305 West 55th Street, Unit 2A

305 West 55th Street, Unit 2A

Midtown west, MANHATTAN

$625,000

1 Bed  |  1 Bath | Co-op

 

Discover incredible warmth and charming prewar details in this spectacular alcove studio in the heart of Midtown West/Hell's Kitchen, just four blocks from Central Park.

Inside this sun-splashed studio, 11-foot-tall ceilings soar above rich oak floors, exposed brick walls and oversized south-facing windows. The main living space offers an expansive footprint for living, dining and home office areas, while a ceiling fan and working wood-burning fireplace ensure year-round comfort. The crisp white pass-through kitchen offers abundant cabinetry and counter space, and the full bathroom is finished with a large tub/shower and roomy vanity cabinet. Storage will never be a concern thanks to wide closets, ceiling-height cupboards and a space-saving alcove sleeping loft.

The Ashfield is a pet-friendly building where residents enjoy a Butterfly video intercom system and on-site laundry facilities. Located on a stunning Hell's Kitchen block lined by trees and handsome brick buildings, this home is surrounded by the best of Manhattan living. Enjoy easy access to world-class entertainment at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall and the Theater District. Explore magnificent outdoor space at Central Park and Hudson River Park or take in luxury shopping and five-start dining at the Shops at Columbus Circle. Transportation options are unbeatable with A/C/E, B/D, 1 and N/Q/R/W trains, excellent bus service and CitiBike stations all nearby.

Lincoln Center’s Summer Arts Festival Will Feature Free Outdoor Events

The Garden by Clint Ramos. Renderings by Evan Alexander

A three-month-long arts festival will return to Lincoln Center this summer, with its iconic campus transformed into a botanical-inspired oasis. After a successful debut season last year, the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts announced on Monday the second annual “Summer for the City” festival, which will feature hundreds of free events and thousands of artists across 16 acres of outdoor space from June to August. And for the first time in its history, Lincoln Center’s outdoor spaces will be reimagined by a single designer: Creative director and designer Clint Ramos.

“Summer for the City” will honor New York City’s diverse communities with new works and “reimagined classics,” including a week-long celebration of Korean culture during Korean Arts Week, the NYC premiere of Octavia E. Butler’s Parable of the Sower, and Mostly Mozart Festival Orchestra concerts. The festival concludes with a week-long celebration of the 50th anniversary of hip hop with performances by Big Daddy Kane, Rakim, J. PERIOD, a trap choir, and more.

The Garden by Clint Ramos. Renderings by Evan Alexander

“This summer builds on a city reimagining itself–finding hope in community and planting seeds for the future,” Shanta Thake, Ehrenkranz Chief Artistic Officer of LCPA, said in a statement. “For three months, we welcome all New Yorkers to come dance, love, and celebrate together with long-standing traditions of social dance and classical music, and new traditions, like our wedding for hundreds of couples, and a ‘second line’ processional to honor lives lost.”

Thake continued: “Together with visionary artist Clint Ramos, we are opening all of our spaces wide with playful designs, and, of course, the return of the 10-foot disco ball. Whether it’s having a lunch break at any of our outdoor dining options, taking selfies with the installation of 200 flamingos, or staying late for a silent disco, we invite New Yorkers to come together, see themselves, and find their home away from home.”

The iconic Dance Floor at Josie Robertson Plaza with its 10-foot disco ball and the speakeasy-inspired space Underground at Jaffe Drive which debuted last year will be joined by additional spaces designed by Ramos.

The Garden, reminiscent of a greenhouse, is located near Damrosch Park and provides a space for quiet contemplation and meditation, with lush greenery and plantings designed in collaboration with Donyale Werle Design.

The space includes colorful lights and designs with outdoor games, dining options, and a performance space that wraps around a display of 200 flamingos in the Paul Milstein Reflecting Pool.

The campus is seamlessly connected with lush flowers and botanicals installed on walkways and building facades, serving as the “connective tissue” of the festival’s design.

“They say that when there’s an apocalypse, nature takes over. It’s aesthetically disruptive, and it’s beautiful,” Ramos said.

“That is the inspiration behind this design—after such a time of upheaval, we are finding our way back and making way for new growth, bursting with possibility. Through greenery, mirrors, colored lights, and abstracted botanicals we evoke the idea of nature reflecting on itself, transforming the entire campus into a vibrant oasis.”

Summer for the City 2022. Photo credit: Lawrence Sumulong

The festival’s second season builds upon the success of last year’s “Summer for the City,” which saw more than 300,000 visitors to the Lincoln Center campus, more than three-quarters of whom had never before purchased a ticket to a performance at the art center before.

The event also builds on the “Restart Stages” initiative, which created an outdoor performing arts center that allowed in-person art performances to continue during the pandemic.

“Nothing captures the spirit of New York better than our arts, and this summer, thanks to Lincoln Center, thousands of New Yorkers will have access to hundreds of free cultural events,” Mayor Eric Adams said.

“‘Summer for the City’ will include performances by critically acclaimed music artists and curators and be a celebration of our city’s creativity, diversity, and, most importantly, our resilience. New York City isn’t coming back—New York City is back. And we can’t wait to see everyone enjoying the arts the city has to offer.”

Most of the “Summer for the City” events will be free on a first-come, first-served basis, with select indoor performances available for choose-what-you-pay prices.

The festival kicks off on June 14 and runs through August 12. Get the full lineup of events here.

Lincoln Center’s summer arts festival to feature free events and garden-like outdoor spaces

POSTED ON MON, APRIL 17, 2023

BY AARON GINSBURG
Renderings by Evan Alexander

320 East 72nd Street, Unit 2C

320 East 72nd Street, Unit 2C

UPPER EAST SIDE, MANHATTAN

$2,473,000

4 Bed  |  4 Bath | Co-op

 

Welcome home to this Classic 7 beauty (converted from the original Classic 8), in a lovely white glove pre-war co-op. At over 2600 square feet, 2C is a sprawling apartment that truly lives like a home. The elevator opens to your private landing, perfect for umbrellas, strollers, and heavy coats. From your landing, enter your home through the generous foyer with a very sizable coat closet and an easy flow to the entertaining areas of the home and the fourth bedroom (currently configured as an enormous home office) with an en suite bath. The generous living room’s beautiful pre-war details include beamed ceilings, hardwood oak flooring, double wide doorways, a gorgeous arched wooden built in bookcase, original to the home, and features a working wood burning fireplace, inspected and maintained by the building. From the living room, pass into the formal dining room, easily large enough to accommodate a table for 10 and with plenty of storage space along the walls. Both the living room and dining room face north over 72nd Street, allowing for beautiful light all day long and perfect for people watching. From the dining room, head straight into the kitchen or back to the foyer. The kitchen has enough space for an intimate eat-in set up and features a large Butler’s Pantry with a ton of storage and a second sink, perfect for extra prep work or a wet bar. Heading back to the foyer, a hallway with both a walk-in cedar closet and a full linen closet along one side, leads to the private space. The three back bedrooms each have two closets and their own ensuite baths.

