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INSIDE VERTICAL LIVING

MAY 2011

DOUBLE ISSUE

NEIGHBORHOOD IN REVIEW

A Vertical Living Team PublicationTeam Leader, Frank CuneoNYC

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04 - Tribeca Neighborhood Overview

08 - From Shoe Store To $45Mil Mansion

11 - Balloonatics

12 - NYC’s Best Residential Rooftops

14 - New Businesses Hit The Block

24 - 2011 Tribeca Film Festival Results

36 - Celeb Penthouse Up For Grabs

38 - Washington Park Revived

40 - New Developments in Tribeca

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2 - Inside Vertical Living - MAY 2011 | Manhattan Real Estate is A Lifestyle™

Inside Vertical Living - MAY 2011 | Manhattan Real Estate is A Lifestyle™ - 3


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48- SoHo Neighborhood Overview

55 - New High Fashion Synagogue

56 - New Developments in SoHo

60 -Neighborhood Videos: Tribeca + Soho

OHO

4 - Inside Vertical Living - MAY 2011 | Manhattan Real Estate is A Lifestyle™ TRIBECA TRIBECA

The Tribeca name came to be

applied to the area south of Canal

Street, between Broadway and West

Street, extending south to Chambers Street.

[1] The area was among the first residential

neighborhoods developed in New York beyond

the boundaries of the city during colonial times,

with residential development beginning in the

late 18th century. By the mid-19th century the

area transformed into a commercial center,

with large numbers of store and loft buildings

constructed along Broadway in the 1850s and

1860s.

Development in the area was spurred by

the extension of the IRT Broadway – Seventh

Avenue Line, which opened for service in

1918, and the accompanying extension of

Seventh Avenue and the widening of Varick

Street during subway construction in 1914.

That resulted in better access to the area

both for vehicles and for travelers using public

transportation. The area was also served by the

IRT Ninth Avenue Line, an elevated train line on

Greenwich Street demolished in 1940.

By the 1960s Tribeca’s industrial base had

all but vanished. The predominance of empty

commercial space attracted many artists to

the area in the 1970s. Since the 1980s, large

scale conversion of the area has transformed

Tribeca into an upscale residential area.

In 1996, the Tribeca Open Artist Studio

Tour was founded as a non-profit, artist-run

TRIH ISTORY OF

BECA

Textile Building (1901) in the Tribeca Historic District

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organization with the mission to empower the

working artists of Tribeca while providing an

educational opportunity for the public. For 15

years, the annual free walking tour through

artist studios in Tribeca has allowed people to

get a unique glimpse into the lives of Tribeca’s

premiere creative talent.[2] Tribeca suffered

financially after the September 11, 2001 terrorist

attacks, but government grants and incentives

helped the area rebound fairly quickly.[3]

The Tribeca Film Festival was established to

help contribute to the long-term recovery of

lower Manhattan after 9/11. The festival also

celebrates New York City as a major filmmaking

center. The mission of the film festival is “to

enable the international film community and

the general public to experience the power of

film by redefining the film festival experience.”

Tribeca is a popular filming location for movies

and television shows.

Today, Tribeca is one of America’s most

fashionable and desirable neighborhoods

and is known for its celebrity residents. In 2006

Forbes magazine ranked its 10013 zip code as

New York City’s most expensive.[4]

ETYMOLOGYIn the early 1970s, a couple of years after

artists in SoHo were able to legalize their live/

work situation, artist and resident organizations

in the area to the south, known then as

Washington Market or simply the Lower West

Side, sought to gain similar zoning status for

their neighborhood.

A group of Lispenard Street artist/residents

living on tax block number 210, directly south

of Canal Street between Church Street

and Broadway, in an area now part of the

landmarked Tribeca Historic District, joined the

effort. Just as the members of the SoHo Artists

Association called their neighborhood ‘SoHo’

after looking at a City Planning map which

marked the area as ‘South of Houston’ (city

planners had been casually using the word

‘SoHo’ as well), these Lispenard Street residents

likewise employed a City Planning map to

describe their block.

Lispenard Street, a single block immediately

below Canal Street, is wide on the Church

Street side but is narrower at Broadway. Thus,

it appears as a triangle on City maps, not like

a rectangle as most city blocks are depicted.

The Lispenard Street residents decided to

name their group the Triangle Below Canal

Block Association, and, as activists had done

in SoHo, shortened the group’s name to the

Tribeca Block Association.

A reporter covering the zoning story for

the New York Times came across the block

association’s submission to City Planning, and

mistakenly assumed that the name Tribeca

referred to the entire neighborhood, not just

one block. Once the “newspaper of record”

began referring to the neighborhood as

Tribeca, it stuck. This was related by former

resident and council member for the area,

Kathryn Freed, who was involved in the 1970s

Tribeca zoning effort.

BECA


As of the 2000 census, there were 10,395

people residing in Tribeca. The population

density was 31,467 people per square mile

(12,149/km2). The racial makeup of the

neighborhood was 82.34% White, 7.96% Asian,

0.03% Pacific Islander, 4.89% African American,

0.10% Native American, 1.66% from other races,

and 3.02% from two or more races. 6.34% of

the population were Hispanic of any race. Of

the 18.2% of the population that was foreign

born, 41.3% came from Europe, 30.1% from

Asia, 11.1% from Latin America, 10.2% from

North America and 7.3% from other.

ARCHITECTuRE

Tribeca is dominated by former industrial

buildings that have been converted into

residential buildings and lofts, similar to those of

the neighboring SoHo Cast Iron Historic District.

In the nineteenth and early 20th centuries,

the neighborhood was a center of the textile/

cotton trade.

Notable buildings in the neighborhoods

include the historic neo-Renaissance Textile

Building built in 1901 and designed by

Henry J. Hardenbergh, the Powell Building,

a designated Landmark on Hudson Street,

which was designed by Carrère and Hastings

and built in 1892.[5] At 73 Worth Street there

is a handsome row of neo-Renaissance White

Buildings built at the end of the Civil War in

1865. Other notable buildings include the New

York Telephone Company building at 140 West

Street with its Mayan-inspired Art Deco motif,

and the former New York Mercantile Exchange

at 6 Harrison Street.

During the late 1960s and ‘70s, abandoned

and inexpensive Tribeca lofts became hot-spot

residences for young artists and their families

because of the seclusion of lower Manhattan

and the vast living space. Jim Stratton, a

Tribeca resident since this period, wrote the

1977 nonfiction book entitled “Pioneering in the

Urban Wilderness,” detailing his experiences

renovating lower Manhattan warehouses into

residences.

HISTORIC DISTRICTS

The Tribeca Historic Districts are a combination

of four different historic zones within the Tribeca

section of borough of Manhattan. The districts

include Tribeca South & Extension, designated American Thread Building



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in 1992 and 2002; Tribeca East, designated in

1992; Tribeca West, designated in 1991; and

Tribeca North, designated in 1992.

A RESIDENTS VIEW ON TRIBECA

Tribeca is the keeper of the lost souls of

those who lost their lives and those who lost

their chance to remember how well it felt to

be alive. After 9/11, many friends moved on.

The lights seemed to go out all over Tribeca.

“I stayed because I saw myself as the keeper

of the memories. I try to immortalize the beauty

and what Tribeca has meant and how we can

keep focused on better times ahead.”

It wasn’t so long ago when Tribeca felt

wild and free. The history of the neighborhood

is embedded in its walls by generations of

innovative artists, buildings, and workers --

mostly immigrants who’ve passed through

and left a lasting mark. Flowing thoughts about

the ancient stone sidewalks made in Tribeca,

touched by the footsteps of great men and

women, presidents and radical thinkers,

industrious immigrants, gangs and girls in all

their glory and artists of every kind bring history

alive. Venice is the only city in the world that

can be compared to Tribeca.

