All articles by Aaron Ginsburg

Santa Claus is coming to the Empire State Building’s observation deck

All images courtesy of the Empire State Realty Trust

November 30, 2022

Santa Claus is coming to the Empire State Building’s observation deck

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Santa Claus will be visiting the Empire State Building Observatory for the first time ever this holiday season. On two days in December, visitors can meet Santa and share their Christmas wishes on the iconic building's 80th floor. The landmark skyscraper will be decked out with festive decor and offer musical performances.
How to meet Santa
Go behind the scenes at the Brooklyn Museum with this free virtual guide

Photo courtesy of Alison Day for New York Hotels Magazine on Flickr

November 30, 2022

Go behind the scenes at the Brooklyn Museum with this free virtual guide

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The Brooklyn Museum this week launched a new digital guide on the Bloomberg Connects app that allows art lovers to learn more about the museum's expansive collection that spans 5,500 years of human creativity. Aimed at enhancing in-person and virtual visits, the museum's guide includes audio tours led by curators and creators that focus on artwork found across its five floors.
Find out more
You can have a Christmas-themed photoshoot in Mariah Carey’s NYC penthouse

Image courtesy of Samir Hussein for Getty Images

November 29, 2022

You can have a Christmas-themed photoshoot in Mariah Carey’s NYC penthouse

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Here's a chance to visit Christmas Queen Mariah Carey's New York City penthouse during the holidays. Hosted by Booking.com, "Mariah's Ultimate Holiday Experience" consists of a three-night stay at The Plaza hotel, a cocktail hour and Christmas card photo shoot at the superstar's penthouse apartment, tickets to Carey's "Merry Christmas To All" concert at Madison Square Garden, and much more. Available to just two lucky fans, the exclusive experience opens for booking on a first-come-first-service basis on December 14 at 5 p.m.
All I want for Christmas is Mariah Carey's apartment
175-year-old church in Manhattan’s Rose Hill neighborhood to be demolished

Photo by Eden, Janine and Jim on Flickr

November 29, 2022

175-year-old church in Manhattan’s Rose Hill neighborhood to be demolished

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A historic church that has resided in Manhattan for more than 175 years is set to be demolished, as first reported by Crain's New York. Located at 154 Lexington Avenue in Nomad, the First Moravian Church served as an important meeting space for patriotic societies and women's groups and played a critical role in welcoming Armenian immigrants to New York City. An application was filed this month for an 11-story mixed-use building at the site, according to city records.
Learn more
10 things you didn’t know about the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

Photo of the 2021 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree courtesy of Diane Bondareff/AP Images for Tishman Speyer

November 28, 2022

10 things you didn’t know about the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

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New York City's annual lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree has been a favorite holiday tradition for New Yorkers and visitors alike since its inception in the early 1930s. This year marks the 90th anniversary of the festive tradition that draws hundreds of thousands of people daily to the area around Fifth Avenue. From the tree's humble beginnings as a place to gather during the Great Depression to its 50,000 sparkling lights and 900-pound Swarovski crystal-covered star topper, here are 10 things you might not know about the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.
Get the fun facts here
Ride vintage subway trains in NYC every Sunday this holiday season

Photo by Marc Hermann, Courtesy of the New York Transit Museum

November 28, 2022

Ride vintage subway trains in NYC every Sunday this holiday season

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Holiday Nostalgia Rides, the New York Transit Museum's beloved tradition, has returned to the city for the first time in two years. Every Sunday between Thanksgiving and Christmas, New Yorkers will be able to ride vintage subway trains that will depart from Chambers Street and 137th Street-City College stations and make express stops on the local 1 line track. The Holiday Nostalgia Train will feature the Train of Many Colors, a selection of different vintage subway cars from the 1960s representing different eras of the subway system's history.
Travel back in time this holiday
These are the best books of 2022, according to the NYPL

Photo © 6sqft

November 28, 2022

These are the best books of 2022, according to the NYPL

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The New York Public Library last week released its annual list of the best books of the year. The recommendations were selected by expert librarians and staff who reviewed nearly 3,000 books and ultimately selected 260 of the best titles for kids, teens, and adults in 2022. Whether you want to buy a book as a gift for the holidays or are just interested in reading one yourself, NYPL's Best Books of 2022 list has something for every type of reader.
See the list
NYC Council approves two projects that together bring 5,000 apartments to Brooklyn and Queens

Rendering of the proposed Innovation QNS district. Image courtesy of VERO Digital

November 23, 2022

NYC Council approves two projects that together bring 5,000 apartments to Brooklyn and Queens

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The New York City Council on Tuesday voted to approve rezonings Innovation QNS in Astoria and Innovative Urban Village in East New York, two mixed-use districts that will create more than 5,000 units of housing, with 65 percent of them designated affordable. Over 34 percent, or 1,900 of the new housing units, will be deeply affordable for extremely or very low-income households.
Details here
Taylor Swift’s one-time West Village rental is back on the market for $45K/month

