The Monthly Update - November 2023

October’s Tricky, Spooky, Scary Mystery Real Estate Market

Boo! I didn't mean to scare you. It was just October's scary Manhattan and Brooklyn real estate sales market!

This attempt at levity may not be all that funny to anyone actually trying to navigate current sale conditions. Everything is challenging, from pricing properties to negotiating deals for both the buyer side and the seller side.

The overall numbers suggest that inventory is down roughly 500 units from historical norms. We ended October with 7,323 listings when typically there are about 7,700 homes available. We also finished the month with just over 750 contracts signed, when historically, there are over 900 listings under contract at the end of October. Scary!

So, what could be contributing to all of this spooky behavior? Interest rates, for one. I have seen commitment letters over 8.5%! With interest rates like that, buyers are getting spooky with their offers, suggesting that sellers buy down their interest rate a point or two while also providing bids 10% under the asking price! These are truly gruesome numbers for most sellers.

While the rental market has been strong through most of this year, it's been relatively dead lately. The slight reductions that landlords are forced to offer bring renters back to the negotiating table, undermining the high interest rates and mortgage payments that would be expected for most purchases. In other words, rents are currently lower than mortgage and HOA fees. Now that's frightening!

But never fear! There are pockets of optimism in this market. Activity continues to pace well above the most severe NYC real estate market circumstances we've seen in recent years. Depending on where sellers decide to list their homes, zombie buyers are still hungry for fresh meat in the way of well-priced properties, and those zombies will go after that meat with everything they've got. Case in point: I had two bidding wars in Manhattan (the first one in nine months) because the sellers decided to price aggressively, and they ultimately ended up selling the home right where they wanted to list initially. A trick that leads to a treat! :-)

So, while it was a scary October, there were signs of life here and there. But mostly, it was an elusive, tricky, and mysterious market. Hopefully, one that won't be replicated in November!

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Local Happenings

Lightscape at

Brooklyn Botanic Garden

NOVEMBER 17 - JANUARY 1

The after-dark exclusive event in Brooklyn's floral sanctuary is back for another illuminated season! Experience the magic of the garden's moonlit Lightscape with festive music, a range of special treats along with the exhibit of new works of art on display. This is a fun, all-ages event!

Learn More

New York

Comedy Festival

NOVEMBER 3 - 12

Get ready to fall over laughing at this year's New York Comedy Festival! The citywide, 10-day fun-filled extravaganza will be held at over 10 venues, hosting 100+ shows and over 200+ top tier comedians.

Learn More

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Lifestyle Tips and Tricks

Ultimate Living Room Design Do's and Don'ts

Having a living room that can do it all doesn't have to be hard! Follow these design rules and yours will be in tip-top shape in no time.

Learn More

2024 Wellness-Enhancing Smart Home Trends for your Kitchen

Many of the amenities found in the latest kitchen trends are empowered with smart home technology...

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Featured Listings

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70 East 10th Street, Unit 16L

70 East 10th Street, Unit 16L

GREENWICH VILLAGE, MANHATTAN

$2,300,000

2 Bed  |  2 Bath | Co-op

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This exquisitely renovated two-bedroom, two-bathroom residence ticks every wish list item with expansive designer interiors, extraordinary natural light, generous storage and an unbeatable location in a full-service Greenwich Village co-op.

Spanning approximately 1,500 square feet, this beautiful home greets you with tall ceilings, white oak floors, wide art walls, and oversized windows along the sunny southern and eastern exposures. A gracious foyer with a large coat closet opens to a sprawling great room featuring a generous footprint for relaxing and entertaining. Arrange multiple seating areas and a home office space in the nearly 37-foot-long living area, while the dining alcove invites you to plan your next dinner party surrounded by wide-open views and designer lighting. The updated open kitchen impresses with a waterfall peninsula and sleek cabinetry finished with crisp white counters and a marble tile backsplash. Chefs will love the stainless steel appliances, including a gas range with double ovens, French door refrigerator, dishwasher, and built-in microwave.

A long hallway lined with four roomy closets and a walk-in pantry leads to the home's luxurious bedrooms. Wake up with the sun in the bright east-facing primary suite, where you'll find a wide reach-in closet and a windowed en suite bathroom finished with a glass shower, floating vanity and wide medicine cabinet. The secondary bedroom includes a massive walk-in closet and easy access to the home's full guest bathroom, where you'll find a lovely tub/shower and contemporary fixtures.

The Stewart House is a classic white-brick postwar cooperative featuring lush grounds and a large circular driveway, one of the city's first. The full-service, pet-friendly building offers 24-hour white glove doorman and concierge service, a live-in superintendent, a fitness center, a children's playroom, storage, a package room, bike room, laundry room and an on-site parking garage with direct building access — all for low monthly maintenance charges.

Once an early location of Manhattan's A.T. Stewart department store, The Stewart House occupies a full city block in the heart of Greenwich Village. Ideally located between Union Square and Washington Square, this outstanding neighborhood features fantastic shopping, dining, nightlife and entertainment venues at every turn, including Wegmans, Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, Irving Plaza, Webster Hall and the Union Square greenmarket. NYU is inches away, and transportation is effortless with N/Q/R/W, 4/5/6, L and PATH trains, excellent bus service and CitiBikes all within easy reach.

Union Square Sculpture Channels Old New York City Myth

A new sculpture in Union Square Park plays on the century-old myth that alligators live in New York City’s sewer system. Created by Swedish artist Alexander Klingspor in collaboration with Mollbrinks Gallery, “NYC Legend” is a bronze sculpture depicting a life-sized alligator sitting atop a manhole cover. The artwork is inspired by an urban legend that originated 100 years ago claiming New Yorkers set pet baby alligators loose in the sewers after they grew too large to handle. The installation is on display through June 2024.

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All photos courtesy of Jane Kratochvil

The sculpture blends the themes of ancient mythological symbolism and modern urban folklore, honoring NYC’s signature resilience and enduring nature, also qualities of alligators.

“Stories are the very backbone of human civilization giving shape to our shared consciousness through sculptures, paintings, and architecture,” Klingspor said. “This piece is a testament to our timeless drive to find icons in nature, and to the bridge that myth builds between the ancient and modern that still echoes today.”

While tales of large sewer alligators feeding on unsuspecting animals and sanitation workers are myths, there is some truth to the urban legend.

On February 9, 1935, later celebrated by some as “Alligators in the Sewers Day,” a group of teenagers reportedly caught and killed an eight-foot, 125-pound alligator through a manhole on East 123rd Street while shoveling snow on a winter day, according to the New York Times.

