You are currently browsing the archives for October, 2009.
Ghost ghouls, goblins and real estate brokers: They’re all out there this weekend looking to pull a few tricks and offer a few treats. So if you’re out and about in the New York City real estate market this weekend, let us know what you’re seeing out there: crowd sizes, market conditions, great or gruesome finds, and, of course, any hidden reserves of that sweet sweet candy corn. Your thoughts in the comments, if you please.
Time for this week’s open house roundup from your friends at Curbed Marketplace. More where this came from in our Open House Calendars.
· Properties for Sale [Curbed Marketplace]
· Properties for Rent [Curbed Marketplace]
· Sales Open House Calendar [Curbed Marketplace]
· Rentals Open House Calendar [Curbed Marketplace]
This week’s top stories: NYC’s Top 11 Frightening Buildings (Ghosts Not Included!), Curbed Inside: Williamsburg’s 80 Met Comes Out to Play, On the Block: Riverdale’s Solaria Dumping Over 50 Units, Market Reports: Dark Winter Ahead for Manhattan Rentals, Construction Watch: East Harlem’s Gigantic Mall Thing, Seeking Out the World Trade Center’s Magical Subway Box, MoMA Mia! Nouvel’s 53rd Street Tower Gets City Council Nod, Are LIC’s Latest $2 Million Penthouses a Letdown?, Williamsburg’s Edge Does a Bit of Trash Talking
The Evelyn, an 1885 apartment house, wasn’t named after Stanford White’s mistress, Evelyn Nesbit, despite the rumors.
Instead of moving, Helen Pearlstein renovated her Brooklyn home.Helen Pearlstein, an ebullient blonde in her 60s, is one of the best-known residents of Concord Village, her Brooklyn co-op.
The Retirement Systems of Alabama has spent $650 million so far on construction projects in Mobile, investments designed to create cultural changes in the state.
New York NY Wall St/Seaport/Battery Park (Chambers and down)
Web ID#: 23988
Property Type: Hi-rise
Beds: 1
Baths: 1
Price: $1,111,000
 view full listing |
You first saw it in the horizon. Following the serene inner guidance, you set out looking for living this life of…… tranquility in elegant luxury…
INCOMPARABLE LOCATION, VIEW with EXQUISITE DESIGN: contemporary luxurious yet elegantly timeless… CLUB SERVICES and RESORT STYLE AMENITIES: luxury serene – a simple and calm living granted by sensual lavish services… SUMPTUOUS SPACE and SPLENDID FINISHES: a sanctuary of seamless combination of luxury, beauty, and pampering comfort… CONGRATULATIONS! Finally, YOU FOUND IT – it’s your home, your paradise…..now please allow me to usher you in…. For a private viewing contact Alexander @ 646.309.1898 or via e-mail alexd@nestseekers.com * Doorman * Washer/Dryer |
| Alex Dietrich direct: 646-309-1898 alexd@nestseekers.com |
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New York New York Long Island City
Web ID#: 23987
Property Type: Mid-rise
Beds: 1
Baths: 2
Price: $760,000
 view full listing |
Most Amazing Penthouse you can find under 1 Million.
Dining Area; Kitchen: New/ Eat In; Windowed; Dishwasher; Bathroom: New/ Stall Shower; Washer/ Dryer; Balcony: 16sqft; High Ceiling; Wood Floors; Floor To Ceiling Windows; Fitness Room; Laundry Room. |
| Alex Dietrich cell: 646-309-1898 alexd@nestseekers.com |
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New York New York Long Island City
Web ID#: 23986
Property Type: Hi-rise
Beds: 1
Baths: 1
Price: $850,000
 view full listing |
This is a one of a kind loft home with the best view of Manhattan skyline and East river from your living and bedroom as well as from your private backyard.
Open gourmet chefs kitchen with Pietro Concordia stone counters, Sub Zero fridge, Viking range and microwave, wine refrigerator , Bosch dishwasher and Grohe fixtures. Luxurious Spa bath with marble slab walls, Tumble marble mosaic floors, soaking tub and glassed enclosed shower, spacious double sinks and fixtures by Grohe. **GE Washer/ dryer.** All the homes here include access to a 35000sqf roof top garden with barbecues grills, Bocce ball court, Glass enclosed heated pool, Professional gym, Serenity Spa, Owners lounge with chefs kitchen and dining room, Party room with dance floor, Game room, Professional screening room, Garage. Organic food grocer, Drug store, Wine merchant, Fusion Restaurant and Bar lounge. One subway stop from Grand Central Station. |
| Alex Dietrich direct: 646-309-1898 alexd@nestseekers.com |
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Fitch Ratings today downgraded three CMBS deals backed by Stuyvesant Town and Peter Cooper Village following the Court of Appeals ruling earlier this month that the owners illegally converted rent-stabilized apartments to market-rate units and must refund more than $200 million to current and former tenants. In a landmark 4-2 decision, the court upheld a lower court ruling that rent-stabilized tenants could not be forced to pay market rates in buildings receiving so-called J-51 tax incentives from the city. Tishman and its investment partner, BlackRock Realty, were dependent on that additional income to finance their massive $5.4 billion acquisition of Stuy Town and Peter Cooper Village in 2006. The property had already been in serious financial trouble due to the commercial credit crisis and national recession, and this ruling could deliver a major blow to the sponsors.
