sale is a private keyed storage room.

Conveniently located just steps from Target, Trader Joe’s, and soon-to-be-open Whole Foods as well as a variety of dining and shopping options, this home offers easy access to the L train, which connects to Union Square and Williamsburg in one stop. Built in 2016 by the esteemed GRID Group, the building features modern amenities, including a large elevator, a virtual doorman system, and low HOA fees. With only two units per floor, privacy is assured, making this a true urban oasis in the vibrant East Village.

*Broker/Owner

30 Rock’s New ‘Skylift’ Platform Will Takes Visitors 900 Feet Above NYC

The view from one of New York City’s most iconic observation decks is about to get even better. Opening on October 1, Skylift at the Top of the Rock takes visitors above the 70th floor at 30 Rockefeller Plaza on an open-air platform that offers unobstructed, 360-degree city views. The new experience starts at $35 as an optional add-on to general admission to the Top of the Rock.

Skylift’s circular, open-air fiberglass platform draws inspiration from Rockefeller Center’s distinct Art Deco architecture, with marble-like tiers reflecting design motifs found throughout the landmark. After stepping onto Skylift, the attraction slowly brings guests 900 feet above Manhattan and gently rotates 360 degrees, offering panoramic views of the five boroughs.

No need to ruin the sky-high moment with selfies, the experience includes a video of each guest at the pinnacle of the ride.

Skylift features 96 LED pixel flutes that create a dazzling light show, visible across the city skyline. These lights can be customized to celebrate special dates and holidays.

Tishman Speyer calls the Skylift the “crown jewel” of the revitalization of Rockefeller Center, which has undergone a campus-wide transformation over the last five years. The Beam at the Top of the Rock, a 69th-floor rooftop ride that lets guests recreate the iconic “Lunch Atop a Skyscraper” photograph, opened in 2023, a new park on the rooftop of Radio City Music Hall opened in 2021, and the campus’s iconic sunken plaza has been restored with new fine dining options and retailers.

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“Rockefeller Center is full of amazing experiences, but none quite as breathtaking as Skylift,” EB Kelly, senior managing director at Tishman Speyer and head of Rockefeller Center, said. “The thrilling experience of revolving 900 feet above ground for 360-degree views, eye to eye with skyscrapers in the beating heart of New York City, is one no visitor will forget.”

“Skylift is the crown jewel of our revitalization of Rockefeller Center, which has brought a new vibrancy and energy to every corner of campus.”

Skylift will operate daily from 8 a.m. to 12 a.m., with the last entry at 11:10 p.m. Tickets start at $35 as an add-on to Top of the Rock general admission and express passes. Entry to Skylift is also included with VIP and VIP Rock passes. Tickets can be purchased here.

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30 Rock’s new ‘Skylift’ platform takes visitors 900 feet above NYC

By Aaron Ginsburg

September 25, 2024

Renderings courtesy of Tishman Speyer

18 West 48th Street, Unit 30D

18 West 48th Street, Unit 30D

MIDTOWN, MANHATTAN

Asking $1,295,000

1 Bed  |  1 Bath | Condo

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-Condo
-Doorman
-Open city views
-Washer/dryer in-unit
-Investor-friendly building

Welcome to your urban oasis at The Centria Condominium! This stunning 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom modern residence in the heart of the city.

Entering into this high-floor unit there is a spacious living area splashed in natural light, featuring hardwood floors and high ceilings that enhance the sense of openness and space. Folding doors reveal a well-appointed Pullman kitchen featuring glossy cabinetry, a stainless steel counter, a refrigerator, a cooktop and an oven. Sleep soundly and take in the views from king-size bedroom The marble bathroom impresses with a soaking tub, glass shower, floating double vanity, and wide medicine cabinet.

Built in 2007, The Centria is a sleek glass condominium tower offering residents an outstanding luxury lifestyle with 24-hour doorman and concierge service, a live-in resident manager, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a residents' lounge, a lounge with a professional catering kitchen and bar, a business center with two conference rooms, and adjoining landscaped courtyards. This pet-friendly enclave is ideal for full-time residents, investors and pieds-à-terre alike.

Located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, this home defines exciting urban life with direct access to Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, MoMa, Bryant Park and the exciting theater district. World-class dining, designer shopping and vibrant nightlife venues line every nearby block, and transportation is effortless with B/D/F/M, E, N/R/W, 1/2/3, 4/5/6, 7 and S subway lines, Metro-North trains, excellent bus service and CitiBikes all nearby.

100 Life-Size Elephant Sculptures Migrate Through the Meatpacking District

A herd of 100 life-size elephant sculptures has arrived in the Meatpacking District as part of their great migration across America. Hosted by the Meatpacking BID in partnership with Elephant Family USA, the Great Elephant Migration seeks to captivate viewers while raising awareness and money for global conservation efforts. On view through October 20, the sculptures can be seen along 9th Avenue, between Gansevoort Plaza and 15th Street.