The beauty of Tribeca has always been

appreciated by the true New Yorkers who

came here like early pioneers looking for the

basic good things in life; music and food and

wide-open rooms to work and live in. Even

the sky is open down here. Sounds drift lazy

through the night laughter and murmuring

conversations, distant horns and fire truck

sirens seem far away. Danger always seems so

remote in Tribeca.

Powell Building

Source: Wikipedia


Former Shoe Store is Now

Tribeca’sIncredible $45M Mansion

by Joey Arak



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Walk by the old warehouses of Tribeca

and you can’t help but wonder what the

interiors of these well-preserved buildings

look like now that most of them have been

turned into sought-after luxury lofts. But not

even the wildest imagination could have

dreamed up what’s really lurking inside 144

Duane Street. The limestone building, dating

back to 1862, is now 23,000 square feet of

over-the-top eye candy, complete with a

basement basketball court, a landscaped

roof deck, a staircase that looks stolen

from an Apple Store and so much more.

How does one put a price on something so

unique? By starting somewhere up in the

stratosphere, that’s how. The entire building

has just hit the market at $45 million. Let’s

explore this funhouse.

A bit too pricey for your blood? How about

$30 million for three floors?

The broker babble calls 144 Duane “the

most spectacular property to become

available downtown,” and for a certain

type of buyer, we believe it. The building’s

ground floor is a commercial/retail unit. The

second level is a full-floor rental apartment

that was once going for $19,500 per month.

The third floor has two rental apartments

and the fourth, fifth and sixth floors are a

10,000-square-foot owners’ triplex that can

be purchased by itself for $30 million. Dizzy

by Joey Arak


yet? The triplex, seen in the gallery above,

also has 2,775 sqft of outdoor space and

access to the private gym and the world’s

most dangerous basketball court (hope

that padding is thick!) in the basement.

The building’s ceiling heights range from

12-17 feet, and yep, those are original cast

iron columns.

Also according to the listing, 144 Duane

has been “sensitively renovated to retain

the structure’s original character,” which

will surely make loft purists shoot soy milk

through their nose. The building’s wild

makeover kicked off in 2001, and it was

designed by Studio Rivelli architect Mario

Rivelli. On his website—which offers even

more pictures— Rivelli explains that 144

Duane was formerly a shoe store and

warehouse, and he lifted the roof to create

the sixth-floor space. The client “requested

a clean contemporary aesthetic,” all

the better for displaying ceramic bowls,

Renaissance art and fossilized starfish.

Posting the entire floorplan would ruin

Curbed’s clean contemporary aesthetic,

so click through to the listing for all the

(potential!) Tribeca mansion one can

handle.



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The Balloon Saloon began with my husband’s

birthday. Wanting to send him balloons to both

entertain him and amuse my then 1 and 3 year

old kids, I was finding it impossible to locate a

balloon company that delivered. That was 28

years ago. What started out with “Let’s get a

gross of balloons and a tank of helium” has

grown into a wonderful business that services

an amazing client list!

My husband and I alternated weeks, so at least

one of us could be with the kids. This served as

an interesting arrangement - this way we were

both fresh for each endeavor. We attended

balloon seminars and learned decorating

techniques. I have since become a “Certified

Balloon Artist”, recognized in the trade. From

the operation in our living room, we’ve grown

into a complete fun-filled party store, balloon

bouquet delivery service and professional

decorating company.

Balloon Saloon is located in Tribeca, a beautiful,

historical downtown section of Manhattan.

Some of our exclusive clients includes: The

Mayor’s Office of Special Events, Columbia

University, financial institutions, hospitals and

universities throughout the city.

Tribeca Balloonatic FOR THE YOUNG AT HEART Bringing a Splash of Color and Whimsy To our Concrete Jungle

THE

http://www.balloonsaloon.com


Summer DecadenceNew York’s Best Summer Residential Rooftops

by Joey Arak

A Terrace of Grand ProportionsWho: Lynne and Burt ManningWhere: Park AvenueThis Park Avenue knockout has a 3,200 square foot terrace. The owners can entertain over a hundred people comfortably for summer evening cocktails. Denise sold the owners this apartment; they wanted a “funky” Park Avenue home.

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A Park Like Haven with Dramatic ViewsWho: Duval Family

Where: Long Island City

This vast terrace in Long Island City was formerly

a metal foundry and was converted in the 1940s.

There is a wide array of plants and trees throughout

the garden; the variety is partly due to the fact

that the current owners once had a landscaping

business and they liked to rescue “orphans” they

had removed from clients’ gardens.

Endless Views from Olympian HeightsWho: The Silver Residence

Where: Time Warner Center

On the 76th floor of the north tower, this is the

highest private rooftop terrace in New York City. The

extraordinary vantage point offers incomparable

views of Manhattan, the Hudson River, and New

Jersey. Because of the incredible elevation, the

furniture, sculpture and plants must be bolted down

to ensure nothing blows away.

Outdoor Entertaining, Day and NightWho: Madeline Hult Elghanayan

Where: upper East Side

Previous owner Oona O’Neil, Charlie Chaplin’s widow,

wanted an open pergola where roses could grow

without blocking the sun. The current owners reap the

benefits and catmint is planted under the rose garden.

This opulent duplex penthouse boasts terraces on each

floor, which wrap around three sides of the building with

a conservatory on the first level.

Sculpture Park in the SkyWho: Lisa Perry

Where: Sutton Place

On this Ken Smith designed penthouse the

plantings are minimal; instead the many works

of art create the ornamentation. Prominently

displayed on the west terrace is an oversized

sculpture of a green diamond by Jeff Koons.

Additionally, a pair of Murakami sculptures

frame the view out onto the Queensboro

Bridge and Roosevelt Island.

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While traveling the world as a management

consultant specializing in the oil industry,

Alexandra Perez used to squeeze in a workout

whenever and wherever she could—not just to

stay fit and clear her mind, but as a cultural

experience. “I took so many different types of

classes,” she says. “They use a lot of barre in

London, for example, and a lot of suspension

bands in Holland.” But with so little free time,

she found it tough fitting in cardio, weigh

training, and yoga. “I kept thinking that when I

moved back to New York, I’d find that magical

workout that can do it all.”

She moved back to New York City only to

discover that the magical workout didn’t exist—

so she invented it. Called Bari, it’s a mix of high-

energy cardio (“with a lot of music because I’m

from South America,” she says—she grew up in

Venezuela) that also incorporates barre work,

suspension bands, and the spiritual “centering”

of yoga. Friends and family loved it, but Perez

couldn’t always locate a space with a barre

and bands—so she decided to open her own

place, Bari Studio.

A Wharton graduate, Perez developed a

business plan in July, and by October she took a

Bari Studio

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via tribecacitizen.com



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leave of absence from her job and got certified

in Pilates. She lives near union Square, but she

wanted to set up shop in the West Village and

Tribeca. We all know who won: “I have a big

crush on Tribeca, she says. “Just yesterday, my

sister and a friend were handing out flyers and

they were like, ‘This neighborhood is so great!

Everyone is so nice!’”

She leased the old Kaleidoscope Tile store

at 23 Leonard (between W. Broadway and

Hudson), transforming the 3,000 square feet

into two large classrooms (with exposed brick

walls), a changing room, and two bathrooms.

There’s also a kitchen, which will be a drop-off

point for Joule Body, a homemade cleanse by

Yvette Rose. Perez wants Bari Studio to have a

real sense of community around it. To that end,

the wall where a mural is taking shape (right)

will also have an area for local news updates.

Besides the 55-minute Bari classes for women,

Bari Studio offers classes in Bodokon (a

martial-arts sort of exercise where men are

welcome) and Budokids (there are two levels:

pre-kindergarten and kindergarten, and first

through third grades). “What’s especially great

about Budokids is that your child can burn off

some energy and learn something while you

work out.” And there are power yoga classes,

too.

