New York renters may see large rent increases or a change of heart with their current building. Some may have realized they are paying way too much for what they’re getting for their money. 

With their annual Subway Median Rent Map, RentHop provides a detailed report to help renters visualize where they can save by riding the train to affordability.

This year, 84% of Subway Stops saw increases in rent. This is lower than last year, but the median rent is currently at $4,400, 3.5% higher than the same time last year.

New developments and renovated units caused spikes in rent in the outer boroughs, so for renters concerned about their rent changing in the coming years, keep an eye out for construction and updates.

Tenants with lower rents aren’t moving, which is decreasing the current inventory for lower-priced units. This could cause problems in the future if these tenants move out and owners renovate and charge higher rents.

Where to Live if You Work Remotely or Hybrid in NYC

With remote and hybrid work becoming more popular, does it make sense to shell out for an apartment in the city’s heart with a quick commute that may only happen 1-2 times per week? Increasingly, renters look to their local neighborhood communities to find nightlife, meals and social happenings. If one’s community provides everything they need, why fork over large amounts of rent?

Below, CitySignal looked at some of the best stops to live off of for renters wanting to be in proximity to a certain Subway line.

Best NYC Subway Stops to Live Off the 1-2-3 Line

Apartments off the Cathedral Pkwy 1 train stop at 110th Street saw a 1.4% dip in rent. While the median rent is higher at $3,450, you’re farther down in Manhattan and are in proximity to several parks.

135th Street Station (2-3) in Harlem has a median rent of $2,567 and only saw 2.9% growth last year. This may mean you can snag a better deal in the area.

Best NYC Subway Stops to Live Off the 4-5-6 Line

Rent along the 6 train saw the most drastic rental decreases, with some rent near stations coming down over 6%. 

Brook Ave off the 6 train in Mott Haven in The Bronx. The current median rent is $2,369, with rent dropping 6.4% since last year. 

The Franklin Ave stop for the 2-3–4-5 had one of the lowest rent growths in the Crown Heights, Brooklyn area at 2.9%. Median rent sits at $2,910 but you have access to the S train which can connect you with other Brooklyn lines.

Best NYC Subway Stops to Live Off the N-Q-R-W Line

If your budget has room to grow over the coming years, check out Astoria Blvd ($2,750/6.8%) or Broadway ($2,650/6%) off the N/W. Rent is still proportionately low; however, the area is seeing major growth, which may impact your lease during re-signing. Make sure to read the terms of your lease carefully.

Best NYC Subway Stops to Live Off the B-D-F-M Line

While 155th Street (B-D) in Harlem saw 19.3% growth this year, the rent is still sitting at $2,600. This is a great stop to live off of if you’re a Yankee’s fan, you could even walk to a game!

F Ditmas Ave (F) is a Brooklyn stop in the quaint neighborhood of Kensington.

Newkirk Ave ($2,379/-1.9%) on the B–Q lines will send you straight into Lower Manhattan or give you the chance to transfer in Downtown Brooklyn to another line.

Best NYC Subway Stops to Live Off the A-C-E Line

The A stop at 190th Street in Washington Heights, just south of Inwood. With access to green space on the west side of Manhattan, current median rent sits at $2,300 with a -2% change since last year.

Utica Ave (A-C) in Bed-Stuy has a median rent of $2,600. There are many small local businesses that you can enjoy instead of traveling into the city.

Grand Ave-Newton in Queens ($2,200/0%) gives renters access to the E–M–R trains but is also two stops away from the 7 train. 

Best NYC Subway Stops to Live Off the J, G, L & 7 Trains

J train riders should look around Kosciuszko St. in the Bed-Stuy/Bushwick area, where the median rent is $2,850, a 1.1% drop since last year.

For G train lovers, check out the Myrtle-Willoughby Ave ($2,850/3.6%) or Ft. Hamilton Pkway ($2,838/-4.9%) stops in Brooklyn. Queens G stops have seen large rent growth, and apartments near those stops have an average rent of over $3,800!

The L train is a pricey line to live off of (thanks to going through Williamsburg), but the first stop to see a bit of rent relief is Dekalb Ave ($2,728/1%) in Bushwick. How trendy.

The 7 Train has quickly become a favorite of many renters, so look to 33rd St in Queens for a median rent of $2,750.

Best Neighborhoods to Live to Have Access To All Subway Lines

For access to multiple Subway lines, consider apartments in FiDi, SoHo/Chinatown, Downtown Brooklyn, or Hunters Point/Long Island City in Queens. These are not the friendliest for budget-conscious people, but if one needs to travel, access may be helpful.

The post Which NYC Subway Stop Is The Best to Live Off Of? appeared first on CitySignal.

The rental forecast for commercial spaces remains grim as city officials warn Manhattan’s abnormally high vacancy rate should persist well into 2026. As of August 2023, Manhattan is currently at 22.7% office vacancy with little hope of recovery anytime soon.

New York City commercial vacancy rates typically hover at a steady 11%, but as the pandemic continued into the early 2020s, those rates climbed to 15% and beyond. Currently, the national average for 2023’s first quarter is 18.6%, with cities like Denver and Seattle squarely at 20% vacant.

For many, these vacancies hit close to home- shuttered bodegas, struggling independent shops, and the loss of retail storefronts continues to alter the dynamic of neighborhoods throughout the city. Look closer, and empty offices bleed into transport as well; rush hour subways are only half full, a far departure from an overcrowded past.

Lower and midtown Manhattan and downtown Brooklyn have seen the highest turnover and climb in vacancy rate changes to speak of. Despite receiving the most COVID-19 grant and loan money, businesses and offices continue to empty out.

Manhattan’s Troubled Rental Landscape

Spikes in vacancy affect not only landlords and building owners but the city as well. One of New York’s most important revenue sources is property taxes. Nearly 20% of New York City’s total tax revenue comes from commercial property taxes, with 10% attributed straight to office building rentals. In the first quarter of 2023, 4.6 million square feet were leased in the city, while asking rents for offices in NYC were priced at $78.35 per square foot. In April 2023, the price was at an average of $75.13 per square foot, down 50 cents in a YoY comparison, according to a Colliers market report.

Officials estimate that over half of Manhattan’s 450 million square feet of office inventory is practically obsolete.

Manhattan isn’t an easy place to open a business. Especially for family-owned shops, the regulatory hoops, and hurdles of rising rent, taxes, and industry competition challenge even the most genuine intentions. Inflation has taken its toll and led to genuine change across the city landscape. Take a walk down Third Avenue in midtown and you can see for yourself. Empty storefronts and boarded windows have sucked the magic out of New York’s once-energizing presence.

How Much NYC Office Space Is Actually Being Used? How Much Is Under Construction?

A major contributing factor to vacancies is the underperformance of aged commercial spaces. The shift into remote working left many businesses reconsidering their needs and desires for office space. Pandemic downtime made room for major remodels and full or partial fit-outs as companies dreamed of an eventual return to normalcy. The demand for older buildings- many with poor energy performance and outdated design- began to plummet, leaving skyscrapers and roadside shops alike empty around the city.

Officials estimate that over half of Manhattan’s 450 million square feet of office inventory is practically obsolete. Newer buildings with energy-efficient systems are more desirable to renters than older buildings. With 14 million square feet of modern office space under construction, it’s anticipated tenants of older buildings will continue trickling into newer energy-efficient builds long past the vacancy crisis.

Remote Work Is a Major Contributor To the Decline In Commercial Building Values

Recent studies highlight remote work as a major factor in declining building values. Estimates blame the shift into remote work for cutting building values by half. What was once a temporary fix has become the norm. This trend is not unique to New York alone; nationwide, businesses and landlords struggle to find a solution to emptying spaces.

