200 East 66th Street, Unit D1701

200 East 66th Street, Unit D1701

UPPER EAST SIDE, MANHATTAN

Asking $2,400,000

2 Bed  |  2 Bath | Condo

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

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

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

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

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

The 15 Best NYC Parks For Outdoor Grilling

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

1. Riverside Park

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

2. Randall’s Island Park

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

The Little Red Lighthouse found at Fort Washington, via Wikimedia

3. Fort Washington Park

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

4. Hunts Point Riverside Park

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

5. Ferry Point Park

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

6. Queensbridge Park

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

Photo by Mateusz Walendzik on Pexels

7. Flushing Meadows Corona Park

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

8. Rockaway Beach

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

9. Prospect Park

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

10. Kaiser Park

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

11. Coffey Park

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

12. Willowbrook Park

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

13. Clove Lakes Park

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

14. Liberty State Park

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

15. Jones Beach State Park

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

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The 15 best parks in NYC for outdoor grilling

By Devin Gannon

August 28, 2024

Cover photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels

The Monthly Update - September 2024

 Will the Ice Thaw this Fall? 

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

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

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

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

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

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Listing Spotlight

204 Forsyth St. #5N

COMING SOON

200 E. 66th St. #D1701

COMING SOON

179 Crown Street

$2,395,000

57 Warren St. #7

COMING SOON

18 W. 48th St. #30D

COMING SOON

18 W. 48th St. #12E

$1,195,000

300 W. 145th St. #2C

$835,000

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Stay Connected

$120M Manhattan’s East River Greenway Moves Forward

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Aaron Ginsburg

August 26, 2024

Cover image courtesy of the NYC Economic Development Corporation

600,000+ Balloons Take Over Park Avenue Armory

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

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

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

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

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

View fullsize

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

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

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

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

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600,000+ balloons take over Park Avenue Armory

By Aaron Ginsburg

August 2, 2024

Photos by Andrew Shelley

The Monthly Update - August 2024

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

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

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

Apartment Placement:

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

Layout:

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

View:

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

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

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Local Happenings:

SUMMER STREETS

AUGUST 3, 10 and 17, 2024

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

Learn More

THE U.S. OPEN

AUG 19 - SEPT 8, 2024

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

Learn More

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Lifestyle Tips and Tricks:

Technicolor Switch

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

Courtesy of Realtor.com

The Most Common Questions Buyers Ask Real Estate Brokers

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

U.S. News

Least Difficult Areas in the US to Buy a Home

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

Courtesy of CNBC

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Listing Spotlight: Just 4 of our 34 listings!

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100 West 72nd Street, Unit 5D

100 West 72nd Street, Unit 5D

UPPER WEST SIDE, MANHATTAN

Asking $645,000

1 Bed  |  1 Bath | Co-op

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

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

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

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

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

As Reported by TheRealDeal.com

Papaya King Reopens at New Upper East Side Location

Papaya King is officially serving its beloved hot dogs and tropical drinks to New Yorkers once again. This past weekend the iconic Upper East Side establishment reopened across the street from its original location at 179 East 86th Street to a new storefront at 206B East 86th Street, according to the local news website Upper East Site. The restaurant closed its original store in April 2023 after Extell purchased and demolished the property with plans to build a new 17-story condo tower.

According to Upper East Site, the shop has a yellow interior and a mural displaying a variety of food brands created the same year Papaya King opened, such as Mentos and Fritos. Another mural includes black-and-white photographs of the hot dog shop when it first opened.

Established in 1932 by Greek immigrant Constantine “Gus” Poulus, Papaya King has made a name for itself over its 90-year existence with its signature “snappy” hot dogs and tropical fruit drinks. In 2010, the brand was purchased by Wayne Rosenbaum, with Poulus’ nephew Alexander working the grill.

In 2020, Papaya King’s former landlord, Imperial Sterling, sued the current owners, alleging they had operated the shop without permission after the original lease was canceled due to unpaid rent, according to The Real Deal.

In fall 2021, Extell purchased Papaya King and its surrounding properties for $21 million and filed plans to demolish the site in June 2022, according to Patch. After taking over as the property owner, Extell requested to become the plaintiff in the lawsuit against Papaya King, according to court records.

In April 2023, Papaya King announced it had found a new location after years of narrowly avoiding permanent closure. It was revealed that the new storefront could have opened as soon as a week after the announcement, but those plans were delayed indefinitely, according to Gothamist.