Curious? Drop by the cocktail party on Friday

night (7–10 p.m.) and say hello, or better yet,

take a class this weekend—they’ll be donation-

based until Monday, so you can test them

out.


Brushstroke is a partnership with the Tsuji cooking

school in Osaka; Tokyo firm Super Potato did

the design; the menu is kaiseki (though you can

order à la carte at the bar); the prix fixe menus

range from $85 to $135; the chefs are bringing

in seeds of plants found in Japan and growing

them here; there’ll be fish tanks in the basement;

and the most notable part of the decor is the

20,000 handpacked paperback books lining

the walls of the bar area. Also, the name was

inspired by the old mural on the building that

was originally to be the restaurant’s home, at

W. Broadway and Reade (where Super Linda

will be, eventually).

If you ever went to Danube or Secession, you’ll

remember that the space’s footprint is a little

wonky. The problem has been solved by putting

the entrance in the middle of the Hudson

Street frontage. To the right as you enter is the

bar area, with an L-shaped counter, some high

tables, and a low table or two. To the left is the

dining room, with a larger L-shaped counter

fronting the open kitchen and tables along the

windows, which are half-papered. The books in

the bar area are the star, along with the three

tiny dioramas (of Japanese market scenes) set

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into them. Kawaii!

I’ll let the photos do the rest of the work—and

after I go for dinner, I’ll report back. In the

meantime, if you eat at Brushstroke before

I do, please let everyone know how it was.

UPDATE: Stefie of Four Tines and a Napkin was

there last night (see the comments); here’s her

write-up of the meal. UPDATE: “I just confirmed

that chef Isao Yamada was at Bouley Studio

at the upstairs restaurant there— as part of

its Calendar Nights—was serving Japanese

food. I had a fantastic meal there last summer,

making me all the more excited for Brushstroke.

Also, last night I went for a drink, and the Gin

Shiso cocktail was fantastic (though it probably

helps if you know you like shiso).

Brushstroke is at 30 Hudson, 212-791-3771;

brushstrokenyc.com (not working yet).

I !


“I wanted a store that created dreams,” says

the debonair Al Abayan, who has just opened

Patron of the New at 151 Franklin with partner

Lisa Pak. “Sure, there are fancy expensive

clothes, but there’s also $10 mosquito spray.

There can be anything as long as it’s the right

taste level.”

Abayan certainly has room to play: The

old Intérieurs space is huge, and his “don’t

overpack it” style has left it very open, at least

so far. The main room, as you walk in, is what he

calls the French ’30s room; black cabinets line

the western wall, while a 20-foot table leads

the eye diagonally to the other two rooms. (It

will soon be joined by a table/case for jewelry.)

In the rear is the Pop room, where shoes are

showcased on “airplane-wing shelves” over

a sloped floor. To the east is the Tribeca loft

room—cue the old brick wall, complete

with arch—which houses menswear and,

eventually, furniture and lighting. Abayan’s

goal was for the store to feel like someone’s

studio. Indeed, much of the merchandise isn’t

even on view: Those black cabinets are filled

with children’s clothing and shoes, sunglasses,

candles, and more. “We were going to do

Patron of the New

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new concrete floors, but we decided they’d

be too polished.” Instead, many of the cracks

have been filled with gold paint—perhaps a

gilded nod to Andy Goldsworthy.

A Tribeca resident for the last decade, Abayan

ran Number (N)ine on Washington Street for

eight years. As at Number (N)ine, the clothing

at Patron of the New is very downtown—

for those of us who remember when that

meant something. The brands are not well-

known outside fashion circles: Denis Colomb,

No Editions, GASA, Ronald Pineau, Nicolas

Andreas Taralis, Benoit Méléard, ma’ry’ya, Kron

by Kronkron, Reinhard Plank…. “I choose the

challenging pieces, the ones that took time

and energy to create,” says Abayan. So if you

want something no one else is wearing, you’ve

come to the right place. Ikram in Chicago has

Nicholas Andreas Taralis jeans for women’s,

but no one else has men’s.

In summer, Abayan plans to throw open

the doors, sell flowers on the deck, have

dinner parties…. “It’s art, it’s lifestyle, it’s no

boundaries,” he says, clearly enchanted by

the possibilities.

Patron of the New is at 151 Franklin,

212-966-7144; patronofthenew.com.

!!

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The paper in the windows has finally come

down: Prime Essentials‘ first store, at 88 Leonard

(and Broadway).

I got a tour just now from CEO Josh Rahmani.

The store is somewhat hard to categorize—it’s

a little Macy’s, a little Bed Bath & Beyond, a

little Duane Reade, a little Whole Foods, a little

corner deli. Rahmani likes it that way: “We

want to be the new, cool, hip store that’s all

over Manhattan,” he said. The space, which is

around 7,500 square feet, certainly feels like a

breath of fresh air, thanks to the corner location

and the windows that haven’t been blocked

over with product. The aisles are awash in

natural light, complimented by industrial-style

fixtures high overhead. The dominant color is a

bright spring green.

As we walked down the aisles, I compiled

a list of the types of goods being sold:

housewares, linens, appliances, stationery,

home electronics, hardware, toys, cleaning

supplies, pet supplies, candles, food (not just

snacks but refrigerated and frozen food, as

well as organic fruit), baby gear, cosmetics,

drugstore items…. “We’re sticking to basics

everybody needs,” explained Rahmani, who

recently moved to FiDi. “Everybody needs an

iron, a toaster, a coffee maker.”

Rahmani, who grew up in retail before getting

into real-estate development, made for

an engaging tour guide. He had two main

themes: One is that Prime Essentials carries a

mix of quality brands and generics, “but these

are good generics.” The store sells Tide stain-

remover pens for around $4, for instance, as

well as a generic for 99¢. “And the generic

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one is better!” he said. “I used it yesterday!

Something with the tip—it’s more efficient.”

The second theme—touched on in the above

anecdote—is that Prime Essentials’ prices are

highly competitive. One of the partners is a

distributor, so the mark-up is lower than at

other stores. (Another unnamed partner brings

the experience of having had a chain of 150

stores.)

A lot of the merchandise was added after locals

requested it: ASPCA brand pet goods; Method

cleaning supplies; bulk items such as diapers,

paper towels, and toilet paper; stationery

supplies; aluminum pans; the BabyGanics

and PawGanics lines. “We expanded the

refrigerated section because we got so many

requests for cold cuts and prepared meals,”

said Rahmani. “We didn’t even have freezers

before.” Then he went on to extol the virtues of

one of the frozen pizzas.

The finishing touches were still being applied.

The pharmacy, meanwhile won’t open for

a few weeks. Rahmani interviewed a ton of

people: “Our pharmacist really stood out.

She’s very personable.” Also in the works is

the rewards program, which includes extra

benefits for people who live in the area. The

store is taking applications now; materials will

be mailed.

Beyond that, what does the future hold for

Prime Essentials? “We’re looking at a space on

the upper East Side, and one in Midtown, on

Madison. I only want to be in new buildings,

and on the corner.”

As the tour was winding up, I managed to

get Rahmani and one of his partners, Ebi

Khalili (who lives in 88 Leonard, if I understood

correctly), to pose for a photo. Then Rahmani

asked for my honest opinion about the store:

“Everyone comes in and says it looks great. Tell

me what you think.”

I said that Prime Essentials seems to do an

admirable job of appealing to brand-sensitive

people who live here and the price-sensitive

people who work here. And the shopping

experience is absolutely lovelier than at Duane

Reade; I never want to go downstairs if I can

avoid it. ultimately, however, the big way to

differentiate is to have staff that’s friendly and

helpful—there are too many stores I dread

entering. Rahmani said that each store will

have an office for someone to keep an eye

on things.