The next day, the newspapers were full of stories about the event, giving way to a widespread urban legend about scores of alligators infesting the sewer system. So much so that February 9, 1935, has become a sort of unofficial holiday among certain New Yorkers.

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All photos courtesy of Jane Kratochvil

There have been alligator sightings across the city in recent history. In 1995, a four-foot alligator was taken from Kissena Lake in Queens; in 2001, a two-foot caiman was caught in Central Park; and in 2003, an American alligator was seen in Alley Pond Park. This past February, a five-foot alligator was rescued in Prospect Park after being abandoned by their owner. It died a few weeks later despite extensive medical treatment at the Bronx Zoo.

A sewer alligator can also be found on the 14th Street/ Eighth Avenue subway platform, but this one poses no danger. The bronze underground gator is a sculpture created by Tom Otterness as just one piece of a series titled “Life Underground.”

“NYC Legend” is presented in partnership with the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation and Union Square Partnership, and funded by Mollbrinks Gallery. The sculpture was cast by Switzerland’s Perseo Foundry, which is highly regarded for its world-class materials and casting techniques.

“This sculpture is a beautiful representation of our enduring resilience as New Yorkers, and embodies one of the most famous urban legends about our city,” Anthony Perez, NYC Parks Manhattan Borough Commissioner, said.

“Public art installations like this are one of the many ways we use our public parks to celebrate the stories and spirit that make our city so unique. I’m so excited to see this sculpture take its place in iconic Union Square Park, where I’m sure it will surprise and delight both New Yorkers and visitors.”

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Sewer alligator sculpture in Union Square channels century-old New York City myth

By Aaron Ginsburg

October 18, 2023

All photos courtesy of Jane Kratochvil

76 Franklin Street, Unit 2

76 Franklin Street, Unit 2

TRIBECA, MANHATTAN

$2,250,000

2 Bed  |  3 Bath | Co-op

FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITY IN PRIME TRIBECA TO CREATE THE LOFT OF YOUR DREAMS.

*Unbelievable maintenance of only 1,000$ per month.
*Bring your architect.
*Create a stunning two to four bedroom, with plumbing for up to 5 bathrooms.
*14 foot ceiling height.
*Only 4 units in the Coop.

Inside a former Lingerie Warehouse sits this floor thru private grand loft which has remained relatively untouched by the original owners who turned the building Coop in the 1990's, save for an updated kitchen and the addition of Central AC. The possibilities for renovation are endless. The current layout has a large floor thru open space on the main level including kitchen with pantry, as well as 2 baths. The front portion is being used as an artist studio, while the back portion is being used for dining/living room. There is a mezzanine level which adds another 1,000 Sq ft. of space (not included in the square footage in the listing) which currently serves as 2 sizable bedrooms with large closets and bathrooms. The mezzanine was grandfathered in by the DOB as bedrooms and can remain, or be removed depending on your needs. The space is voluminous, with 14 foot ceiling heights and grand oversized windows.

The building features an elevator and intercom system that connects to your phone to provide remote access for guests or deliveries if you are not home. There is also a subbasement for storage that runs the length of the building and each owner has a quarter of the space which is quite big. The Ground floor is a high end furniture gallery which is only shown by appointment so very little traffic.

The block is quiet and tranquil and virtually every subway line is close by (the 1, 6, A, C, N, R, W, Q, J, Z, trains). The location cannot be beaten, with multiple gyms near by (Crunch is 1 block south), Aire Spa on the block, and some of the best restaurants in the city at your doorstep.

Metro-North ‘Leaf Peeper’ Tain Service Is Back!

Take a train ride up through the Hudson Valley and witness the breathtaking beauty of New York State’s fall foliage. The Metro-North Railroad last weekend kicked off its annual “Leaf Peeper” train service, boosting service on the Hudson River line, which provides scenic views of upstate’s changing foliage and stops in charming autumnal towns like Peekskill, Cold Spring, and Beacon. Five extra trains on Saturdays and four trains on Sundays have been added from October 7 through November 5.

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Views of Bannerman’s Castle from the Hudson Line on the Metro-North Railroad. Photo: Marc A. Hermann / MTA on Flickr

In addition to the extra “Leaf Peeper” train service, midday and afternoon half-hourly service to Poughkeepsie will resume on October 29, with six trains added on Saturdays and four trains added on Sundays, according to the MTA.

Metro-North will also be adding extra trains to service during the holidays, including the day before Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and New Year’s Eve.

“Fall is the best season to experience all that the Hudson Valley has to offer,” Catherine Rinaldi, Metro-North Railroad President and LIRR Interim President said.

“If you are searching for weekend plans, Metro-North wants to make it easy for you to hop on a Hudson Line train, take in the beautiful fall foliage, or grab a bite at one of the Hudson Valley’s premier restaurants.”

Children aged five and under can ride for free, and children ages five through 11 can ride for $1 when accompanied by an adult.

Customers are encouraged to use the TrainTime app to purchase tickets for their leaf peeper rides.

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Metro-North ‘Leaf Peeper’ train service returns for fall foliage lovers

By Aaron Ginsburg

October 9, 2023

Cover photo: Views along the Hudson Line on Metro-North Railroad in Beacon. Photo courtesy of Marc A. Hermann / MTA on Flickr

57 Thompson Street, Unit 2B

57 Thompson Street, Unit 2B

SOHO, MANHATTAN

$789,000

1 Bed  |  1 Bath | Co-op

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The Best Location in Soho!

* Unlimited Subletting After 2 Years

Welcome to the epitome of downtown chic living! This remarkable one-bedroom apartment, nestled in the heart of Soho, offers an extraordinary New York City lifestyle that combines style, convenience, and comfort.

This one bedroom offers an open floor plan with high end finishes, new stainless steal kitchen appliances, recessed lighting with dimmers, a custom built in closet and new windows. The apartment is adorned with hardwood oak floors that not only add warmth but also make cleaning a breeze. Chic finishes and attention to detail throughout the space elevate the overall aesthetic.

57 Thompson is the most well-maintained, elevator co-op in the neighborhood. Built in 1920, this pre-war gem has 32-units, allows pets, pied-a-terres, co-purchasing, and gifting. Unlimited subletting after 2 years!

Location, of course, is key, and this apartment doesn't disappoint. Soho is known for its trendy boutiques, world-class dining, and a vibrant arts scene, and all of this is at your doorstep. Stroll through cobblestone streets and discover an array of fashionable shops and cozy cafes. Plus, easy access to public transportation ensures that the entirety of New York City is within your reach. Just steps away from the Soho Trader Joes, the new Google offices and all the the up and coming Hudson Square has to offer.

