If you’re unfamiliar with the real estate world, it is not uncommon for agents to move firms. Just like any job, finding the right fit can make all the difference in job performance and perception, just ask Russell Westbrook of the LA Clippers. But in the case of one Millennial Broker, or TMB, if you’re looking to save on characters, listeners of his podcast “Self Starters,” got a unique and practically real-time insight into how this real estate agent meshes with both his former and current bosses and why he had to move on.

The bosses in question? Just Robert Reffkin and Ryan Serhant. You may have heard of them.

Two Real Estate Moguls in A Podcast Hot Seat

The Millennial Broker, Steven Clair, has been a real estate agent for more than 14 years, and like many agents in the New York area, he’s been finding his place to thrive and, until recently, has been listing property under the real estate tech firm, Compass, led by CEO Robert Reffkin. 

Yet shortly after interviewing Reffkin on his podcast (but prior to the release date), Clair announced his transition to the up-and-coming firm, SERHANT, led by Ryan Serhant. However, many would argue this firm isn’t on its way, it’s already arrived and is challenging Compass for its title of industry disruptor.

A Quick Look at Robert Reffkin and Ryan Serhant

Robert Reffkin is an entrepreneur who first got a taste of real estate from his mother, Ruth, who was and is an agent. After his time at Columbia and Columbia Business School, he had an impressive resume, working on Wall Street, as a White House Fellow under the Secretary of the Treasury John W. Snow, later becoming the Chief of Staff to the COO at Goldman and founding a nonprofit. In 2012, Reffkin and Ori Allon founded Compass, an online real estate tech company designed to address the hardships that agents like his mother experience while working as real estate agents. Compass went public in April 2021 and has been the topic of conversation ever since due to the incredible amount of money lost in the last several years. In 2022 they lost $602 million dollars, up from $494 million in 2021, most recently reported a $150 million loss, and cut 800 employees as of January 2023. Even so, Compass is currently in 72 markets with 300+ offices and 28,000 agents and continues to expand across the US.

Ryan Serhant rose to notoriety on the reality show Million Dollar Listing, where viewers watched him sell, you guessed it, multi-million dollar properties around New York City. Previously a hand model who also had a role on the soap opera As The World Turns, Serhant joined the real estate firm Nest Seekers International in 2008 to help pay the bills. After many successful years selling real estate (both on and off screen), Serhant opened up his own real estate firm, SERHANT, in September 2020. By April 2021, the brokerage reported consistently averaging $100 million in sales volume per month in its first 6 months of business. Serhant has continued to grow his presence by releasing two books, sharing countless clips of listing tours and agent advice on various social media platforms, and currently holds the exclusive marketing and sales rights for one of the most expensive listings in NYC, if not the world, a $250 million penthouse apartment at the top of Central Park Tower. SERHANT has its flagship office in the trendy NYC Soho neighborhood and has just announced an expansion into Florida, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Connecticut. This means SERHANT is listing in some of the least affordable cities in the United States, with high price tags and a lot of legwork needed.

Why Would an Agent Leave Compass?

So how did a real estate agent like Clair leave one of the top established brokerages in the country for a self-titled “unbrokerage”? Without even knowing it, Reffkin answered that question. 

“No one manager is going to be able to click even just on a personal level, much less the business level with everyone,” Reffkin said during his interview. While this was his response to Clair’s less-than-ideal experience with a Compass sales manager, it gives insight into the whole decision an agent has to make when finding the right company and the right manager.

From the start of each of Clair’s interviews with the brokerage heads (his past and current bosses), some cues may point to his ultimate decision to leave Compass. With Reffkin, Clair jokes about his struggle to find an empty block on the CEO’s calendar, which is met with perhaps a brief bit of terror from the founder, thinking his calendar might be public. Of course, would you expect easy access to the head of a company valued over a billion dollars? 

 

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A post shared by Self Starters Hosted by Steve Clair (@selfstartersshow)

 But when he speaks with Serhant, there is a more laid-back banter, and you hear that this is not the first occurrence of face time with the big boss. All newly onboarded agents get a protocol meeting with Ryan when they first start, and TMB was wise enough to, again, use the modern powers of online calendaring, check the CEO’s schedule, and put some elbow grease into getting face-to-face.

Direct interaction aside, for years, Compass was at the forefront of the industry, poaching agents from other firms with the promise of new and exciting tech and equity. In addition to perks and benefits, the brokerage offered digital tools like a customer relationship management platform (CRM) and marketing assistance with tools for digital ads, videos, and newsletters.

On top of Compass’ large losses mentioned above, this has been a hard year for real estate as the low-interest rates of 2021 and the impacts of the market’s boom have faded. As Reffkin put it to Clair, “Agents are all small business owners and entrepreneurs… just like our agents are bringing down their expenses, at Compass, we brought down our expenses.”

And bringing them down they are. 

Over the summer, Compass announced that it will no longer offer equity or cash incentives to new agents, inducing rumors of slower hiring and exodus. There was also talk from Reffkin that the firm would be reducing technology and incentive-related expenses but “not reducing agent service levels.”

When asked about an exodus by Clair, Reffkin shared that Compass has had a consistent principal agent retention rate of 98% across Q3 and Q4 of 2022. Compass currently has 13,000 principal agents, which is the term they use to refer to team leaders or individual agents operating independently on the platform. It does not seem they share statistics on the 30,000 agents not considered principal agents.

What Does Ryan Serhant Think About Compass?

Serhant has spoken about what he thinks Compass’ place is in the real estate world and how they have acted as a disruptor and pushed the industry towards a more tech-focused approach, all while putting the agent first. He claims that Compass has been great for the industry and the agent, finally giving them power and not treating them like a number. This aligns with how Reffkin sees his company as a “reverse triangle” where the sales managers work for the agents,  and he himself is essentially everyone’s employee working to take feedback and improve the company. At Compass, the logo is black and white for a specific reason, they want the agent and the listing to be the color, not the firm.

As Serhant says, everyone wants to hate on the “rich kid” because they want them to fail

Open Houses Don’t Sell Homes Anymore

It’s a different world than it was two years ago in terms of social media and internet usage. As of 2022, the average daily social media use was around 147 minutes a day (up 2 minutes from the year prior). With about 10% of one’s day spend scrolling through Instagram, TikTok, and yes, even LinkedIn, integrating marketing and business with social media seems like a no-brainer. Most real estate companies, Compass included, have touted their marketing and technology tools and features as a means to recruit agents to their firms to help reach clients virtually. 

But are cutting-edge tech and helpful marketing tools enough? In this different world, social media marketing in the form of house tours, funny anecdotes, and advice aren’t just marketing in the moment; it’s an investment for future business. As Serhant told WSJ in 2020, “The brokerage company, open houses, and pretty photos don’t sell homes today the way they did 10 and 20 years ago,” he said. “Buyers of high-end real estate, and their children, go to YouTube and social media on their phones to research homes and agents now.” 

Passive social media consumers turn into buyers spending hours scrolling and saving features of their dream homes. Cold calls and emails go unanswered as the younger generations won’t interact with anyone who they haven’t made the subject of a solid internet stalk, and for Serhant and his team, there is plenty of media out there for viewers to dive into.

Buyers, especially New Yorkers, want to have their cake and eat it too. Let them shop for homes, but also let them be entertained.  Outdated newsletters with a few choice listings and events happening in the local market, paired with center-aligned text and random and off-focus statistics about happenings in the country, are not what today’s buyers are looking for. In real life, this is demonstrated by the agent from a smaller firm who sent out their recent newsletter detailing stories of local crime and death that then transitioned into why you should buy an apartment in his market. That’s like home shopping on CNN. 

Even the tried and true market reports that are expertly crafted with bolded letters don’t give the same thrill they used to. By the time they’re released, they are already outdated, bland and provide zero context to the buyer and their situation. Real estate has shown that it can be flashy and fun but also cutting-edge and efficient. 

“Aligning With Greatness” Why An Agent Would Work With SERHANT.

From where TMB stands, it seems he’s moved past the tech and benefits that Compass can offer. For years, followers of @themillennialbroker have gotten a distinctive look as Clair worked on his own to bring in a team for his content production, creating the media consumers and buyers so desperately want. Who wouldn’t want to purchase a West Village carriage house when you’re first introduced to it via drone?

As an agent who is growing and ready to explore new and more creative ways of his trade, Clair now has access to an in-house media company, is surrounded by a “smaller group of highly producing professionals,” and is getting to learn from one of the biggest names in real estate who has been known for flipping the script on how real estate should be done. The splashy SERHANT branding and all the help that goes into that is no doubt an attractive offer if an agent is looking for exposure.

To Clair, switching to SERHANT ‘“aligned with [his] business perfectly” and fit great on a SERHANT x TMB branded hat, coupled with Clair’s signature hand rub that starts all his videos. The branding is strong with this one.

Sure, Ryan Serhant has touted similar promises as Reffkin’s of creating a brokerage for the agent, but there is a different spin that appears to have clicked with The Millennial Broker on a more personal level. Serhant believes his firm is set apart because, on top of him being an agent, the “whole company was built by agents, for agents, for what agents want in 2023 and beyond. This is not like a fundraise, [where we say] hey, what do we think agents need, we’re going to disrupt the real estate game and then lose all our money.”

Seems familiar. 

Compass and SERHANT. now

While SERHANT agents may be splashed across your phone, they still have some catching up to do. In April 2023, The Real Deal ranked SERHANT #8 in NYC in terms of single-family home sales over $5 million, with 3 sales totaling $67,450,000, a pretty impressive spot to be in as a fairly new brokerage. However, there has been recent news of SERHANT agents returning to Compass despite being high performers with the firm. This could become a theme as the shiny blue allure wears off of Serhant’s brand. 

Conversely, Compass was ranked #3 with 22 deals and a staggering $209,514,990 in sales. On July 24th, they released the Performance Tracker, a “game-changing tool designed to revolutionize how Compass agents track and analyze their business metrics,” proving that they are still pushing ahead to give agents a leg up with helpful tech to provide a transparent picture of where they stand. 

