René Lalique’s windows saved this Fifth Avenue building from destruction in the 1980s | 6sqft

In 1984, a series of grime-covered windows at 714 Fifth Avenue caught the attention of an architectural historian by the name of Andrew Dolkart. Seemingly innocuous, and almost industrial in aesthetic—at least from afar—the glass panes would later become the foundation for a preservation victory. As the story goes, Dolkart, was out doing research for the Municipal Arts Society when he passed a commercial building that had been tagged for demolition to make way for a skyscraper. Despite being covered in dirt, Dolkart noticed that the windows were not ordinary windows, but rather exquisite Art Nouveau panels from renowned French glass artist René Lalique designed for perfumer François Coty in 1910. The discovery, as it turns out, was deemed important enough to save the limestone building from its fate as rubble. François Coty, Perfumer With genealogical roots tracing back to Napoleon, Joseph Marie François Spoturno was born in 1874 on the French island of Corsica. After years in the

Source: René Lalique’s windows saved this Fifth Avenue building from destruction in the 1980s | 6sqft

12 experts suggest creative ways to handle 9 million future New Yorkers | 6sqft

With New York City’s population on its way to nine million, the city’s infrastructure may be impressive, but it has its limits–including red tape and resource shortages–that will make it difficult to withstand the projected surge. Reminding us of the transformative innovations of Robert Moses–he of the big ideas and ego to match–Crains invited 12 firms who make their living wrangling infrastructure to hit us with some big ideas. Ahead of the upcoming summit, “Getting Ready for 9 Million New Yorkers,” they’ve shared these visions for future (bigger, better) New York from top architects, designers and real estate experts. Ideas include some that have already proven themselves (repurposing existing track beds) and some already in the works (Bushwick’s Rheingold brewery project) to others that Robert Moses might not love (shrinking the city’s highways). Design firm Gensler suggests repurposing existing track beds for commuter rail lines and commercial development in the form of a “high

Source: 12 experts suggest creative ways to handle 9 million future New Yorkers | 6sqft

What tomorrow will look like on Manhattan’s new west side | Real Estate Weekly

What tomorrow will look like on Manhattan’s new west side | Real Estate Weekly

One of the biggest developments in New York City history, the Far West Side complex will ultimately include 15 skyscrapers serving office, residential, and retail demand.

A total of 4,000 apartments are expected to be built at the site, from studios to sprawling penthouses, and some of the first prices to be listed start at over $2 million.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The oldest existing Ellis Island ferry could be your quirky home for $1.25M | 6sqft

For those who prefer the water to the actual city, here’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The MacKenzie-Childs Yankee Ferry is up for sale and could actually be your next home. Built in 1907, the ferry served in World War One before it was acquired in 1921 by U.S. immigration services to serve as the Ellis Island Ferry until 1929–it is now the oldest existing Ellis Island ferry still on the water. It sold again in 1929 for use as a tour boat, served in World War Two, and then finally sold to a private owner in 1990 who began a restoration. In 2003, the ferry ended up with its latest owners, Richard and Victoria MacKenzie-Childs, who founded the design firm MacKenzie-Childs in 1983. The couple moved it to Pier 25 in Hoboken, New Jersey to continue an oddball restoration that’s brimming with personality. It is now outfitted as a bona-fide house boat, and for $1.25 million you could be part of the ferry’s incredible history.

Source: The oldest existing Ellis Island ferry could be your quirky home for $1.25M | 6sqft

10 must-follow Instagram accounts for NYC history lovers – Curbed NY

We’ve found 10 of the best accounts for NYC history lovers, whether you’re into old maps, old buildings, old subway photos, or all of the above. Did we miss your favorite? Let us know!

Source: 10 must-follow Instagram accounts for NYC history lovers – Curbed NY

Iconic New York City buildings reimagined in dreamlike photo series

Photographer Marc Yankus captures a dreamy, not-quite-real version of New York City

From a distance, photographer Marc Yankus’s images of New York City look like photos you may have already seen of architectural landmarks—the Empire State Building, or the Ansonia apartments on the Upper West Side. But look a bit closer and you’ll notice something a bit off-kilter about them.

Source: Iconic New York City buildings reimagined in dreamlike photo series – Curbed NY

Governor Cuomo unveils plans for Penn Station’s massive revamp – Curbed NY

Brace yourselves, New Yorkers: a new Penn Station is officially coming—for real this time. Today, Governor Andrew Cuomo unveiled plans for the forthcoming Penn Station revamp, along with announcing the team collaborating on the project.

Source: Governor Cuomo unveils plans for Penn Station’s massive revamp – Curbed NY

 

 

The Urban Lens: A walk through the 90th annual Feast of San Gennaro in Little Italy | 6sqft

6sqft’s ongoing series The Urban Lens invites photographers to share work exploring a theme or a place within New York City. In this installment, award-winning authors and photographers James and Karla Murray introduce us to the faces and food vendors that make up the 2016 Feast of San Gennaro in Little Italy. Are you a photographer who’d like to see your work featured on The Urban Lens? Get in touch with us at tips@6sqft.com. 2016 marks the 90th anniversary of the Feast of San Gennaro, which is held in the “Little Italy” neighborhood of lower Manhattan from Thursday, September 15 through Sunday, September 25th. The Feast is an 11-day salute to the Patron Saint of Naples, Saint Januaries, and it is the longest and most popular street fair in New York City (anticipated to bring in one million tourists and New Yorkers this year). Little Italy was once known for its large population of Italian immigrants and is now centered on Mulberry Street between Broome and Canal Streets. Italians

Source: The Urban Lens: A walk through the 90th annual Feast of San Gennaro in Little Italy | 6sqft

REVEALED: World Trade Center Performing Arts Center will be a translucent marble cube | 6sqft

After stalling for years, the $243 million World Trade Center Performing Arts Center started to make headway in recent months, first with a decision to go with REX as the designers and then with a $75 million gift from Billionaire businessman and philanthropist Ronald O. Perelman (who is gaining naming rights). And finally, the official renderings have been revealed, and they showcase a nearly 90,000-square-foot, translucent veined marble cube that both stands out as an impressive…
http://blog.rdny.com/2016/09/revealed-world-trade-center-performing-arts-center-will-be-a-translucent-marble-cube-6sqft/

8 Ways Lower Manhattan Has Changed Since 9/11 – Financial District – DNAinfo New York

In the 15 years since the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, Lower Manhattan has undergone an immense transformation. What was once a neighborhood predominantly defined by finance workers which basically shuttered at night and at weekends is now — thanks to a lot of government subsidies — booming with residential development, swelling with tourists and attracting high-end retail, restaurants and cultural activities.

It’s also becoming more popular with media, tech and other firms. Here are some…
http://blog.rdny.com/2016/09/8-ways-lower-manhattan-has-changed-since-911-financial-district-dnainfo-new-york/