Trump Place
220 Riverside Blvd
New York NY Upper West Side (59-96)
Web ID#: 23985
Property Type: Hi-rise
Beds: 1
Baths: 1
Price: $829,000
 view full listing |
The new property offers very spacious rooms, soaring high ceilings, large windows making it very airy and bright, beautiful herringbone wood floors, and great closet spacious, perfect as an investment or for any first time home buyer.
220 riverside blvd exuded luxury, elegance, comfort with a high level of service and amenities. Enjoy everything from your own reading area, billiards room, fitness facility with sauna and swimming pool, children’s playroom, outdoor courtyard, garage and private security staff. |
| David Tobon direct: 646-443-3716 cell: 347-992-6645 davidt@nestseekers.com Michael Arcos direct: 646-443-3739 cell: 917-602-3111 michaela@nestseekers.com |
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An Israeli business Web site, Globes, is reporting that Lev Leviev’s Africa Israel Investments has signed an agreement to sell the former New York Times building at 229 West 43rd Street.
The business site, citing sources, said an agreement for the sale had been signed and an official announcement would come within days. No sale price was given, but the sale would increase the shareholders’ equity of Leviev’s publicly-owned Israeli company by 1.5 billion shekels, or $427 million.
Additionally, Leviev has reached an agreement with Africa Israel’s bondholders to inject 750 million shekels, or $200 million, into the company. Despite the infusion of cash, his stake in the company will decline to 52 percent from 75 percent.
Real estate agents who once plied their trade solo under the aegis of their companies are increasingly joining teams.
Mr. Cohen is the president and chief executive of the Cohen Brothers Realty Corporation, which owns more than 12 million square feet of office and design center properties nationwide.
Claremont
255 West 85th Street
New York NY Upper West Side (59-96)
Web ID#: 23984
Property Type: Hi-rise
Beds: 4
Baths: 3
Price: $1,995,000
 view full listing |
Buyers are flocking to this extremely WELL PRICED CONDO! What’s not to like? It’s Sunny, Spacious and READY for Move-in!
SOUTH Facing four bedroom, three full bath home, in the heart of the Upper West Side! This magnificent home features over 2000 square feet of wall-to-wall HIGH END finishes. You will be amazed at the ONE-OF-A-KIND details that make this stunning home a true STAND-OUT. Just stepping into the GORGEOUS CHEF’s kitchen will inspire you to cook incredible dinners to be served in your intimate dining alcove. Floor to ceiling custom fitted cabinetry in peppercorn cherry wood, is accented by silver accent cabinets with frosted glass. The whole look is pulled together with Imported Italian Alcorense porcelain floor tiles in metallic bronze, beveled granite counters, pale blue Terra glass back splash and under mount lighting.Stainless steel appliances include: Jennair Gas Range, Frigidaire side by side refrigerator, and Bosch dishwasher. The MASTER BEDROOM wing includes over sized walk-in closet designed in mahogany by CALIFORNIA CLOSETS, which is a luxury in and of itself! The stunning EN-SUITE master bathroom boasts full length mirrored closet, large vanity and separate make-up area. Relax in your deep soaking Bain Ultra Jacuzzi, and then step out into floor to ceiling Saint Agostino Pietre D’Italia tile, soothed in three separate lighting areas on dimmers. You’ll feel surrounded by greenery in your private bedroom, which overlooks neighboring gardens. Throughout the apartment, enjoy custom track lighting and designer glass fixtures, from Tech Lighting, Access, and PLC. Imported and hand painted tiles highlight the hall and en suite bath in second bedroom. The apartment also features, Crown Moldings, Central Air (new HVAC units throughout), over sized double pane windows (many are brand new), and sumptuous African Rosewood flooring through out. OWN MIELE WASHER / DRYER in utility closet. The STORAGE is absolutely incredible, and includes, utility closet, two hall closets for coats,linens, even a bike! Each of the three bedrooms has ample closet space — ALL CUSTOM DESIGNED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. Custom fitted Hunter Douglas blinds compliment each room. PRIME Upper West Side Location! The Claremont is an impeccably maintained FULL SERVICE Doorman building just steps to the “1″ train and Crosstown Bus. Situated in the heart of the Upper West Side, it’s steps to Pharmacies, Movie Theaters, Barnes and Noble, Restaurants, Zabaars, Fairway, and Riverside Park. The Claremont Condo is an intimate 49 unit building with very high owner occupancy (approximately 90%)! |
| Sabrina Seidner direct: 646-443-3799 cell: 917-805-9475 sabrinas@nestseekers.com Susan Eley direct: 646-443-3786 cell: 917-453-4081 susane@nestseekers.com |
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Claremont
255 West 85th Street
New York NY Upper West Side (59-96)
Web ID#: 23984
Property Type: Hi-rise
Beds: 4
Baths: 3
Price: $1,995,000
 view full listing |
SOUTH Facing four bedroom, three full bath home, in the heart of the Upper West Side! This magnificent home features over 2000 square feet of wall-to-wall HIGH END finishes. You will be amazed at the ONE-OF-A-KIND details that make this stunning home a true STAND-OUT.