This one-bedroom Soho gem presents an incredible opportunity to embrace city living at its finest. With its prime location, modern comforts, and stylish design, this apartment is not just a place to live; it's a place to thrive. Don't miss out on the chance to make it your own. Schedule a viewing today and experience the allure of Soho living firsthand!

Manhattan’s First Public ‘Beach’ Just Opened at Hudson River Park

Every borough in New York City now has a beach. Sort of. On Monday, the Gansevoort Peninsula officially opened at Little West 12th Street and 13th Avenue at Hudson River Park. The new 5.5-acre waterfront public park in the Meatpacking District includes a sandy beach with umbrellas, chairs, misting features, places to picnic, kayak access, and a rocky seating edge. But, unlike at other city beaches, swimming will not be allowed at Gansevoort Peninsula due to the Hudson River’s polluted water. The green space is the largest standalone recreational space within the four-mile Hudson River Park.

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Lawn and sandy bluff with a view of “Day’s End.” Photo credit: Hudson River Park Trust

“This is how we do things in New York. We see beauty and potential, we roll up our sleeves and we get to work,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said. “This collaboration between New York City and State will benefit everyone who visits here on the shore of the Hudson, and it checks a lot of boxes from climate change mitigation to competition on the ball fields, from a stroll with your pup to sitting on the beach.”

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Photo credit: Darren McGee/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul on Flickr

The site, located on the western end of Little West 12th Street and what remains of 13th Avenue, was once a parking lot used by the city’s Department of Sanitation. In 2019, the Hudson River Park Trust tapped Field Operations, the team behind the High Line and Domino Park, to lead the design of the park.

The $73 million project includes a sandy beach area with access for kayaks and small boats, a lawn, a seating area north of the waterfront, a sports field, two dog runs, lounge chairs, and a salt marsh with native grass and plantings. A boardwalk with a Pine grove connects the beach to the western esplanade where 13th Avenue was once located.

The salt marsh is found on the northern end of the park and includes a man-made underwater habitat with 20 million juvenile oysters, which will help create a healthy habitat for fish while also protecting the shoreline.

“Inspired by community input, Gansevoort Peninsula is a place for respite, relaxation, exploration, sports, and play,” Lisa Switkin, partner at Field Operations, said. “A defining characteristic is how the design embraces each side of the peninsula, offering new ways to engage with the Hudson River, with diverse and varied edges that elongate the transition from land to water.”

“Here, a combination of promenades, lookouts, tidal pools, ledges, sandy beach, salt marsh, and kayak access create an immersive and dynamic environment that changes with the tides, making for a truly unforgettable experience.”

The southern end of the park includes the art installation “Day’s End” by David Hammons. Gifted by the Whitney Museum of American Art, “Day’s End” serves as a “ghost monument” to a 1975 installation by Gordon Matta-Clark of the same name that was once located at Pier 52.

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Hudson River balcony. Photo credit: Barrett Doherty

With the opening of Gansevoort Peninsula and the upcoming openings of Pier 97 and the science playground at Pier 26, the public portions of Hudson River Park are 95 complete. According to the Trust, Pier 97 will open later this fall with a large playground, ball sports zone, an overlook, and the playground at Pier 26 will open in the next few months.

“Beyond adding 5.5 new acres of extraordinary park to New York’s open space network, Gansevoort also connects communities to their Hudson River, completing a gap in the Park’s four-mile footprint, and making it infinitely more pleasurable to travel between our surrounding west side neighborhoods,” Noreen Doyle, president of the Hudson River Park Trust, said.

“We thank every member of the extraordinary design and construction teams and our own staff whose artistry and know-how came together to create this special place.”

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Manhattan’s first public ‘beach’ opens at Hudson River Park

By Devin Gannon

October 2, 2023

Header photo: Gansevoort Peninsula at the southern edge with upland sandy bluff and “Day’s End.” Photo credit: Barrett Doherty

An Ice Skating Rink Is Opening Under the Brooklyn Bridge

New York City’s newest ice skating rink will open under the Brooklyn Bridge. Located at the Emily Warren Roebling Plaza in Brooklyn Bridge Park, Glide at Brooklyn Bridge will offer skating for guests of all ages, as well as rinkside food and beverages, with breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline as a backdrop. The ice rink, the first to ever open in the scenic waterfront park, debuts for the season on November 15 and will remain open through March 1, 2024.

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Rendering courtesy of Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy

According to the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy, food and drink options from vendors at the nearby Time Out Market will be available at a rinkside cafe.

On sale starting October 6, tickets start at $15 for adults and $10 for children during off-peak hours. The rink will offer special pricing for groups and can be rented for large events. Plus, a limited number of discounted tickets (starting at $9) will be available daily for NYC residents with proof of residency.

Last spring, the conservancy issued a request for proposals (RFP), looking for partners interested in creating and operating a seasonal ice-skating rink in Emily Warren Roebling Plaza.

Under the RFP guidelines, the Glide at Brooklyn Bridge will be responsible for assembling and operating the temporary rink from November through mid-March and disassembling it. The group will oversee ticketing, maintenance, renting skate equipment, and programming, according to Brooklyn Bridge Park’s website.

Brooklyn Bridge Park’s fall season programming concludes on October 21 with its annual Harvest Festival. The free event is designed with families in mind and will feature arts and crafts, live music and entertainment, storytelling, lawn games, a mini pumpkin patch, and more.

The festival will also include tabling by a wide variety of partners and other special activities, with more to be announced in the near future.

A full schedule of the park’s fall programming can be found here.

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An ice skating rink is opening under the Brooklyn Bridge

By Aaron Ginsburg

October 4, 2023

Rendering courtesy of Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy

The Monthly Update - October 2023

 Quadruple Tug-of-War

The state of the market in New York City and interest rates has been a topic on many people's minds lately. The way I see it, there are four major factors at play right now, all pulling in opposite directions. 

1) Sellers:

New York City has a new unique seller type. They've invested at least 20% down in their property, if not more (some co-ops even require 50% down payments). As a result, most sellers are heavily invested in their real estate. Also, a lot of sellers in New York City don’t “need” to sell.  They would “like to sell“ as a matter of lifestyle change or for convenience, but, as you know, Manhattan's purchase and sale markets are made up of extremely wealthy people.  To be frank, they can afford to hold their places, even as prices have meandered their way down approximately 5% (10% in some cases) since the highs of the post-pandemic buying boom. Sellers are holding the line with regards to prices.