320 East 72nd is a quintessential white glove, upper East Side co-op. The full staff includes doormen, porters, a handyman, and a live-in super, many of whom have been with the building for years. This pet friendly building features laundry in the building, a bike room, a coat closet off the lobby for building guest use, and private storage. A large 5’ X 9’ cage transfers with the unit. This building is conveniently situated around the corner from an elevator entrance to the express Q train and is right on the routes of the M15 and M72 buses. The Lexington Avenue 4, 5, and 6 lines are just 2 avenues away. With great restaurants, cafes, florists and supermarkets all within a few blocks, the neighborhood has all you need.

Please note, the building is currently undergoing local law 11 facade work.

There is a 2% flip tax in the building. The building allows 65% financing

In unit W/D permitted with board approval

210 Central Park South, Unit 10D

210 Central Park South, Unit 10D

MIDTOWN EAST, MANHATTAN

$1,195,000

2 Bed  |  2 Bath | Co-op

 

Central Park becomes your daily backdrop and personal playground in this breathtaking two-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom Central Park South residence beautifully reimagined by Stuart Parr Design.

A gracious entry gallery lined with custom-built Boffi closets invites you into this designer showplace to discover gleaming chevron hardwood floors and ceilings dotted with recessed lighting. Ahead, you'll arrive in the expansive living room where the beauty of Central Park unfolds at your feet. Enjoy a generous footprint for seating areas, or step onto the 26.5-foot-wide terrace for al fresco meals alongside treetop outlooks. Chefs will adore the sleek Boffi kitchen's fleet of Gaggenau appliances, including a cooktop, wall oven, dishwasher, microwave drawer and wine refrigerator. The adjacent dining room welcomes lavish entertaining and intimate dinners with equal ease.

Head to the owner's suite, where every day begins with park vistas and coffee on the terrace. A custom-designed bed and night tables add chic designer style, and four custom Boffi closets attend to wardrobe needs. In the en suite bathroom, you'll find swaths of Italian slab marble, radiant heat floors, a double vanity and gorgeous contemporary fixtures. The south-facing secondary bedroom features excellent closet space and custom built-ins of its own, plus another en suite marble bath. An in-unit washer-dryer and zoned HVAC add comfort and convenience. Enjoy an outstanding media experience with a home theater speaker system in the living room, plus built-in speakers in the living room, dining room, and the primary bed and bath. A Savant smart home system controls lights, shades, air conditioning and A/V equipment from your phone, tablet or remote.

210 Central Park South is an illustrious postwar co-op where residents enjoy 24-hour white glove doorman and elevator service, a live-in superintendent, an on-site attended parking garage and a new rooftop deck with an outdoor kitchen.

From this commanding Central Park South location, you're just inches from 840 acres of iconic outdoor space and Midtown accessibility. Enjoy front-row access to world-class shopping, five-star dining and spectacular Theater District and Lincoln Center entertainment. Transportation is effortless thanks to F, N/Q/R/W, A/C, B/D, 1 and E, excellent bus service and CitiBike stations all nearby.

Check Out This Art Installation And 'Climb' A NYC Brownstone

In celebration of its 30th anniversary, Jersey City’s Liberty Science Center is launching one of its most ambitious exhibitions yet. The center is kicking off its Big Art initiative, a new art program with two inaugural installations by Argentine conceptual artist Leandro Erlich and Brooklyn-based artist and Pioneer Works founder Dustin Yellin. Titled The Building, Erlich’s interactive installation features a model of a New York City brownstone on the ground, allowing visitors to climb across its facade and pretend to hang from the fire escapes. A giant mirror reflects the scene, creating an optical illusion.

Photo by Gus Powell, courtesy of the Liberty Science Center

Erlich’s The Building is a site-specific installment inspired by a New York City apartment buulding, complete with a deli on the ground floor. The art piece is an optical illusion, allowing visitors, or “spect-actors” as Erlich calls them, to hang off balconies and appear as if they are hovering high above the ground.

Photo by Gus Powell, courtesy of the Liberty Science Center

Known for his architecturally-scaled creations, The Building is part of Erlich’s renowned Bâtiment series. The series of creations have already been brought to cities like Paris, London, Buenos Aires, and the Echigo-Tsumari region of Japan.

“Much of my work, including the Bâtiment series—and, by extension, The Building —finds its basis in questions I have about the way we perceive reality,” Erlich said in a statement. “I’m excited to be showing this piece at the Liberty Science Center, because art, the way I conceive of it, exists to pose questions about our understanding of the world; in many ways science achieves what we know it to the same way — by asking those very same questions.”

Yellin’s The Politics of Eternity is a 10,000-pound, seven-piece art installation that “crystallizes the artist’s inquiry into humanity and the world it inhabits as a collection of enmeshed networks.” The installation uses Yellin’s signature technique of embedding paint and print media onto multiple canvases of laminated glass. The piece took the artist 20,000 hours to complete.

The Politics of Eternity tells a story in three “narrative acts,” with the first showing a fictitious community gathering around an ancient totem and the second depicting a society in the distant future zipping around a futuristic metropolis with jetpacks. The final act is displayed on a set of lower panels that show the “march of modernity,” with ships and supertankers floating in a central sea that is fed on both ends by waterfalls coming out of the upper panels.

“Interdisciplinarity as a method of exploration often yields findings more interesting than when things function in isolation from one another,” Yellin said in a statement. “With the new arts program, Liberty Science Center demonstrates its fundamental belief in the ability of ideas to exist fluidly across different domains, inviting us to consider the different ways in which an understanding of our universe can be expressed, and to feel the expanses of our minds.”

Photo by Gus Powell, courtesy of the Liberty Science Center

“Science, too often, is presented as a series of results, as opposed to the long, torturous process of someone toiling away in a lab for days, months, years on end to prove an educated hunch they had,” Paul Hoffman, CEO and President of the LSC, said. “Such processes are more often associated with art, which, in turn, is rarely acknowledged to pose questions the way science does”

Hoffman continued: “There’s a binary drawn between the two — they’re understood to exist on polar ends of the spectrum of how humans relate to the world, while in truth they have a lot more in common. By bringing Big Art to the Center, we hope to break down this boundary and further our pursuit of inspiring the next generation of innovators by emphasizing imagination and inspiration.

The Building will be on display through the summer and The Politics of Eternity will be on view through the next year.


