Clinton Hill Historic District is a national historic district in Brooklyn located between Fort Greene to the west, Bedford-Stuyvesant to the east – according to the map from its original designation as a national historic district in 1981. It consists of 1,063 largely residential buildings built between 1830 and 1930 in a wide range or architectural styles. Buildings include freestanding mansions, row houses, and apartment buildings, as well as a handful of churches, schools, and storefronts. The Clinton Hill neighborhood began as a suburban retreat on the outskirts of the city of Brooklyn. Initially developed as a quiet middle-class residential neighborhood in the 1830s, it was almost completely built up by the 1880s. However, the community enjoyed another period of growth and appeal at the turn of the 20th century when Brooklyn’s wealthiest citizens came into the area and replaced many of the older houses with stylish new mansions. The once quiet residential neighborhood became known as Brooklyn’s “Gold Coast.” The community remained popular with the affluent until the 1920s, when the wealthy abandoned the area for Manhattan and Clinton Hill again became a middle-class haven. Buildings from all of these periods survive in the Clinton Hill Historic District and give the area an uncommon diversity of architectural styles. Buildings in Clinton Hill range from small frame houses to monumental mansions. There are unified blocks of brownstone and brick row houses, asymmetrically massed rows of late 19th century houses, as well as institutional buildings that are a direct reflection of the area’s wealth and social standing. The neighborhood’s grandest avenue is anchored by several freestanding homes of a scale rarely seen in New York City. The most noteworthy were designed for the oil baron Charles Pratt by William Bunker Tubby, the architect of Amfitheatrof’s house. Pratt’s family home, at No. 232, is now part of St. Joseph’s College; he also commissioned three other houses, Nos. 229, 241 and 245, as wedding gifts for his sons. No. 241, the most imposing of all, now houses the Roman Catholic bishop of Brooklyn. Other distinctive houses are sprinkled south along the avenue toward Gates Avenue. Clinton Hill’s mix of architecture is unique from other neighborhoods in Brooklyn or Manhattan. The oldest buildings were made in Greek Revival style which gave way to Gothic revival architecture in the early 1800s. In the 1840’s, Italian Renaissance architecture began to emerge as the preeminent popular style, and Clinton Hill’s brownstones, as well as those in neighborhing Fort Greene (which did not have it’s own unique neighborhood distinction until the early 1900s.) This style remained popular in Clinton Hill until the early 1870’s, when a variant of the style, French Second Empire, emerged, which featured peaked shingled mansard roof, typically decorated with ornate cast iron railings and featuring high peaked dormer windows. In the late 1870’s a more angular and geometric architectural style began to infuse it’s way in to Clinton Hill’s buildings - the Neo-Grec is characterized by extensive use of angular forms and detailed carvings which were more possible in the later 1800’s due to the introductions of new technology and machinery that was capable of carving stone which made these carvings less expensive and labor intensive than hand carving options in the pre-mechanization age. Prior to the 1870’s, most of the homes in Clinton Hill and indeed all of New York were erected and designed by builders (Lambert & Mason, as well as Benjamin Liniken were particulary active in Clinton Hill) however by the last 1870’s, most homes were designed by professional architects, particularly in the Neo-Greco style. The most active architect in this style, throughout New York City, was Amzi Hill, who also was responsible for many other Neo-Grec landmark buildings in Crown Heights, Bedford-Stuyvesant and Fort Greene. By the late 1880’s, most of the land in Clinton Hill had been built up, but architecture in the area still continued to change as some of the oldest Greek Revival and Italianate buildings were bought by new wealthy residents, who often demolished and rebuilt them in newer styles popular in the 1880’s and 90s, namely Romanesque Revival and Queen Ann styles, which represent many of the lighter colored stone houses, which are mostly large free standing highly ornate victorian-esque mansions, that dot the area. In the late 1890’s a more uniform building style began to return, based in a more classical and less ornate form typical of the renaissance styles made in the early 1800’s, which is widely seen across most boroughs of Brooklyn. These buildings are considered neo-renaissance or Beaux-Arts in style, and are characterized by a more uniform limestone façade, often build in row form to create a more unified cityscape. Despite this move towards more uniform neighborhood architecture in most neighborhoods of Brooklyn, a handful of stately brick and frame houses also joined the mix in Clinton Hill, mostly build in the late 1890’s and early 20th century in colonial revival or victorian style. Because of this massive array of architectural styles, housed in such a small urban area, Clinton Hill's historic district serve as a rich architectural timeline of great Brooklyn architecture in constantly changing neighborhood. (Architectural overview paraphrased from the original filing for Historical Site status under NYC mayor Ed Koch in 1981.) Clinton Hill is dotted with cozy cafes, restaurants, shops, and boutique music and art venues, some tucked away on tree-lined blocks, however an abundance of the neighborhoods various restaurants, stores, and eateries line Myrtle Avenue and Fulton Street. -TO EAT- SoCo, 509 Myrtle Ave. This southern fusion restaurant is a big hit in the neighborhood, serving up a mix of Cajun/Creole, barbecue and soul food. 718-783-1936. Urban Vintage, 294 Grand Ave. One of the quaint coffee and tea spots in Clinton Hill, Urban Vintage is loved for its cozy character with lots of natural light. They also sell jewelry, housewares and other novelties. 