65 Central Park West, Unit 6F

65 Central Park West, Unit 6F

UPPER WEST SIDE, MANHATTAN

$2,795,000

3 Bed  |  2.5 Bath | Co-op

A Central Park West address is the definition of elegance and grandeur. With an expansive layout, magnificent prewar details and a location inches from Central Park, this gorgeous three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom showplace lives up to its storied address.


The refined, approximately 1,800-square-foot residence greets you with a gracious foyer and oversized walk-in closet, nodding to the thoughtful details to be found throughout. Ahead, the living/dining room stretches over 25 feet long, creating a wonderful flow for entertaining surrounded by a fireplace, soaring beamed ceilings, hardwood floors and exquisite millwork. The oversized kitchen caters to gatherings large and small with abundant cabinetry, granite countertops and upscale appliances, including a six-burner Viking range and hood, a Sub-Zero refrigerator and wine refrigerator, and a Miele dishwasher.


The desirable split-bedroom layout places the owner's suite in the north wing, where you'll find five closets, including a walk-in. The windowed en suite spa bath features a soaking tub, shower, water closet and double vanity. In the south wing, two large secondary bedrooms share a second full bathroom. A powder room and laundry room complete this exceptional residence.


Designed by the esteemed Emery Roth in 1927, 65 Central Park West is a stately Neo-Renaissance building in brick, limestone and terra cotta. Residents enjoy 24-hour doorman/concierge service, a live-in superintendent and porters, laundry, storage and a bike room. Pets and pieds-à-terre are permitted with board approval. Eighty percent financing allowed. There is a 2 percent flip tax payable by the buyer.


In this phenomenal location Lincoln Square location, Central Park becomes your personal playground. Spend the day strolling Sheep Meadow, exploring Adventure Playground or dining at Tavern on the Green. World-class entertainment awaits at Lincoln Center and the Theater District, while outstanding shopping, dining and nightlife venues line the nearby streets and The Shops at Columbus Circle. Transportation is effortless with 1/2/3, B/D, A/C and N/Q/R/W trains, excellent bus service and CitiBikes all within reach.
There is a $489.00 assessment through December 2022.

You Can Pick Your Own Tulips on Park Avenue

Photo by Rudy Saunders; Courtesy of the Fund for Park Avenue

Get your trowels ready! The Park Avenue Tulip Dig is back, giving New Yorkers the opportunity to dig up and take home tulip bulbs planted along the famed thoroughfare between the north side of East 54th Street and the south side of East 86th Street. Approximately 60,000 tulips are planted every year in a new color by the non-profit Fund for Park Avenue, as reported by Patch. This year’s flowers are a pink tulip known as “Darwin Hybrid Apricot Pride.”

The free Park Avenue Tulip Dig will run from May 23 to May 29. To participate in the dig, the Fund says you need your own trowel and a copy of the event flyer to prove to passersby you are allowed to dig.

The Darwin Hybrid Apricot Pride tulip is an extremely weather-resistant plant that will blossom for years and years as long as they are planted in a good space with enough sunlight.

According to the Fund, don’t take soil or cut off any leaves when digging up the bulbs. Preserve them in a dry space until the leaves have turned brittle and replant them in October or November.

[Via Patch]

You can pick your own tulips on Park Avenue

POSTED TODAY, MAY 24, 2022BY AARON GINSBURG

Photo by Rudy Saunders; Courtesy of the Fund for Park Avenue

Compass Debuts on the Fortune 500

Compass debuts on the Fortune 500

We are thrilled to announce that Compass has found its home on the Fortune 500 alongside some of the world’s most respected companies like Apple, American Express, and Nike! In less than 10 years, we have become the #1 real estate brokerage in America (RealTrends 500) and one of the youngest companies ever to make the Fortune 500. 

In the last year alone, almost a quarter-million clients put their trust in a Compass agent as they made one of the biggest decisions in their life – buying or selling their home.

How does this benefit you?

Global exposure and name recognition

The rapid growth that landed us on the Fortune 500 list and on top of the RealTrends rankings has, in the words of financial site Seeking Alpha, made Compass “a household brand name for both home buyers and sellers.” This translates directly to your home, whether buying or selling.

*Seeking Alpha, "Compass: This Real Estate Titan Is Too Good Of A Steal To Pass On", May 15, 2022

Global reach and network

As one of the only residential brokerages in the Fortune 500, our unparalleled network of the nation’s top agents gives you the most valuable referral network in the industry. Expect quick access to a well-regarded, expert agent no matter where you're moving.

Strength and stability

In today's historical housing market, you can be confident that you are supported by a brokerage with the transparency of a publicly-traded company, the scale of the #1 brokerage by sales volume, and the merit of the Fortune 500.

As always, don’t hesitate to reach out.

We look forward to solving your real estate needs.

333 Rector Place, Unit 909

333 Rector Place, Unit 909

BATTERY PARK CITY, MANHATTAN

$2,995,000

3 Bed  |  2.5 Bath | Condo

 

This Battery Park City three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom residence wows with Hudson River and Rector Park views, two private balconies and expansive interiors in one of the area's best full-service condominiums.

This beautifully arranged home welcomes you with outstanding southern sunlight and lovely wide-plank hardwood floors. From the gracious foyer, you're ushered into an expansive great room where living and dining areas are joined by two balconies, perfect for morning coffee or after-dinner drinks overlooking the water. The open kitchen tends to gatherings large and small with a large center island, rich wood cabinetry and outstanding stainless steel appliances, including a gas range, oven, dishwasher drawers and side-by-side refrigerator. Off the living room, a powder room adds convenience, and the study offers the perfect work-from-home destination.

The desirable split-bedroom layout includes a luxurious owner's suite featuring king-size proportions, a walk-in closet and an en suite spa bathroom with a soaking tub and separate shower surrounded by gorgeous stone finishes. In the western wing, two spacious and bright secondary bedrooms offer reach-in and walk-in closets and easy access to the full guest bathroom.

Located just inches from the Battery Park City Esplanade, 1 Rector Park is a full-service condominium where residents enjoy a 24-hour doorman and concierge service. The long list of amenities includes on-site parking with direct building access, a fully-equipped fitness center, resident lounges, a business center, an impressive lobby and a children's playroom.