This art installation makes it look like visitors are climbing a four-story NYC brownstone

POSTED ON FRI, APRIL 7, 2023

BY AARON GINSBURG

Photos by Gus Powell, courtesy of the Liberty Science Center

339 East 58th Street, Unit 9AB

339 East 58th Street, Unit 9AB

MIDTOWN EAST, MANHATTAN

$1,195,000

2 Bed  |  2 Bath | Co-op

 

Luxurious Sutton Place living awaits in this expansive two-bedroom, two-bathroom residence in an elite full-service prewar cooperative. Comprised of two beautifully combined units, this home is perfect for single-family or multigenerational use, a comfortable live/work arrangement, or a primary residence and private guest suite.

Inside the sprawling showplace, you'll find coveted historic architectural details, including original hardwood floors, archways and tall beamed ceilings trimmed with crown molding. Solid oak doors boast crystal doorknobs and chrome hinges, while 15 windows line three exposures in this corner unit, adding exceptional air flow and sunlight. Recessed lighting, integrated speakers and an abundance of enlarged California closets provide convenience in this thoughtfully updated home.

A gracious foyer opens to an expansive open-plan living room flanked by northern and southern outlooks. Relax alongside the opulent French marble fireplace, or host lively dinner parties under a gorgeous crystal chandelier. Below the sunny south-facing windows, built-in file cabinets and shelves add stylish storage. In the kitchen, west-facing windows frame western Billionaire's Row views from Bloomberg Tower to ultra-tall Steinway Tower. Sleek white cabinetry and black granite countertops surround excellent appliances, including a Miele dishwasher. Head to the primary bedroom to find a king-size layout, marble-topped built-ins and an oversized closet. Across the hall, the spa bathroom impresses with a frameless glass rain shower and Neptune soaking tub with chromotherapy lighting, music and micro-jets. A waterfall faucet is topped by a medicine cabinet with interior electrical outlets and a Swarovski crystal lighting. Glass shelving and floor-to-ceiling Carrara marble with matching crown molding add an elegant touch to the serene space.

Near the foyer, a large closet offers wine storage and concealed access to the home's flexible eastern wing. Here, a 20-foot-long living space is ideal for seating, dining, sleeping and home office areas. Folding doors reveal a windowed kitchenette stocked with cabinets, a granite counter, microwave, mini-fridge and small range. In the hall, you'll find a roomy California closet and another well-appointed marble bathroom with a pedestal sink and walk-in shower.

339 East 58th Street is a spectacular prewar building designed by the prolific Manhattan architect George G. Miller in 1927 and converted to cooperative use in 1988. Residents enjoy an ornate brick and stone façade, a regal lobby, 24-hour doorman service, a live-in superintendent, mail and package room, courtyard, laundry, storage and bike room. Pets, co-purchasing and guarantors, plus pieds-à-terre and subletting after two years, are permitted with board approval.

Known as one of New York City's most desirable enclaves, Sutton Place is surrounded by Midtown convenience and some of the city's best shopping, dining and nightlife. Whole Foods, Trader Joe's and the luxury boutiques of Madison and 57th Street are all nearby, and Central Park and the East River Promenade provide wonderful outdoor space. Transportation from this central district is outstanding with N/R/Q/W, 4/5/6, E and M/F trains, excellent bus service, CitiBikes, the FDR and 59th Street Bridge all within reach.

Waterfront Food Hall Opening at Hudson River Park’s Pier 57

photos courtesy of Pier 57

New York City’s newest food hall will open to the public at Pier 57 this weekend. Located within Hudson River Park, Market 57 includes 15 food vendors run by chefs and entrepreneurs who have been historically underrepresented in the industry. Curated by the James Beard Foundation (JBF) with developer Jamestown, the market aims to be an incubator for new culinary talent. The food hall and community spaces opened on April 1.

The new food hall is part of the $410 million redevelopment of Pier 57, in which Google is the anchor office tenant. Led by RXR Realty, Youngwoo & Associates, and The Baupost Group, the project also includes an events space, classroom and gallery space for the Hudson River Park Trust, two full-service restaurants, and a public rooftop park.

City Winery opened a new, flagship venue location in Pier 57 in 2020 and the two-acre rooftop park opened last April.

photos courtesy of Pier 57

Located on the ground floor, Market 57 includes Good To Go by JBF, a kiosk that features rotating menus from vendors that represent JBF’s values. Vendors will offer food that is sustainable, ethically sourced, and accessible to all. The market will also host a modern showcase kitchen for culinary arts education and programming, including a rotating chefs-in residency that is set to begin in May.

“This is a momentous occasion for the James Beard Foundation as we embark on a new culinary journey at one of NYC’s most anticipated food destinations,” Clare Reichenbach, CEO of the James Beard Foundation, said in a statement.

photos courtesy of Pier 57

“We are extending our mission and brand to a global audience year-round, and bringing ‘Good Food For Good’ to life, like never before. We thank Google, Jamestown, and all our supporters, for making this project possible–and look forward to welcoming visitors to celebrate the best in American food culture, and a more sustainable, equitable, and delicious food future for all.”

Ammi

  • Bessou

  • Bird & Branch

  • Due Madri

  • Local Roots

  • LoLo’s on the Water

  • Malai

  • Mijo

  • Mothershuckers

  • Nom Wah

  • Harlem Hops

  • The Galley by Lobster Place

  • The Good Batch

  • Ras Plant Based

  • Zaab Zaab

The grand opening includes new community spaces that will be used to “promote gathering, dialogue, and learning,” according to a press release. The spaces include three bookable classrooms that can be used by local organizations and nonprofits free of charge with the support of Google.

The “living room” is a 7,400-square-foot gathering space on the pier’s southern edge that will feature seating and tables with direct Hudson River and park views.

photos courtesy of Pier 57

As 6sqft previously reported, Pier 57, constructed in 1952, 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.

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

“The reactivation of Pier 57 marks the start of a bright, new chapter along the New York waterfront and serves as a reminder of what makes our state so great,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said. “From its world-class eateries showcasing the talents of emerging chefs and entrepreneurs to its vibrant classrooms, galleries, and community spaces, the new Pier 57 promises to be a destination that serves New Yorkers and visitors alike.”

Starting Sunday, April 2, Market 57 will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. The rooftop park and “living room” space will be open daily from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m.

See the waterfront food hall opening at Hudson River Park’s Pier 57

POSTED ON FRI, MARCH 31, 2023

BY AARON GINSBURG
All photos courtesy of Pier 57

221 East 50th Street, Unit 6D/7D

221 East 50th Street, Unit 6D/7D

MIDTOWN EAST, MANHATTAN

$1,495,000

3 Bed  |  3 Bath | Co-op

 

Welcome to a meticulously executed, sun-filled duplex in the heart of Midtown East/Turtle Bay.

