This, of course, makes it harder for buyers to secure the financing needed to purchase new homes. As long as this continues, buyers will have to find creative ways to secure real estate deals—perhaps even open their minds to real estate solutions they hadn’t thought of before. 

The problem with waiting for the market to dip

Most buyers say that they are waiting for the market to turn. They prefer to buy when the market is low and will often pass up on properties they perceive to be overpriced in hopes that they will soon find a better deal.

The problem with this rationale is that no one knows when the market’s lowest point is until after it’s already passed. Buyers who bought homes in New York in 2002, shortly after 9/11, or in 2009 following the Great Recession, bought their homes at prices so low, we’re likely never to see them again.

There’s been a lot of talk of a potential recession in 2023. It’s normal for buyers to want to wait until after it hits. However, they should note that the dynamics of the market, specifically in Manhattan and Brooklyn, where buyers are most eager, have changed dramatically due to the large amount of condos constructed over the past decade. 

The influx of condos in highly-desired areas have altered consumer expectations. Back in the day, the only way to access the amenities offered by condos was through purchasing a co-op, a jointly owned building owned by a nonprofit corporation allowing its joint owners to live in the residence. We’re now seeing a return of the co-op in NYC.

What is the appeal of a Co-Op?

Co-ops typically come with demanding boards and strict regulations which turns a lot of buyers off. But in the ’90s, purchasing a co-op was one of the only ways New Yorkers could own apartments in the city. 

Although there’s no shortage of condos in NYC, there’s definitely a shortage of the money supply, which is making co-ops more enticing to certain buyers. Purchasing a co-op requires a different type of financing. You usually can’t finance a co-op with a mortgage. 

Instead, you’ll go through an application process involving interviews with the co-op board and financial vetting. If approved, you’ll be able to purchase shares in the company and become a co-owner of the building/nonprofit corp. The shares you purchase will determine the size of your apartment.

Given their convoluted ownership structure and sometimes lengthy approval process, fewer buyers seek out co-ops, which means less competition for the ones who do. If you’re open to it, purchasing a stake in a co-op may be your path to owning an apartment in one of New York’s historic pre-war buildings and prime location. Almost all pre-war buildings in New York are co-ops. 

Co-ops vs. Condos

Condos and co-ops share many similarities in appearance, but are fundamentally different in regards to ownership and financing structures. New York City is different from any other real estate market in the country. Co-ops are one of the reasons for this. 

Although co-ops technically outnumber condos in NYC by about 75%, you’ll find more condos on the market at any given time. The vast number of co-ops is due to the “co-op conversion boom” of the late 80’s, when developers converted a number of rentals into co-ops.

There are a few basic ways in which condos differ from co-ops. The first being that when you purchase a condo, your apartment as well as a part of the building’s common areas, belong to you. 

When you purchase a co-op, you don’t own the apartment. Instead, you own shares in the nonprofit corporation that is your building. Buying these shares allows you to occupy a unit in that building. 

If you’re thinking about purchasing a co-op with the hope of subletting your apartment in the near future, you might have to think again.

Every co-op has different rules in regards to who can utilize their living spaces. You may have to live in-unit for at least a year before being able to sublet, or may not be able to sublet your apartment at all. 

This is because the rental unit is not technically not yours. Ownership belongs to its collective stakeholders. When you close on a condo, you’ll get a deed. When you close on a co-op, you’ll get a proprietary lease.

Both condos and co-ops have a doorman and a superintendent on staff. Some have concierge, while others don’t. Amenities can range from lavish (gym, rooftop, children’s playground) to simple (storage room, laundry room, bike racks). 

Down Payment and Price

According to Castle Avenue real estate, the average sale price for a Manhattan co-op ranges from $553,734 for a studio to $5,109,433 for a 4+ bedroom apartment. Whereas, the average sale price for a condo in Manhattan ranges from $908,991 for a studio apartment to $9,846,869 for 4+ bedroom apartments. 

Condos tend to be more expensive than co-ops, but co-ops usually require a larger down payment than condos. You can put down as little as 10% on a condo, but a co-op will require a down payment of 20%-50%. Property prices ultimately depend on the neighborhood in which the condo or co-op is located. 

Closing Costs

Co-ops also tend to have lower closing costs than condos, usually between 1%-3% of total purchase price. Closing costs for a condo in NYC run between 8%-10%. The difference in closing costs between condos and co-ops is due to their difference in classification of property. 

Condos are considered real property, while co-op shares are considered personal property. It may seem insignificant, but it makes a difference when calculating closing costs for either transaction. 

Monthly Charges

Both co–op and condo owners pay a monthly fee for basic upkeep of their properties. But, co-ops usually come with higher monthly fees than condos. Co-op maintenance fees are higher because they often include part of the mortgage for the building.  

Take A Deeper Look At the Comparison of a Coop and a Condo

These two listings in the same area in the West Village have the same listing price, but you can see that the monthly costs are a bit different.

The post Growing Appeal of Co-Ops in New York City Real Estate appeared first on CitySignal.

Staten Island Sins

Staten Island, the forgotten borough, has had more than its fair share of fascinating cases of true-crime horror, from The Nimer Murders to the murder spree of Salvatore Perrone. But perhaps no name is as famous or feared as that of convicted kidnapper Andre Rand, who is currently serving several consecutive life sentences for several murders and kidnappings in the city. The borough’s most notorious serial killer, in 2004, he was convicted of abducting Holly Ann Huges from her Port Richmond neighborhood on the East Shore in the early 80s. But his terrible misdeeds stretched back earlier, all the way to 1972 with the disappearance of at least six other people, although he was never formally charged for their disappearance. 

In August 1987, the body of a 12-year-old Westerleigh resident, Jennifer Schweiger, was found in a shallow grave on the grounds of what is now the College of Staten Island; but the jury only convicted him on kidnapping charges, not murder.

It’s unknown how many more victims Rand has, and he shows very little remorse for his actions. Rand is a prolific writer known for sending out several Mother’s Day missives “to all the ladies of Staten Island who supported ‘prosecutorial vincitvness’ against an innocent person.’  In 2001, while in prison, he released a series of letters to The Advance, a newspaper, the earliest of which was written back in 1994. The letters include an argument against nuclear proliferation, autobiographical stories of his youth, and a detailed sketch of a small aircraft. The quiet neighborhood where Rand lived in what is now West Brighton only blocks away from the famous Staten Island Zoo, with listings such as this 3 Bedroom on Marion Street only a few minutes walk away from Rand’s previous home.

Bad Clams in Manhattan

Located at 129 Mulberry Street, Umberto’s Clam House in Little Italy was the location of one of the most sensational assassinations of a mob boss, when Joey “Crazy Joe” Gallo was murdered only weeks after getting married. After celebrating his birthday with his wife, his sister, child, and bodyguard at the Copacabana, Gallo and his entourage were found dining at the Clam House, Joey ordered the shrimp and scungilli salad. While they ate, a quartet of gunmen arrived and open fire at the family, fatally wounding Gallo but not before they were able to turn the butcher table on its side to provide shielding for the rest of his family. Gallo stumbled to the front door, cursing at the gunmen as they fled before collapsing into a puddle of his own blood in the street: a scene straight out of any mafia movie. 