“We now estimate a more persistent work-from-home regime, which has more of an impairment of office values even in the long run,” Arpit Gupta, co-author of the study, “Work From Home and the Office Real Estate Apocalypse.” told The Real Deal.

Post-pandemic rates of office return have reached no higher than 50%, severely lower than anticipated and hoped for by employers and landlords alike. Because of this, official estimates that NYC office stock loss would be 28% have been updated to reflect a 44% loss in value. New York has been on track to recover by the second quarter, with 1 million jobs lost due to the pandemic shutdown, but this is not reflected in local rental markets.

A major decline in worker spending is another backlash stinging local business. Without workers traveling to their offices, who will buy coffee, lunch, and run errands nearby? Less commuting means less commuter-based revenue; workers have spent $12.4 billion less annually compared to pre-2019.

Landlords are defaulting on loan payments. With more than $16 billion in loans due this year, many landlords are in a bind for alternative cash flow as renters continue to dwindle. The Fed’s rising interest rates and tight lending standards jeopardize the ability for older office buildings to refinance, ultimately putting their ownership at stake. Nationally, this is a loss of $506.3 billion in value and has affected the state of local public finances.

Commercial East Village and Lower East Side Hardest Hit From Pandemic

The residential market has also experienced a major shift from the old norm. The residential vacancy rate is currently above 2%, where it has stood for nine consecutive months. The highest vacancies are concentrated within the East Village and Lower East Side with a rate of 3.25% compared to the lowest in the Upper East Side at 1.34%. That said, close to 3,704 new leases were signed in Manhattan by February 2023 compared to 1,000 in Brooklyn.

“In Manhattan, the vacancy rate ticked up from January to February as apartments took longer to find tenants and leasing activity slowed. These are all positive signs for apartment seekers,” says Chief Operating Officer Gary Malin of The Corcoran Group. “However, the median rent has remained unchanged since October 2022, which shows that owners still remain hesitant to reduce pricing.”

The median rent in Manhattan was $4,200 monthly as of February, unchanged since late 2022. Pricing is 12% higher than in February of 2022, making average rent higher than last year. In contrast, the median rent in Brooklyn was $3,500 a month in February 2023.
“Meanwhile, in Brooklyn, rents in February cooled just enough to encourage tenants to take action. In contrast to Manhattan, the number of signed leases in the borough increased monthly, hitting 1,000 for the first time since November.”

Sadly, areas with the highest concentration of low-income residents face higher vacancy rates than elsewhere as businesses and landlords struggle to maintain profit margins that are quickly falling out of reach.

What Is The Status of NYC’s Housing Affordability?

The 2021 Housing and Vacancy Survey, collected every 3 years, summarized the state of the rental landscape throughout the boroughs. The most recent report confronted increases in New York apartment vacancies since 2021. Rent regulation can be drastically affected by these numbers, and rates of 5% and higher constitute an official “housing emergency.”
These surveys help representatives defend low-income residents and their rights. Members of CHIP (Community Housing Improvement Program) have challenged the city’s rent stabilization laws in court. Low-cost apartments appear on the outs as the city lost 96,000 units at $1,500 or less since 2017.

But many are fighting. Vacancies in commercial space have advocates looking at new opportunities for affordable apartments and urban housing. Real estate groups, urbanists, and market experts wonder at the possibility of reinventing Manhattan and Brooklyn. Older buildings, in particular, seem nearly perfect for housing conversion.

“Landlords are being very creative trying to improve their buildings, amenitize their buildings, improve the air quality systems,” said Peter Riguardi, chair and president of real estate services firm JLL’s New York tri-state region. “But at this point, without any unforeseen change, there’s still going to be some empty [office] space when we cycle through this, and some of those buildings are going to be ripe for conversion to residential.”

Still, hurdles persist as Albany failed to pass legislation helping with the conversion of office buildings to residential use, stoking the anxiety of many. In some cases, banks may eventually gain ownership of the building should loans go unpaid. As affordable housing continues to slip away, many wonder at the persistent inflation present in rent prices but absent in wages.

In the last year, the city gained 107,000 units with rents of $2,300 and up, bringing the median asking rent of vacant apartments to $2,750 in 2022, up 46% from 2017. To afford this, a household would need to earn $110,000 or more. The 2021 survey found over 50% of renters paid upwards of 30% of their income toward rent. This severe rent burden signals an affordability crisis that is pinching the lowest earners in the city.

As buildings continue to empty and New York’s population continues to increase, pressure is mounting on the affordable housing market. As of July 2023, there are 8.948 million inhabitants, up 0.37% from last year.

The high vacancy rates are not present for low-income apartments but are found for the most expensive. Deregulation of apartments from pre-2019 rent laws and the focus on high-end apartment buildings are partially to blame. Despite all this, outsiders continue to move to New York City in droves, ensuring demand never falls too low.

The post City Predicts Building Vacancy Struggle To Persist Through 2026 appeared first on CitySignal.

Known for its cuisine and rich history, Little Italy is a top tourist attraction in New York City. Whether you’re grabbing a cannoli, homemade pasta, or a glass of red wine, Little Italy has a place for you. 

History of Little Italy

Little Italy began developing in the 1840s when Italian immigrants began to settle in the area. Famine and failing agriculture led Italians to New York City, and many families settled in “Mulberry Bend.” The neighborhood was popular amongst immigrants because of its population of local Italian speakers and traditional Italian culture. By 1910, almost 10,000 Italians lived in the two square miles of Little Italy. While Little Italy originally reached from Lafayette Street to the Bowery and from Kenmare to Canal, the area of Little Italy has decreased due to increasing rent prices and the expansion of bordering neighborhoods. Today much of the area is gentrified, but some original establishments and historic sites remain. 

Where to Shop in Little Italy

 

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Little Italy may be known for its food and culture, but there are also some eccentric and unique shops in the neighborhood. 

Di Palo’s Fine Foods

This locally-owned grocery has been family owned and operated since 1925. Specializing in the foods and wines of Italy, this is a perfect place to grab ingredients for a home-cooked meal.

Christmas In New York

Located at 142 Mulberry Street, this store brings Christmas joy to New York City. This store has jolly decorations and ornaments and New York City-specific goods. Though it is popular in the winter, this store is a sight to see all year round! 

Mulberry Street Cigars

With a bright red light hanging above the door, reading “Cigars,” you can’t miss this unique store on Mulberry Street. This home for hand-rolled cigars was incorporated in 1999 and sells quality cigars from its cozy shop. 

Landmarks and Notable Places of the Neighborhood

 

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Little Italy has a rich history that is reflected in art and architecture.

The Center For Italian Modern Art

At 421 Broome Street, The Center for Italian Modern Art is an affordable NYC museum that is rich in history. Since 1983, founder Laura Mattioli has curated the collection of her father, Gianni Mattioli, which is “considered to be one of the most important aggregations of Italian avant-garde and modern art.” Laura founded CIMA in 2013 to spread awareness about Italian Art and preserve Italian history and culture.  

Feast of San Gennaro 

While it isn’t a physical landmark, the Feast of San Gennaro is a yearly celebration. This street festival began in 1926 and celebrates the life of San Gennaro, known as a protector and patron of Naples, Italy. The event has evolved into an 11 day festival that creates a confluence of food, culture, and music, celebrating the ancestry and traditions of Italy. 

