A Fine Blog

200 East 79th, Foundation In Progress, Cetra Ruddy Remains Architect

2011-11-22T13:29:00.000-05:00

I've had several emails regarding 200 East 79th Street, an 85'x100' lot that was cleared in 2009 and subsequently joined the long list of developments that sat dormant as a vacant lot. The site, owned by the Wilf family of Minnesota Vikings and Skyline Development fame, was revitalized this summer and is now back on track. Pictured above you can see that the cellar(s) have been dug, and the retaining wall and foundation are under way.

According to DOB records the site will rise 19 stories, 210 feet and will contain just under 140,000 square feet of residential space and just over 6000sf of retail space. While there was word originally that it was going to be a rental building, the last I heard (as of a couple of months ago) is that it will rise as a condo. Again, according to city records, 57 units are planned. Do the math and we are looking at an average apartment size of over 2000sf. While these plans can be amended, at current, several floors will contain just 2 apartments sharing a floor plate of 8500sf. Big! Permit details also reveal a storage room and bike room in the cellar as well as common tenant facilities on the 2nd floor. Finally, Cetra/Ruddy remains the architect as was originally planned. There are no renderings yet available, but the original plan was not another ubiquitous sheet of glass, but more traditional architecture. I hope that holds true. Will update as more details dictate.

New New School Building Reaches Ground Level

2011-11-19T15:23:00.001-05:00

The massive modernist construction project for the New School at 14th Street and Fifth Avenue is now at ground level, if not higher in spots. After what seemed like an eternity to dig through bedrock into what will probably be the 2nd sub-basement, the site seems to have picked up momentum with ~~cement~~ concrete and re-bar rising. The final creation at 16 stories and 365,000sf looks like The Pompidou covered in stick em' and hit by a lumber yard. I'm not saying that is necessarily a bad thing, rendering vs. reality is a tricky game. The building is expected to open in 2 years time.

Occupiers At New School Get Smart, Move Indoors!

2011-11-19T14:58:00.000-05:00

On Thursday afternoon thousands of protesters massed on the North end of Union Square Park, primarily students. The "National Day of Action" by Occupy wall Street was in full swing. After the Union Square Rally, the plan was to march to the next rally at Foley Square downtown. The marchers, if the hundreds of police present were any indication, were clearly expected to go the same way most of the came, down Broadway. However, the police were clearly caught off guard as the marchers decided to march across 16th Street to Fifth Avenue and then South for a reason that soon became clear to me. Aside from the freedom of movement and temporary lack of control by the police, a hundred or so of the crowd knew exactly where they were heading- to occupy the 2nd floor of the New School Building on 14th Street and Fifth Avenue. And there they continue to occupy at this hour.

I was in the area this afternoon (11/19), and according to the two university security guards posted at the door there are still 50 or so holding down the fort. From the outside, the occupation is apparent with various signs and banners somewhat ironically draped over the large signs for TD Bank that "occupy" the space below. Security at the building would not let me in and told me that they, themselves are not permitted by the university to enter the student center. After speaking with one occupier I was asked to wait for a guy named Clark. Clark informed me that there would be no comments to the media and no media access until the decision on how to handle the media was voted on at a General Assembly meeting. On the way out, a few occupiers opened up just a tad more and pointed me to their website, allcitystudentoccupation.com.

This is not the first time that the new school has been occupied, actually the fourth in recent years. The New York Times details the recent history of occupation and points out that the current school leadership is even more liberal and welcoming that previous leaders like former senator Bob Kerrey who had similar protesters arrested. One thing is for sure, these protesters are thinking! It sure is easier to occupy a building than a park this time of year!

A. Fine Blog Now Easier To Access On Mobile

2011-11-19T14:13:00.000-05:00

I have been doing a little housekeeping as I prepare to continue the ramp up. I am happy to announce that the blog is now mobile-friendly. I know, it's about time! Access is the same, just punch in afineblog.com into your iPhone, Blackberry, Droid, what have you and enjoy the easy, quick loading experience!