This was a particularly brazen attack as the hit had been conducted while Gallo was celebrating his birthday and was with his family at the time, and was a marked escalation in the conflict between the Five Families of New York. “Crazy Joe” had started a war against his bosses for control of the family and paid for it with his life. His death started another war when his crew broke off from the rest of the Colombo Family, leading to a series of ten gangland slayings before they eventually rejoined, making it one of the bloodiest mafia wars in the city’s history. 

The restaurant had only been open for two months before the 1972 hit, but Umberto’s Clam House is still open, serving as a historical landmark and tourist attraction for true-crime fans, mafia aficionados, and clam lovers alike. Want to live where the mafia used to frequent? Right around the corner is 181 Hester Street, where you can snap up a 1 bedroom apartment and feel like the mob boss that you are.

The Red Circle Slayer of Queens 

The Red Circle Slayer terrorized the quiet community of Hollis Hills in Queens, New York, throughout the late 1920s and early 30s, and although a suspect is currently behind bars, no one is sure if it’s the right man. The popular patch of woods where the first attacks took place was filled with booze, used condoms, and underwear; a popular spot for young lovers at the time. The killer attacked young couples and lovers who found themselves within his unfortunate gaze, often while out “necking” or making out in their cars. His first victims were Lewis Weiss, 20, a clerk at a steel company, and Frances Hajek,19, who worked at her family’s bakery.

Separate similar incidents earlier in the decade were attributed to the 3X Murderer who taunted police and had victims near the site of the Red Circle slayings, although this did nothing but murky the waters of a new, potentially dangerous killer on the loose. 

Due to a number of bad leads, unreliable witnesses, and false admissions of guilt, the killer, who was known for placing a red circle painted in lipstick on the foreheads of victims, has never been confirmed. But in 1938, Walter Wiley, a career criminal with a long rap sheet, could not come up with an alibi for the night of Hajek’s death. While a jury was ultimately unable to indict Wiley on murder charges, he was put behind bars for unrelated robberies and spent 40 years behind bars, effectively ending the Red Circle Slayer’s reign. Locals, although, were less reassured; perhaps there’s a serial killer living amongst the quiet Queens community after all these years. For those amateur sleuths or those who simply want to do a little necking in a picturesque New York neighborhood, this three-bedroom, second-floor apartment is in a beautiful, safe location, but only minutes away from the Red Circle site.

The Hole of Brooklyn

John Gotti, or the Teflon Don, is one of the most famous names in popular media when it comes to the Italian Mafia. Before passing away in prison at the age of 61 while serving a life sentence, he was the leader of one of the most notorious crime families in New York, the Gambinos. After seizing power by ordering the murder of Paul Castellano, who was the head of the family at the time, he became a famous public figure. Gotti was known for his expensive taste and less-than-scrupulous business practices, earning him an additional nickname; the Dapper Don. But the Dapper Don had some dark secrets, not including the bodies that his “operations” would inevitably pile up; and he needed a place to dump them. Enter The Hole.

This ten-block stretch between East New York and Howard Beach is directly on the border of Brooklyn and Queens, and today is almost unrecognizable as “New York City” from a traditional standpoint. The neighborhood is at a lower elevation than the surrounding area, resulting in a noticeable dip, earning it its name. The Hole is also named so for another reason, as it was one of the largest mass graveyards for the mob, and a personal favorite of John Gotti. Residents of The Hole have recovered so many bodies from the area that they can be used as landmarks, and they continue to be found even as recently as 2004 when the bodies of Dominick “Big Trin” Trinchera and Phillip “Philly Lucky” Giaccone were exhumed. THe area now serves as a base for a branch of the Federation of Black Cowboys. While living in The Hole is a bit risky, the area frequently floods due to its low elevation; those who want to live near this grim reminder of mob history will be happy to know there are many listings near the neighborhood, such as this fully furnished 2 bedroom duplex only blocks away from where bodies were found.

The Son of Sam in The Bronx

David Berkowitz, also known as the Son of Sam, lived at 35 Pine St, Yonkers NY after being brought up in the Bronx. After the death of his adoptive mother, he became a loner before joining the army in 1971, distinguishing himself as a marksman. After his return to New York he worked as a security guard, all while being haunted by the voices in his head, demons he would later claim, who were spurning him on toward murder. He took his first victims in 1975 on Christmas Eve, when he attacked a young Michelle Foreman and another unidentified woman with a hunting knife. Foreman was 15 years old at the time. Berkowitz moved to Yonkers in 1976, where the demons in his head took the form of the neighborhood dogs and eventually Sam’s neighbors themselves; it wasn’t long before he continued his spree.

With victims in four of the five boroughs, not including Staten Island, the entirety of New York felt the terror of the .44-caliber killer, so named because of the bullets used to tie the murders to a single killer.

After sending a series of letters out to previous landlords, neighbors, and other affiliates, local police were alerted to a potential candidate for The Son of Sam and reported it to the NYPD’s special Omega Task Force tasked with nabbing the killer, but these tips ultimately went unheeded because of the sheer number of false leads. It wasn’t until an eyewitness came forward to report that she’d seen Berkowitz with a gun only moments before she heard gunshots in Brooklyn that he was finally apprehended by the police.

When his Yonkers apartment was searched, they found satanic graffiti drawn on the walls and diaries detailing over 1,400 arsons he was also allegedly responsible for. Berkowitz ultimately rescinded his claims of demonic influence and stated he instead was lashing out in anger at a world he felt had rejected him. True crime fans who want to see and hear the demons that drove Berkowitz mad can find availabilities at the 42 Pine Street apartments just a few doors down from his Pine St resident, though his building is now privately owned, dark tourists aren’t guaranteed welcome.

The post Where To Live Near NYC True Crime appeared first on CitySignal.

The Durst Organization’s Portfolio

The Durst Organization was founded in 1927 by Jewish immigrant Joseph Durst, a man whose humble beginnings led to quite extravagant ends. First a tailor, then a partner at a dress manufacturer in New York City, Durst began his property acquisition endeavors in 1915 using the profits from his manufacturing business. Most notable of his early purchases is the original Congregation Emanu-El, which was demolished in 1927 to make room for commercial developments. 

Over the course of nearly 100 years, Durst and his family built what is considered one of the most prominent real estate companies in New York City. Now run by Durst’s grandchildren, the organization holds claim to some of the city’s most impressive and in-demand properties. The family-run business prides itself on creating and managing “sustainable residential and commercial properties in which people live, work, and thrive.” 

Beyond its buildings, the Durst Organization co-founded The Model Organic Farm Foundation, the non-profit organization responsible for operating McEnroe Organic Farm – one of the largest organic farms in New York State. Seymour Durst is also credited with creating the National Debt Clock, “conceived to call attention to the soaring debt and each family’s share of it.” Today, the clock is located at Anita’s Way, in the through block between two Durst properties – One Bryant Park and 151 W. 42nd Street. 