This stunning combination of two units has created an airy three-bedroom, three-bathroom residence that maximizes the units' space. Whitewash oak flooring invites you inside to take in a full-width southern exposure and views that skim over the rooftops of the adjacent buildings. Custom lighting enhance the open plan great room's sense of space and light, while the nearby windowed kitchen offers state-of-the-art appliances by Bosch, Bertazzoni and Fisher & Paykel. At the rear of this level, a large bedroom with an impressive walk-in closet stands next to a gleaming full bathroom.

Acting as both focal point and conveyance, the custom staircase unifies the two levels with blackened steel supports, white oak tread boards and chic vertical slats. Upstairs, the luxe master suite includes another walk-in closet, a spacious windowed master bathroom, and innovative full-height electrolytic glass panels that draw natural light into the hallway or provide complete privacy at the flip of a switch. The third bedroom is situated at the rear of the floor, and the home's third full bathroom includes an in-unit washer-dryer. Custom closets, recessed lighting, HVAC units enclosed in custom cabinetry, under cabinet lighting, high-end hardware and custom millwork illustrate the care and attention that's gone into this designer home's thoughtful reimagining.

221 East 50th Street is a well-maintained postwar co-op building offering a live-in superintendent, central laundry, bike storage and private garden. Set on beautiful, tree-lined 50th Street near Third Avenue, this delightful home is in the heart of one of Manhattan's most convenient and enjoyable neighborhoods offering residential ambiance combined with incredible accessibility. Fantastic restaurants and transportation options are abundant with 6, E and M trains within three blocks and 4/5, S and 7 trains at Grand Central Terminal.

The Monthly Update - April 2023

In Times Like This, We'll Take "Par for the Course"


As the spring markets get underway in Brooklyn and Manhattan, there is certainly enough macroeconomic and political unrest to consume anyone's focus. It's a wonder we get through the day! Despite that, spring buyers and sellers in our New York City microcosm are staying focused! As our 24-hour social media world seems to get faster and faster, if we just narrow our scope, we can see good things happening on the micro-level, especially when looking at our local real estate economy.

Do you remember the "normality" of yesteryear? Before any presidential indictments. Before hyperpolarizing elections. Before COVID. Before invasions. Before we became fascinated with Facebook and Instagram? Or at least before Congress' favorite, TikTok, came under fire? Considering what's happening today, I have to hand it to New Yorkers: They seem to be staying focused and steadfast in seeking what they want and remembering what matters most. Buying a piece of property or a home for yourself and your loved ones gives you that feeling of stability… Buying real estate bucks the frenetic messaging and whirlwind instant gratification of social media and always-on news cycles. Buying real estate, a home where you can live, pushes against all of that.

For one thing, it takes time to close a real estate transaction in New York City. From getting pre-approved and finding the right place, from co-op board applications and closing, it can take months! And for what? All to have a home where the pace of life can slow down just a bit, so that you and your loved ones can be together and enjoy life in your world. In your home. The stable, safe feeling that comes with homeownership is palpable. And New Yorkers are longing for it!

When looking at the real estate numbers over the last month, you can see that New Yorkers are looking for and buying their little slice of stability and peace of mind. They're purchasing homes and taking the world head-on. They're saying no, we believe in our local economy, in our city, our neighborhood and our block. This is our home, and we're taking back our sense of peace and calm.

In the last 30 days, New Yorkers have listed 1,882 properties and have put over 1,101 properties into contract. And the spring market is just getting started! If we compare those numbers to 2018 and 2019, they almost mirror those past "normal" years. And if I remember correctly, those of us working in the real estate industry viewed those years as just ho-hum or par-for-the-course normal markets. But you know what? We'll take it!

Given the almost daily barrage of negative press, negative news and negative energy out there in the macro world, par for the course sounds pretty good! I'm happy to report that the New York City real estate market is a constant. A bellwether. A beacon of stability in a world full of too much happening all at the same time. And if that constant translates to par for the course in this spring market so far, I'm happy!

Local Happenings

SUNDAY, APRIL 9TH

The Easter Bonnet Parade & Festival

The Easter Bonnet Parade & Festival is all about the hats—lavishly decorated, from the exquisite to the outlandish. Anyone is welcome to join!

Click HERE for more details.

NOW - SUNDAY, APRIL 23RD

The Orchid Show: Natural Heritage

Acclaimed artist Lily Kwong, the designer for The Orchid Show’s 20th year, presents a meditative and captivating design inspired by her ancestral connections to the natural world.

Click HERE for more details & to purchase tickets.

Lifestyle Tips and Tricks

30+ Best Kitchen Color Ideas

Grab your paintbrush and get ready to give a fresh new look to your kitchen walls and cabinets.

Courtesy of Country Living

Best Healthy Home Upgrades for 2023

“It is no surprise that many homeowners are considering renovations that improve more than the look of a home.” These can all help homeowners clean faster, cook smarter and rest easier.

Courtesy of Forbes

Spring Cleaning Checklist

The Ultimate Guide to a Tidier Home. Spring cleaning will be easier with our checklist that covers your house from top to bottom.

Courtesy of Better Homes & Gardens

Featured Listings

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Coney Island Opens For The Season This Weekend

Coney Island’s beachfront amusement parks are opening for the 2023 season this weekend. Starting on March 31, Luna Park, home to the famous Cyclone rollercoaster, is hosting its traditional opening weekend ceremonies, which include the egg-cream christening and first ride of the Cyclone. To celebrate the iconic rollercoaster’s 96th birthday, the first 96 riders get a free ride and an egg cream. And Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park will celebrate its 103rd birthday with its annual “Blessing of the Rides” and free rides on its historic Ferris wheel on Sunday, April 2.

“We are thrilled to begin another season with Luna Park in Coney Island’s annual Donation Day and to support charities that are helping our community thrive including Operation H.O.O.D., the Coney Island Sharks Educations Sports Program, and Give Kids the World,” Alessandro Zamperla, president and CEO of Central Amusement International, said.

Photo by Wabi Sabi on Unsplash

“It’s an honor to continue the incomparable Amusement legacy in Coney Island and as we continue to help preserve, revitalize, and provide an incredible family-oriented experience in NYC we are thankful for all our partnerships that contribute to this vibrant community and look forward to many more years of inspiring joy and wonder in New York City.”

As part of the opening celebration, Luna Park is hosting their annual Donation Day, donating proceeds to local community groups like Operation H.O.O.D., the Coney Island Sharks Educations Sports Program, and Give Kids the World, according to an official press release.