“What about the bedding?” he asked. “Will

anyone buy it?” I said I didn’t think so. “I agree.

It’ll probably be on sale next week.” He paused.

“I know we’re not going to get it right in the first

store, on the first day. But we’ll get there, and

we’ll do it by listening to what people want.”

Prime Essentials is at 88 Leonard (at Broadway),

212-941-7900; penyc.com.


The space is long, narrow, and high-

ceilinged—like most in Tribeca—and when

it was Grace, the bar was against one wall

in the front and a dining room was in the

rear. Trummer has kept the front open, lining

the walls with low banquettes, tables, and

benches. The elevated bar (watch your

step!) is about three-quarters of the way

back; there’s a space behind it—reachable

by a “secret” passageway that goes via

the kitchen—that Trummer says he can use

for meetings or, if a riser were added, to

showcase musicians. (Along the passageway

are Grace’s old walk-in refrigerators, where

Trummer is currently storing art.) It’s all dark

and sexy, like a nightclub; the DJ sits above

the action, in a wooden balcony that looks

like it wandered over from White Street. It may

get drafted as seating: “I learned from David

Bouley that you have to have a special place

where you can seat people,” said Trummer,

going on to explain that it doesn’t have to

actually be a special place, you just have to

call it that.

The marble bar itself is much deeper than

usual, so that the bartenders have room to

! Theater Bar

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work. “I want to bring the kitchen into the

bar,” said Trummer. The ingredients will all be

fresh, as is the trend, and he also pointed out

homemade “tinctures”—in medicine bottles—

that will be used in the drinks. A bartender

may also do a magic trick now and again,

which explains the Houdini posters on one

wall.

And the cocktails? They’re divided into four

categories—New York, Mexican, French

cuisine, and Asian—and while the bartenders

talked about four “stations,” I couldn’t tell

whether that would be a nightly feature or

whether that was just for the tasting. I parked

myself by the New York section’s bartender,

who said that his drinks were meant to

evoke the Harlem Renaissance. The Cotton

Club Flip has vanilla-infused bourbon and a

cotton-candy garnish (as well as egg whites,

rhubarb, and other ingredients), while the

Apple Harlem Jig had vodka infused with

New York State apples, agave, lemon juice,

and a graham cracker–encrusted rim. I asked

whether the bar would still make classic drinks

such as, say, a Negroni. “Yes,” he replied,

igniting a lemon-peel garnish with a lighter.

“But if you want Red Bull there’s another bar

down the street.”

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Awards Announced: 2011 TribecA Film FesTivAl

By Krist in McCracken

The 10th Annual Tribeca Film Festival, co-

founded by Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal

and Craig Hatkoff, and presented by

founding sponsor American Express,

announced the winners of its competition

categories tonight at a ceremony hosted

at the W union Square in New York City. The

top awards went to She Monkeys, Bombay

Beach, The Journals of Musan, and Like

Water.

The world competition winners were

chosen from 12 narrative and 12

documentary features from 21 countries.

Best New Director prizes were awarded

for both narrative and documentary films,

selected from all feature films by a first-time

director throughout the program. Awards

were also given in four categories in the

short film competition. This year’s Festival

included 93 features and 60 short films from

40 countries.

This year, the Festival introduced two new

annual awards in the narrative competition:

Best Cinematography and Best Screenplay;

and one in the documentary competition:

Best Editing.

And for the second year, online viewers

voted for the best Tribeca (Online) Film

Festival awards, including Best Feature and

Best Short.



TRIBECA

“It’s wonderful to have reached our 10th

edition and to be able to celebrate with

all of these gifted filmmakers. We’ve been

fortunate that as we have grown we

have remained a place that welcomes a

diverse range of stories told by compelling

and exciting filmmakers,” said Festival co-

Founder Jane Rosenthal. “We are truly

honored that the community has supported

the Festival all these years – the community

of New York and the international film

community.”

“We are truly pleased to have had such

a great group of filmmakers at Tribeca,”

said Nancy Schafer, Executive Director of

the Festival. “Audiences and juries have

responded so positively to the films, and on

behalf of the programming team, I thank

all our filmmakers for sharing their work with

us and our audience.”

Screenings of all winning films will take place

throughout the final day of the Festival,

Sunday, May 1, at various Festival venues.

Specific times and ticketing information

are available on the Festival website.

In addition to cash awards and in-kind

services provided by sponsors including

American Express, AKA Hotel Residences,

Accenture, Persol, Apple, Company 3 and

Kodak, the Festival presented the winners

with original pieces of art created by

seven acclaimed artists, including Robert

De Niro Sr. and Nate Lowman, via the

Tribeca Film Festival Art Awards, sponsored

by CHANEL.

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World Narrative Competition2011 World Narrative Competition Jurors:Souleymane Cissé, Scott Glenn, David Gordon Green, Rula Jebreal, Art Linson, Jason Sudeikis and Dianne Wiest

The Founders Award for Best Narrative Feature She MonkeysDirected by Lisa Aschan (Sweden)

Winner receives $25,000, sponsored by AKA Hotel Residences; and the art award

“Anna Christie Entering the Bar, 1965-1967,” by Robert De Niro Sr.

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Jury Comments: “Haunting, resonant, but never posed. Conventional shots become dangerous. With balanced storytelling that moves between danger and innocence, this film speaks of sex, adolescence, power, and ambition. It is original and authentic.” ”“



TRIBECA”

Best Actress in a Narrative Feature Film Carice Van Houten in Black ButterfliesDirected by Paula Van Der Oest (Germany, Netherlands, South Africa)

Winner receives $2,500.

Jury Comments: “There are a million colors in this complicated performance. We award this honor for bravery and fragility, and for showing tremendous range and strength throughout.”

”“

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Jury Comments: “In a world shattered by genocide, this performance was so pure.”

”“

Best Actor in a Narrative Feature Film Ramadhan “Shami” Bizimana in Grey MatterDirected by Kivu Ruhorahoza (Rwanda, Australia)



World Documentary Competition

Best Cinematography Luisa Tillinger for Artificial ParadisesDirected by Yulene Olaizola (Mexico)

Winner receives $5,000, and $50,000 in post-production services, provided by

Company 3.

Jury Comments: “A beautiful portrait of landscape and emotion.”

”“

Jury Comments: This jury was unanimous. Hands down, this is the best screenplay

”“

Best Screenplay Jannicke Systad Jacobsen for Turn me on, goddammitDirected by Jannicke Systad Jacobsen (Norway)


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TRIBECA

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Best New Narrative Director2011 Best New Narrative Competition Jurors:Paul Dano, Atom Egoyan, Zoe Kazan, Anna Kendrick, Rainn Wilson.

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Jury Comments: “This film is an extraordinary study of an outcast, one that examines a complex journey with compassion and grace. The jury was unanimous in honoring this rare film, which is both emotionally arresting and an important social document. We are proud to commend this auspicious debut from an extremely talented filmmaker.”

”

“Best New Narrative Director The Journals of MusanDirector and Writer Park Jungbum (South Korea)

Winner receives $25,000, sponsored by American Express; $50,000 in

post-production services provided by Company 3; and the art award

“Double Happiness” by Nate Lowman.

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Jury Comments: “For its audacious and experimental approach, this film speaks of recent horrors and genocide with great originality. We wanted to give a special commendation to this filmmaker for his courage and vision.”

”“

Special Jury Mention Grey MatterDirector and Writer Kivu Ruhorahoza (Rwanda, Australia)



World Documentary Competition2011 World Documentary Competition Jurors:Amir Bar-Lev, Michael Cera, RJ Cutler, Abigail Disney, Whoopi Goldberg, Louie Psihoyos and Peter Scarlet.

Jury Comments: “Our unanimous award for the film’s beauty, lyricism, empathy and invention.”