All photos courtesy of Al Siedman/VHT for The Corcoran Group

November 22, 2022

Taylor Swift’s one-time West Village rental is back on the market for $45K/month

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Here's an opportunity to rent the West Village townhouse once home to Taylor Swift. Located at 23 Cornelia Street, the home was the subject of "Cornelia Street," a song on the pop star's seventh studio album Lover that references the iconic carriage house she rented in 2016. Currently listed for $45,000/month, the 21-foot-wide property has four bedrooms, an indoor pool, and a garage.
Take a look inside
Park Slope’s Lesbian Herstory Archives becomes first official LGBTQ+ landmark in Brooklyn

Street view of the Lesbian Herstory Archives at 484 14th Street in Park Slope; © Google Maps

November 22, 2022

Park Slope’s Lesbian Herstory Archives becomes first official LGBTQ+ landmark in Brooklyn

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A row house in Brooklyn that is home to the country's oldest and largest collection of lesbian-related historic material is New York City's newest landmark. The Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) on Tuesday voted to designate the Lesbian Herstory Archives building as an individual landmark, the first in Brooklyn designated for its connection to the LGBTQ+ community.
Learn more
NYC landmarks were lit blue, pink, and white in honor of Transgender Day of Remembrance

Image courtesy of Kevin P. Coughlin / Office of the Governor on Flickr 

November 21, 2022

NYC landmarks were lit blue, pink, and white in honor of Transgender Day of Remembrance

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Landmarks across New York were lit blue, pink, and white on Sunday in honor of Transgender Day of Remembrance. The day honors transgender individuals who have lost their life due to anti-transgender violence. The tribute came just one day after a mass shooting at an LGBTQ+ nightclub in Colorado left five people dead.
More here
Fifth Avenue will partially close to all traffic on select days in December

The decorated holiday window at Saks Fifth Avenue in 2016; Photo by Phil Roeder on Flickr

November 21, 2022

Fifth Avenue will partially close to all traffic on select days in December

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Fifth Avenue will be closed to cars in celebration of the holiday season next month. As first reported by Time Out, the "Fifth Avenue for All" initiative will take place on three Sundays next month, December 4, 11, and 18, from noon to 6 p.m., allowing pedestrians to safely stroll along Fifth Avenue from 49th Street to 57th Street.
See more here
Related launches sales for luxury residences on the Tribeca waterfront, priced from $1M

Image courtesy of Binyan Studios

November 18, 2022

Related launches sales for luxury residences on the Tribeca waterfront, priced from $1M

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Related Companies on Monday launched sales for 176 luxurious residences on the Hudson River's waterfront in Tribeca. Located at 450 Washington Street, the building was designed by Roger Ferris + Partners, with amenities and common spaces conceived by MAWD, and landscape architecture by Hollander Design. Residences range from open plan studios to four bedrooms, priced around $1 million to $12 million.
See more here
Two major projects that would bring 3,200+ affordable homes to Brooklyn and Queens get key approval

Rendering of the proposed Innovation QNS district. Image courtesy of VERO Digital

November 18, 2022

Two major projects that would bring 3,200+ affordable homes to Brooklyn and Queens get key approval

By
Two major housing developments proposed for Brooklyn and Queens are moving forward. The New York City Council Committee on Zoning and Franchises on Thursday voted to approve rezonings Innovation QNS and Innovative Urban Village, which together would create more than 5,000 units of housing, 3,200 of which would be affordable. The two developments also include over 1,600 apartments for extremely or very low-income households.
Find out more
See Snøhetta’s lush public garden now open at 550 Madison Avenue

All photos courtesy of Barret Doherty unless otherwise noted

November 17, 2022

See Snøhetta’s lush public garden now open at 550 Madison Avenue

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The new public garden at Philip Johnson's 550 Madison Avenue building opened this week, the final component of the postmodern landmark's renovation led by the Olayan Group. Designed by Snøhetta, the lush privately-owned public space (POPS) is located adjacent to 550 Madison in a formerly enclosed mid-block passageway. Increasing the public space at the site by 50 percent, the half-acre garden is now the largest in Midtown East.
See more here
Lottery opens for 72 affordable co-ops in Soundview, available to buy from $183K

Rendering courtesy of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development

November 17, 2022

Lottery opens for 72 affordable co-ops in Soundview, available to buy from $183K

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A housing lottery opened for 72 newly-constructed co-ops available for purchase in the South Bronx. Located at 1715 Lacombe Avenue in Soundview, the apartments are available to New Yorkers earning 80, 83, and 90 percent of the area median income, or between $61,030 for a single person and $148,950 for a household of seven. The homes are priced between $183,700 for a one-bedroom and $275,000 for a three-bedroom.
Find out if you qualify
Here are NYC’s best holiday markets and pop-up shops of 2022

Image courtesy of 

November 16, 2022

Here are NYC’s best holiday markets and pop-up shops of 2022

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FAD Holiday Market The holiday season has arrived in New York City, and with it comes the dozens of festive winter shops that offer unique gifts and locally-made goods for New Yorkers and their loved ones. Ahead, discover the city's best holiday markets and pop-up shops, from the long-revered markets at Union Square and Bryant Park to newcomers like the Brooklyn Borough Hall Holiday Market.
Find something for everyone on your list
New York City’s latest food hall opens in Williamsburg