Also, since spam comments have become prolific, regrettably, comments are now fully moderated and will require my approval. I want everyone to know that this is strictly about spam. There will be zero censorship as has been my policy since day one. Comments both positive and negative are always welcome so long as they are not threatening or obscene to other commenters or your friendly blogger!

Zuccotti Park Officially Converted To OCW Shanty Town

2011-11-04T13:09:00.004-04:00

I've been making occasional visits to Zucotti Park to check on the evolution of the Occupy Wall Street movement, but my most recent visit yesterday (Nov. 3rd) really tested my sympathies.

There has been an evolution and it is not a pretty one. The big difference is that a few weeks back the crowds were impressive, idealistic and energized. Occupying wasn't easy. People were sleeping in the open air, crawling under tarps during downpours, doing their best to stay warm, and such incovenience only further convinced us of their conviction and resolve. But something has happened along the way, and one of the most dramatic changes is visual. Where a few weeks ago the park was packed with people, it is now packed with tents. So many tents in fact that better than 80 percent of the park is covered with them jammed side by side. The effect is that rather than seeing a sea of protesters, you see a hodge podge of beat-up tents. It no longer looks like a protest, but more like a shanty town. Since there is little room for people, while appearing crowded, the crowds are far less. And, the crowd is changing.

When I visited a few weeks ago, the crowd was far more diverse, and dare I say, sane. Now it is as if the crowd has been boiled down, reduced, and there are now far fewer bright eyed, idealistic college kids and far more crazy uncle charlie types. It had been a few weeks and I was skeptical of publications like the NY Post who I was afraid had the political persuasion and incentive to cast the crew of OCW as increasingly derelict. I hate to say it, but they have many points.

It looks like the crowd can be broken down into three groups:

-young people who think it is really cool to trip on acid (or some modern day equivalent), play drums and camp in the middle of Lower Manhattan,

-homeless and mentally unstable people who see the appeal of free food and enjoy the communal feeling of being with their own, and finally,

-the true idealists who believe in the cause and are doing their very best trying to promote and spread the message that income inequality and social injustice can no longer be tolerated.

You have to feel for the last group. I think most people can empathise to some degree with what they are fighting for. Unfortunately for them, this is New York City, and if you offer free food, eventually you will end up with plenty of rats.

Fulton Street Transit Center Open....Partially!

2011-11-03T15:11:00.009-04:00

At first glance from Fulton Street it looks like a twisted, chaotic hunk of steel. And it is. The Fulton Street Transit Center, the on again/off again $1.4 Billion project to simplify the connections between the 2,3,4,5,N,R,J,Z,A,C and E trains, is finally open! I am not saying complete by any means, that is "expected" by 2014, and as everyone familiar with the history of such projects in the city knows, it will almost certainly be later, if it happens at all. However, as of a few days ago, you can actually access 8 of the trains from an entrance underneath the behemoth of a construction site overhead. The entrance is on Broadway between Fulton and John and it brings you into the actual Transit Center while it is being built around you. Can't wait until they let the light in and finally get this thing finished.
MTA Transit Center Updates (MTA)

Fulton Street Transit Center (Wiki)

New In Yorkville: Patagonia and Israeli Soap

2011-10-11T16:27:00.008-04:00

A couple new shops in ye olde Yorkville are on the horizon near East 86th Street.

future home of Sabon, 10/11/11, A. Fine

The first is in the two small retail spaces on the west side of Lexington just south of 86th Street which formerly housed a Tim Horton's and a cheesy cell phone store. The replacement, which is combining the spaces, is Israeli luxury soap maker, Sabon. Sabon does have competition from L'Occitane which is expected to be open in time for the holiday season on East 86th between 3rd and Lex. In any case, the Sabon sure is an upgrade from what was there, and adds yet another luxury store to the 86th Street landscape. It has been quite a rapid and remarkable transformation of what was a forlorn stretch of Lex just a few years back.

