Overview of NYC’s New Short-Term Rental Registration Law

On January 9th, 2022, New York City adopted Local Law 18, also known as the Short-Term Rental Registration Law. The law is now going into effect and requires STR hosts to register with the Mayor’s Office of Special Enforcement (OSE) before posting their rentals on booking service platforms such as Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com. 

These booking platforms will be unable to process transactions for unregistered vacation rentals. Registration will open up 30 days after the final rules are published, allowing applicants to submit their information on the OSE website.

It’s expected that applications will go live towards the end of February with a $145 non-refundable application fee. Enforcement of registration requirements won’t begin until July of 2023.

Breaking Down Specifics of Local Law 18

Local Law 18 limits registration to a person who is a permanent occupant of the unit being rented. It prohibits registration for certain kinds of units, such as rent-regulated and New York City Housing Authority units. 

The new law also prohibits registration of units housed within buildings on the prohibited buildings list, which will be created by owners notifying the OSE that short-term rentals are not allowed in their buildings. 

Registration applicants will be required to confirm that they will comply with laws governing housing in NYC and commit to only hosting legal short-term rentals, specifically stays for no more than two guests hosted in the unit the host currently lives in. 

It’s important to note that the new law does not change which short-term rentals are legal or illegal, it simply strengthens current regulations for short-term rental laws in NYC. 

“Class B” multiple dwellings which have a stamp of approval from the City of New York for legal short-term occupancies are exempt from the new registration requirement. The same exemption applies for rentals of 30 consecutive days, or more. 

What is the Purpose of Local Law 18?

Despite existing regulations, New York’s short-term rental industry is anything but regulated. Illegal rentals are so common that the City doesn’t have the capacity to regulate them all, making enforcement of existing laws challenging, to say the least. 

State and city laws are clear in that rentals of 30 days or less are not permitted unless the permanent resident is living within the same space. However, that’s not necessarily clear to the millions of people looking for a short-term rental on Airbnb and other booking platforms. 

Tenants and owners listing their rentals for less than 30 days know they are breaking the law, however, they also know their chances of being caught are minimal given the vast number of illegal Airbnbs throughout the City. 

What Illegal Airbnbs Look Like in Practice

In NYC, most visitors have no way of knowing their stays are illegal. It’s also not something they are responsible for in the eyes of the law. This makes for an ideal situation where tenants with great credit scores and a healthy savings account apply to apartments, get approved, and instead of moving in, immediately list their rentals on Airbnb. 

Many of these buildings do not allow for short-term rentals. The reason being that short-term rentals usually come with increased foot traffic. This poses an inconvenience to both the owner of the unit and the unit’s neighbors, given that the space is being overused and frequented by multiple people throughout the year. 

The City and Airbnb have differed on the issue since Airbnb came into existence. Tourists who stay in Airbnb homes certainly bring activity to the local economy, but often at the expense of current residents. City officials prefer tourists to stay in hotels, as opposed to apartments, due to the tight housing supply and rising rents in NYC.

How does the Short-Term Rental Registration Law Differ from Current Regulations?

The main difference between existing regulations and the new Short-Term Rental Regulation law is that hosts will now be required to register their rentals with the OSE. Booking platforms will be prohibited from posting listings or processing payments for unregistered short-term rentals. A registration number will be given to those approved and displayed on the rental’s listing.

Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office of Special Enforcement, Christian Klossner, told the New York Post that this new law will “clarify short-term rental laws and lay out a straightforward process for hosts to obtain a registration for their legal rentals.” 

Existing Regulations Remain

The first thing to note is that Local Law 18 does not change or override previous regulations. Short-term rentals for less than 30 days are only allowed if the tenant/owner actively resides within the unit. In other words, you can only share your space with up to two guests at a time, you can’t completely give up your space to them during their stay. 

Listing an “entire place” on Airbnb for less than 30 days in NYC is illegal. However, that’s the most common type of Airbnb you’ll find on the platform. 

The new Short-Term Rental Regulation Law is aimed at changing that by implementing a registration system and banning short-term listings in certain buildings. The law also applies to one-and two-family houses.

List of Buildings Prohibited from Hosting in NYC

Local Law 18 is also meant to empower building owners by allowing them to submit their properties to an official list of buildings prohibiting short-term rentals. 

This allows the OSE to reject registration requests from tenants trying to host behind their landlords’ backs. Condo owners and co-op boards will have the same opportunity to put their buildings on the prohibited list. 

When a host submits a short-term rental application, the OSE will notify the building owner and allow them to confirm or block the request. 

What Should I Do if I Want to Host in NYC?

Hosting in the city is already a bit complicated. It’s expected that increased regulations will dissuade future Airbnb hosts from renting out their space. As part of the new law, hosts will need to do all of the following:

• Confirm they are the owner/tenant through bank statements and/or utility bills.
• Validate they are offering a short-term rental that is not in violation of the lease, laws governing housing, or zoning regulations.
• Provide plenty of information about themselves and the unit such as:
  • Identify
  • Address
  • Full names of everyone living within the unit
  • A diagram of the property showing which rooms will be rented out on a short-term basis and emergency exits

Failure to provide the information listed above will result in their Airbnb credentials being removed, prohibiting the platform from processing payments to these hosts. 

If hosts get caught renting out a unit without properly registering it with the OSE, they could face penalties of up to $5,000. Both hosts and booking platform sites that fail to comply can be penalized. However, penalties won’t be enforced until May 9th, 2023.

Airbnb’s Response and Resources for NYC Hosts

As you can imagine, Airbnb is up-in-arms about these new regulations which they argue will promote a “draconian and unworkable registration system that will prevent lawful and responsible hosts from listing their homes,” per their latest statement on Local Law 18. 

Regardless of how they feel about the new measures, they are obliged to comply, or risk losing their ability to operate throughout the City. Airbnb, along with other booking platforms will have to report on the specifics of hosts’ rental in order to corroborate the information provided to the City via registration applications. 

30+ Night Stays are Exempt from Disclosing Home Details Data Sharing

The amount of information that needs to be shared in order to legally list a short-term rental is extensive, which might put off some would-be hosts. Hosts should know that if they are considering hosting in NYC, but don’t want to share detailed information about their living space, there’s a way around that. 

By switching to 30+ night stays, hosts are exempt from data sharing requirements that disclose home details. This means that hosts can post their short-term rentals on Airbnb and other booking platforms without having to submit the information mentioned in the bullets above. 

Although hosting for 30 days or less is enticing and can often reap greater financial rewards, there are some benefits to hosting 30 days, or more. In addition to not having to share information about their home’s layout, long-term hosts will be reducing guest turnover, which could lead to lower maintenance and operating costs. 

They can also secure rental income over a longer period of time, making their rental income more stable. Stays that are 30 days or longer will likely attract a new demographic, such as remote workers and ‘slowmads,’ digital nomads choosing to stay in cities for extended periods of time. 

Is Hosting in the NYC Worth it?

According to the independent watchdog group Inside Airbnb, there are currently 40,000 Airbnb listings throughout the city. Once these new regulations go into effect, this number is expected to decrease by a fourth. 

Naturally, hosts will be dissuaded from hosting their space, given that they are facing rental income loss and privacy concerns. However, New York is still a competitive market, so some hosts will remain. 

Whether or not hosting at a time like this is worth it will depend on hosts’ financial goals, ability to keep up with new regulations, and the type of rental being hosted. RentHop recently published a study revealing that one-bedroom units were more profitable as long-term rentals in 96% of cities. New York ranked as one of the cities with the highest long-term return for a one-bedroom rental.

If you think 30+ day stays fit your financial goals and lifestyle as a host, then hosting in NYC may still be a viable opportunity for you. However, if your main concern is capitalizing on peak seasons where stays in the City are highly profitable, you may not think hosting in NYC is worth the trouble given the new restrictions. 

The post Everything You Need to Know About Airbnb Rental Regulations in NYC appeared first on CitySignal.