But with SERHANT’s recent NYC onboarding push with agents like Clair, that gap could quickly close as Serhant begins his mission to “help every agent and every team build their own brands to help generate more business, make more money for the rest of their lives.” More exposure means more deals, which brings even more cash, and with Instagram growing tired and TikTok bans looming, who wouldn’t want to be on the path to creating a legacy and finding a nice little penthouse to hole up somewhere? Or at least the promise of that sounds nice.

WATCH THE REFFKIN AND SERHANT EPISODES

The post “Aligning With Greatness”- An Inside Look At An Agent’s Decision to Move from Compass to SERHANT appeared first on CitySignal.

So, what can real estate professionals do when the time comes to switch brokers? How do they evaluate which firm is the right fit? And how can they transition smoothly without disrupting their customer base?

At CitySignal, we found that while there’s no one-size-fits-all criterion when it comes to choosing a new broker, there are some key questions and factors to consider.

When Do I Know It’s Time to Switch Brokerages?

“The first step is to determine why you’re looking for a change,” says Yael Dawson, who has worked as a licensed real estate professional in NYC for the last decade. “Brokerages vary greatly in how they treat their agents, how much support they provide, how their commission split works, and how much they trust you to handle your business. You want to be sure that the new firm aligns with your long-term goals and values you as an agent.”

Dawson started her real estate career at Anchor Associates, which some agents may label as a “starter” brokerage. These smaller firms tend to charge a higher commission split, such as 70/30 or 60/40, because they’re taking on new agents who are likely to make more mistakes. These errors can be costly for the brokerage, not only in terms of money but also when it comes to their credibility with landlords across the city.

Dawson recalls a time when a colleague accidentally CC’d their client on an email that was intended for the landlord’s agent only. The client had been upset about how long it was taking to secure an apartment, especially since the landlord rejected their initial offer, and decided to email the landlord’s agent directly.

What the client didn’t know was that the landlord’s agent had a reputation for killing deals whenever there was a breach of protocol. The client should have never been included in the email chain, and when they were, the landlord canceled the deal and threatened to blacklist Anchor Associates.

“Fortunately, that didn’t happen,” Dawson remembers. “Anchor was able to make things right and continue working with the landlord. Our office manager was very understanding and treated the agent involved with kindness. But not all brokerages are as forgiving, so it’s important to find out how a firm handles these types of situations.”

This is just one example in a long list of reasons why real estate agents in NYC may decide to switch brokerages or stay where they are. For Shawn Jenkins, who transitioned from a rental-driven firm to join Corcoran’s luxury sales team, the decision was all about finding a place to grow.

“I was working as a rental agent and wanted to take my career to the next level,” says Jenkins. “Sales [was the obvious choice]. I’m a natural self-starter, so all I needed was a toolkit to help accelerate my career into sales.”

Jenkins knew that Corcoran was the place to be if he wanted to make a name for himself in the luxury sales market, which is off to a great start having already closed a deal over $1 million in Sunset Park. But not all agents have the same sense of clarity or ambition. In some cases, the decision to switch brokerages is more about flexibility or necessity. If an agent’s clients have outgrown their current firm, or if the brokerage is unable to provide them with the tools and support they need, then it might be time to make a change.

But with so many different business models, how can real estate professionals ensure they’re making the right choice?

What Are the Different Brokerage Options and Which One Is Right for Me?

When exploring the different brokerage options in NYC, Dawson recommends making a list of both personal and business objectives. Once the agent has an idea of what those are, it will be much simpler to determine which potential firm is likelier to help them achieve their goals.

“It’s like any other job search,” she explains. “You need to know what you’re looking for and how the chosen firm can help you get there. But unlike a traditional job where you earn an hourly wage or get paid a salary, how much you make as a real estate agent depends on how much you put in. So it’s important to understand how the commission split works and how much support, training, and resources you’ll get for your investment.”

Compensation Models for Brokerages

To illustrate Dawson’s point, here are some examples of the different compensation models adopted by brokerages across NYC:

• Experimental Firm A lets you keep 100% of the commission as long as you pay a monthly desk fee. This fee covers office space and administrative support but does not include training or continuing education. It ranges from $500 to $1,500 per month, depending on the broker’s needs.
• Established Firm B offers an 80/20 split with no monthly desk fees, but the agent would be responsible for all marketing costs associated with their listings, plus other out-of-pocket expenses. At $6 per day just to advertise on Streeteasy, these fees can add up quickly.
• Starter Firm C proposes a 50/50 split. It covers half the cost of marketing and provides continuing education for the agent in the form of webinars and negotiation workshops. But the firm lacks exclusive listings and hasn’t fostered any long-term relationships with landlords. This means the agent will have to compete with thousands of real estate professionals for the same open listings, hustling to secure deals.
• Salary Firm D offers a base minimum of $50,000 per year with monthly bonuses based on KPIs (e.g., lead-response rate, closed deals, customer service ratings, etc.) Put another way, the firm holds onto most of the commission in exchange for providing the agent with a steady paycheck and additional incentives.

Agents who have built a strong referral network and generate a steady stream of leads might be better off going with Firms A or B. On the other hand, agents who are just starting or take a more passive approach to their business might benefit more from Firms C or D. It depends on the agent’s level of expertise, customer base, whether they need hands-on support, and how much time and money they’re willing to invest in their business.

But these aren’t the only factors that differentiate NYC brokerages. Some firms specialize in specific neighborhoods or boroughs while others have a more global reach. Others embrace new technologies like DocuSign, chatbots, and marketing automation, making it easier for buyers and sellers to engage with the firm. Hidebound agencies, on the other hand, are being left in the dust as more and more firms adopt these cutting-edge tools.

All that said, some real estate agents will prioritize company culture over everything else, including the potential for higher commissions.

How Important Is Company Culture When Switching Brokers?

Fern Kamins, a former agent at Anchor Associates, didn’t choose to join Elegran two years ago. She just happened to be sponsored by Anchor when Elegran acquired the smaller company in 2020. The warm welcome she received from her new broker was one of the main reasons she decided to stay.

“The company culture at Elegan is wonderful,” Kamins says. “The management team is forward-thinking, empathetic, and always available to answer questions. It’s a great place to build relationships and grow your real estate career.”

Kamins has been selling real estate in Brooklyn and Manhattan for over 40 years, recently closing several deals at 225 Adams Street in Brooklyn. She’s witnessed how the industry has changed over time and believes that company culture plays a vital role in the agent’s success.

“Everybody thinks that [real estate agents] are stabbing each other in the back,” she remarks. “If you go to the right firm, that isn’t true.”

She continues: “Sadly, many agents prioritize the deal over each other. A toxic company culture perpetuates the stereotype of the agent as a selfish individual whose only goal is to close deals. But Elegran breaks that stereotype. It creates a supportive and respectful environment where agents are valued regardless of their experience level. That’s why I’m still here.”

We asked Kamins if she’s ever worked at a cut-throat real estate firm like the one depicted in David Mamet’s 1992 film “Glengarry Glen Ross.” In one scene, Alec Baldwin’s character famously delivers an eight-minute speech about how “it takes brass balls to sell real estate” and how “coffee’s for closers only.”

Kamins laughed. “I’ve certainly heard of scare tactics used at some brokerages to keep agents ‘motivated,’ if you could call it that,” she said. “I haven’t worked in a place like that myself. I think that if the brokerage environment is clearly toxic, agents shouldn’t hesitate to switch. You don’t need someone yelling at you to do your job.”

Has Kamins’ transition been smooth? “For the most part, yes,” she assured us. “Most of my business is referral-based or working with repeat clients, so I never had to worry about how the switch would affect my business. When I make a switch, I bring my clients with me. It’s that simple.”

When we asked her what advice she had for agents who are considering switching to a different brokerage, Kamins was adamant:

“Figure out your goals, research different firms, and don’t get too hung up on the commission split,” she said. “The most important thing is to find a place that feels like home so you can build meaningful relationships with colleagues and clients alike.”

What Steps Should Agents Take When Switching Brokers?

If you’re a real estate agent who’s just decided to switch brokerages, here are some tips to make your transition as smooth as possible:

1. Notify your current broker before officially resigning (this can be two weeks or 30 days in advance depending on your employment terms).
2. Discuss your current listings with your broker to coordinate how they will be handled after you leave. In some cases, you’ll need to wait until the listing expires before it can be transferred to your new broker.
3. Email your current broker a list of any pending commissions and CC your personal email. This is a great way to keep track of how much money you’re owed since brokers can take time to process commission payments.
4. Bring any documents and information related to your current listings with you when you go to your new broker.
5. Get a confirmation from your old brokerage that your real estate license is no longer sponsored by the firm before you submit the necessary paperwork to your new sponsor.
6. Notify your clients about your move and make sure they know how to get in touch with you at the new brokerage.

The Takeaway

There’s a lot to think about when switching real estate brokerages. One of the most important considerations is finding a firm that provides the support and culture the agent will need to succeed in this ultra-competitive industry. Setting realistic goals and choosing the most effective compensation structure to meet those goals is also essential.

Finally, agents should carefully navigate the process of switching brokers by asking as many questions as they need to feel comfortable with their decision. Taking these steps will help make the transition to a new brokerage as seamless and successful as possible.

The post When and How to Transition to a New Real Estate Brokerage 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.

With more than 60,000 licensed real estate agents working in New York state alone, it can be difficult to narrow your options down to the agent most fit for you, and the search process alone can be daunting.

This week I sat down with Chimere Meerschman of The Corcoran Group to discuss what sets her apart and above the rest, as well as some of her best advice and tips for potential home buyers and renters looking to jump into the market.

From Belgium to Ballet: Getting to Know Chimere Meerschman

I’m one of those bold people, you know, when I’m in a situation I really say ‘hey, how am I gonna work this out?’ You know? I get a plan together, and I just do it. I’ve been successfully navigating life with that attitude.

Meerschman and I began our discussion recapping her time in Belgium where she spent several years owning and managing a hotel and cocktail bar, even though at the time, she didn’t speak the language.