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Papaya King reopens at new Upper East Side location

By Aaron Ginsburg

July 8, 2024

Photo: Papaya King’s original Upper East Side location. Photo via WikiCommons

10 West 15th Street, Unit 1027/1028

10 West 15th Street, Unit 1027/1028

FLATIRON, MANHATTAN

Asking $2,795,000

3 Bed  |  3 Bath | Co-op

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Move right into this beautifully appointed three-bedroom, three-bathroom co-op featuring expansive interiors, sunny southern exposures, and an unbeatable location at the intersection of Union Square, the Flatiron District, Chelsea and Greenwich Village.
The result of a seamless combination of two large units, this sprawling home welcomes you inside with a gracious foyer flanked by oversized closets, nodding to the generous storage found throughout. Tall ceilings trimmed with crown molding rise above wide-plank hardwood floors, gorgeous wallcoverings and custom under-window built-ins. Relax and entertain in the spacious L-shaped living/dining room flanked by massive windows and illuminated cabinetry, or plan your next culinary achievement in the walk-through kitchen where custom glass-front cabinetry trimmed with granite countertops and mosaic tile backsplashes surround stainless steel appliances.
The desirable split-bedroom layout places the massive owner's suite in the eastern wing. Enjoy a king-size bedroom, a boutique-inspired custom walk-in closet/dressing room, and an en suite bathroom smartly designed with abundant storage and a separate vanity area. In the west wing, you'll find a sizeable secondary suite with a roomy closet and private full bathroom. A third bedroom and full guest bathroom complete this pristine, sun-splashed abode.
The Parker Gramercy is a handsome postwar brick building where residents enjoy low monthly maintenance, as the cooperative owns the garage and commercial spaces. Amenities include a full service 24-hour doorman, concierge, and live-in superintendent service, on-site laundry and dry cleaning, and entrances on both 14th and 15th streets. The parking garage is accessible from within the building and offers significantly discounted monthly rates to residents. Pets, pieds-à-terre, co-purchasing, 75 percent financing, and subletting with some restrictions are permitted with approval.
In this fantastic Midtown-meets-Downtown location, you're surrounded by the best of Manhattan living. Whole Foods, Trader Joe's and Union Square's famed year-round greenmarket are just blocks away, as are a half-dozen Michelin-starred restaurants. Enjoy easy access to Washington Square Park and The High Line, while nearby F/M, L, 1/2/3, 4/5/6, N/Q/R/W, L and PATH trains, excellent bus service, and CitiBike stations put the rest of the city within easy reach.

The Monthly Update - July 2024

What happened to Manhattan’s 2024 Spring Market? 

Well, there was a spring market. It just didn’t rise to the expectations of historical norms. There are many thoughts on why the 2024 spring market was so lethargic, but the only real reason is interest rates. Rates are usually the first topic of conversation when describing the 2024 Manhattan spring sales market. 

Looking at the broader picture first, interest rates at the beginning of the season dipped to around 6.4% from their late Fall 2023 highs of close to 8%. When the rates fell to about 6.4%, it was like a breath of fresh air, and buyers became active again. They especially took advantage of dips in listing prices for any inventory leftover from Fall 2023. Many in the industry believed that if rates continued to decline into the spring of this year, the market would rebound. However, that’s not what happened. Rates steadily climbed to 7% and even 7.5%, causing the spring season to lose what few transactions it had. 

To put the effect of higher rates on the 2024 spring market into better perspective, if you look back at historical data, you’ll see that during any 30-day window during past spring seasons, about 1,100 properties go into contract. We’re talking about condos, co-ops, townhouses, and even new development sales – more than 1,000 homes will go under contract every 30 days. This year, however, the 30-day contract signed meter never really rose above 950, and most of the time, it was hovering around 930 to 935 contracts every 30 days. 

So, what does that look like on a weekly basis? Historically, there are about 350 to 400 homes going into contract each week. During the spring season, between April 1 and June 15, more properties change hands, go into contract and sell between those months than during any other time of the year. However, in 2024, there was no such bump in activity. This year, the weekly in-contract numbers stayed between 200 to 230. There was no significant increase or decrease: The figure just stood in the low 200s all spring long.

Many ask about the supply. Maybe it was the lack of choices that buyers had that caused the contracts to slump compared to past spring markets. Was there just not enough product to choose from, causing purchasers to get disinterested and disheartened, and making them pull back? No, that’s not the case. Overall, listing supply held steady, and it reached its pinnacle, as it usually does, in mid-June, with around 7,400 to 7,450 total listings on the market. Historically, that’s about what the market sees every spring season.