Just stepping into the GORGEOUS CHEF’s kitchen will inspire you to cook incredible dinners to be served in your intimate dining alcove. Floor to ceiling custom fitted cabinetry in peppercorn cherry wood, is accented by silver accent cabinets with frosted glass. The whole look is pulled together with Imported Italian Alcorense porcelain floor tiles in metallic bronze, beveled granite counters, pale blue Terra glass back splash and under mount lighting.Stainless steel appliances include: Jennair Gas Range, Frigidaire side by side refrigerator, and Bosch dishwasher. The MASTER BEDROOM wing includes over sized walk-in closet designed in mahogany by CALIFORNIA CLOSETS, which is a luxury in and of itself! The stunning EN-SUITE master bathroom boasts full length mirrored closet, large vanity and separate make-up area. Relax in your deep soaking Bain Ultra Jacuzzi, and then step out into floor to ceiling Saint Agostino Pietre D’Italia tile, soothed in three separate lighting areas on dimmers. You’ll feel surrounded by greenery in your private bedroom, which overlooks neighboring gardens. Throughout the apartment, enjoy custom track lighting and designer glass fixtures, from Tech Lighting, Access, and PLC. Imported and hand painted tiles highlight the hall and en suite bath in second bedroom. The apartment also features, Crown Moldings, Central Air (new HVAC units throughout), over sized double pane windows (many are brand new), and sumptuous African Rosewood flooring through out. OWN MIELE WASHER / DRYER in utility closet. The STORAGE is absolutely incredible, and includes, utility closet, two hall closets for coats,linens, even a bike! Each of the three bedrooms has ample closet space — ALL CUSTOM DESIGNED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. Custom fitted Hunter Douglas blinds compliment each room. PRIME Upper West Side Location! The Claremont is an impeccably maintained FULL SERVICE Doorman building just steps to the “1″ train and Crosstown Bus. Steps away to Pharmacies, Movie Theaters, Barnes and Noble, Restaurants, Zabaars, Fairway, and Riverside Park. |
| Sabrina Seidner direct: 646-443-3799 cell: 917-805-9475 sabrinas@nestseekers.com Susan Eley direct: 646-443-3786 cell: 917-453-4081 susane@nestseekers.com |
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EAST VILLAGE—The East Village’s favorite new glamorous boutique hotel is at it again. But what exactly is “it?” A crew was spotted adding some sort of graffiti artwork to the big wall facing East 5th Street today, and at the end of the day we’re still a bit uncertain of the message the Coop is trying to convey. EV Grieve think it’s a Homer Simpson tribute. Mmm…co-opted artistic mediums. [CurbedWire Staff]
DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN—According to a press release, you can add DoBro condo conversion BellTel Lofts to the list of new developments where the sponsors are picking up the closing costs, which come out to about 5% of the purchase price for residences under $1 million. Want a bit of brokerbabble? OK! “The Brooklyn market is beginning to strengthen and new inventory in the $500,000 to low $1 millions is drawing more attention. BellTel has released 15 new units in this range.”
CNBC’s Diana Olick reports that Simon Property Group, the largest U.S. shopping mall owner, saw a 9.7 percent decline in its profit in the third quarter. Meanwhile, Ty Warner, the creator of the popular plush stuffed animals Beanie Babies, is unable to get loan extensions on a $345 million securitized mortgage. Warner’s four luxury hotels, including the Four Seasons Manhattan, have faced financial troubles in the downturn.