The exhibition is one of the largest public art installations in New York City since Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s “The Gates” in 2005. This global fundraising initiative supports indigenous and community-led conservation efforts, providing resources to NGOs that help people who live with lions, leopards, elephants, and other difficult wildlife.

Beyond this, the exhibition is designed to inspire a peaceful existence between animals and humans.

The herd was created by the Coexistence Collective, a community of 200 indigenous artists living in India’s Biosphere Reserve. The group crafted the sculptures out of Lantana camara, an invasive plant species that has reduced food sources for herbivores across 300,000 square kilometers of the country’s forests.

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Each sculpture is a recreation of elephants that members of the Collective have known in real life.

The creation of these sculptures provides financial stability, status, and pride to 200 members of the Soligas, Bettakurumbas, Kattunayakan, and Paniyas tribes, who share their land with the elephants that inspired the herd.

Since their first stop in Newport, Rhode Island, on July 4, the herd has already raised $1 million, aiming for a total of $10 million in the United States. The initiative is the largest sustainable indigenous enterprise in India.

Co-presented by Art&Newport and curated by founder Dodie Kazanjian, the herd’s headquarters and shop will be located at 423 West 14th Street during the installation.

Throughout the Meatpacking District, the sculptures will be joined by additional artworks, including a multidisciplinary installation by artist Hadi Falapishi at 82 Gansevoort Street later this month, and a photography exhibition by Michael Turek at 423 West 14th Street from October 18 to 20.

“After months of anticipation, the herd has officially arrived in the Meatpacking District! With thanks to all the city agencies that helped make this possible, we are thrilled to welcome this striking installation that helps spread the message of coexistence to all who visit,” Jeffrey LeFrancois, executive director of the Meatpacking District, said. 

“Seeing these life-size sculpted elephants along the storied cobblestone streets is stunning, and if you listen closely, you might even hear a trumpet. It also shows what is possible when creative communities come together to shape an extraordinary moment in time that produces an image just as powerful as the message behind the installation.”

With help from High Line Stages, further programming, events, and activities will take place in the Meatpacking District through late October to celebrate the Great Elephant Migration.

On September 10, the BID will host a panel at the Maker’s Studio at Chelsea Market diving into key themes surrounding conservation and coexistence called “Coexistence and Community From Nilgiris to New York.”

The discussion will push audience members to rethink traditional ideas of conservation that separate wildlife from the human world and instead think of humans and animals living on a single integrated “gradient of coexistence.”

Additionally, officials from the Meatpacking District, Coexistence Collective, and Elephant Family USA will host an event that explores innovative conservation approaches that embrace this notion of humans and animals coexisting. The event is free and open to the public, and more details can be found here.

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100 life-size Indian elephant sculptures migrate through the Meatpacking District

By Aaron Ginsburg

September 9, 2024

Photos by Mark Warner

455 East 86th Street, Unit 19D

455 East 86th Street, Unit 19D

UPPER EAST SIDE, MANHATTAN

Asking $550,000

Studio  |  1 Bath | Condo

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- Condo
- Full-time doorman
- Investor-friendly building

455 East 86th Street, Unit 19D, this exquisite studio apartment offers an unparalleled blend of comfort and convenience. This thoughtfully designed unit maximizes every foot of space with tons of natural light. The oversized windows provide breathtaking river and city views, while the eastern exposure ensures your mornings are filled with vibrant sunlight. The unit features hardwood floors and a windowed kitchen complete with a breakfast bar and dishwasher, perfect for hosting.

Residents will enjoy a wealth of amenities, including a full-time doorman and concierge service, ensuring a seamless living experience. The building's health club features a state-of-the-art gym, pool, steam room, and sauna, providing ample opportunities for relaxation and fitness. The common garden offers a serene escape from the bustling city, while the playroom is designed for leisure and enjoyment. Additional conveniences include laundry facilities in the building and a bike room for cycling enthusiasts.

Don't miss the chance to make this exceptional studio apartment your new home. Experience the epitome of Manhattan living with all the amenities you could desire. Contact us today to schedule a viewing!

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Pedestrian Plaza, Two-Way Bike Lane Now on Broadway Near Union Square

Broadway is gradually becoming a safer, more welcoming space for pedestrians and cyclists. Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez on Thursday announced the completion of the latest phase of “Broadway Vision,” bringing a new pedestrian plaza, two-way bike connections, and other safety upgrades between East 17th and East 21st Streets. The Union Square Partnership and the Flatiron NoMad Partnership will maintain the new spaces.

An illustration of the implemented redesign of Broadway Vision, from East 17th Street to East 21st Street. Credit: NYC DOT

The improvements include a new pedestrian plaza between 17th and 18th Streets, curb extensions and narrower turns to reduce speeding and promote safe turning, shortened crossings and wider crosswalks to enhance pedestrian safety, and two-way bike boulevards.