2) Buyers:

Buyers want to purchase.  Even in this market.  However, many feel that prices need to adjust for the current economic conditions, and they aren't willing to pay (in most cases) top dollar for property at this point. They want adjustments in pricing that reflect today's realities. They want their purchase to be more fiscally responsible, less emotional and are reluctant to just give what sellers demand. Many deals today, even after a meeting of the minds on price, are renegotiated with credits and contract price adjustments in the 11th hour of contract negotiations. 

3) Interest Rates:

Along with buyers' frustration about pricing, interest rates are the obvious reason buyers don't want to pay top dollar. Today, 7% to  7.5% interest rates are the norm with higher rates to come possibly(?)!. These high rates are causing buyers to rethink their entire purchase and their personal needs/obligations to purchase a property in New York City. I have an opposing thought on this: While interest rates are high, prices have come down, and for the reasons I’ve outlined above, buyers should take advantage of lower prices and refi when rates dip! I tell all of my buyers, if you can afford to buy now, you should.  You can purchase at a discount and refinance if (when) rates adjust. When interest rates drop even little, the pressure of pent-up buyer demand is real and palpable and will drive prices back up. If that happens, buyers have lost the opportunity to purchase in a “down“ market. If you can afford that higher rate for a little while- take the discount.  

4) Rental Market:

The rental market is currently very strong compared to past years. However, Interest rates and higher HOA fees have made most purchases much higher on a monthly basis than they would be to rent the same property!  So prospective buyers are asking themselves “why”. Why drop a 20% to 25% down payment on a property when I can have that money grow in a simple high-interest account and earn returns faster than it would appreciate in my real estate purchase? Even if they offset the gains with the rental expenses, leasing still has a strong upside potential. My antithesis to this is that your real estate investment is not a short-term investment strategy; it's a place where you live and have your money grow over time. If you purchase and hold, enjoy the property and then sell at the appropriate time, you'll make back your “rental fees“ and probably make a sizable return on the real estate. 

In conclusion: These four factors have driven the New York City market into a nearly frozen state. While all these four factors are pulling, in the middle of the tug-of-war are listings that aren't moving as fast as they once were, even just last year or the year before! Overall, transaction rates are down about 10% to 15% for September. Interesting stuff, but I do feel that “buyer pent-up demand“ will rule the day in the not too distant future. The market just needs a little push from the Fed in the way of lower interest rates. Just a tad

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Local Happenings

New York City Wine & Food Festival

OCTOBER 12 - 15, 2023

The Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival presented by CapitalOne is back and better than ever! Explore over 80-plus exclusive events hosted by more than 500 of the world's best chefs. From classes, dinners, tastings, late-night parties, to drag brunches and live celebrity demonstrations, the NYCWFF is a foodie's paradise!

Learn More

Annual Village Halloween Parade

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2023

Head to the Village on Halloween night to experience the city's most spooky parade to catch a glimpse of the more than 50,000 ghouls, goblins, zombies, monsters, and witches that roam the streets of lower Manhattan. It's gonna be a hoot!

Learn More

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Featured Listings

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Lifestyle Tips and Tricks

Best Housewarming Gifts

The Best Items for a Weekend Getaway - at first glance, the best items for a weekend getaway might seem like an odd fit for our best housewarming gifts series, compared to gifts for the kitchen, bathroom, or bedroom.

Courtesy of Forbes

10 Ways to Maximize Square Footage in a Small Bedroom

The secret to living large in a tiny bedroom is in the details.

Courtesy of US News

Best Places to Live in the U.S. in 2023/24

To make the top of the list, a place had to have good value, be a desirable place to live, have a strong job market and a high quality of life.

Courtesy of US News

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360 Clinton Avenue, Unit 3D

360 Clinton Avenue, Unit 3D

CLINTON HILL, BROOKLYN

$795,000

1 Bed  |  1 Bath | Co-op

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This incredible newly renovated coop features one bedroom and one bathroom, and it is ideally situated in the vibrant neighborhood of Clinton Hill. With convenient access to public transportation and close proximity to the city, this location offers the best of both worlds.

Upon entering, you are greeted by a spacious and inviting foyer that can serve as a functional dining area. From there, you'll find a generously-sized open-concept living room, providing ample space for entertaining guests and creating memorable moments.

The bedroom is impressively spacious, with oversized windows that flood the room with natural light. It also boasts an abundance of closets, ensuring plenty of storage space. The large, windowed kitchen is a chef's dream, featuring granite countertops, new stainless steel appliances, a dishwasher, subway tile backsplash, and an abundance of cabinet space for all your culinary essentials.

360 Clinton Ave is a meticulously maintained pre-war elevator coop building, offering a grand lobby, a part-time doorman, a full-time superintendent and porter, a laundry room, and basement storage facilities. The building also boasts a video intercom system for added security and a beautifully landscaped courtyard garden for residents to enjoy. The location is perfect, with close proximity to playgrounds, Fort Greene Park, the Farmer's market, BAM, Barclays Center, and Pratt Institute. Pets are welcome!

Illuminated Steel Whale Installation on Broadway

A massive, illuminated steel whale has arrived on the streets of the Garment District. Located on the Broadway pedestrian plazas between 38th and 39th Streets, “Echoes – A Voice from Unchartered Waters” is a 55-foot-long interactive art and sound installation meant to inspire deeper thought about the ways our daily routines affect the environment. Created by artist, designer, and researcher Mathias Gmachl, “Echoes” is free and open to the public through November 13. The installation is the latest public artwork sponsored by the Garment District Alliance.

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Photos courtesy of Alexandre Ayer / @DiversityPics for the Garment District Alliance

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Photos courtesy of Alexandre Ayer / @DiversityPics for the Garment District Alliance

When interacting with the installation, visitors are met with a melodic soundscape that references the serene underwater world of the whale. The tranquil sounds are meant to represent the “harmonious” existence that is possible if humans were to respect the environment.

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Photos courtesy of Alexandre Ayer / @DiversityPics for the Garment District Alliance

Upon taking a step closer to the structure, the installation will reveal a layer of noise pollution, which is meant to represent the effects of the industrialized world on Earth’s ecosystems. This drastic contrast between the serene sounds of the sea and harsh noise pollution is designed to encourage dialogue about the planet’s future and influence viewers to think about the effects of human activity on the natural environment.

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Photos courtesy of Alexandre Ayer / @DiversityPics for the Garment District Alliance

“With its serene ambiance, ‘Echoes – A Voice from Unchartered Waters’ is a magnificent installation that will captivate passersby with its beauty while sparking important conversations about the future of our planet,” Barbara A. Blair, president of the Garment District Alliance, said.