St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral 

St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral was the first cathedral in New York City and was originally the home of the Archdiocese of New York. Though the cathedral is home to the Catholic religion, you don’t have to be Catholic to enjoy the beautiful architecture and history. 

Where to Eat in Little Italy

 

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New York City is known for pizza, and there is no better place to get Italian food than Little Italy. 

Ferrara Bakery

If you are looking for cannolis in Little Italy, look no further than Ferrara. Ferrara’s origins date back to 1892, and this bakery serves over 200 unique Italian specialties. This bakery also offers cannoli kits, so you can bring the Italian treats home with you!

Il Cortile

This traditional Italian restaurant has been family owned and operated since 1975 by the Esposito family and serves a wide variety of Italian platters. The beautiful patio with skylights makes it the perfect place for lunch or family dinner. 

The Original Vincent’s 

Founded by Guiseppe and Carmella Siano, this restaurant is known for its homemade “Vincent’s Sauce.” Invented in 1904, this sauce has been imitated by many but never replicated! 

Bars of Little Italy

 

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Little Italy is known for laid-back wine bars and local brews. 

Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels 

Wine is the perfect compliment to Italian food, and this bar brings fine wine to the heart of Little Italy. They also feature “Wine Boot Camp,” where patrons can spend an hour with a sommelier tasting wines with a food pairing. 

Mulberry Street Bar

Mulberry Street Bar is one of the oldest bars in New York City (first established in 1908) and offers local brews and delicious pizza. Make sure to try the garlic knots! This establishment is a must-visit, after all, there’s a reason why they’ve been around for so long, right? 

Botanica Bar

This local bar is open late and has outdoor seating year-round. While there is no kitchen, outside food is welcome, making it the perfect place to sit down with a slice of pizza and a drink. 

Where to Live in Little Italy

Little Italy is a desirable place to live due to its downtown location and proximity to great bars, nightlife, and cultural hubs. 

120 Mulberry Street 

This building at 120 Mulberry Street was built in 1910 and features balconies, in-unit washer/dryer, exposed brick, and hardwood floors. 

123 Baxter Street

While Little Italy is full of old constructions from the 20th century, this building was built in 2003 and has a plethora of amenities, such as a doorman, fitness center, parking, and a roof deck. 

189 Hester Street 

This historic home was constructed in 1900 and has beautiful exposed brick, marble bathrooms, and (non-functional) fireplaces. 

Traveling in Little Italy

Little Italy is conveniently located and easy to travel to from many points in NYC.

Trains

The most accessible trains to Little Italy are the Q, 5, 6, J, and Z trains at Canal Street or the B and D trains at Grand Street. 

Buses

The M1, M103, M14A-SBS, and M15-SBS all make stops throughout Little Italy. 

Bike Rentals

Little Italy has four CitiBike stops within its small borders, although the streets in the neighborhood can be crowded, making it a precarious place to bike. 

While Little Italy was originally a home for Italian immigrants, the neighborhood has expanded and grown over the years. The neighborhood may not look the same as it did in the early 1900s, but Little Italy is still home to some of the best food and culture in NYC and is a must-visit for any tourist visiting the city. 

The post Little Italy, Manhattan Neighborhood Guide: A Hub of Food and Culture appeared first on CitySignal.

Where do the happiest people in the world live? Well, according to Andrew Arrigo and Steve Clair of Serhant, it’s either Finland or their new 8th-floor listing at 145 Lexington Ave.

While guaranteed happiness from this $2.2 million Rose Hill condo (situated where NoMad, Gramercy, Murray Hill, and Kips Bay all converge) is promised, it’s pretty clear that living here is gonna mean mo’ money mo’ problems.

For example, do you eat breakfast at your granite countertops overlooking your Miele and Sub Zero appliances in your chef’s kitchen? Or do you take your bowl of Wheaties (if you’re living in this home, of course you’re eating the Breakfast of Champions) to the sunlit den to take in the city sights? And don’t forget the endless internal dispute of when during a conversation you can casually drop that your home has its own private keyed elevator.

With natural light reaching all of the home, Unit 8 is comprised of two large bedrooms, two full bathrooms, a living room, dining area, kitchen, family room/den space, in-unit laundry, and plenty of closet space (a struggle to find in Manhattan).

Additionally, the primary bedroom benefits from an ensuite bathroom, a walk-in closet, and views of the Empire State Building, allowing for plenty of privacy and an Empire State of mind.

Residents of Gramercy 145, the building that houses the million-dollar listing, also benefit from a 24-hour virtual concierge/doorman service and a landscaped roof deck with an outdoor grill, kitchen, and bar. In the basement, there is space to house your bike, as well as a private storage cage.

Not sure if you can picture yourself there? The Millennial Broker team has done a good job at giving you a look into the space and what it might look like to live there.

 

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 145 Lexington Avenue #8 is listed by Andrew Arrigo and Steve Clair of Serhant.

The post Rose Hill Condo for “Happiest People in the World” lists for $2.2M by Serhant TMB Team appeared first on CitySignal.

NoHo, meaning “north of Houston Street,” is a historic neighborhood that dates back to the early 19th century but has been revitalized to become a hub of real estate and retail. A close neighbor to Washington Square Park and NYU, this is a popular neighborhood for young people, but it also offers rich history and culture that attracts all ages. 

History of NoHo

The neighborhood of NoHo dates back to 1748 when New York’s first botanical garden found its home at what is now the intersection of Lafayette and Astor Place. This spot became a place for New Yorkers to enjoy socializing, culture, food, and drink. In 1825, Astor Place cut the garden in half, but this didn’t stop the neighborhood from growing. Real estate boomed over the next few decades, and NoHo quickly became home to major retailers. NoHo has historical ties to artists such as Andy Warhol and has been the home of famous families such as the Vanderbilts. 

Where to Shop in NoHo

 

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Though every neighborhood in NYC has great places to shop, NoHo is historically known for its major retailers. 

Dienst + Dotter 

For New Yorkers looking to furnish their home with unique, antique pieces, Dienst + Dotter is the perfect spot to look. The owner, Jill Dienst, worked previously as a curator at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and her expertise in curation and design shines through at Dienst + Dotter. Specializing in Scandinavian antiques, paintings, and objects from the 17th to 20th centuries, pieces from different periods are frequently mixed and matched to create unique combinations of curated styles. 

Boglioli

Italian design company Boglioli has been making sophisticated and tailored clothing since the early 1900s. Boglioli opened its first brick-and-mortar store on Bond Street, boasting 1000 square feet of brushed metal shelving and luxurious detail to support the upscale garments sold there. 

Dashwood Books

Dashwood Books may have an unassuming storefront but don’t underestimate this shop. The shelves of Dashwood have a myriad of art books, and this store is a haven for photography and visual art lovers. Founder David Strettel specializes in “finding what people want,” spanning genres of fashion, food, architecture, and more. 

Landmarks and Notable Places of the Neighborhood

 

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Though NoHo may seem like a trendy neighborhood, it has a rich history and many historical landmarks.

Merchant’s House Museum

The Merchant’s House Museum was the first building designated as a NYC landmark. This museum preserved the original house built in 1832 and is one of only six residential landmarks in Manhattan. The museum tells the history of the wealthy merchant family that lived in the home from 1835-1865, as New York City expanded and was established as a commercial hotspot of America. 

The Public Theatre

Though the Public Theatre is now one of NYC’s most popular non-profit theaters, the building used to be the United State’s first public library and has landmark status. Food and drink at The Public is now known as The Library, as a nod to the building’s original purpose. 