Best Hotels in Manhattan

 

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The Waldorf-Astoria

This historic hotel has been providing a glamorous experience to its guests since 1931. Known for its luxury service, Conrad Hilton even called this place “the best of them all.” With their enormous hotel spa, fine dining establishment, and special guest benefits throughout the city, it’s easy to see why so many people love staying here. Some folks loved it so much that they converted the top floors into permanent residences. Those who live in these permanent residences can enjoy the hotel’s amenities year-round. This place is the best of old New York, and staying here is a truly unique experience.

The Plaza

One of the most iconic hotels in the city, The Plaza has been around since 1907, and has hosted many celebrities, including The Beatles on their first-ever tour of America. The hotel has been the scene for a number of famous stories too, including Home Alone 2 and the hit Broadway play, Plaza Suite. The hotel has a wide variety of room sizes, though all of them will make a guest feel like royalty. They also have a ton of services, including a spa, a champagne bar, and even services for pets. This is a great place for anyone seeking a luxury New York experience.

The Conrad Downtown

Located in the heart of Downtown Manhattan, this hotel has an almost ideal location for tourists, especially those who want to stay out of the Midtown hustle and bustle. The Conrad Downtown is one of the highest-rated hotels in the city and has several packages available for families and visitors seeking a bit more romance in their vacation. This hotel is also essentially a museum with over 2,000 modern art pieces. Their rooftop bar, Loopy Doopy, has some of the best views in the city and some of the best specialty cocktails as well.

Ink48

This hotel is bit more modern, but it was built from the remnants of a 1930s printing factory. Placing top three of the Condé Nast Traveler Best Hotel list in 2020, 2021, and 2022 (Winning the top two out of those three years), this hotel is extremely popular with locals and tourists alike. Their restaurant, PRINT, is one of the best in the city, and the view from their rooftop bar is breathtaking. Ideally located, guests can catch a show at a Broadway theater or visit the iconic Times Square steps from the hotel.

The Standard

Located above the High Line in Chelsea, this magnificent hotel is the definition of a good time. The location is great, sure. But they also have a ton of restaurants, bars, and even bumper cars. The Standard even has a shop inside it with specialty fashion items that can only be found in the hotel. With food, shopping, and entertainment, guests never have to leave the hotel. If they do, though, they can step directly onto the High Line, and enjoy a wonderland of theater, shopping, and fine dining blocks away from this amazing place.

The Chatwell

Voted #1 Hotel by the Condé Nast Traveler Readers Choice list, this hotel services a guest’s every need, even offering bikes to folks who want to cycle through the city. This pet-friendly hotel has a little bit of everything, from great views to a stunning 90-seat restaurant that serves “pre-theatre” specials. With a bar popular with Broadway performers, given its elegance and location, seeing stars and celebrities here isn’t a rare occurrence. The Chatwell loves the theater so much that they offer Broadway-themed dress-up and tea parties for younger theatergoers.

The Beekman

Another Condé Nast Traveler Readers Choice pick, this hotel has been around since 1883, and has been visited by famous scholars such as Edgar Allen Poe, Mark Twain, and Ralph Waldo Emerson. This historic building celebrates these authors and thinkers by decorating the halls with their likenesses and filling libraries and lounges with their works. The entire place is like wandering around a castle. It’s elegant, brilliant, and has many places to go. They have several bars and restaurants, and they are right in the middle of Financial District, which means they are close to many of NYC’s most famous attractions.

Best Hotels in Brooklyn

 

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Akwaaba Mansion

One of the most unique hotels in NYC, this bed and breakfast resides in a landmarked mansion dating back to 1860. The mansion has a library, TV room, and game room available to all guests, offering a glamping experience without having to leave the city. This Stuyvesant Heights gem is extremely popular, and offers unparalleled service. They provide guests with custom bathroom supplies, a concierge service, and even a secluded garden space. This place is truly one of a kind, so don’t miss an opportunity to stay here.

1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge

This hotel offers some of the best views in the entire city. Right next to the Brooklyn Bridge, this waterfront hotel is gorgeous, offering guests access to amazing amenities like a rooftop swimming pool, a rooftop bar, a farm-to-table restaurant, a spa, and even a fitness center that hosts classes. This hotel is completely green and LEED certified, and it’s pet friendly. Really, this hotel has no downsides. In fact, they make it hard to want to leave. That said, if guests need to venture out, Dumbo is right there waiting for them, and Manhattan is only a bridge away.

The Williamsburg Hotel

Another hotel with a complimentary bike rental, this hotel is often referred to as the best in the borough. With a rooftop bar and pool, and special events featuring live music, it’s easy to see why people love this place so much. Mirror Bar, a popular venue for both guests and locals, usually has a DJ so everyone can dance the night away. They also offer pizza nights, tea times, and other social events so guests can get to know one another during their stay. It’s an interesting mix of hotel and social club.

The Box House Hotel

This hotel was built inside a former door factory and has some of the most spacious rooms of any hotel in the city, even offering guests the opportunity to rent out entire apartments for their stay. Each room is impeccably decorated and has huge windows that allow natural light to flood the rooms. Their hotel restaurant, Brooklyn Lantern, is one of the best in the borough, offering American classics and craft beer. This hotel is pretty eccentric and is perfect for a younger crowd of travelers seeking a fun, easygoing vacation.

Nu Hotel

One of the only hotels to offer guests an in-room hammock, Nu Hotel draws people in with its sustainable practices and amazing offers. They have free parking, which is almost unheard of in the city today. Guests who don’t have cars still have a way to get around, though, as Nu is yet another hotel that offers guests complimentary bikes. They also have a fitness center with stationary bikes for those who like to cycle but not go anywhere. They even have a special deal – the Discover Downtown Brooklyn Pass – that can land guests a discount at some of Brooklyn’s most popular places. This hotel is certainly a unique one and shouldn’t be overlooked when making travel arrangements.

Best Hotels in Queens

 

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The Rockaway Hotel

This resort-like hotel is perfect for people who love the beach or sitting poolside, as they receive the best service. This hotel offers guests special events, one of the most popular being “Chefs on the Beach” in which diners sit right by the ocean and enjoy fresh meals made right in front of them. The real draw, though, is the hotel spa, which offers guests access to waxing, facials, and relaxation treatments like saunas and massages. This hotel is one of the best in the city, so guests won’t even mind that it’s a bit farther out.

The Collective Paper Factory

This hotel is in Long Island City, steps away from some of the coolest spots in Queens. As the name implies, this hotel was once a paper factory, and many rooms feature the high ceiling and spacious accommodations that the factory architecture once enjoyed. The hotel has several lounges and a 24 fitness center. However, the true draw here is the location. Close to Queens staples like Kaufman Studios, MoMA PS1, and a ton of restaurants and bars. The hotel is nestled away from most of the action, making for a comfy retreat.

TWA Hotel

This hotel is located inside the JFK, and has a ton of cool stuff for guests to experience. The best part of this hotel is the rooftop infinity pool, which lets guests look out over the airport runway as planes take off into the air. The pool is heated and open all year round. Other amenities include the world’s largest hotel fitness at 10,000 square feet. With many great restaurants, bars, and seasonal events, it’s no wonder this hotel was nominated for the Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Award in 2021.

Best Hotels in The Bronx

 

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Wingate by Wyndham Bronx

This is a popular hotel chain, but this branch in the Bronx is popular for a very special reason: It’s close to Yankee Stadium. This is the hotel of choice for Yankees fans all over the world because it’s affordable, pet friendly, and has an amazing bar. This hotel also has a fitness center, laundry services, bike rentals, and valet parking, making it just as classy as any Manhattan hotel. This place is special, not just for Yankees fans, but for anyone who stays here. Guests will get the true Bronx experience here.

The Opera House Hotel

One of the coolest hotels in NYC, this hotel was built from an old opera house and reflects that history in much of the decor found around the building. Close to Bronx attractions like Yankee Stadium and the Bronx Zoo, this hotel truly showcases the best of the neighborhood. It’s easy to travel anywhere in the city from its location, and the rooms here are huge with magnificent views. They offer guests special packages to make their stay more affordable and enjoyable, making this one of the most affordable hotels in the city.

Best Hotel in Staten Island

 

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The Historic Old Bermuda Inn

This historic hotel is the best in Staten Island, creating a unique trip for every guest that passes through. A popular wedding venue, this hotel is elegance personified, with large banquet halls, special wedding packages, and even a botanical garden. This hotel is also said to be haunted for those seeking adventure on vacation. For those who would prefer not to share a room with a ghost, these spirits never disturb the guests’ enjoyment. They only enhance it. This place is truly a magical one.