Patagonia pop-up, 10/11/11, A. Fine

Also coming soon is a Patagonia "pop-up store" on the northeast corner of 84th and Third Avenue. The space, a combination of the former Mumtaz (Indian restaurant) that was there forever and a Lenscrafters that disappeared a couple of years ago. The space has been gutted and glassed up. According to Racked.com, the Patagonia will give it a shot for six months and the gauge whether they are interested in the long term. I find the placement of this retail as an interesting development. Being a full 2 blocks from 86th Street this would be the southernmost large retailer on this stretch of Third Avenue (Ann Taylor Loft is slightly further north across the street). The area is still high traffic, so I think a Patagonia type retailer could be successful there at the right price. Still, to be honest, I was really rooting for a quality hardware store which the neighborhood lacks. No offense, Wankel's!

Not Backlash, But War Possible Over New, Ambitious Bike Share Plan

2011-10-03T13:39:00.009-04:00

New York City has seen many changes in the streetscape during the Mayor Bloomberg/Sadik-Khan era including miles and miles of bike lanes, public plazas replacing roadways, and the "Summer Streets" program, but perhaps all this pales in comparison to the city's ambitious Bike Share program that is to be implemented this coming Spring and Summer.

If you haven't heard about it, the plan is to have a private company, Alta, to provide 10,000 bikes for Manhattan residents to share for a fee ($100 annually, for instance). The bikes will be located at 600 different locations throughout Manhattan, south of 79th Street, although the final boundaries have yet to be determined.

I met with a handful of D.O.T. employees last week in Union Square who were demonstrating Alta's solar powered bike lock stands and providing free rides to whoever wanted to take a quick joyride and hand over a form of id. There are many brilliant aspects to the plan. It is privately funded. The bikes are heavy enough to not build up bike messenger type speed, and they are equipped with GPS in case anyone thinks about taking them for a more permanent ride. Not sure if a bike is available at your corner stand? There's an app for that! People stranded on Avenue D or York Avenue or on the Hudson will soon have a healthy and cost-effective way to get to the subway. It all sounds great until you get to the logistics, and this is where I think an epic fail may be in the works. One simple point is being overlooked.

Space in Manhattan is at a premium, and, these bike stands take up an incredible amount of space. The bike stand that Alta displayed, according to the D.O.T. rep is what they will actually roll out on the streets. The stands are broken into 10' long segments. Segments with the credit card machine hold 3 bikes, and an interlocking segment without holds 4 bikes. So, for seven bikes you are taking up a 20' by approximately 5'-6' to accommodate the length of the bikes. That's at least 100 square feet for 7 bikes. So, for 10,000 bikes we are talking about 142,000sf of sidewalk space. But wait, when asked how many spaces would be required for the ebb and flow of daily bike commuters (so there are enough spaces at a subway during the a.m. rush for instance) the answer is double. So, now we have 20,000 bike spaces taking up 282,000sf. While that may not sound like a ton of space compared to a whole island, let's not forget that these will all be placed in high traffic areas. With the average size of a NYC sidewalk maybe 15' (pure guesstimate), do you think people will be happy with 40 percent of a sidewalk in a high traffic area crowded with rows of bicycles? Also, let's not forget that a high traffic area is likely to need more than one 20' string of bikes. At an express subway stop wouldn't you think that 100 bikes would be a minimal number for the masses. So there you are looking at 200 spaces, or 571 feet of bike stations (5'-6' wide). The D.O.T. reps realise that there won't be available sidewalk space needed in all locations, which is likely an understatement, so they suggested that in some cases, parking spots could be usurped to the cause. With fights over parking spots a daily reality in NYC, do they really think that taking over parking spots will be popular with drivers, or with merchants that depend on the spots for deliveries or potential customers to park?