Small Is Beautiful

NoHo has plenty of older landmarks, but some contemporary buildings and museums are worth visiting. Take Small Is Beautiful, for example, which houses over 143 miniature artworks created by artists from all over the globe. The museum also offers creative workshops for kids, making it a great place for families or visitors to the city. 

Where to Eat in NoHo

 

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While NoHo may be known for extraordinary retailers and rich history, there are some wonderful restaurants to eat at once you’ve “shopped ‘till you’ve dropped.”

Il Buco

Dating back to 1994, Il Buco is now one of the most beloved restaurants in New York City. Il Buco began as an antique store, and founders Donna Lennard and her partner Alberto Avalle would invite their customers to join them for lunch, curating a Mediterranean menu with Italian and Spanish influences. Il Buco prides itself on ingredients sourced locally and directly from Italy, and the dining room has a rustic but upscale feel. 

Lafayette

At Lafayette, France is brought to NYC at this grand cafe and bakery. With mahogany floors and grand arches, Lafayette features a large dining room, bakery, and two private dining suites. The bakery also stays open late for those with a sweet tooth after dinner. 

The Grid at Great Jones Distilling Co.

Great Jones Distilling Company is Manhattan’s first whiskey distillery since prohibition, and The Grid is its companion restaurant. With ingredients sourced straight from New York, the restaurant says it “honors New York on every plate.” 

Bars of NoHo

 

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NoHo is home to an eclectic array of bars, from upscale spots to downright dives. 

The Wren

The Wren is one of the most versatile bars in NoHo. Perfect for a birthday with an open bar, a draft beer for as low as $8, or a boozy brunch (featuring cocktails like the “mid-day espresso”), The Wren can easily become your new go-to spot.

Bleeker Street Bar 

This sports bar inside a landmark building is a popular dive bar amongst the college-age crowd. This bar has served NoHo since 1990 and is open 365 days a year. With beer and shot combos and bucket deals for beer, this is a great spot to watch a sports game or enjoy a rowdy night out.

Von

Von is a relaxed wine bar with a speakeasy feel. Offering classic cocktails, fine wines, and craft beer, this is a great spot for a happy hour or quiet drink. Von has a second space, however, that has a raised stage, DJ equipment, and private party options. 

Where to Live in NoHo

NoHo boasts some of the oldest residential buildings in NYC, though many of them have been renovated. 

1 Astor Place

Located in the heart of NoHo, 1 Astor Place has 12 floors and was built in 1883. Some units even have access to a private terrace. 

704 Broadway

This 128 year old building was renovated in 1998 and is home to luxurious condominiums. While it has been renovated and restored, the building still pays homage to its roots with beautiful molding, hardwood floors, and massive windows overlooking the neighborhood.

307 Mott Street

Constructed in 1880, 307 Mott Street is a pet-friendly building in the center of the neighborhood. Units feature exposed brick, built-in bookshelves, and updates like laundry-in-unit and dishwashers. 

Traveling in NoHo

NoHo is centrally located between some of downtown’s most popular neighborhoods, and multiple subway and bus lines run through the area. 

Trains

The B, D, F, M, 5, R, W, and 6 trains are accessible through the Astor Place, Broadway/Lafayette Street, 8 Street NYU, and Bleeker Street stations. 

Buses

The M1, M3, M103, M21, and M55 run through or around the neighborhood’s outskirts.

Bike Rentals

NoHo has five CitiBike stations scattered around the small area, making it easy to travel through on a bike. 

NoHo is a versatile neighborhood and one of the only places to find landmark buildings and trendy, contemporary bars on the same block. Though real estate can be expensive in this area, it is a rewarding neighborhood to live in due to its central location and history. Whether you are shopping, eating, drinking, or signing a lease, NoHo is a neighborhood that truly has something for everyone. 

The post NoHo, NYC Neighborhood Guide: The Stylish and Historic Neighborhood appeared first on CitySignal.

NoMad, meaning “north of Madison Square Park,” is an iconic New York neighborhood that borders Chelsea, Murray Hill, and Flatiron. NoMad is at the center of the hustle and bustle in Manhattan and is known for its high-rise apartments, luxury hotels, and elegant brownstones surrounding the park. While there is plenty to see and do in this luxurious neighborhood, NoMad is centrally located and offers convenient transit to other neighborhoods

History of NoMad

NoMad became an epicenter of New York City in the late 1700s due to its convenient location near Madison Square Park. A hub of theatre, shopping, and nightlife, NoMad’s location right off the 23rd Street station made it an easy commute to the Theatre District in midtown and a short distance from the Financial District downtown. Over the years, NoMad has attracted famous visitors such as Oscar Wilde, Teddy Roosevelt, Mark Twain, and Charles Dickens. Once called “Satan’s Circus,” NoMad was home to brothels, bars with prostitutes, and betting parlors. The confluence of nightlife and high-end luxury, NoMad has been and is still known for its diverse mix of residents and venues. 

Where to Shop in NoMad

 

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NoMad is known for shopping and is home to boutique retailers and stores with luxury clothing options. 

Todd Snyder

Known for menswear and name-brand clothing, Todd Snyder offers luxury shopping in the heart of NoMad. Though Todd Snyder has multiple locations across the country, its most well-known location in NYC is at 25 East 26th Street.

Maison 10 

Based on ethical consumerism and high-quality products, Maison 10 has a boutique located at 4 West 29th Street, where it debuts 10 hand-selected items across 10 categories for 10 weeks each.

Dover Street Market

Based upon the London fashion hub, Kensington Market, Dover Street Market offers streetwear and luxury goods. At 160 Lexington Avenue, this market offers a true European shopping experience.

Landmarks and Notable Places of the Neighborhood

 

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Though NoMad doesn’t cover a large area of real estate, a lot is packed into this small neighborhood. 

Madison Square Park

The primary attraction of NoMad, Madison Square Park offers a 6.2-acre green space in the heart of New York City. Dating back to 1686, this park offers a playground, open-air museum, public garden, dog park, performance venue, and more.  

Museum of Sex

Chronicling the evolution of human sexuality, this unique museum offers a gift shop, bar, and educational exhibits. Note, as the name implies, this museum is not safe for kids!

JoAnne Artman Gallery

Offering “vibrant and eclectic exhibits from award-winning artists,” this female-owned gallery features work that has been exhibited in museums and private collections nationally and internationally.

Where to Eat in NoMad

 

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NoMad isn’t just known for shopping and bars – NoMad is also home to a diverse array of restaurants.

KazuNori

KazuNori is the original hand roll sushi bar and is an iconic spot in NoMad. Allow time to wait, however, as this restaurant does not offer reservations. However, service is relatively fast so don’t be too intimidated by the wait times. Upon entering, expect to be handed a small sheet of paper which you’ll use to input your order so the chefs can have your rolls ready to go by the time you sit down!

La Pecora Bianca

Delicious Italian wine and cuisine can be found at 1133 Broadway. La Pecora Bianca is an airy and stylish space, making it perfect for date night. 

Blackbarn

Chef John Doherty has made Blackbarn an iconic NoMad spot featuring signature cocktails, wild mushroom toast, and herb-crusted black cod. 

Bars of NoMad

 

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Known for its nightlife for the past 200 years, NoMad is the perfect place for a night out. 

Jewel Thief

At 30 West 30th Street, Jewel Thief offers cocktails and nightlife in a unique hidden den. 

Glass Ceiling 

Glass Ceiling is the perfect place to take in city views and sip a delicious cocktail on the scenic rooftop. 

Patent Pending

This discrete, intimate cocktail bar is located in the Radio Wave building where Nikola Tesla worked on his groundbreaking radio waves. Be awed by the most spectacular menu of your life, each page comes with additional illustrations that are fun to see as you debate on your next drink.