718-783-6045. Mac Shack, 901 Fulton St. This tiny eatery’s specialty is its variety of gourmet mac and cheese, including the BK classic mac and the Mac Daffy, with smoked duck. 718-230-0727. Speedy Romeo, 376 Classon Ave. Co-owned by a former protégé of Jean-Georges Vongerichten and a onetime casting director for “The Sopranos,” this rollicking cafe and bar in a former auto-parts store on the Bedford-Stuyvesant border specializes in umami-rich farmers market fare, much of it wood-fired. During tomato season, order the sublime Speedy Romeo pie, which comes topped with lemony heirloom slices and generous dollops of housemade ricotta. Locanda Vini e Olii, 129 Gates Ave. Housed in a converted 117-year-old apothecary (the pharmacy area in back serves as the kitchen), this local institution crafts authentic Tuscan cuisine in one of the city’s most romantic settings. Peck’s Gourmet Provisions, 455A Myrtle Ave. This friendly storefront on formerly down-and-out Myrtle Avenue sells gourmet foodstuffs, decadent baked goods and damn fine cups of coffee. (347) 689-4969. Clinton Hill Pickles, 431 DeKalb Avenue Technically across the street from Clinton Hill in Bedford-Stuyvesant, this sliver of a shop, run by the former owners of the late, lamented Guss’ Pickles on the Lower East Side, offers everything from kimchi to preserved cauliflower to a steady stream of hungry Pratt students. -TO DRINK- The Fulton Grand, 1011 Fulton St. The Fulton Grand is known for its craft beer and whiskey selection as well as the seasonal beer specialties and Belgian and German brands, among others. 718-399-2240. The Emerson Bar, 561 Myrtle Ave. Frequented by residents and Pratt students alike, this funky literary-themed bar makes for an entertaining night with a live DJ, board games and pool. They also offer 12 beers on tap and outdoor seating in the back. 347-763-1310. Hanson Dry, 925 Fulton St. Another beloved neighborhood bar, Hanson Dry is known for their reasonably priced drinks and friendly atmosphere. Drinks include The Dublin Dare, mixed with Jameson Black Barrel and honey syrup and their classic Bee’s Knees, mixed with Damrak gin, honey and lemon juice. 347-422-0852. -TO SHOP- Eddie Hibbert: architectural salvage, 224 Greene Ave. Hibbert, a former FDNY firefighter, has peddled antique doors, fireplaces, furniture and ephemera rescued from the neighborhood’s decaying brownstones out of an unmarked garage for more than three decades. Leisure Life NYC, 559 Myrtle Ave. For the dapper gentleman with a taste for unique style, Leisure Life NYC will most likely supply what’s needed. The choices of vintage shirts, jackets, hats, jewelry and home accessories ensure a well put together outfit and living space. 347-725-3167. Green in BKLYN, 432 Myrtle Ave. Green in BKLYN caters to those living or wanting to adapt an eco-friendly lifestyle. Recycled paper and biodegradable products, as well as hypoallergenic and organic products are some of what’s offered. 718-855-4383. Closed Mondays. -TO DO- BLDG 92: Brooklyn Navy Yard Center, 63 Flushing Ave. The Brooklyn Navy Yard spans a few neighborhoods including Clinton Hill. BLDG 92, located just outside of Clinton Hill in Fort Greene, is the yard’s new museum. Filled with a rich historical record of New York City’s well-known ship yard, which played a pivotal role in the Industrial Revolution, BLDG 92’s “Brooklyn Navy Yard: Past, Present and Future” exhibit is a must-see. Admission is free. 718-907-5992. Pratt Sculpture Park, between Dekalb and Hall streets. The entire Brooklyn campus of The Pratt Institute is a sculpture park — the largest in New York City, according to the school. A range of sculptures from artists like Robert Indiana and Dorothy Frankel grace the 25-acre campus grounds. 718-636-3600. FREECANDY, 905 Atlantic Ave., Second Fl. This gallery/performance space got its start from a Kickstarter campaign created by former Pratt student, Todd Triplett. The aim is to showcase underexposed artists to underexposed audiences. #NotableinNY #BlogPosts

It is my pleasure to share with you Compass' 2Q16 Brooklyn Market Report. This report highlights the prevailing trends shaping the market from this past quarter. A few major trends to note from the data: The 2Q16 median closing price was the highest on record for the market overall ($835,000), for the condo market ($900,000), and the highest second quarter on record for the co-op market ($499,250). Prices are on the rise for active units as well as signed contracts, as the overall median price of inventory increased 12% to $995,000 and the overall median price of signed contracts increased 7% to $899,000. Despite these price increases, months of supply is dropping; the average monthly number of signed contracts increased over the last year while inventory stayed consistent. While Brooklyn’s overall median closing price was the highest ever this quarter, we expect that record will be broken several times in the coming year as closings begin at premier condominiums such as Pierhouse, 1 John Street, 51 Jay Street, The Boerum, 465 Pacific Street, and 550 Vanderbilt. I hope that you find these key takeaways useful and I strongly encourage you to check out the Compass Markets App for more detailed data broken down in to neighborhood analysis for the 27 neighborhoods in Brooklyn (visible in color on the map below.) I welcome your comments and am always happy to answer any questions you have about the NYC Real Estate Market. #CompassMarketReports #BlogPosts