Inventory and overall listing supply were there for buyers to choose from. Sellers were putting their property on the market, looking to unload and sell their listings. But the inventory simply fell on deaf ears. Many buyers either pulled back further or did not move forward with purchases to the tune of about 20-30% lower than Spring 2023. And a lot of that was just psychological, frankly. I say psychological because over 60% of all transactions in Manhattan last year were cash deals, meaning they are completely unaffected by interest rates. Yet, somehow, that didn’t matter. It's psychological. 

In a high-interest-rate market,  all-cash buyers are waiting, just like buyers who are financing and looking for opportunity. All buyers were and are looking for property values to fall. And there were plenty of price adjustments this spring, anywhere from 3% to 10% of the original asking prices. Listings that did sell in March and April were going into contract at roughly 4% under the last listing price. There were built-in discounts, but in many cases, it didn’t seem to matter.

Buyers still seem to be holding back waiting for interest rates to get closer to 6%. All spring long, it felt like the entire market was waiting for some sort of catalyst or spark that never happened. The catalyst was interest rates. Compass CEO Robert Reffkin spoke to CNBC and said that if interest rates got to 6% or the “magical number of 5.99%,” he would expect a sudden surge of buyer activity at all price categories.

So what happens next? Will interest rates dip to under 6% in 2024? While no one knows for sure, many predict there will be no substantial change in rates until the spring of 2025. What does that mean for buyers this summer? It means opportunity! If there aren't very many buyers out there this summer because of interest rates, and there are sellers who remain on the market with their unsold spring inventory, that means they likely have to sell. Many Manhattan sellers will take the property off the market during the dog days of summer, as they know it’s the slow season. Then, they’ll re-introduce the property in the fall or next spring. But those who stay in the market, those are the sellers who need to sell. And those properties provide an opportunity for buyers to purchase despite the interest rate levels, because the discount off the listing price could potentially be better than a dip in interest rates. 

There’s an old saying we’ve heard plenty since interest rates started creeping up over two years ago: “Marry the apartment (price) and date the rate.” That is the mantra and mindset buyers need to adhere to if they’re going to purchase this summer. There will be lower inventory and persistent interest rates, but great opportunities.

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Hoffman Team in the News

Record Setting Sale!

Congradulations to The Hoffman Team's Darya Goldstein who just closed on a $81.5M sale at 220 Central Park South. The sale is the 2nd highest transaction this year and the 12th most expensive in the City's history.

Ranked #18

The Hoffman Team was ranked as one of the top 1,000 teams nationwide and #18 in New York State. We are beyond grateful for the wonderful clients we worked with in 2023. Thanks to all of you!

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Listing Spotlight

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Local Happenings

MACY'S 4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS SHOW 2024

Thursday, July 4, 2024

Red-white-and-blue, everything. New York City becomes alive every year with multiple firework shows across the city, but what is known as NYC's most impressive pyrotechnic show is the Macy's Fireworks, where 60,000 shells are launched off of barges into the East river, exploding in all shapes, colors and sizes! Click HERE to learn more!

FIAF'S BASTILLE DAY 2024 CELEBRATION

Sunday, July 14, 2024

Every year, Bastille Day is celebrated across the city by New Yorkers on July 14th. From outdoor parties, feasting on baquettes, cheese and flowing wine, and a range of live performances, the city becomes alive to celebate the historic storming of the Bastille. For all the Fracophiles who want to take part, click the link below to learn more! Click HERE to learn more!

MoMA PS1's WARM UP 2024

Fridays, Jul 12 - Aug 16, 2024

The renowned art institute's summer music series is back for it's 26th annual season! Head to Long Island City to MoMA PS1 to catch a glimpse of innovative artsist from all over the world maijng an echo in the scene of electronic music, both new and historic. For all the music lovers, this is an event series you don't want to miss! Click HERE to learn more!

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Stay Connected

Lincoln Center Debuts First-Ever Night Market

Lincoln Center is hosting its first-ever night market during the annual Summer for the City festival. Open from Wednesdays to Sundays from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. through August 10, the Lincoln Center Night Market offers visitors an exciting variety of cuisine from curated vendors, from Mexican desserts and soul food from Harlem to Lebanese street food and plant-based options. The market will also feature a tent with rotating food offerings to complement each week of the Summer for the City programming.