This tranquil Battery Park City neighborhood is filled with glorious outdoor space, including Rector Park across the street and The Battery just two blocks away. World-class shopping, dining and entertainment await at Brookfield Place and Westfield World Trade Center. Enjoy effortless access to public transportation with the 1, R, 4/5, J/Z, A/C and PATH trains, excellent bus service, World Financial Center Ferry Landing and CitiBike stations all nearby.

New Times Square Subway Station Mosaics Capture The Energy of Times Square

Two new mosaics by the artist Nick Cave were unveiled in Times Square on Monday, completing a permanent artwork and marking the largest mosaic project in New York City’s subway system. Commissioned by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s public art program, the artwork, titled “Each One, Every One, Equal All,” features Cave’s wearable sculpture works “Soundsuits” translated into 4,600 square feet of colorful mosaic. The new artwork is part of a larger revamp of the 42nd Street station, including a new entrance and upgraded mezzanine level.

Courtesy of MTA/Trent Reeves

Cave’s Soundsuits are wearable sculptures made of different materials, from twigs and fur to sequins and feathers, that are inspired by African traditions. As 6sqft previously reported, Cave created his first Soundsuit in 1992 in direct response to the police beating of Rodney King in Los Angeles.

As part of the permanent artwork in the 42nd Street subway station, the Soundsuits have been translated into an expansive mosaic. The first part of the series, “Every One,” opened in September 2021 in the passageway that connects the B, D, F, and M trains to the 42nd Street shuttle.

Courtesy of MTA/Trent Reeves

“Each One” measures over 14 feet tall and features Soundsuits in “various states of vertical movement and suspension, accentuated by stripes that run floor to ceiling,” as the MTA described. The agency says the movement of the art is a reference to the famed New Year’s Eve ball drop.

“Equal All” showcases 12 life-sized Soundsuits, displaying some of Cave’s most well-known sculptures made over the last two decades and surrounded by radiating rings.  The most recent on display as part of “Equal All” is “Soundsuit 9:29,” which Cave made in 2021 in response to George Floyd’s murder.

The artwork, which was fabricated by German mosaic fabricator Mayer of Munich, is also Cave’s largest permanent public piece to date.

Courtesy of MTA/Trent Reeves

“Nick Cave’s new mosaics complete the trilogy that is ‘Each One, Every One, Equal All,’” Sandra Bloodworth, MTA Arts & Design Director, said in a statement. “Each piece connects riders with the energy of Times Square, while honoring the incredible diversity found throughout New York City, particularly at this location. The work carries a powerful message of equality and representation. Its name makes clear that the artwork, and the celebration, is meant for each and every one of us.”

The MTA on Monday opened a new entrance at the 42nd Street-Times Square station that allows riders to directly enter and exit Broadway Plaza. The entrance includes a new accessible elevator, upgrades to lighting, new information signs, and new security cameras.

There is also a new staircase that is 15 feet wide with a new canopy made of over 230 triangular glass frames. All said and done, the new staircase and mezzanine upgrades, which took three years to complete, cost a whopping $30 million, as the New York Post reported. Real estate developer Jamestown, which is redeveloping One Times Square above the station, contributed $10 million for the elevator.

Photo by Marc A. Hermann / MTA on Flickr

“The unveiling of this new subway entrance couldn’t come at a better time for subway riders,” Jamie Torres-Springer, president of MTA Construction & Development, said. “From the new ADA accessibility elevator to the ongoing rebuilding and expansion of the Times Square station, the new subway entrance signifies MTA Construction & Development’s successful approach to delivering capital projects through innovative public-private partnerships.”

Nick Cave’s vibrant ‘Soundsuits’ subway station mosaics capture the energy of Times Square

POSTED ON TUE, MAY 17, 2022BY DEVIN GANNON

All photos courtesy of MTA/Trent Reeves, and Marc A. Hermann / MTA on Flickr unless otherwise noted

36 West 15th Street, Unit 4

36 West 15th Street, Unit 4

FLATIRON, MANHATTAN

$3,350,000

2 Bed  |  2 Bath | Co-op | MM: $3,723

Enjoy true loft living in the Flatiron District in this stunning two-bedroom, two-bathroom co-op featuring grand proportions, original details and chic contemporary design.

Key-locked elevator entry delivers you directly to the impressive great room of this approximately 2,200 square feet showplace. Soaring ceilings and oversized north windows underscore the airy ambiance while dark hardwood floors and painted and exposed brick art walls add richness and warmth. Step up to the sleek kitchen where minimalist cabinetry and snow-white stone countertops surround upscale appliances. A smartly designed banquette offers both seating and storage.

Down the hall, you'll find a spacious den, ideal as a family room or media room, brightened by clerestory windows. The adjacent owner's suite features rows of custom closets, open-sky views and a breathtaking modern spa bathroom filled with large-format tile, a soaking tub, shower and floating vanity. The secondary bedroom offers easy access to the well-appointed guest bathroom. Extra closets, a massive storage room and in-unit laundry add effortless ease to this pristine, move-in-ready loft residence.

36 West 15th Street is a classic turn-of-the-century store-and-loft building converted to a boutique cooperative featuring video intercom entry. In this fantastic location — at the intersection of Union Square, the Flatiron District, Chelsea and Greenwich Village — you're surrounded by the best of Manhattan living. Whole Foods, Trader Joe's and Union Square's famed year-round greenmarket are all nearby. Enjoy numerous award-winning restaurants, great shopping and outstanding nightlife. Transportation is a breeze with F/M, L, 1/2/3, 4/5/6, N/Q/R/W, L and PATH trains, plus the 14th Street busway a block away.

**Tenant in place till Feb 2023

NYC Airports Have Officially Banned Overpriced Food and Drinks

It happens to all of us: while at the airport, we decide to indulge in a beer before a flight. Once the check comes, it occurs to us that the price of said beer was equivalent to three six-packs. Alas, that will no longer be the case.