Additional features include redesigned curb lanes for loading and picking up, and more public space and cycling amenities, such as seating, planters, and expanded bike parking.

The completion of this phase marks 19 blocks along Broadway that have been transformed into plazas or shared/slow streets through Broadway Vision. Together, the new spaces make up 17,000 square feet of pedestrian space between Union Square and Columbus Circle, and 13,000 square feet of new shared space.

“Through Broadway Vision we are transforming streets that were once choked with vehicle traffic into calm, welcoming places for New Yorkers and visitors to relax, dine out, shop, and meet one another,” Rodriguez said. 

“This latest phase dramatically expands pedestrian space just north of Union Square, with public seating, improved pedestrian crossings, and two-way bike connections. These changes make our streets safer, support businesses, and bring New Yorkers together.”

Shared streets, also known as “pedestrian-priority” streets, are designed for slow travel speeds where pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles share the right of way. Usually implemented on low-vehicle or high-pedestrian volume corridors, vehicles are advised to drive five miles per hour.

DOT is planning to begin public engagement later this year to discuss future Broadway Vision upgrades with New Yorkers.

Broadway Vision was first proposed in Mayor Eric Adams’ “New New York: Making New York Work For Everyone” action plan. The first phase of work kicked off in March 2023, with the addition of two new plazas, shared streets, and a two-way bike lane on Broadway from West 25th to West 32nd Street.

Plans for the latest phase were announced in August 2023.

515 East 72nd Street, Unit 40E

515 East 72nd Street, Unit 40E

UPPER EAST SIDE, MANHATTAN

Asking $2,795,000

2+ Bed  |  2.5 Bath | Condo

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This exceptional high-floor two-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom condo ticks all the boxes with an expansive split-bedroom layout, premium finishes and two private terraces in the Tower Residences at a contemporary full-service building with five-star hotel-like amenities and an enviable Lenox Hill location. This unit is also an easy conversion to a three bedroom- see alternative floor plan.

With 10 foot ceiling heights, and located just beneath the penthouse level, this 1,669-square-foot showplace makes a dramatic first impression with walls of windows capturing unimpeded outlooks to the west and north. A gracious foyer flanked by a coat closet and chic powder room introduces the home's wide-plank natural walnut floors and tall ceilings. Ahead, the nearly 31-foot-long corner living/dining room invites you to relax and entertain surrounded by a wraparound balcony and views that stretch from cotton candy sunsets and iconic Midtown skyscrapers to the East River, Roosevelt Island, The Bronx, Queens and beyond. Elevate your culinary expertise in the sleek open kitchen adorned with ebony Macassar cabinetry, Calacatta Gold marble countertops and Dornbracht hardware. The upscale appliances include a Bosch five-burner cooktop and oven, a Sub-Zero refrigerator, a Miele Incognito dishwasher and a Viking convection microwave.

The sprawling owner's bedroom boasts plenty of space for a king-size bed and furnishings, plus a home office or fitness area alongside a private north-facing balcony. Two walk-in closets tend to wardrobe needs, while the en suite spa bathroom offers a large glass shower, a polished marble and ebony Macassar floating vanity and stunning floor-to-ceiling stone tile. Across the living room, the secondary suite boasts western vistas, a roomy closet and a well-appointed private bathroom. An in-unit washer-dryer and individually controlled PTAC units in each room add comfort and convenience to this exquisite Lenox Hill haven.

Enjoy luxury living at 515 East 72nd Street, a modern high-rise condominium featuring a near-endless list of five-star amenities and attentive staff, including 24-hour doorman, concierge, porter, housekeeping and on-site valet parking service. The pet-friendly building's 40,000 square feet of amenities include a landscaped half-acre private park with a lawn, yoga space and outdoor lounge. Recreation and relaxation await in the state-of-the-art fitness center, Olympic-size indoor saltwater pool, hot tubs, sauna and steam rooms, rock climbing wall, indoor squash and basketball courts, while the full-service Elements Spa is just an elevator ride away. A playroom, piano room, and media lounge, complete this superb hotel-like enclave. The beautiful lobby and hallway have recently undergone an extensive renovation.

Located on a tranquil Lenox Hill cul de sac overlooking the East River, this home is inches from a lovely riverside plaza at the end of the block and access to the spectacular East River promenade on the next street. The Upper East Side's signature shopping, dining, entertainment and medical centers fill the neighborhood. Transportation is effortless with Q and 6 trains, excellent bus service, CitiBikes and the FDR all within easy reach.

Please note: There is an assessment of $1,123.20 per month in place until April of 2026 to cover the recent renovation of the lobby and hallways and Local Law 11 work. Also taxes are displayed assuming a STAR abatement.