For the record, I am a proponent of the plan and I look forward to more bike lanes, a more bike friendly and bike safe city. However, I think the city and Alta, are setting themselves up for a big backlash and potentially a war over this plan if rolled out (unintended pun) as it appears it will next summer. People beyond the usual suspects of the likes of the NY Post and Rosanna Scotto are more than likely to be annoyed, andgered, and potentially outraged. This could prove to be a major setback for biking in the city. The best thing they could possibly do is to try to figure out how to fit more bikes in a smaller space to minimize the impact on our already crowded sidewalks in already crowded spaces. When planning such an ambitious plan the city, D.O.T. should tread lightly (pun intended) and intelligently. Good luck!

*Thanks again for reading A. Fine Blog! It is great to be back. If you see this story, in word or content, recycled by the lazy media, please give me a heads up at andrew@afinecompany.com. Thanks, Andrew

Occupy Wall Street Gains Momentum

2011-09-30T15:56:00.004-04:00

It all started with my desire for a cracked pepper turkey sandwich last Saturday. The sandwich was to come from my favorite deli on 13th and University, a block from Union Square in Manhattan and a block from my office. As I walked up Broadway through the stench of the unneeded nuisance of yet another street fair it was clear something was up. A helicopter hovered and circled to my North, and as I turned onto University I happened upon a sea of blue, perhaps 100 or 150 police officers, police vans, and a street blocked to vehicular traffic. I saw of few of the 80 or so arrested moments before being loaded into vans. I missed the melee by perhaps 5 or 10 minutes which included the pepper spraying of seemingly innocent women and it was revealed later thanks to You Tube, another group of protesters and or pedestrians. I could certainly see how, if I was a few minutes later, my quest for a sandwich could have possibly landed me in the slammer. My interest was piqued. I went to Union Square where there were at least a couple hundred police. Park Avenue was closed to accommodate police personnel. Traffic cut off Westbound on 14th and was at a standstill in all directions. I lingered for an hour or so. There were no protesters, just curious crowds using digital cameras and smart phones to take pictures of hordes of police, many of whom were wondering what the hell they were doing there. The police and the crowds eventually dissipated and to me, this was just another day in NYC. Surreal for a moment or two, but another day, which I figured would simply fade into the tapestry that is everyday life here in the city.

Hours later, I had time to check the net to see if there was anything about the events on Twitter, and that is when I first realized that this was turning into a real story. Several videos had surfaced that showed a police officer pepper spraying protesters. While the incident was quickly dismissed by the police commissioner, combine helpless women, a senior police officer, pepper spray and video that combines all 3 and such a story has stickiness. As it happens, it was probably the turning point for what initially looked like a fledgling effort by a small band of anti-Wall Street protesters known as Occupy Wall Street.

Occupy Wall Street is a group that started camping out at Zuccotti Park on Liberty Street on Sept 17^th and has been holding daily marches on Wall Street at the opening bell and closing bell. By all accounts there were perhaps a hundred people camping out nightly and perhaps a couple thousand that came to march last Saturday. In reality, that may have been the peak but for the attention that the protest got from Saturday's incidents.

Media coverage was sparring, vague, and dismissive of the protester's efforts. They we labeled as "hippies", 'trust fund kids complaining of corporate greed while tapping away on their Apple iPads', and more or less slackers that are too lazy to get a job, were disorganized, with no focus, and no clearly defined objectives. Well, given that I am a mere 2 subway stops from the epicenter of this movement it was time for a look.

I arrived just around 4pm yesterday (9/29) in the midst of a torrential downpour. I found a park that spans a square city block that was packed with various gear mostly covered with blue tarps: soaking cardboard signs, a stockpile of canned goods, drinks and around 100 protesters. My first reaction was, well, I'm sure my timing was poor and people had probably scurried to seek shelter from the rain, but still, there were only 100 or so people there. As it turns out, I had arrived when the afternoon march was taking place. Soon the rain was gone and a couple hundred marchers returned with drums, sax, and chants of "all day, all week, occupy Wall Street". I worked my way through the crowd. I talked to organizers, police, bystanders, and protesters of all ages. I found some major misconceptions on the part of the media.