Image courtesy of Sachyn Mital

Vendors include Bunnan, which offers Haitian cuisine on the go, with an emphasis on plantains. Their signature sandwich features a choice of jerk chicken, griot (pork), or red snapper nestled between two crispy plantains.

Cocotazo, a Mexican staple in Harlem, offers menu items like pernil sandwiches, pastelillos, pinchos, and alcapurrias.

Harlem Seafood Soul, a food truck located at 125th Street, will offer mouthwatering soul food at the night market, featuring items like lobster rolls, chicken and waffle skewers, mac and cheese bites, and funnel cakes.

Jerrell’s Betr Brgr, a Black-owned business devoted to making plant-based food “craveable” and accessible, will offer its famous plant-based smash burger and signature waffle fries.

Manousheh is bringing the culinary delights of Beirut, Lebanon to NYC, featuring menu items centered around simple, fresh, and healthy ingredients at affordable prices.

Image courtesy of Maya’s Snack Bar

Maya’s Snack Bar offers traditional Mexican paletas made of whole foods without preservatives, additives, or artificial ingredients. Menu items include paletas, elote, and chamoyadas.

Bringing the flavors of Puebla, Mexico to the Upper West Side, Taqueria al Pastor offers dishes like tacos al pastor, tinga tacos, carne asada tacos, and nopales tacos.

Image courtesy of Taqueria al Pastor

Serving patrons for more than two decades, Yakitori Totto offers a diverse selection of traditional Japanese skewer dishes, including chicken thigh, chicken breast, short rib, mushroom, chicken wings, eggplant, fried takoyaki, and Japanese fried chicken.

The market will also include Joe Coffee on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The coffee brand will offer its first-annual summer coffee, dubbed the “Lincoln Center,” with $1 from each bag going towards the Young Artist Pipeline program.

Lincoln Center visitors can vote for their favorite Night Market vendor to win the “People’s Choice Award.” The winner will be featured by United Airlines at Newark Liberty International Airport in Terminal C.

The new market complements Lincoln Center’s beloved Summer for the City festival, which features hundreds of free events for New Yorkers all summer long. Hosted through August 10, the festival transforms Lincoln Center’s campus into a botanical-inspired oasis, with public art installations, music and dance performances, and more.

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Lincoln Center debuts first-ever night market

By Aaron Ginsburg

June 19, 2024

Cover photo courtesy of Sachyn Mital

234 East 35th Street, Unit 3

234 East 35th Street, Unit 3

Midtown east, MANHATTAN

Asking $695,000

2 Bed  |  1 Bath | Co-op

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Experience unparalleled comfort and convenience in this meticulously renovated two-bedroom, one-bathroom home, located in a charming two-building boutique cooperative in Murray Hill.

Just two flights up, this completely transformed and renovated, this bright and airy home boasts refinished hardwood floors and high ceilings, creating an open and inviting atmosphere. The spacious corner living room is a standout, featuring a striking stone fireplace, an abundance of closet space, and windows on two sides that flood the room with natural light. The windowed brandnew white kitchen is equipped with ample cabinetry and new stainless steel appliances, including a dishwasher and built-in microwave. Both bedrooms are generously sized, featuring designer lighting and ample closet space. The stunning bathroom offers floor-to-ceiling tile, a glass-enclosed tub/shower, and a modern vanity.

234 East 35th Street is an attractive brick building situated mid-block on a picturesque, tree-lined street in Murray Hill. This boutique co-op offers flexible board policies that allow for pets and subletting after two years of ownership, with approval. The location provides easy access to NoMad, the Flatiron District, Midtown, and Kips Bay, and is surrounded by excellent shopping, dining, and nightlife options. Nearby amenities include both Trader Joe's and a Fairway. Grand Central Terminal, just minutes away, offers access to the 4/5/6, 7, S, and Metro-North trains, while the 34th Street Ferry Landing and Midtown Tunnel provide convenient routes to Queens, Brooklyn, and beyond.

As Seen on Brownstoner.com

As Seen on Brownstoner.com

The Monthly Update - June 2024

Cooperatives and Condominiums and Rentals, Oh My!

To say New York City has a real estate landscape unlike any other in the country is not an exaggeration. First of all, roughly 60% of the city’s housing units happen to be rentals. For comparison, the national average is the exact opposite, with nearly 65% of all U.S. homes owner-occupied. 