200 East 66th Street, Unit D1701

200 East 66th Street, Unit D1701

UPPER EAST SIDE, MANHATTAN

Asking $2,400,000

2 Bed  |  2 Bath | Condo

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-Condo
-Investor friendly
-In-unit washer/dryer
-Private storage locker included
-Floor-through unit with double exposure
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Experience luxurious living in this stunning high-floor two-bedroom, two-bathroom residence nestled in the heart of Lenox Hill, within a prestigious New York City condominium. This sought-after floor-through unit boasts expansive open views and double exposure, flooding the space with natural light all day long.

Upon entry, a spacious hallway leads to a gracious living and dining area, ideal for both relaxation and entertaining. The living space features an elegant bio-ethanol fireplace adorned with limestone, creating a captivating focal point. The adjacent windowed galley kitchen is equipped with top-of-the-line appliances, perfect for the discerning chef. Every aspect of this residence has been meticulously curated to achieve a seamless blend of modern convenience and timeless design. The walls are adorned with exquisite Venetian plaster, exuding sophistication and artistry. Additional conveniences include central A/C, an in-unit washer/dryer, radiant heated floors, and a towel warmer in the primary bathroom.

Residents of 200 East 66th Street enjoy 24-hour doorman, a full-time resident manager, on-site parking, and a wealth of world-class amenities. The block-long private grounds feature lush greenery and sculpture gardens, while the rooftop Manhattan Club offers 10,000 square feet of interior and exterior space, along with a state-of-the-art fitness club, a newly renovated children’s playroom, bike storage, and more.

Nestled in the heart of Lenox Hill, the award-winning Manhattan House condominium offers a serene residential environment with easy access to Midtown. Central Park and the East River Promenade provide iconic outdoor space and recreation, and transportation is effortless with multiple subway lines just minutes away.

*Please note: There is a special assessment for the 2024 calendar year of $1,601.60 per month, covering facade work and capital improvements.

The 15 Best NYC Parks For Outdoor Grilling

While our tiny apartments and fire escapes may not always be the greatest spots to host a barbecue, the city’s parks provide some of the best places to dine on hamburgers and hot dogs this holiday. Ahead, 6sqft rounded up 15 of the best NYC parks to host outdoor barbecues, from old standby Prospect Park to less-known locales like Staten Island’s Clove Lakes Park.

1. Riverside Park

Designed in the 1870s by Frederick Law Olmsted, Riverside Park overlooks the Hudson River and stretches four miles from 72nd Street to 158th Street and provides the perfect spot for leisure and relaxation. In addition to recreational activities like fishing at Pier 1, kayaking, canoeing, and sailing at the 79th Street Marina, the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway for walking and cycling, and a myriad of fields and playgrounds. For grilling, head up to the designated BBQ areas at West 145th Street (you’ll need to bring your own grill and equipment).

2. Randall’s Island Park

An island located in the East River between Manhattan and Queens, Randall’s Island Park offers multiple grilling spots along its 480 acres of green space, including the Sunken Meadow waterfront between fields 27 and 30, the lawn area adjacent to Scylla Playground, the pedestrian pathway near the Bronx Shore section, the Harlem River Picnic Area and the Flagpole Lawns, located between Icahn Stadium and Golf Center.

The Little Red Lighthouse found at Fort Washington, via Wikimedia

3. Fort Washington Park

For history buffs and grilling connoisseurs, head over to Fort Washington Park along the Hudson River. During the Revolutionary War, the park held a five-bastion fort for George Washington at the intersection of Fort Washington and 183rd Street, which was later seized by the British. But as the location of the city’s only lighthouse, the Little Red Lighthouse, and its views of the Jersey Palisades and the George Washington Bridge, this 160-acre riverfront park offers the perfect backdrop for your BBQ picnic. Set up shop anywhere north of West 158th Street.

4. Hunts Point Riverside Park

Like much of the South Bronx, Hunts Point Riverside Park has undergone some serious revitalization by the city, bringing more green and play spaces for local residents. Once an illegal dumping ground, this Bronx River waterfront park was the first to be built in the neighborhood in 60 years and now offers plenty of recreational activities like fishing and kayaking and a spot for grilling. Bring your barbecue crew to Lafayette Avenue and Edgewater Road where the river-themed park also has canoes and spray showers for kids to enjoy on those hot city days.

5. Ferry Point Park

Plan your next barbecue at the Bronx’s Ferry Point Park, a nearly 420-acre park located East of the Whitestone Bridge that boasts views of the East River, the Long Island Sound, and the Manhattan skyline. Get your grilling going at this Throggs Neck neighborhood park at both the north and south ends. Baseball fields, basketball courts, and a pedestrian trail will keep you busy before and after your BBQ festivities. Plus, the park offers a separate 20-acre waterfront parkland which has a picnic area and tidal wetlands.

