As the building wraps up construction, we can look forward to 3 World Trade getting started. (and then the last tower!)
Tag Archives: development
Running The Manhattan Bridge
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After recently moving to the Lower East Side, I decided to explore the area and go for a nice, long, run. Manhattan Bridge is an amazing architectural achievement While the bridge may be the ugly step sister of the Brooklyn Bridge, the views along its running and bike paths are nothing short of amazing.
One building off the bridge gives even the 5 Pointz a run for its money:
The bridge also cuts over East Broadway, allowing for some sick photos of Chinatown.
And If those shots are cool enough, here is what you look at during you 2+ mile long bridge.
Quote of the Day
“New York City is a great monument to the power of money and greed… a race for rent.” Frank Lloyd Wright
Earlier this week, I went on a run uptown and caught a glimpse at the soon to be completed One57, Gary Barnett’s latest development. The tower’s penthouse is currently in contract for $90+ million. The building itself has also seen its rise in popularity after Hurricane Sandy left the construction crane dangling roughly 1,000 ft. above the streets of New York. If money, greed, and beauty were to all mix, I would say this building, and New York in general, form the perfect mosaic.
The East Village
For many young and first time renters, this New York neighborhood may be your best bet. Located (roughly, as with almost all New York neighborhoods) from 14th street to Houston, and from the East River to Broadway, this plot of land has quickly moved its way up in terms of desirability. The neighborhood, which was once known for crime, drugs, and St. Marks celebrities like Madonna and Keith Harring, is gentrifying nicely and becoming a destination neighborhood.
Those looking to move here tend to be young, college educated (or in college thanks to neighboring NYU and The New School), socially active, and upwardly mobile. Thanks in part of New York City’s Landmark and Preservation Society, many of the 6-story walk-up buildings cannot be torn down or redeveloped. but offer the charm and sophistication many new buildings cannot. New York is a city of exceptions, but I would recommend this neighborhood to someone who is new to the city, younger, and socially active. If you are looking for a quiet neighborhood, don’t move here. AM New York, voted the East Village as the city’s loudest neighborhood. That can be attributed to the plethora of bars, restaurants, and young people living in the area.
Here are a few things I recommend doing if you want to get a little more familiar with the neighborhood:
1. Tompkins Square Park (10th and Ave A) – This park has quickly become one of my favorite areas in the EV. Bars and restaurants line the west side, while beautiful brownstones line the north side. The park itself is home to huge elm trees (random, but beautiful), is a little less crowded than nearby Washington Square Park, and is a great place to people watch.
2. Big Gay Ice Cream (7th b/t 1st and A) – A new addition to the neighborhood, New Yorkers from near and far flock to this small little shop throughout the entire year. The name is as bold and delicious as the ice cream itself. Be prepared to wait in line (it is worth it), especially on a hot summer’s day.
3. Astor Place (St. Marks and Lafayette Street) – A more corporate-esque part of the East Village. Nearby St. Marks is a gateway for amazing bars, restaurants, and people watching, while this part of the neighborhood is an epicenter for J.Crew, Facebook (coming soon) and a MASSIVE Starbucks.
4. Yoga To The People (St. Marks b/t 3rd and 2nd) – Possibly one of the East Village’s (and New York’s) coolest assets. This studio, located on St. Marks Street, “provides pay what you can” yoga classes. Rich,, poor, young, old, all head to these hour long classes. I recommend heading there at night for a candle lit class.
5. Pomme Frites (2nd Avenue b/t 7th and 8th) – My favorite late night hot spot. Like Big Gay Ice Cream, you will have to brave the crowds, but the wait is well worth it. These hole in the wall restaurant tantalizes diners with a ton of different dipping sauces. The fresh, made to order, french fries are served hot, fast, and ready to go. Don’t hesitate to try a free sample to help make up your mind
30 Orchard Street is a new addition to the Lower East Side. The luxury high-rise condominium tower was opened in 2010 and commands $1,500+ per square foot. My apartment looks directly at the thin tower that rises up well past the lower 6-story skyline of the Lower East Side. The building looks like a modern, luxury, walk-up, that is anything but. Full time doorman, floor to ceiling windows, and tasteful units are perfect for the artistically inclined, trendy, upwardly mobile resident moving down to the LES.
Phone Booth Graveyard UWS
Gothamist recently chimed in on a very subtle change happening across the city. All of those old phone booths that used to scatter the city have quietly been picked up and moved to a growing grave yard on the Upper West Side. Many different efforts have been proposed for the remaining booths that now barely sprinkle the city. Art projects, technological upgrades, and even WiFi hot-spots have now replaced the once functional phone booths. Take a look at the pictures below. If you’re interested in taking a look at the graveyard, all you need to do is 135th and 12th Avenue. I am not sure how tough the city is being on gaining access, but am planning on finding out.
Be sure to check out my Instagram in a few days to see if I made it up there!
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Luxury Gentrification Heads To Alphabet City
As if the New York real estate market was not spiraling out of control in just about every neighborhood….the once dangerous and dilapidated corner of Avenue B (yes Avenue B!) between 5th and 6th will now be transformed into a luxury/doorman building complete with a landscaped roof deck, yoga and fitness center, and one bedrooms starting at $3,600/month!
For better or for worse, the neighborhood is changing quickly. Property values are on the rise and it appears the once tranquil and quieter part of the East Village is transforming into an upwardly mobile enclave for those recent college grads not quiet ready to make the jump to Murray Hill.
The building is being developed by Magnum Management, part of the Jared Kushner enterprise. His company made news last year upon the purchase of millions of dollars worth of property in the area. They have been gut-renovating buildings from the inside out and jacking up rents along the way.
Take a look at the building’s website here: Bloom62
Final Section of The High Line Set To Open Soon!
Thanks to Gothamist for the amazing pictures of the soon-to-open (and final) section of The High Line Park. While still under construction, the amazing success of earlier sections has revolutionized the West Side of Lower Manhattan. Private tour tickets are being raffled to Friends of the High Line before the section opens later this year.
If this third and final phase of construction holds true to the two previous sections, expect real estate developers to quickly move in and transform this area into a residential paradise for the well-to-do. I would suggest going to the area soon, taking a look around, and then coming back in five-10 years. Not only will the park transform this part of Manhattan, but the final phase will complement the new Hudson Yards Project as well.
Here are a few photos from the earlier mentioned Gothamist article.
Life of a New York City Realtor
The glitz and glamour that is often associated with the world of New York City real estate is something that draws thousands into the industry each year. The funny thing about New York is that not everything is as it seems. I have found that this city is 100% built on raw talent. Sure your well-connected parents can get you a job, but it is your job to learn the traits, network, and excel. The true innovators in this city are aggressive, fierce, and not afraid to speak their mind. Nowhere else do these statements hold more accurate than in the world of residential real estate. This is not a business for the light-hearted, easy-going, average Joe. You have to be willing to send emails at all hours of the day, scavenge, and flat out work.
Many fall into this industry because they see the potential for fast cash. While that may be true, especially during the summer month’s, the true leaders in this industry have tried and true methods that have landed them listings upwards of $100 million. This blog is a daily journal of my accounts in real estate. I try to be as “real” as possible, something that is very easy to get lost in when talking about real estate. I will put the struggles I have as a realtor, the struggles my clients have as renters, buyers, sellers, and investors, and will also spotlight neighborhoods, cool articles, and trends happening in the city. Feel free to tag, post, like, share, or suggest anything you feel should be on this blog. We are connected 24/7 with the Internet always at our fingertips, be sure to let me know what you think!
And remember, a referral is the greatest compliment anyone working in real estate can receive!
Life + Real Estate + New York 