All images courtesy of Lexi Lambros

November 16, 2022

New York City’s latest food hall opens in Williamsburg

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New York City's growing list of food halls just got longer. The Williamsburg Market, located at 103 North Third Street, officially opened its doors last week. The 15,000-square-foot space features 17 well-known and upcoming vendors and craft cocktails in an industrial loft space. Designed by Ogawa Depardon Architects, the hall boasts a 360-degree bar, a cozy dining room, and kiosks for each vendor.
Details this way
Starbucks opens three-level Reserve location inside the Empire State Building

All images courtesy of Matthew Glac

November 16, 2022

Starbucks opens three-level Reserve location inside the Empire State Building

By
Starbucks is opening another of its premium, immersive roasteries within the Empire State Building on Wednesday. Spanning 23,000 square feet across three floors, the new Starbucks Reserve Empire State Building store features immersive experiences like hands-on workshops and guided tasting flights, as well as an extensive menu of coffee beverages, craft cocktails, and artisan food only available at the location.
See more here
The first survey of Puerto Rican art in a major U.S. museum in 50 years will open in NYC

Gamaliel Rodríguez, Collapsed Soul, 2020–21. Ink and acrylic on canvas, 84 × 112 in. (213.3 × 284.5 cm). © 2021 Gamaliel Rodríguez. Courtesy of the artist and Nathalie Karg Gallery NYC. Photograph by Gamaliel Rodríguez

November 15, 2022

The first survey of Puerto Rican art in a major U.S. museum in 50 years will open in NYC

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An exhibition opening at the Whitney Museum of American Art this month is the first survey of contemporary Puerto Rican art presented in a major United States museum in almost 50 years. Titled "no existe un mundo poshuracán: Puerto Rican Art in the Wake of Hurricane Maria," the exhibit is made up of work from 20 intergenerational artists who explore the years since Hurricane Maria devastated the island in 2017 and respond to the political, social, and environmental factors connected to the disaster.
See more here
Adams announces overhaul of NYC’s housing voucher program

Image courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

November 15, 2022

Adams announces overhaul of NYC’s housing voucher program

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New York City officials are fighting the city's looming housing crisis with a few major policy changes. Mayor Eric Adams on Monday announced new housing reforms that will help homeless New Yorkers easily transition from the shelter system into affordable and supportive housing and give them access to housing in higher-income neighborhoods that have previously been out of reach for lower-income families.
Find out more
The 2022 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree has arrived in NYC

All photos courtesy of Diane Bondareff/AP Images for Tishman Speyer

November 14, 2022

The 2022 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree has arrived in NYC

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The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree has arrived in Midtown, marking the start of the holiday season in New York City. Donated by a family in Glens Falls, New York, the 82-foot-tall Norway Spruce tree is 50 feet wide and weighs around 14 tons. After its arrival at Rockefeller Center this weekend, the hefty tree was hoisted into position by a crane and set in place, where it will stand throughout the holiday season. The annual tree lighting ceremony will take place on Wednesday, November 30.
See more here
Museum of Broadway opens in Times Square this week

All photos courtesy of Monique Carboni

November 14, 2022

Museum of Broadway opens in Times Square this week

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The first-ever permanent museum dedicated to the rich history of Broadway theater is opening in Times Square on Tuesday. Located at 145 West 45th Street, the Museum of Broadway will guide guests through an immersive visual history of Broadway, delving into moments throughout The Great White Way's history and displaying a variety of costumes, props, rare photos, videos, and more.
Find out more
NYC to close Randall’s Island migrant shelter after a month

Image courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

November 11, 2022

NYC to close Randall’s Island migrant shelter after a month

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Only a month after opening, the migrant shelter on Randall's Island will close, Mayor Eric Adams announced Thursday. The 84,400-square-foot facility, which was designed for adult men and held 500 beds and a recreation center, will be replaced by a new center in Midtown Manhattan, as first reported by City Limits. The Randall's Island facility is set to be shuttered next week, and current occupants of the facility will be provided with transportation to the Watson Hotel on West 57th Street, where 600 rooms will be used to house asylum seekers.
Find out more
NYC is considering making Brooklyn’s Grand Army Plaza car-free

Photo courtesy of Jordan Rathkopf/ Prospect Park Alliance

November 11, 2022

NYC is considering making Brooklyn’s Grand Army Plaza car-free

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Brooklyn's Grand Army Plaza may become the city's next car-free space. As first reported by Gothamist, the city's Department of Transportation (DOT) is considering connecting the Prospect Heights plaza to the Open Streets program on Vanderbilt and Underhill Avenues. The plaza, anchored by its ornate Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch and the official entrance to Prospect Park, has long been the target of safe street activists due to its vehicle traffic and poor sidewalk conditions.
See more here
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