”“

Best Documentary Feature Bombay BeachDirector by Alma Har’el (Israel, uSA)

Winner receives $25,000, and the art award “Nathans” by

Jeff Chien-Hsing Liao.

Jury Comments: “The film skillfully weaves journalistic investigation with emotional personal narrative.”

”“

Best Editing in a Documentary Feature Purcell Carson, Semper Fi: Always Faithful (USA)




TRIBECA

”Best New Documentary Director

2011 Best New Documentary Competition Jurors:Margaret Bodde, Jared Cohen, J.D. Heyman, Lauren Hutton, Annie Sundberg.

Jury Comments: “The film opens up a violent world in an unexpected way through its sensitive and seamless portrayal of its complex hero, ultimate fighter Anderson Silva.”

”“

Best New Documentary Director Pablo Croce, Like Water (USA)Winner receives $25,000, sponsored by American Express;

and the art award “Path to the Stage” by Inka Essenhigh.

Jury Comments: “A powerful work of investigative journalism. We honor the filmmakers’ six years of hard work in illustrating how a society can clash with justice, and the impact on an individual life. Everyone should see this film.”

”“

Special Jury Mention Michael Collins, director of Give Up Tomorrow (UK, USA) Winner receives $25,000, sponsored by American Express;

and the art award “Path to the Stage” by Inka Essenhigh.


Best Narrative Short Film Competition2011 World Documentary Competition Jurors:Nora Ephron, Ceci Kurzman, Denis Leary, Fran Lebowitz, David O. Russell, Paul Schneider and Jimmy Wales.

Jury Comments: “The jury liked this film’s marriage of brilliant acting, superb technical prowess, and provocative subject matter, and it’s a movie memorable for upending expectations.”

“Best Narrative Short Man and BoyDirected by David Leon and Marcus McSweeney

Written by David Leon and Rashid Rasaq (uK)

Winner receives $5,000, sponsored by Persol; 5,000 feet of film stock, donated

by Kodak; and the art award “Gold Dust (Undeclared)” by Taryn Simon.

Jury Comments: “Dark, original and beautifully written.”

”“

Special Jury Mention The TermsWritten and directed by Jason LaMotte (uK)

””



TRIBECA

””Best Documentary and Student Short Film

2011 Best Documentary and Student Short Competition Jurors:Ahmed Ahmed, Agnes Gund, Zoe Kravitz, Nicole Lapin, Lisa Shields, Christine Vachon and Patrick Wilson

Jury Comments: “The winner is a film that bravely explores the residual effects of experiencing trauma in war in a truthful and fearless manner. using a mixture of archival and current material, this timely film is the story of one man’s struggle to reconcile war, his place in it, and the legacy he will pass on to his children.”

“Best Documentary Short Incident in New BaghdadWritten and directed by James Spione (uSA)

Winner receives $5,000, sponsored by Persol; 5,000 feet of film stock, donated

by Kodak; and the art award “Big Penny” by Tom Otterness.

Jury Comments:“Congratulations to a film that started in one direction and ended up going in another. This unexpected journey was well crafted and followed a unique character for whom we were rooting.”

”“

Special Jury Mention Guru Written and directed by Jonathan VanBallenberghe (uSA)

”


Jury Comments: “A simply told story with great depth that examines an average day in the life of an ordinary person living through other people. We applaud this director for her focus, attention to detail, and nuanced acting.”

“Student Visionary Award RoomsWritten and directed by Joanna Jurewicz (uSA)

Winner receives MacPro Desktop with Final Cut Pro and a 24-inch monitor,

provided by Apple; and the art award “Study: Northern City Renaissance (Mass

MoCA #79N)” by Stephen Hannock.

Jury Comments: “Characterized by bold directorial choices, this film is a disturbing and intriguing story of an actor’s struggle, and examines the price paid for realizing one’s dreams. We congratulate this filmmaker for his ability to fully realize this story in a unique structure.”

”

“Special Jury Mention Eva – Working TitleWritten and directed by Dor Fadlon (Israel)

”



TRIBECA

Tribeca (Online) Film Festival Best Feature Film Donor UnknownDirected and written by Jerry Rothwell (uK)

Winner receives $25,000, sponsored by American Express; and the art award

“Untitled” by Sarah Crowner.

Tribeca (Online) Film Festival Best Short Film The Dungeon MasterDirected by Shiloh & Rider Strong (uSA)

Winners receive $5,000, sponsored by Accenture.”

”

Tribeca (Online) Film Festival


It would be easy to hate Russian

supermodel Natalia Vodianova if only

she weren’t by all accounts, such a nice

person and one who did not have an

easy upbringing before the charmed life

she currently enjoys. Vodianova and her

husband Justin Portman have listed their

three-bedroom apartment at 72 Reade

Street in New York City. Portman bought

the home as a bachelor pad for $2,291,500

in 1999. Now he and his model wife are

decamping to London.

The home, which is probably getting

cramped given that the couple is expecting

their third child, has an indoor reflecting

pool, media room, sauna, three separate

terraces (northern, southern, and eastern)

and an outdoor infinity-edge soaking pool

off the master bedroom. The sixth floor

penthouse is over 4100 square feet and

has direct access through a private key

locked elevator. It has all sorts of details

that are Zen and quirky like a table with a

parasol in the master suite and art sourced

from around the world. You have to have

a certain cool to make this place work. If

you are into cozy, this probably isn’t your

pad. This is a rock star home, the type that

Lenny Kravitz or someone else with friends

to entertain and babes to impress might

easily enjoy. It’s easy to suspect that this

place was probably a feature in Portman’s

favor when he was pursuing young Miss

Vodianova. It is listed at $11 million. After

the jump, buy this and get your own

supermodel.

VODIANOVA + PORTMAN’S PENTHOuSE uP FOR GRABS by Deidre Woollard

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The New Washington

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New Develop meNtstRIBeCA

IN

Tribeca TownHomes at 16 Warren Street

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TRIBECA TOWNHOMES is a collection of six luxurious

Duplex residences where state of the art features meet

environmentally minded design, making it the first Green

building in its class.

Set within a glass and steel tower, these sun-filled duplexes

feature soaring 12‘ to 16’ ceilings, rich Brazilian Walnut

floors and high performance, floor to ceiling green house

windows.These units also come with private bike storage,

additional Storage Room and magnificent brick vaulted

Wine Cellars.

TRIBECA TOWNHOMES offers a Cyber-Doorman and

is perfectly located in the heart of the Vibrant Tribeca,

within walking distance from most subways, restaurants,

Wholefoods and PS 234 have extremely low maintenance.

A 421-A Tax Abatement make these an easy purchase

and safe investment.

via streeteasy.com



TRIBECA

Tribeca Space at 25 Murray Street

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An inimitable assemblage of multiple historic Tribeca

commercial buildings, Tribeca Space boasts one-of-

a-kind loft condominiums in Manhattan’s most stylish

neighborhood. The entrance exudes both a sense of history

and contemporary style accented by urban icons.

The homes embrace sweeping expanses of exposed

brick, soaring loft ceilings, and banks of windows which

flood your personal space with light. Each residence is

spacious, with wide-plank red oak floors, coffered ceilings

with crown molding, and marble-clad master bathrooms.

There are beautifully designed kitchens with top-of-the-

line, stainless appliances, granite countertops and cherry

cabinetry.

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47 Murray Street

47 Murray is a newly renovated boutique pre-war

condominium, featuring exceptional residences with

soaring ceilings, expansive space and luxurious finishes

that one would expect from the finest of properties. All

homes have key-locked elevator entry with multiple living

spaces that make each of these distinctive homes ideal

for entertaining. In true Tribeca form, each unit offers

ample wall space that creates an art lovers paradise

and approximately 9.5 foot windows welcome light into

these incredible loft spaces. Located in one of New York

City’s premier neighborhoods, 47 Murray is steps from top

restaurants, shopping and more.

