Lower East Side Transformation

This months Culturally Inclined focuses on the Lower East Side steeped with rich immigration history and heart of cultural influence within the City. The Lower East Side is going through a massive transformation. 

Essex Crossing

Lower East Side transformation is located in the heart of New York’s creative junction, Essex Crossing.  A mixed-use development that strategically connects residents with fantastic food, art galleries, and green space. Resulting in the Lower East Side having a new cultural epicenter within the City. Moreover, part of this existing area known as the Seward Park Urban Renewal Area (SPURA) is revitalizing forgotten land into affordable housing, retail space, offices, and community and green spaces for the Lower East Side community.  Under the auspices of the New York City’s Economic Development Corporation and Office of Housing Preservation & Development, with guidance by Community Board 3.

Market Line

Equally important to the Lower East Side transformation is  The Market Line.  An expansive, bazaar-like marketplace running three city blocks along Broome Street as a pivotal part of the Essex Crossing project in the Lower East Side. Furthermore, the Market Line is the largest market in New York City. Additionally, one of the largest in the world with 150,000 square feet of culinary treasures. The market merges an eclectic mix of more than 100 locally-sourced food, art, music, and fashion vendors reflecting the unique character and culture of the Lower East Side. 

Consider, traveling to the Lower East Side and taste the amazing cuisine, and enjoy live music at one of the amazing event spaces. In addition, discover the treasures at the galleries and museums including Tenement, New Museum, and Eldridge Street. Then, pop into the cool, trendy shops along the way.  Accordingly, this month Culturally Inclined and my website is a treasure trove of ideas to explore the area.

New Developments

The Lower East Side transformation has spawn market interest as the real estate prices doubling reflect.  So it’s not surprising that the neighborhood, according to the report, has crossed the million-dollar threshold this year.  Additionally, there are 99 Active Listings on the Lower East Side, and several new developments have joined the landscape including those below.

Lower East Side transformation is depicted its new skyline.   Can’t be missed an 800ft tall residential skyscraper project developed by Extell Development Company in Two Bridges on the edge of the New York Harbor on the Lower East Side. With epic river and skyline views and an amenity package that must be seen.  

The Lower East Side, 150 Rivington building rose on the former site of Streit’s Matzo Factory, a Lower East Side institution since 1925. A seven-story 45 unit condominium building by Cogswell Lee Development.  Furthermore, two New York institutions are stone’s throw away.   The Katz’s Delicatessen is right next door, and Russ and Daughters are just steps away. 

Residences

One to three-bedroom residences designed by visionary architects GLUCK+.  Dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows is woven together with 265 custom cast panels into a sculptural façade.  Interiors include custom Italian kitchens and oversized sliding glass partitions that provide a clean flexible living.  Kitchens feature custom glass cabinets in a soft pearl matte finish contrast to adjacent dove-gray lacquer cabinets and wire-brushed oak flooring.  And the island’s waterfall-style countertop boasts a refined knife-edge detail.  Additionally, the high-end appliance packages include a Liebherr refrigerator and a separate wine refrigerator in select units.  The master bathroom’s Honed Pelle Grigio marble cascades from ceiling to floor.  Acts as a canvas for the floating Gluck+ designed ash wood vanity with wall-mounted fixtures from Brooklyn’s Watermark.  Bianco Dolomiti marble lines the adjoining walls and the recessed niches provide easy access to everyday essentials.

Amenities

24-hour hour doorpersons, smart home technology to allow for temperature control through mobile devices, and management of lighting, shades, home audio through a single device.  1,50 square-foot landscaped rooftop terrace with fireplace, outdoor kitchen, and separate sun deck for yoga, bike storage, and individual storage for purchase.

 An Italian-inspired presence resonates outside with an elegant façade comprised of blackened steel, black textured brick, and oversized floor-to-ceiling windows. The boutique collection of 27 residences top-of-the-line finishes, including Carrara marble, Miele appliances, custom Alta cabinetry, in-unit washers and dryers, and radiant heated flooring in master baths.

Amenities

Part-time doorman complemented by virtual doorman technology, a full-time superintendent, a fitness center, bicycle storage, private storage for purchase, supplemental commercial-grade laundry room, and a landscaped common rooftop terrace with outdoor kitchen.  The building was developed by Vinci Partners and Hogg Holdings and is open for immediate occupancy.

A 15 story mixed-use condominium designed by the renowned SHoP Architects and developed by Taconic, part of Delancey Street Associates,

Amenities

Fitness center, entertainment lounge with kitchen, children’s playroom, residential storage, and landscaped rooftop with cinematic views.  Anticipated 421-A Tax Abatement. 

A 94 residence condominium collaboration between Adam Rolston at INC (who developed the interior design) and Ben Shaoul, founder of Magnum Real Estate Group.