We have all been there – the amazing sunset shot that never looks like we see it when we snap a phone pic, the cute hair-do that looks oddly sideways in our selfie, the delicious pasta that looks drab and 2D even with a very overdone XX Pro filter on it. While obviously, any photo pro should have and use real cameras, for us lay photographers, a good photo is a good photo, regardless of what medium we use to take it. Camera phones have some inherent strengths and weaknesses, and by emphasizing the good and downplaying the bad, you get the most out of all the images you decide to snap on the go! While I’d love to claim to be an expert, the tips below are taken from REAL photo experts at PopPhoto.com – check them out below, and let’s see if we can’t do better than a kissy face pose in front of our new favorite restaurant with a heftily applied Valencia filter in our next instagram post… “Here are some things to keep in mind when firing up the photo app on your iPhone, Droid, Lumia or whatever. 1. Get Close - Many cell phone cameras, especially the iPhone, really start to shine when you bring them in close to your subject. The small sensor provides a relatively wide depth of field so you can get entire objects in focus where cameras with bigger sensors and longer lenses would have trouble.When getting close, you can also usually have more control over the lighting of your subject. Are bright patches in the background of your composition throwing off the camera's meter and making your subject dark? Get closer and block it out all together. Small detail shots can be quite effective if done right. 2. Crop, Don't Zoom - Many smartphone camera offer a digital zoom function, but you're almost always best served by pretending it doesn't exist. Even in the liveview preview, you'll be able to see how noticeably your images degrade the second you start to "zoom." The camera is simply extrapolating what's already there and basically guessing what the image looks like. It gets ugly fast.When you're cropping, however, you're actually just sampling pixel info that was actually recorded. Many smartphones have 8-megapixels of resolution and sometimes more. That means you can crop substantially and still have plenty of resolution left for display on the web. And the lack of gross upscaling artifacts will help mask the fact that it was taken with a phone. 3. Edit, Don't Filter - If you want your images to be unique, the last thing you should do is paint them with the same filters that literally millions of other people are using. For the record, I'm not anti-Instagram. I think the sharing element is fantastic, but the pre-determined "retro" washes are played out. And that goes for every other app slinging the same stuff.I suggest getting a full-on image editing app like the excellent SnapSeed, Photoshop Express, or iPhoto. They'll let you make reasonable adjustments, like contrast, sharpness, and color temperature. Stuff you'd actually do with images from your big camera. It's also not crazy to dump your images into Lightroom or another piece of editing software if you don't feel the need to share them right away. OK, it’s a little crazy, but people do it.It's with this decision that you can actually begin to choose your own style, or even extend the style you've already developed outside of your smartphone. It's a heck of a lot more effective than picking your favorite filter and slapping it on every photo. 4. Don't Add Fake Blur - Depth of field will always be one of the biggest challenges for a smartphone camera. Wide angle lenses and tiny sensors make any substantial background blur difficult to achieve. But faking it almost always makes things worse. First, blur added with an editing app is usually applied uniformly across most of the frame. That's not the way a lens works, so it looks unnatural. Second, it's hard to be precise when selecting the object you want in focus so you can end up with harsh transitions from sharp to blurry. It's distracting and a dead give away that you’ve been messing with the image.If you want the viewer to focus on one specific thing, make it the central object in the frame. Try to keep your backgrounds as simple as possible, even if it means asking your subjects to turn around or move a few steps back. It's worth it. 5. Pick a Better Camera App - This one applies more to iPhone users than Android users, but in any case, the goal is more control. There are a couple of standard choices in this category and any of them will treat you better than the stock camera app. I like Camera Awesome (made by SmugMug) because it allows you to shoot in bursts and separates the AF lock from the exposure lock. It's also free. Other apps like Camera+ have similar options for more controlled shooting.Whatever you pick, it's worth it to spend a little time really getting used to it. It seems silly to take out your phone and practice taking pictures, but you'll be glad you did it if you manage to catch a great shot while others are still flipping through pages of apps or trying to turn off their stupid flash. 6. Ditch The Flash - The problem with many smartphone flashes is that they don't actually, well, flash. They're glorified LED flashlights, thrust into a duty they're not fully prepared for. They are bright, but the color temperature can be gross and they miss one of the primary duties of a strobe: freezing the action in the frame. The actual "flash" duration is much too long, so you end up with an image that's both blurry and terribly-lit. Not to mention how close it is to the lens, which makes those horrible demon eyes almost a given.So, what do you do in the dark, then? Unfortunately, even with advances like Nokia's nifty PureView technology, there's only so far you can push a smartphone sensor in low-light. Often, your best bet is to seek out another light source. It likely won't be perfect or even flattering, but it can be interesting. In a dark bar? Look for a neon sign or a bright juke box. At a concert? Wait until one of the wacky swinging stage lights makes its way over to your area. Photography is about creativity after all.If it comes right down to it, though, getting a bad flash picture can be better than getting no picture at all if you just want to remember a moment. 