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via streeteasy.com


Truffles Tribeca at 34 Desbrosses Street

Truffles Tribeca - the most talked about rental in

Manhattan. Cherry Wood floors, granite countertops,

stainless steel appliances. Central air conditioning and

heat can be controlled within the unit. Gorgeous spa

like bathroom with rainfall shower. Fantastic views of the

Hudson River and Downtown NYC. Building features state

of the art facilities and hotel services. Trufflesprive – a

one of a kind resident club offers unparalleled design in

vintage style, turn of the century bar, cinema, 24 HR fitness

facility, library, game room and the hottest roof deck in all

of NYC – furnished with Indonesian teak furniture, intimate

seating areas, catering bar and jaw dropping views of

Manhattan and the Hudson River. Enjoy the new sea side

on the west side – tennis courts, basketball courts, running

and cycling, all outside your door on the Hudson River

Park. A rare opportunity offering flexible move in dates.

Building Amenities: Doorman, Elevator, Gym, Roof Deck, Tennis, Tennis

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TRIBECA

30 Park Place

This building, designed by the renowned Robert A.M.

Stern Architects, has an elegant limestone tower and

combines a 175-room hotel with 143 luxury condominiums

that will become an important landmark among the

skyscrapers of Downtown New York. There will be a Four

Seasons Hotel that will occupy the first 22 floors of the 80-

story tower, which will also include a specialty restaurant.

The remainder of the tower, which rises to a dramatic

skyline profile of full-floor penthouses and setback terraces,

will accommodate private residences as large as 6,500

square feet. The Residences also will be managed by Four

Seasons.

The Residences at 30 Park Place have their own separate

entrance and lobby. Amenities for the private residents

are located between the Hotel and Residences and

include a 75-ft heated indoor pool, fitness center, lounge

area, and children’s room. A landscaped public plaza is

included as well.

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Smyth upstairs at 85 West Broadway

Smyth upstairs, located at 85 West Broadway in Tribeca,

offers the opportunity to own one of 15 condominium

apartments on top of the new Thompson Hotel. Combining

the serenity of private residences with the eclectic

vibrancy of hotel life, Smyth upstairs is the downtown,

modern version of what having a place at The Carlyle was

50 years ago.

Designed by Richardson Sadeki of Bliss Spa fame and BBG

of The Mandarin Oriental at Time Warner Center and The

Gramercy Park Hotel, the building and apartments are

fashioned to be architecturally interesting and luxurious.

All have sweeping cinematic skyline views and ten-foot

ceilings, and all those hotel amenities you love on vacation

plus a “residents only” roof terrace.

The Griffen is a traditional Tribeca elevator loft building

transformed from its original warehouse roots as the Griffin

Shoe Polish factory.

Located in the heart of Tribeca, the Griffen offers the

unique experience of real loft living in this continuously

thriving and well-loved Manhattan neighborhood. All floors

have exposed brick and 14-20 foot ceilings with a keyed

elevator opening onto each loft. The building faces south

on Murray Street and receives an abundance of direct

sunlight!

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The Griffen at 67 Murray Street

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TRIBECA

53 Warren Street

53 Warren is a six-story loft building with a gorgeous pre-

war limestone façade located in the heart of Tribeca. With

only six units including a mix of floor-thru, townhouse and

penthouse styles this is a truly unique boutique building

located on an amazing block. Each unit has soaring high

ceilings and offers custom Poliform kitchens with marble

countertops complete with 40’ wide Sub Zero refrigerator,

Miele range and dishwasher. The luxurious bathrooms are

done in Italian marble, and the floors throughout are a

rich, wide Ipe Brazilian hardwood. The elevator opens

directly into each unit. There are gracious walk-in closets

and additional cellar storage. The building is situated in

one of the most desirable neighborhoods in the city, just

steps away from several subway lines including the A, C,

1, 9, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and City Hall Park. It’s located within public

school district 234 and close to some of the most fabulous

restaurants the city has to offer.

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The Campbell at 148 Chambers Street

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The Zinc Building at 475 Greenwich Street

Introducing 21 brand spanking new lofts in the center

of TriBeCa. This is loft living the way you’ve always

wanted it. It’s at once hip and extravagant, modern

yet cozy – a little package of perfection set in TriBeCa,

the cultural nexus of New York City.

Zinc has a 24/7 lobby attendant, refrigerated storage

for deliveries, eDeskTM capabilities, and porter and

superintendent services.

A brand new loft, in the best neighborhood, in the

best city in the world.

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Trinity Stewart Condominimum at 8 Warren Street

Luxurious, elegant, and thoughtfully deigned, The

Trinity Stewart Condominium presents a meticulous

restoration of two adjacent 1860s loft buildings,

crowned with a newly constructed five-story

addition.

Five three-bedroom homes each with private

outdoor space and eight two-bedroom homes each

with voluminous living space are artfully planned

by Linea LLP Rawlins Design and illuminated by Leni

Schwendinger Light Projects.

Named for historic owners, the Trinity Church and

Theodore Stewart, The Trinity Stewart Condominium

combines the classic loft with stylish new

construction.

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S O H OS O H O

48 - Inside Vertical Living - MAY 2011 | Manhattan Real Estate is A Lifestyle™ S O H OS O H O

In the early 19th century, SoHo was an

area of some farms, rolling hills, streams

and even a swamp at its southern end, with

Federal and Greek-Revival style housing. By

mid-19th century these were replaced by

more solid structures of masonry and cast

iron. It was a lively theater and shopping

district, and even home to many brothels.

Eventually, as the center of the growing city

continued to move uptown, the quality of

the area declined, until it became known

as Hell’s Hundred Acres, (because of

the many fires in the area); an “industrial

wasteland”, full of sweatshops and small

factories in the daytime, but empty at

night.

SoHoistoryf

S O H O Inside Vertical Living - MAY 2011 | Manhattan Real Estate is A Lifestyle™ - 49


S O H O

In the mid-20th century, artists began to

move in to have large spaces in which

they could both live and work, in what

were called loft spaces. In 1968 artists and

activists were forming an organization

to legalize their living in a manufacturing

zone. Seeking to identify their group

geographically, they consulted a city

Planning Commission map that described

the area as “South of Houston”, “Houston”

being Houston Street. This was shortened

to “SoHo” when the group voted to call

itself the SoHo Artists Association, and the

name for the neighborhood stuck.[citation

needed] The name “SoHo” is the model

for other new neighborhood acronyms in

New York City, such as NoHo, for “NOrth of

HOuston Street”, TriBeCa (“TRIangle BElow

CAnal Street”), Nolita (“NOrth of Little

ITAly”), and DUMBO (“Down Under the

Manhattan Bridge Overpass”).

The neighborhood’s association with the

arts has expanded over time, and the

area has become a famous destination for

shopping. It is an archetypal example of

inner-city regeneration and gentrification,

encompassing socio-economic, cultural,

political and architectural developments.

It is also known as the SoHo-Cast Iron Historic

District because of the many buildings

incorporating cast iron architectural

elements.

GeographyThe Neighborhood. SoHo is a neighborhood

bounded roughly by Houston Street on

the northern side, Lafayette Street/Centre

Street on the east, Canal Street on the

south, and West Broadway on the west,

based on SoHo’s unique M1-5a/M1-5b

zoning passed in 1971.

The Historic District. The SoHo-Cast Iron

Historic District is contained within the

zoned SoHo neighborhood. Originally

ending in the west at the eastern side of

West Broadway and to the east at the

western side of Crosby Street, the SoHo-

Cast Iron Historic District was expanded in

2010 to cover most of West Broadway and

to extend east to Lafayette/Centre Streets.

The lines are not straight, and some block-

fronts on West Broadway and Lafayette

are excluded from the Historic District.

