In the Maysel brother’s ground-breaking 1975 documentary “Grey Gardens”, Edith Bouvier Beales an American socialite, fashion model, cabaret performer and first cousin of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, complains of abandoning her bustling exciting NYC life to care for her ailing mother, that she would be happier in any New York rathole, “even on 10th Avenue.” Well, if only sweet Edie were alive to see what’s popping up on 10th Avenue now. High Line and Hudson Yards high-rise, retail and public space construction is moving ahead at a rapid pace and it seems that more spectacular developments are being announced every week. Here’s a development from the architects of the new World Trade Center tower that caught my eye with its accessible vertical outdoor spaces placed in a very unique way. As a long time resident of 10th Avenue for over 22 years, I’ve seen major changes in the neighborhood, mostly for the better and some not so good. This is getting interesting. Urban life is being re-imagined in NYC in innovative and exciting ways. I just hope that we don’t lose the heart and soul of our great neighborhoods rats and all. [Full Article] [Contact Me] [History of Hudson Yards]
“Grey Gardens” Parody with Bill Hader and Fred Armisen – Hysterical!!
I’m working a listing in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn NYC for a client who I’ve known from the music and film business for 10+ years give or take, a NYC dance genre music producer legend. The Village People, Klaus Nomi, Crystal Waters, NYC club DJ scene, drag queens, motorcycles, go go boys, the real deal, the works and then some and then some more. Manny’s a lifelong resident of Brooklyn, a real New Yorker, a survivor, an innovator, a risk taker, a true NYC original. www.manparish.com Being his exclusive listing agent is perfect as, in addition to real estate, I’m in the music, film and TV biz and a huge (guilty pleasure alert) disco fanatic since my teen years- I still have an awesome collection of vinyl 12 inchers from the 70s I would never part with.
Like most Manhattan living snots, Bensonhurst wasn’t a destination for me in the 30 years I’ve been in NYC, but I now realize that it has been a big part of my life all along watching TV or going to the movies going back to being a kid in Madison, WI. Like seeing Lenny’s Pizza in the fabulous opening scene of “Saturday Night Fever” – still open for business or watching the opening for the TV hit (also starring John Travolta) of “Welcome Back Kotter”. Or seeing the hood star in “The Bensonhurst Bomber” episode of The Honeymooners from the Classic 39 episodes of that series which is still running on TV around the world. Today, there’s no more graffiti subway cars, no more bell bottoms or men’s platform shoes (never say never) and we live in a very cleaned up, well run NYC City. Somehow and up until now, Bensonhurst remains a sleepy real Brooklyn neighborhood unspoiled by stale corporate coffee shops and GAPs on every corner. It’s still Perfect, it’s still REAL NYC. I love it!
So, who knew Bensonhurst had been calling me for years? Now, 30+ years later since I moved here, NYC is having an incredible renaissance with people actually deciding not to move to the burbs when they procreate but staying here or, better yet, moving to the City from the burbs! The population growing. All the boroughs are on fire, Brooklyn especially.. and Bensonhurst’s will no doubt come back into the spotlight as home prices continue to skyrocket in Long Island City, Williamsburg, Park Slope, Carroll Gardens pushing the 99% ers further out. It’s remarkable to see this happening. So, what’s my advice then? Well, don’t dispair! It’s jewels like Bensonhurst where you can still score a fabulous home with lots of character in a real neighborhood, with locally owned markets, diversity, very real people, a real NYC life. So, OK, like, not for nothin’… take a look at a greatplace that will get you a whole lot of living for your money that would only score you a lousy one bedroom in Manhattan. Best part, if Manny Parrish’s walls could sing, Madonne! You’d for sure hear a lot of great music! . You gotta check it out!
Nobody appreciates a good pair of shoes like a real estate agent in NYC – we pound the hard pavement everyday to make the sale happen for our clients. Nice shoes make a big difference in this town but not everyone can afford them, especially if you’re just starting out. To help, FENWICK KEATS Real Estate has partnered with Bottomless Closet for our first ever shoe drive. So ladies, bust out those shoes still in the box that you’ve never worn or have barely worn and bring them over to our Greenwich Village office starting 12/4. Bottomless Closet NYC is a very special organization (especially to me since my gal pal Angelina Lippert is a major force there). They make a real difference for disadvantaged New York City women seeking employment and wanting to be successful. Flats, straps, heels, toes, no toes, bring it! You know you got ’em!
#BOTTOMLESSCLOSET [ link to opening invite – must rsvp ]
I’ve been a resident of Hell’s Kitchen (Clinton, North Chelsea, Chelsea North, Midtown West, etc., etc.) for over 22 years now. If you read my blog regularly it’s no surprise that I just love living here. In my opinion, it’s one of the most diverse , dynamic and “real” neighborhoods in NYC. But don’t take my word for it. Check out this terrific article from this past Sunday’s New York Times Real Estate section and then give me a call for an appointment to tour some of the new and the old that the “Kitchen” has to offer. [Read Article ]
High Line and Hudson Yards high-rise, retail and public space construction is moving ahead at a rapid pace and it seems that more spectacular developments are being announced every week. Here’s a development from the architects of the new World Trade Center tower that caught my eye with its accessible vertical outdoor spaces placed in a very unique way. As a long time resident of 10th Avenue for over 22 years, I’ve seen major changes in the neighborhood, mostly for the better and some not so good. This is getting interesting. Urban life is being re-imagined in NYC in innovative and exciting ways. I just hope that we don’t lose the heart and soul of our great neighborhoods rats and all. [Full Article] [Contact Me] [History of Hudson Yards]