Where to Live in NoMad

NoMad is home to high-rise buildings and luxurious brownstones. 

122 East 27th Street

122 East 27th Street dates back to 1920 and has high ceilings and stunning loft apartments. 

31 East 28th Street

This three-bedroom, two bath apartment is over 1800 square feet and offers south-facing windows and a chef’s kitchen. Listed for just over 2.5 million, this condo offers luxury living in one of the most convenient locations in Manhattan. 

45 East 25th Street

For a direct view of Madison Square Park, look no further than 45 East 25th Street. This luxury building has a doorman for residents and even a gym for those looking to keep fit.

 

Traveling in NoMad

NoMad is one of the most centrally located neighborhoods in Manhattan, with multiple trains running through the neighborhood. This neighborhood also borders some of the most famous neighborhoods in NYC, such as Chelsea and Murray Hill. The Empire State Building, Flatiron Building, and Union Square are all within easy walking distance. 

Trains

The W, R, F, F, M, 6, E, and C trains run through the neighborhood, with the most convenient stops located at 28th Street. Madison Square Park also borders the 23rd Street stop – there are many options for train commuters in this convenient neighborhood. PATH trains also run to 23rd and 6th Avenue. 

Buses

The M23 crosstown bus runs on 23rd Street in both directions and the M101/M102/M103 downtown buses run on Lexington Avenue. The M1, M2, M3, M5, M55, M7, and M20 also serve the neighborhood, running up and down 6th Avenue/Avenue of The Americas, Madison Avenue, and 5th, 7th, and 8th Avenues. 

Bike Rentals

There are multiple CitiBike docks in NoMad. 5th Avenue and East 29th Street, East 29th and Lexington, and East 27th Street and Park Avenue are just a few of the locations. 

NoMad may seem like a pass-through neighborhood on your way to Union Square or the Empire State Building, but this unique neighborhood offers much more than just convenient transit. NoMad has come a long way since the “Satan’s Circus” days, and now offers luxury real estate, exceptional dining and bars, and unique shopping. The iconic Madison Square Park is the backdrop of this esteemed neighborhood, where residents can enjoy green space and entertainment. NoMad gives residents the serenity of NYC parks and the hustle and bustle of city nightlife, all in just a few blocks.

The post NoMad, NYC Neighborhood Guide: The Convenient and Luxurious Neighborhood appeared first on CitySignal.

If you find something for a good price – a “normal” price – you’ll likely be living in something resembling a shoebox. On the flip side, a good-sized apartment requires an entire paycheck. 

Whether you’re thinking of moving somewhere in the city or if you’re curious about what you can get at different square footage, we’re breaking it all down right here.

Average NYC Apartments

The average New York apartment is just over 700 square feet. However, the size of new apartment builds is said to be getting bigger. 

For the average renter, that number might seem like a myth, with most attainable prices being reserved for much smaller units. With all of that being said, here is a breakdown of what to expect depending on the square feet.

What does 300 square feet look like?

This 250 sq ft apartment offers just above the bare minimum for tenants. 300 square feet is comparable to a small one-car garage or a standard hotel room. Upon stepping inside, you’ll find a primary living area, a small kitchen with a stove and sink. What sets this particular unit apart is the private bath, something that most units this small won’t offer tenants. Rather, there will be a communal bathroom in the building. Located in the East Village, this studio is listed at $3,700. As for the building itself, amenities can compare from place to place. Though, considering that micro-apartments are considered “budget” options – sometimes even old converted hotels – they usually offer little in the way of amenities and building health. 

Amenities in 300 sq. ft. apartments in NYC:

• Shared Bathrooms
• Shared Laundry or nearby laundry facilities
• Hotplates or stove
• Half-size appliances

What does 400 Square Feet look like?

At 428 sq. ft., this Theater District studio was listed at $3,315. For reference, 400 square feet is the average size of a two-car garage in the U.S. Despite the moderate size, the updated unit comes with a private bathroom and decadent views of the river and city skyline. The living and dining area is large enough to combine both a sleeping arrangement and setup for daytime use. Studios in the 400 square foot range often come fitted with additional storage space like decently sized closets. While the unit above is located in a modern building with amenities from elevator access to a doorman, it’s not a reality for all smaller-unit buildings. 

Amenities in 400 sq. ft. apartments

• Full kitchen
• Dishwasher
• Shared laundry
• Private bath

What does 500 square feet look like?

At 500 sq. ft., the number of bedrooms in an apartment can alternate between a studio or one-bedroom, depending. Keep in mind that this size unit is equivalent to a standard high school classroom! In the case of a 500-square-foot studio, renters can expect a more spacious, open layout, leaning away from the tight quarters found in smaller studios. If the 500-square-foot apartment is a one-bedroom rather than a studio, it’s likely that the bedroom will be a moderate size with enough room for the must-haves. This 500-square-foot unit in Alphabet City in the East Village is currently listed at $3,000 with modern building features. 

Amenities in 500 sq. ft. apartments often include:

• Open floor plans
• Private bath
• Additional storage, including closets and kitchen
• In-unit or on-site laundry
• Fitness centers
• Outdoor space

What does 600 square feet look like?

For those needing more space, apartments in the 600 sq ft range will generally fall under that umbrella. Comparable to a three-car garage, these units often accommodate large studios and, sometimes, single-bedroom units. One example of a one-bedroom apartment at 625 square feet is this Hell’s Kitchen unit. Oftentimes, these larger units enter the luxury space with space and amenities to match. In many cases, the building is newly built or recently renovated, helping to create a modern feel. 

Amenities in 600 sq. ft. apartments include:

• Full kitchen
• Private bath
• Decks or outdoor areas
• Tall ceilings
• Open floorplans
• 24/7 concierge
• Doormen
• In-unit or on-site laundry

What does 700 square feet look like?

As mentioned above, the average size of a New Apartment is 700 square feet, which is equivalent to a quarter of a tennis field. This size unit can teeter into a large one-bedroom or modest two-bedroom, depending on the building and layout. The listing above is a two-bed, one-bath apartment at 720 square feet located in Murray Hill. The unit was listed at $5,699, far above the average price of an NYC apartment while still remaining an average size with amenities that are often seen in this size range. 

Amenities of 700 sq. ft. apartments often include:

• One-two bedroom units
• Private bath
• Plenty of storage
• Full kitchen and appliances
• In unit laundry 
• Doormen 
• Concierge 

What does 800 square feet look like?

Oftentimes, 800 sq ft units tend to be more modern and often include luxury finishes with a size comparable to five standard parking spots. These units usually include one or more bedrooms, as is the case with this two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment in Kips Bay. At 800 sq ft, this unit was listed for $6,695 and includes attributes like natural light and a parking space, and high-end amenities like a gym, basketball court, tennis court, barbecue grills, private outdoor space, a sun deck, and more.

Amenities of 800 sq. ft. apartments include:

• Plenty of storage
• Full kitchen
• Luxury, full-sized appliances
• In-unit washer and dryer
• 24-hour concierge
• 24-hour doorman
• Building common areas

What does 900 square feet look like?

For those needing a multi-bedroom unit, 900 square feet is usually where you’ll start to see two- or three-bedroom options, ideal for families. For reference, 900 sq ft is just under ⅓ of a tennis field. In the case of this three-bedroom apartment, it is listed in the Astoria at $3,650. The unit exemplifies the trend of needing to fan out from hot spots in the city in order to find an adequate price point, particularly for families. Because of this, these family-geared units are usually bare bones and have just what is needed both inside the unit and in the building. 