It was something that was mine in this, you know, strange country, where I didn’t speak the language. I welcomed guests from all over the country and luckily English was the common language. So that’s how I was able to be successful with a cocktail bar and hotel.

Now fluent in Dutch as well as relatively proficient in French, German, and Danish, Chimere has returned to the States, where she settled back in New York City, her hometown, bringing with her a wealth of sales, hospitality, and business-owning experience. Chimere also had a previous life as a ballet dancer.

I studied dance from 4 to 24. My mother started me in ballet, and I just loved it. So basically danced until I couldn’t dance anymore, had to get to real life. I never planned on it being my career. My mother always told me, ‘it’s fun, it’s great, it’s graceful, it makes you the person you are today.’ But realistically, there’s not a ton of open spots for ballet dancers. Everyone wants to be […] Misty Copeland, but there’s only one Misty Copeland. I was always realistic, I knew it was something I loved to do, and it was fun, but I always wanted to get a “real job.” I enjoyed doing it, I still have my pointe shoes, and whenever I have a free day, which is very rare in real estate, if I need to work out or something, I can put them on and sort of twirl around my apartment as a distraction; do fun stuff. Because I love it, I really do.

On Getting a “Real Job”

I’ve always been in some sort of sales position. So when I left school I was in packaging sales, I graduated from luxury cosmetic packaging sales, which is a niche market in itself. High margins, in beauty offices, in Manhattan which was really nice. And I was in real estate sales in the Hamptons on top of that.

As many know, The Hamptons is one of New York’s most exclusive and expensive housing markets, one of its zip codes landing as the 2nd most expensive zip code in the United States with homes ranging from $5,000,000 to 150,000,000 depending on location.

Real estate for some reason has always been a career choice for me, a lifetime ago as it now, because it’s a combination of something I’m good at, which is sales, customer service and I think I sort of top it off with a concierge or special knack for really taking care of people.

Meerschman understands just how monumental the decision to move is, having done so several times herself, and prioritizes her customers at every turn during the process.

I think moving, divorce, and having a baby [are] the three most stressful things, and moving is one of them. It’s crazy. Not only is it very stressful, it’s one of the most expensive things you’re going to do.

Meerschman is correct of course, starting with moving costs alone which nationally average between $1400 and $2500. But that’s not even scratching the surface.

You’re paying someone a big portion of your salary every month; you’re giving them first month’s rent, security deposit, broker’s fees, just to move in! Then, of course, you’re buying god-knows-what, towels and egg beaters and you know, knives and stuff. So it’s a big purchase as well as a stressful purchase. So I think when you’re doing something like that you really need someone to hold your hand and put you first and I just have that nurturing knack to do it in a really nice way. That’s why that kept becoming my “real job”.

Chimere On What Sets Her Apart From Other Agents

Meerschman’s sales, hospitality, and people skills all coincide to make her a powerhouse of real estate.

So as far as hospitality, you check into the hotel. I want to make sure you have everything you need to make your stay perfect. What time do you need your breakfast? What kind of breakfast do you like to have? When you’re done with what you need to do today, whether you’re coming for business or pleasure, where do you want to eat dinner? What souvenirs do you want to pick up? I feel I made that really accessible for my clients; it was a boutique hotel so I was able to really zero in on each person’s needs. I just somehow translated that to real estate. Where do you need to live? What will work for you as far as #1 where you’re going to live, how much you’re going to pay, what amenities you need. But as well as what kind of search do you need?

Meerschman tailors each sales experience to the client at hand, taking care to meet the needs of each person, but also provides a level that’s a step above what can be a stiff and impersonal transaction.

I’m working with a woman originally from Long Island who now lives in Florida and needs to move to New York for a job. We’re doing everything virtually because that worked for her. We’ve been looking at apartments virtually. We set a time, I send her things virtually, I go in person to the apartment, and I FaceTime her. Not only in the apartment, but in the hallway, you know, what train did I have to take there? What does the street look like? So she can make the best decision on where she wants to live.

Same as what you need as far as amenities and bedrooms and space; where’s the nearest nail salon? Where’s the nearest supermarket? I feel that concierge’s hospitality bleeds into that; I want to give them all of that. Again, this is the biggest purchase they’re making, why not give them everything so they feel really good about this purchase and on top of that just less stressed about it because all of their needs are met?

This kind of “full service” coverage Chimere offers sets her apart from other agents in a very real way, and word of mouth does a lot of work to spread her business.

I often get reviews from clients, ‘thank you so much. I really felt you cared about what I needed, how I needed it, and when I needed it.’ I sort of hold their hand. I think it sort of definitely sets me apart. I’m not really interested in the transaction, I’m interested in the person. Can I help them? Can I find them something and make it work for them? I want them to be happy. I get referrals to this day because I helped someone three, four years ago, and they’re like, ‘wow she was so good.’ Whenever someone needs an agent, I just send them your number. 

I recently reached out in my search for a 2 bedroom apartment downtown. Chimere took the call and from the moment she contacted me, her knowledge of the market and professionalism with follow up was evident. In a very short time she identified the perfect space, a Fidi loft. Her negotiating skills helped me to secure the home at a great price. Additionally she was able to rent my investment apartment with a great income stream. I highly recommend working with Chimere for all of your real estate needs.

Review from RentHop, June 2022

On What She Wishes Clients Knew Before Their NYC Apartment Search

I would want my clients to know ahead of time that because this is New York City and it’s one of the most expensive cities in the world; I think I would like for them to know ahead of time that- and I hate saying this, but they cannot get everything they want; They will have to make a small sacrifice.

So I have a client that comes to me, they want a window in each bedroom, they want a gym, floor to ceiling- they everything: I wish they would know ahead of time that it’s impossible to get everything; best price and all the amenities, it’s just really difficult. I’d like them to come in knowing that ‘I have to sacrifice something and if I do that, I’ll have a very quick and easy and painless, less stressful search because I know that one of those things I want is unrealistic.

Chimere is awesome! It’s difficult to imagine apartment hunting being fun, but Chimere even managed that. Moreso, she was honest and transparent about her recommendations but listened to my requests and showed me even those places she suspected (and was correct) that wouldn’t be the right fit just so that I would feel comfortable with my choice.

Review from RentHop, September 2021

Chimere notes that these expectations come mostly from those less familiar with the nuances of New York City’s housing market, And not because they’re unrealistic or unreasonable people, it’s just a lot of clients who I meet are coming from different cities. Whether it’s Chicago, Florida, or California. Everything is different. California is different from New York. There’s a lot of air and space and light there, we don’t necessarily have that in New York, but we have other things that California doesn’t have. So I’d like them to know that where they’re coming from can’t necessarily dictate where they’re going. It’s just not the same, you know? I think that would make my life and their lives a lot easier knowing that coming in.

On New York City

I mean, New York is, listen, I was born and raised here, so I’m definitely partial. However, I did move to Europe for several years, and I still think New York is the best place. There’s a beautiful combination in New York of class, sophistication, grit, soul, there’s a little bit of everything here. There’s no place more convenient, you can have anything you want whenever you want it, which is amazing. The best food; the best Indian, the best Italian, the best any-type-of-food you want. So, I think when anyone’s moving from another state to New York, it’s likely because they have another job. So your paycheck is larger, and you’re making a lot of money that’s different from a lot of places in the states.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Manhattan’s average weekly wage of just over $4000 ranks #1 in the nation, of course, there is a higher cost of living that follows the higher wages.

For Meerschman, it’s all par for the course.

There’s great opportunity everywhere just to enjoy New York. Amenities in buildings, for example, are amazing; you’ve got roof-top pools and gyms and laundry rooms, work-from-home lounge; you know, you get all dressed up to leave your apartment and go to your rooftop lounge, and that’s a thing in New York City. What other place can say that? You’re not even leaving your building, but you’re still out and about. Plus, not to mention all the great people. There’s people in New York from all over the world, and all over the country, I think it makes this amazing melting pot of knowledge, style, and class. Just a little bit of everything, you know?”

Rentals or Sales?

Obviously, when you’re going to buy something, it’s a lot more permanent. You’re spending more money, and you are making a large commitment. But at the root of everything, it’s very similar, it’s still the most expensive purchase you’re ever going to make. There isn’t a big difference in the process, obviously, technically, you’re buying something, you’re getting a loan- there are other things that are involved, but you’re still proving something to someone.

In rentals, in one case, you’re proving to the landlord, “I can afford to live here.” In sales, you’re proving to the board, “I can afford to live here.” But you need the same documents, you still need the last few paystubs, the last two bank statements, tax returns, your letter of employment, all of that stuff is needed. One’s just a little more, or a lot more expensive than the other, but it’s still a very similar process. I think, and I hate to say this, maybe I like rentals better because I can help more people. There are more people renting in New York City than buying. I feel like I have more opportunities to help in the rental market.

On Trends in NYC Rentals & Sales

I feel like right now you have a lot of people wanting their own space. They’d rather get a studio which they can afford on their own than get a two-bedroom that they have to split with a roommate. I’m also noticing people buying something for themselves, not necessarily for the family unit. ‘My kids are out of school, my kids are gone, they’re done. Let me get an apartment that works for me” I’m seeing a lot of that. I’m also seeing a lot of first-time buyers. They’re saying, ‘I’ve never bought in New York or anywhere, and my rent is so high, let me dip my toe in to see what it would cost to buy because now I’m giving all of my money to a landlord because it’s so expensive, let me see what the cost- I’m doing a lot of rent vs buy situations. I feel like the age to buy is getting younger than it was a few years ago.

I asked Chimere if she thought Covid was to blame for some of these trends, as the housing market experienced a surge in prices as the pandemic raged on.

I think it’s a combination. People’s priorities have changed, you know? Do you want to be in a two-bedroom apartment with someone you don’t necessarily know? Or in a four-bedroom with all these people.

All the prices going down then going back up, it’s just like “Let me take care of myself” That’s what I’m seeing. ‘Let me get something by myself, and I’ll figure it out. Whether it’s gonna be smaller, but at least I know it’s mine, and God forbid something like this happens again, I have my little space.