Photograph: Shutterstock

The Port Authority—the bi-state agency responsible for LaGuardia Airport, John F. Kennedy Airport and Newark Liberty Airport—just released a policy guide for vendors that specifically instructs them on the pricing of their items. According to the 35-page report, concession prices cannot be more than 10% higher than out-of-airport "street prices" of similar products. Finally.

But there's more: according to the document, vendors will now also have to offer lower-priced menu options and let their customers know that they can complain about possible overcharges via social media.

"All airport customers should rightly expect that policies which limit the pricing of food and beverages at concessions will be followed and enforced," said Kevin O'Toole, the chairman of the Port Authority, in an official statement. "Nobody should have to fork over such an exorbitant amount for a beer. The Aviation Department's new compliance and enforcement measures announced [...] make it crystal clear that all prices at concessions will be routinely monitored to ensure they are aligned with the regional marketplace. And all airport customers and concessionaires should expect tough pro-active enforcement going forward now that these revised standards are in place."

The changes have been a long time coming as travelers have been complaining about airport over-pricing issues for years. However, the document was specifically inspired by a complaint that went viral on social media just last year. 

Back in 2021, Cooper Lund tweeted a photo of the menu at a concession stand inside of LaGuardia, which listed beers for close to $28 each. After being called out, the retailer issued a statement explaining that various prices were incorrectly posted. The tweet, however, prompted the Office of the Inspector General to launch an investigation that eventually determined that 25 different people were incorrectly overcharged for a beer, in addition to overall inflated prices.

Fast forward to today and we will all finally be able to enjoy a cocktail and some fries while at the airport without worrying about exorbitant prices.

NYC airports have officially banned overpriced food and drinks - Wave goodbye to $28 airport beers.

Written by Anna RahmananTuesday May 17 2022

Photograph: Shutterstock

New Public Art Exhibit in Brooklyn Bridge Park

Hugh Hayden, “The Gulf Stream,” 2022. Courtesy of the artist and Lisson Gallery. Photo: Nicholas Knight, Courtesy of Public Art Fund, NY. “The Gulf Stream” was commissioned by Public Art Fund and presented as part of Black Atlantic at Brooklyn Bridge Park, New York City, May 17–November 27, 2022.

Spread across three piers at Brooklyn Bridge Park, Black Atlantic is a new outdoor art exhibition inspired by the diaspora across the Atlantic Ocean and which proposes “an open, multifaceted, and heterogeneous idea” of Black identity in the United States today. Co-curated by artist Hugh Hayden and Public Art Fund Adjunct Curator Daniel S. Palmer, Black Atlantic features work from Hayden, and artists Leilah Babirye, Dozie Kanu, Tau Lewis, and Kiyan Williams. The exhibition is on view through November 27.

The historic waterfront location is significant to Black Atlantic, named after the book by Paul Gilroy, because it represents the area that served as a network between the United States and the rest of the world, including Africa, Europe, and the Caribbean. The waterfront location adds an aspect to the exhibition that “highlights the complex hybrid identities that have developed through the exchange of culture and ideas over centuries along transatlantic routes,” according to a press release.

Leilah Babirye, “Agali Awamu (Togetherness),” 2022. Courtesy of the artist, Gordon Robichaux, NY, and Stephen Friedman Gallery, London. Photo: Nicholas Knight, Courtesy of Public Art Fund, NY “Agali Awamu (Togetherness)” was commissioned by Public Art Fund and presented as part of Black Atlantic at Brooklyn Bridge Park, New York City, May 17– November 27, 2022

“There’s magic and agency involved in creating a work of art by hand. In conceiving this exhibition, I was drawn to the idea of assembling a group of sculptors whose practice involves material exploration and an element of the handmade,” Hayden said.” It speaks to the idea of materializing a vision for the future and crafting your own identity.”

“Black Atlantic will illustrate a counterpoint to a monolithic perception of Blackness, and is reflective of the multitude of ways in which individuals can create a new vision within the context of American culture that is expansive, malleable and open to all.”

Hayden’s piece, The Gulf Stream, is a rowboat that sits along a pathway near the southern entrance of Pier 2, seemingly washed ashore and left sitting on rocks. The interior of the vessel’s hull contains a “sculptural carcass,” consisting of cedarwood that comes together to form a human rib cage.

Babirye’s work, Agali Awamu (Togetherness), consists of two groups of totemic sculptures that are located on opposite ends of Pier 1 close to the water. The sculptures are made of hollowed tree trunks that have been decorated with welded metal and objects that resemble jewelry. Babirye, who in 2015 was forced to flee from her home in Uganda due to homophobic persecution, says that the piece as a whole is supposed to represent a “chosen, queer family, whose visibility in a public space is a beacon of empowerment.”

In On Elbows, Kanu aims to portray private thoughts being brought into a public space. The piece consists of a concrete chaise lounge sitting on Texas Wire Wheels, meant to resemble a slab car, alluding to the slab car culture which originated in Kanu’s hometown of Houston, Texas. Situated nearby is a container that holds a dark liquid that “pulsates to the rhythm of a heartbeat, suggesting the processes of the unconscious.”

Kiyan Williams, “Ruins of Empire,” 2022. Courtesy of the artist. Photo: Nicholas Knight, Courtesy of Public Art Fund, NY Kiyan Williams, “Ruins of Empire” was commissioned by Public Art Fund and presented as part of Black Atlantic at Brooklyn Bridge Park, New York City, May 17–November 27, 2022

Lewis’ piece is made up of three six-foot-wide iron discs that were meticulously detailed using sand-casting. The designs are inspired by crinoids, ancient sea animals that Lewis began studying in 2019. The three discs also include West African Adinkra symbols, and the discs’ grouping means to ruminate on the “wandering of the ancient sea animal, the scattering of their fossils, and their coexistence with Black bodies throughout the diaspora.”

Finally, Williams, a Newark native, reimagines the Statue of Freedom atop the United States Capitol building in D.C, which was constructed by slaves. Called Ruins of Empire, the piece consists of a statue made of bronze and platinum that appears decayed, covered in mud, and sinking into the ground. The sculpture’s decrepit appearance is meant to show “how American ideals of freedom are tied to subjugation, drawing inspiration from sci-fi tropes of a destroyed monument like the Statue of Liberty as a symbol for a world ruined by environmental devastation,” according to the artist.