Amenities of 900 sq. ft. apartments often include:

• Multi-bedroom floorplans
• In-unit bath
• In-unit or on-site laundry
• Full kitchen
• In-unit bath

What does 1,000 square feet look like?

Creeping up in size, 1,000-foot units are more of a rarity in the city – at least at a manageable price point. With square footage equivalent to two-and-a-half two-car garages, 1000 sq ft is a commodity in the city. This option on Mulberry Street in Little Italy is currently listed at $5,500 and boasts four bedrooms and two bathrooms. Fit for a family or roommates, this unit offers modest-sized living quarters from the bedrooms to the shared spaces. Despite the larger floorplan, there are so many bedrooms in one space that other areas forfeit their square footage, such as the kitchen, reverting back to smaller appliances. Keep in mind, it’s not impossible for there to also be oversized – usually luxury – 1000 square feet single bedroom apartments.

Amenities of 1000 sq. ft. apartments include:

• Multi-bedroom floorplan
• Family/group friendly
• Kitchen space
• In-unit bathroom
• In-unit laundry

Final Thoughts

It’s no secret that New York’s housing market is troubling, but hopefully, this guide provides insight into what you can get for general unit sizes and across price points. Remember that not all units are equal or created for the same purpose. 

Sure, there are sites like RentHop RentCompare, that show you if you’re overpaying for your apartment, but sometimes you’re overpaying for something that saves you more money or time! An 800-square-foot unit on one side of town could be a premier luxury unit, while on the other side of town at the same size can be a cramped two-bedroom in a run-down building.

While these trends can help steer you in the right direction, nothing is definitive. Keep in mind that location, building type, amenities, and the health of the unit also play a huge role in the price point. Happy house hunting! 

The post What Do You Get For Your Square Feet in NYC? appeared first on CitySignal.

Welcome to Nolita, the upscale neighborhood full of great food and shopping opportunities! Nolita isn’t usually known as a residential neighborhood, but the homes found here are quite luxurious. The entire neighborhood is an experiment in luxury and receives thousands of visitors daily. Surrounded by other popular neighborhoods like Little Italy, Soho, and the Lower East Side, Nolita is one of the many great neighborhoods that draw people to Lower Manhattan.

History of Nolita

Originally part of Little Germany, Nolita spent its early New York history as an immigrant neighborhood. Slowly but surely, Little Germany became Little Italy, and Nolita was one of the northernmost sections of the neighborhood. During this time, the area was rich in Italian culture, though it was also considered the center of organized crime in Manhattan.

In the mid-1900s, Little Italy began to shrink due to Italian families moving back to Italy, new immigrants moving to the area, and the creation of new neighborhoods like Soho and Chinatown. Nolita was still part of Little Italy then, but the neighborhood was becoming more desolate by the year.

Things didn’t turn around in the neighborhood until the 1990s. The neighborhood had an influx of newcomers move in, gentrifying the area. Real estate developers attempted to call it part of Soho. However, a 1996 issue of the New York Times called the area “Nolita” meaning “North of Little Italy.” The names stuck, and the neighborhood has been flourishing ever since.

Where to Shop in Nolita

 

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Nolita is a huge shopping district full of high-end boutiques. Some of the best in the neighborhood include:

At The Venue

This independent clothing store promises an ethical and sustainable shopping experience. Originally founded in Taiwan, this brand has a ton of innovative ensembles made in carbon-neutral factories, one of which is located in the Garment District.

Standard and Strange

This men’s clothing store sells everything from shirts to accessories. With multiple brands, all of which offer the best in handmade goods, this is the place to go for men’s fashions in Nolita. They always have something new in stock.

French Cheese Board

This cheese shop is one of the most popular places in the neighborhood, and features cheeses from around the world. They have regular tasting events that pair wine with delectable charcuterie, as well as events specifically for cheese tasting.

Min & Mon

This handbag store is quirky and fun, with tons of bags that come in all shapes and sizes. Some bags are subtle and classy, and some make a loud, confident statement. No matter what kind of bag you’re looking for, this place has got you covered.

FEIT

This shoe store features handmade shoes that are crafted by masters. These high-end shoes come in many styles, including boots, sneakers, and house shoes. One of their most popular items are their wood sandals.

Where to Eat in Nolita

 

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Nolita has an enormous food scene, and each restaurant has its own unique twist. Some of the best eateries in this neighborhood include:

Eileen’s Special Cheesecake ($$)

Eileen’s is an institution in the neighborhood. She crafted her perfect cheesecake and sold it out of her apartment. She bought this establishment in 1975, and it has been a booming business ever since. Everyone who comes to New York needs to visit this establishment.

The Musket Room ($$$$)

This New American restaurant is the most upscale joint in the neighborhood. This establishment has a Michelin Star, and it’s easy to see why. Their menu offers beautiful, elegant dishes that change with the seasons.

Zooba ($$)

This Egyptian restaurant serves up some of the best street food that can be found in Cairo. Described by The Infatuation as “fast and casual,” this establishment has been making waves amongst the foodie community.

Peasant ($$$)

This Italian restaurant will make you feel like you’re visiting Europe. The brick oven in the back is constantly cooking delicious birds while the rest of the kitchen whips up amazing sides and entrees to go with those amazing birds.

Little Rascal ($$)

This Mediterranean restaurant is a fusion of Turkish cuisine and other Mediterranean favorites. This establishment is small, but extremely popular, perfect for more intimate affairs like a date or a catch-up with an old friend.

Bars of Nolita

 

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Nolita has a very good bar scene, with fancy options and dives a plenty. Some of the best bars in the area include:

Vig Bar ($$)

This bar is the place to go for live music. With multiple stages in the front, back, and outside, this place can have three full concerts in a single night. With a huge array of drinks to go with your listening experience, this place is a must-visit.

Spring Lounge ($)

This pleasant dive bar is a go-to for many in the neighborhood for the fun atmosphere and affordable drinks. This place holds special events from time to time, including trivia, live music, and some great happy hour specials.

Gospel ($$)

This bar is also a restaurant and art space, making it a great place to spend a wild night out. This club is a gathering place for some of the most artistic people in the city. It’s a place of mystery, music, and some of the best vibes in the city.

Mother’s Ruin ($$)

This fun establishment serves specialty cocktails in a super comfortable environment. With a friendly atmosphere you’d find in a neighborhood bar, this place can serve just about any drink you can think of.

Sweet & Vicious ($$)

Since 1998, this bar has been a staple in the neighborhood. Part sports bar, parts music venue, all dive, this place is popular with a younger crowd who like to get a little rowdy. That said, this establishment has something for everyone as long as you’re seeking a good time.

Where to Live in Nolita

Nolita isn’t known as a residential neighborhood, but there are plenty of places to live here. Some of the best places include:

Empire

This unique condo has a variety of apartment styles, including duplexes. The homes here are spacious and renovated. Many come with private outdoor space, and a doorman keeps the building secure for residents. No need to worry about stolen packages in this building!

20 Prince Street

This rental building is one of the oldest in the neighborhood. Built in 1900, these homes have been completely renovated and now feature washers and dryers, stainless steel appliances, and even a dishwasher.

250 Bowery

One of the newer condos in the area, this building was constructed in 2013. These large homes feature floor-to-ceiling windows, hardwood flooring, and stainless appliances. Residents have access to a furnished roof-top terrace.

246 Mott Street

Another older rental building in the area, this complex has made major renovations while still keeping much of the historic charm intact. Crown molding, exposed brick, and a beautiful exterior all highlight the wonderful homes found here.