First, there was no confusion on the part of protesters as to their cause. There was a common thread- a revolt against the income inequality that has mounted in this country over the past couple of generations. There was a revolt against a political system that they see as owned by corporate America. The protesters see themselves as representative of the 99 percent of Americans who are getting screwed by the top 1 percent. The viewpoints that I heard today were no different than what I hear on TV from liberal pundits that range from Rachel Maddow to John Stewart, except these folks are on the street espousing these views rather than get paid millions to espouse such views on cable tv.

Another misconception is that these folks are a bunch of sloths and slackers. Unlike many protests which I have seen over the past 20 years, these are not a bunch of Vietnam Era hippies that show up at every protest. Sure there or some of those, but the crowd is decidedly under 40. There are plenty of students, independent contractors, and people coming down after work, at lunch, etc.. Sure, there are hippie types and certainly a requisite group of posers, but the crowd was far more representative and mainstream in opinions and background than I expected.

Finally, the protestors seem far more organized than they are given credit for. There are several committees that meet daily with topics that range from art to sanitation, food, and media. The committees later meet in a "General Assembly" to discuss the results of the committee meetings and to plan the day ahead. They have daily schedules planned and have fully utilized the internet to get their word out on Twitter and numerous blogs that are live streaming from Zuccotti Park. They have also managed to branch out with various cities such as Chicago, New Orleans, and San Fran planning their own "occupations".

Although the group has largely been ignored by the media, celebrity appearances by the likes of Michael Moore, former Gov. David Patterson and potential appearances by band Radiohead have improved coverage of late. Add to that several unions have pledged solidarity with Occupy Wall Street including the Transit Workers Union and the Teachers Union to name just a couple. The unions are likely to join the protesters on a legal march this Wednesday.

While it is anyone's guess how large this movement grows, and how long people will stick it out to occupy Zuccotti Park, Occupy Wall Street has momentum. While the movement has been dismissed, it has grown. One can only speculate how this turns once the media begins to pay some real attention.

*I will be updating the blog on a regular basis as events warrant.

Fairway Market On East 86th Opens Amid Much Fanfare

2011-07-20T10:24:00.002-04:00

It's 10am and the much anticipated new Fairway Market at East 86th Street is but an hour from opening. The opening news conference is a few minutes behind schedule as we are waiting for numerous elected officials who are expected to attend. I've had the pleasure of a preview tour this morning and I have to say it is impressive. It is not just the wide selection of produce, breads, cheeses, etc that impress me, but great prices as well. $1.99lb for beefsteak tomatoes or $3.99 for a fresh loaf of rye are but a couple of examples. The crowds have gathered and the press conference is about to begin. Welcome Fairway!

Damn Good Hot Chocolate Served Up At "Little Brown"

2011-02-10T11:09:00.004-05:00

$4.90 for a 12 ounce cup of hot chocolate. $4.90! Worth it? A resounding yes if that cup of hot chocolate comes from newcomer "Little Brown Chocolate Bakery and Coffee" now occupying the south corner of the Lucida at 85th and Lex. It has a clean, appealing look from the outside, and any business that prides itself on quality chocolate must be investigated further so a visit was a must. Prior to opening I thought the approximately 700 square foot space would be challenging for any business, yet, the space has high ceilings, floor to ceiling glass windows, and a crisp layout which has the feel of a modern living room and has a comfortable feel for the 25 or so that can be seated there. But enough about all that, it is the chocolate that matters and from my sample, it was fantastic! I chose the milk chocolate variety, and the cashier described it best "it is not like drinking a hot chocolate, it is like drinking liquid chocolate". He was right. The consistency was thick, and the taste exceptional. One of the best hot chocolates that I've ever had. At first I was going to say that it only compares to "Max Brenner", but it figures, the shop is from the "Bald Man" behind Max Brenner. The only negative was that the "double" at 12 ounces was a bit too much for me, next time, I'll save a couple of bucks and settle in with the 8 ounce single which is more than enough to satiate.
What To Eat At Little Brown (NY Mag/Grubstreet)

White Ghost On Park Ave

2010-11-04T11:23:00.000-04:00

Yoshitomo Nara's "White Ghost" presides on Park Avenue and 67th Street. Surely, not the only white ghost in the area, but certainly bigger!
This exhibit will remain through November.
-AFB Mobile
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

They Even Have Rats On Park Avenue!