“We are thrilled to showcase Mathias Gmachl’s incredible work, and we invite the public to marvel at this display in the Garment District this fall.”

Gmachl’s “Echoes” is a co-production with Canada’s Quartier des Spectacles Partnership, Austria’s MuseumsQuartier Wien, and Switzerland’s LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura. The project’s distributor is QDSinternational.

“With ‘Echoes – A Voice from Uncharted Waters,’ I want to provide an open space – a platform – for the public to have conversations about the future of our planet. Not just about whales, but of all life that exists,” Gmachl said.

“The need to create room to learn, and dream, of a better future feels more pressing than ever. The installation is my small contribution towards a larger shift in the narratives and actions needed.”

“Echoes – A Voice from Uncharted Waters” is made possible by Garment District Art on the Plazas, a year-round public art program led by the Garment District Alliance and the New York City Department of Transportation. The two groups work together to enhance public spaces with fun, creative public art installations that welcome New Yorkers and visitors.

Recently, the alliance unveiled a redesign of the Garment District’s iconic button & needle sculpture. The new sculpture was permanently installed in February. Designed by Local Projects and UAP Company, the sculpture measures 28 feet tall and has a 15-foot diameter aluminum button with a bright yellow automotive finish and a 32-foot brushed stainless steel needle, paying homage to the area’s rich history in the world of fashion.

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An illuminated steel whale has surfaced on Broadway

By Aaron Ginsburg

September 18, 2023

Photos courtesy of Alexandre Ayer / @DiversityPics for the Garment District Alliance

313 West 82nd Street, Unit C

313 West 82nd Street, Unit C

upper west side, MANHATTAN

$750,000

1 Bed  |  1 Bath | Co-op

Experience verdant garden surroundings on a park-side block in this stunning one-bedroom plus home office, one-bathroom co-op featuring updated designer interiors and a lush private yard just inches from Riverside Park.

Step inside this garden retreat to discover hardwood floors, soaring ceilings and gorgeous millwork, including tall baseboards, high wainscoting and crown molding. The gracious foyer boasts a wide closet, while the beautiful living room provides a generous footprint for seating and dining areas alongside charming garden views. Elevate your culinary experience in the renovated gourmet kitchen featuring custom cabinetry, quartz counters and marble backsplashes and high-end stainless steel appliances, including a Bertazzoni range, Fisher & Paykel refrigerator and built-in microwave. Dazzling encaustic-style floor tiles carry from the kitchen into the updated full bathroom, where you'll find a tub/shower with glass doors, a contemporary open vanity with matching shelving, and built-in floor-to-ceiling storage cabinets.

From the living room, step up to the serene king-sized bedroom featuring two roomy closets and a lovely ceiling fan. This sunny bedchamber provides plenty of room for dressers or a desk/vanity area, while the spacious home office area could easily serve as a formal dining room if desired. Outside, your private garden oasis awaits with an oversized deck, tall fencing and a stone wall. Towering trees rise from expansive flower beds ideal for urban gardening. Wood cladding flows from the fencing across the façade, creating a chic backdrop for al fresco dining and entertaining. Mini-split HVAC and a large storage unit add wonderful convenience to this exquisite Upper West Side sanctuary.

Built in 1887 in the bold Romanesque Revival style, 313 West 82nd Street sits among a row of four brownstone and Roman brick buildings with lovely gardens, L-shaped stoops and gas lamps. Originally used as single-family homes, the buildings were used as a boarding house for women in the 1930s and converted to apartments beginning in the 1950s. Today, residents of the beautifully maintained boutique cooperative enjoy a secure key code entry, laundry and storage. Pets, guarantors and pieds-à-terre permitted with board approval.

Robert Indiana’s ‘LOVE’ Sculpture Installed at Rockefeller Center

Photo © 6sqft

Robert Indiana’s iconic “Love” sculpture has returned to New York City with a fresh paint job. Starting Wednesday, the 12-foot-high sculpture with its distinct slanted “O” will sit at the head of the Channel Gardens at Rockefeller Center for six weeks. The sculpture is one part of a larger installation featuring Indiana’s work now on view, including his “One Through Zero” sculpture series on Center Plaza and images from his Peace Painting series on the 193 flags surrounding the Rink. The works will be on display through October 23.

Located on the corner of the Avenue of the Americas and West 55th Street for decades, the sculpture was removed for conservation in 2019. Many years of visitors touching and scaling “Love” left the sculpture in poor condition and the Robert Indiana Legacy Initiative decided to refurbish it.

The sculpture was meant to return to its original location but sat in storage for months after restoration was completed during the pandemic. It was ultimately decided that the sculpture would instead be installed at Rockefeller Center due to Indiana’s high regard for the place, Simon Salama-Caro of the Robert Indiana Legacy Initiative told the New York Times.

Indiana’s first conception of Love came from a print he created for MoMa’s 1965 holiday card. He depicted it as a sculpture for the first time in 1970 and a version appeared in Central Park in 1971. The Love sculpture has since been created in Hebrew, Chinese, Italian, and Spanish, and has been on display in major cities across the U.S., Europe, and Asia.

Another major part of the installation is selections from Indiana’s “One Through Zero” series, which was created from 1980 through 2001. Each sculpture measures eight feet and is made of Cor-ten steel and is meant to represent the cycle of human life from birth to death, according to Rockefeller Center. The numbers are located in Center Plaza.

As part of the installation, the 193 flags surrounding the Rink at Rockefeller Center will feature images from Indiana’s “Peace Paintings” series, which was created by the artist after witnessing the 9/11 terror attacks.

The Initiative is unsure of where the sculpture will end up after being removed from Rockefeller Center in October, likely to make way for the Center’s world-famous Christmas Tree.

“We are thrilled to be the destination for the return of Robert Indiana’s instantly recognizable LOVE sculpture, and to host a campus-wide exhibition of the late, great artist’s work. We expect this to be a huge draw for fans, both new and old, and we thank the Robert Indiana Legacy Initiative for being such great partners,” EB Kelly, head of Rockefeller Center, said in a statement this summer announcing the installation.

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Robert Indiana’s ‘LOVE’ sculpture installed at Rockefeller Center

By Aaron Ginsburg

September 13, 2023

As Seen On 6sqft.com

355 East 19th Street, Unit TH

355 East 19th Street, Unit TH

GRAMERCY PARK, MANHATTAN

$4,000,000

3+ Bed  |  2.5 Bath | 2,663 SqFt | Condo

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Spectacular townhouse living meets condominium convenience in this impressive three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom with a flexible fourth bedroom/in-law room. Featuring breathtaking designer interiors and a one-of-a-kind two-level outdoor space in the heart of Gramercy, one of the world's most sought-after neighborhoods.