The Durst Organization has properties in Manhattan, Queens, Philadelphia, and Northern Dutchess County. Though each building is unique, all boast sustainable designs, extreme attention to detail, and unique amenities for residents. CitySignal has ranked the Coolest 7 Durst Properties in New York City, based on where we’d most like to work and/or live. 

One World Trade 

Built on the northwest corner of the original World Trade Center site, One World Trade (formerly known as the Freedom Tower), is undoubtedly one of not only the Durst Organization’s coolest buildings, but also one of the country’s most significant structures. It is the tallest building in both the United States and the Western Hemisphere, and the seventh-tallest structure in the world. Built in 2012, it took the title of tallest building in New York City from the Empire State Building, which held it from 1931 – 1972, and then again from 2001 – 2012. At 1,776 feet tall, its height is a deliberate nod to the year the Declaration of Independence was signed. 

The building’s anchor tenant is Condé Nast. The publishing organization relocated their headquarters to One World Trade in 2014, moving from the Durst Orginzation’s One Five One building, where Condé Nast had been a tenant since 1999. One World Trade is also the home of Reddit and Bon Appetit.  

One of the most environmentally sustainable skyscrapers in the world, One World Trade has received a LEED Gold Certification and uses sustainable architecture features to reduce energy costs and minimize the building’s environmental impact. 

The building also boasts one of the best views in Manhattan, with the One World Observatory located on floors 100 – 102. At 1,268 feet, the three-story observation deck offers the highest vantage point in New York City. It is accessible through a side entrance or the Westfield shopping center, located on the lower floors of the building. 

One World Trade is a building of major importance for the country… and it’s also a really cool place to work, shop, and get a birds-eye-view of New York City. 

One Bryant Park 

Located at 1111 Avenue of the Americas, One Bryant Park – otherwise known as the Bank of America Tower – is another one of the Durst Organization’s most impressive properties. At 1,200 feet, it is the eighth-tallest building in New York City and the tenth-tallest building in the United States. Completed in 2009, the $1 billion project is a New York City landmark and an unmissable marker of Midtown. 

One of the building’s most exciting features is the Stephen Sondheim Theatre, a historic Broadway theatre with an impressive neo-Georgian facade. The theatre is currently home to the new Broadway musical & Juliet, which opened in November 2022. 

Broadway isn’t the only sight worth seeing at One Bryant Park. The building is notable for its glass “curtain wall” facade. Designed by architects Cook + Fox, the facade allows for lowered energy costs and usage and meets LEED Platinum sustainability standards. A unique and eye-catching design, the curtain wall allows the building to stand out without dwarfing its next-door neighbor, Bryant Park. 

While one writer in the Village Voice described the glass facade as “alien,” another described the building as a “psychological and economic lift to a city that was still reeling from the destruction of the World Trade Center.” Either way, it serves as a haven for tourists, employees, and commuters alike. 

VIA 57 West 

It’s hard to miss VIA 57 West, which resembles a distorted pyramid and boasts a steeply sloped facade angled towards the northeast. Located at 625 W 57th, the award-winning residential apartment complex is an unmissable marvel in the Durst collection of properties. 

The first New York project of Danish architect Bjarke Ingels, the building’s sloped facade is said to resemble a sailboat crossing the Hudson River. According to The New York Times, the building was named VIA because the southbound West Side Highway “slopes down as drivers enter the city, right at the spot where the building is situated.” It’s seen as an entrance into Manhattan “via 57th.” Officially named VIA, the building has garnered quite a few alternative monikers: Pyramid, West 57th, W57, West57, and Tetrahedron. 

Beyond the design, the building is an incredible place to call home. Extra amenities include a swimming pool, a library, basketball court, movie theater, and a poker room. Located at 11th and 57th, the building may seem a bit far from transit hubs, but that issue is solved by the exclusive complimentary resident shuttle. There is also on-site parking for those with cars. 

VIA 57 West is an architectural marvel and an apartment building worth drooling over. 

One Five One 

The Durst Organization’s One Five One building may be better known as 4 Times Square, the Nasdaq MarketSite, the H&M Building, or maybe simply as “the Condé Nast building.” Opened in 1999, the 52-story skyscraper is a staple of Times Square and one of the earliest examples of green design for a skyscraper. 

Though the corporation has since moved to One World Trade, publisher Condé Nast was one of the building’s flagship tenants when it opened in 1999. Notable about the Condé Nast tenancy is the ‘Condé Nast cafeteria,’ which was designed by architect Frank Gehry. Gehry’s first project as an architect in New York City, the cafeteria was as fabulous as the employees eating in it. It cost an estimated $30 – $35 million to build. After Condé left One Five One in 2014, it sat empty for five years but was reopened as a tenant-only food hall in 2018. 

Some other significant early tenants of the One Five One building were law firm Skadden Arps and Disney’s ESPN Zone restaurant. Skadden Arps left the building for Manhattan West in 2020, and the ESPN Zone closed as a result of the 2008 financial crisis. 

One tenant showing no signs of relocating: Nasdaq’s MarketSite, which has laid claim to the $37 million LED sign outside of One Five One since 1999, also leases space inside the building. MarketSite expanded their lease to 180,000 square feet in May 2019. 

Besides MarketSite, One Five One’s most visible tenant is currently retailer H&M, who signed a commercial lease with the building in 2012… provided they could put panels with the ‘H&M’ logo atop the skyscraper. The panels certainly make the One Five One building hard to miss!    

SVEN 

One of the Durst Organization’s most exciting properties is the Sven apartment complex, located at 29-59 Northern Boulevard in Long Island City, Queens. Designed by Handel Architects, the 71-story mixed-use tower is a development worth nothing. 

With a gleaming, curved facade, the building is an eye-catching addition to Long Island City. While the mirrored tower represents the future, the building’s foundation is an homage to the past. The Sven building is located at the historic site of the former Bank of Manhattan Building. Though no longer operating as a bank, The Queens Clock Tower structure has been seamlessly incorporated into the base of the building. Like all Durst properties, Sven is sustainably built and run, focusing on environmentally responsible use of the elements water, earth, energy, and air. 

The building offers ample amenities, including a fitness center, an outdoor pool, poker lounge, library, and screening room. There are usually a handful of available apartments ranging from studio to three bedrooms and boast features, including (but not limited to) up-to-date appliances and floor-to-ceiling windows. 

A quick subway from Manhattan, Sven offers residents a different view of the New York CIty skyline… from across the East River, 71 stories high.

Historic Front Street

What’s interesting about Historic Front Street is that it isn’t just one property – it’s an entire city block. According to the website, “Historic Front Street consists of 11 restored 18th-century buildings and three modern buildings on Front Street between Beekman Street and Peck Slip.” In line with Durst Organization values, it is the largest historic preservation project in New York to incorporate sustainability into all aspects of its buildings.

For those looking to live at Historic Front Street, the Finacial District development has 95 rarely available rental apartments, ranging from studios to penthouses. There are also commercial offerings, with 13 ground-floor retail spaces for rent. Though interiors are ready for redesign, all storefronts must comply with historic landmark requirements to “maintain the cohesive neighborhood look and feel.” The facades are old, but the shops are new: some residents include Jack’s Coffee, Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream, and Paris Cafe.  