New public art exhibit in Brooklyn Bridge Park explores ‘hybrid identities’ created by diaspora

POSTED TODAY, MAY 17, 2022BY AARON GINSBURG

All photos courtesy of Nicholas Knight for the Public Art Fund, NY

201 East 21st Street, Unit 18B

201 East 21st Street, Unit 18B

GRAMERCY, MANHATTAN

$999,000

1 Bed  |  1 Bath | Co-op | MM: $1,373

 

Featuring one of the best and biggest one-bedroom layouts at coveted Quaker Ridge, this home offers stunning high-floor views and a fantastic flexible layout with great storage. Bring your imagination and transform this original-condition Junior 4 to meet your exact needs.

Currently configured with an expansive living room leading to a corner dining area and galley kitchen, there are myriad options for transforming this highly adaptable B-line home. Add a second bedroom or home office by closing off the alcove, and you'll still have a generous footprint for seating and dining. Open up the kitchen to add an island and breakfast bar. The king-size bedroom provides plenty of room for additional furniture, and three large closets ensure storage will never be a concern. Throughout the spacious and sunny home, oversized windows capture stunning natural light and skyline views to the south and west.

Quaker Ridge is a classic white brick postwar co-op known for its excellent financials, low monthly maintenance and a prime location just steps from Gramercy Park. Residents of the pet-friendly building enjoy full-time doorman service, a live-in superintendent, laundry, bike storage and a residents-only parking garage with direct access to the building. Quaker Ridge allows co-purchasing and gifting but does not permit guarantors or pieds-à-terres. Please note, there is a monthly energy charge of $137.56 which adjusts quarterly. There is currently a monthly assessment of $63.68 through the end of 2022 and an additional special assessment of $306.59 per month beginning in June 2022 through the end of 2022.

Located just minutes from Union Square, the Flatiron District and NoMad, this home is at the heart of exciting Manhattan living with abundant shops, restaurants, services and outdoor space at every turn. Union Square and Madison Square Park put a dog park, greenmarkets and year-round events mere blocks away, and foodies will love the proximity to Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, Eataly and numerous Michelin-starred restaurants. Access to transportation is fantastic with 4/5/6, N/Q/R/W and L trains, excellent bus service and CitiBikes nearby.

$500M One Times Square Revamp Includes Outdoor Viewing Deck and More

All renderings courtesy of Jamestown

One of the most valuable advertising locations in the world will cash in on its prime location even further. One Times Square, home of the New Year’s Eve ball drop, will undergo a $500 million redevelopment to become a new visitor center with a viewing deck, museum, and 12 floors of interactive “branded” experiences, developer Jamestown announced on Friday. While the 26-story building, located at 42nd Street and 7th Avenue, has been vacant for years, its exterior is covered in giant billboards. As part of the half-a-billion-dollar project, advertisers will be able to reach more consumers through immersive “digital, virtual, and augmented reality integrations” inside One Times Square.

“Times Square has served as the crossroads of the world for more than a century, and One Times Square is at the center of that global stage,” Michael Phillips, president of Jamestown, said.

The building under construction in 1903. Photo via Wikimedia

“The building’s next chapter will build on that legacy, creating a new destination in the heart of Times Square for the next generation. With a focus on providing experiences enhanced by technology, the project is representative of the future of real estate and the integration of the physical and virtual worlds. We are reimagining how spaces can be experienced by leveraging the power of AR technology and creative storytelling.”

Built in 1904 as the headquarters of the New York Times, One Times Square has been home to the New Year’s Eve ball drop event for over a century. As one of the world’s most visited attractions, along with “billions of earned impressions” from film, television, and social media, the property is one of the most visible in the world.

Opening most of the building to the public for the first time since the 1970s, the redevelopment includes a new “viewing” deck that will provide an up-close look at the New Year’s Eve Ball and a museum that will explore the history of the building, the New Year’s Eve celebration, and the neighborhood.

Most of the renovated interior space will be dedicated to the branded experiences, which will span 12 floors and include immersive interactions with brands through “technology-enabled activations,” according to a press release.

All renderings courtesy of Jamestown

The roughly 27-month construction period won’t disrupt any ongoing advertisements, with the north-facing LED signs continuing to broadcast. The redeveloped building interior is expected to open to the public in summer 2024.

“One Times Square is an iconic building in our neighborhood’s history: it was the home of The New York Times and it has been the stage that has housed the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop for over a century,” said Tom Harris, President of the Times Square Alliance. “We celebrate with our partners at Jamestown as they start a journey to redevelop this historic building that will inspire and engage the millions of people who visit Times Square from all corners of the globe.”

POSTED ON FRI, MAY 6, 2022BY DEVIN GANNON

All renderings courtesy of Jamestown

99 East 4th Street, Unit 6L

99 East 4th Street, Unit 6L

EAST VILLAGE, MANHATTAN

$775,000

1 Bed  |  1 Bath | Co-op | MM: $1,654

 

Welcome home to the most comfortable and well located one bedroom in the east village! This apartment is on the top floor of an elevator coop just east of 2nd avenue. Enter into a hallway with large storage and coat closet. To the right is the sunny windowed kitchen with stainless steel appliances including a dishwasher. The living room faces north and has plenty of space for both living and dining areas. A traditional bathroom (with deep tub including rain shower head) gleams with character. There is an additional storage/hanging closet in the hallway to the sunny bedroom which has a sliver of an Empire State Building view and an additional closet. The original inlaid floors of the apartment are in pristine condition

This 1928 building is an Art Deco prewar condop, with coop rules. Features include a large marble lobby, common courtyard, live in super and full time porter, a common laundry room, bike storage, AC storage, and private storage units for rent. Subletting is allowed after two year of ownership, for two out of every 5 years. Co purchasing and gifting are allowed on a case by case basis, however pied a terres are not allowed.

The neighborhood cannot be beaten! Surrounded by some of the best restaurants and entertainment in the city, close to Whole Foods, easy access to the F, B, D, N, R, and 6 trains.

The Monthly Update - May 2022

Brooklyn is on Fire!