NYC hotels have a lot to offer guests. Many of these hotels are pet-friendly, offer bike rentals, and even have some out-of-this-world entertainment that one wouldn’t normally expect a hotel to have. When someone comes to the Big Apple for a good time, their entire trip should be a wonderful experience. A hotel isn’t just a place to rest a weary head. It’s a place where an experience can be made or ruined depending on the quality of its service. Luckily, NYC has some of the finest hotels in the world, ensuring guests that their trip to the big city will be unforgettable. 

The post The 18 Best Hotels in NYC By Borough appeared first on CitySignal.

It’s buildings like these that make NYC so exhilarating. Each year, new construction projects go up in the city, creating landmarks and changes to the skyline. They command our attention, often through not-so-subtle means, and have the strange power to make us feel anew about the city we thought we knew so well.

6 Buildings Changing the NYC Skyline

In 2022, several buildings debuted in NYC, adding to the already awe-inspiring skyline. Some were lucky enough to bypass NYC’s rigorous development process, while others had to battle it out to stake their claim in the city.

Below are six of New York City’s most impactful structures completed in 2022, each with its unique effect on the city’s skyline and community as a whole.

1) “TRIO,” 27-19 Thomson Avenue (Long Island City)

In 2001, the Department of City Planning rezoned 37 blocks at Long Island City’s core. This undertaking provided Queens with an incredible opportunity for revitalization and growth. It saw the repurposing of LIC’s old warehouses, many of which have been converted into luxury residences. But it also called for new construction to take place, an initiative that would transform the Queens skyline from an industrial no man’s land to an urban oasis of gleaming skyscrapers.

TRIO, which stands at 10 stories and sits on Thomson Avenue, is a 2022 addition that’s no less impressive when compared to its much taller neighbors, including the 67-story Skyline Tower. Trio’s trapezoidal glass façade, with a two-tone scheme of charcoal and off-white, befits the ever-evolving LIC skyline. Designed by Andres Escobar, who’s known for blending modern elements with classic forms, the building offers 30 residences, each one boasting condo-level finishes like quartz countertops and porcelain tiles, plus radiant heated floors and Toto Neorest Automatic toilets to top it off.

Of the 30 residences, 11 joined the affordable housing lottery program spearheaded by NYC Housing Connect. To be eligible, applicants must earn around 130% of the area median income, a range varying from $88,835 to an upper limit of $187,330. These income thresholds have reignited yet another round of affordable housing debates, with some online users taking to NewYorkYimby.com to express their discontent over the city’s use of the term “affordable.”

2) “96+Broadway,” 250 West 96th Street (Upper West Side)

Manhattan’s Upper West Side is more than its timeless brownstones, tree-lined streets, and stroller culture. Thanks to buildings like 96+Broadway, the neighborhood is now a destination for those seeking a contemporary urban experience. Designed by Danish architect Thomas Juul-Hansen, this 23-story condominium topped out in 2022, rising from the remains of a Gristedes supermarket (pronounced gri-STEE-deez for the uninitiated) that had been a fixture in the area for decades.

Standing at the intersection of 96th Street and Broadway, where the Upper West Side meets Morningside Heights, 96+Broadway’s façade is a modern take on the classic pre-war buildings that have long characterized the area. The structure is clad in limestone and steel, with country-style windows that give the building an almost industrial edge while still paying tribute to its historic surroundings. Bronze-finished balusters, white oak flooring, and several Juliet balconies add to the building’s classic aesthetic.

Although 96+Broadway is under the city’s voluntary inclusionary housing program, which means it would receive an extra 3.5 square feet of allotted space for every 1 square foot of affordable housing included in the final product, only one of its 131 units has been officially designated as “affordable.” The other 130 are on the market for upwards of $1 million.

3) 45 Park Place (Tribeca)

One of two buildings on this list that faced foreclosure before being completed in 2022 (the other being 291 Livingston Street), 45 Park Place, is the work of SOMA architects and ultra-lux interior designer Piero Lissoni. Located steps away from the Chambers Street subway station, this 42-story condominium stands out with its sculptural glass façade, which evokes a sense of movement and flow.

The building offers 50 condominiums, ranging from one-, two-, and three-bedroom lofts to three- and four-bedroom homes that take up an entire floor. Residents enjoy a suite of amenities, including a state-of-the-art fitness center with a yoga studio, a children’s playroom, and a 50-foot indoor pool spread across deep green marble floors.

The property was recently featured in the Tribeca Citizen’s “Unfinished Business” piece, where it joined the likes of 65 Franklin, 65 West Broadway, and 317 Broadway as buildings with a troubled history and/or stalled construction. The article took shape after the author had received several inquiries from Tribeca locals as to what was happening with the partially finished 45 Park Place and the other “holes in the ground” throughout the neighborhood. 45 Park Place has yet to be completed as of late 2022, but its notable presence stand stall offering yet another luxury address to Tribeca’s high-end real estate landscape. Some of the lots have also yet to show signs of progress.

4) 291 Livingston Street (Downtown Brooklyn)

Nestled minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Barclays Center is 291 Livingston Street, a 22-story hotel tower that has been completed — for the most part — in 2022. The project fell into financial difficulties shortly after plans were filed in 2018: Ownership defaulted on a $29.7 million mortgage, according to New Jersey-based news outlet Local Today, with real estate lender Acres Capital seeking to terminate its equity interests while the property stood at 80% completion.

Despite the hotel’s uncertain future, one thing’s for sure: 291 Livingston Street has become one of the most eye-catching buildings in the Downtown Brooklyn skyline. Designed by Gene Kaufman Architect, the 100-key hotel boasts a zebra-striped façade on one side and sleek concrete slabs on the other. The structure offers a unique sense of verticality, with its slender frame towering 189 feet in the sky.

From its inception, the hotel was set to feature a ground-level beer garden and a metal-framed glass canopy welcoming guests into the lobby. These features would have solidified the project’s stark transformation from a Wendy’s fast food joint to a boutique hotel in the heart of Brooklyn. Whether or not they’ll be included in its grand opening remains to be seen.

5) “Front & York,” 85 Jay Street (DUMBO)

You know those “Fast Pass” transponders you get at the amusement park to skip the long lines and go straight to the attraction? 85 Jay Street is Brooklyn real estate’s version of that. Because no rezoning or special permissions were required for its construction, the project has circumvented public negotiations that often slow down large-scale developments in the city. These include affordable housing availability, pledges for union labor, limited parking arrangements, and other community-driven initiatives.

With no hiccups to deter its progress, this mixed-used complex known as Front & York is poised to leave an indelible mark on DUMBO’s landscape. Spanning a full block from Front Street to York Street and Jay Street to Bridge Street, the site consists of 320 rental apartments and 408 condo units, making up the largest residential building in the neighborhood.

Furthermore, residents are treated to the largest indoor pool in DUMBO, a full-size indoor basketball court, a separate floor dedicated to fitness and wellness activities, and a private park. But those who end up living here may need to get over the fact that it was built on 72,000 cubic yards of formerly contaminated soil. The city’s Department of Environment Conservation remediated the soil through its Brownfield Cleanup Program, however, making it suitable for occupancy in 2022.

6) “The Brooklyn Tower,” 9 Dekalb Avenue (Downtown Brooklyn)

In an early 2022 post, we reported on the nearly completed 9 Dekalb Avenue, which made its way to our list of five extraordinary skyscrapers reshaping NYC’s skyline. The building made history on October 28, 2021, when it topped out at 1,073 feet, becoming the tallest building in Brooklyn and the tenth tallest in the city.

The Brooklyn Tower, as it’s also known, is like something out of a sci-fi movie. Its deconstructed octagon look shines with Neo Art Deco elements of stone, bronze, and steel. Along the roofline, protruding beams give the effect of a gold crown atop the structure, which can be seen from many miles away. It’s no wonder why the building’s design firm, SHoP Architects, won the American Prize for Architecture in 2022: the project was (and still is) an absolute marvel.