199 Mott Street

This beautiful condo has some of the largest windows in the neighborhood, allowing homes to be flooded with natural light. These homes are large and open, with kitchens and living rooms in the same space.

Traveling in Nolita

Nolita is in a prime location in Manhattan. Though it’s a smaller neighborhood, a ton of travel options are available to those who live and visit here. Some of the best are:

Trains

The subway provides access to Nolita via the B, D, F, M, J, Z, and 6 trains. The N, Q, R, and W train lines are also just a few blocks away.

Buses

While there are some bus lines that travel to Nolita, there aren’t as many as some other neighborhoods have. The buses that service Nolita include the M1, M21, M103. That said, this neighborhood is very small and easily walkable, so buses aren’t really needed here.

Rideshares and Bike Rentals

Once again, this neighborhood is very small and walkable, which is how most people get around. Walking makes it easy to hit up the shops and restaurants here, especially with the higher amounts of traffic and few options for parking. For these reasons, rideshares and driving are not popular options in this neighborhood. The streets are simply too skinny and the traffic here can get crazy. Some people choose to bike here, which is easy to do given the Citi Bike docking stations nearby. However, the high pedestrian traffic makes biking difficult, so walking is still the best option by far. 

Nolita is a little neighborhood with a lot of heart. Formerly part of Little Italy, they have dropped almost every aspect of their past, save for a few Italian restaurants. Now the neighborhood has an identity all of its own, rivaling its neighbors as a shopping district. The food and bar scene here is top-notch and can compete with the best dining neighborhood in Manhattan. Nolita is a powerful little neighborhood that made a name for itself in the 1990s and never looked back. This popular area is loved by locals and tourists, making it a must-see destination for anyone visiting the city.

The post Nolita NYC Neighborhood Guide: Fashionable and Upscale appeared first on CitySignal.

This is the story of Margot Gayle.

Who Was Margot Gayle

Born in 1908 in Kansas City, MO, Margot spent much of her childhood moving around due to her father’s job as an executive in the auto industry. Gayle didn’t grow up wanting to be a historical preservationist; she actually received a Masters in bacteriology from Emory University, but the Great Depression made it difficult to find a job. So she turned to politics and became an activist through her work. One of her early accomplishments was fighting to get the Georgia poll tax repealed. She was so passionate about the cause that many dubbed her “Poll Tax Margot.” 

Gayle moved to New York with her husband (divorced in 1957) and two daughters, where they lived in Greenwich Village. In New York, she continued to be involved in political activism, even running for City Council in 1957. It was through her work in politics, however, that she found her true calling: historical preservation. 

Jefferson Market Courthouse  

Located at 425 Avenue of the Americas, the Jefferson Market Courthouse – an iconic Victorian Gothic structure built in the late 1800s – was around the corner from Margot Gayle’s Greenwich Village apartment and from the notorious New York Women’s House of Detention. One of the most defining characteristics of the red brick structure was its spire-like clock tower. It was used as a courthouse until 1945, after which it sat vacant, the future of the historic building uncertain. In the late 1950s, rumors that the courthouse was for sale and in danger of being torn down prompted Margot Gayle to take action. 

With the help of friends and colleagues, Gayle formed the Village Neighborhood Committee. One of the organization’s first orders of business was to get the long-frozen clock ticking again, with the hope that it would raise awareness. It did just that. Next, the committee set out to ensure that the building itself could be preseved. A successful campaign to have the former courthouse converted into a public library sealed the deal. In 1961, the New York Public Library agreed to take over the structure, and in 1977 it was declared a National Historic Landmark. 

Reflecting on her work saving the Jefferson Market Courthouse, Gayle said in an interview with the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation, “It was ‘act soon or lose it.’ There was no precedent for what we were doing, and there was very little community feeling about saving old buildings, so we couldn’t really use that. We just used every tool at hand and worked fast to keep the building from being auctioned off, really. I really am amazed to think how close that building came to being gone.”

The Jefferson Market Library is in full operation today. 

Formation of the Victorian Society 

The Jefferson Market Courthouse may have been Margot Gayle’s first big win, but it was hardly her last. In the 1950s and 60s in New York, the demolition of historic masterpieces to make way for modernization was plaguing the city. It was activists who saved some of NYC’s most iconic NYC fixtures – notably, Jane Jacobs’ successful 1958 battle to stop Robert Moses from building a highway through Washington Square Park. 

Unfortunately, not all could be saved. In 1963, the original Pennsylvania Station was demolished to make way for Madison Square Garden. Renowned for its beauty, the original structure was considered “the architectural embodiment of New York’s vaulted ambition and open arms.” Its demolition was devastating to residents.

Determined to ensure other historic cast-iron structures would not meet the same fate as Penn Station, in 1966, Gayle, in conjunction with historic preservationists Brendan Gill and Henry-Russell Hitchcock, founded the Victorian Society in America. Still in existence today, the Victorian Society is committed to “historic preservation, protection, understanding, education, and enjoyment of our nineteenth-century heritage.” The organization fulfills its promise through architectural tours, publications, and summer schools dedicated to educating interested parties on architecture, art, and preservation.   

Friends of Cast Iron Architecture 

The Victorian Society was not the only preservation organization that Margot Gayle helped create. In 1968, she attended a Victorian Society symposium during which she learned about the significance of cast iron buildings in New York and that they were largely unprotected. Inspired and enraged, Gayle made it her mission to fight for their survival. 

On March 18th, 1970, Gayle formed the Friends of Cast-Iron Architecture. The group’s goal was to “preserve structures such as cast-iron buildings, cemetery ironwork, and iron fountains – both nationally and internationally.” By raising awareness about the significance of cast-iron architecture in America, the organization has successfully prevented the majority of cast-iron structures from being demolished. It was through the Friends of Cast-Iron Architecture that Gayle was able to fight out one of her most consequential and important preservation battles.  

SoHo Cast-Iron District 

In the late 60s and early 70s, urban renewal in New York was the name of the game, and SoHo was under imminent threat. In 1969, the area faced the danger of demolition to make way for the LOMEX – Lower Manhattan Expressway – an elevated highway that would connect the Hudson to the East River. Thanks to outcry from residents, artists, and activists like Gayle, the project was halted permanently in 1969.  

Though the area was safe from an expressway, preservationists craved security to ensure the neighborhood would also be spared from modernization. Over the next few years, Gayle and the Friends of Cast-Iron Architecture worked tirelessly to get the area designated as the SoHo Cast-Iron District. Her partners in crime were the artists who called the area both home and work (the “SoHo model” has gone on to serve as an example for mixed-use artist spaces). Their joint efforts paid off in 1973, when SoHo received a Cast-Iron District designation from the Landmarks Preservation Commission, thereby protecting the historic architecture from demolition. 

Today, with rents higher than the buildings themselves (average rent for a one-bedroom is 4,650 according to RentHop), SoHo is hardly a haven for artists looking for a studio to work and live in. It has transformed into a glamorous shopping, eating, and working destination – likely in part, due to the district’s unique architecture. Much like the Jefferson Market Courthouse, by preserving the bones of the buildings, SoHo had the chance to change with the times while holding onto its history. And that is thanks to Margot Gayle.  

Ms. Gayle died in 2008, but her work will be remembered forever. On her passion for preservation, she once said: “If one person really puts his mind to something and can inspire a whole group around him, it’s amazing in this complicated world what can be achieved. How do you like that?” 

We like it very much, Margot. 

The post Margot Gayle, Savior of SoHo appeared first on CitySignal.