Other than condops (let’s not get into it) and townhouses (which generally start around $4 million), there are two primary types of purchased habitats in New York: the cooperative and the condominium.

Let’s start with the cooperative, or co-ops, for short. Before 1980, close to 90% of all buildings were rentals. In the early 1980s, the co-op conversion craze started when sponsors or developers would convert rental buildings to co-ops. At the time, the city’s economy was in shambles, mortgage rates frequently topped 15% and rental laws capped income for building owners. Co-op conversions were an easy way for building owners to cash out quickly.

Instead of owning the property, with a co-op property, you lease shares of a corporation for a 99-year period. This arrangement allowed shareholders to screen and approve other potential shareholders of their private corporation, which happened to be a residential apartment building, essentially skirting Fair Housing laws in the process. But that’s a story for another time. Today, the majority — about 65% — of purchased (non-rental) buildings in New York City are cooperatives. 

The co-op sales process starts just like any other property: You put it on the market, set a price, get offers, negotiate and accept an offer. However, unlike the rest of the country, here in New York City, the deal then goes to real estate attorneys who negotiate the contract before you sign. But here’s where it gets interesting: The buyers must also fill out a co-op board application — a minor thesis on their personal and financial wherewithal. The board package is submitted to the co-ops managing agent, who reviews it to make sure it’s filled out correctly, and then it goes to the board for their approval. If the board application passes muster, the buyer goes to a board interview. If the board denies the buyer at either stage, the deal is done. It’s over. The third-party board has killed the deal and ended what is often a two-month process! This makes Manhattan extremely unique from the rest of the country because the majority of the property that you can purchase here is subject to approval by a separate board based on your finances, generally. 

Meanwhile, the condominium process is a bit more straightforward. Roughly 35% of the purchase market consists of real property in the form of condominiums. In the condominium purchase process, there is no pass/fail. You own the four walls and have a separate tax lot for the property that you're purchasing. There is a board application, but it’s called a sales application, which is just as comprehensive as the co-op board application, but there is no pass or fail. It’s just a waiver right of first refusal that the condo board has to issue. If they don’t seem to like the buyer, the board has the right to purchase the property for the same price and terms that are on the contract of sale, and the prospective buyers are just out of luck! But, after 22 years of selling property in New York City, I’ve only seen this happen once. It rarely happens because condo buildings generally cannot afford the average sale price in New York City of $1.3 million for a one-bedroom.

If you’re looking to purchase in New York City, getting a strong real estate agent to help you navigate these different types of purchase structures is extremely important. Making sure that you can pass a co-op board even before you start looking at a property is absolutely critical. If you are looking to buy in New York City or have any questions about the buying or selling process, please reach out. We’d love to help.

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Local Happenings

NYC Pride 2024

JUNE 1 - 30, 2024

New York City celebrates Pride every June by bringing millions together to celebrate and advocate for equality. Rainbow-clad activists and allies will take to the streets in support of this year's theme, “Reflect. Empower. Unite”. See below to learn more about this year's NYC Pride events.

Learn More

Tribeca Film Festival

JUNE 5 - 16, 2024

It's back and better than ever! Did someone say "De Niro Con"? Yes, that's right and there's even more! Explore a wide range of festivities at this year's Tribeca Film Festival. From exclusive galas, short film screenings, celebrity panels, participant voting, to exclusive music lounge dance parties, this is the experience for all the film buffs!

Learn More

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Lifestyle Tips and Tricks

Design Choices Sellers Might Want to Rethink

Social media causes a lot of hype, but trends change frequently and could hurt resales. Sellers are wise to play it safe with timeless simplicity.

Courtesy of NAR

6 Spring 2024 Tips for Home Buyers and Sellers

The housing market is in a strange place this spring....

Courtesy of Forbes

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Listing Spotlight

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Stay Connected

How to Spend Memorial Day Weekend in NYC

While it marks the unofficial start of summer, Memorial Day was created to honor the brave men and women in uniform who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Fortunately, in New York City, there are plenty of ways to commemorate the holiday while also enjoying the long weekend, with activities including live music aboard the U.S.S. Intrepid, a military history boat cruise in the New York Harbor, and the largest Memorial Day parade in the country.