To visit Manhattan’s Seaport neighborhood is to travel back in time to the 1800s, as so much of the area has been preserved. It’s a great place to work, shop, and live! 

EŌS Nomad

Though not a commercial office building, the Durst Organization’s EŌS Nomad apartment complex makes for a great place to work from home. Located at 100 W 31st Street, the 47-story glass tower offers stunning studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments. 

The units are a renter’s dream, boasting everything from basic features like a washer/dryer to the more exciting bonus of floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Where EOS takes its crown, however, is in its amenities. The building offers an indoor pool, a golf simulator, a roof deck, fitness center, half-court basketball court, and a 24-hour concierge in the lobby. Not to mention the impressive location, right in the heart of the city. 

Sustainably and seamlessly designed, EŌS Nomad is not to be slept on… unless you’re renting an apartment in the building! You can find availabilities here. 

The Durst Difference

Though these are the seven ‘coolest’ properties, they’re not all of the residences and commercial buildings in the Durst portfolio. All of Durst Organization’s buildings are curated with the care and conscience that can only come from a family-run company. 

The post Coolest 7 Durst Properties in NYC  appeared first on CitySignal.

Within New York, redlining condemned dozens of Manhattan and Brooklyn neighborhoods as hazardous and unworthy of investment, shaping New York’s infrastructure from the 1930s up until today. The long-term effects of redlining persist in multiple ways, from continual income inequality to infrastructural decay; previously redlined areas experience higher levels of pollution than their counterparts. 

What is Redlining?

Redlining evolved from the color coding of city maps. During the 1930s, the government-run Home Owners’ Loan Corporation (HOLC) created “Residential Security” maps of all major American cities. These maps were color-coded to measure risk and potential profitability, informing builders, lenders, and appraisers on areas worthy of investment. These maps became a blueprint for future suburban development while also leading to decades of racial discrimination. 

Areas colored green indicated a “Best” neighborhood, while yellow and red coloring meant “Declining” to “Hazardous.” Neighborhoods considered high risk were “redlined” not only on maps but also by lending institutions. Houses in redlined communities suffered exclusion and were blocked by government lending programs. Purchasing a home within redlined communities disqualified buyers from government-secured loans and insurance programs. This disproportionately impacted people of color (POC), mainly Black and Hispanic communities, and led to mass segregation of American communities.  

Redlining is synonymous with the systemic denial of financial services, such as mortgages, insurance, and loans, based on geographic location rather than on the individual. But how was this practice ever legal to begin with? It was actually created and promoted by the Federal Housing Administration.

The Dark History of Redlining 

The United States government is now considered one of the main segregators of modern-day America. During the housing shortage of the 1930s, the US government made efforts to restructure the layout of American housing. Under the New Deal, housing programs were created to offer affordable housing to white middle-class and lower-middle-class families.

Minorities and families of color were left out of these programs and pushed into urban housing projects. In 1934 the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) was created to oversee mass housing construction. The FHA subsidized builders creating housing subdivisions for white people, even issuing a requirement that none of the homes could be sold to Black people. At the same time, the FHA refused to insure mortgages in or around Black neighborhoods. On top of that, any neighborhood that contained Black residents was automatically redlined. In essence, redlining made it legal to deny Black people home loans while also relegating minority neighborhoods to disrepair. 

Author Richard Rothstein ties our current sociological issues back to these racially motivated policies and actions. “The segregation of our metropolitan areas today leads … to stagnant inequality because families are much less able to be upwardly mobile when they’re living in segregated neighborhoods where opportunity is absent,” he says. “If we want greater equality in this society, if we want a lowering of the hostility between police and young African-American men, we need to take steps to desegregate.”

From a current standpoint, it’s easy to see neighborhoods were redlined on baseless claims. It was argued that if minorities purchased homes in majority-white suburbs, property values would go down, placing insured homes at risk. Once the Fair Housing Act was passed, it became evident that property values actually rose when POC families bought in white neighborhoods. Due to restrictive housing with limited options, those families were willing to pay more for housing, causing property values in the area to rise. The only problem is Black people couldn’t secure housing loans. 

The ways in which redlining was written into work manuals are shocking to some. The FHA first published its Underwriting Manual in 1938, which stated that “incompatible racial groups should not be permitted to live in the same communities.” In populous cities such as Detroit, builders were not allowed to construct housing developments near Black communities unless a 6-foot-high cement wall was erected to separate the two developments. 

Another recommendation outlined in the Underwriting Manual was to separate Black neighborhoods from white by constructing a highway between the two. From looking at the maps, you can see many redlined neighborhoods in Manhattan are in place next to highways. 

These walls and highways became emblematic of American segregation and racial discrimination, forcing communities of color into polluted, struggling areas. 

The practice of redlining was finally overthrown during the Civil Rights movement, officially banned by the Fair Housing Act of 1968. The act was signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson in the wake of the Martin Luther King assassination riots. Prohibiting discrimination concerning the sale, rental, and financing of housing based on race, religion, national origin, or sex, the Fair Housing Act made individual acts of discrimination illegal in housing transactions. This would allow mobility between race and neighborhood, opening doors for people of color and Black families to live in whatever area they would like. Unfortunately, it was not quite that easy. While residential segregation by race began to decline after the act passed, the promise to promote further integration was never truly realized, and much tension persists today. Studies have found that over a hundred formerly redlined cities remain just as segregated today as they were in the 1940s. The aftereffects of redlining are not set to end anytime soon. 

Redlining in New York

The boroughs were no exception to redlining. Demographics and maps from 1940 show the majority of grade A, green-lined neighborhoods were those surrounding Central and Prospect Park, while much of north Brooklyn and eastern Manhattan was redlined due to living conditions, wages, and the presence of immigrants. If a neighborhood contained any Black residents, it was automatically redlined. Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen, and Lincoln Square were redlined, along with the river-facing portions of Yorkville, the Upper East Side, and Lenox Hill. Harlem and East Harlem, up past Washington Heights, was redlined property. Areas around Harlem still struggle today with worse living conditions than those neighborhoods directly surrounding Central Park.

In 2016 a team of scholars published a project called Mapping Inequality, publishing both color grades and detailed notes from the redlined maps. Grade A areas of Manhattan include the portions of East Harlem, Upper East Side, and Yorkville that bordered Central Park. Further west, Morningside Heights and the Upper West Side were B-graded. Nearly all areas outside of these neighborhoods were redlined. Over the Lower East Side, comments say, “An old district, many ‘old law’ tenements and converted dwellings… Continued obsolescence thru non-conformity with the Multiple Dwelling Law.” An example of neighborhood categorization can be seen in a write-up of 2nd Avenue: “An old tenement district. Rentals largely in the lowest brackets and almost all under $30. Has tendency to improve but not at all active in recent years. Some modernization. Large development on York Ave. reflected in trend. Foreign-born families: 45% Czech Austria predominating. Negro: No.”

Much of northern Brooklyn was redlined: from Greenpoint to Crown Heights and over to East New York. Carroll Gardens, Gowanus, and land surrounding the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Grade B blue-lined portions include Prospect Park South down to Sheepshead Bay, Lefferts Gardens, and parts of Park Slope and Prospect Heights, which directly bordered Prospect Park. A small portion of Bay Ridge is color-coded green. 