For the national audience of this newsletter, if you didn’t know, Brooklyn is hot! I mean really, really hot, especially when it comes to its performance as part of the New York City real estate market.

Of course, Brooklyn is no secret to local market watchers. But the larger audience interested in New York real estate — including brokers who have referrals looking in the city — has to understand that Brooklyn has been the hottest of the five boroughs on many fronts throughout the pandemic and recovery period. My team and I have had listings that received multiple bids within hours of being released. We have buyers win and lose on multiple bid situations in Brooklyn that are as competitive as any other markets in Florida, Las Vegas or anywhere in Texas. 

Brooklyn has been growing in popularity for about two decades now and has really come into its own since the COVID crisis emerged and buyers began seeking bigger homes with outdoor space. Add in its close proximity to Manhattan business centers, its city/suburban appeal and large inventory of townhouses and brownstones, and you’ve got a winning combination. Within the borough, Park Slope is by far the most in-demand neighborhood. There, townhouses will routinely list starting at roughly $3 million and go into contract within 3 to 5 business days, generally for all cash offers anywhere from $200,000 to $500,000 over asking price! I’ve routinely had buyers bid on townhouses, forfeiting all contingencies, appraisals and inspections and placing offers 10 to 20 percent over the asking price, just to be competitive in the bidding process! Not unlike ultra-competitive Houston, Miami or Bergen County, New Jersey. But why? 

Brooklyn’s proximity to Manhattan for one. Also the fact that you can get outdoor space and have Prospect Park close by all make Brooklyn extremely desirable. A little quieter, a bit more small-town feel. Manhattan light, if you will. Buyers are gravitating toward Brooklyn in droves. So much so that you can often find better deals in Manhattan. That’s right — Some segments of Brooklyn’s growing luxury condo market are transacting at higher prices per square foot than Manhattan! And even with interest rates hovering around 5 percent, buyers have not taken their feet off the accelerator even a little bit. It probably has even gotten more competitive as buyers try to lock in their townhouse or brownstone before rates climb even higher (as they’re expected to do). 


But don’t be discouraged. You can buy in Brooklyn. It's a vast, diverse and beautiful borough with great parks, river and ocean waterfronts, tons of recreation and a deep and rich history. That makes it a wonderful area to explore before purchasing. You just need the right agent who is knowledgeable and able to point you in the right direction. Feel free to reach out if you want more information on the Brooklyn market. We’re always here to help as your New York City informational and educational brokers.

Local Happenings

Photography Show

From May 20-22, come see Center415's 41st edition of the incredible Photography Show. This photo exhibition will bring 49 galleries and exhibitors from nine countries and 23 cities around the world! The featured exhibitors are all recognized as the world's leading galleries in fine art photography and are all active members of the Association of International Photography Art Dealers (AIPAD). Click HERE to learn more about this fantastic show and to purchase tickets for the event. 

Japan Parade in Central Park

Japan Day in New York City is a joyous celebration of the Japanese culture, with a parade that will take place in Central Park West on May 14th at 1 PM EST. Come and experience this historical event that commemorates the 160th anniversary of the first Japanese delegates’ visit to the U.S. in 1860. Click HERE to learn more about how you can support, march, and absorb the beautiful culture of Japan. 

Lifestyle Tips & Tricks

Easy Annual Plants That Bloom All Summer Long

Whether your garden is a large country plot or a group of containers on a city balcony, easy-to-grow annuals can add a burst of color wherever you need it. Why not give yourself the joy of endless summer color?

Courtesy of HGTV

How to Mix Bold Colors in Your Home

Designers say that color has the ability to transform a house into a home. And yet, so many people still feel a bit hesitant to use vivacious shades in their interiors, fearing it will make the space feel overwhelming. Consider this a colorful playbook for your home refresh!

Courtesy of Veranda

How Mother's Day Became a National Holiday and How to Celebrate in 2022

Moms truly are superheroes, so it's only fair that we have a whole day dedicated to them. Mother's Day is all about celebrating moms and mother figures everywhere. These days, the holiday is often celebrated with cards, gifts, and breakfast in bed, but it wasn't always that way. The holiday has a fascinating history filled with inspiring women that's worth learning about.

Courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens

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New 2 Acre Rooftop Public Park Opens at Pier 57 in Chelsea

Pier 57 Rooftop Aerial.Photo Credit: Brett Beyer

More than 10 years and over $400 million later, an 80,000-square-foot public park is now open on the rooftop of Pier 57 in Hudson River Park. Formerly a maritime port and bus depot, the pier has been transformed into a mixed-use development with office space for Google and a new food hall curated by the James Beard Foundation. The new two-acre green space, the largest of its kind in New York City, will be open to the public daily from 7 a.m. and 10 p.m.

Constructed in 1952, Pier 57 was listed on the National Register of Historic Places for the innovative engineering techniques used that allowed the structure to stay afloat on the Hudson River. First operating as a terminal for Grace Line followed by becoming the Hudson Pier Depot for the New York City Transit Authority, the pier has been shuttered since 2003.

The Hudson River Park Trust issued a request for proposals in 2008 seeking a partner to convert the historic pier into a section of the waterfront park.

Developed collaboratively by RXR, Young Woo Associates, and The Baupost Group, the new Pier 57 retains its historic features but now holds 350,000 square feet of office space for Google, the building’s anchor tenant, and a new flagship venue of City Winery that opened in 2020.

This fall, a food hall with 17 vendors curated by the James Beard Foundation will open at the pier, along with ground-level community space, a “public living room” with sweeping views, and environmental tech classrooms, all overseen by Jamestown.

Mayor Eric Adams and Gov. Kathy Hochul attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the rooftop park on Monday, both pointing to the project as a symbol of New York City’s ongoing recovery.

Photo Credit: Jakob-Dahlin

Photo Credit: Jakob-Dahlin

“By bringing workers back to the office and creating new green space all New Yorkers can enjoy, this project is helping revitalize our city,” Adams said. “We are reimagining our communities, so everyone benefits from our prosperity. And with partnerships like this one between the city, the state, and our nonprofit and private sector partners, we are showing New York how to ‘Get Stuff Done’ and do it together.”