2010-10-22T12:54:00.001-04:00

Shot today at 1049 Park Ave. Ring a bell? This was the fictional home of Felix Unger and Oscar Madison from the old school "Odd Couple" series. I am sure Felix would be having a coronary about now!

One Big Hole For Whole Foods At 250 East 57th Street

2010-09-21T13:04:00.006-04:00

It seems like just yesterday that a ground-breaking was being held for the enormous project at 250 East 57th Street. The project is a public/private partnership (with World-Wide Group) which will eventually total a mind blowing 1,000,000 square feet. Phase 1, which will house 2100 students in two brand news schools and a much awaited Whole Foods Market, is well underway. In just a few short months the massive foundation spanning the block between 57th and 56th Streets and hundred of feet wide is nearly finished. Eventually, when complete (estimated 2012), the adjoining high school will be demolished to make way for a 59 story tower that will house 350 residential units as well as an abundance of additional retail/commercial space.
250 East 57th Street (World-Wide Group)
All Things 250 East 57th Street (Curbed)

Thank You, Ralph! Truly Magnificent New Structure On East 72nd Is A Gift To New York!

2010-09-20T15:13:00.011-04:00

I can't tell you how many times I have marveled at prewar architecture and remarked "they don't make them like they used to"; or wondered why someone won't just spend the extra money and replicate the best architecture of our city. Thanks to Ralph Lauren, I will have to rephrase both questions into "why can't they do what Ralph did on East 72nd Street"?

What Ralph did was to build what I consider one of the most gorgeous structures built in NYC in a lifetime! At the corner of 72nd Street and Madison, the veil is off, and what replaced essentially 2 story tax payer is now a gorgeous Beaux Arts mansion. It is a sight to behold! The mansion is both masculine and graceful. The exterior is all limestone, and according to a contractor from the good old USA. I could go on about the exceptional details from the balustrades, corbels, and wrought iron finishes, but pictures are worth thousands of words. Two words come to mind for Ralph Lauren- thank you!

Ralph's new women's and home store is expected to open in this new building mid-October.

That Was Quick! Union Square Bike And Pedestrian Makeover Nearly Complete!

2010-09-16T14:42:00.006-04:00

(l) looking west on 17th, (r) north side of 17th, also looking west.

(l) looking north up Bway from 17th, (r) tables on plaza at Union Square Park.

It was just a few days ago that plants were being unloaded from trucks and outlines were being drawn for a future bike lane and pedestrian/loitering space. A few days later and voila, consider the job virtually done!

On Lower Fifth: New School Still Coming Down, 61 Fifth Gets Foundation

2010-09-16T14:13:00.009-04:00

The New, New School

On close inspection, the demo of the New School on the lot between 13th and 14th on Fifth Avenue looks like it may be reusing the five stories of steel framework and moving up from there. Not the case. Workers are shoring up nearby buildings which is why the old building is coming down in a slow, methodical fashion.
New School Funky Fresh Renderings (AFB 3/10)

61 Fifth Avenue

(l) foundation of 61 Fifth, (r) rendering, Alta Indelman via Curbed

The former Schrafft's Ice Cream Parlor site on the southeast corner of 13th and Fifth is also active. Rebar from the foundation is emerging above the fence line, so looks like the impressive 10 story project is well on its way.
Former Schrafft's Building Set For Demo (AFB 9/09)
More renderings, etc...from my friends at Curbed

What A Relief! Union Square Park Restrooms To Open Tomorrow!

2010-09-16T11:04:00.005-04:00

It is finally happening, a what a relief!