New Luna Park attractions include a family coaster, Tony’s Express, and a log flume ride, Leti’s Treasure, which reaches speeds up to 30 miles per hour.

Deno’s Wonder Wheel will follow suit on Palm Sunday and open for its 103rd season with its annual “Blessing of the Rides” ceremony. Taking place on the boardwalk in front of the attraction, the start of the season will be commemorated with a ribbon-cutting, and the first 103 riders will get a free ride on the Wonder Wheel. During this year’s ceremony, nine-year-old New York state Inaugural poet laureate Kayden Hern will recite his poem “In My Mind.”

“We are excited to continue the legacy of our parents, Denos and Lula Vourderis by inviting the Coney Island children from the Salt & Sea Mission to enjoy the rides for free, our family tradition since 1985,” Dennis and Steve Vourderis, owners of Deno’s Wonder Wheel, said in a statement. “We look forward to a great 2023 season and creating many more WONDER-ful memories.”

Coney Island’s amusement parks will be open on weekends through Memorial Day. Starting on May 26, the attractions will be open seven days a week until the end of the season.

Coney Island opens for the season this weekend

POSTED TODAY, MARCH 30, 2023

BY AARON GINSBURG

Photos courtesy of Luna Park & Wabi Sabi on Unsplash

10 Bleecker Street, Unit Mais. 1B

10 Bleecker Street, Unit Mais. 1B

NOHO, MANHATTAN

$2,895,000

3 Bed  |  2 Bath | Co-op

 

Beautifully planned and designed, this stunning three-bedroom, two-bathroom appx. 1,900 sqft maisonette duplex offers ultimate privacy and co-op amenities in the perfect NoHo location.

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

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

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

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

Macy’s Flower Show Returns For Its 48th Year

The 48th annual Macy’s Flower Show returned to Midtown on Sunday, once again transforming Macy’s Herald Square flagship store into a dream-like, floral landscape that beckons in the spring. As part of the yearly exhibition, thousands of live flowers, plants, and trees adorn the window displays, countertops, and sprout from the architecture across the famed department store’s main floor. The Macy’s Flower Show is free and open to the public at the Herald Square store through April 10.

For nearly five decades, the Macy’s Flower Show has given spectators the unique ability to watch a diverse variety of plants from around the globe as they sprout across the store, all blooming in unison. This year’s show will feature “playful, whimsical shapes,” and a number of “gravity-defying elements,” according to an official press release.

“This year’s Macy’s Flower Show will transport guests to the garden of their dreams. Imaginative floral designs and divine scents will come together and create an indescribable multi-sensory experience,” Will Coss, executive producer of the Macy’s Flower Show, said.

Images courtesy of Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Macy’s, Inc.

“Escaping reality, this year’s spectacle leverages gravity-defying and oversized elements to highlight the importance of dreams and embracing child-like wonder. In partnership with DIOR, a special showcase within this floral dreamscape will further ignite the senses with the scents of their iconic fragrances welcoming spectators during the magical two-week exhibition.”

This year’s flower show features a collaboration with Dior, who is welcoming guests to learn more about the creation of their iconic fragrances, including J’adore, Miss Dior, and Sauvage. Located on the store’s balcony level, Dior will sell fragrances and offer customization options like bottle engraving, hand-painted bottles, charms, and more.

Store guests will also be able to attend a selection of special events over the course of the two-long show, including masterclasses with Dior fragrance experts. More information on events can be found here.

Macy’s is carrying on its partnership with the Fashion Institute of Technology, whose students were challenged to create window displays inspired by the “floral dreamscape” of this year’s show. This year’s winning design, which can be found in a 34th Street window display, was created by students Naja McCain, Hypnos Molina-Gameos, Anum Khawaja, Killian Faulkner, and Lilliana Bifferato.

For those who can’t make it to the store in person, Macy’s Live will give viewers a behind-the-scenes look into the production of the show. On April 4, Macy’s Live will be streaming interviews with the creative teams behind the floral displays, including Macy’s designers and fragrance experts from Dior. More information can be found here.

Macy’s Flower Show returns for a dream-like 48th year

MARCH 28, 2023

BY AARON GINSBURG

Images courtesy of Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Macy’s, Inc.

245 West 74th Street, Unit Mais.1A

245 West 74th Street, Unit Mais.1A

UPPER WEST SIDE, MANHATTAN

$1,795,000

3 Bed  |  2 Bath | Co-op

 

All the space you need to work from home! This impeccably renovated three-bedroom, two-bathroom maisonette with reasonable maintenance is located in the heart of the Upper West Side. Upon entering a gracious foyer via your own unique, private street entrance, you are greeted with an expansive open layout that includes an open chef's kitchen, dining room, and living areas. The high-ceilinged (10ft+), south-facing space is flooded with afternoon sunlight and is perfectly set up for entertaining, cooking, dining, and relaxing. The brand new chef's kitchen includes a vented Wolf 6 burner gas range oven, Bosch dishwasher, Sub Zero refrigerator, Sub Zero wine fridge, custom-built wood cabinets, an oversized kitchen island with Caesarstone countertops an in-unit LG washer/dryer, a nook that can easily accommodate a great workspace.

There is recessed lighting, custom woodwork, and French Oak wide plank flooring throughout. Additionally, each room is wired for internet, cable, and phone. The master ensuite marble bathroom features extra storage with a custom dual vanity, heated floors, dual shower heads, and an oversized walk-in shower. There is another full bathroom situated between the second and third bedrooms.

The Alfie Arms at 245 West 74th Street is an elegant prewar building set on a quintessential tree-lined street. Residents of the pet-friendly co-op enjoy live-in superintendent service, a handsome lobby, laundry room, bike room at no additional fee, storage bins, and a beautiful common outdoor patio/garden.

Here, at the intersection of Lincoln Square and the Upper West Side, you're surrounded by the best of uptown living. Riverside Park and Central Park are easily accessible, the American Museum of Natural History and Lincoln Center venues offer endless entertainment, and the renowned gourmet shops the area is known for are at your doorstep. Transportation is superb with 1/2/3 trains right outside your door, B and C trains two blocks further and the M72 bus providing convenient crosstown service.

Pickleball Is Coming To Central Park

Central Park will soon be home to the largest pickleball offering in the Northeast. The park’s Wollman Rink will turn into CityPickle, a 14-court pickleball installation opening in April. Presented by Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, Related Companies, and Equinox, CityPickle will offer lessons, clinics, leagues, open-play sessions, tournaments, and other activities for players of all levels.

“Our mission when founding CityPickle was to bring pickleball to as many New Yorkers as possible. Thanks to our partnership with Wollman Park Partners, we are thrilled to offer 196 hours of pickleball play each day in New York’s most iconic destination right in the center of Central Park,” Mary Cannon and Erica Desai, co-founders of CityPickle, said in a statement.