Photo Credit: Brett Beyer

Pier 57 is the latest piece of the Hudson River Park puzzle. Last year, the Trust opened a new public park at Pier 76, a former tow pound, and the offshore park Little Island at Pier 55. Pier 26 opened in 2020 with indigenous plants, recreation fields, a man-made rocky tidal marsh, and a cantilevered walkway. Up next, a resilient “beach” will open at the Gansevoort Peninsula.

“Hudson River Park is a tremendous example of the extraordinary things that can happen when government, the private sector and local communities work together,” Noreen Doyle, the president and CEO of the Hudson River Park Trust, said. “Pier by pier, section by section, we are transforming four miles of Manhattan’s shoreline, and spaces like Pier 57 shape not only the waterfront, but also how people see and experience New York City. Today, Pier 57 becomes part of our success story.”

In recent years, Google has greatly grown its New York City footprint. The company acquired a 325,000-square-foot building in Chelsea for $600 million in 2019. Google’s headquarters are located at 111 Eighth Avenue and the tech giant owns the apartment buildings across the street, as well as the Chelsea Market building, which it bought in 2018 for $2.5 billion. Plus, Google announced last fall plans to buy St. John’s Terminal at 550 Washington Street in Hudson Square, currently undergoing a major renovation and addition as part of the company’s new 1.7 million-square-foot campus.

POSTED TODAY, APRIL 19, 2022BY DEVIN GANNON

Photo Credits: Brett Beyer and Jakob-Dahlin

JPMorgan’s 60-Story Midtown Tower Will Be NYC’s Largest All-Electric Skyscraper

Rendering: dbox / Foster + Partners

JPMorgan Chase on Thursday unveiled the design for its massive new global headquarters in Midtown East, set to become one of New York City’s tallest buildings. Roughly three years after the project was approved by the city and a year after construction began, fresh renderings show off the Foster + Partners-designed tower at 270 Park Avenue, which will soar nearly 1,400 feet and be all-electric. The building, which will house up to 14,000 employees, boasts a unique “fan-column” structure that is lifted about 80 feet above street level as well as a new public plaza on Madison Avenue.

“270 Park Avenue is set to be a new landmark that responds to its historic location as well as the legacy of JPMorgan Chase in New York,” Norman Foster, the founder of Foster + Partners, said in a statement.

“The unique design rises to the challenge of respecting the rhythm and distinctive streetscape of Park Avenue, while accommodating the vital transport infrastructure of the city below. The result is an elegant solution where the architecture is the structure, and the structure is the architecture, embracing a new vision that will serve JPMorgan Chase now and well into the future.”

Construction of the new headquarters required the demolition of the investment bank’s existing 700-foot-tall office tower, known as the Union Carbide Building and which was designed by Gordon Bunshaft and Natalie de Blois in 1961. When the project was announced in 2018, preservationists opposed razing the building as it was designed by de Blois, one of the few female senior designers at the time, as 6sqft reported. The building’s demolition, one of the largest to ever be intentionally demolished, wrapped up last June.

dbox/ Foster + Partners

dbox/ Foster + Partners

The old 52-floor headquarters could house 3,500 employees. The new tower will hold up to 14,000 workers and offer more than double the amount of outdoor space on the ground level of Park and Madison Avenues, according to a press release.

Sustainability drove the design of 270 Park, which will be New York City’s largest all-electric skyscraper and be 100 percent powered by renewable energy sourced from a New York hydroelectric plant. It won’t be the last. The city last year banned the use of natural gas in new buildings under seven stories tall starting in 2023 and in structures over seven stories in the middle of 2027.

The net-zero building will also implement advanced water storage, triple-pane glazing and solar shades, and new technology to predict and adapt to energy needs. The project “recycled, reused, or upcycled” 97 percent of building materials from the demolition, according to the architects.

To meet the needs of today’s office employees, the JPMorgan Chase HQ will have more communal spaces, a health and wellness center with yoga, cycling, medical services, and meditation spaces, and lots of natural plants and daylight throughout. Plus, the building will have a large food hall and a conference center at the top of the 60-story tower.

“With our new headquarters, JPMorgan Chase is making a long-term investment in our business and New York City’s future while ensuring that we operate in a highly efficient and world-class environment for the 21st century,” Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase, said. “We are extremely excited about the building’s state-of-the-art technology, health and wellness amenities, and public spaces, among many other features. It is in the best location in one of the world’s greatest cities.”

Rendering:Foster + Partners

270 Park falls under the 2017 Midtown East rezoning. As 6sqft previously reported, the tower’s supertall status comes from 700,000 square feet of unused development rights purchased from nearby landmarked properties, as the rezoning allows. JP Morgan acquired 680,000 square feet of air rights from Grand Central and another 50,000 square feet from St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church. Proceeds from the air rights will then be used to finance the city’s public space improvements in Midtown.

The JPMorgan Chase building joins other major commercial projects that have opened or are under construction in the neighborhood, including One Vanderbilt, which opened last September. Late last year, the City Council approved the 175 Park Avenue project, which will replace the Grand Hyatt Hotel with a 2.1-million-square-foot, 1,575-foot-tall building developed by TF Cornerstone and RXR Realty.

POSTED ON THU, APRIL 14, 2022BY DEVIN GANNON

Renderings: dbox / Foster + Partners

The Monthly Update - April 2022

0.25 Percent and Rising

In the middle of last month, the Fed decided to raise the interbank rate a quarter percent, which effectively increased a borrower's interest rate to 4 percent or higher in most cases. The topic on everyone's mind is how will this affect or derail the strong real estate market that's been underway since COVID recovery started back in October 2020. Short term, there seems to be little negative reverberation among buyers, meaning they aren't yet looking to exit the market or reduce their purchase power. If anything, it's been a frenzy to put their chosen properties into contract and lock in a rate before they climb any higher. But how will sustained rate increases throughout 2022 affect the market as a whole? That remains to be seen. Frankly, it's the number one question moving through Manhattan/Brooklyn real estate circles today.

The Fed is set to meet next on May 3rd, again on June 14th, and then four more times before the end of the year. Rate increases are likely to ensue after those meetings — the talk is another quarter-point each meeting. This will definitely have a psychological effect on buyers while also taking a bite out of their purchasing power.