Pier 35 and the Billion Oyster Project

Did you know? If you go for a walk along the water on the Lower East Side of Manhattan that Pier 35. an eco-park /urban beach.  It was previously a vacant storage space that housed snow plows.  Subsequently, the pier’s transformation into a park hovering over the East River has a rather unusual amenity. A habitat designed for mussels. 

Additionally, New York City has been aggressively working on cleaning-up our waterfront with the Billion Oyster Project. A citizen science project coordinated by the New York Harbor School with the goal of restoring one billion live oysters to New York Harbor by 2035. Furthermore, the project aims to engage hundreds of thousands of school children during its lifetime in marine restoration-based STEM education programs.  Good news, “by 2035, one billion live oysters reside around 100 acres of reefs.  This makes the Harbor once again the most productive water body in the North Atlantic. Reclaiming its title as the oyster capital of the world”.  Consider this fact, one adult oyster filters up to 5 liters or 1.3 gallons of water an hour. That’s equal to 30 gallons per day, for just one oyster! 

Ecology Center

LES Ecology Center (Ecology Center) pioneers community-based models in urban sustainability since 1987. Provides unique e-waste and composting services, environmental stewardship opportunities, and educational programming to all New Yorkers. Those who want to learn about environmental issues and take responsibility for creating solutions through action.

Green Initiative

New York City is at the forefront of so many exciting Green initiatives that enhance our global presence.

As an example, OneNYC 2050 “a strategy to secure our city’s future against the challenges of today and tomorrow. With bold actions to confront our climate crisis, achieve equity, and strengthen our democracy, we are building a strong and fair city”.

And, the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability “works to secure our city’s future by confronting our crises of climate change and inequity. As a result, these programs work across city sectors to lead a just transition to carbon neutrality and create a cleaner, fairer, healthier city. Consequently, the Office of Sustainability takes a sector-by-sector approach, with programs focusing on building efficiency, clean energy, accessible low-carbon transportation, and reduced waste.

These programs pair with robust policy development and advocacy to guide New York City towards its goals of zero carbon and zero waste.

Events Upcoming

The NYC Veterans Day Parade honoring our veterans raises awareness of those who serve them and salutes members of our currently serving military. This year’s NYC Veterans Parade commemorates the centennial of Veterans Day (formerly Armistice Day; 1919-2019).  The parade rain or shine will begin at Noon.  The parade goes north on Fifth Avenue, from 26th to 46th Street. Thereby, the route is 1.2 miles and takes approximately 30 ~ 35 minutes. Typically, the parade is preceded by our traditional Opening Ceremony inside Madison Square Park (24th Street & Fifth Avenue).  Importantly, take a moment to thank a Veteran for keeping us safe.  

New York City affords us all an exciting and vibrant lifestyle. On Thanksgiving let us rejoice and be thankful for the dreams that are made each and every day.  Wishing you a blessed Thanksgiving!

Best New York City Holiday Markets 

Rhythms of Nature

The countdown to preparing for winter and the holidays have begun. Consequently, we are all connected to the rhythms of nature, the rhythms of the sun, moon, and planets, the rhythms of the tides and climate, the rhythms of daily meals, the rhythms of sleeping and waking, the rhythms of our breathing and our beating heart.  Accordingly, this month’s Full Beaver Moon reaches peak fullness the morning of Tuesday, November 12 at 8:34 AM Eastern Standard Time.

Biophilic Design

We are now of an era that recognizes how our minds and bodies connect to the rhythms of nature.  Admittedly nature is essential to good and happy living. Our city planners, designers, and other experts are now designing our homes, offices, schools, and hospitals with these natural environmental principles in mind. Unquestionably, Biophilic design a concept within the building industry strives to connect our everyday living to the natural environment. Terrapin Bright Green believes Biophilic design “can reduce stress, enhance creativity and clarity of thought, improve our well-being, and expedite healing.  Finally, as the world population continues to urbanize, these qualities will be ever more important.

Furthermore, theorists, research scientists, and design practitioners have been working for decades to define aspects of nature that most impact our satisfaction with the built environment.” Importantly, “14 Patterns of Biophilic Design” articulates the relationships between nature, human biology, and the design of the built environment.  Moreover, Biophilia design provides the sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of everyday living within our cityscape.   This is why we gravitate towards and put a premium on spaces near the water, parks, and other green spaces.

Supplementary Digests

P.S. Check out NYTimes article by Michael Kimmelman entitled: “Essex Crossing Is the Anti-Hudson Yard”

Quotes

“Everybody ought to have a Lower East Side in their life.” —Irving Berlin

“If you want to become a real New Yorker, there’s only one rule. You have to believe New York is, has been, and always will be the greatest city on earth. The center of the universe.” —Ellen R. Shapiro

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