9 Dekalb houses 150 condo residences above the 53rd floor and 425 apartment rentals below. It also contains the Dime Savings Bank of New York, a landmark structure founded in 1859 and celebrated for its exquisite Beaux-Arts architecture. Amenities include a “Sky Lounge” on the 66th floor, an outdoor pool deck, a library, a movie theater, and several fitness studios.

Upcoming in 2023 and Beyond

It’s time to cast our gaze on the future, as 2023 and beyond will bring with it an array of significant construction projects that are set to take off in New York City.

Take a look at some of the buildings expected for development, completion, or occupancy in 2023 and beyond:

• Flushing Commons Phase II, 136-35 39th Avenue, Flushing, Queens
• Mandarin Oriental Residences Fifth Avenue, 685 Fifth Avenue, Midtown, Manhattan
• The Cortland, 555 West 22nd Street, Chelsea, Manhattan
• ONE11 Residences at Thompson Central Park, 111 West 56th Street, Midtown, Manhattan
• 45-03 23rd Street, Long Island City, Queens
• Sutton Tower, 430 East 58th Street, Sutton Place, Manhattan
• 460 Tenth Avenue, Hudson Yards, Manhattan
• 300 West 30th Street, Penn District, Manhattan
• 45 Broad Street, Financial District, Manhattan
• The Matteo, 323 East 79th Street, Yorkville, Manhattan
• 450 Washington Street, Tribeca, Manhattan

Final Thoughts

NYC’s ever-changing skyline is a testament to its capabilities, an expression of its boldness and drive. From commercial properties to residential structures, these buildings represent a snapshot of hope, resilience, and progress. The ones on this list are but a few of NYC’s most notable buildings completed in 2022, setting the stage for what potentially awaits us in 2023 and beyond.

So look up and listen. NYC’s buildings are telling stories. And we can’t wait to see what they will say next.

The post The 6 Most Impactful NYC Structures of 2022 appeared first on CitySignal.

Hotels to Sightsee

Ansonia Hotel 

The Ansonia Hotel, in operation from its erection in 1904 to its conversion to condominiums in the early 90s, has one of the most complex, controversial, and fabulous histories of any pre-war hotel in the city. Built by the “All Time Black Sheep” heir to the Phelps-Dodge copper fortune, William Earle Dodge Stokes, the intention was to put Grande Boulevard (now known as Broadway) on the map by building the grandest, tallest, biggest building in the city. With over 1400 rooms, 550,000 square feet of space, a chicken farm on the roof, and an egg market in the basement, the Ansonia was never the chicest spot to stay; but its long list of historic residences has cemented its importance. From baseball player Babe Ruth to Four Seasons composer Igor Stravinsky, the seedy, infamous reputation of the hotel drew many eccentric guests. In one of its most famous stints, the basement of the hotel served as the base for a gay bathhouse where a young Bette Mindler performed alongside Barry Manilow, her accompanist. 

The hotel also played a key role in the blackmail of Edward R. West, the Black Sox Scandal, and as a safe house for bank robber Willie Sutton. One resident, Thomas The Cat, never left the location and has reportedly been haunting the halls since 1903. With a major stripping of the face for World War I steel, and a series of less-than-scrupulous owners, the building, now a historic landmark, retains only a shadow of its former glory. The building is now home to 385 condominiums, rearranged in 2007 to recreate the grand apartments of history long since past, with units going for as low as $800,000 per year up to over $5.5 million and renting for $9,500 a month; A small ask to live in a pre-war condominium with a sharp Parisian-style exterior and refurbished interior. Part of the building also serves as a secondary facility for The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA).

Fifth Avenue Hotel 

Considered at the time to be not only the finest hotel in not just New York City but the world, the Fifth Avenue hotel was located at 200 Fifth Avenue and was in operation from 1859 to 1908. Built on what many considered to be cursed ground (as dozens of skeletons were unearthed during construction), Amos Richard Eno, a wealthy businessman, was not deterred. Influenced heavily by European architecture, the hotel’s interior was modeled after French hotels, while the exterior was all imported Italian marble. The location also featured the first steam-powered passenger elevator built in the United States.  Politicians appreciated the hotel for its luxury but also its security; with soundproofed rooms and discreet staff; except in the case of Robert Montague, a famous bank robber, who was arrested after his chambermaid tipped off the police.

James Garfield, the 20th president of the United States, had a specifically involved history in the hotel, having to pander to Republican support at the convention in 1880. Chester A. Arthur, the eventual successor, also frequented the hotel before Garfield’s assassination by Charles Guiteau, who also found himself in the hotel from time to time, truly a very small world.

In 1908 the Fifth Avenue Hotel was officially torn down and rebuilt into the Fifth Avenue Toy Center, which according to the Toy Manufacturer’s association, was responsible for 95% of the toy business by 1981. In 2007 however, the building at 200 Fifth Avenue was sold again to L&L Holding company to be transitioned into a Class A office building and where Eataly is currently located.

A new hotel has risen nearby at 250 Park Ave that has taken the name Fifth Ave Hotel that visitors can sight-see. It is not open for bookings just yet.

Closed for Renovations

Waldorf Astoria 

With legendary service and a long, celebrated history, the Waldorf Astoria Hotel is one of the most well-known hotels in New York City. Synonymous with celebrity, the original Waldorf Hotel was built in 1893 by William Waldorf Astor, an attorney, and scion to the grotesquely wealthy Astor Family of New York City. Like a plot out of some plutocratic fantasy, Waldorf’s cousin and rival, John Jacob Astor IV, built an even taller hotel next door in a startling show of one-upmanship. Eventually, following a truce, the buildings were connected by Peacock Alley, a long marble corridor, and hence was renamed the Waldorf-Astoria. 

The first hotel to have electricity on every floor, en suite baths, and 24-hour room service, the Waldorf Astoria set a precedent for luxury hotel living. After its grand reopening in 1931 as a dual tower hotel in a new location, celebrities such as Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Cole Porter, Andy Warhol, and every president from Herbert Hoover to Barack Obama have graced the halls and rooms: The late Queen Elizabeth II even stayed at the location with Prince Phillip in 1957. The location is currently undergoing a $1 billion renovation but will be open again in 2023, when you’ll again be able to walk the halls and brush elbows with celebrities of yesteryear. Units in the building are currently for sale, all the way up to $19 million. 

Hotels to book now

The Plaza Hotel 

Possibly the most famous hotel in New York City, it’s said that “Nothing unimportant ever happens at The Plaza.” Opening in 1907, for over 100 years, the hotel has been the location of critical meetings, classic films, and glitzy nightlife. Built on the site of the Original Plaza hotel after it was demolished in 1905, it was rebuilt two years later by Bernhard Beinecke, Fred Sterry, and Harry S. Black for $12 million (which at the time was unprecedented). It took about twenty-seven months to demolish the old Plaza and build the new one, but the investment was well worth it. Reportedly, the single largest order for gold-encrusted china was placed with L. Straus and Sons to furnish the new hotel, truly sparing no expense for the decadence. 

From 1959 to 2013 and beyond, the hotel has served as a set piece to some of the most important and influential films of their times. Alfred Hitchcock’s North by Northwest was the first time the Plaza made its way to the silver screen but it was followed by The Way We Were, The Front, Baz Lurhman’s The Great Gatsby, and perhaps most famously, Home Alone 2, where a hapless Macaulay Culkin wandered the halls of the hotel unchaperoned. Guests today can even pick from several themed offers, including a Home Alone 2: Fun In New York package that includes a Limousine ride to the filming locations, a large cheese pizza, and a Home Alone Sundae.

Residences at the Plaza at 1 Central Park South and 768 5th Ave can also be purchased.

Chelsea Hotel 

Originally conceived as a socialist utopian commune by architect Philip Hubert, this eccentric, bohemian hotel has a rich cultural history and has hosted some of the most famous names in the art world: From Bob Dylan to Janis Joplin, Mark Twain to Jimmy Hendrix. Andy Warhol shot several films with actress Viva, while Madonna, who lived there during the 80s, has used the location for photo shoots and public appearances.