Chimere’s Favorite Building: An Art Installation As A Building

NYC boasts some of the most jaw-dropping and unique constructions across the world and since real estate agents see many buildings a day, both inside and out, we had to know which of all the gorgeous builds is Chimere’s favorite.

I like 56 Leonard, it’s just beautiful. It’s the Jenga building. The building, by Herzog & de Meuron, located at 56 Leonard Street in Tribeca, was fully sold, shortly after its critically acclaimed opening in 2017.

It’s just beautiful. It has an amazing lobby, it’s right in Tribeca. It’s got a beautiful art installation outside. It’s just gorgeous. The windows in the apartments are all floor-to-ceiling. Most of the apartments have at least one outdoor space. It just looks like when you see one of these movies when you see a successful person in New York, they would live in a building like this, you know? I just love it. All of the amenities. It’s just fabulous. It’s quintessential fabulous New York, if you will. You’re in there, and no one can see in because the next building is so far away, you’re so high in the sky, it’s just beautiful- I really like it, I love it actually.

Any Last Tips?

I think it’s important for people to know that they really should work with a good real estate agent. Real-estate agents are quintessential in helping someone find their place to live, renting or buying or selling; it’s our job. Most successful real estate agents, successful ones that I know, myself included, we work seven days a week. We are really in the market, and we know what’s going on… you do yourself a disservice by trying to figure something out by yourself, [as agents] have all of these inside secrets and tips and tricks. It’s almost like going to court without a lawyer – representing yourself is not a good idea.

We’re helpful. Find a good one, not saying just pick anyone, find a good one that you like and you jibe with and let them help you find something in the right apartment for your price range, all the amenities you need. We also renegotiate for clients, a lot of clients don’t know that, we have relationships with management and landlords and we can say ‘hey, I need a couple of hundred dollars off.’ People don’t know that but I can do that and I do it all the time. I’m bringing multiple clients, they’re only bringing themselves. By bringing multiple clients to the table, agents like Meerschman are sometimes able to negotiate lower prices or other favorable conditions on behalf of buyers and renters.

We’re here to help.

I asked Chimere if she had any recommendations on places to start one’s search for a quality real estate agent.

You know that Corcoran is a reputable real estate firm. You know RentHop is reputable, they’re like the #2 place to find an apartment. A lot of people [agents] are going to respond to you, but sit down and interview them, say, ‘I need this, this, and this, can you help me?’

You’ll know if that real estate agent is a fit, and you’ll know if they’re not. Nothing wrong with talking to a couple of people and saying, ‘Hey I found someone I like, and I want to work with you.’ And you tell them that, tell the real estate agent, ‘I want to work with you exclusively.’ They’ll be happy, you’ll be happy, and it will be a great situation.

The post Chimere Meerschman, NYC Real Estate Agent, On What You Should Get During Your Apartment Search appeared first on CitySignal.

At 1,454 feet tall from foundation to antenna, the iconic 102-story building punctures the clouds, defines the New York City skyline, and towers over residents and buildings alike. Though only 91 years old, the Empire State Building is integral to the legacy and the history of Manhattan. The building has stood as a beacon of hope through the city’s darkest days, from the Great Depression to the September 11th attacks on the World Trade Center. It has served as a stage for television and film’s greatest moments, from Sleepless in Seattle to King Kong. It is a sight at which tourists marvel, and was even the site where Marvel comics were born. It is a tower with personality, a love for Taylor Swift, and allegedly a ghost or two. It is a building that is so much more than just a building. 

So where did it all begin? 

Who Built The Empire State Building? Breaking Ground

The story of the Empire State Building begins far before the structure itself. Even the land on which it was built is significant. 

Located at 20 W. 34th Street, the Art-Deco masterpiece stands in what today is considered Midtown Manhattan. In the late 1700s, however, the neighborhood was quite different. Rather than a bustling metropolis, it was the idyllic farm of John and Mary Murray and is said to be the site where George Washington’s troops retreated to after the battle of Kips Bay during the Revolutionary War. The Murray family has had an extensive impact on New York City, from the naming of Murray Hill to the creation of the New York City Public School System (by way of John Murray Jr.’s Free School Society in the early 1800s) to being the owners of the land that would one day host the Empire State Building. 

The Murray family sold the land to William Waldorf Astor in 1826; he would open the Waldorf Hotel at the site in 1893. In 1897, Waldorf’s cousin, John Jacob Astor IV, opened the Astoria Hotel next door. The two hotels soon consolidated to become the Waldorf-Astoria and would make headlines as the largest hotel in the world at the time. Despite its reputation as a “must-stay,” however, by the 1920s, much of New York’s elite had moved uptown, and so the hotel followed suit, relocating to 301 Park Avenue, where the Waldorf-Astoria still stands today. The original lot was sold to the Bethlehem Engineering Corporation in 1928, and the grand hotel was demolished to make room for something new. 

That “something new” was initially going to be a 50-story office building, but the Bethlehem Engineering Corporation defaulted on a bank loan, and the land was re-sold before anything could be done. The new owners were the investment group “Empire State Inc.,” a cohort of elite New Yorkers joined by former New York Governor and 1928 Democratic Presidential Candidate Alfred E. Smith. The group purchased nearby land to ensure they had the two acres needed for their building’s base, and in August of 1929, Al Smith – who had been chosen to head up the corporation – announced the group’s ambitious plan: Empire State Inc. would build “an 80-story building on the site, to be taller than any other buildings in existence.” 

How Old Is The Empire State Building

The boom years of the late 1920s saw an explosion of commercial buildings rise up in Manhattan as developers raced to get in on what was, at the time, a roaring and healthy economy. According to Robert Slayton’s Empire Statesman: The Rise and Redemption of Al Smith, “office space in New York had increased 51% from 1920 to 1930.” But for the elite real estate developers, it wasn’t enough to fill a skyscraper to capacity– their office building had to be the tallest one in the sky. 

At the time that Empire State Inc. announced their building plans, two other structures posed massive competition – the Woolworth Building, clocking in at 792 feet, and the Chrysler Building, taking the crown at 1,046 high. For John Jacob Raskob, former Vice President of General Motors and the mastermind behind the Empire State Building, these were the buildings to beat, and nothing would stop his tower from reaching new heights. His structure would be a “monument to the future” and an “inspiration for the poor in a nation that reached for the sky with its feet on the ground.” At least, that’s what he pitched to investors in early October of 1929. 

Unfortunately for Raskob, the future of the nation would turn bleak mere days later. On October 24th, a date otherwise known as “Black Thursday,” the stock market crashed, the banks failed, companies went belly-up, and the country would soon be plunged into the Great Depression. In the blink of an eye, the Roaring Twenties came to a screeching halt. 

When Was The Empire State Building Built?

Interestingly, this did not deter the Empire State group. On March 17th, 1930, construction on the Empire State Building officially began. According to the Empire State Building’s website, under the direction of “architects Shreve, Lamb & Harmon Associates and builders Starrett Bros. & Eken, the framework rises 4 ½ stories per week.” Despite the crumbling economy, the race to build the tallest building in the world was charging full steam ahead. The project even managed to create jobs in a time when unemployment rates were rapidly rising; 3,439 workers were employed during the one year and 45 days it took to build.

A Steel Boned Masterpiece 

The Empire State Building was a modern marvel and notable for its innovations in structural engineering. At the time of its construction, it was thought impossible to build a tower taller than 100 stories. To achieve the unachievable, architects Shreve, Lamb and Harmon Associates elected to use a steel frame for the basic construction technique. The frame was built by ironworkers whom many dubbed “Daredevil Boys.” The workers were fearless, balancing on narrow beams hundreds of feet in the air, swinging on cables, often only with the support of a very basic harness. 

Official accounts report that five workers died during the construction of the building. Some sources offer contradictory (and higher) numbers. Regardless of the actual count, the deaths go to show that this work was dangerous; construction work in 1930 did not have the same safety guardrails and protections keeping workers alive today. 

The building is considered an Art Deco masterpiece. Its strong steel bones are covered in limestone and granite with accents of aluminum. These materials, combined with recessed windows and a streamlined facade, are some of the defining markers of the Art Deco style. The building’s interior is just as notable; the lobby features a gold and aluminum mural on the ceiling, designed as an homage to the mechanical age. Above the entrance inside of the building, three medallions honor the craftsmen who built the tower, and the building trades used to complete the structure at the time of its construction. 

Though the building itself is a guidepost of the Art Deco style, the unmistakable pencil shape is actually in part due to a 1916 zoning law. The ordinance established rules on a building’s mass as it grew, meaning that the taller a building was, the farther it had to be set back from its lot line. The result was a style known as the “setback-and-tower style,” which both the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building are famous for. 

The Empire State Building’s famous spire, too, has an interesting origin. One of Al Smith’s initial plans for the building was to build a “mooring mast” for dirigibles (airships) to dock. The idea was that passengers would exit the airship “down a gangplank, and a mere seven minutes later could be on the street.” This plan never came to fruition due to its impracticability, as gusty winds made docking impossible. However, the mast remained, serving as a reminder of what could have been and giving the Empire State Building its impressive and (at the time) record-breaking height. 

On May 1st, 1931, the Empire State Building officially opened. President Herbert Hoover pressed a button from his office in the White House, and the lights to the building turned on. Al Smith’s grandchildren cut a ribbon in the building lobby, invited guests attended a dedication ceremony on the observation deck, onlookers gawked from the street. For both New York and the country as a whole, it was a day of celebration in a period of despair. 

Many saw the construction and completion of the Empire State Building as a sign of hope for the beleaguered city, which American financier Bernard Baruch called “the symbolic capital of the Depression.” To build a 102-story building was an engineering feat in and of itself; to do so in the middle of the worst economic crisis in the country’s history was unfathomable. 

Empty Chairs in Empty Offices 

From the day it opened, the observation deck on the 86th floor of the Empire State Building brought in tourists eager to view the city from the sky. Retailers, too, were eager to secure a spot in New York City’s tallest building from the get-go. Despite the economic hardships of the Great Depression, only 12 of the 224 storefronts were unoccupied when the Empire State Building opened in 1931. 