6. Queensbridge Park

If looking to host a BBQ with some of the most scenic views of the skyline in the entire city, head over to Long Island City’s Queensbridge Park. Named for the nearby Queensboro Bridge, it has a designated barbecue spot at Vernon Boulevard and 41st Avenue with plenty of picnic tables for any party. On top of the incredible Manhattan views, the waterfront park offers baseball fields, a soccer and football field, basketball and volleyball courts, a large playground, a wading pool, and a comfort station.

Photo by Mateusz Walendzik on Pexels

7. Flushing Meadows Corona Park

Home to the Unisphere, the giant steel globe created for the 1964 World’s Fair, Flushing Meadows Corona Park is the largest park in Queens and the second largest in the entire city. See a bit of the park’s history, as many structures from the 1939-40 World Fair survived, including the Meadow Lake boathouse and the New York City Building. In addition to the New York Hall of Science, Queens Museum, Arthur Ashe Stadium, and Citi Field, the park grounds offer fields, a zoo, a boating lake, a skate park, and a $66 million aquatic and hockey center. And don’t forget about the barbecue. Turn the grill on at 111th Street and 55th Avenue or off Lake West and Lake East.

8. Rockaway Beach

If hoping to barbecue with the soothing sounds of crashing waves in the background, head over to Far Rockaway at O’Donohue Park. Located on the eastern tip of the Rockaway Beach Boardwalk, the park, while not directly on the sand, was converted from a parking lot into a newly designed space with baseball fields, a basketball court, exercise equipment, and a picnic area, as well as views of the East Rockaway Inlet.

9. Prospect Park

Prospect Park, the mammoth-sized 585-acre Brooklyn oasis, offers hundreds of activities to do year-round. Since the 19th century, it’s served New Yorkers as one of the best picnicking destinations, currently with over a dozen designated barbecue locations. Set up at Long Meadow North, near the Picnic House, the Bandshell, the 15th Street Lawn, the 10th Avenue Lawn, and the Lincoln Road picnic area, among others.

10. Kaiser Park

Tucked away in the corner of Coney Island, Kaiser Park allows visitors to play sports, fish at its pier, barbecue, and relax, all steps from the beach. In addition to 20 grills, the park also has basketball and handball courts and baseball and soccer fields. Different bird species, like the red-winged blackbird, red-crested mergansers, and marsh hawks flock to this area.

11. Coffey Park

Located at the center of Red Hook, Coffey Park serves as a civic and recreational space for residents of the Brooklyn neighborhood. The nearly nine-acre park has a spray shower, playground, swings, game tables, basketball and handball courts, and a baseball diamond. After a $2.3 million renovation in 2014, it received a brand new barbecue area with grills and picnic tables. Grill some hamburgers and hotdogs at Verona and Richard Streets and Verona and Dwight Streets.

12. Willowbrook Park

Part of the Greenbelt, the largest Parks sub-system, Willowbrook Park is considered one of Staten Island’s most popular destinations. Spanning 164 acres, with spacious areas for wildlife and recreational facilities, this park offers something to do for everyone. In addition to its notable Carousel for All Children, a handicap-accessible merry-go-round, there are also tennis courts, playgrounds, an archery range, and hiking spots. Find the park’s designated barbecue area at the Eaton Place Entrance of the park.

13. Clove Lakes Park

This 193-acre park on Staten Island’s North Shore in West Brighton is known for its flush natural history and ecological assets. Its three lakes, ponds, serpentine rocks, and a 300-year-old tulip tree, the borough’s oldest and largest living thing, make this park a nature lover’s paradise. In addition to all of the trails and bodies of water Cloves Lakes Park has, there are several baseball and soccer fields, a basketball court, a football field, and an outdoor ice skating rink. Cozy barbecues can be held at the picnic area at Clove Road and Victory Boulevard.

14. Liberty State Park

While not actually in New York, Liberty State Park provides some of the most breathtaking views of the city. This Jersey City park sits on New York Harbor less than 2,000 feet from the Statue of Liberty. Once an abandoned and desolate site of debris, the reconstruction of Liberty State Park helped revitalize the North Jersey neighborhood. A two-mile promenade, Liberty Walk, connects the picnic area, the Interpretive Center, and the historic Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal. The park also offers kayak tours, fishing, crabbing, and boat launches. Liberty State Park provides seven open-air group picnic areas that offer picnic tables and a grill at designated spots. Find more about the rules and regulations of barbecuing at Liberty State Park here.

15. Jones Beach State Park

Another getaway outside of the city, Jones Beach State Park can be found on an island located in Wantagh in Nassau County, just 20 miles from New York City. The 6.5-mile-long oceanfront park is known for its beaches and continues to be one of the most popular summer recreational areas in the metropolitan area, with nearly six million beachgoers each year. With an ocean-liner theme, visitors can enjoy a walk on the boardwalk, play miniature golf, and shuffleboard, or attend a concert at the Nikon at Jones Beach Theater. Host your barbecue near the beach at the park’s fields 1, 6, and 10 in the designated grilling areas.