Arthur C. Clark is said to have written 2001: A Space Odyssey at the Chelsea, while Jack Kerouac is said to have had a one-night stand with Gore Vidal. In the 70s, The Chelsea was run as an informal artists’ colony for a period of time, where artists traded paintings for rent or lived free, subsidized by the super-rich, who also called the hotel home. It was curated and run by Stanley Bard, who has been called everything from ”the best landlord in history” to “the biggest starfucker of all time.”

Closed for eleven years due to renovations, the hotel has recently reopened and is accepting new guests at all-time-low “hard hat” rates to encourage those who don’t mind a little bit of construction to have a stay. Some 50-odd guests call the 12-story building a permanent home, many of who have been there for decades. The renovations on the nearly 140-year-old building have brought a restored lobby, refurbished apartments and rooms for vistors, two restaurants, an event space, and a rooftop fitness center and spa. Additionally, El Quijote, an old-school Spanish restaurant next door that was closed in 2018, is scheduled to reopen alongside the hotel.

At around $200 to $600 a night, it’s a steal for the amount of history and legacy you get to interact with. You may even be joined by a few spectral friends.

A building’s life is often long, complicated, and dotted with scandals and mysteries, even more so for a hotel where hundreds of thousands of fascinating guests filter in and out yearly. These fabulous, historic New York hotels are fascinating and well worth a stay if you’re able; You might even share the halls with a ghostly cat or artistic royalty if you’re lucky!

The post The 6 Most Iconic Hotels To Visit in NYC appeared first on CitySignal.

The hotel in question was The Ansonia, and it was intended to be the largest and grandest hotel that New York City had ever seen. At the time of its opening, it featured amenities unheard of for a hotel – namely, the aforementioned farm in the sky. But that’s getting ahead of the story. 

The Ansonia Opens For Business 

The Ansonia was conceived by William Earl Dodge Stokes, a well-to-do New Yorker born into the Phelps Dodge mining operation. Stokes had established himself as a real estate developer in the mid-1880s, buying up and building row houses in the West 70s and 80s. He is largely credited with transforming the Upper West Side from an underdeveloped no man’s land into a residential hub. Two of his early developments still stand today – the Queen Anne-style townhouses at 231-233 West 74th Street, right around the corner from The Level Club.

Though important to the history of the neighborhood, the row houses were only Stokes’ entrance into real estate development; The Ansonia was his magnum opus. Named after his grandfather, industrialist Anson Greene Phelps, Stokes designed the hotel to be a “self-sustaining utopia.” His vision was to create a haven with every amenity under the sun (somewhat literally – one of the most impressive features was a massive domed skylight looming over the grand staircase). At the time of its opening on April 19th, 1904, the 550,000 square foot hotel had a bank, a barbershop, the world’s largest swimming pool, Turkish baths, restaurants, full-service kitchens on each of its seventeen floors, libraries, smoking parlors, ballrooms, an in-house art curator, and, of course, a rooftop farm. 

The farm boasted roughly 500 chickens, many ducks, goats, and even a small bear. Stokes’ intention was for guests to get fresh eggs delivered to their door daily, and for three years, that dream was a reality. In 1907, however, the Department of Health caught on and promptly shut the operation down. The animals were sent away, and The Ansonia was farm free… mostly. Stokes’ second wife Helen Elwood cited the 47 chickens which Stokes kept in their family apartment as one of the reasons for the dissolution of their marriage in 1915. Chickens’ legacy in New York City lived on as they are the only farm animals that are not illegal to own in the city. 

Though perhaps the most unorthodox, the chickens were not the only notable guests at The Ansonia in the early days. 

Checking In To The Ansonia

One of the earliest residents was Al Adams, the New York numbers racket’s millionaire “Policy King.” Adams went straight from Sing Sing to the then two-years-old hotel. He took refuge in The Ansonia for two years, right up until he was found dead in Suite 1579. Though the coroner ruled the passing a suicide, there was speculation that Stokes shot the guest over a gambling debt. 

Years after the death of Al Adams, players of a different kind of game checked into The Ansonia: pro-athletes. Heavyweight champ Jack Dempsey stayed while training for his 1919 match against Jess Williard. He was followed by several members of the New York Yankees… including Babe Ruth. Ruth and his wife moved into the hotel after the 1919 season, and it’s said that he felt so comfortable in his new abode he’d often head to his morning shave in the basement barbershop wearing only his silk bathrobe. 

The Ansonia felt like a safe space to many, including members of the Chicago White Sox. On September 21st, 1919, a clandestine meeting took place in first baseman Chick Gandil’s hotel room. The eight-team members in attendance were later accused of fixing the 1919 World Series. After an investigation from a grand jury in 1920, the ‘Black Sox’ were acquitted but banned for life from Major League Baseball. The players’ names will forever be tied to the scandal and The Ansonia, the hotel where it all began. 

The Ansonia was also a haven for creative types. Dozens of opera stars took up residence in the hotel, including legendary composer Igor Stravinsky, who stayed from 1926 until the mid-fifties. 

Giulio Gatti-Casazza, the general manager of the Metropolitan Opera from 1908 – 1935, also lived at The Ansonia for a time. Gatti-Casazza was hailed as “the Ziegfeld of Opera,” which is interesting, as the legendary impresario Florenz Ziegfeld was also a resident of the hotel.

A Change in Management  

A hotel is only as good as its manager, and Stokes – despite his turbulent personal life – cared deeply for the building. Though disappointing, it’s not surprising that things went downhill after he was no longer in charge. William Earl Dodge Stokes died in 1926, but by then the hotel had already been passed to his son, Weddie.  

Whether it was Weddie or just bad timing, difficult days followed. Three years after the elder Stokes’ death, the Great Depression rocked the United States, and the roaring twenties screeched to a halt. The well of wealth dried up, and that’s never good news for a luxury hotel. All restaurants, kitchens, and guest rooms were closed; only rental units were left. With the escalation of the Second World War came a domestic effort that meant contributing as much as possible to the fight overseas – for example, making bullets and tanks out of the melted-down copper cartouches from The Ansonia’s once-magnificent exterior. The grand entrance was bricked over to make room for storefronts, and the awe-inspiring skylight was covered up. 

Weddie sold the hotel to corrupt landlord Samuel Broxmeyer in 1945. Broxmeyer had no interest in the legacy of the hotel – he only wanted to make a buck and didn’t care how. Broxmeyer received five years in jail for his crooked practices, and the hotel was sold at a bankruptcy auction for $40,000 to Broadway Sign manufacturer Jacob Starr. 

Starr inherited a dying hotel. Nothing was up to code: the pipes were rusted, the roof was leaking, the balconies were falling apart. Since it didn’t exist at the time of building, there was no certificate of occupancy, and so the hotel was effectively housing residents illegally. It was a hotel in decay, and would take millions to repair. So, in 1968, to “cover repair costs,” Starr rented out the Turkish baths to former opera singer Steve Ostrow, who in turn opened the “Continental Baths,” a gay bathhouse. 

Ostrow’s dream was not dissimilar to Stokes’ utopian dream for The Ansonia; Ostrow set out to create a safe space for its guests that was “reminiscent of the Roman glory days.” Decked out in Gilded Age decor, the bathhouse actually became most well-known for its musical performances. The shows drew in quite a crowd: audience members included Mick Jagger, Bob Fosse, Alfred Hitchcock, and Andy Warhol. 

Bette Midler got her start performing at the Continental in 1970. Already a successful Broadway actress at the time, Midler’s shows at the Continental (accompanied by Barry Manilow) catapulted her into national fame and put the bathhouse on the map as the place to see exciting new acts. She would eventually give a nod to her roots with the album “Bathhouse Betty,” released in 1998. In the most recent season of American Horror Story: NYC, similar scenes of Midler performing are replicated as the bathhouse becomes central to the season’s plot. Perhaps the show’s creators, Murphy and Falchuk pulled examples from the Ansonia to inspire their writing, there is enough scandalous behavior to be used in the series.

All good things come to an end, and the Continental closed in 1976. It reopened as “Plato’s Retreat,” a straight swingers venue, in 1977. Plato’s Retreat did not offer dancing or music; instead, the haunt was known for seedy and often illegal sexual activity. The club was closed on New Year’s Eve in 1985 after the New York City Health Department shut down bathhouses in response to the HIV/AIDs crisis. No new residents have taken up business at the Turkish baths since. 