The Union Square Park bathrooms are set to open to the public either late this afternoon, or tomorrow the latest. The public facilities will feature Men's and Women's facilities that open to the plaza and a family bath accessible only to the playground. The structure designed by Architect Research Office reuses the Ashlar wall that was pre-existing at the park and uses translucent eco-resin (to help light the facilities) on the upper half of the wall and steel grill overlays to keep people from smashing it up. The handicapped accessible doors are made of and framed with an unknown yet sleek wood substance and it appears that subway tiles are incorporated as the tile of choice in the interiors (I will get pics of the interiors as soon as I can).

The architect's website describes the final effect as "subdued and elegant". Well, it is only a bathroom, but it does look quite spiffy and the architect does seem to do a great job of blending old and new, so the facility does not look the slightest out of place.

Slow Death And Rebirth On Central Park South

2010-09-15T11:30:00.009-04:00

220 CPS

(l) 220 CPS...nasty, (r) 220 CPS rear building terrace

Having had a client interested in an exceptionally priced park view apartment at 230 Central Park South recently, I have been compelled to get the latest on various developments in the area. 230 Sits right next to 220 CPS, a nearly abandoned rental building that has been cleared of most tenants with plans for a 41 (possibly 48) story new condo built by Clarett Group and Vornado Realty Trust and designed by SLCE architects. On inspecting the site last week, I counted what looked like at least 8 to 10 holdouts including one who is clearly having difficulty parting with a lush, south-facing terrace. I spoke with a building employee (who shall remain anonymous) and he confirmed that there were still holdouts and that 'they aren't going anywhere' and that the 'landlord has to settle with them to get them out'. Well, that really goes without saying, tenants have been in litigation since 2006, and although there have been hints that the developers are hitting the final stretch, a long stretch it is.

230 CPS

(l) Southmoor before reno (credit:Central-Park-Apartments.com), (r) rendering

(l) Westmoor now, (r) deco pattern

Two doors down at 230 CPS, aka The Southmoor House, is completing a face lift. The Art Deco building, built in 1937 has adopted a stripe pattern (the Kalahari it isn't) and a restored entrance.

Extell's "Monster Of Midtown" 155 W. 57th Threatens Ground Level

2010-09-14T10:44:00.007-04:00

Photo Credit: Top L & R, Andrew Fine, Bottom L& R de Portzamparc (via Archpaper)

Shots taken this weekend reveal that Extell's future 73 story, 953 foot (1005ft by other sources) Park Hyatt Hotel and Condo (a.k.a. Carnegie 57) seems to be finally breaking ground level, at least on the East Side. The building, designed by Starchitect Christian de Portzamparc, will lay claim to the title of tallest residential tower in NYC. The project was supposed to break ground level earlier this summer, but it was reported that Extell was in talks with the investment arm of the Abu Dhabi government regarding funding. Extell contends that if it had to, it could finance the project on it's own, but that wasn't preferable. Given the lack of construction crane on site, perhaps those talks are ongoing. However, it does appear that some progress on the site has been made over the summer.
More:
Extell Has French Kiss For de Portzamparc (Archpaper 6/2010)
Carnegie 57 Thread (Wired)
All Things Carnegie 57 (Curbed)

Harvest In The Square 8 Days Away, Discount For A. Fine Blog Readers!

2010-09-13T14:51:00.003-04:00

Harvest in the Square is just 8 days away! Plans are well underway for another spectacular event when this fall, over 60 eateries - the largest number in the event's history - will exhibit some of their most celebrated dishes at the 15th Annual Harvest in the Square on Tuesday, September 21st in Union Square Park. This year's participants will present a mouth-watering array of food offerings, with some incorporating ingredients found at our very own Union Square Greenmarket, and others sharing new creations to be featured exclusively at this treasured celebration of community and cuisine.

Harvest in the Square is the Union Square Partnership's annual fundraiser and proceeds from past events have supported countless improvement projects in Union Square Park, including the installation of a new 15,000 sq. ft. playground; the rehabilitation of the Pavilion and the plazas surrounding the north side of the park; the creation of a new seating area in the center lawn; repairs to the park's dog run; and the planting of thousands of ornamental shrubs, perennials, annuals and bulbs to highlight just a few of our efforts.