Image courtesy of CityPickle

CityPickle first launched in the city last fall with seasonal courts at Hudson Yards and the TWA Hotel at JFK Airport. Later this spring, CityPickle will open its first-ever permanent location in Long Island City, featuring indoor climate-controlled courts, a full bar, and a restaurant.

CityPickle at Wollman Rink will be open daily from April 7 through October 9 from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Court reservations will open on March 31.

Full-price court rentals range from $80 to $120 total per hour for off-peak and peak times respectively, costing as little as $10 per person depending on how many play. Court reservations will open on March 31.

In anticipation of its first season, CityPickle will work with several organizations, including the Challenged Athletes Foundation, the Boys Club of New York, the YMCA of Greater New York, Solutions Now, and Fountain House. The Challenged Athletes Foundation will host weekly, two-hour sessions during the spring, working with a CityPickle coach to help facilitate games for athletes in wheelchairs and other physical disabilities.

The Boys Club of NY will bring campers on field trips to CityPickle every week, and CityPickle is training Boys Club staff to be able to host games offsite. The YMCA, Fountain House, and Solutions Now will receive free court time and instruction from CityPickle staff.

The venue can be rented for events like birthday parties, family gatherings, and corporate team building. Some courts are equipped with private rentable courtside cabanas, meant to help pickleball players “take advantage of the sport’s communal nature,” according to a press release.

In 2021, the city’s Parks Department issued requests for proposals to operate and manage Wollman Rink and the Central Park Carousel, both entities run by the Trump Organization. Former Mayor Bill de Blasio terminated contracts with the organization following the January 6 insurrection.

The city selected Wollman Park Partners, LLC, a joint venture of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (the firm which owns the New Jersey Devils and Newark’s Prudential Center), Related Companies, and Equinox, to run the rink.

Community partners include Great Performances, Melba’s Restaurant, YMCA, Ice Hockey in Harlem, Figure Skating in Harlem, The Boys’ Club of New York, and Green City Force.

“Pickleball is a sport that became immensely popular after the pandemic – it’s a fun, fast-paced sport that’s easy to pick up and accessible for players of all ages and abilities,” Sue Donoghue, Parks Commissioner, said. “We’re thrilled to see pickleball coming to Central Park’s Wollman Rink, a highly visible and well-loved space that is a destination for New Yorkers and tourists alike.”

Last year, Wollman Rink hosted a retro-themed roller rink called DiscOasis, complete with a 70s-inspired soundtrack, dazzling lights, and fun special events and programming including theatrical performances, live music, DJs, and more.

Pickleball is coming to Central Park’s Wollman Rink

POSTED ON THU, MARCH 23, 2023

BY AARON GINSBURG
Image courtesy of CityPickle

215 West 105th Street, Unit 3ED

215 West 105th Street, Unit 3ED

UPPER WEST SIDE, MANHATTAN

$1,595,000

3+ Bed  |  2 Bath | Co-op

 

This gorgeous three-bedroom plus home office, two-bathroom co-op wows with exceptional living space, generous storage, and chic modern styling in lovely Manhattan Valley, just two blocks from Riverside Park.

Spanning about 1,700 square feet, this beautifully combined residence delivers a smart layout that places living spaces alongside the sunny southern exposure while bedrooms occupy the quiet northern wing. Ten-foot-tall ceilings dotted with recessed lighting soar above wide art walls and gleaming hardwood floors. From the gracious gallery entry, you're invited into the spectacular 23-foot-wide great room, where you'll enjoy a spacious footprint for living and dining areas alongside bright, oversized windows framing treetops and open-sky views. In the windowed kitchen, abundant floor-to-ceiling cabinetry and long countertops surround stainless steel appliances, including a gas range, dishwasher, and built-in microwave. Nearby, the convenient full guest bathroom is finished with a large tub/rain shower, a roomy vanity, and lovely stone tile.

Head to the northern wing to discover a beautiful owner's suite featuring a charming bay, ceiling fan, custom walk-in closet, and an en suite bathroom with a frameless glass rain shower. Two extra-large secondary bedrooms flank an additional windowed living space ideal as a home office, family room, media room, playroom, fitness area, or whatever your needs require. The addition of a washer-dryer is possible with board approval.

215 West 105th Street is a beautifully maintained and welcoming boutique prewar cooperative featuring a new elevator, roof, gas lines, an updated façade, and landscaping. Residents of the pet-friendly building enjoy video intercom entry, security cameras, laundry with new card-operated machines, a free bike room, and storage cages for rent (subject to availability). The co-op's financials are strong, with a large reserve, relatively small debt, and a balanced budget. Pieds-à-terre, 80% financing, and subletting after two years are permitted with board approval. No flip tax. Maintenance is 43% tax deductible.

Located in serene Manhattan Valley, this home is surrounded by fantastic local amenities and some of the city's most magnificent outdoor space. Two blocks west, Riverside Park offers sunset views, a dog run, a skatepark, sports facilities, and Ellington in the Park. Morningside Park, Central Park, and neighborhood playgrounds are also within reach. Outstanding shopping and dining line the nearby avenues, while the Columbus Square shopping center features Whole Foods, Target, HomeGoods, TJMaxx and more. The 1, B and C trains, excellent bus service and CitiBikes, provide effortless access to the rest of the city.

NYC’s Redesign of Broadway Blocks Into Pedestrian-Friendly Stretch Begins

New York City will begin its transformation of an iconic stretch of Broadway into a pedestrian-friendly corridor this week, Mayor Eric Adams announced Sunday. The work is part of the first phase of “Broadway Vision,” a plan to make the chaotic and crowded streets between Madison Square and Herald Square safer by banning cars on some blocks and creating more space for pedestrians. As part of the first phase, the city will add two new plazas, shared streets, and a two-way bike lane on Broadway from West 25th Street to West 32nd Street.

Map of work beginning this week from Madison Square to Herald Square. Credit: New York City Department of Transportation

A major change proposed in Broadway Vision is the complete ban on cars on Broadway between 25th and 27th Streets. According to a press release, the city will allow for outdoor dining at restaurants in the plaza areas between 25th and 27th Streets, in partnership with the Flatiron NoMad Partnership.

Up to 32nd Street will be made a “shared street,” designed to discourage vehicles, but not ban them, according to Gothamist.

The project will install plazas between 25th Street and 26th Street and 26th Street and 27th Street, curb extensions and narrower turns to ease traffic, shorter crossings, wider crosswalks, the reconfiguration of curb lanes to make loading and picking up smoother, and additional public space and bicycling amenities like seating, plantings, new Citi Bike hubs, and bike parking.