The rental of the baths was intended to “help cover repairs at The Ansonia.” Those fixes did not happen, and in 1968, frustrated tenants decided to take a stand. A change in housing codes made it possible for long-time resident Harry Garland to form the building’s first tenants’ group. With the help of a lawyer, the group took a stand: no rent until repairs. 

Starr didn’t like this and decided to demolish The Ansonia as retaliation. But the vindictive landlord underestimated his tenants and their love for the humble haunt; the Ansonia Residents Association appealed to the Landmarks Preservation Commission to designate their home as significant. 25,000 signatures and one star-studded concert on 73rd Street later, they succeeded. The Ansonia became a landmark on March 14th, 1972. Starr was dismayed, and the residents were delighted; their home was safe. 

Safe from demolition doesn’t mean safe from change. Starr sold the building to new owners who poured millions into the revitalization of the building before realizing that the best solution would be to go condo. Most of the tenants were bought out when The Ansonia was converted to condominiums in 1990. 

Living Large At The Ansonia

The Ansonia was always intended to be a luxurious home for the cream of the crop. In many ways, today it reflects that original vision. Gone are the baths, the restaurants, the baseball players, and the chickens on the roof. Instead, there are million-dollar apartments and celebrities – maybe still some who wear silk robes a la Babe Ruth, though likely not in the elevator down to the basement barbershop. 

The Ansonia’s history has also inspired endless stories, including Hulu’s “Only Murders in the Building.” The building is nothing close to what it was when first built in 1904; then again, neither is New York. The landmark has changed with the times. Hopefully, Stokes would be happy to know it still stands tall today. 

The post The History of the Ansonia  appeared first on CitySignal.

Best Clubs in New York City

 

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1.) House of Yes

For a surreal, extravagant, out-of-this-world clubbing adventure, make Bushwick’s House of Yes your very first stop. Part nightclub and part “circus theatre,” House of Yes offers an outlandish, fantastical experience to visitors that feels like stepping into another world. Aerial dancers hang from streamers near the club’s massive stage, which is used to host weekly events such as drag performances, variety shows, and even art bazaars. But beyond its vibrant trappings and exciting programming, it is truly the unique culture of House of Yes that keeps its devoted revelers coming back again and again. House of Yes encourages camp, debauchery, and extravagance as a celebration of freedom and self-expression, and the unique atmosphere of this never-ending costume ball will help even the most trepidatious and tight-laced patrons release their inhibitions and cut loose. 

 

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2.) Le Bain

Perched atop the Standard High Line hotel in the heart of the Meatpacking District, Le Bain is known for its stunning city views and somewhat infamous jacuzzi. Come up during the “Sunset Hours” in the late afternoon to enjoy some of Le Bain’s house-made crepes and soak up the sun on the roof, and stay on through the 10 p.m.–4 a.m. “late night” hours as the pleasant outdoor lounge transforms into a bustling discothèque. Le Bain is open seven nights a week during the summers, with terrace access dependent on weather conditions, and they also frequently host themed parties and sets by up-and-coming DJs. If you decide to slip into the hot tub, just keep an eye on your belongings—and not soak until you turn into a prune.

 

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3.) Avant Gardner

A favorite from Williamsburg’s bustling scene, Avant Gardner could perhaps better be described as a compound than a club: offering more than 80,000 square feet of party space spread between four different full-sized dance halls, including the stunning rooftop courtyard known as the Brooklyn Mirage, Avant Gardner occupies a full city block. The performances by their carefully-curated lineup of artists and DJs (often skewing toward electronic dance music) are enhanced by a dizzying arsenal of strobe lights and projections. With dozens of monthly events in its various venues, any visitor is bound to find something that catches their interest—and, with a total capacity of nearly 6,000, there’s room for everyone to join the party.

 

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4.) 1 Oak

The nightclub game can be a brutal industry—trends change quickly as clubbers constantly chase the newest craze, and even the hottest of new venues will often end up empty and near bankruptcy within a few years. The longevity of Chelsea’s 1 OAK, a mainstay on the NYC nightclub circuit for the past fifteen years, speaks to its status as one of the city’s best-run and most celebrated clubs. Their reputation has been reinforced by their impressive roster of celebrity guests such as the Weekend, Bruno Mars, and Justin Bieber—longtime fan Jay-Z even chose to immortalize 1 OAK in a lyric from “Beach is Better.” 1 OAK, unsurprisingly, is also known for its star-studded roster of DJs. The secret to the club’s success has been its ability to keep its fingers on the pulse of new trends and even to initiate new ones by taking a chance on fresh talent, so you can show up with the assurance that they’ll be bumping something exciting. 

 

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5.) Black Flamingo

When you visit Black Flamingo, you will have the pleasure of encountering one of Williamsburg’s most high-spirited nightclubs and the neighborhood’s tastiest Mexican restaurants. Fortify yourself for the night’s festivities at Ensenada upstairs, where you can feast on a variety of Tex-Mex dishes (the restaurant formerly maintained an all-vegan menu but began incorporating seafood last year), and then head downstairs to tear up the dance floor while enjoying fresh, delicious, and authentic mescal and cocktails from the bar. Be aware that Black Flamingo is currently only open on Fridays and Saturdays and on certain Thursday evenings when they have events running. The atmosphere at Black Flamingo is always relaxed and fun, so this is a great option for anyone new to clubbing and intimidated by the idea of dealing with bottle service and bouncers.

 

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6.) Trans-Pecos

While Manhattan and Brooklyn have a chokehold on the city’s nightlife scene, it would be a mistake to overlook the offerings found in other boroughs. Trans-Pecos, found in the Queens neighborhood of Ridgewood, is one such gem. The club includes a bar and a built-in Vietnamese restaurant, but the real party can be found downstairs, where the venue’s underground stage plays host to various live performances and spectacular DJ sets.

If the basement dance floor gets too hot, you can also take advantage of the club’s outdoor patio to cool off and down a few drinks before you dive back into the crowd. This club is particularly unique because of its status as an “all-ages” venue, as Trans-Pecos owners feel passionate about ensuring that their music and events are accessible for everyone to enjoy. Trans-Pecos also prides itself on its community involvement. The club has partnered with a roster of nearby organizations to host community activities such as weekly morning yoga and even serves as the home base for the local “Solarpunk Magic Computer Club.”

 

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7.) Paul’s Cocktail Lounge

Paul Sevigny is constantly curating high-class, glitzy nightlife experiences in New York, and Paul’s Cocktail Lounge, affectionately nicknamed “Paul’s Baby Grand” for its elegance and rather intimate size, is perhaps his greatest creation. Its Tribeca location at the Roxy Hotel deliberately sets it apart from the main downtown clubbing drag, as Paul’s greatly emphasizes exclusivity. This is by far the most difficult club on this list to enter—even good looks and heaps of cash aren’t guaranteed to get you through the door because Paul’s bouncers are very selective about the “vibe” of the people they choose to admit. If you do get inside, you’ll be treated to grad-A elegance as servers pass around cocktails on silver trays and guests lounge on stylish pink chaises (Sevigny’s sister Chloë contributed to the interior design). At 2 a.m. each night, a disco ball is raised above the crowd in a fond gesture to the city’s beloved discothèques of old.

 

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8.) Nowadays

Now located at the edge of Ridgewood near the border of Brooklyn, Nowadays first began as a roaming outdoor party known as “Mister Saturday Night” that bounced between various city parks. After Mister Saturday Night organizers Justin Carter and Eamon Harkin purchased a permanent outdoor partying ground in 2015, adjoined by an additional indoor warehouse dance hall, Nowadays was born. The multi-use facility hosts sprawling outdoor dance parties every Sunday afternoon from mid-May to late October and various indoor and outdoor events year-round.

Their “Safer Space” policy also helps to protect visitors from harassment and discrimination of any kind. While Nowadays’ indoor events are more than worthwhile, their most unique offering is most definitely their outdoor “Mister Sunday” party. Swing by to enjoy live music, great dancing, local beers, and barbecue-style food in an upbeat, festive atmosphere.