Spanning 2,663 square feet across two beautifully planned levels — plus 1,521 square feet of private outdoor space — this indoor-outdoor duplex creates a dramatic first impression with wide-plank European oak and large-format tile floors, tall ceilings dotted with recessed lighting, and walls of windows with custom coverings that frame mesmerizing terrace and garden views. The open-plan loft floor plan on the lower level and a smart bedroom layout on the upper floor are perfect for lavish entertaining and peaceful relaxation alike. Elevator access to both floors, a private lower lobby and stylish interior stairs provide easy accessibility throughout the home.

A gracious foyer lined by a coat closet and chic powder room welcomes you on the lower floor, where you'll find a generous footprint for expansive seating and dining areas alongside a wall of built-in bookshelves and a modern peninsula fireplace. Chefs will love the designer kitchen's sleek Italian cabinetry featuring state-of-the-art storage and gleaming natural stone Luca De Luna countertops. The fleet of high-end Miele and Sub-Zero appliances includes a gas cooktop, oven, dishwasher, extra-large refrigerator with a bottom freezer drawer, and wine refrigerator. Enjoy casual meals and conversation at the wide waterfall island, or head out to the delightful lower terrace for al fresco dining surrounded by raised flowerbeds, handmade brick and custom lighting. A laundry area with plenty of storage and a secluded home office nook complete the level.

Ascend the floating staircase to discover three peaceful bedrooms that each open to the enchanting upper yard, a spectacular destination for lounging and play flanked by handsome fencing and vine-covered walls. A large, tiled patio flows past seven-foot potted hydrangeas to an easy-care AstroTurf lawn and stairs to the lower terrace. A timed irrigation system serves both levels for maximum enjoyment with minimal effort. Head to the enormous owner's suite to discover a king-size layout and two closets, including a custom walk-in. The en suite spa bathroom soothes with a frameless glass wet room containing a multi-head waterfall shower and soaking tub, a floating double vanity and a two-stage commode, all surrounded by imported Nublado marble tile. Two secondary bedrooms enjoy large closets and access to an oversized secondary bathroom with a double vanity. A pocket door reveals an expansive bonus room with a large closet and a full kitchenette that can easily serve as a family room, playroom, private office, fitness room or a fourth bedroom/guest area. A separate storage room, high-efficiency central HVAC, and an expandable smart home system complete this extraordinary Gramercy sanctuary.

Built in 2014, 355 East 19th Street is a boutique luxury condominium where residents enjoy low common charges, a ButterflyMX virtual doorman system, a beautifully designed lobby, a chic façade constructed from handmade Danish Kolumba brick, and a glorious shared roof deck where panoramic views reach to the Empire State Building and Macy's Fourth of July fireworks over the East River.

This desirable neighborhood combines the residential splendor Gramercy Park is known for with a wealth of spectacular amenities. Enjoy easy access to the year-round Union Square greenmarket, the city's largest, and exceptional local shopping, including Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, Fairway and Target, all within a 10-block radius. The streets are lined with fantastic restaurants and nightlife destinations, while playgrounds, Stuyvesant Square Park and the East River Greenway provide outstanding outdoor space. Transportation is effortless with L, 4/5/6 and N/Q/R/W subway lines, excellent bus service, CitiBike stations and the Stuyvesant Cove Ferry Terminal all nearby.

The Monthly Update - September 2023

Gearing Up for The 2023 Fall Market in NYC

After a rollercoaster summer when interest rates played a significant part in influencing pricing, purchasing power and overall mental outlook, many are looking towards the fall to sell or purchase a home. Savvy buyers and sellers are advised to start preparing for the fall market now, with the goal of closing a major chapter in their lives before the end of the year!

For Sellers

There are many aspects to selling a property, including preparing the home and creating outstanding marketing materials, including imagery/photography, a comprehensive description and an easy-to-read, accurate floor plan. However, the most important piece of the puzzle in the current market is pricing. 

• Preparing the home for buyer showings is imperative. You need to “knock their socks off“ when they see the property, so make sure it shines inside and out! That may mean a simple cleaning and decluttering, professional staging or even light renovations.

• To tempt buyers to come and see your property, you’ll need eye-catching imagery taken by a professional photographer. All home searches begin online, so photos and videos that enhance the beauty of your home and leave buyers wanting more are critical!

• Descriptions must be inviting and not too over-the-top, while the floor plan needs to assist the buyers in understanding the layout and dimensions. 

• These things are all important, yes, but pricing is the key. With interest rates rising to 22-year highs and diminishing buyer purchasing power, it’s so important to sit down with your agent and figure out the best pricing strategy for your market and property. At or just under the competition’s listing prices seem to deliver the best and strongest outcomes for closing your property. Still, every market is different, and every listing is different, so make sure you pay attention to the details of your agent’s expert pricing strategy. 

For Buyers

The key to buying in a competitive (or any) market is having your offers buttoned up! In New York City, buyers are represented by real estate attorneys who advise them in the transaction before signing a contract of sale and sending over their escrow/deposit money. If a property is well-priced and extremely attractive, there will be competition, even in today’s market. Right now, there is quite a bit of pent-up buyer demand for smartly priced, turnkey listings, so it’s not uncommon for there to be multiple offers on such properties, especially in Brooklyn! 

• Have your real estate attorney chosen and retained. 

• Make sure your updated bank pre-approval letter is at the ready. 

• Craft a bio about yourself and why you want to buy that home. This can often help the seller choose you rather than your competition! 

• When you see a property that fits eight of your 10 “must haves” – make an offer and do not delay! 

• Make the offer quickly, ensure it’s comprehensive, and put your best foot forward from the start. You’ll have a higher probability of securing your property if you act fast. 

• Offers are non-binding in NYC, so secure the property with an “accepted offer,” then have your real estate attorney do their due diligence on the home before you sign the contract of sale. 

• Above all, put yourself in a first-position opportunity sign! 

Good luck to buyers and sellers this fall. I think it’s going to be a busy one!

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Local Happenings

SEPTEMBER 4th WEST INDIAN

DAY PARADE

Staying in the city for Labor Day? Great! Head to Crown Heights to experience NYC's annual West Indian Day Parade, a culmination of New York Caribbean Carnival Week! From Utica Avenue to Grand Army Plaza along Eastern Parkway, this event is considered NYC's most exciting Labor Day Parade.

