New York City seems to look better in the rain. It shines. When photographing Grand Central, the obvious choice is the interior, but I like this entrance. It is classic New York and timeless in an age where everything around it is changing so quickly. Iphonography also provides an opportunity to present it in a more retro painterly fashion. Follow me on Instagram to see more of my cityscapes that I grab on the go.

If you have ever tried traveling between Brooklyn and Queens via mass transit, you know how difficult that can be. Even with the G train many people will come through Manhattan just to travel between the two boroughs. Until the 1930's a large web of trolleys connected Brooklyn and Queens. Today, Mayor de Blasio is proposing a waterfront streetcar running from Astoria, Queens to Sunset Park, Brooklyn. Opponents feel running a streetcar through major flood zones could be a problem. Two new bridges will also have to be built. Here is a brief history of the streetcar in NYC.

Speaking of Queens, here is a project I'm keeping an eye on:  The Jackson at 1333 Jackson Avenue in an area I really like.  Inspired by commercial buildings of the past that have turned condo, this one is being built from the ground up for residential living. With higher ceilings and large windows these apartments will have a loft-like feeling. Located right by the 7 train and MoMa's PS1 make this a great location in an area still developing. A one bedroom will range from 600 - 700 sqft and will be priced from $600K - $900K. Two bedrooms will range from 850 - 1,000 sqft and start at about $900K. Termed 'affordable luxury' by it's designer, this is a great value for those who don't want pay twice as much for something similar in Tribecca or Dumbo. Completion is expected in the spring of 2017. Sales are expected to begin this March so get a head start and contact me now for more info! 

This split 2 bedroom 2 bath condo apartment in the heart of Williamsburg features not only a terrace, but also a private rooftop cabana. The cabana space has been fully landscaped and feels like a little private hideaway. High ceilings, big windows and an open floor plan make for a bright and airy feeling. A tax abatement through 2024 keeps taxes really low. Just 4 blocks from the 1st L train stop in Brooklyn puts you in the heart of this cool Williamsburg neighborhood. Contact me to schedule a viewing.

Anticipating that climate change will continue to increase sea levels and that the population will continue to rise, Japan launched an initiative called "Next Tokyo". the project hopes to create a futuristic mega-city that is adaptable to climate change in the year 2045. Hexagonal-shaped structures in the bay would help minimize the effects of intense waves and provide safe travel for ships. Sky Mile Tower would soar some 5,577 feet, twice the height of the Burj Khalifa, the world's current tallest building. 55,000 people would live in the structure and share amenities such as shopping centers, gyms, libraries, health clinics and more. Representatives from "Next Tokyo" believe the value of new waterfront properties in Tokyo Bay could help pay for the project's construction should the proposal go through. 

I learned about the Warren Place Mews while taking a tour of Cobble Hill and Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn. We were allowed access into the gated community, and I was charmed by its beauty and serenity very quickly. Built in 1870 for the working class, the mews consist of 34 cottages and share a common English courtyard. More recently, one sold for over $1.5M.  Though small, they are really special and unique. Learn more about this home here.

Early this year I moved to our Fifth Avenue office, right on 57th Street. It puts me more central to everything In NYC and a bit closer to the UWS where I help a lot of clients. Walking up and down 57th Street, I see these super-tall new developments that have given the street the nickname of "Billionaire's Row" . But, perhaps, this isn't entirely new. Cornelius Vanderbilt II's mansion on Fifth Avenue between 57th and 58th Streets could give these new developments a run for their money! Built in 1882-83, the mansion was, and remains, the largest private residence ever built in NYC. It survived until 1926 when it was demolished to make way for Bergdorf Goodman which will probably stay for quite a while as it is close to landmark status. Are you familiar with the gates at the entrance to Central Park's Conservatory Garden? They were salvaged from the mansion, and are seen in the lower right corner of this photograph.