 

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9.) The Jane Ballroom

Tucked against the Hudson River on the edge of the Meatpacking District, The Jane is most famous for sheltering survivors from the Titanic following the ship’s sinking in 1919. Walking into the hotel’s bustling ballroom, with its antique aesthetic, opulent full-length velvet curtains, and cavernous fireplace feels like stepping back in time to that fateful day. Don’t start thinking that The Jane is too hoity-toity, however. As the morning hour creeps closer, you’re bound to observe revelers dancing atop every bit of the ballroom’s impeccable vintage furniture. The bar serves high-class cocktails and a healthy menu of wine and champagne alongside the usual roster of more budget-friendly club drinks. If you’re looking for a wild party hidden inside elegant trappings, The Jane is the place for you.

 

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10.) Good Room

At Good Room in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, it’s good vibes only. While some clubs hold exclusivity as a badge of honor, the folks behind Good Room are more interested in creating the most inclusive environment possible for clubbers to enjoy. Founded “by music lovers, for music lovers,” Good Room consists of two separate dance floors with different DJs so that patrons can choose which they prefer to dance to. As a bonus, the Good Room even has a coat check. The establishment has a strict zero-tolerance policy for racism, homophobia, and discrimination. Bigotry and pretentiousness have no place here—you come to Good Room to have an honest good time, or you don’t come at all.

 

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11.) Marquee

One of the premier gay nightclubs in New York, Marquee is a 5,000-square-foot haven of neon, steel, and leather right in the heart of Chelsea. The ceiling of the primary dance floor consists of a geometric grid of reflective, glowing cubes that send fragments of light from Marquee’s complicated projection system bouncing erratically across the walls. DJs and entertainers of all stripes—including dancers, fire breathers, and acrobats—perform on the elevated catwalk overhead. Marquee cultivates a very trendy crowd, and its dress code is strictly enforced at the door, so plan ahead to make sure you’re not turned away for wearing casual or athletic attire. (Note that there is a blanket ban on shorts for male patrons.) Those willing to dress up and pay for their admittedly pricey drinks will be rewarded with complete immersion in Marquee’s utterly electric atmosphere. 

 

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12.) Elsewhere

Operating out of a refurbished warehouse not far from Flushing Avenue, Elsewhere is about as “Bushwick” as Bushwick gets. The large interior is split up into three floors’ worth of dance and performance spaces, including a small cafe known as The Loft that provides sustenance and sanctuary for revelers who have partied to the point of excess. Elsewhere’s real highlight is its rooftop dance floor, which offers beautiful views of the Brooklyn cityscape and comfortably accommodates up to 500 people.

While you’ll hear plenty of DJ sets, Elsewhere places a bit more emphasis on live performances than most other comparable nightclubs and makes it a particular point of pride to offer opportunities to up-and-coming musical acts. Elsewhere also has a well-earned reputation for being a diverse and welcoming community: their motto is “come as you are,” and they have a strict harassment policy to protect visitors from all walks of life. Elsewhere is the place to be for those who enjoy positive vibes, affordable drinks, and “underground and unbound” music. 

 

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13.) PHD Midtown

With the streets around Times Square constantly clotted with tourists, Midtown is not generally regarded as a prime location for the fast-past clubbing crowd. PHD Midtown, owned by the same management team behind Marquee, Tao, and other staples of NYC’s nightlife, aims to change that.

Perched within Dream Midtown (PHD’s other location is found in another Dream hotel in Chelsea), PHD Midtown consists of two different spaces. The open-air rooftop terrace on the sixteenth floor is stocked with greenery and miniature cocktail tables and treats visitors to gorgeous views of the glittering skyscrapers on all sides. The gilded, marble-walled indoor bar space on the floor below serves delicious craft cocktails and creates a more intimate setting for conversation. The bar bites offered here are upscale takes on your usual pub grub: think wagyu beef sliders, filet mignon skewers, and crispy mac & cheese balls made with truffle aioli, white cheddar, and parmesan. The patrons here lean more toward the business crowd, so underdressing is a massive faux pas that will not be tolerated. 

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The Dominick is a 46-story hotel with 391 rooms. Due to this area being zoned for manufacturing, the hotel cannot house full-time residents. It is considered a hotel-condominium and restrictions are placed on how long an owner can stay at the residence each year. Any one room cannot be used for more than 120 days (4 months) per year by the same person. When the owners are not at the hotel, hotel guests can rent the rooms. Agents market this as “an excellent investment opportunity.” 

Currently, The Dominick is part of the prestigious Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ Legends Collection. 

Trump SoHo and Building Woes

The towering building wasn’t born The Dominick. It began as Trump Soho and construction began on the behemoth in 2006. The hotel was a collaboration between The Trump Organization, Tamir Sapir, and The Bayrock Group.

Several issues and accidents plagued the hotel during its time being built. During the excavation process, human bones were found, stalling construction. It was later learned that the bones were likely from 19th-century burial vaults. The vaults had been placed under the old Spring Street Presbyterian Church. The church stood in the place of the future hotel until it burned down in 1963.

Once construction returned, more mishaps plagued the hotel. In early 2008, an incident caused the injury of three construction workers and the death of a third construction worker who fell to his death from the 42nd floor and was decapitated. The incident happened when wet molds for concrete collapsed and the safety netting failed to catch one of the workers.

Work on the hotel was halted after these terrible accidents. By early fall 2008, construction resumed after violations were issued and conditions improved. 

Not only were there casualties and extreme accidents, but the building also had funding issues. Bank of America backed out of one loan and the building debt had to be restructured. 

Drastically Declining Business At The Trump SoHo

By November 2011, the hotel had several of its owners suing them for fraud. French soccer player Olivier DaCourt was one of the main owners suing the company. It was claimed that they were told false information in order to convince the owners to buy. Reportedly, owners were offered partial refunds to not participating in the lawsuit.

During the 2016 presidential election, most Trump properties saw a large downturn in sales. Trump SoHo was not immune to these changes and eventually Trump would disassociate himself from the hotel. It is largely believed that the Trump name is the largest cause for these events. 

According to CNN, the original room rates of $700 per night had declined to $400 per night. Many hotel workers were beginning to be laid off. Trump SoHo’s signature restaurant Koi eventually closed as well. 

Donald Trump never actually owned the Trump Soho. The hotel was managed by Trump International Hotels Management and the Trump name was only a licensed part of the building. 

What Is The Trump SoHo Called Now?

On December 21st, 2017, Trump SoHo was renamed The Dominick.

Since the name change, The Dominick has thrived. The seemingly small action of a name change has been huge for the landmark. It was reported by Bloomberg that sales increased over 20% by the next year. The hotel saw an increase of over 7,000 more room nights booked in 2018. 

You may have heard the old adage-you can put makeup on a pig, but it’s still a pig. 

Well, that is not true for Trump Soho/The Dominick. Simply changing the name DID change the course of history for the hotel. 

Many patrons did not want to stay in a hotel with the name Trump on it. 

Jack Ezon, the founder of travel company Embark, blames the Trump name for many clients not wanting to associate with the hotel. He states, “Seven out of eight times people would say, “I’m not staying at a Trump hotel’ when I suggested it”. He indicated that was the exact reason that LeBron James had refused to stay in the hotel. Many NBA players once loved staying in the hotel. One of its signature amenities was its extra-long beds which easily suited their tall height. Since the name change, Mr. Ezon has indicated that business is now back to usual. 

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Pedestrian traffic fell sharply from over 350,000 visitors daily pre-pandemic to a mere 33,000 in April 2020. The numbers are slowly increasing again with the arrival of widespread vaccines and the relaxation of rules pertaining to businesses and entertainment places. However, they are still a far cry from what they used to be. Approximately 244,000 pedestrians entered the “Bowtie” every day in December 2021, almost 100,000 less than in December 2019.  

Long-lasting consequences

With tourism and retail at the heart of the neighborhood’s economy, Times Square suffered more from the consequences of Covid than any other area in NYC. Many stores and restaurants have indefinitely put the key under the door, including long-standing retailers such as Walgreen’s at One Times Square. Six hotels are still closed, including the 44-floor, 478-room Hilton Hotel Times Square on 42nd Street closed and the Roosevelt Hotel on East 45th Street, which have fallen victim to the pandemic. Nevertheless, things are looking up for the hotel industry in NYC. Occupancy rates are up, with a strong spring and summer ahead, and 48 new hotels are poised to open throughout the city, adding an estimated 6,500 rooms to the New York City market in 2022.