Click HERE to learn more!

SEPTEMBER 14–24

THE FEAST OF S

AN

GENNARO

The annual feast in Little Italy is back and better than ever! Make your way to the Mulberry Street area to experience 10 days of live music, parades, and some of the the best Italian cuisine the city has to offer.

Click HERE to learn more!

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Lifestyle Tips and Tricks

'Ugliest House in America' Reveals the One Astonishing Upside to Buying a Homely Home

As you can imagine, buyers are not exactly lining up to purchase these dingy dives...

Courtesy of Realtor.com

The Best Places to Live for the Weather

In these places, residents enjoy some of the best weather in the U.S.

Courtesy of US News

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It’s U.S. Open Time in NYC: What to Know Before You Go

The U.S. Open is upon us. In New York City, it’s one of the big social events on the calendar with a guest list that includes everyone from A-listers to the average New Yorker. The U.S. Open is part of the Grand Slam of tennis: the Australian, French, and U.S. Opens and Wimbledon Championships.

The Open traces its roots back to the U.S. National Championship, established in 1881, but the first iteration of the modern-day U.S. Open took place in 1968 with Arthur Ashe taking the men’s singles victory (his name now graces a stadium). In 1978, the tournament moved to its current location at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center (then called National Tennis Center) in Queens. Past U.S. Open legends include Serena Williams, Roger Federer and Bob Bryan, John McEnroe and Martina Navratilova.

Arthur Ashe Stadium. Image courtesy of Shinya Suzuki on Flickr

Planning on heading to the Open? Here’s what you need to know.

Where does the U.S. Open take place?
Since 1978, the U.S. Open has been held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center at Flushing Meadow Corona Park in Queens. The venue was named for the tennis legend in 2006. 

When is the U.S. Open 2023?
This year, the U.S. Open takes place Aug. 28 – Sept. 10, and multiple matches are held each day. 

Gates open at 9:30 a.m. for day sessions Aug. 28 – Sept. 6, and at 11 a.m. Sept. 7 -10. Gates open at 6 p.m. for night sessions Aug. 28 – Sept. 8. “Arthur Ashe Stadium will open at 6:30 p.m. or 40 minutes after the conclusion of the day sessions.”

Who are the players to watch in the U.S. Open?
Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz and Serbia’s Novak Djokovic are the names on everyone’s mind when it comes to men, and Poland’s Iga Swiatek is the frontrunner for women. 

How much is a ticket to the U.S. Open?

Ticket prices and packages vary. One-day passes are available for both day and evening times, and range in price from about $100 to upwards of $1,000 depending on seats. There are also weekly and series packages for those who don’t want to miss any of the action, but those packages are all sold out on the U.S. Open site. Luxury suites are also available and range in price to upwards of close to $3,000.

How to get to the U.S. Open?
The USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center is reachable by subway, train, or car.

Subway: Take the 7 to Mets-Willets Point Station

Train: Take the LIRR to Mets-Willets Point StationCar: Paid parking is available at Mets Stadium (except on days when a Mets game is happening) or at ​​the Shops at Skyview. Rideshares will drop riders off at the New York State Pavilion, and they should walk or take a complimentary shuttle to the stadium.

Dining at the U.S. Open?
There are tons of food and beverage options at the U.S. Open from NYC eateries, including Eataly, Korilla BBQ, San Matteo NYC and Taqueria Nixtamal, among others. 

Aces is a full-service restaurant serving food from Michelin Star Chef Ed Brown, Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto and Chef Kwame Onwuachi and Champions Bar & Grill serves food from Champions by Benjamin Steakhouse. Both are only available to Courtside Box seat holders and Luxury Suite guests, and reservations are required. Michelin-starred and Iron Chef Alex Guarnaschelli’s food is available in the South Plaza. Other sit-down options include Bar Tartine, Emirates Sports Cafe, Mojito Restaurant and Bar, U.S. Open Club, and Fly Fish @ Oyster Bar 7.

For libations, there is a Grey Goose bar, a Heineken bar, and sit-down bars Kimpton Lemon Bar and The Open Bar. Coffee is available at the Lavazza Cafe, and Van Leeuwen Ice Cream is on hand for dessert. 

Click here to see a complete list of food and drink options.

Shopping at the U.S. Open
Aside from typical event memorabilia, the U.S. Open has Ralph Lauren, Fila, Wilson, and Tennis-Point stores.

What to wear to the U.S. Open?
The U.S. Open is a casual but somewhat posh event, and some people use it as an opportunity to show off their style. There is no official dress code, but in 2022, Vogue recommended women wear all-white, tennis-inspired outfits or preppy summer dresses. In 2023, Town and Country posted inspo with a similar vibe. For footwear, comfortable shoes are a smart choice as you may need to walk around the stadium and to your transportation. 

Image courtesy of Shinya Suzuki on Flickr

Celebrity sightings at the U.S. Open
Why does it matter what you wear? Well, it doesn’t really, but the U.S. Open is famously crawling with celebrities, so you may want to look your best in case you rub shoulders with one! 

Among A-listers spotted last year were: Anne Hathaway, Kendall Jenner, Zach Braff, Anna Wintour, Jerry Seinfeld, Jon Bon Jovi, Jason Biggs and Lin-Manuel Miranda, Karlie Kloss, Joe Jonas, and Emily Ratajkowski, just to name a few.

But 2022 was a big year as it was potentially Serena Williams’ last Open. The tennis megastar wrote in a Vogue essay that she was “evolving away from tennis, toward other things that are important to me.” However, a few months later, she said she was actually not retiring and that she would likely return to the sport. Williams is not playing in this year’s U.S. Open, but her sister, Venus was awarded a wild card into the women’s singles main draw. This will be her 24th main draw, according to the U.S. Open. 

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It’s U.S. Open time in NYC: What to know before you go

By Lidia Ryan

August 25, 2023

Images courtesy of Michael Vadon on Flickr & Shinya Suzuki on Flickr

Are Bigger, Wider and Better Electric Cargo Bikes On The Way?

Image courtesy of the NYC Department of Transportation on Flickr

New York City is looking to permit bigger electric cargo bikes to deliver more goods more sustainably. The city’s Department of Transportation on Monday announced a proposed rule allowing the use of pedal-assist bikes that are up to 48 inches wide with four wheels, compared to the currently permitted 36-inch-wide bikes with three wheels. The extra width and wheel would make the bikes easier to use, reducing the number of delivery trucks on city streets and cutting vehicle emissions and traffic. The announcement kicks off the 30-day public comment period, with a public hearing scheduled for next month.