The market "bulge" in New York City is listings priced at a million dollars and under. That is the general nuts and bolts of the overall market in New York City. This segment is also directly affected by mortgage rates, whether it's a first-time homebuyer or buyer’s looking to expand and grow into a larger home. They will be looking at financing options that get them into the homes they want, need and can afford. The last word — afford — being the most important when talking about rate increases.

So this summer, all eyes are on those next Fed meeting dates when they will decide whether to raise rates to potentially stave off out-of-control inflation due to COVID, geopolitical unrest and war. Stay tuned!

Local Events

Whitney Biennial 2022 Exhibit: Quiet as It's Kept

Introduced in 1932, the Whitney Biennial is one of the longest-running exhibits in Manhattan. Starting April 6th, come see over 3,000 influential artists and ideas come to life in the Biennial's 80th edition. This is one of the museum's signature events and one you will not want to miss. 

To purchase tickets or learn more about the exhibit, click HERE.

New York International Auto Show

From April 15th-24th, you can enjoy the best that the automobile industry has to offer in the heart of the Big Apple! New York's international auto show will not only include a variety of luxury cars, but also one of the largest electric test track ever created. 

To learn more about the auto show and ticket offerings, click HERE.

News & Lifestyle Tips

COMPASS is #1

We are pleased to share that as of the end of 2021, Compass is now the LARGEST brokerage in the United States in terms of closed sales volume (RealTrends 3/16/22).

In less than 10 years, we went from nothing — not existing — to #1.

We can confidently say our referral network is officially the best in the United States. Almost anywhere a buyer is considering moving, Compass has a highly talented, high integrity, well-respected and hardworking agent to refer you to. 

We are proud to be a part of the largest brokerage in the U.S. – where we can best support YOU! Powered by the Compass network and technology, we have access to the top agents nationwide to help you with all of your real estate needs. 

12 Recipe Ideas for Spring Produce


Spring is just around the corner, and with the warmer weather comes a slew of tasty spring produce ready to add some freshness to your meals. Here are a myriad of recipes that really give mangoes, peas, and more spring fruits and vegetables a chance to shine.

Courtesy of Real Simple

Open Floor Plan: In or Out?


Over the past few months, we've been noticing the rise in rooms—not just designated areas of a larger space, but sectioned-off spaces complete with four walls. So, what gives? Is the open floor plan on its way out? Admittedly, it depends on who you ask.

Courtesy of Martha Stewart Living

Stay Connected

Exclusive Spotlight

138 East 36th Street, Unit 2A

138 East 36th Street, Unit 2A

MURRY HILL, MANHATTAN

$1,195,000

2 Bed  |  2 Bath | Co-op

 

Surround yourself in breathtaking designer style and prewar proportions in this endlessly elegant two-bedroom, two-bathroom co-op in the perfect Murray Hill location.

Throughout this expansive showplace, you'll find a meticulous attention to detail that conveys chic style and wonderful comfort. A grand gallery entry makes a dramatic first impression with black-and-white striped flooring and a wall of dark closets trimmed in with crystal doorknobs. Ahead, the formal dining room welcomes lavish entertaining alongside Ralph Lauren wallpaper and an exciting 16-arm Caracas chandelier by Johnathan Adler. The adjacent windowed kitchen attends to gatherings large and small with abundant cabinetry, a pantry and a fleet of upscale stainless steel appliances all surrounded by marble counters, backsplashes and herringbone flooring. On the opposite side of the dining room, French doors open to the serene living room featuring southern exposures, sleek white built-ins, grasscloth wallcoverings and a Serge Mouille three-arm fixture.

The spacious owner's suite offers a large walk-in closet and an en suite marble bathroom with a frameless glass tub/shower and swaths of marble accented by gold hardware. The secondary suite includes a smartly arranged private bathroom with a shower. Hardwood floors, tall beamed ceilings and substantial prewar millwork complete this exceptional Midtown sanctuary.

138 East 36th Street is a stately prewar cooperative where residents enjoy part-time doorman service, a live-in superintendent, laundry, storage and just three apartments per floor. This intimate pet-friendly enclave offers excellent financials and permits pieds-à-terre, subletting, guarantors, co-purchasing on a case-by-case basis with board approval.

Located on a tree-lined street in Murray Hill — near Midtown, Kips Bay and NoMad — this home is surrounded by fantastic shopping, dining and outdoor space, including Trader Joe's, the Kips Bay AMC theater, Fairway Market, Bed Bath & Beyond, Grand Central Station and Bryant Park. Transportation is effortless with S, 4/5/6, 7, B/D/F/M and Metro-North trains, excellent bus service, CitiBikes plus the 34th Street Ferry Landing and Midtown Tunnel, all within reach.

400 East 90th Street, Unit 3E

400 East 90th Street, Unit 3E

UPPER EAST SIDE, MANHATTAN

$1,550,000

3 Bed  |  2 Bath | Condo

Enjoy wonderful natural light and expansive interiors in this cheery three-bedroom, two-bathroom home in an amenity-rich Yorkville condominium.

This 1,376-square foot home welcomes you with a bright and serene ambiance thanks to an abundant amount of windows alongside the western and northern exposures. Gleaming oak floors, tall ceilings and handsome crown moldings add designer style throughout. From the gracious foyer, you're ushered into the expansive corner living room, where you'll find a generous footprint for seating and dining areas. The adjacent open kitchen impresses with white cabinetry, granite countertop and stainless steel appliances, including a gas range and built-in microwave. The oversized owner's suite offers a king-size layout, a custom walk-in closet and a lovely en suite bathroom. Two west-facing bedrooms placed near the full guest bathroom complete this Upper East Side sanctuary.

Built in 1999, Century Tower is a contemporary, pet-friendly condominium where residents enjoy full-time doorman service, live-in superintendent, 24/7 security system, a fitness center with Peloton bikes, steam and sauna facilities, children's playroom, lounge, media room, business center, bike room, courtyard, a stunning roof deck with panoramic city and river views, and an on-site parking garage.