7. Keep Your Lens Clean - Your pocket is not a clean place, and the grime that lives within loves to glom onto your smartphone camera lens. The results are hazy, dark images that won't look good no matter how many retro filters you slap on them.The lenses are now remarkably tough, so giving them a quick wipe with a soft cloth can't hurt (and your T-shirt will do OK in a pinch, but try not to make a habit of it). Once in a while, it's worth the effort to break out the lens cleaning solution and really get the grime off of it. It may not look dirty and you might not even notice it in your photos, but often a deep clean will make a difference. 8. Watch The Lens Flare - Adding lens flare is another trend in mobile photography right now that's getting more overdone by the minute. But, this one can actually work for you if you do it the natural way. The tiny lenses are often more prone to wacky light effects than their full-sized counterparts, so you can really play it up if you want to. A silhouette with a bright, flaring background can actually look very stylish.If you want to control the flare in your shot, move the sun (or whatever bright light source is causing the refraction-based mayhem) around in the frame. As you get closer to the edge, you'll often see the flare spread out and become more prominent. This is especially true with the new iPhone 5, which is also prone to image-ruining purple fringing that should be avoided if possible.You can also cup your hand around the lens in order to make a DIY lens hood, which will cut down on the amount of flare if the light source happens to be out to the side of the frame. It may even be able to get rid of it all together. #DIYDecor #BlogPosts

Screaming fans, salty hot dogs with mustard and sauerkraut, countless cans of "cheap" beer - nothing says summer in the USA more than cheering on your favorite team at a live baseball game. New York City has one of the most storied histories when it comes to America’s past-time, which has long considered to be the most popular of the New York sports. NYC is home to some of the top teams in the country -- the Yankees and the Mets. Before moving to LA, the Brooklyn Dodgers made history when Jackie Robinson took to the field as the first African-American in Major League baseball. While it is a special treat to watch the Yankees and Mets in their massive stadiums, two minor league teams provide all the fun at a fraction of the cost. I discovered the Staten Island Yankees when a friend celebrated his birthday at one of their games. After a free ride on the Staten Island Ferry, for $20, we got a ticket, all-you-can eat burgers and dogs, and a baseball cap. The Stadium boasts amazing views of the City, and the intimate atmosphere feels like true Americana. Whether you go major or minor, you can't go wrong with American's favorite pastime this summer in NYC! The YANKEES: Some of the greatest baseball players to ever step on the diamond played for the NY Yankees. Yankee Stadium in the Bronx has become an institution. No fan base can match the passion and intensity of the New York Yankees. (Yankee Stadium: 1 E. 161st Street, Bronx, NY) The METS: The New York Mets joined the National League in 1962, and have been fighting to make a name for themselves in the Big Apple ever since. With a solid core of young talent, and a brand new park in Citi Field, the Met’s don’t plan to remain the “2nd” team for long! (Citi-field, 123-01 Roosevelt Avenue, Queens, NY) The STATEN ISLAND YANKEES: The “Baby Bombers” are a Short-Season A classification affiliate of the New York Yankees and play in the New York–Penn League at Richmond County Bank Ballpark along the waterfront in St. George. The SI Yankees last won the title in their league in 2011. (Richmond County Ball Park, 75 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10301) The CONEY ISLAND CYCLONES: The Brooklyn Cyclones are a minor league baseball team based in Brooklyn. Like the SI Yankees, they play in the Short-Season A classification New York–Penn League, and are affiliated with the New York Mets. The Cyclones play at MCU Park just off the Coney Island boardwalk in Brooklyn. In its entire franchise history, the team has won seven division titles. As the Brooklyn Cyclones, the team has won 5 division titles and made the playoffs eight times. (1904 Surf Avenue, Brooklyn, NY) #NYCHappenings #BlogPosts