Other areas of the city, such as Queens, have even fewer green areas. Flushing and Corona were redlined, while most areas surrounding the East River are yellow, exceptions being Bayside, Whiteside, and Douglaston Little Neck. Neighborhoods surrounding the current John F Kennedy airport were redlined, with much of the remaining Queens marked yellow. 

Much of this legacy carries on today, as neighborhoods surrounding Prospect Park and Central Park remain unaffordable to many. Many redlined neighborhoods still exhibit difficult living conditions. Until recently, much of Brooklyn’s Williamsburg and Bedford-Stuyvesant were working-class neighborhoods considered undesirable for housing purposes.

Pollution and Inequality Amongst Redlining 

Recent studies find direct correlations between redlining and neighborhood pollution levels. Communities of color are often exposed to higher levels of air pollution, at great risk to their health. A team of experts found that in 202 cities, modern pollution levels directly correlate with the color grading system established by the New Deal. 

Despite improvements in air quality around the US, levels remain high within Black and Hispanic neighborhoods. Minority and Black neighborhoods are often near emissions infrastructure, including roads, ports, rail lines, and industrial facilities. Redlined areas were determined by the presence of Black or immigrant communities and proximity to pollution sources. While the majority of rail lines were laid prior to 1930, most highways were constructed after the 1930s and were preferentially constructed through Black and brown communities as mandated by the FHA. 

One example is Flint, Michigan. Redlined in 1937, Flint was considered one of the most segregated non-southern cities in the United States. Today, residents battle for access to clean drinking water after tens of thousands were exposed to harmful levels of lead, leading to an outbreak of Legionnaire’s disease. Government officials downplayed the outcry until residents began to protest. Five years later, sanitary drinking water has not been restored. 

Income levels also vary in tandem with grading scales. In 64% of grade D neighborhoods, the population is a majority of people of color. Within 74% of grade D neighborhoods, the income level remains low to moderate. 

These discriminatory practices have had lasting effects and still resonate with living styles today. The lines of segregation remain constant in most cities, and New York shows similar demographic breakdowns today as it did fifty years ago. A study by FiveThirtyEight found that, out of 138 cities, almost all formerly redlined areas were still majority Black, Latino, or Asian, while two-thirds of the greenlined neighborhoods are still majority white. The numbers have not shifted significantly. 

“The redlining maps are like the Rosetta stone of American cities,” says LaDale Winling, professor of history at Virginia Tech and a researcher for the Mapping Inequality project. Redlined zones in the Northeast and Midwest are found to be the most segregated within the country. While it’s hard to imagine what this country could look like had it not been for redlining, our cultural history has so seeped in racial tension that it’s impossible to imagine an American without segregation. Hopefully, with careful analysis of the past and help from forward thinkers, New York, and other large and small cities can move into a more harmonious future. 

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New York City has many historical gems that are hidden in plain sight, and none are as cool as the mews in NYC. For those who are unaware, mews were rows of stable houses that boarded horses and other livestock in the early 19th century. As the city changed, and horses were used less, most of the mews were demolished to make way for newer construction and grid systems that would benefit the almighty automobile. That said, some mews still remain intact and have been converted into many different things. But where are these hidden mews? And why do they get to remain?

Where are the Mews in NYC?

The Washington Mews

Perhaps the most famous mew in the city, The Washington Mews can be found one block north of Washington Square Park between 5th and 6th Avenue. They were once used as private stables for the wealthy homeowners of the area. But once travel by horse became a rare thing in the early 1900s, the stables were turned into artist studios. The studios were purchased by New York University in 1950 and converted into housing for students, faculty, and staff, which is what their status is today. You likely won’t be able to live on this street unless you meet those criteria, but you can always walk down it for a look through time.

Grace Court Alley

Located in the neighborhood of Brooklyn Heights, this street was originally used as stables for the Remsen family, and was named after Grace Church when the family lost ownership of the land. The church and several rich Brooklynites still used the stables, though, which is partly why they’ve survived as long as they have. Eventually, when cars became the main mode of transportation, the stables were converted into chauffeur’s quarters. They were then turned into apartments, but their historic charm never changed, keeping the tall wooden stable doors and window frames intact along with the rest of the façade.

Pomander Walk

One of the larger “mews” still intact, Pomander Walk is a bright and colorful street in the Upper West Side between Broadway and West End Avenue. Today, there are 4 buildings that face West 94th Street and another seven buildings that face West 95th Street. The streets were never actually used as horse stables, so most scholars don’t consider the street a true mews. However, the houses are old and seemingly out of a fairy tail, so people don’t really know what else to call them. The homes are named for an old play that premiered in 1910, the setting of which matches the aesthetic of the street perfectly.

Charles Lane

Charles Lane, in West Village, is one of the only mews that has not been converted into something else. Formerly used by the Newgate State Prison for keeping livestock, the street where the mew was located was later refurbished with cobblestone when said prison closed. Historians don’t know why these stones were used specifically for the refurbishing of this particular street, but they still remain there today despite it being an empty street. The lane is surrounded by expensive housing, but those beautiful stones still remain, as does the haunting history of the road.

Sylvan Place

Sylvan Place is a row of 20, three-story homes that lead directly up to the Morris-Jumel Mansion in Washington Heights. Formerly stables for the mansion, as well as several other mansions in the area during the 1880s, the cobblestone in this road has never been restored, but the stables have been. They were converted into housing in 1882 when the Morris-Jumel Mansion sold off the land, and restored again in the 1980s once the area was labeled as a historic district. The homes, the color scheme, and the street are all a blast from the past. Come to Washington and be transported back to the past.

MacDougal Alley

Once part of The Washington Mews way back when, this alley is also just a block north of Washington Square Park. It follows much of the history of The Washington Mews, starting as horse stables, converted to art studios, then transformed into housing. However, this half block is not owned by NYU, which means finding a home here would, theoretically, be a lot easier. That said, these historic homes are exclusive and beautiful, so you will be spending a pretty penny to live in one. The residents who live there say that it’s absolutely worth it.

Patchin Place

Another small street in Greenwich Village, these houses, sadly, don’t quite have that original stable house charm anymore. Instead, the stable houses were converted into row houses in 1848, and were very popular with writers and artists in the 1900’s. They became part of the Greenwich Village Historic District in 1982, and housed famous residents like Marlon Brando, Charles Platt, and E. E. Cummings. While the stables houses themselves might be gone, their bones are intertwined in the buildings that currently stand there. The history is still very much alive, even if the stables aren’t.

Love Lane

Called one of the most romantic streets in Brooklyn, Love Lane was a mews that was very popular in the early days of the borough. One wouldn’t think a row of horse staples would be a hot date spot, but lovers would often take romantic walks down the lane on nice summer nights. Several stable houses in these mews have been demolished, but the majority of them remain, converted to housing in the early 20th century. The lane’s love origins linger, though the street is not as popular with couples seeking a bit more excitement. However, for those seeking a more romantic walk, it’s still the perfect street, with a gorgeous aesthetic that will send you back in time.