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The 15 best parks in NYC for outdoor grilling

By Devin Gannon

August 28, 2024

Cover photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels

The Monthly Update - September 2024

 Will the Ice Thaw this Fall? 

With all the talk about the Fed potentially lowering interest rates this fall, the Manhattan real estate market (and the Brooklyn market, too) has been abuzz with hope. Since the small adjustment in mortgage rates around the middle of August, experts have been wondering what could happen if full-fledged prime rate decreases start rolling out at the Fed's next meeting on Sept. 17. Did the slight downtick in interest rates translate to actual sales activity last month? And will the thawing of mortgage interest rates produce an influx of buyer interest in the New York City real estate market soon? Let's dive in.

First, let's look at how the market is really doing in terms of weekly signed contracts. For most of the spring and summer, the contract rate was hovering around 200 properties weekly. This rate stayed steady through the hottest part of the spring market and the lowest and slowest weeks of the summer market. Slow and steady was and is the motto of the 2024 real estate market. For example, back in spring — typically the hottest time of the entire year with the highest volume of listings going into contract — there was only a max of 235 contracts signed per week. Compare that to the 350 to 400 units that would usually go into contract in the strongest weeks of a normal year's spring market. But not this year. Because of the under-performing spring period, many in the industry thought that activity would get worse and worse throughout the summer. However, buyers continued to put property into contract at that 200 apartments a week rate. Slow and steady. And even in the last week of August, considered one of the slower months of the year, buyers still put close to 200 apartments under contract yet again! 

Did we see an increase in buyer activity towards the end of August because of interest rates? If so, will that continue to grow into a late "spring market" in September? Well, if the Fed does decide to cut rates this month, I can tell you firsthand — and in concert with what most other salespeople, brokers and mortgage lenders are feeling — that there is a truly massive amount of pent-up buyer demand in the marketplace. Those buyers are simply longing for the days of interest rates that start with the number 5. So it stands to reason that they would snap back into the market like a rubber band and start taking property off the market at a higher clip than 200 listings per week! 

If that happens, the next question is always, how will that affect pricing? It's my belief that we need the transaction rate, generally called the liquidity rate, to pick up before we can have any conversation around raising sale prices or asking prices. If we can get a nice month or two of stronger transaction rates, meaning how much property goes into contract on a weekly basis and how quickly, and we push through winter and into next spring with those above-average weekly in-contract numbers, I could seriously see prices starting to come back in 2025.

Meanwhile, we wait and see if the Fed will help the thawing of the market paralysis to get buyers out there signing contracts this September and October, before the election. With current forecasters anticipating three Fed rate cuts by the end of the year, we are all very hopeful that they will! 

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Listing Spotlight

204 Forsyth St. #5N

COMING SOON

200 E. 66th St. #D1701

COMING SOON

179 Crown Street

$2,395,000

57 Warren St. #7

COMING SOON

18 W. 48th St. #30D

COMING SOON

18 W. 48th St. #12E

$1,195,000

300 W. 145th St. #2C

$835,000

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Stay Connected

$120M Manhattan’s East River Greenway Moves Forward

A decade-old plan to fill in the gap in the East River greenway near the United Nations is finally moving forward. The city’s Economic Development Corporation last week issued a request for proposals (RFP) from contractors to supervise the construction of the proposed esplanade, which will span less than a mile between East 41st and East 53rd Streets, as first reported by Gothamist. The project is the city’s latest effort to reach its goal of creating a 32-mile cycling and pedestrian path along Manhattan’s waterfront.

East Midtown Greenway opened in December 2023. Photo courtesy of Skanska

“The release of this RFP is another critical milestone towards completing the remaining gaps in the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway,” Adrien Lesser, vice president of media relations and public affairs at NYCEDC, told 6sqft in a statement. “Following last year’s opening of the East Midtown Greenway segment and Andrew Haswell Green Park, today’s RFP represents another major step forward by the Adams administration and NYCEDC to finish the long-envisioned Manhattan Waterfront Greenway.”

“These remarkable capital projects will not only improve the quality of life for New Yorkers but expand opportunities to commute by bike or foot while enjoying spectacular views of the East River. ”

To fill the gap, the esplanade will be constructed atop pillars spanning the waterway. Preliminary contract documents indicate that the expansion will open by the end of 2028 and cost roughly $120 million, according to Gothamist.

In April 2017, former Mayor Bill de Blasio announced it would cost $100 million to close the gap.

Last December, the city opened another section of the greenway, between East 53rd and East 60th Streets. The $197.6 million expansion delivered three acres of public open space, a new pedestrian walkway, a pedestrian bridge, landscaping, and a separate bike lane.

However, the greenway still reaches a dead-end before travelers reach the U.N., forcing bikers and pedestrians to travel along First and Second Avenues instead.