Prospect Heights has largely already seen its big boom - while prices will still slowly rise, over the past 5-7 years the area has already close to doubled in valuations. A 1 bed coop will run $550-650,000, a 2 bed $700-850,000 depending on size, and all the newer condo developments are much higher. Crown Heights has also already seen a huge rise in prices in the western areas of the neighborhood (around Franklin/Bedford/Nostrand) and although the more eastern parts are still much cheaper (around Utica Avenue), that is already changing. Prospect Lefferts Gardens however, to the east of Prospect Park and just south of the bustling Franklin Avenue corridor of Crown Heights, offers a much lower price per square foot than any of its northern neighbors, although inventory can be low since there are generally a lot more single and multi-family properties than coops and condos on the market. At $508 per square foot you can buy a 2200 square foot townhouse in Prospect Lefferts for about the same price as a 1250 square foot condo in Prospect Heights. Prospect Lefferts Gardens is a residential neighborhood where large apartment buildings, bodegas, and numerous small restaurants have joined the original mix of single-family Tudors, limestone townhouses, and shingled Victorians. Like Prospect Heights and Crown Heights, Prospect LG borders the park and has access to similar subway lines. While there are more limited amenities now, Smorgasburg has recently relocated its Dumbo location to Breeze Hill in Prospect Park, just inside the Lincoln Road entrance. The area promises to see many other similar additions over the next few years. FOOD & DRINK Brooklyn Smorgasburg – The Sunday Market has moved to a new spot in beautiful Prospect Park. (This market replaces the former Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 5 location.) Find 100 vendors and food from all over the world every Sunday May – October (Breeze Hill, From the Lincoln Road Entrance to Prospect Park, Sunday 11am-12pm) De Hot Pot - In an area replete with options for Caribbean fare, this Trinidadian hot spot gets the best reviews for its “doubles” (fried bread sandwiches with chickpea curry) rotis, jerk chicken, and goat curry. Note – THIS WILL BE SPICY! (1127 Washington Avenue, Hours: 9am-8pm daily) Blessings Herbs and Coffee - A cozy café with friendly service, a diverse clientele, and delicious health conscious lunch options plus a popular brunch menu. Highlights – Seared Salmon salad, Quinoa Salad, Sauteed Garlic Spinach and Organic Eggs, Fresh-Squeezed Mimosas. (663 Flatbush Avenue 7am-7pm) Midwood Flats - Part restaurant, part cocktail bar, the interior of this all wood paneled vintage styled space is impressive, but the real gem is their excellent selection of craft beers and whiskeys. Also, make sure to try their gastro-pub take on a traditional bar menu. Highlights – Signature Burger, Craft Beer and Whiskey Flights, and Crispy Lobster Rolls. (577 Flatbush Avenue M-F 5pm-2am, Weekends 11-4am) Bluebird Food and Spirits – Comfort food in a gorgeous setting complete with fireplace and outdoor seating. Highlights – Nightly DJ Spin-offs every Friday, Low and slow brisket sandwich with banana butter, the dark dark and story cocktail, backyard picnic burger. (504 Flatbush Avenue M-F 5pm-11pm, Weekends 11:30am-11pm). If you are interested in exploring our entire Brooklyn Series at once, please reach out and we can get you the full brochure. #NYCMarketAnalysesTips #BlogPosts

Industry City, once known as Bush Terminal, is a historic shipping, warehousing, and manufacturing complex on the waterfront in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. According to the Encyclopedia of New York City, "Bush Terminal was the first facility of its kind in New York, and the largest multi-tenant industrial property in the United States.” The Bush Terminal Company managed shipping for all the Bush Terminal tenants, making it the first American example of completely integrated manufacturing and warehousing, served by both rail and water transportation, that operated under a single management system. At its peak, Bush Terminal covered 200 acres bordered by Gowanus Bay to the west and north, 50th Avenue to the south and 3rd Avenue to the east. Bush Terminal is named after its founder Irving T. Bush. Bush Terminal was unique from other rail-marine terminals in New York due to its distance from Manhattan, the magnitude of its warehousing and manufacturing operations, and its fully integrated nature. Wholesalers in Manhattan faced expensive time, transportation, and labor costs when importing materials and then exporting finished goods. In 1895, Irving T. Bush, along with his father’s company The Bush Co., constructed six warehouses and one pier on the waterfront of South Brooklyn to serve as a freight-handling and manufacturing terminal. While it took a huge effort on the part of Irving Bush to make the terminal profitable - Railroad officials originally would not ship directly to Brooklyn, and ships were leery of docking at the new pier, the Bush Terminal eventually succeeded and expanded. At it’s peak during WWII the terminal was one of the largest shipping and manufacturing hubs in the region. Irving Bush died in 1948, during the peak of his terminal's success. On December 3, 1956, Bush Terminal was the site of one of the largest explosions in New York City history. Dockworkers accidentally ignited thousands of pounds of ground foam rubber scrap which started a massive fire. Too large to control, the blaze managed to reach a container of Cordeau Detonant Fuse, setting off a massive explosion, that decimated a large portion of the complex. By 1961, the Bush Terminal Company sold its lower Manhattan headquarters and consolidated its offices at the terminal itself. A real estate group led by Harry Helmsley bought Bush Terminal in 1963. Due to the decline of the railways after World War II, Bush Terminal Railway finally went defunct in the 1970s, and shipping activity at Bush Terminal also declined after World War II. The introduction of containerized shipping and the construction of the Port Newark-Elizabeth Marine Terminal in New Jersey hastened the decline of sea traffic to Bush Terminal. While it remained an active shipping terminal until 1974, traffic was low and the port went largely unused. In 1974, the City of New York Department of Ports and Terminals hired a private company to fill the spaces between Piers 1 through 4 to make space for parking shipping containers. However, filling was stopped in 1978 after reports of environmental violations. New York City officials