Although tourists are making their way back to New York City and Broadway attendance is almost back to its pre-pandemic levels, business travelers and office workers are still largely missing as office occupancy across Manhattan is hovering at just 37% of pre-pandemic levels as of mid-April, according to Kastle Systems. The return of employees full-time into the office also remains a major question mark as workers have become strongly attached to the flexibility that working from home or a hybrid model can afford. In other words: despite undeniable signs of hope, the future of Times Square as one of the most productive economic centers of the city remains in the balance.

Ensuring Times Square’s economic survival

The question of Times Square’s economic survival is more than a simple matter of pride for New York City. Although the bustling neighborhood is one of the city’s most famous touristic attractions, it is also a powerful business generator. According to the Times Square Alliance, over 66,000 people were employed in the neighborhoods’ businesses and restaurants pre-pandemic, and its economic output represented 15% of New York’s economy.

Besides, the increasing crime rate in NYC in general and in Times Square, in particular, is becoming a growing concern. Stores are being robbed, drug deals are becoming a more common occurrence, and murders have made the headlines. Keeping the neighborhood busy and thriving is key to avoiding bursts of violence. Developers and investors are betting on a new attraction to replace the absent office workers and bring new money and energy into the area: casinos.

New York state has a ban on new casinos until 2023 – and yet, New York State approved the issuance of three new casino licenses intended for the area in April. One of the rumored locations is Times Square itself. “I think that the single best location for a license is Manhattan, and within Manhattan I feel the absolute best, most obvious, least impactful and most globally accepted area will be Times Square,” said Chief Executive Marc Holliday from SL Green Realty Corp. said during an earnings call last week. Keeping gamblers and their streams of money closer to home instead of Atlantic City or Connecticut could attract new visitors to Times Square. However, the proposal is not without its detractors.

Negotiating the “new normal” in a post-pandemic world is still a work in progress. Many of the determining factors, from the longevity of the widespread work-from-home model to the ability of tourism to withstand new coronavirus variants, remain to be determined and, with it, what some of the city’s most famous landmarks will look like in a few years.

The post Is it Time for Times Square’s Revival? appeared first on CitySignal.

The Hotel

The James Newbury Hotel and Wire Event Center, a 46-room, 5-story boutique hotel boasts a banquet hall that can seat up to 600 guests but submitted plans for only a 4-story hotel. Developer Aaron Flach planned to open the hotel this fall. But the village of Coxsackie says the developer submitted plans to “add 3-stories to an existing structure on the Hudson River waterfront”, the end result being the 4-story luxury hotel. Flach’s development firm is called Empire Riverfront Ventures, and the Newbury Hotel is just the first stage of their redevelopment of the Coxsackie riverfront. There will ultimately be a restaurant and an event center, as well.

The Village – What Really Happened

In reality, what the builder did was demolish the existing structure, and built a brand new 5-story hotel from the ground up. The height of the building now exceeds the local limit, and blocks river views. But the construction went on uninterrupted, even up until the building rose above the local skyline. In fact, the construction only stopped when the project applied to renew their permits. However, Coxsackie officials said the building was only supposed to be 45 feet tall.

Coxsackie now says the developer must submit new plans for approval, and has halted work on the hotel in the interim. A new review process will now need to take place by the Planning Board, once new plans are submitted. In a written response, the developer said, “While we believe the village building department was provided everything required of the project, we will be working with the village board and others to ensure full compliance.”

The village issued a statement to the public, which in part read, “The project will need an updated site plan to be submitted to the planning board for them to review against what the planning board previously approved. This will allow for a complete finding of issues so they can all be addressed together at the same time.”

Tax Concessions

Aside from completely ignoring the original plans, the Greene County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) had already granted the hotel more than $1 million in tax breaks, with about $951K of them in property tax breaks, and additionally exempted sales tax on the construction. The executive director of the agency said it was aware of the changes that have occurred, but nothing should affect these tax concessions. Flach is using private funding and a state grant to cover the costs. It’s unclear why the IDA did not communicate the changes to the village.

These kinds of tax incentives are not uncommon, and are often granted in commercial construction projects within these communities, to promote economic growth and reap the multiple benefits provided by big businesses like these. However, this project and others like it often bring externalities to the community that are unwanted, and have negative consequences.

What Happened Next

In an update on the situation, the village decided to hold off on the reappointment of the Building Inspector until the Flach project is sorted out. He remains on the job for the moment, but the public was made aware of the decision to pause his reappointment at their village’s annual organizational meeting on April 4th. During the meeting, the Mayor, Mark Evans, read a statement about the situation, where he described that they are “slowly piecing together a timeline and understanding of events and approvals made and oversight of the (hotel).”

Additionally, the statement said that “once a complete list of issues to be addressed is compiled, the village will hold a public forum.” The statement ended by saying the village would “pause reappointment of the building inspector until we have all the facts.” The article itself concluded by saying it was the Building Inspector’s responsibility to issue building permits as well as to inspect periodically for compliance. Sounds like they’re preparing to hang the Building Inspector out to dry on this one.

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With both a new Mayor, Eric Adams, and a new Governor, Kathy Hochul, perhaps this round of leadership will actually make some progress (forgive us if we’re skeptical).

Currently, state officials say the interested parties haven’t filed official applications yet. The program was developed to help nonprofits with not a lot of capital behind them, but instead, they’re losing out to for-profits in bidding wars because – they don’t have a lot of capital behind them, and have to secure funding. What’s wrong with this picture? People are getting fed up with a dysfunctional government and dysfunctional leadership.

Mayor Adams and Affordable Housing

It’s gotten to the point now where even a decent leader with a good plan would have a struggle making headway. Housing in NYC is scarce, affordable or otherwise – and typically not affordable. Homelessness continues to be a huge issue, and with the pandemic waning and the eviction moratorium ending, the war in Ukraine, and ridiculously high inflation, the country is on the edge of panic and experiencing turmoil. Mayor Eric Adams seems to be a man with a plan, but he also has his work cut out for him. Not much seems to phase or deter him; he is a man of action.

On January 30th, 2022 Adams announced the newly appointed housing affordability team. The city’s chief housing officer will be Jessica Katz, Adolfo Carriòn will be the Commissioner of the Department of Housing Preservation and Development, and Eric Enderlin continues as president of the Housing Development Corporation. Mayor Adams had this to say, “This team has a clear mission: To create, preserve, and maintain safe, affordable housing that will build a more equitable city. I know they will ‘Get Stuff Done’ for New York and deliver the housing New Yorkers deserve.”

Then in February 2022, Adams announced a budget that fell quite a bit short of wonderful, disappointing many. In his budget presentation, Adams did not focus on or even mention any assistance with housing affordability or homelessness prevention that might be forthcoming, and his budget is described as reflecting “a strong message of fiscal discipline.” He aims to get the city back on track to a “safe and prosperous” place again. But without placing any importance on these vital issues, skeptics are critical. We shall see.

Governor Hochul and Affordable Housing

Governor Hochul, in January 2022, made her first state-of-the-union address, where she focused on these issues. She announced a “sweeping agenda” for NY’s recovery plan, one that addresses the housing affordability crisis as well as the homelessness crisis in New York City. She plans to do this by growing the affordable housing stock and expanding the housing supply and presented a set of initiatives that address homelessness. Her plan involves a $25 billion dollar price tag over 5 years, with a 3-part strategy.

Her agenda would create 100,000 affordable rental and cooperative housing units in urban and rural communities and 10,000 supportive housing units. Additionally, it would encourage the creation of legal and safe Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), like basement apartments. This is something that many New Yorkers agree on and has been suggested by others. It would ease the burden of the state, at the least. The plan is comprehensive, and actually addresses many issues discussed up to now.

These are critical issues that face New Yorkers today, and how – or if – we handle them, could effectively change millions of lives, both now and in the future. Everyone realizes these are complex issues that are going to take time, but we also feel a sense of time running out.

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