Unfortunately, office spaces – the bulk of the building’s space and income – were harder to fill. Only 23% of the office space in its first year was rented. The majority of the tenants were friends, family, or business associates of Raskob, Smith, and other members of the Empire State group. Even Al Smith’s dentist moved his offices to the building; he would stay there for many years to come. Add in some garment makers and the offices of the New York World’s Fair, and that makes up the bulk of the tenants in the early years. 

86 nearly unoccupied floors of office space is not a good look for a brand-new building. To give the appearance of vacancy, the lights were continuously left on, even in the unrented spaces. Unfortunately, the ruse wasn’t enough to convince onlookers of a bustling building – New Yorkers soon dubbed it the “Empty State Building.” 

Much of the Empire State Building’s early occupancy issues were due to the economic conditions and a slow market. Interestingly, the pandemic years saw a similar conundrum. 

Pre-2020, office space in New York City was at a premium, and developers couldn’t build fast enough. The ambitious $25 billion Hudson Yards project, aimed at revitalizing the area between Chelsea and Hell’s Kitchen, rolled out “Phase 1” in March 2019, which included a hotel, retail spaces, and ample office space. One year later, the COVID-19 pandemic sent workers home and permanently changed how employees interact with the workplace. In May 2020, the Financial Times called the development a “ghost town.” The vision of a bustling mini-metropolis within Manhattan faded as Hudson Yards struggled to fill its offices (and retain retailers designed to serve commuters). Though employees have trickled back to the office and a semblance of commuter culture has returned, as of September 2022, Hudson Yards still sat at a 37% vacancy rate. 

The Empire State Building, too, was affected by the pandemic. Though many seem to be returning to the office, the adoption of the hybrid mode of work has impacted office rentals, retailers, and tourism alike. For example: in the second quarter of 2021, the 86th-floor observatory saw 162,000 visitors, 83% less than the one million tourists recorded during the second quarter of 2019. Though both tourism and return-to-office numbers have steadily risen since 2021 – the building reported 573,000 visitors in the second quarter of 2022 – it’s clear that the Empire State Building still has a ways to go before reaching pre-pandemic boom numbers. 

The lesson? No matter how impressive the development, timing is everything. Whether it’s 1931 or 2020, macroeconomic conditions greatly affect the success of a building. 

Empire State on the Up and Up

Despite a rocky first few years for office occupancy, the Empire State Building soon found its footing as both a cultural and economic icon. Though the owners did not make a profit on the building until the 1950s, by the 1940s, the building was 98% occupied. One notable tenant of the 1940s was Timely Comics, the comic book arm of American publisher Martin Goodman. It was in the Empire State Building that Goodman published the superhero stories which would eventually evolve into what is known as Marvel today. 

The building steadily increased occupancy and gained notoriety throughout the 1930s and 1940s. However, there were two markers in the building’s early years that put it on the map as one of the most famous landmarks in New York City.  

Height of the Empire State Building 

From the moment it was completed in 1931, the Empire State Building claimed the title of “the tallest skyscraper in the world.” This title was held for 42 years, likely in part due to the onset of the Great Depression and the Second World War. In 1972, the World Trade Center’s North Tower surpassed the Empire State Building in height and took the title of the world’s tallest skyscraper. By the early 2000s, several other structures had surpassed both the Empire State Building and the World Trade Center for the title of tallest building in the world. After the September 11th attacks, the Empire State Building was once considered the tallest building in New York City; it kept this title until the erection of One World Trade in 2012. 

That the Empire State Building was able to market itself as “the world’s tallest skyscraper” from 1931 – 1972 did a lot for its success. The title afforded both tenants and the building a certain cache. Who wouldn’t want to say that their office building is so big it has its own zip code? 

KING KONG Filming and the Sale of the Empire State Building

On March 7th, 1933, the building received another legendary bit of marketing, this one by way of a giant gorilla-like beast on the loose from Skull Island. In the climax of the film, King Kong scales the Empire State Building, terrorizing New York City from 102 floors up, before falling to his death. It’s fitting that the film, which has been lauded for its groundbreaking use of special effects, used a building that was, at the time, a major achievement and pioneer in structural engineering. 

Both King Kong and the “world’s tallest building” title cemented the Empire State Building’s place in the concrete jungle. To this day, it remains one of the most iconic markers of Manhattan.    

Unfortunately, increased occupancy and building fame were not enough for Raskob, who listed it for sale in 1951. Purchased for $51 million, it was the highest price ever paid for a single structure at the time. The building would break its own record ten years later in 1961, when it was again sold at the new highest price paid for a single structure, this time for $65 million. Today the building is owned by the Empire State Realty Trust, a publicly traded real estate company.  

No matter the owner, the legacy of the Empire State Building is not going anywhere. On May 19th, 1981 the building was awarded Landmark Status from the New York City Preservation Commission. It has become the gold standard when describing the height and length of other structures globally. And in 1994, it was named one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World by the American Society of Civil Engineers. 

Lore and Legends of the Empire State Building

With every icon comes a good amount of gossip, noteworthy people, and… ghosts. The Empire State Building is no different. 

The Ghost of Evelyn Francis McHale

On May 1st, 1947 – exactly 16 years after the Empire State Building opened – 23-year-old Evelyn Francis McHale jumped to her death from the 86th Floor observatory. She landed on the roof of a United Nations limousine. Her death, which was captured by photography student Robert C. Wiles, was dubbed “The Most Beautiful Suicide” by Life Magazine. The photo of McHale was a sensation, even used by Andy Warhol in one of his prints. 

Rumor has it that McHale’s ghost still haunts the 86th-floor observation deck. An account from Gawker reports: “tourists at the Empire State Building spot a beautiful woman, dressed in ‘40s-style clothing, face streaked with tears, on the observation deck. They watch in horror as she jumps to her death, only to find… She was already dead.” 

The Seance of 1932

In the early days of (un)occupancy, the building’s desperate owners were willing to do anything in order to get their offices filled. That included a seance to contact the ghost of Thomas Edison. Led by a medium on the 82nd floor, the event was mainly a publicity stunt in hopes of drawing in more renters. 

Death By Penny? 

A famous urban myth about the Empire State Building is that “if one drops a penny off the top of the Empire State Building, it could kill someone or put a crater in the pavement.” In 2003, popular TV show Mythbusters put the theory to a test. Ultimately the myth was busted after the conclusion that a penny “cannot gain enough velocity to inflict lethal injury or put a crater into the pavement.” This did not, however, deter the Broadway musical Avenue Q from using the urban myth as a joke. In the musical, a character drops a penny off the side of the Empire State Building and inadvertently hits her rival, sending her into a coma! 

Paging Walter Hobbs

The Empire State Building makes a major appearance in the 2003 Christmas movie Elf. Chaos is wrecked upon the office of naughty book publisher Walter Hobbs, played by the late James Caan, when Buddy the Elf visits his father at work. The building is Buddy’s guiding light as he traverses from the North Pole to New York City, following a shaker globe with the building at the center. Not surprising that a Christmas Elf took such a liking to the building; though the design was actually made to reflect a pencil, if one were to press all of the elevator buttons at once, it bears a striking resemblance to a Christmas tree. 

TikTok and Taylor Swift 

In recent years, the Empire State Building has developed an impressive presence on TikTok. The building’s account often goes viral for making fun of other skyscrapers in New York City, making videos with celebrities, and its apparent love of Taylor Swift. On the night before the release of her highly anticipated re-recorded Red album in November of 2021, the building turned its lights red, and the corresponding TikTok got over 7 million views. 

Currently, the Empire State Building’s Tik Tok is run by two “Besties” who publish Gen Z-targeted content and personify the landmark to create major drama between nearby buildings and competing observatories such as The Edge.

@empirestatebldg WE RUN THIS CITY #empirestatebuilding #nyc #newyork #besties ♬ original sound – Random Memes and Stuff

Sleepless in Seattle

Lots of movies, TV shows, and novels have used the infamous observation deck as part of their story. Perhaps the most iconic, however, is Sleepless in Seattle. It’s the spot where star crossed lovers Annie Reed (Meg Ryan) and Sam Baldwin (Tom Hanks) finally meet to confess their feelings for each other on Valentines Day. Annie’s character (and the film’s writer, Norah Ephron) was inspired by the 1957 romance film An Affair to Remember. 

Unfortunately, in the latter lovers Nickie Ferrante (Cary Grant) and Terry McKay (Deborah Kerr) do not get their happy ending at the top of the Empire State Building; Terry is struck by a car on her way to the building and never makes it to the observation deck.  

Empire State Building Run-Up

Some go to the top of the Empire State Building for love; others head up a bit of exercise. Since 1978, NYCRUNS has held a foot race at the building called the “Empire State Building Run-Up.” The route spans from the bottom of the building to the 86 floor, with runners sprinting up 1,576 stairs. According to the Empire State Building’s website, it’s “the world’s first and most famous tower race, and the fastest runners have covered the 86 floors in about 10 minutes.” The 2022 Run-Up date was on October 6th at 8pm. 

Who Owns The Empire State Building Today?

Since 2006, the ownership of the Empire State Building has been in the hands of Peter Malkin and his company Empire State Land Associates from Donald Trump and Hideki Yokoi for a sale of $57.5 million. Prior to that, Leona Helmsley also hand in the day to day operations

Visiting the Empire State Building

The Empire State Building is open 365 days a year, rain or shine. For observatory visits, tourists can head up early in the morning or after dark for nighttime views. The building offers group packages, specialty experiences, and even a VIP proposal package for the romantic types. For those looking for more than just a quick visit to the Empire State Building, both office and retail spaces are currently available for lease. The building is strictly commercial, so anyone hoping to call 20 W. 34th Street home will have to look elsewhere. 

From the very soil it sits on to top of the record-breaking tower, the Empire State Building is an unmistakable part of the soul of New York City. The building has modernized with the city, and the longer it stands, the more stories it holds and visitors it welcomes. It is a place that has seen the city through the best and worst of times, and stands tall as a reminder of what New York City is: weird, wonderful, and very, very big. 