Broadway Vision was first proposed in Adams’ “New New York: Making New York Work For Everyone” action plan, a collection of 40 proposals from a variety of city leaders and business experts to create a blueprint for NYC’s future. The proposals focus on ways the city and state can work together across sectors to streamline New York’s long-term growth.

“I am excited that work is getting underway to give more space along this iconic corridor to pedestrians and cyclists,” Ydanis Rodriguez, commissioner of the NYC Department of Transportation, said.

“Through our Broadway Vision plan, DOT is creating a people-first Broadway, connecting from Union Square to Columbus Circle, and we look forward to redesigning the next section between Madison Square and Herald Square. This effort will not only further reduce reliance on vehicles and support safe, sustainable transportation, but will also improve our quality of life, bolster our economy, and protect our environment.”

The first phase is expected to be completed this summer and will be funded as part of the mayor’s $375 million commitment to creating new public spaces and open streets across NYC. The second phase of construction will install permanent capital improvements on Broadway from West 21st Street to West 33rd Street.

“Two years ago, the pandemic devastated Midtown and our business districts, but it gave us the opportunity to reimagine our public spaces,” Adams. “Beginning this week, our Broadway Vision will come to life with vibrant, new public spaces and safer streets from Madison Square to Herald Square. Midtown is back, and New York City is back.”


NYC’s redesign of Broadway blocks into pedestrian-friendly stretch begins

POSTED ON MARCH 13, 2023

BY AARON GINSBURG

Credits:

Rendering of Greeley Square after capital construction work is completed; Courtesy of “New” New York Panel

Map of work beginning this week from Madison Square to Herald Square. Credit: New York City Department of Transportation

200 East 66th Street, Unit C1004

200 East 66th Street, Unit C1004

UPPER EAST SIDE, MANHATTAN

$2,795,000

2 Bed  |  2 Bath | Condo

 

Make your new home in this meticulously updated two-bedroom, two-bathroom showplace in the heart of Lenox Hill located in an impeccable New York City landmark condominium.

Representing the epitome of the award-winning Manhattan House apartments, this nearly 1,500-square-foot former sponsor model home features one of the building’s best layouts and is situated in the most desirable tower. Inside, the building’s architectural hallmarks — large windows facing south and east and an oversized projecting balcony — create a true synthesis of indoor-outdoor living. The home features premium finishes throughout and an abundance of details and features that make daily living a joy, including sound attenuating, energy efficient windows, three-zone air-conditioning, in-unit washer-dryer, custom-designed closets, room darkening shades in the bedrooms, and heated floors and towel bars in the master bathroom. White oak floors pave the home, and the masterful chef’s kitchen features premium stone, Viking stainless steel appliances plus brand new floors by Artistic Tile. Lastly, both bathrooms feature the newest and most modern sponsor finishes within the building.

Residents enjoy 24-hour doorman and five-star hotel concierge services, full-time resident manager, on-site parking and an array of world-class amenities. Landscaped drives and porte cochère entrances lead to a spectacular glass-enclosed lobby, and the block-long private grounds — among the largest in the city — feature lush greenery and sculpture gardens. The rooftop Manhattan Club offers 10,000 square feet of interior and exterior space plus additional amenities including a new state-of-the art fitness club, a newly renovated children’s playroom, bike storage, cold storage, private storage for rent, on-site dry cleaners and new laundry room.

Set in the heart of Lenox Hill, the award-winning Manhattan House condominium is considered to be the first and the finest white brick building in the city. This stunning home benefits from both Upper East Side residential tranquility and direct proximity to Midtown. Central Park and the East River Promenade deliver iconic outdoor space and recreation, and transportation is effortless with N/Q/R/W, F and 4/5/6 trains all within minutes.

Please note, advertised monthly taxes include a 17.5% primary resident abatement reduction.

JFK Starts Construction on $18 Billion Terminal 6

Renderings courtesy of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office

Construction has officially begun on the new $4.2 billion Terminal 6 at John F. Kennedy International Airport, marking the final project of the airport’s $18 billion transformation. The 1.2 million square foot, state-of-the-art terminal will include 10 new gates and a new home for JetBlue and create 4,000 new jobs, including 1,800 union construction jobs. The first new gates at the terminal will open in 2026, with a completion date scheduled for 2028.

New arrival and departure halls in Terminal 6 will feature high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and dazzling public art installations depicting iconic New York City landmarks created by local artists.

The new terminal will include more than 100,000 square feet of world-class retail and dining offerings, featuring local restaurants, craft drink options, and Taste of NY storefronts.

“New York remains committed to providing travelers with a premier experience that includes world-class amenities, expanded and streamlined airport transportation, and state-of-the-art security,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said.

“The groundbreaking of Terminal 6 offers a complete vision for the modernized global gateway while adding 4,000 jobs to New York’s workforce. Congratulations to everyone who has dedicated years of hard work to making this historic milestone possible.”

Under the terms of an agreement made with the JFK Millennium Partners, Port Authority will contribute $130 million in capital funding to build the terminal’s infrastructure, including “airside improvements,” “electrical support,” and other technical features that will reduce congestion, delays, and improve the flow of traffic through the airport.

To further improve the flow of traffic through the airport, new state-of-the-art touchless technology will be used from check-in all the way to boarding at the gates.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will use automated security lanes using new “advanced” security systems that include “biometric-based access control systems” and a design that will make it easy to implement future technological or regulatory changes.

A newly-designed taxi plaza will serve both Terminal 6 and Terminal 5, significantly reducing overcrowding on the terminal’s roads and making it easier to travel to different areas of the airport.

In addition to JetBlue, the Lufthansa Group will call the new Terminal 6 home, operating international flights for its airlines which include Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, and Brussels Airlines.

“With today’s groundbreaking for a new, state-of-the-art Terminal 6, every project included in the $18 billion transformation of JFK into a world-class, global gateway is either underway or complete,” Rick Cotton, executive director of the Port Authority, said.

“Part of the Port Authority’s $30 billion commitment to transforming the region’s airports, this historic investment at JFK is a vote of confidence in the future of our region that will ensure that the airport will not only remain the nation’s busiest for international travelers, but that it will be among the world’s finest airports.”

In December 2021, Hochul unveiled plans for a new Terminal One, a $9.5 billion, 2.4 million square foot terminal set to become the airport’s largest international terminal. The project was supposed to break ground in 2020 but was delayed due to the pandemic’s hit on air travel. Construction on the project officially broke ground in September 2022. The new Terminal One joined a number of other projects revitalizing JFK, including the expansion of Delta’s Terminal 4, the expansion of American Airlines’ Terminal 8, and the new Terminal 6.