Much of New York is dedicated to newer, taller, more luxurious buildings, but many neighborhoods are determined to preserve the city’s older charms. Mews are in high demand right now, and people who live in them love the more quiet, suburban feel of their streets. Even if you don’t want to own one of these historic homes, you should check out the neighborhoods they reside in. They are beautifully preserved, and will give you a glimpse of what life was like back before the age of industry.

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But the most profound rejection typically occurred as follows: I’d overcome the hurdle of establishing what we agents call “first substantive contact” in real estate, which is when you meet with a client for the first time face-to-face. In some cases, it also implies paying for the client’s coffee, tea, or full-fledged lunch in a snazzy restaurant.

Then I’d take us around Manhattan in cabs, showing the client the best apartments that fit their budget and wishlist. Like any good first date, I’d make sure to end on a high note by making plans to see more listings the next day or soon after.

But then I’d never hear from them again. Worse, I was now $100 poorer than I had been earlier that week.

I’m sharing this not to shame the clients I had zeroed in on, nor to embarrass myself for being such a naive agent. Rather, I’d like to use my experience in real estate to help the non-ghosters — renters, buyers, and sellers alike — who are currently working with an agent and feel like it’s time to break up with them.

How to Break Up With Your Real Estate Agent: Tips for Renters

In the above example, I dramatized myself as a victim, as most agents do when they’ve been burned. However, I was far from being perfect. Did I see the full picture each hundredth time I was out with a client? No way.

But at the very least, I expected to be “broken up with” gently, the way most humans prefer. And if you’re a renter who’s currently working with an agent who isn’t meeting your needs, that’s exactly what I’d like to help you do: part ways respectfully and professionally, without ghosting them.

First, you should understand that your agent is working for you, not the other way around. You are their client, and they should be doing their best to help you find a home that’s right for you. If you don’t feel like they’re doing that, let them know right away, either face-to-face or by phone. Heck, even a text message will do. (In the above example, I would have graciously accepted a post-it note!) Any sign of life is better than ghosting.

As a renter (and human being), you don’t need to get into the nitty-gritty of your decision, nor do you need to apologize for it. Just let your agent know what happened that caused you to rethink your working relationship or say something cliché like, “It’s not you, it’s me” or “I’m sorry, but I think it would be better if we parted ways.” You don’t have to stay and listen if the agent becomes pushy or reacts indignantly. You can end the conversation there and be done with it.

As for what to do next, you can ask a friend or family member for a referral to another agent, or you can start your search anew by yourself. Whatever you do, don’t feel guilty about it. You’re not obligated to work with someone you’re not comfortable with, no matter what they say.

As someone who was on the other side of this equation, I give you my full blessing.

How to Get Out of an Exclusive Representation Agreement

Attention, buyers: In New York City and other markets nationwide, you may be asked to sign a contract with an agent known as an Exclusive Representation Agreement or Exclusive Buyer’s Broker Agreement.

This contract binds the agent to work only with you and vice versa. It outlines the duties of both parties — what the agent must do for the buyer, what the buyer agrees to pay the agent, etc. — and is legally enforceable.

A standard buyer’s broker agreement can last between three to six months. In some cases, it can run for as long as one year. During that time, the buyer’s agent is obligated to help the client buy a home.

Before you sign on the dotted line, make sure you understand the terms of the contract. Pay attention to the length of the agreement, as well as any clauses that allow either party to opt out early. In some cases, buyers can terminate the contract with advance notice to their agent, but there may be a fee associated with doing so.

You should also be comfortable with the agent you’re signing with, as you’ll be working together closely during what is likely one of the biggest financial transactions of your life.

If you’re still unsure about your agent after signing the contract, talk to them about it. Request an in-person meeting or schedule a call. Describe the reasons for terminating your contract in detail. Follow up with a letter or email confirming the details of your discussion.

If the agent doesn’t want to let you out of the contract, you can file a complaint with your state’s real estate commission or local board. Alternatively, you can seek out legal advice. But if you’d rather not, you might consider posting a detailed and honest review of your experience online, so that other house hunters can be warned.

As a former real estate professional, I can assure you that most agents care more about their reputation than they do about any commission they might lose. Some agencies would rather terminate the contract amicably than risk a bad review online.

How to Cancel an Exclusive Sale Agreement

As a seller, you may find yourself in an agreement with an agent who’s not putting in the effort to sell your home. On the other hand, you may have listed your home with an agent but then receive a better vibe or work ethic from another real estate professional.

It’s not uncommon for sellers to try and back out of an Exclusive Right to Sell Agreement, only to find themselves in hot water. After all, this contract is just as binding for the agent and seller as a buyer’s broker agreement.

That said, if you’re unhappy with your agent’s service, offer clear reasons and examples of their lack of performance in your conversation. At the same time, be reasonable with your expectations. It’s unrealistic to expect an agent to sell your home in one week, for example.

On the other hand, if the agent isn’t returning your calls, isn’t providing feedback from showings, or seems generally uninterested in helping you sell your home, those are all valid reasons to seek an early termination of the contract.

You can try negotiating with your agent directly to see if they’re willing to let you out of the agreement early. If not, then you might consider filing a complaint with your state’s real estate commission.

Another option is to let the relationship run its course, especially if the exclusive listing period is between 60 and 90 days. At that point, you can list your home with another agency, and when you do, some online platforms like Zillow and Streeteasy will reset the number of days your home has been listed on the market.

The Takeaway

In real estate, as in life, breaking up can be difficult. No one likes to be rejected. And as I see it, very few prefer to be the rejecter. But professional relationships need to be mutually beneficial. If you’re not getting what you need out of your agent, you should address the problem early on by communicating your thoughts.

Who knows? You might be able to work out a solution that benefits both parties. But if not, don’t be afraid to end things, even if it means going through the hassle of breaking a contract.

The post How to Break Up With Your Real Estate Agent: A Former Agent’s Advice for Renters, Buyers, and Sellers appeared first on CitySignal.

What Are New York City Timeshares?

First and foremost, timeshares in NYC don’t typically look like timeshares everywhere else. Timeshares in the city usually come in the form of a fractional ownership deal, where people can pay money to buy a set amount of time in a hotel or resort with the ability to choose one of several location options. They also usually come with additional perks like deals on similar hotels worldwide, fine dining, and even access to amenities like fitness centers.

While traditional timeshares try to tell you that you own land, most fractional ownership in NYC makes no such promises. Instead, the money you spend, usually between $30,000-$100,000 depending on the company, package, and location, goes toward a spot in an exclusive club that gets to know who you are as a person. You can stay in the same room or suite every time you vacation, and these options are usually larger than standard hotel rooms. It’s also a way to have a slice of the city without spending millions on real estate. You can say you own a small place in Midtown Manhattan, and it will only be a little white lie instead of a grandiose one.

Where Are New York City Timeshares?

Many luxury buildings contain timeshares. Some of the most popular in the city are:

St. Regis

The St. Regis is a historic Hotel built by John Jacob Astor IV, who opened the Hotel in 1904. This building’s claim to fame is inventing the Bloody Mary and throwing midnight tea events. Current ownership allows you one fixed week stay at St. Regis locations in New York, Aspen, or Scottsdale.