The post The Complete History of the Empire State Building appeared first on CitySignal.

Who were Andrew Carnegie and Louise Whitfield?

Andrew Carnegie’s Immigrant Tale

Called the Father of Modern Philanthropy, Andrew Carnegie was born in 1835 to Will and Margaret Carnegie in Dunfermline, Scotland, the capital at the time. Having fallen on hard times, Will Carnegie joined the popular Chartist movement, a populist movement composed of thousands of working-class Scotsmen sharing a vision for a “better life for the working man.” After the movement failed in 1848, Will and Margaret Carnegie sold their belongings to book passage to America for themselves and their children, 5-year-old Tom and 13-year-old Andrew. They eventually settled in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, taking over a family member’s weaving shop, which ultimately failed, leaving the family in need.

Andrew began working at age 13 as a low-paying bobbin boy in a cotton mill, anything to help support the family. He quickly found better work as a telegraph messenger, teaching himself how to operate the equipment. He eventually found himself in the position of telegraph operator for the Pennsylvania Railroad, where he was promoted to superintendent by age 24. When ten shares of the Adams Express Company went up for sale, Thomas A. Scott, a superintendent of the western division of the Pennsylvania Railroad, alerted Carnegie. But it was Margaret Carnegie who mortgaged their home to obtain the $500 needed for the shares. This investment was massively successful, and Carnegie eventually spun it into another purchase of a share in his business partner Theodore Woodruff’s Sleeping Car Company, a business that Carnegie would eventually buy.

Louise and Andrew’s Secret Engagement

By age 30, around 1865, Carnegie was a multi-millionaire business tycoon with business interests in iron works, steamers on the Great Lakes, railroads, and oil wells. It wasn’t until 1880, at age 45, he began courting his future wife, Louise Whitfield, age 23. Miss Whitfield was born in Chelsea, Manhattan in 1857 to English immigrant and textile merchant John Whitfield. After befriending her father, Carnegie met and was immediately attracted to equally ambitious Louise. 

Andrew was one of the most famous bachelors in the US  at the time, with a growing value of $20 million ($350 million today), although Louise made it clear she had no wish to marry rich. Andrew compromised, making it clear he planned on giving his fortune away: They fell in love. Margaret Carnegie, age 70, disapproved, purportedly having exacted a promise from Andrew that he would remain single while she was alive. Even with her undermining, the couple was engaged in 1883 before breaking it off in 1884 before engaging each other again secretly weeks later to spare mother Margaret, marrying after her death in 1886. Unusual for the time, Louise signed a prenup renouncing claim to Andrew’s millions, gaining stocks and bonds for an independent annual income instead. 

The Andrew Carnegie House

The house was planned by Louise and Andrew not only as a place to raise their daughter, also named Margaret, but also as a base for Carnegie’s philanthropic ventures. After selling his company for $480 million (a staggering $13 billion today), Carnegie retired to the mansion in 1901. There he and Louise oversaw the donation of around $350 million to education, cultural institutions, and promoting world peace. The home was the first modern steel-framed construction, highly sophisticated for the time, featuring multiple electric elevators (one of the first Otis passenger elevators in the city), a fully electric laundry, a hi-tech air conditioning system, and a cellar coal car that traveled over a miniature train track to transfer fuel from a storage bin to the boiler-room. With four levels, a ground floor, and a basement, it rivals some of the one-percenter mansions of today! 

The spacious private garden was rare at the time in New York City, but the Carnegie family preferred simple natural pleasures to the flashy trappings of the Gilded Age elite. Every morning the family would wake up to the sounds of renowned church organist Walter C. Gale who would arrive daily and play the massive organ in the main hallway. The two lived happily with their daughter there for about twenty years until Andrew’s death in 1919. Louise continued their philanthropic ventures long after, living in the mansion until her death in 1946, leaving it to the Carnegie Corporation.  In 1974 the building received historic landmark status before being turned over to the Smithsonian Institute in 1976 to be used as a home for the Cooper-Hewitt Museum. 

The Andrew Carnegie Mansion Today

The interior remained largely unchanged until 2011, when it was renovated by the organization with respect for the original spirit and character of the building. Being a historic landmark, the renovations took care to restore key features of the interior, including moldings, chandeliers, and woodwork, while also allowing for the creation of the Cooper-Hewitt Research Library and the 6000-square-foot Barbara and Morton Mandel Design Gallery. 

In 2015 the mansion and Cooper-Hewitt campus earned LEED silver certification from the United States Green Building Council, which is awarded to buildings that are designed, constructed, maintained, and operated for improved environmental and human health performance: Even after their deaths, the legacy of Andrew and Louise Carnegie is being honored by their home and organization. 

featured image of Carnegie Mansion: Some rights reserved by ajay_suresh

The post How the NYC Carnegie Mansion Came To Be appeared first on CitySignal.

Nowadays, few would guess the lush and bountiful garden beside the Jefferson Market Library was once a notorious women’s jail. Walking through the upbeat and upscale Greenwich Village today, it is quintessential New York in all its splendor; a neighborhood with brownstones, delis, subways, and iconic tourist destinations like NYU, the New School, and Washington Square Park. Yet, for some, history cannot be erased. For members of the queer community, the New York Women’s House of Detention (House of D) existed as a painful reminder of intolerance and government-sponsored abuse. The prison would leave its mark on Greenwich Village and New York in many ways.

The prison’s eventual closure was celebrated by even the mayor, who spearheaded the demolition committee and took an honorary first jab at destroying the building. This probably came as a surprise to the designers of the prison, who viewed it as ahead of its time, the beginning of a new path in incarceration. “It is the first of its kind in the country and may serve for the guidance of other communities,” said an anticipatory 1931 New York Times article. How did it come to fall so short? 

The First and Only Art Deco Prison

Built in 1931, the New York Women’s House of Detention was the only women’s prison to exist in Manhattan. Often called the House of D, it was designed by Sloan and Robertson and constructed for $2 million. The prison was built on the site of the Jefferson Market Prison, located at 10 Greenwich Avenue in the heart of downtown Manhattan. Inmates began to arrive as soon as 1932, and it quickly filled beyond capacity.

The prison was controversial throughout the entirety of its operation. Called the “world’s only art deco prison,” the House of D inspired protest and criticism alike due to harsh treatment of inmates and severe overcrowding. 

Through The House of D Formed Community

Historian Hugh Ryan researched the prison extensively for his book The Women’s House of Detention, noting, “It was one of the Village’s most famous landmarks: a meeting place for locals and a must-see site for adventurous tourists. And for tens of thousands of arrested women and transmasculine people from every corner of the city, the House of D was a nexus, drawing the threads of their lives together in its dark and fearsome cells.” Over the decades, a number of independent events solidified the Women’s House of Detention as an important part of American and LGBTQ+ history and culture. 

Many famous women were incarcerated throughout the years, including author Polly Adler, far-left radical Jane Alpert, political activist, and philosopher Angela Davis, journalist and anarchist Dorothy Day, Black Panther and activist Afeni Shakur, Broadway film actress Mae West, author and activist Grace Paley, and radical feminist Valerie Solanas, who shot Andy Warhol.

The House of D played a pivotal role in the LGBTQ+ community, establishing Greenwich Village as the gay capital of New York. When gay bars and drag shows were being raided in the 1950s, arrested women- queer women and trans men- were brought to the House of D. By default, it became a congregating place for queer and trans folk navigating the penal system. Greenwich Village, by extension, grew into a de facto hub for New York’s queer and trans population.

The Women’s House of Detention was also a prolific space during the gay rights movement of the 1960s and the Stonewall Uprising of 1969. The House of D’s close proximity to Stonewall Inn, less than 500 feet, meant prisoners were able to watch the riots from their windows. Eventually, rioting broke out among prisoners, and many set fire to their belongings, chanting, “Gay rights! Gay rights!”

House of Detention And Proper Women

The first superintendent of the prison, Ruth E. Collins, called the Women’s House of Detention a “new era in penology.” She commissioned artworks and murals to be placed on the grounds to uplift inmates. She believed in redemption.

A notable feature of the prison was its intention to rehabilitate women back into society as “proper women.” Women could move upwards and out of poverty through two main avenues: being a wife or being a maid. Queerness, it was thought, hindered women from integrating properly into society.

Ryan notes that the treatment of women was appalling compared to the treatment of men in men’s prisons, “Things that weren’t considered crimes or were considered something you would get a fine for or a citation suddenly become vectors for incarceration when applied to Black people and to women.”

Many prisoners were incarcerated through crimes dealing with gender-nonconforming behaviors. In essence, being the “wrong” kind of woman could get anyone a stay in the House of D. “Waywardism, disobedience to their parents, being out at night by themselves,” were all things that could get a woman arrested, says Hugh Ryan, “wearing pants, accepting a date from a man, accepting a ride from a man.” A woman seen as improperly feminine or too masculine could be incarcerated for waywardism by her parents or a stranger.

Allegations began to arise of racial discrimination, abuse, and mistreatment. By the 1960s, it was estimated around 75% of incarcerated individuals were queer. The prison was exceptionally hard on its queer population, marking gay prisoners with a “D” for degenerate and subsequently placing them into solitary confinement for being a danger to the other women. New prisoners underwent a harsh pelvic and physical exam during their entry.  

The building was under constant scrutiny from residents, investigators, and picketers. During its final years, the prison was a focal point for frequent protests by groups calling attention to the repression of women, homosexuals, and minorities.

Investigators and journalists began sharing stories from inside the prison. Inmates detailed horrendous living conditions, including rats, mice, flying bugs and inadequate medical care, unpalatable food, and inmate-staff intimacy. Some inmates displayed to reporters the bites they got from insects in jail. Assemblyman Kottler found the House of D was a “hellhole” that made him “physically sick.” Overcrowding was a major issue. The original building capacity was set to 457 people, but the prison often held more than 750 inmates. 