Plans to fill the gap in the greenway date back to former Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s administration.

Other transportation infrastructure improvements will arrive on the East Side in the coming weeks. As reported by Streetsblog, city officials plan to install a protected bike lane along the First Avenue tunnel between East 40th and 49th Streets before the U.N. General Assembly begins on September 10.

Filling in the gaps in the East River greenway builds upon Mayor Eric Adams’ effort to expand the city’s greenway network by 40 miles and bring the total length of greenway corridors to 60 miles.

Additional greenway projects underway include the seven-mile continuous Harlem River Greenway in the Bronx. The new corridor aims to reconnect Bronxites to the Harlem River waterfront, which has been largely inaccessible since the construction of the Major Deegan Expressway in the 1930s.

The city has also identified future projects in the outer boroughs, including Queens’ northern waterfront, southern Queens from Spring Creek Park to the Jamaica Bay shoreline, Staten Island’s waterfront, the South Bronx, and an 11-mile stretch from Coney Island to Highland Park.

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$120M project to close gap in Manhattan’s East River greenway moves forward

By Aaron Ginsburg

August 26, 2024

Cover image courtesy of the NYC Economic Development Corporation

600,000+ Balloons Take Over Park Avenue Armory

Over 600,000 vibrantly colored balloons have taken over the Upper East Side’s Park Avenue Armory as part of a new pop-up art installation. The family-friendly “Balloon Story” exhibit has “balloonified” the armory, featuring intricate sculptures of animals, iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, and other imaginative designs set against balloon-filled landscapes. On view through Saturday, August 24, the exhibit is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Fridays through Sundays.

“Balloon Story” features more than 600,000 hand-tied balloons twisted into fun, creative sculptures by 200 different artists. Over the course of 75 minutes, guests venture through a whimsical world of balloon art, with highlights including a 25-foot-tall balloon rendition of the Eiffel Tower, the exhibition’s tallest piece, an assortment of sea creatures, and jungle animals.

Additional exhibits include a space-themed installation, a snowy Antarctica area, an Americana-themed section, a balloon maze, and more.

Instead of helium, the balloons are filled with air and have been sprayed with a biodegradable liquid that will help keep them in shape until later this month. The liquid forms a coating inside the balloon that helps it retain its shape, according to the New York Times. However, a team of balloon artists is ready to make repairs if a balloon pops or loses air.

To ensure the balloons remain in optimal condition, the Armory has been cooled to 69 degrees, a temperature ideal for the latex material, according to Erica Domesek, the exhibit’s creative producer, who spoke with the Times.

View fullsize

“We’re thrilled to bring Balloon Story to the iconic Park Avenue Armory. Working alongside this talented team of 100 balloon artists and creatives from all over the world is a dream come true,” Domesk said.

“This exhibition is a celebration of art and imagination, and we can’t wait to share it with the public. Each installation is designed to evoke joy and wonder, providing a magical experience for visitors of all ages.”

On the exhibit’s last day, guests will be invited to pop as many of the balloons as they want, as well as protective eye gear and “an item that’s safe but will pop balloons,” as reported by The Times.

You can learn more about the exhibit and purchase tickets here. Admission starts at $38.90 for adults and just under $30 for children.

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600,000+ balloons take over Park Avenue Armory

By Aaron Ginsburg

August 2, 2024

Photos by Andrew Shelley

The Monthly Update - August 2024

Three Intangible Assets to Look for When Buying in New York City

There are many reasons why people buy property in New York City. A sense of accomplishment, investment, and security are just a few. The truth is, it can take months to find the right apartment in NYC. And, after viewing 10, 20, sometimes 50 homes, these multi-room boxes tend to all look the same. The key is looking beyond the cosmetic updates and designer finishes to see the property's true value. 

Here are the three intangible assets I always prioritize when evaluating and purchasing a home.

Apartment Placement:

Where the apartment is located in the building is critically important. Is it on the ground floor? The top floor of the six-story walkup? Is it a corner unit or smack in the middle of the hallway with apartments on either side? When choosing an apartment, I always look for corner units which can have windows on two or even three sides. I even bought a unit with all four exposures: north, east, south and west! This gives the unit a very different appeal from most other listings on the market. A premium apartment placement within the building is a positive attribute that will likely never change and will appeal to buyers when you’re ready to sell. When you have the opportunity to buy a corner unit, you’ll always have multiple views and better natural light, which will set your listing apart when the time comes to sell. Plus, corner apartments typically share fewer common walls with other units (your neighbors) in the building. You’ll have a little more privacy and autonomy when buying at the end of the hallway or the corner of the building.