DOT first approved the use of commercial cargo bikes in 2019 as part of a pilot program. Throughout 2022, cargo bikes made over 130,000 trips and delivered more than five million packages, preventing the city from producing roughly 650,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions, according to a press release.

Under the city’s proposed rule, the cargo bikes could measure up to 48 inches wide and have up to four wheels. The pedal technology is the same used on many of CitiBike’s most popular models and activates a small motor only when the rider is pedaling.

“Greater use of cargo bikes will bring incredible environmental and safety benefits for New York City by reducing the number of large, high-polluting trucks on our streets,” DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said.

“Just two cargo bikes can replace one box truck, increasing safety and reducing CO2 emission by 14 tons per year — equivalent to 30,872 passenger car miles traveled.”

In May, DOT unveiled its own cargo e-bike called “Cargi B.” The fully-electric, pedal-assisted cargo bike has a windshield and looks more like a small van with pedals than an electric bike.

A virtual public hearing on the new rule will be held on September 13 at 10 a.m. New Yorkers can submit feedback on the program here, or by emailing rules@dot.nyc.gov, mailing comments to DOT at 55 Water Street, or by faxing comments to 212-839-7777.

“Cargo-bikes are an increasingly important mode of freight and package delivery in New York City, helping to reduce the number of vehicles on the street as well as lower emissions on our roadways, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine said.

“Wider cargo bikes will allow them to be more widely used as well as safer to operate, and I applaud DOT for starting this rule making process.”

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NYC pushing for bigger, wider electric cargo bikes

By Aaron Ginsburg

August 14, 2023

Image courtesy of the NYC Department of Transportation on Flickr

1441 Third Avenue, Unit 15A

1441 Third Avenue, Unit 15A

UPPER EAST SIDE, MANHATTAN

$1,750,000

2 Bed  |  2.5 Bath | Condo

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Large and expansive 2 bedroom, 2 ½ bath condominium apartment in fabulous Upper East Side location. High floor, with westerly and easterly panoramic City and skyline views from the living area, dining area and bedrooms, plus north and south along Third Avenue. More than 1500 square feet of open space, with numerous roomy closets throughout the apartment. Potential to convert the dining area into a third bedroom which would leave a remaining generous living area of at least 350 square feet.

Gleaming morning sunshine in the bedrooms, and later afternoon in the living room and dining area through the atrium picture windows which also invite natural light to flow in throughout the day. Exceptionally wide windowsills the extensive length of the living and dining areas which are perfect for thriving plants as well as to showcase decorative art objects.

The kitchen provides ample cabinets and a direct pass-through to the dining area. Full-size appliances include dishwasher, refrigerator and stove which enables preferred gourmet cooking with natural gas.
The sizable master bedroom offers its own en suite dressing room and bathroom. The dressing room contains a wall of closets and additional vanity. The bathroom has two separate sections which also includes a bidet. The second full bathroom which houses a stall shower is adjacent to both bedrooms. All bathrooms are brightly lit with multiple LED bulbs.

There are three through the wall combination heating and air conditioning units in the living and dining areas, as well as units in each bedroom.

A clothes washer and dryer are contained in a separate hall closet.

A substantial storage bin exclusive to the apartment is located in the basement.

There is a current capital assessment of $874.21 with a limited time frame.

Le Trianon Condominium is a full-service, pet-friendly, postwar condominium with 24-hour doorman and live-in super. The gym area is presently undergoing major renovations which will expand the facilities and provide the latest equipment. The building also contains a children's playroom, a bike room, and a courtyard garden adjacent to the lobby.

Located in the heart of the Upper East Side, this home is steps away from wonderful shopping, restaurants and cafes. Near upper end clothing boutiques and food markets, including Eli’s Market, the 86th Street corridor, Whole Foods, Target and Fairway. Walk west merely a few blocks to Museum Mile along which you can admire world-class works of art, as well as Central Park's 842 acres of iconic scenery. Walk east merely a few blocks and you can enjoy the waterfront splendor of Carl Schurz Park and the East River promenade. Transportation is convenient and superb, with 4/5/6 and Q trains, excellent north, south and crosstown bus service, CitiBikes, and the nearby FDR.

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Repurposed Plastic Bottles Chandeliers Now Hang Above Park Avenue

A new installation along Park Avenue transforms trash into environmentally-mindful works of art. Artist Willie Cole designed four large-scale chandeliers made of 9,000 recycled plastic water bottles that can now be seen on the medians at 69th and 70th Streets. Titled “3000 Buddha Chandelier,” “Liberty Lantern,” “Soul Catcher,” and “Dirt Devil,” the sculptures aim to address the need for clean drinking water while recognizing the environmental damage caused by plastic bottles.

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Photo courtesy of Willie Cole

The art pieces were commissioned by the Fund for Park Avenue and the New York City Parks Department and created by Cole during his 2023 residency at Express Newark, a socially-conscious art and design center that is affiliated with Rutgers University.

As the New York Times reported, the chandeliers carry on Cole’s practice of repurposing ready-made objects as materials paired with his advocacy to address environmental issues.

In 2019, the Environmental Protection Agency declared Newark’s water supply unsafe to drink and required the city to replace roughly 23,000 lines of deteriorating lead pipes. Cole, who grew up in the city during the 1960s, was inspired to touch on the pressing issue through his art.

Using metal wire, Cole, Rutgers students, and members of the Newark community wove together thousands of recycled into elaborate shapes. The sculpture series aims to address the “world-wide issue of the single-use plastic bottle,” and highlight the need for fresh drinking water while “acknowledging the damage caused to the environment by its disposal,” according to a press release.

It’s not always easy to open up perception and see familiar objects in a fresh way. 9000 disposed water bottles created 4 beautiful chandeliers,” Cole says.

Photo courtesy of Zach Pontz

“The elegance of a Park Avenue address led me to choose chandeliers for my installation. The struggle between beauty and ugliness is embedded in my chandeliers: trash as treasure as teacher.”

Over the course of his career, Cole has used discarded items like shoes, steam irons, and musical instruments. One of his sculptures, Shine, is made from black high-heeled pumps and is currently on view in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Afrofuturist room. In May 2022, Cole debuted No Strings, a solo exhibition featuring sculptures made of guitars that were presented at the Alexander and Bonin art gallery.

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Chandeliers made of repurposed plastic bottles hang above Park Avenue

By Aaron Ginsburg

August 14, 2023

All photos courtesy of Zach Pontz and Willie Cole