The Downfall of the House of D

Before the prison was fully operational, the New York Times said it “looks not unlike a better-class apartment house. Taxpayers who feared that the new jail would have a depressing influence on land prices in the neighborhood welcomed it as an asset once it was built.” 

That sentiment did not last for long. Passerbys and local residents could not escape the prison; inmates would shout from the windows at all hours of the day. Prisoners often pressed themselves against bars to talk with people and friends passing by. This led locals to believe it was “the wrong building in the wrong place.”

The pivotal downfall for the House of D came when 18-year-old Andrea Dworkin was arrested for protesting the Vietnam War in 1965. During intake, two doctors forced a pelvic exam on her.

Middle class and white, her family was well-connected. Upon release, Dworkin told reporters about the violent and dehumanizing assault. She received coverage in the New York Post by James Wechsler, a widely read columnist, leading to multiple investigations into the prison. His column was a harsh rebuke, “The truth is that the Women’s House is an unfit habitation for any human soul. A sweeping exploration of this case might finally hasten its end.” City and state government officials took note, launching multiple investigations into facility operations. 

Andrea Dworkin’s testimony was the first move in its eventual closing. “The move to get rid of the House of D and move women over to Rikers basically starts in that moment,” said Hugh Ryan.

The prison officially closed in June of 1971. That month 422 inmates were loaded on buses and transferred to a new facility on Rikers Island as part of a new correctional center dedicated to Mayor Lindsay.

One correctional officer commented on the change, “No more overcrowding. A chance for the girls to live like human beings.” A local resident remarked, “At long last no more raucous, bawdy exchanges.” 

Calling it a “miserable old dungeon,” Mayor Lindsay initiated the demolition himself, posing for photographs with a sledgehammer and crowbar before climbing the prison scaffolding to take a swing at the granite and brownstone. Onlookers cheered. The mayor then announced that after the razing, the city would make a park on the site.

Finally Laid to Rest

The prison officially closed on June 13, 1971. Mayor Lindsey began prison demolition that was completed sometime in 1974. The prison was replaced with the Jefferson Market Garden. The Jefferson Market Library, standing beside the old prison grounds, offers a studious and quaint respite to the hustle of the Greenwich neighborhood. With a lush garden outside, visitors can read and dream in ways the women of this prison could not.

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Hotels to Sightsee

Ansonia Hotel 

The Ansonia Hotel, in operation from its erection in 1904 to its conversion to condominiums in the early 90s, has one of the most complex, controversial, and fabulous histories of any pre-war hotel in the city. Built by the “All Time Black Sheep” heir to the Phelps-Dodge copper fortune, William Earle Dodge Stokes, the intention was to put Grande Boulevard (now known as Broadway) on the map by building the grandest, tallest, biggest building in the city. With over 1400 rooms, 550,000 square feet of space, a chicken farm on the roof, and an egg market in the basement, the Ansonia was never the chicest spot to stay; but its long list of historic residences has cemented its importance. From baseball player Babe Ruth to Four Seasons composer Igor Stravinsky, the seedy, infamous reputation of the hotel drew many eccentric guests. In one of its most famous stints, the basement of the hotel served as the base for a gay bathhouse where a young Bette Mindler performed alongside Barry Manilow, her accompanist. 

The hotel also played a key role in the blackmail of Edward R. West, the Black Sox Scandal, and as a safe house for bank robber Willie Sutton. One resident, Thomas The Cat, never left the location and has reportedly been haunting the halls since 1903. With a major stripping of the face for World War I steel, and a series of less-than-scrupulous owners, the building, now a historic landmark, retains only a shadow of its former glory. The building is now home to 385 condominiums, rearranged in 2007 to recreate the grand apartments of history long since past, with units going for as low as $800,000 per year up to over $5.5 million and renting for $9,500 a month; A small ask to live in a pre-war condominium with a sharp Parisian-style exterior and refurbished interior. Part of the building also serves as a secondary facility for The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA).

Fifth Avenue Hotel 

Considered at the time to be not only the finest hotel in not just New York City but the world, the Fifth Avenue hotel was located at 200 Fifth Avenue and was in operation from 1859 to 1908. Built on what many considered to be cursed ground (as dozens of skeletons were unearthed during construction), Amos Richard Eno, a wealthy businessman, was not deterred. Influenced heavily by European architecture, the hotel’s interior was modeled after French hotels, while the exterior was all imported Italian marble. The location also featured the first steam-powered passenger elevator built in the United States.  Politicians appreciated the hotel for its luxury but also its security; with soundproofed rooms and discreet staff; except in the case of Robert Montague, a famous bank robber, who was arrested after his chambermaid tipped off the police.

James Garfield, the 20th president of the United States, had a specifically involved history in the hotel, having to pander to Republican support at the convention in 1880. Chester A. Arthur, the eventual successor, also frequented the hotel before Garfield’s assassination by Charles Guiteau, who also found himself in the hotel from time to time, truly a very small world.

In 1908 the Fifth Avenue Hotel was officially torn down and rebuilt into the Fifth Avenue Toy Center, which according to the Toy Manufacturer’s association, was responsible for 95% of the toy business by 1981. In 2007 however, the building at 200 Fifth Avenue was sold again to L&L Holding company to be transitioned into a Class A office building and where Eataly is currently located.

A new hotel has risen nearby at 250 Park Ave that has taken the name Fifth Ave Hotel that visitors can sight-see. It is not open for bookings just yet.

Closed for Renovations

Waldorf Astoria 

With legendary service and a long, celebrated history, the Waldorf Astoria Hotel is one of the most well-known hotels in New York City. Synonymous with celebrity, the original Waldorf Hotel was built in 1893 by William Waldorf Astor, an attorney, and scion to the grotesquely wealthy Astor Family of New York City. Like a plot out of some plutocratic fantasy, Waldorf’s cousin and rival, John Jacob Astor IV, built an even taller hotel next door in a startling show of one-upmanship. Eventually, following a truce, the buildings were connected by Peacock Alley, a long marble corridor, and hence was renamed the Waldorf-Astoria. 

The first hotel to have electricity on every floor, en suite baths, and 24-hour room service, the Waldorf Astoria set a precedent for luxury hotel living. After its grand reopening in 1931 as a dual tower hotel in a new location, celebrities such as Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Cole Porter, Andy Warhol, and every president from Herbert Hoover to Barack Obama have graced the halls and rooms: The late Queen Elizabeth II even stayed at the location with Prince Phillip in 1957. The location is currently undergoing a $1 billion renovation but will be open again in 2023, when you’ll again be able to walk the halls and brush elbows with celebrities of yesteryear. Units in the building are currently for sale, all the way up to $19 million. 

Hotels to book now

The Plaza Hotel 

Possibly the most famous hotel in New York City, it’s said that “Nothing unimportant ever happens at The Plaza.” Opening in 1907, for over 100 years, the hotel has been the location of critical meetings, classic films, and glitzy nightlife. Built on the site of the Original Plaza hotel after it was demolished in 1905, it was rebuilt two years later by Bernhard Beinecke, Fred Sterry, and Harry S. Black for $12 million (which at the time was unprecedented). It took about twenty-seven months to demolish the old Plaza and build the new one, but the investment was well worth it. Reportedly, the single largest order for gold-encrusted china was placed with L. Straus and Sons to furnish the new hotel, truly sparing no expense for the decadence. 

From 1959 to 2013 and beyond, the hotel has served as a set piece to some of the most important and influential films of their times. Alfred Hitchcock’s North by Northwest was the first time the Plaza made its way to the silver screen but it was followed by The Way We Were, The Front, Baz Lurhman’s The Great Gatsby, and perhaps most famously, Home Alone 2, where a hapless Macaulay Culkin wandered the halls of the hotel unchaperoned. Guests today can even pick from several themed offers, including a Home Alone 2: Fun In New York package that includes a Limousine ride to the filming locations, a large cheese pizza, and a Home Alone Sundae.

Residences at the Plaza at 1 Central Park South and 768 5th Ave can also be purchased.

Chelsea Hotel 

Originally conceived as a socialist utopian commune by architect Philip Hubert, this eccentric, bohemian hotel has a rich cultural history and has hosted some of the most famous names in the art world: From Bob Dylan to Janis Joplin, Mark Twain to Jimmy Hendrix. Andy Warhol shot several films with actress Viva, while Madonna, who lived there during the 80s, has used the location for photo shoots and public appearances.

Arthur C. Clark is said to have written 2001: A Space Odyssey at the Chelsea, while Jack Kerouac is said to have had a one-night stand with Gore Vidal. In the 70s, The Chelsea was run as an informal artists’ colony for a period of time, where artists traded paintings for rent or lived free, subsidized by the super-rich, who also called the hotel home. It was curated and run by Stanley Bard, who has been called everything from ”the best landlord in history” to “the biggest starfucker of all time.”

Closed for eleven years due to renovations, the hotel has recently reopened and is accepting new guests at all-time-low “hard hat” rates to encourage those who don’t mind a little bit of construction to have a stay. Some 50-odd guests call the 12-story building a permanent home, many of who have been there for decades. The renovations on the nearly 140-year-old building have brought a restored lobby, refurbished apartments and rooms for vistors, two restaurants, an event space, and a rooftop fitness center and spa. Additionally, El Quijote, an old-school Spanish restaurant next door that was closed in 2018, is scheduled to reopen alongside the hotel.

At around $200 to $600 a night, it’s a steal for the amount of history and legacy you get to interact with. You may even be joined by a few spectral friends.

A building’s life is often long, complicated, and dotted with scandals and mysteries, even more so for a hotel where hundreds of thousands of fascinating guests filter in and out yearly. These fabulous, historic New York hotels are fascinating and well worth a stay if you’re able; You might even share the halls with a ghostly cat or artistic royalty if you’re lucky!

The post The 6 Most Iconic Hotels To Visit in NYC appeared first on CitySignal.

At its inception, the Sugar Loaf Building was built for storage, and it continued to be used for that purpose until 1996. The transformation into private residences began at that time.

In 1996, the building went through its first major remodel. At that time, condos were constructed, and some of its first tenants moved in. Throughout the years, condominiums have been sold to real estate investors, NYC residents, and celebrities alike.

