Chelsea

In a few years, this image of the future Hudson Yards will be virtually unrecognizable. With typical New York City speed, this 26-acre storage yard for the LIRR will soon be the central plaza of a new series of developments linking together the High Line, Hudson River Park and Hudson Boulevard. The site will eventually host 16 buildings including offices, residences and even a school, while Hudson Boulevard will be extended north to West 38th. Late last year, Related Companies began work on the first building of the project, a 51-story headquarters for luxury-goods maker Coach.

Since its opening in 2009, the High Line Park in Lower Manhattan has energized the Chelsea neighborhood with a bold new vision for public parks and become one of Manhattan’s most popular spots. Today, the High Line is once again pushing the existing conventions of public parks, this time through public art projects. Of the projects currently running for the NYC Parks and Recreation Art in the Parks program in Manhattan, over half are on the High Line and sponsored by the Friends of the High Line. By positioning itself as a leading art space in New York, the High Line continues to define itself as more than just a park.

Park Avenue. Just the name evokes a mixture of elegance and sophistication. One of the most desirable address in the world, Park Avenue lures aspiring tenants from all over the world to the Upper East Side. Henry Martin and Jane Van Veen are one such couple. The duo lucked into the job of co-managing the Drake Residential building 999 Park Avenue. They quickly discover however, that everything is not as it seems in the idyllic locale. Their tenants exhibit some creepy behavior while their landlord Gavin Doran reeks with a menacing presence. It’s not long until they learn that their landlord is the devil. Literally. Though difficult landlords are typical archetypes in real estate fiction, this story is the premise for the ABC show 666 Park Avenue.

When it comes to green Manhattan landmarks, Central Park has always reigned supreme. Real estate moguls have flocked to this spot, making a Central Park view the most desirable in the city. Central Park however, is not the only show in town. The High Line, which runs through Manhattan’s Lower West Side is quickly becoming a real estate hot spot. Construction on the park’s third and final installment has begun and is set to open in 2014. Judging by the many renderings released on the Internet, it is going to be the best edition yet.

Alfa Development, currently in charge of building the Chelsea Green, are preparing for a legal battle over alleged property damage to 45 West 21st Street, the building adjacent to Chelsea Green. The building owner claims that her property was damaged by falling debris from the new construction.

Widely considered to be Manhattan’s most popular park, the High Line is set to extend its elevated Chelsea location to incorporate a brand new, third section. Friends of the High Line, a non-profit organization, is funding construction of the $90 million expansion, but the park has just received $5 million extra from City Council, an appropriation that is not going over well with many New Yorkers.

Oklahoma’s favorite son Will Rogers once said, “I guess there is nothing that will get your mind off everything like golf.” With New Yorkers famously known for having a lot on their minds as they traverse through the concrete jungles of their city, Manhattan apartment residents would be wise to go by Rogers’ words and try hitting a tee or two at the many golfing options available in the city. This might come as a shock to the average New Yorker living in a Tribeca tower or a Chelsea loft, but rest assured that New York City is very much a little golfing oasis.

Manhattan is taking its responsibility as America’s leading environmentally friendly urban city seriously as it continues discussions on how to make the metropolis even greener for its residents. Today and tomorrow, Mayor Bloomberg and the City Parks Alliance will host a conference entitled, “Greater and Greener: Reimagining Parks for 21st century cities.” The conference will converge at Manhattan to discuss future endeavors as they attempt to construct additional parks across Manhattan neighborhoods. Discussions will also focus on the effects future parks will have on the health and well being of communities.  

As we all know, tomorrow is our nation’s birthday. Instead of coming into our workplace, we will be watching Coney Island’s hot dog-eating contest, the fireworks over the Hudson River, or be low-key patriots and read American short story collections. July 4th, though, almost always inspires us to reflect on how New York City influenced the path our nation took towards liberty, equal rights, and progress. In honor of Independence Day, here is a list of 5 buildings in Manhattan that have played a part in the turning-points of American history.

With New York City being one of the most expensive cities in the world to call home, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that aspiring residents looking to live in short-term housing have a difficult time finding something in their price range. Unfortunately, unless you are financially able to temporarily rent out an apartment for $5,000 to $15,000 a month, a price-range often associated with new construction and buildings with a suite of amenities, the likelihood of find a broker who would be able to assist you in finding an apartment is slim.