later learned that toxic wastes including oils and other waste had been dumped at the site. After officially being declared a “Brownfield” waste site in 1979, the entire shipping area of the terminal, including the partially filled in piers, sat vacant until 2006. However, despite these crippling disasters, the complex maintained 95 percent occupancy through the mid-1970s and even after the Brownfield designation in 1979. In fact, Bush Terminal housed the highest concentration of garment manufacturers in New York City outside of Manhattan during the 1980s and 90s. In 2006, NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg and NY Governor George Pataki announced a $36 million plan to clean up and redevelop the Bush Terminal piers. Bush Terminal was renamed Industry City in the mid-1980s, and began to attract a diverse mix of businesses encompassing artisans, garment manufacturing, data centers, and warehousing. Today, Industry City (owned by Industry City Associates) comprises roughly 40 acres of the former Bush Terminal, including 16 original buildings. The 6.5 million square foot complex has undergone, and is still in the process of completing massive renovations to modernize the historic infrastructure. Developers hope to “preserve the industrial heritage of the project for future generations of artisans, craftsmen, and small businesses.” Industry City set out to attract a very different clientele in 2009 when they built 30,000 sq ft (2,800 m2) of artists' studios and conducting creative events such as film screenings and art installations. Industry City now hosts Brooklyn's Fashion Weekend, a biannual exposition showcasing the work of local and international fashion designers. Tenants at Industry City include Virginia Dare, Freecell, Fiber Media, Tumbador Chocolate, Paul Chan, Cory Arcangel, Nils Folk Anderson, Andrea Geyer, Jarrod Beck, Tamar Ettun, Julia Dault, Chris Kannen, K8 Hardy, Elizabeth Shelton, Torild Stray, Cara Enteles, Peter Maslow, NEW (non-traditional employment for women), Yona Verwer, Natalia Zubko, Lenore Mizrachi, and street artists Andrew Hermida and Cycle. A full-scale renovation plan was announced in September 2011. The 10-year program will include repaving the streets that separate the property's buildings, bulkhead renovation to the buildings that line the waterfront, installation of overhead power distribution and buss ducts, and a complete modernization of the property's 150 elevators. On June of 2014, the Brooklyn Nets announced their plans to move their training center to Industry City. The new facility, known as the Hospital for Special Surgery Training Center (HSS Center), was built on the roof of an empty warehouse in the complex, occupying 70,000 square feet of space and cost roughly $50 million to complete. This and other new developments and tenants in the complex promise to usher in a new era in the former shipping terminal, and, much like Williamsburg in the early 2000's, the affect this has on property values, amenities, and the general landscape of the surrounding neighborhood of Sunset Park is likely to be profound. #NotableinNY #BlogPosts

It is my pleasure to share with you Compass' 2Q16 Manhattan Market Report. This report highlights the prevailing trends shaping the market from this past quarter. A few major trends to note from the data: - The 2Q16 median closing price was the highest on record for the market overall ($1,195,000), co-op ($795,000), and the highest second quarter on record for condos ($1,650,000). - Absorption is brisk in the Downtown Market, where median time on market (68 days) nearly matched that of Manhattan overall (63 days) despite a median closing price that was 41% higher than Manhattan's overall median closing price. - Supply is slowly on the rise and as inventory posts slight gains the pace of contract signings tends to slow - The lower end of the market is moving quickly while the higher end, especially the 5M+ market, remains slow. 30% of all units priced below $1M went into contract within the first 30 days, while more than half of all sales priced above $10M spent more than 180 days on market before selling Data indicated that despite domestic and global uncertainty around interest rates, the U.S. Presidential Election, and the long-term results of the United Kingdom’s decision to leave the European Union, we expect to continue to see record-breaking median closing prices in the coming quarters due to the volume of existing in-contract inventory I hope that you find these key takeaways useful and I strongly encourage you to check out the Compass Markets App for more detailed data broken down in to neighborhood analysis for both Manhattan and Brooklyn. I welcome your comments and am always happy to answer any questions you have about the NYC Real Estate Market. #CompassMarketReports #BlogPosts

Every New Yorker has one or two particularly perfect weekend day-drinking haunts - in the summer, nothing seems nicer than a cool cocktail on a boat on the water. However, since not all of us are ready to purchase our own yachts, and fleet week past almost a month ago, it can be hard to find a nautical vessel where you can make this dream a reality... Let me introduce you to some of the most well known boat-turned-bar/lounge/restaurant New York City has to offer (as well as a few hidden gems).... So go on, next weekend make time to get your drink on "Sea Style" - no sailors or swear words required, promise. 