Owners also have 21 additional nights that they can book on priority reservations. While staying at St. Regis, owners will have access to the fitness club, butler service, and access to the exclusive Astor Court and King Cole Bar.

West 57th Street by Hilton Club

One of many hotels in the Hilton Club, membership to the West 57th will allow you to accrue points during various vacations and use those points to gain access to new perks. Club members automatically get access to all Hilton amenities, but points allow you to make priority reservations and extend your stay at the resort of your choosing.

Rooms are huge and usually have separate bedrooms, living rooms, and kitchenettes for owners. Some even have multiple bathrooms for larger families who need extra space.

The Phillips Club

Right next to Lincoln Square, The Phillips Club offers you a deed for 1/8th ownership of an apartment in the hotel. This fractional ownership differs from others in the city because you’re actually part owner of an apartment. Some of these places are multi-bedroom with full kitchens, and you can work out an extended stay.

Your stays aren’t fixed either, so as long as you’re not interfering with another owner, you can live here whenever you want. Owners have access to all the amenities in the hotel, like business centers and a dining area.

Are New York City Timeshares Worth It?

It truly depends. The fact is, each fractional membership offers you different things. It’s up to you to decide what you’re willing to pay for. The Phillips Club offers you a share in an actual apartment. This could be seen as an investment, albeit a small one. The room will grow in value over time if the real estate market does, at least in theory. In practice, prices might remain stagnant due to the Club’s policy. It’s hard to tell if a deed to the apartment actually means ownership.

For buildings where you don’t get a deed, the situation is even murkier. You’re essentially paying for a larger room, first dibs on activities, and more access to services and amenities, all of which are great. However, you don’t actually own anything. You’ve made no investment into a property, you just enjoy that property’s perks for a fee. This isn’t necessarily a problem, but it is something to keep in mind if you’re seeking to actually own something in the city. While hotels are offering a lot of goods, most still don’t offer you ownership.

Additionally, whether you have a deed or not, you have to work around the schedules of other club members. If these families get to the room first, your vacation might not be as flexible as you think. That said, fractional ownership deals can still be beneficial if you’re willing to make reservations far in advance. Most clubs will also allow you to cancel or transfer weeks with little to no cost, meaning that sudden changes to your schedule shouldn’t be an issue. Plus, these clubs offer services and amenities that regular hotel bookings don’t, so the levels of exclusivity and luxury are off the charts.

Timeshares are tricky situations because contracts can be confusing and what’s advertised isn’t what’s given. However, NYC has recognized this mistrust and is striving to correct the course by making this industry reputable. Some of the language is still unclear, but these clubs are nowhere near as bad as the full-on scams of the past. People who want to enter fractional ownership deals should still be explicit with what they want and what they will receive, but the industry is much more transparent in the city than it is elsewhere in the world. No matter how you travel, We hope you enjoy your vacation.

The post Timeshares in NYC appeared first on CitySignal.

1.) Sake and Shochu

Starting off with sake, this is a Japanese rice beer and typically has a 10-20% alcohol content. Sake is made by a brewing process that uses Koji spores. The spores are dusted onto rice to convert the rice starch into sugar, which is then consumed by the yeast to result in alcohol. Of course, for different types of sake, there are different brewing methods involved. Sake can be served hot or cold, and can come in different flavors. Sakaya is a NYC local shop that specializes in premium sake. You can order online or go in-store to shop.

Another popular drink in Japan is shochu. Shochu has been around in Japan for at least 500 years, and unlike sake that is made out of rice, shochu is made out of sweet potato or barley. Its alcohol percentage varies between 25-30%, but since it’s usually mixed into other beverages, the alcohol percentage consumed is lower. 

2.) Soju and Makgeolli 

This popular Korean liquor has been making its rounds for a couple of years now. It comes in the classic flavor, fruity flavors, and a strange chocolate mint flavor that was trending last year. Soju is clear in color, with no carbonation, and the texture is a little thick on the tongue. Some of the fruity flavors like green grape and peach almost have no alcohol taste, so beware of how much you’re drinking. Soju is a distilled rice alcohol and contains about 13-20% alcohol content. In Korea, the “red cap” bottles have a higher alcohol content, so that is something to look out for as well. Many liquor shops in Chinatown have soju for cheaper than if you were to go to a restaurant. If you’re looking for a drink with a mix of soju, Soku is a mixed cocktail in a can.

Makgeolli is another popular rice alcohol from Korea. Unlike how soju is usually taken as a shot, makgeolli is traditionally served in a bowl and kettle. It’s made from fermented rice, wheat, and water and has a slightly sweeter taste. It can also be a little bubbly and has 6-9% of alcohol content. This Brooklyn spot, Hana Makgeolli, sells a beautifully packaged makgeolli. The maker of Soku also has another line, Makku that is makgeolli in different flavors. 

3.) Baijiu

Baijiu is a distilled liquor made from cereal grain and is one of the world’s best selling spirits. While it’s clear and looks like vodka, the taste of baijiu and specifically the brand Maotai is nothing like you’ve tasted. At first it tastes like nothing, but then it’s sweet and then it’s kind of spicy and bitter. The spirit itself is quite aromatic as well, even for the cheaper brands. The alcohol percentage on this clocks around 40-65%, so be careful if you’re planning on partying with this drink. Kissena Golden in Queens and Liquor Village NYC in Brooklyn have some baijiu selections. If you’re in Chinatown in Manhattan, pop into a liquor store and they just might have a bottle or two to try.

4.) Indian Whiskey

This popular India liquor is traditionally made out of molasses, rather than grains. Outside of the country, it would actually be labeled as run. With an ABV of 50%, this whiskey is very strong to say the least. Some of the most popular brands to try out include Amrut, Solan No. 1, Peter Scot Black, and Paul John Oloroso Select Cask. This site helps you find a selection of Indian Whiskey in NYC.

Along with Asian alcohol is the spike in people consuming hard seltzers. While there are the classic hard seltzers like White Claw and Truly, there are also Asian-owned brands that incorporate Asian flavors into these seltzers. A local NYC brand, Lunar, has flavors like yuzu and lychee. Avatar: The Last Airbender-inspired Nectar has a variety pack that includes Asian pear, mandarin, lychee and yuzu. And a special mention that isn’t a hard seltzer, Sanzo was founded by a local Queens-born Filipino American who makes delicious sparkling flavors like calamansi, yuzu with ginger, mango, and lychee. 

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Picture girls with permanents wearing leg warmers, the hair bands of heavy metal, shopping at the mall, and hanging out with their dad building out their ‘fantasy-castle’. Starting in the mid-80s, that’s exactly what one father and local businessman and his two children decided to do in suburban Detroit, and money was no object. Most of us can’t imagine what a life like that would be, and perhaps even more interestingly, what it would have been like to grow up with this castle as your playground. Take a look at these photos of this absolutely gorgeous castle-home.

Imagine having so much wealth you could watch Excalibur with your kids one night, and then decide as a family to build a ‘dream-castle’, sparing no expenses. You’d then dedicate more than 6 years to its design and construction, utilizing artisans and materials from all over the world. 60 tons of steel make up the frame of this 60-foot tall structure, complete with moat, working drawbridge and portcullis. 