Distinguished from the South Village

and Hudson Square. Although the SoHo

Alliance, Community Board 2, Manhattan

and the Greenwich Village Society for


Historic Preservation (GVSHP)all agree that

all the western boundary of SoHo north of

Broome Street ends at West Broadway,

some have claimed the area to extend

west to The Avenue of the Americas

(Sixth Avenue) and, more recently, to the

Hudson River. However, the area west of

West Broadway and east of Sixth Avenue is

traditionally called the “South Village” and

The South Village does not share the same

zoning nor has it the cast-iron architecture

that helps define SoHo. More recently,

some people have been describing SoHo

as extending to the Hudson River. Others

call the area between Sixth Avenue and

the Hudson River “Hudson Square”.

Cast Iron District + LoMEx

What became SoHo was to have been the

locale of two enormous elevated highways,

comprising the two branches of the Lower

Manhattan Expressway. The highway

was intended to create an automobile

and truck through-route connecting the

Manhattan and Williamsburg Bridges on

the east with the Holland Tunnel on the

west.

The young historic preservation movement

and architectural critics, stung by the

destruction of the original Pennsylvania

Station and the threat to other historic

structures, challenged the plans because

of the threatened loss of a huge quantity

of 19th century cast iron structures, which

were not then highly valued by the

general public or contemporary business

community. When John V. Lindsay became

mayor of New York City in 1966, his initial

reaction was to try to push the expressways

through with political spin, dubbing the

Robert Moses project the Lower Manhattan

Expressway (or LoMEx), depressing some

of the proposed highway in residential

areas and stressing the importance of the

artery to the city. Nevertheless, through

the efforts of Jane Jacobs, Tony D’apolito

and other local, civic and cultural

leaders, as well as SoHo artist residents

themselves, the project was derailed.

Artist Studios + Residences After abandonment of the highway

scheme, the city was still left with a large

number of historic buildings that were

unattractive for the kinds of manufacturing

and commerce that survived in the city



S O H O

in the 1970s. Many of these buildings,

especially the upper stories which became

known as lofts, attracted artists who

valued the spaces for their large areas,

large windows admitting natural light and

cheap rents. Most of these spaces were

also used illegally as living space, being

neither zoned nor equipped for residential

use; yet, this zoning violation was ignored

for a long period of time as occupants

were using space that would have most

likely been dormant or abandoned as a

result of the poor economy in New York

City during that time.

SoHo boasts the greatest collection of cast-

iron architecture in the world. Approximately

250 cast iron buildings stand in New York

City and the majority of them are in SoHo.

Cast iron was initially used as a decorative

front over a pre-existing building. With the

addition of modern, decorative facades,

older industrial buildings were able to

attract new commercial clients. Most of

these facades were constructed during

the period from 1840 to 1880. In addition

to revitalizing older structures, buildings in

SoHo were later designed to feature the

cast iron.

An American architectural innovation,

cast iron was cheaper to use for facades

than materials such as stone or brick.

Molds of ornamentation, prefabricated

in foundries, were used interchangeably

for many buildings, and a broken piece

could be easily recast. The buildings could

be erected quickly, some were built in

only four months’ time. Despite the brief

construction period, the quality of the cast

iron designs was not sacrificed. Previously,

bronze had been the metal most frequently

used for architectural detail. Architects

now found that the relatively inexpensive

cast iron could form the most intricately

designed patterns. Classical French and

Italian architectural designs were often

used as models for these facades. And

because stone was the material associated

with architectural masterpieces, cast iron,

painted in neutral tints such as beige, was

used to simulate stone.

There was a profusion of cast iron foundries

in New York, including the major firms of

Badger’s Architectural Iron Works, James

L. Jackson’s Iron Works, and Cornell Iron

Works.

Since the iron was pliable and easily

molded, sumptuously curved window

frames were created, and the strength

of the metal allowed these frames

considerable height. Thus, the once

somber, gas-lit interiors of the industrial

district were flooded with sunlight through


the newly enlarged windows. The strength

of the cast iron permitted high ceilings with

sleek supporting columns, and interiors

became more expansive and functional.

During cast iron’s heyday, many architects

thought it to be structurally more sound

than steel. It was also thought that cast iron

would be fire resistant, and facades were

constructed over many interiors built of

wood and other flammable materials. But,

when exposed to heat, cast iron buckled

and later cracked under the cold water

used to extinguish fire. In 1899, a building

code was passed mandating the backing

of cast iron fronts with masonry. Most

of the buildings which stand today are

constructed in this way. It was the advent of

steel as a major construction material that

brought a rapid end to the cast iron era.”



S O H O

Historic district + Joint Living Work Quarters for Artists

As the artist population grew, the

city made some attempts to stem the

movement, especially concerned about

the occupation of space that did not

meet residential building codes, and the

possibility that the space might be needed

at some time for the return of manufacturing

to New York City.

Pressured on many sides, the city

eventually gave up on attempting to keep

the district as strictly industrial space and

in 1971 permitted certified artists to reside

and work in their spaces. The area received

landmarks designation as the SoHo-Cast

Iron Historic District in 1973.

The historic district is officially bounded

by Houston Street, West Broadway,

Canal Street and Centre/Lafayette

Street. It is noted for the elaborate cast-

iron architecture of many of its buildings,

most of which date from the late 19th

century. These buildings originally housed

warehouses, factories and sweatshops. It is

also noted for its Belgian block streets.

The neighborhood rose to fame as a

neighborhood for artists during the 1960s

and 1970s, when the cheap spaces

vacated by departing factories were

converted by artists into lofts and studios.

SoHo’s lofts were especially appealing to

artists because they could use the wide

spaces and tall ceilings that factories and

warehouses required to create and store

their work. During this period, which lasted

until 1971 when the Zoning Resolution

was amended to permit Joint Live-Work

Quarters for Artists, living in SoHo was

often of dubious legality, as the area was

zoned for light industrial and commercial

uses rather than residential, and many

residents had to convert their apartments

into livable spaces on their own, with little

money. Then, in 1971, the M1-5a and M-5b

districting was established to permit visual

artists, certified as such by the Department

of Cultural Affairs, to live where they

worked. This law is still in effect and, for

the most part, only visual artists and their

families are permitted to legally live in

converted lofts in SoHo. In 1987, non-artists

residing in SoHo and NoHo were permitted

to grandfather themselves, but that was

the only extension to non-artists and it was

a one-time deal. In 2005 the construction of

residential buildings in empty lots within the

historic district was permitted. Nevertheless,

with no enforcement of the new zoning


laws by the City, beginning in the 1980s, in

a way that would later apply elsewhere,

the neighborhood began to draw more

affluent residents. Due to rent protection

and stability afforded by the 1982 Loft Law,

in addition to the fact that many of the artists

owned their co-ops, many of the original

pioneering artists remained despite the

popular misconception that gentrification

forced them to flee. Many residents have

lived in the neighborhood for decades. In

the mid-90s, most of the galleries moved to

Chelsea but several well known galleries

remain including The William Bennett

Gallery, Terrain Gallery, Franklin Bowles

Gallery and Pop International Gallery.

SoHo’s location, the appeal of lofts as living

spaces, its architecture and, ironically, its

“hip” reputation as a haven for artists all

contributed to this change. The pattern

of gentrification is typically known as the

“SoHo Effect” and has been observed in

several cities around the united States. A

backwater of poor artists and small factories

in the 1970s, SoHo became a popular

tourist destination for people looking for

fashionable (and expensive) clothing and

exquisite architecture.