1. BOAT BASIN The Boat Basin Café is a casual outdoor restaurant, arranged in three sections & located in Riverside Park at the end of 79th Street on the Hudson River. There is an Open air patio that overlooks the Marina and the Hudson River with nice views of the sunsets over New Jersey. There is also a Covered Rotunda section in the middle of the restaurant which can come in handy during the weather pending summer months. Prices can be a bit steep but the views and venue are well worth the price tag - and drinks tend to be fairly cheap. W 79th Street on the Hudson River (Upper West Side, Manhattan) 2. FRYING PAN The Frying Pan includes a former Lackawanna railroad barge, the Pier 66 Maritime Bar & Grill, the Lightship Frying Pan, a historic rail float bridge, and an authentic 1900’s caboose. The Pier 66 Maritime Bar & Grill is located on the floating railroad barge that is docked at Pier 66. The Lightship Frying Pan and the John J. Harvey Fireboat are moored alongside. It's great spot to spend a casual afternoon with friends and watch the boats sail down the Hudson River before sunset. Pier 66 at W 26th Street (Chelsea, Manhattan) 3. THE WATER TABLE A U.S. Navy Yard Patrol boat turned maritime bar and restaurant, the Water Table cruises down the East River on Friday and Saturday and offers a three-course meal for $80 as well as a special Sunday supper for $55. Both cruises offer sunset views, along with sights like the Statue of Liberty, the remains of the Domino Sugar Factory and the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges. Docks: 10 India Street Pier (Greenpoint, Brooklyn) 4. GRAND BANKS Set on the historical F/V Sherman Zwicker schooner, this floating ship of summery libations remain parked, but still offers salty air, ocean views, and nautically-themed cocktails. This summer they will also be adding a second bar area to accommodate New Yorkers' insatiable lust for floating alcohol. Pier 25, Hudson River Park (Tribeca, Manhattan) 5. NORTH RIVER LOBSTER COMPANY A triple decker boat that leaves from Tribeca and cruises around the Hudon River 45 minutes intervals before returning to the dock – the specialty is all things lobster, and it comes at a fairly steep price (think $25 Lobster Rolls and $8 beers) however you can sit on the boat all afternoon as it makes its daily rounds for free as long as you are buying food or drinks. Pier 81 at West 41st Street (Hell’s Kitchen, Manhattan) 6. AMBERJACK V Kitchy and charming, this Sheepshead Bay floating restaurant, that also does private events, serves a mixed menu of Russian and Turkish cuisines, like simple grilled fish and steak salad. They offer a full bar and while they typically stay docked, the boat can set sail for private events. 2100 Emmons Avenue (Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn) 7. BROOKLYN BARGE BAR Located in Greenpoint, this floating bar/restaurant has changed owners and opens this year with a new menu, which promises to offer more than average burgers and fries seen in the last incarnation. 97 West Street (Greenpoint, Brooklyn) 8. THE CROW'S NEST One of the few East River Options on the Manhattan side, this Yacht doesn’t set sail but is a nice spot to lounge and take in the less often seen views of Queens from the water. The food isn’t anything to write home about, but the drinks and the location make it worth the visit…You can get a bucket of six beers for $35, which isn't bad considering the boat is conveniently located right by the East River Ferry stop at 35th Street. Docked at The East River between 28th & 32nd Street (Murray Hill, Manhattan) #NYCHappenings #BlogPosts

Everyone has walked in to some friends Great Aunt Sally's living room and been fully assaulted with all the ways nautical theme can go wrong... like cayenne pepper or paisley, nautical accents are all about proportions. However, as we move in to summer and New Yorkers begin dreaming of beach days filled with clam bakes, sea shells, and rose, a touch of nautical flair can certainly be a fun addition to your decor. Something as minimal as a single accent, like a playful sea themed coaster set from Jonathan Adler or a change in color scheme, such as a white base with pops of nautical blues like the ones shown in the Minimalisti design blog, can bring summer in to your home with minimal effort and expense. As I mentioned in previous posts, I have a thing for collecting shells, and summer always seems a particularly nice time to bring them out to display - this of all the tiny decor pieces you have tucked away and see if any might bring a more beach-y vibe to your current scheme. This could also be the time to revisit the idea of large scale wall art - the image below is from the Gracious Home blog, and illustrates that just one single piece of art can change the entire tone of a room from muted to bold. Check out the entire list of nautical idea on the Gracious Home blog, as well some nautical accents I have made in my own home - note the sconces in my earlier post about my DIY Head board. Have a great time bringing summer in to your home, not matter how often you actually make it to the beach this year - As always I would love to hear your success stories and personal nautical decor favorites. #DIYDecor #BlogPosts