The castle was previously on the market for $2.3 million. To us NYC dwellers, this is a steal-of-a-deal. According to the listing, the castle has 6,106 ft² plus 4,675 ft² below ground level, totaling 10,781 ft² – and sits on more than 6 acres of land. 5 bedrooms, 5 full bathrooms, 2 half-baths and 26 rooms total. 5 fireplaces, 6 new furnaces and 6 new A/C units, 5-car garage and much more. This modern-day, Renaissance-era castle also features trap doors, a hidden staircase, hidden passageways and doors, secret rooms, a dungeon (underground cave area), a jacuzzi, a waterfall and a Tudor-style pub! But it doesn’t end there, as every detail in materials and design is custom Victorian. The funny thing is, this elegant abode isn’t as unusual as one might think…

The Bronx Castle on Grosvenor

This castle in the Bronx at 4720 Grosvenor Avenue recently listed at an asking price of $2,795,000. It is a fully renovated 16th century European castle replica, built in 1926 for a ship line owner to remind him of his castle back at home, in Croatia. Although definitely more rare than any other type of home, the castle is far from extinct in America. This charming residence boasts 5 bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms, and 3,821 ft².

Lovely marble countertops and hardwood floors compliment the luxurious surroundings, as well as gorgeous windows, high ceilings and 30″ thick stone walls. A large stone fireplace sits in a spacious living room with a beamed ceiling. The incredible chef’s kitchen has dual appliances and a Sub Zero refrigerator, plus an 8-burner dual oven/stove with grill. To top it off, this castle came with a 9-zone Mitsubishi A/C, a Bose sound system and 4 HD flat screen TVs. 

Bannerman Castle on Pollepel Island 

Bannerman Castle, New York is located on Pollepel Island, aka Bannerman Island, after the man who designed the castle back in 1901. Bannerman Castle was built by architect Francis Bannerman VI and used as a storage facility for military surplus. Though it is now just one of the many abandoned castles in America. Pollepel Island, which is located in Newburgh, New York is about 50 miles north of NYC and approximately 1,000 feet from the east bank of the Hudson River. The island totals 13.5 acres and Bannerman Castle is the island’s only structure, as the property spans 6.5 acres and the rest of the island is mostly all rock. George Washington, as a General in the Revolutionary War, planned to use Pollepel Island as a military prison, and even signed plans to that end. However, no evidence of that ever happening exists. 

Francis Bannerman VI was just 3 years old when he emigrated with his parents to the United States from Northern Island, in 1854. The Bannermans moved to Brooklyn in 1858, and started a military surplus business near Brooklyn Navy Yard in 1865 by purchasing surplus military equipment at the end of the American Civil War. The business had a store on the 500 block of Broadway that opened in 1897, and helped to outfit volunteers in the Spanish-American War. Ironically, they also purchased weapons and ammunition directly from the Spanish government before their Cuba evacuation, then ended up buying over 90% of the military spoils the U.S. confiscated from the Spaniards as well. Bannerman’s had a 300-page illustrated catalogue as a result of many purchases, and the business continued to grow. 

Francis Bannerman bought Pollepel Island as a storage place in 1900, and in the spring of 1901 began building an arsenal there. He designed the buildings, then allowed the construction workers to build around their own interpretations of the designs. In the end, Bannerman Castle emerged, and was a giant advertisement for his business. On the side of the castle that faces the western bank of the Hudson River, Bannerman cast the words: “Bannerman’s Island Arsenal” right into the wall, which became a legendary landmark. Bannerman Castle on Pollepel Island stopped all construction upon Bannerman’s death in 1918. 

In 1920 an explosion of 200 pounds of ammunition in a smaller building happened, destroying a portion of the complex. A storm in 1950 left Bannerman Island vacant, and the state of New York bought it in 1967, taking possession after the military surplus inventory had been removed. Relics were donated to the Smithsonian and tours were given for a portion of 1968. Unfortunately, a fire in 1969 destroyed the arsenal, making the entirety of Pollepel Island off limits to the public. At the end of 2009, significant portions of the front and east walls of Bannerman Castle collapsed. Before this, the old cast letters on the front wall could still be seen. 

Today, The Bannerman Castle Trust works in conjunction with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation on funding efforts to stabilize the existing ruins, so educational tours can one day be realized again. 

The post American Castles: Detroit Castle, Bronx Castle on Grosvenor, and Bannerman Castle appeared first on CitySignal.

The History of Katharine Hepburn’s House

The property was initially bought by Hepburn’s parents in 1913. After it was destroyed by a hurricane in 1938, Hepburn had it rebuilt the year after the natural disaster. The house has undergone changes throughout the years, but there are still remnants of the estate where Hepburn once resided in.

Hepburn was known to adore this mansion when she lived there. She grew up spending her summers at the estate, where she always felt most at home. According to the Boston Globe, it was there that she learned how to tennis and golf. When Hepburn retired from acting as an adult, she moved to the residence and lived there full-time.

Features and Amenities of the Katharine Hepburn’s House

The modern nautical-style home itself is beautiful and fitting for someone like Hepburn. With the clean and classic look of the whitewashed brick exterior, sloping rooftops, and the sight of several patios and balconies, the house is built to reflect the beauty of its surroundings. 

The interior of the house features an open flow. At the entrance of the estate, guests will find themselves looking up at the impressive foyer that goes up three stories. This open-flow style of housing is used to emphasize the Long Island Sound. From the foyer, the view goes right to the living room. It’s wide and provides a wonderful view. This space features whitewashed walls and flooring with blue accents to reinforce the nautical style. 

Photo Courtesy of William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty Essex

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According to a clip from Open House TV, Fionna Sciame, the daughter of a former owner of Katharine Hepburn’s Connecticut estate, noted that the kitchen is the “heart of the home.” The space shows custom-built cabinetry, marble countertops, a Sub-Zero fridge, and an Aga stove.

In the center of the room is a large island with more than enough room for three people to sit comfortably. This space makes it easy to see how this was an important part of the house to have family gatherings.

One of the most exciting features, other than the well-decorated interior, is the view. When you step out of the living room to the patio that’s right there, you will immediately be greeted by an expansive waterfront. Since the estate is so large, the property itself is very private so it makes sense why Hepburn used the estate as an annual summer retreat. 

Photo Courtesy of William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty Essex

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The house features six bedrooms that have their own bathrooms. Before undergoing its renovations, the home originally had nine bedrooms. The highlights of this mansion are definitely the gorgeous views of the waterfront. Having the privacy to view all of this, and even having its own dock sure sounds appealing, especially for a famed actress wanting to retire. 

Who Owns Katharine Hepburn’s House Now?

After Hepburn died, the estate was bought for $6 million in 2004 by Frank Sciame, the owner of Sciame Construction. After remodeling the home, it was put on the market in 2011. The house was initially listed for $18 million. With no buyers, the listing was lowered to $14.8 million and finally was sold for $11.5 million in 2017. It is safe to say that whoever bought the mansion must be appreciative of the history and beauty that it holds. 

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