I believe deeply in the work of the Union Square Partnership, a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization, and I urge you to support our vital work within the Union Square community. General Admission tickets for entry at 7:30 PM can be purchased via the event webpage at www.harvestinthesquare.org. Tickets are tax-deductible with the exception of $50 per ticket, and readers of A Fine Blog get $20 off when using the promo code "harvest." If you can't make it, consider making a donation to the organization - they do good work and it's 100% tax-deductable and will go a long way towards helping us to ensure we have the needed funds for next spring's efforts.

You won't go home disappointed or hungry.

Papaya King Reopens, Now With Breakfast Menu!

2010-09-13T07:24:00.005-04:00

If all goes according to plan, Papaya King -- the stalwart of East 86th Street since 1932 -- will reopen this morning after a painful 8 weeks of renovation. Painful? To this blogger, yes.

While newcomer Shake Shack is still lining them down the street, at least when it comes to dogs, Papaya King is the one to beat. Both the exterior and interior have been gutted and renovated, but aside from a slightly different counter arrangement and bigger doors on the east side, the only thing that seems to be different is the lack of patina (which is sure to return with the grilling of several thousand dogs).

Yet, there is something new - a breakfast menu! Why wait until lunch when you can have a dog and egg sandwich? Other, more traditional breakfast sandwiches are said to be in the offing as well. I am sure to be back with an update.

Papaya King, 179 East 86th Street (NY Mag)

Park Place 9/10, A Photo Essay

2010-09-10T15:14:00.010-04:00

Photos from this morning (9/10) at Park Place and West Broadway, last pic from the bar next to proposed Islamic Community Center (plenty of reporters refreshing there).

I will refrain from comment on the issue as all those outside of the fringe elements have good arguments and are entitled to their opinions. However, it is clear from those congregating that the fringe was very well represented. I think it would be preferable to reserve 9/11 for remembering and mourning the dead, commemorating the selfless heroism of the first responders, and to remember how we came together unified as a city and a country on that day.

Union Square Gets Even Greener, Safer Too

2010-09-09T15:58:00.004-04:00

Top- Broadway 9/9/10, Bottom- 17th Street 9/9/10

They may not have gotten rid of the junkies that occupy the southeast corner of the park, nor the occasionally violent students, but crossing the street on the northwest corner has gotten much safer. Traffic east on 17th from Union Square West to Park Avenue has been eliminated and is currently being replaced by planters, a bike lane, and more of that tar/beige gravel that is becoming so popular along Broadway. Now, many have mixed emotions about all the pedestrian-ification (yeah, I know that's not a real word) of Broadway, but this particular move makes plenty of sense. I am not sure how many if any pedestrians have been killed crossing that corner, but I have seen more than my share of close calls (95 injuries have been reported on Broadway between 23rd and 17th between 2004 and 2008).
Union Square is also getting greener! Just when you thought the new north plaza with 21 new and healthy Japanese Pagoda trees was nice, now more plants, shrubs, and trees are being added in dozens of planters which will now occupy the south portion of 17th Street where car roamed just days ago. It may look a little odd right now, but I am sure we will get used to it.
More:
Broadway Union Square Pedestrian Improvements Warning-PDF (NYC DOT via Union Square Partnership)
Pedestrian Plaza Is Planned For Union Square (NY Times 4/2010)

Now It Is Really Official! Fairway Coming To East 86th Street Spring 2011!

2010-09-07T13:08:00.005-04:00

After my blog update yesterday, the PR rep for Fairway noticed the article and reached out. I am happy to relay that all issues regarding loading hours have been worked out and the lease has been signed! Fairway Market will be opening in the Spring of 2011 at the former Barnes and Noble site at 240 East 86th Street. The store itself (not including back office, storage etc.) will be approximately 45,000 square feet on two levels, rivaling the size of the West Side flagship store. The market will carry all of the same offerings that Fairway is famous for. The only exception is that this Fairway will not have a cafe. Ground-breaking should take place in about a month. Welcome Fairway! (Photo: NY Mag.com)