SoHo’s boutiques and restaurants are

clustered in the northern area of the

neighborhood, along Broadway and

Prince and Spring streets. The sidewalks in

this area are often crowded with tourists

and with vendors selling jewelry, t-shirts, and

other works, sometimes leaving no space

for pedestrians to walk. SoHo is known

for its commercialization and eclectic

mix of different boutiques for shopping,

including Prada, A Bathing Ape, G-Star

Raw, Bloomingdale’s, H&M, Marc Jacobs,

Chanel, Victoria’s Secret, Miu Miu, Puma

AG, Dolce & Gabbana, Urban Outfitters,

Apple Store, J. Crew and Calvin Klein. Yet,

the southern part of the neighborhood,

along Grand Street and Canal Street,

retains some of the feel of SoHo’s earlier

days. Canal Street at SoHo’s south

boundary contrasts with the former’s posh

shopping district in offering electronics and

cheap imitation clothing and accessories.

Source: Wikipedia



S O H O

Of course the young rabbi behind the new

synagogue in SoHo for “unaffiliated, downtown

secular Jews” would turn to an “aggressively

whimsical furniture” designer when planning

the newest house of worship to hit the chic

neighborhood. But what exactly will designer

Dror Benshetrit be bringing to the temple on

Crosby street? How about a bookshelf/bar that

“revolves like the top of a parmesan cheese

can to always reveal either prayer books or

wine glasses, depending on the occasion?”

And that’s just one of the many twists that

rabbi Dovi Scheiner and his wife Esty (not to

be confused with Etsy!) are planning for the

synagogue, which is expected to open in a

former Gucci store on June 17. For instance,

in an interesting break from tradition, the

synagogue will have a circular ark to hold

its Torah: “Two round doors, one copper, the

other blue, will peel away to reveal an off-

white interior.” Explains the designer, “A circle

is a symbol for eternity, a symbol for sun, for me

it’s a source of light.”

And it goes on. You know those Edison bulbs

that have been popping up in our city’s hipper

bars and restaurants the past few years? The

SoHo Synagogue will have one too! Nearby

the arc “a fabric cable will descend from the

ceiling, from which will hang a naked Edison

bulb. A metal rod will wrap sinuously around

the cable, culminating in a saucer projecting

LED light upward toward the incandescent, an

interplay of the modern and traditional, and a

new take on the ner tamid, or eternal light.”

The first thing you see on the website for

the SoHo Synagogue is a quote, “a hipster

synagogue grows in SoHo,” from the Times.

They said it, not us.

HIGH HOLY FASHION SHOWS YEAR ROuND AT NEW SWANK SOHO SYNAGOGuE

via gothamist.comFormer Gucci Location


A collection of nineteen residences designed by Phillip

Johnson/Alan Ritchie Architects, No.22 Renwick is a 12

story new construction condominium offering a boutique

selection of two bedroom residences priced from the

mid $1 millions and four full-floor penthouses priced from

the mid $2 millions. Warm, delicate, and modern interiors

contrast beautifully with the tiled terra cotta facade while

the distinctive exterior design provides frequent outdoor

terrace and balcony space for many of these residences.

Renwick Street, just one block long, offers both discretion

and privacy within the exciting residential enclave often

lauded as the frontier destination of the downtown avant-

garde.

22 Renwick Street

New Develop meNts

soHoIN

via streeteasy.com



S O H O

soHoNestled in the heart of Manhattan’s hottest

neighborhoods are the residences within 304 Spring.

Just steps from the Hudson River Park life at 304 Spring

is only enhanced more by the convience of being

located so close the city’s most fashionable boutiques,

spa’s and restaurants.

The two bedroom homes available at 304 Spring are of

European design featuring nine and ten foot ceilings,

wide plank wood flooring and eight foot custom

windows providing abundant natural light and views

of the river.

Kitchens in the homes feature high gloss lacquer

cabinets, Viking and Bosch appliances all arranged

in a sleek, open Ambienti Italia design. Baths are as if

having your own personal spa in your home. With the

Kohler cast iron tubs, glass enclosed showers and Pietra

Sienna tiles, luxury is at your fingertips.

304 Spring Street


Located on a one-block street in West Soho- The

Renwick will define effortless luxury. This 44-residence

building will consist of one, two, three bedrooms as well

as Penthouses- some of which include private outdoor

space.

Pricing for first offering includes: One bedrooms from

$975,000; Two bedrooms from $1,660,000; Penthouses

from $3,000,000 to over $6,000,000.

Amenities include: Private Garage with Valet, 50-

ft lap pool with natural skylights, gym specializing in

Kick- Boxing with Devon Cormack offering private

instruction, Outdoor sculpture garden with waterfall,

Cedar-lined Sauna, Taschen Library, Bang & Olufsen

pre-wired residences and common areas, and 24-hour

doorman.

The Griffen at 67 Murray Street

Building Amenities: Community Recreation Facilities, Doorman, Gym, Parking Available, Swimming Pool

Just like Soho, 55 Thompson is one-of-a kind, Just

like SoHo, 55 Thompson is a one-of-a kind, intimate,

boutique rental building with only 38 residences,

offering a level of service, amenities, room sizes

and finishes that surpass any rental building in SoHo

and indeed in all of Downtown New York.

Soho 55 Thompson at 55 Thompson Street

Building Amenities: Bike Room, Doorman, Elevator, Gym, Laundry, Live-in Super, Pets Allowed



S O H O

The first Trump development in downtown

New York, Trump SoHo™ New York is

located on Spring Street in the heart of

fashionable SoHo (South of Houston). Just

steps from world-class galleries, restaurants

and shops, it boasts unrivaled views of the

city’s spectacular skyline, the Hudson River,

Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building.

Introducing a new definition of hotel design

to SoHo, the neighborhood’s only luxury

hotel condominium will be a dramatic glass

tower by renowned Handel Architects,

rising 46 stories with 391 elegant guestrooms

and suites ranging from 422 to 905 square

feet – several of which can be combined

to create spacious two-bedroom suites –

and three one-of-a-kind luxury Spa Suites.

The top three floors will be crowned with

Trump Soho Hotel Condominium 246 Spring Street

10 spectacular penthouse suites ranging

from 1,194 to 2,331 square feet.

Trump SoHo will offer all of the exceptional

amenities of the Trump Hotel Collection,

including world-class dining, an 11,000-

square-foot Spa at Trump®, state-of-

the-art fitness center, and the signature

services of a Trump Attaché™.

The lobby will feature ceilings over 22 feet

high and four ceramic columns covered

by a chocolate and a soft blue plaster,

along with intimate seating. Interior

spaces, designed by the legendary

Rockwell Group, will include The Library,

an intimate gathering area overlooking

the lobby, and an 1,800-square-foot

private top-floor venue called SoHi, along

with several conference spaces and a

business center.

A landscaped urban Plaza adjacent to

the hotel will extend from Spring Street to

Dominick Street, with decorative lighting

and spacious seating areas.

Located on the spa level, an outdoor

Pool Deck will offer a relaxing atmosphere

and will be home to a full-sized Bocce

court. The full-service Bar d’ Eau will serve

seasonal and classic cocktails.Building Amenities: Roof Deck, Swimming Pool


Tribeca

NeigHbOrHOOd VideOs

Robert De Niro on the Tribeca Festival

Shrek Forever AfterTribeca Premiere - Mike Myers

Elton John performs at the Tribeca Festival

http://www.youtube.com/embed/rqYIIDtkljo?rel=0

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-13081636

http://www.traileraddict.com/emd/21205



S O H O

SoHoSoHo Music Band - Rancid

SoHo Tour Trump SoHo Virtual Tour

SoHo’s Creative EdgeSoho in Style - New York City Fashion & Shopping

http://www.mtv.com/videos/rancid/9769/ruby-soho.jhtml#artist=1011

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KB8HWD2v1r4&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnuHGNN8Wcs&feature=related

http://vimeo.com/groups/1592/videos/10994400

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5f0lxbgOyA

Entertainment & Humor

Vlnyc may 2011