Welcome to Chelsea, one of the most popular neighborhoods in Manhattan. When people think of Chelsea, they think of affluent and fashionable characters that have seemingly been ripped right out of a Bravo show. While these people definitely make their mark on the area, Chelsea has everything a tourist or local could want from a Manhattan neighborhood. There’s shopping, nightlife, great restaurants, museums, and more in this sprawling area. The only question is, what will you do first?

History of Chelsea

Chelsea’s New York City life began with Thomas Clark, a British Major who bought a farm and a large house in the area in 1750. He named his estate “Chelsea” after the Royal Hospital Chelsea in England. The estate remained in the family until 1827 when a large chunk of the land was given to the Episcopal Diocese of New York, who opened a seminary there. The rest of the land was used in accordance with the Commissioner’s Plan of 1811, which transformed the farmland into a developed area.

The area was filled with row houses and single-family homes for several decades. Further development in the mid-1800s led to shipping and railroads being built in the neighborhood, making it easier to get to. This traffic and access to the Hudson encouraged industrialization, and many factories began to pop up before and after the Civil War. However, Chelsea wasn’t strictly an industrial neighborhood. They had a rich art scene, even having one of the city’s original theater districts in the late 1800s.

Chelsea thrived even in times of turmoil for the city. In the early 1900s and throughout WWI, Chelsea was a major player in the film industry, adding to its artistic practice. In the 1930s, Chelsea built some of the largest apartment complexes in the city at the time, and they were able to fill them. Chelsea even played a major role in WWII, storing the uranium that would eventually be used in the Manhattan Project.

When the factories were all but gone by the 1960s, Chelsea simply converted the abandoned buildings into homes and art galleries. The neighborhood felt some effects from the Depression and economic troubles of the 1970s, but they made it out of those disasters with far less damage than other neighborhoods. Today, luxury apartment complexes are being built in Chelsea, cementing the area as an affluent neighborhood that thrives no matter the circumstance.

Landmarks and Notable Place of Chelsea

 

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Chelsea is home to some of New York’s most recognizable institutions. Some of the best known include:

Madison Square Garden

This entertainment venue is one of the most famous on Earth. Home of the Rangers and the Knicks, this arena is one of the most visited places in the city. They also hold a ton of concerts here, including special performances from Billy Joel.

The High Line

A rail line turned public park, the High Line is one of the most pleasant strolls one can take in the city. Catching a sunset here almost guarantees a romantic evening, and sitting in the gardens makes for a relaxing experience.

Fashion Institute of Technology

This fashion school has produced some of the greatest fashion talents of the last fifty years, including Calvin Klein, David Chu, and Nina Garcia. This school even has a museum that’s open to the public.

Things to Do in Chelsea

 

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This neighborhood has a ton of larger venues that are filled with activities, shops, and food. Some of the best things to do in Chelsea are:

Chelsea Piers

This activity space is known for its athletic opportunities. They have a full gym, hockey rinks, rock climbing walls, and even parkour spaces. This is also a popular event space, perfect for weddings and birthday parties.

Chelsea Market

This mall is filled with special retail stores and delicious eateries. These stores change from time to time, and the venue hosts a number of seasonal events that the whole family can enjoy. This mall has been highly praised by TimeOut, the New York Times, and other major publications.

Hudson Yards

This small neighborhood is in the northeastern corner of Chelsea and has a ton of stuff to see and do. There are a ton of shopping opportunities like Dior and Banana Republic, as well as a ton of restaurants and bars. Mercado Little Spain is especially unique, with a variety of restaurants, bars, and stores to explore and enjoy.

Art Galleries and Museums of Chelsea

 

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This neighborhood has a ton of art museums and galleries that draw large crowds. Some of the best in the area include:

Rubin Museum of Art

This art museum focuses on pieces from the Himalayan regions. Featuring paintings, sculptures, and more, these pieces tell a tale of ancient and modern traditions from the region. The museum has special educational services for adults and children.

ARTECHOUSE

This gallery specializes in immersive installations and exhibits with seasonal splendors that leave visitors in awe. These exhibits are educational, inspiring, and flat-out fun, especially for families.

Gagosian

This eccentric gallery focuses on modern and contemporary art, and features these exhibits in new and exciting ways. An innovative force in the digital art market, this gallery is not afraid to try new things.

Where to Eat and Drink in Chelsea

 

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Chelsea has a ton of restaurants with different cuisines to try. Some of the best eateries in the neighborhood include:

TAO Downtown ($$$)

This Asian Fusion restaurant is large and beautiful, serving delicious foods in one of the coolest atmospheres in the city. Their menu is filled with delicacies cooked in a variety of ways, and they serve some of the best cocktails in the neighborhood.

Bar Fonda Chelsea ($$)

This Mexican restaurant and bar is a popular place to grab a drink and let loose. The food here is filling and delicious, and their happy hour has some of the best deals in the city. Their margaritas are especially impressive.

Ichiran ($$)

Known as the best Ramen in the city, this restaurant is one of the most famous in the country. The line for this place often circles the entire block of 31st street, and it’s well worth it for the artistic ways ramen is served here.

Barcade ($$)

The flagship location for this growing brand, Barcade makes great food, serves affordable drinks, and allows guests to play classic arcade games while they enjoy their meals. This place is an arcade for adults.

Porchlight ($$$)

This restaurant and cocktail bar has a great vibe, encouraging fun and fanfare. Meals here are upscale bar food, and the cocktails are some of the fanciest in the neighborhood. Their mixologists are always coming up with something new.

Where to Live in Chelsea

Chelsea is a popular neighborhood with a ton of great places to live. Some of the best dwellings here are:

Lantern House

This luxury condo was completed in 2020 and features incredible amenities like a fitness center, media room, and swimming pool. This is a green building, and many units come with private outdoor spaces.

21 Chelsea

This rental building was completed in 2000 and has huge homes that are great for families. There are several outdoor spaces that are available to residents, including a rooftop patio with grills and seating areas.

London Terrace Towers

Once the largest apartment complex in the city, this historic co-op was completed in 1932. Today, these homes have been modernized while keeping many of the historic features. These units are large, bright, and great for families.

Traveling in Chelsea

Chelsea is easy to get to and traverse, thanks to its amazing location. Some of the best ways to get around here include:

Trains

The New York City subway system services Chelsea via the A, B, C, D, E, F, L, M, N, Q, R, W, 1, 2, 3, and 7 trains.

Buses

The New York City bus system services Chelsea via the M7, M11, M12, M14, M20, M23, M34, and M55, amongst others.

Rideshares and Bike Rentals

Traffic is unique in Chelsea. It seems like it should be worse since the area is so busy. However, the only time traffic gets bad is during rush hour due to commuters trying to get on the Westside Highway. For this reason, driving and rideshares are pretty popular here. Biking is also a popular option, especially since there are a lot of Citi Bike docking stations and plenty of bike lanes. Cyclists should be cautious of pedestrians, though, as this neighborhood has a lot of foot traffic.

Chelsea is a neighborhood that has just about everything. They have theater, art, museums, food, drinks, beautiful homes, and much more. This neighborhood has always been popular thanks to its location, affinity for the arts, and ability to adapt to new situations. The people who live in Chelsea enjoy a luxury lifestyle, and they are more than happy to share that lifestyle with visitors. Chelsea is so important to the city that the people who live and visit Manhattan find it hard to avoid. That said, who would want to avoid this amazing neighborhood? It’s everything NYC promises people and more. If that sounds unbelievable, you’ll just have to come here and see for yourself.

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