Each of the 10 condominiums and single commercial unit of the Sugar Loaf building feature many of its original details. Across the 40,682 square feet of living and storage space, wooden beams line the ceilings and exposed brick highlight the outer walls. Steel columns in the original floorplan still line the interiors of the residences.

Taylor Swift’s Neighbors With Famous Faces

Walking by the Sugar Loaf Building, you just might walk past a myriad of entertainment and sports’ famous faces, but none will be more popular than singer Taylor Swift. Ms. Swift is a long-time resident of the Sugar Loaf Building and owns two separate condos, as well as a townhouse.

Ms. Swift bought her first residence at the Sugar Loaf Building in 2014 for $19.95 million from Peter Jackson-director of Lord of the Rings. This condo extends across the entire top floor of the building and is roughly 8,000 square feet. Taylor Swift purchased her second condo for $9.75 million in an off-market deal. This 3,540-square-foot condo is on the second floor.

Taylor Swift isn’t the only celebrity to have owned a residence in the Sugar Loaf Building. Comedian Aziz Ansari and actor Orlando Bloom have both owned homes at 155 Franklin Street.

Currently, there are no active listings in the building, but there are neighboring residences for sale ranging from $5.8 to almost $14 million. How would you like to be Taylor Swift’s new neighbor?

Tribeca

Located in the borough of Manhattan, Tribeca is an upscale neighborhood teeming with popular faces and low-key yet upscale venues. Coined “Triangle Below Canal Street,” by many, Tribeca is an incredibly sought-after area of Manhattan.

In the early 1900s, the Tribeca neighborhood was a bustling area focused on textiles and dry goods. Once the 1960s arrived, those businesses moved out of the neighborhood. Soon, groups of artists found homes in the vacant warehouses. Art flourished in the area, and large galleries such as Bortolami and Postmasters Gallery call Tribeca their home today.

Originally known as the Butter and Egg District and Washington Market by local vendors, in the 1970s, the artists of Lispenard Street decided to name the neighborhood after the three streets that form a triangular block-Church Street, Broadway, and Canal Street. The artists employed the services of city planning members to “map” out the area and help them name their home, similar to the process that the SoHo Artists Association took and named their association, The Triangle Below Canal Block Association. However, later on, a reporter mistakenly assumed that the name was for the entire neighborhood, not the triangular shape of the three streets, and the neighborhood’s title was cemented as Tribeca.

Over the years, the area has grown to nearly double the size of nearby SoHo and now extends east of Broadway to Centre Street, toward West Street, and downtown to Vesey.

Architecture and the Tribeca Neighborhood

Investors and real estate connoisseurs around the globe love the buildings in Tribeca for a reason, and the Sugar Loaf Building is no exception. The majority of the neighborhood’s pre-Civil War architecture is still proudly standing.

In Tribeca, you will find one of the world’s largest groupings of Neo-Grec design. This gorgeous architectural marvel is reflected by the neo-classical style, with heavy Greek influences.

Loft-style condos pepper the streets of this trendy neighborhood, and low-rises with wrought-iron facades are coveted by many, like the Cast Iron House and the Worth Building. Tribeca and Soho have earned the bragging rights of having the largest amount of iron facades in the world.

Residents and visitors to the building have many options for entertainment and dining nearby. The Frenchette is perfect for date night or for bringing family from out of town. Locanda Verde is a great spot for breakfast or brunch.

Families will find everything they need in Tribeca while living at the Sugar Loaf Building. TriBeCa Community School and Independence School are just a few of the possibilities. Take the kids to Washington Market Park for a great afternoon of playing with their friends, and maybe chat it up with your new neighbor Taylor Swift?

The post The Sugar Loaf Building: 155 Franklin Street appeared first on CitySignal.

The Long Lines Building

Described as one of the most secure buildings in America, 33 Thomas was built to house and protect American communications. Originally constructed for Bell System, the massive skyscraper was home to the Long Lines Department, used for telephone switching equipment. Drafted by architecture firm John Carl Warnecke & Associates, one of the largest architecture firms at the time, the tower was constructed in 1974 on Thomas and Church Street in Tribeca.

Bell needed ample space and high levels of security to support a bevy of long-distance and solid-state switching equipment. Because of this, many aspects of the design and layout of this building are unique and rare. Eventually, these assets would prove attractive to government intelligence services. 

Rare Design Elements of the “Windowless Building” in NYC

A number of distinct features helped segue this skyscraper into a top-secret security hub. 33 Thomas is designed in the brutalist architectural style that focuses on materials and construction and is both windowless and fortified. Aiming to create a “20th-century fortress, with spears and arrows replaced by protons and neutrons laying quiet siege to an army of machines within,” the building is designed to withstand major threats and natural disasters, including nuclear blast or fallout.

Constructed during the tense times of the Cold War, the building has the capacity to support 1,500 people off-grid for up to a fortnight. There is enough gas, water, and generator energy to last up to two weeks after any type of external emergency.

The layout inside the building is different than some might imagine. Although it stands at 550-feet-tall, each floor is 18 feet tall, almost double the standard floor height of 10 feet for commercial buildings. The building contains 29 stories in total, with three basement levels. Floors are designed to support heavy loads, accommodating up to 300-pound-force-per-square-foot live loads.

Exterior walls are constructed with precast concrete panels made with flame-treated Swedish salmon pink granite. Protrusions in the building include air ducts, stairs, and elevators. Ventilation openings can be found on the 10th and 29th floors.

The wire center contained three major 4ESS switches for interexchange telephony- or long-distance calling- and several switches for competitive local exchange carrier services.

Bell System eventually became AT&T, and 33 Thomas changed from the Long Lines Department to AT&T Communications in 1984. Switches and other facilities were moved to the AT&T Long Lines headquarters at 32 Sixth Avenue around 1999.

33 Thomas still contains telephone switching equipment, but much of the space has been converted to high-security data center storage.

Catastrophe at 33 Thomas Street

The sturdiness of 33 Thomas has only been tested once. In 1991, a combination of human and equipment errors disabled the central switch office within the building. While attempting to switch electricity sources, scheduling conflicts led to delays in power checks. One plant was forced to go on battery backup, and eventually, power was interrupted.

The fallout was heavy; more than 5 million calls were blocked, including Federal Aviation Administration private lines, leading to a disruption of air traffic control in 398 airports around the northeastern United States. This is the only documented time the building’s off-grid functionality has been tested. 

The Intercept Report and Project X

Arguably the most fatal blow to the close-guarded secrecy of 33 Thomas came from the outside and through something physically non-threatening- a report by The Intercept.

The uncovering began in 2013 when whistleblower Edward Snowden revealed a number of documents concerning National Security Agency programs. Snowden provided jaw-dropping information illuminating how NSA surveillance programs run through “partnerships” with major US telecom and internet companies. The documents outlined how NSA equipment was integrated into AT&T’s network in New York City, and used to covertly monitor civilian communications around the country. 

The exact location remained unknown until a couple of journalists, picking up where Snowden left off, went further to connect the dots. Henrik Moltke and Laura Poitras, two investigative journalists, became drawn to 33 Thomas, knowing it played a pivotal role in American communications.

“Everything about the building tells you not to go in there,” said Moltke, “There’s just a guard, but you can’t get anywhere further, there’s a thick bulletproof sliding door.” Laura Poitras remembered first looking into 33 Thomas: “All the kids in the neighborhood have myths about that building. It’s like a haunted house.” While some say it blends into the skyline, there is no way to miss its looming presence, especially if you live at residences like 93 Worth Street.

 What came of their work were two major reveals: a documentary titled Project X and a report published through The Intercept. While Snowden’s documents do not explicitly cite 33 Thomas Street as the surveillance center, the building location can be surmised through architectural plans, public records, and former AT&T employee interviews. Independent investigation unearthed ties between local FBI buildings and NSA’s SKIDROWE satellite intelligence system. Finally, they had their target- right in the middle of Tribeca. 

From AT&T to NSA Building in NYC

Despite being an architectural anomaly, the contents and use of the interior are not easy to verify as very few details are known and there is much speculation and the government and NSA have yet to publicly acknowledge anything.

 If 33 Thomas, referred to as TITANPOINTE in government documents, is owned by AT&T, how did it become the operating grounds for covert monitoring projects? While much information has yet to be uncovered, interviews conducted with former AT&T employees combined with public records helped lead investigators to uncover some uncomfortable truths about 33 Thomas. 

Top secret memos suggest NSA uses a secure facility within the building to tap through the “gateway switch,” the routing point for US and international calls. The surveillance program targeted communications of the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and of 38 countries, including Germany, Japan, and France.

NSA equipment was integrated into AT&T’s New York City network, becoming a part of American infrastructure and a means to monitor foreigners and Americans for national security threats. “This is yet more proof that our communications service providers have become, whether willingly or unwillingly, an arm of the surveillance state,” said Elizabeth Goitein, co-director of the liberty and national security program at the Brennan Center for Justice.  

Secret NSA travel guides from 2011 and 2013 disclose TITANPOINTE is in New York City and is supervised by LITHIUM, NSA’s code name for AT&T. A block away from the FBI’s New York field office at Federal Plaza, NSA employees are advised to avoid wearing NSA badges or insignia while visiting TITANPOINTE.

The revealing tip that 33 Thomas was used by NSA came from documents tying TITANPOINTE to the government program SKIDROWE, a monitoring project focused on intercepting satellite communications. 33 Thomas is the only location in New York City where AT&T holds an FCC license for satellite earth stations.

33 Thomas As Seen Today

While nothing has been publicly verified by the government, many believe the speculations brought forth by Edward Snowden, The Intercept and Project X are close to the truth. The NSA has not responded when reached for comment.

In time, hopefully, we confirm the truth behind 33 Thomas. For now, it will remain as it always has- an alluring and windowless monolith in the Big Apple sky.

The post The Windowless Building in NYC: 33 Thomas Street, AT&T Building, and NSA Spy Hub? appeared first on CitySignal.