Final phase of JFK Airport’s $18 billion transformation kicks off with groundbreaking of Terminal 6

POSTED FEBRUARY 24, 2023

BY AARON GINSBURG

New Public Artwork In Downtown Brooklyn

All photos courtesy of Cameron Blaylock for Downtown Brooklyn Partnership

A new interactive public art installation in Downtown Brooklyn transforms a plaza into a colorful oasis with shimmering lights. The Downtown Brooklyn Partnership and Van Alen Institute on Wednesday unveiled “COMMON GROUND,” a site-specific sculpture created by artist Cheryl Wing-Zi Wong with lighting design by Arup featuring colorful seating, sound-responsive lighting, and floor motifs that provide a vibrant space for people to gather. The installation will be on view from March 1 to May 1 at The Plaza at 300 Ashland.

A new interactive public art installation in Downtown Brooklyn transforms a plaza into a colorful oasis with shimmering lights. The Downtown Brooklyn Partnership and Van Alen Institute on Wednesday unveiled “COMMON GROUND,” a site-specific sculpture created by artist Cheryl Wing-Zi Wong with lighting design by Arup featuring colorful seating, sound-responsive lighting, and floor motifs that provide a vibrant space for people to gather. The installation will be on view from March 1 to May 1 at The Plaza at 300 Ashland.

“With its bold colors and interactive light display, COMMON GROUND transforms one of Downtown Brooklyn’s signature public spaces into a work of art that will engage visitors while also injecting color and life into our streetscape,” Regina Myer, President of the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, said.

“We are excited to once again partner with Van Alen Institute and Two Trees on a project that invites everyone to pause, reflect, and come together in this unique immersive installation.”

Several live performances will be held at COMMON GROUND in the coming weeks. On April 6, Peniel Guerrier and Kriye Bode will energize the plaza with Haitian Rara, and on April 13, dancer, choreographer, and teaching artist Kendra J. Ross will give spectators an inside look at her latest work.

On April 20, the all-female multicultural dance trio Soles of Duende will perform a dance routine celebrating tap, flamenco, and kathak dance. Finally, on April 22, the Pratt Institute’s fashion department will end its academic year with its junior thesis, a fashion performance featuring a selection of works.

“COMMON GROUND creates this playful interruption on the plaza, one of Downtown Brooklyn’s everyday spaces, to bring a new community pavilion to the area,” Cheryl Wing-Zi Wong said. “By night, it becomes a large-scale instrument of sorts, responding to environmental audio — you’re encouraged to come sit, sing, play, linger and experience the art.”


New public artwork turns a Downtown Brooklyn plaza into a playful, colorful oasis

POSTED MARCH 3, 2023

BY AARON GINSBURG

All photos courtesy of Cameron Blaylock for Downtown Brooklyn Partnership

The Monthly Update - March 2023

Spring Real Estate Markets Blossom Every Year!

(Despite Stormy Economic Outlooks)

Manhattan and Brooklyn are gearing up for their annual spring markets! That's despite interest rates that are twice as high as they were last spring and foggy (at best) economic outlooks. Although last week, some reports said economic conditions were improving, I'm sure next week we will be hearing stormy forecasts again. That's how it's gone for months now. Good news followed by bad news.

The fact is, whether there are negative economic indicators on the horizon or not, deals happen all year round! Case in point: Manhattan contract activity has jumped 25% in the past three weeks. Listing inventory comes on the market, and if it's priced right, it goes into contract almost immediately! This proves that buyers are hungry for new inventory that's priced right. Of course, we're not currently seeing the same record number of frenzied buyers putting property into contract that we did during the golden era of the post-COVID real estate boom. But we are seeing steady activity that is very similar to the last spring season before COVID! Buyers are putting property into contract, and if sellers are OK with stomaching a price a bit lower than what they probably missed out on last year, they will see strong interest in their apartment! 

The crystal ball outlook says it will be more of the same for the rest of the spring. Real estate brokers, real estate attorneys and bank lenders all think it's going to be a robust and busy spring this year. While prices might not be increasing very much, if at all, there will be plenty of transactions. Buying and selling will happen even if interest rates fluctuate throughout the season, even with the possibility of inflation coming back into the equation, and even in the face of all the other world events that keep churning up. No matter what we do, spring is going to spring, and it's going to be busy! 

The rental market is sure to be really active as well. With prices hovering about 30% higher than pre-COVID levels, we're expecting a very busy and robust rental season ahead. So if you're in the market, get in early. And if you're a  landlord looking to rent, get your property painted, cleaned up and ready for an active spring! 

And for the rest of you: If you're looking to buy a property or planning to sell, there will be plenty of activity this spring. We're already seeing it across the board, so get out there! Get the home you've always wanted, or sell the property you've always wanted to sell (finally!), and take advantage of a busy spring market – just like every year.

Local Happenings

SUNDAY, MARCH 26

MACY'S FLOWER SHOW

Macy's annual flower show is set to bloom again this spring beginning Sunday, March 26 at Macy’s flagship store at Herald Square. The 48th annual event will be a multi-sensory experience filled with beautiful views of flower arrangements taking over the store’s main floor, balcony level, and world-renowned windows. The show will operate during regular store hours.

Click HERE for more details.

FRIDAY, MARCH 17

NYC Saint Patrick's Day Parade

The Saint Patrick's Day Parade is coming up soon, and is a really big deal - it's the oldest and largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the world! From pipe and drum bands to dancers and performers in regalia, midtown Manhattan transforms into a big party with a sea of green revelers.

Click HERE for more details and join in on the festivities!

Lifestyle Tips and Tricks

Refresh Your Design for Spring

There's something about spring that makes us want to mix up our interiors. An updated, spring-inspired interior can inspire a welcome change in perspective, and it helps us enjoy our lives a bit more as the season slides into summer.

Courtesy of Forbes

Best Irish Food Recipes for Celebrating St. Patricks Day

Honor the patron saint of Ireland with a homemade meal!

Courtesy of Country Living

Spring Cleaning Tips and Tasks

Spring Cleaning is the tradition of deep cleaning at the start of spring. It's a way to welcome the change of the seasons and tackle often neglected chores.

Courtesy of Home Edit

Featured Listings

Floating Farmhouse

Eldred, New York

5 BD | 2.5 BA | HOUSE | $2,350,000

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55 W 17th St. Unit 405

2 BD | 2 BA | CONDO | $2,795,000

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1199 Park Ave. Unit 17D

2 BD | 2 BA | CO-OP | $1,350,000

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201 E 21st St. Unit 7D

1 BD | 1 BA | CO-OP | $799,000

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99 E 4th St. Unit 6L

1 BD | 1 BA | COND-OP | $739,000

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