Concerts

Image courtesy of the New York Philharmonic

New York Philharmonic Free Memorial Day Concert
May 27 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
1047 Amsterdam Avenue, The Cathedral of Saint John the Divine
The New York Philharmonic is giving a free concert on Memorial Day inside Morningside Heights’ stunning Cathedral of Saint John the Divine. Conducted by music director Jaap van Zweden, the 31st Annual Free Memorial Day Concert is presented as a gift to New Yorkers and a day of musical remembrance. The program will include Wagner’s “Prelude to Act I of Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg,” Copland’s “Quiet City,” and Brahms’ “Symphony No. 4.” Admission is free, but tickets are limited and available on a first-come first-serve basis.

Fleet Week Times Square Concerts
May 24, May 25, May 26
Times Square
As part of Fleet Week, enjoy three nights of band concerts in Times Square. On May 24, 25, and 26, listen to performances by the U.S. Navy Brass Band, U.S. Navy Rock Band, U.S. Marine Corps Band, and the U.S. Fleet Forces Rock Band.

Fleet Week 2018. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Hunter Medley via Flickr

Boat Tours & Cruises

Military History Tour of New York Harbor
May 27
Set sail on a fun and educational boat tour through New York Harbor this Memorial Day. During the 2.5-hour ride, you’ll enjoy views of U.S. Navy and Coast Guard ships in town for Fleet Week, see military landmarks such as the Brooklyn Navy Yard and the Brooklyn Army Terminal, and hear stories about the crucial role the city’s ports played during World War II. Tickets cost $116.

Memorial Day Dinner Cruise
May 24, 25, 26 and 27 at 7 p.m.
This Memorial Day weekend, enjoy a delicious dinner aboard a ship with the twinkling NYC skyline as your backdrop. The three-hour dinner cruise travels down the East and Hudson Rivers, passing under the Brooklyn Bridge and alongside the city skyline as you indulge in a gourmet meal. Admission grants you access to all levels of the ship, offering panoramic views of NYC, Jersey City, and Brooklyn. Tickets are priced at $159 for general admission and $199 for window seating.

Fleet Week ship tours
May 23 through 29 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Every Fleet Week, the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Coast Guard bring multiple ships (and thousands of service members) to New York. The week-long event offers New Yorkers the chance to tour naval ships docked at piers across the city, among other events and celebrations.

• 4 U.S. Naval Academy YPs from Annapolis, Maryland
  May 23 through May 27, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  Intrepid Museum, Pier 86, Manhattan

• USCGC Sturgeon Bay from New Jersey
  May 23 through May 27, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  Intrepid Museum, Pier 86, Manhattan

• USS MARINETTE from Mayport, Florida
  May 23 through May 27, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  Homeport Pier, Staten Island

• USCGC Calhoun from Charleston, South Carolina
  May 23 through May 27, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  Homeport Pier, Staten Island

• USCGC Katherine Walker from Bayonne, New Jersey
  May 23 through May 27, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  Homeport Pier, Staten Island

• USS Bataan from Norfolk, Virginia
  May 25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  Pier 88 South, Manhattan

• FGS Baden-Württemberg from Germany
  May 25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  Pier 90 North, Manhattan

• FGS Frankfurt am Main from Germany
  May 25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  Pier 90 North, Manhattan

Image courtesy of the Intrepid Museum

Intrepid Museum
May 24, May 25, and May 27
Pier 86, West 46th Street, Intrepid Museum
Celebrate the country’s men and women in uniform with fun activities aboard the U.S.S. Intrepid. On May 24 at 7 p.m., enjoy a free screening of “Top Gun: Maverick” on the Intrepid’s Flight Deck. On May 25 and 27, experience a variety of live performances, activities, and demos from the U.S. Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Office of Naval Research, and more. The weekend festivities will conclude on May 27 at 10 a.m., with a Memorial Day ceremony. All activities on the pier are free to the public.

Recreation and Relaxation

Pickleball in Central Park
Central Park, Wollman Rink
Spend Memorial Day weekend at Central Park’s Wollman Rink, which has been transformed into a summer pickleball oasis. CityPickle is a 14-court pickleball installation offering lessons, open-play sessions, and tournaments. Courts can host up to eight players and are reservable from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.; prices start at $10 per player during off-peak hours and $12.50 during peak hours.

Hit the beach
No surprise here, a great way to spend Memorial Day is at the beach. NYC beaches officially open for the season on Saturday, May 25. During beach season, lifeguards are on duty daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Open through September, the city’s beaches are free and open to the public. Plan a trip to one of our favorite local beaches, from the Rockaways and Jacob Riis to Orchard Beach and Coney Island.