Every year in NYC, Memorial Day Weekend heralds the official kick-off of summer! There are countless events from rooftop openings to street fairs to concerts this Memorial Day Weekend – and you don’t have to venture beyond the city to enjoy them! (Plus you might not want to with traffic projected by the Times to be the worst in a decade) Memorial Day Weekend 2016 will fall on May 28-30th and will overlap with Fleet Week - don’t forget to take minute out of your long weekend to celebrate the patriotic heroes of this holiday with our sailors at one of the many Memorial Day parades taking place in all five boroughs. - The biggest Memorial Day parade starts at 1pm on Grand Ave. at 72nd St. in Queens on Sunday. - The 149-year-old Brooklyn parade starts in Bay Ridge at 101 St. and 4th Ave. at 10am on Monday. - Manhattan's Soldiers' and Sailors' Memorial Day Observance takes place at Riverside Dr. and 89th Street at 10am Monday as well. Aside from Parades, here are a few notable recommendations for ways to ring in the summer with a splash… 1. Governor's Island The city’s biggest car-less backyard opens for the season. Walk, jog, bike, or relax in this often forgotten gem in the East River. 2. Concerts NYC is full of amazing music events during the summer – check out this list from Time Out New York and get your groove on! 3. Beaches For the price of a subway ticket you can get the city’s free, public beaches. If you are feeling extra adventurous try some surfing lessons at Rockaway Beach or stroll down the Coney Island Boardwalk before hopping on the infamous Cyclone coaster at Luna Park! My personal favorite beach excursion is lunch at Tatiana's at the Brighton Beach Boardwalk. 4. Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit, Washington Square Park; May 28–30 This city tradition feels fresh every spring when artists following in the footsteps of Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning set up shop in the park. Hundreds of exhibitors, from NYU students to artists who remember the Village as a creative enclave, display their paintings, sculptures, photography, jewelry and woodcraft. 5. Picnic in the Park Prospect, Fort Greene, Central – pick your park, dust off your Frisbees, pack your gourmet goodies, and call your friends! If you are on the hunt for some good gourmet spots to snag fun portable snacks, I’d highly recommend making a stop off at Chelsea Market in Manhattan or Stinky, Sahadis, and BRKLYN Larder in Brooklyn! 6. Rooftops Those first rays of summer feel great, especially at one of the cities many rooftop bars – check out Gallow Green in the McKitrick Hotel in Flatiron or The Ides at the Wythe Hotel in Williamsburg! 7. Waterfront Libations Head to the Boat Basin on the UWS the Frying Pan in West Chelsea or North River Lobster Company in Hell's Kitchen to dine on fresh seafood al fresco right here in Manhattan. 7. New Museum Exhibits Get a head start seeing this summer’s most anticipated exhibits. Check out Yoko Ono at MoMA or Frida Kahlo at the New York Botanical Garden. #NYCHappenings #BlogPosts

If you are in the market for a non-traditional day at the beach this summer, make sure to pencil in a trip to Dead Horse Bay. Like most of New York City, Dead Horse Bay has a long and slightly gritty history. While much of old New York has been rebuilt, renovated, refurbished, and rebranded, at Dead Horse Bay, remnants of the past are still strewn as far as the eye can see. Thousands of glass bottles, many over 100 years old, litter the beach along with other more resilient pieces of garbage turned relic. The bay is usually empty, making it a deliciously shiver-worthy post-apocalyptic playground for history buffs, artifact collectors, and NYC urban adventurers alike. The bay was given its name in the 1850s, when it was home to numerous horse-rendering plants that used the remains of dead horses (which were plentiful in the era of carriage travel) to manufacture glue, fertilizer and other products. From the New York Times: "Dead Horse Bay sits at the western edge of a marshland once dotted by more than two dozen horse-rendering plants, fish oil factories and garbage incinerators... The squalid bay, then accessible only by boat, was reviled for the putrid fumes that hung overhead." With the expansion of the automobile industry, buggies (and the horses that pulled them) became a thing of the past. By the 1920s there was only one rendering plant left. During this transitional era in the 1910s-20s, the marsh of Dead Horse Bay was used as a landfill for the city. It filled quickly and by the late 1930s, the trash heap was capped. However, in the 1950s the cap burst, and since then the beach and surrounding areas have been filled with bottles, cans, automobile parts, even metal signs - a treasure trove of refuse from a by-gone era. If you, like many New Yorkers, enjoy a slightly sordid history lesson after brunch on Sundays, this should be one spot quite close to home that you don't miss. #NotableinNY #BlogPosts

While I enjoy cooking, there are certain dishes and meals I tend to leave to the professionals. My baking skills are strictly limited to knowing good bakeries and making diet coke cake (don't ask, it's basically poison). I have made it my mission this month to make one (1) delicious homemade baked good... starting with Bill's mother's recipe for praline pecan pie. We first had the dessert two years ago at Thanksgiving and the recipe has since then been sitting in my email inbox... but that is going to change this month! The best part of this particular recipe is that it doesn't require many ingredients: Butter, Sugar, Flour, Milk, Eggs, Vanilla, Pecans. All items I know, recognize, and have cooked with before. As a baking novice, I think it is easier to focus on recipes with fewer ingredients that I have used and have on hand - I have also been assured the recipe is simple and fool-proof. TBD... Here is the recipe (BELOW) Let me know if you attempt it as well, and how your pie turns out! Even if your first venture into the culinary unknown is less than perfect, it is still fun to try new things - whether your challenges include desserts, grilling, BBQ-ing, or simply new styles of cuisine, remember that practice makes perfect and there will always be a few burned cookies and dried out steaks before you make the perfect dish... Prepare your significant other to compliment your efforts regardless. Bill is available for tutoring services in this field if needed... If all else fails, there is always Court Pastry Shop or whatever your fall back delivery staple may be! Happy cooking! #DIYDecor #BlogPosts