[Williamsburg gets its Halloween costume on, via New York Shitty]
· Feds give $55 million to Forest City Ratner, probs for AY [DDDB]
· Madison Square Park hotel faces foreclosure [Real Deal]
· Cobble Hill’s jack-o-lantern regulars absent this year [Lost City]
· PSA: gang activity in Brooklyn [Brooklyn Heights Blog]
· Roosevelt Island more haunted than Manhattan’s oldest house [RI]
·, LPC: West End Ave. historic district a work in progress [NYO]
· Philadelphia’s NYC’s sixth borough, but don’t tell Phillies! [Crain's]
· Tour de France champ Lance Armstrong is going into real estate [BusinessWeek]
· 15,000-square-foot cave house can be yours for $300,000 [BoingBoing]
“In better times this space would be great for a restaurant/bar and the safe door could be the entry to a martini bar. These days let’s just hope for Target.”—SAY WHAT [Modern Fifth Avenue Gem Now a 'Big Box Opportunity']
This week’s top dish from Eater, Curbed’s restaurant, bar, and nightlife blog…
[Newbie Tipsy Parson, via Eater]
1) Greenwich Village: According to Community Board 2’s November agenda, ll Buco is opening a second restaurant at 53 Great Jones Street. The folks at the restaurant hint that the new space will be similar to the original “but much bigger.” Additional solid details will have to wait for CB2’s get-together next month, but in the meantime, theorize away!
2) East Village: Turns out hated nightclub Le Souk wasn’t quite done even after it had its liquor license revoked. The Avenue B spot got the party started over the weekend and got the neighbors whining again. It seems to have closed Wednesday, but will it make a vampiric return from the dead in honor of Halloween?
3) Gramercy/Flatiron: Rumor has it that restauranteur Danny Meyer is looking to open a restaurant in the former church space on 21st Street and Park Avenue South. Apparently, Meyer is not the only one interested in the space, but those in the know aren’t talking.
· Eater [ny.eater.com]
1. Old Yankee Stadium demolition underway [Curbed]
2. Drama in Bed-Stuy water shut-down saga heats up [Brownstoner]
3. In honor of Halloween, a list of NYC’s top 11 scariest buildings [Curbed]
4. Former church for sale in Greenpoint [Brownstoner]
5. Ground Zero arts center plans close to dwindling [NYT]
6. W Union Square hotel a default risk [Bloomberg]
7. In Hamptons, haunted houses not a hot ticket [Curbed]
8. In the Bronx, Grand Concourse redesign ideas reexamined [NYT]
9. So-called “big box retail” opportunities popping up in unexpected real estate [Curbed]
10. Mass transit actually worse than originally acknowledged [NYT]
11. The number of vacant homes in U.S. climbs slightly [Bloomberg via Realtor Mag]
12. Ferrari in talks to begin its own brand of luxury real estate [Cityfile]
13. More Fannie Mae figures show growing portfolio, rising delinquencies [Reuters]
14. Fate of the Home Valuation Code of Conduct hangs in the balance [Washington Post via Realtor Mag]
15. Bank regulators warn of commercial real estate bust, again [Reuters]
16. NAR says extending higher FHA loan limits good for market [NAR via Realtor Mag]
A massive U.S. commercial real estate crash is in its beginning stages, billionaire Wilbur Ross said today. The WL Ross & Co. CEO, who is also working on a government program to rid banks of their toxic assets, said he is practicing extreme caution on the commercial real estate investments front, especially with regard to office spaces, which are rapidly shedding tenants. Though the Public-Private Investment Program has made $1.5 billion in pooled government and private funds available to his company for purchasing banks’ distressed assets, Ross said he had used less than $100 million of those funds by Oct. 15, and that the money he spent went toward residential mortgage-backed securities rather than commercial properties. Earlier this month, WL Ross, along with several other firms led by Starwood Capital Group and TPG, agreed to buy $4.5 billion in real estate from the seized Corus Bankshares, after the bank’s investments in construction loans for condominiums went sour. [Bloomberg]
A massive U.S. commercial real estate crash is in its beginning stages, billionaire Wilbur Ross said today. The WL Ross & Co. CEO, who is also working on a government program to rid banks of their toxic assets, said he is practicing extreme caution on the commercial real estate investments front, especially with regard to office spaces, which are rapidly shedding tenants. Though the Public-Private Investment Program has made $1.5 billion in pooled government and private funds available to his company for purchasing banks’ distressed assets, Ross said he had used less than $100 million of those funds by Oct. 15, and that the money he spent went toward residential mortgage-backed securities rather than commercial properties. Earlier this month, WL Ross, along with several other firms led by Starwood Capital Group and TPG, agreed to buy $4.5 billion in real estate from the seized Corus Bankshares, after the bank’s investments in construction loans for condominiums went sour. [Bloomberg]
A new online service offers free help to keep homeowners safe from a form of fraud known as “house theft.”