Layout:

The layout or the floor plan is an extremely important consideration when buying a home. It’s true that you may be able to add or remove rooms within the space, but if you don’t want to rack up major renovation costs for moving kitchens, baths and bedrooms, having an optimal layout from the start is imperative. For example, apartments that have bedrooms on either side of common areas, such as living rooms, dining rooms, and kitchens, have a different feel from other cookie-cutter units. The split-bedroom layout also gives more privacy for bedrooms that don't share common walls. If you are buying for a multi-person household, consider looking for layouts where bedrooms are separated by living space, with the primary bedroom away from the secondary bedrooms. This will be a significant asset when you’re ready to sell and provide a more enjoyable living experience while you own the property. 

View:

This can be a challenging intangible to evaluate in New York City, where you never know when the next pencil skyscraper is going to take root and grow right in front of your own building, robbing you of your iconic view in the process. There are resources that can help you determine which nearby buildings could be earmarked for demolition. Look for homes where the view looks over an established, larger co-op or condo or newer rental buildings. Older low- or mid-rise buildings are often targeted for redevelopment. Buying in or around a Landmarks Preservation Commission designated historic district or landmarked building can also protect your views. You can access the LPC map [link here]. If your potential new apartment faces a historic district block or individually landmarked building, chances are your view will be protected in perpetuity. When purchasing an apartment, you can ask the title company to perform what’s called a “sightline search,“ which costs a little more but will help you get an idea of which surrounding buildings have air rights left, which are consolidating air rights and which are prime for development. While the city skyline is and will always be changing, getting a better idea of what is going on with the surrounding air rights can help protect that view you fell in love with on your first visit to the property. 

Unit placement, general layout, and views are the three intangibles you should prioritize to keep your long-term investment holding (or increasing) its value for the duration of your ownership, even as the city grows. Remember, everything inside can be cosmetically changed, but placement, floor plan and open views, particularly protected ones, will become valuable assets during resale.

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Local Happenings:

SUMMER STREETS

AUGUST 3, 10 and 17, 2024

Summer Streets is the epic Manhattan tradition that opens up miles of thoroughfares for walkers, runners, bicyclists and people-watchers of all ages.

Learn More

THE U.S. OPEN

AUG 19 - SEPT 8, 2024

The U.S. Open brings all the stars of the tennis world to Queens for the last major tournament of the season.

Learn More

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Lifestyle Tips and Tricks:

Technicolor Switch

All neutral color palettes might be out - or at least taking a long summer vacation...

Courtesy of Realtor.com

The Most Common Questions Buyers Ask Real Estate Brokers

A real estate purchase brings up a plethora of questions. The answers are often nuanced.

U.S. News

Least Difficult Areas in the US to Buy a Home

Ranked by cost, competition, scarcity, and economic instability.

Courtesy of CNBC

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Listing Spotlight: Just 4 of our 34 listings!

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100 West 72nd Street, Unit 5D

100 West 72nd Street, Unit 5D

UPPER WEST SIDE, MANHATTAN

Asking $645,000

1 Bed  |  1 Bath | Co-op

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Spacious and sun-splashed, this Upper West Side lofted one-bedroom, one-bathroom co-op impresses with a flexible floor plan, excellent storage and ideal location just one block from Central Park.

The gracious gallery entry ushers you into the centerpiece living room, perfect for relaxing and entertaining, with pressed tin ceilings soaring nearly 12 feet high over hardwood floors and a wall of brand-new windows framing historic city views.

Off the entry, a convenient dining area is flanked by a pass-through kitchen and pantry. The updated full bathroom impresses with a glassed-in tub/rainfall shower, contemporary vanity and medicine cabinet surrounded by floor-to-ceiling herringbone glass tile. The main level also offers a huge storage space that could easily accommodate a home office, guest area or expansion of the kitchen. Head to the sleeping loft, with a 5’9” ceiling, to find a built-in queen-size platform bed, a wall of storage cubbies, and another walk-in closet.

Built in 1892 by the renowned firm of McKim, Mead & White, 100 West 72nd Street is a handsome Renaissance Revival building constructed from Roman brick, Indiana limestone and terra cotta. Originally the Park & Tilford upscale grocery store, the building later served as a meeting hall before being converted to cooperative use in 1987. Today, residents of the well-run elevator co-op enjoy intercom entry and laundry. Pets, pieds-à-terre, gifting, co-purchasing, and washer/dryers have been allowed with board approval on a case-by-case basis.

From this outstanding location in the Upper West Side/Central Park West Historic District, you're just one block from Central Park's most beloved attractions, including Strawberry Fields, The Lake, Bow Bridge and Bethesda Fountain. This prime uptown neighborhood is filled with the city's best gourmet stores, including the original Fairway Market, Gourmet Garage, Trader Joe's, Citarella and more. Enjoy easy access to fantastic restaurants, nightlife and Lincoln Center. Transportation is effortless with B, C and 1/2/3 subway lines, excellent bus service and CitiBike stations all nearby.

As Reported by TheRealDeal.com