Seaport Summer Kickoff
May 25 to May 27
The Seaport, Manhattan
Start summer on a high note this Memorial Day weekend with three consecutive days of exciting events at the Seaport. Experience a six-hour daytime party with tropical dance vibes at Kokos at Pearl Alley, and indulge in a wide variety of delectable seafood and drinks available all day at the neighborhood’s restaurants and bars.

Live music lovers can enjoy outdoor performances by a brass band as they make their way from the outdoor bar at the Tin Building to Malibu Farm and onto the Lawn Club. There are plenty of other exciting ways to spend Memorial Day at the Seaport, including a 2.5-hour sunset sail, public ship tours, and more. Learn more about the offerings here.

Hester Street Fair
May 25 and 26
89 South Street, Manhattan
The Hester Street Fair is returning for its 15th season this Memorial Day weekend, showcasing an eclectic variety of local vendors in a vibrant outdoor marketplace. Taking place on May 25 and 26, the street fair features two days of fun, food, drinks, and shopping. More information about the fair can be found here.

Prospect Park Zoo
May 25
450 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn
After being closed for nearly eight months due to flood damage, the Prospect Park Zoo will reopen during Memorial Day weekend. The Brooklyn zoo will open on Saturday, May 25 following $6.5 million in repairs needed after Tropical Storm Ophelia in September 2023. Visitors will find some new animals, including a pair of southern pudu, one of the world’s smallest species of deer, and a female Hamadryas baboon born during the zoo’s closure.

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How to spend Memorial Day weekend in NYC

By Aaron Ginsburg

May 21, 2024

Cover photo: Sailors pose for I Heart NY photo ahead of Fleet Week in 2016. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Raymond Minami via Flickr

Colorful Union Square Mural Now Done

After five days, 100 volunteers, and 85 gallons of paint, a new mural on 14th Street is now complete. The Union Square Partnership this week unveiled “Flowing Together,” a colorful 7,500-square-foot mural on the pedestrian areas of the 14th Street Busway, between Broadway and University Place. Designed by Queens-based artist Talisa Almonte, the bold street art reflects Union Square as a spot to pass through and historically, a place rooted in social movements.

“Flowing Together” abstractly represents the flow of people in Union Square. The southern end of the mural features organic shapes painted in diverse colors. The northern portion shows the shapes joining together in a spiral, symbolizing the “unification of people for a specific cause,” according to a press release.

“Sharing my design with the Union Square community, along with international visitors and other New Yorkers alike, is an incredible opportunity,” Almonte said. “I’d like to thank Union Square Partnership, NYC DOT Art, neighborhood partners, and the volunteers for enlivening ‘Flowing Together.’”

“This artwork, now located within such a beloved neighborhood in the heart of NYC, is inspired by the history, the environment and the celebration of the people whose paths have crossed through the iconic Union Square.”

View fullsize

Photo credit: Carlos Chiossone

Presented in partnership with the city’s Department of Transportation Art program and the urban planning and design firm Street Plans, the mural was painted over five days, from May 13 through May 17, with roughly 100 volunteers pitching in to help complete it. Paint from Sherwin-Williams included the colors Nifty Turquoise, Obstinate Orange, Gusto Gold, Dishy Coral, Dynamic Blue, and Oceanside.

View fullsize

Photo credit: Carlos Chiossone

The Union Square Partnership selected Almonte’s work out of 27 mural submissions.

“Union Square Partnership is honored to work with Talisa Almonte to bring her inspiring artwork to 14th Street and utilize our public space to create a shared experience within the community,” Julie Stein, executive director of Union Square Partnership. said. “This unique street canvas presents an opportunity to infuse exquisite, original artwork into our urban neighborhood’s bustling environment, and ‘Flowing Together’ beautifully portrays Union Square’s rich history, local context, and diversity of experience.”

“Flowing Together” is the fourth mural installed on this stretch of 14th Street since 2021. Debuting in 2019, the 14th Street Busway allows only buses, trucks, and emergency vehicles on 14th Street between 3rd Avenue and 9th Avenue from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, allowing for faster commutes and increased ridership.

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Colorful street mural depicts the vibrancy of Union Square

By Devin Gannon

May 21, 2024

Cover photo credit: Jane Kratochvil

After 8-Month Closure Prospect Park Zoo Is Reopen This Weekend

After being closed for nearly eight months due to flood damage, the Prospect Park Zoo will reopen this month. The Wildlife Conservation Society on Tuesday announced the Brooklyn zoo will open on Saturday, May 25 following $6.5 million in repairs needed after Tropical Storm Ophelia in September 2023. The storm dumped over 7 inches of rainfall on the zoo and caused major issues for its boilers, HVAC, electrical, and other systems.