From this outstanding Yorkville block, you're mere minutes from the Asphalt Green athletic complex, beautiful Carl Schurz Park and the wonderful East River Esplanade. The 92Y, Museum Mile, Central Park and the 86th Street retail corridor are just blocks away, and the nearby streets are lined with fantastic shops, cafés and nightlife venues, including Starbucks downstairs and a grocery store across the street. Transportation is a breeze with the Q and 4/5/6, excellent bus service, CitiBikes, the FDR and RFK bridge all nearby.

Roller Skating Rink Coming to Rockefeller Center

Rockefeller Center’s ice rink will undergo a special transformation just in time for the warm weather. Starting on April 15, The Rink at Rockefeller Center will instead be Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace, a retro-themed outdoor roller skating rink that will include a food program, viewing deck, and a retail store. Opened by Liberty Ross, the rink will include weekly and seasonal programming, DJ sets, and live music.

Designed by Bureau Betak, the rink will host lessons, community events, and create social content that showcases the diversity of the roller-skating community. Flipper’s store will sell vintage-themed rolling skating apparel and accessories. Special collaborations will be released throughout the year.

Rendering courtesy of ImageFiction

Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace is actually the creation of Ross’ father, Ian ‘Flipper’ Ross, who ran the original rink in Los Angeles from 1978 to 1981. Described by actress Jaclyn Smith as “Studio 54 on wheels,” the family-owned and operated rink shared the joy of roller skating for the brief period it was active and was frequented by dozens of high profile celebrities, including Elton John, Prince, and Cher. Liberty Ross and Co-Founder Kevin Wall, in partnership with Usher, have revived the rink which made rolling skating accessible to people of all ages.

“Our goal is to build world-class spaces where everyone is welcome; spaces where connection and self expression roll free, without judgment or prejudice,” Ross said.

“It’s my hope to support the amazing roller skating community and the future of the sport, while welcoming the curious to the freedom and fun that is roller skating. Flipper’s is — and always has been — a place for individuality, experimentation, joy and respect.”

Flipper’s has partnered with the nearby Saks Fifth Avenue to support mental health through their programming. They’ve made a contribution towards the Saks Fifth Avenue Foundation, whose mission is to increase awareness about mental health education.

Ross will be opening an additional location in West London later this year, mirroring the same exciting programming that Rockefeller Center’s location will have to offer.

The rink will be opened all week long, with hours of operation including:

  • Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday — 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

  • Thursday and Friday — 10 a.m. to 12 a.m.

  • Saturday — 8 a.m. to 12 a.m.

  • Sunday — 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace will be open from April 15 through October 31, just in time for the rink to return to its icy form. Tickets start at $20, not including skate rentals.

POSTED ON TUE, MARCH 15, 2022BY AARON GINSBURG

Rendering courtesy of ImageFiction

167 Perry Street, Unit 4S

[ PRIVATE EXCLUSIVE ]

167 Perry Street, Unit 4S

WEST VILLAGE, MANHATTAN

$1,250,000

1 Bed  |  1 Bath | Co-op

 

*Tenant in place till 08/24/23 paying $4,500/mo.

Enjoy miles of breathtaking Hudson River views in this immaculate West Village one-bedroom, one-bathroom co-op home with an open subletting policy and riverside private balcony! Enjoy the freedom of a condo by subleases one-year after purchasing for the price of a co-op!

A wall of west-facing windows invites you inside this approximately 680-square-foot home to bask in treetop vistas and amazing western light. Enjoy sunset cocktails on the spacious balcony while bicyclists, runners and sailboats pass by below. Wide-plank hardwood floors, extra-tall ceilings and a working fireplace grace the large living room. The open kitchen dazzles with sleek modern cabinetry, Corian countertops, a pantry and high-end stainless steel appliances, and the wide breakfast bar offers the perfect perch for casual meals. Soothe away stress in the spa bathroom equipped with floor-to-ceiling storage and a large soaking tub with a showerhead and handheld sprayer. The queen-size bedroom features a ceiling fan and a wall of custom closets with built-in shelving and drawers, and another roomy closet near the entry completes this utterly charming West Village haven.

167 Perry Street is a postwar cooperative where residents enjoy 24-hour doorman service, live-in superintendent, outdoor bike storage, laundry on every floor and a roof deck with spectacular city and Hudson River views. Generous board policies permit pets, subletting, pieds-à-terre and in-unit washer-dryers with approval.Maintenance also includes high-speed internet and cable TV including Showtime and HBO.

Located on a desirable, tree-lined block in the coveted West Village, this home is surrounded by world-class dining, nightlife and shopping. Explore 500-acre Hudson River Park, or enjoy The High Line and the Whitney Museum just a few blocks north. Access to transportation is excellent with 1, A/C/E, B/D/F/M and PATH trains nearby.

Private Exclusive: 127 Madison Avenue, Unit 2

[ PRIVATE EXCLUSIVE ]

127 Madison Avenue, Unit 2

NOMAD, MANHATTAN

$1,950,000

2 Bed  |  2 Bath | Condo

 

Expansive Full-Floor, 1550 SF 2 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom loft Designed by renowned SHoP Architects with a private keyed elevator in the heart of NoMad!

This light-filled contemporary 20 foot wide great room offers a serene view of Tree-lined Madison Avenue and the beautiful, landmarked American Academy of Dramatic Arts building.

Custom fabricated, steel cantilevered windows highlight the living room and are accented with high-beamed ceilings and wide plank walnut hardwood floors. The open chef’s kitchen is ideal for cooking and entertaining and is outfitted by the timeless Italian kitchen designer Schiffini. It features a SubZero refrigerator, Bosch appliances, built-in Miele espresso maker and Carrera marble countertops.

The gallery hallway has ample wall space for displaying your favorite photographs or art collection and leads you to the ultra-quiet, private bedrooms. The spacious Master Bedroom suite features a generous dressing area with customized closets and a five fixture bath which is luxuriously appointed with glass mosaic tiles.

127 Madison Avenue was designed to incorporate old world elegance with modern technology and vigor. NoMad is a quintessential New York neighborhood where uptown meets downtown, Historic buildings, world-class hotels, restaurants, nightlife, unique shops create a neighborhood buzz day and night unlike any other.

Your new home awaits.