While the zoo is now in working order, full repairs are not complete. The full restoration costs, including protections against future storm events, are expected to cost $20 million.

“While this reopening of Prospect Park Zoo is a major milestone, we have a long way to go before the zoo is fully restored. We continue to work with the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation and other city, state, and federal agencies on full restoration and mitigation to prevent flooding from future storm events,” Craig Piper, vice president and director of city zoos for the Wildlife Conservation Society, said.

“Throughout our temporary closure, many New Yorkers shared how important this beloved zoo is to the Brooklyn community and to all throughout the city. We look forward to welcoming guests again to Prospect Park Zoo.”

California Sea Lions. Credit: WCS’s Prospect Park Zoo

On September 29, 2023, the city experienced as much as 8.65 inches of rainfall during a 24-hour period due to Tropical Storm Ophelia. The state and city declared a state of emergency, and subway lines were shut down, streets flooded, and homes damaged.

None of the zoo’s more than 400 animals were harmed during September’s storm and no staff was laid off. During the temporary closure, workers continued to care for the zoo’s inhabitants and the facility, with help from WCS staff from the Bronx Zoo, Queens Zoo, Central Park Zoo, and New York Aquarium.

According to WCS, the Prospect Park Zoo’s basements flooded with 25 feet of water as sewer systems reached capacity, damaging its electrical, HVAC, and boiler systems. The zoo is currently running on a temporary boiler system for heating while a location for the new boilers is determined.

Infant Hamadryas baboon and mother. Credit: WCS’s Prospect Park Zoo

When it reopens, visitors will be delighted to find some new animals, including a pair of southern pudu, one of the world’s smallest species of deer, and a female Hamadryas baboon born during the zoo’s closure on October 18.

The zoo will open for a special preview, exclusively for Wildlife Conservation Society members, on Friday, May 24, and fully reopen to the public on Saturday, May 25. Admission costs $9.95 for adults, $6.95 for children, and $7.95 for seniors. Reserve a spot here.

“I am incredibly excited for the reopening of the Prospect Park Zoo, just eight months after the devastating flooding last September,” NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue said. “The restoration taking place here is incredible to see, and we commend the Prospect Park Zoo for their inspiring effort and investment in long-term solutions to keep this historic attraction open to the public in the face of such a challenge. “

“This Brooklyn landmark has served as a bastion of conservation and education, while providing enjoyment to visitors for many decades. We can’t wait to see children and adults back in the Zoo, enjoying one of New York City’s true treasures.”

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Prospect Park Zoo to reopen Memorial Day weekend after 8-month closure

By Aaron Ginsburg

May 16, 2024

Photos courtesy of WCS’s Prospect Park Zoo

Bryant Park To Host 30+ Free Yoga Classes This Summer

Free yoga classes are returning to the lawn at Bryant Park this summer. Presented by performance apparel brand Calia, the classes kick off on May 29, with sessions hosted on Tuesday mornings at 10 a.m. on the park’s upper terrace and on Wednesday evenings at 6 p.m. on the lawn. Running through September 25, the classes will be led by some of the city’s most sought-after yoga instructors and open to participants of all experience levels.

This year’s lineup of instructors includes Kirra Michel and Kristin McGree, as well as a variety of other acclaimed experts, who will offer participants a wide variety of yoga styles to try throughout the summer.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Bryant Park to help bring New York City’s most popular outdoor yoga series to life,” Tracey Fetherson, senior brand manager at CALIA, said. “At each session we hope to empower participants to find strength, confidence, and beauty in the burn.”

Yogis should bring mats and water and arrive early to reserve a spot. Book a spot here.

For those who can’t make the in-person sessions, Bryant Park will stream the classes on Wednesday evenings at 6 p.m. via Instagram @bryantparknyc.

Bryant Park will also again be a hotspot for free outdoor music this summer with its annual Picnic Performances. From May 31 through September 31, the event series will feature 25 free live music, dance, and theater performances. Audiences can enjoy world-class acts from institutions like Carnegie Hall, the New York City Opera, and the Harlem Stage.

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Bryant Park to host 30+ free yoga classes this summer

By Aaron Ginsburg

May 15, 2024

Photos courtesy of Angelito Jusay