Hello friends!

 

Yes yes yes I am completely aware that I am sending my April newsletter on the first of May, and while I hate to be tardy I did want this to coincide with the announcement that we have officially launched sales at 3E3. Sooooooooooo (Oprah level of screaming) exciting! This building consists of 5 stunning full-floor homes in the heart of one of my favorite Manhattan neighborhoods, The Bowery. These gorgeous residences combine cutting-edge design and luxury finish to create a true oasis in the city. Learn more about this great building below, and please let me know if you'd like to schedule a showing.  

 

In other major announcements, Netflix has revealed plans for a major Brooklyn production hub (tootles Amazon, we have moved on) and Manhattan office headquarters, underscoring our fair city's standing in the all-important tech boom. The L-train slowdown began (ouch!), and Essex Street Market has FINALLY announced their opening day (yum!).

 

Spring is underway, my friends, and there a number of great listings to check out below, including a fantastic approx 1300 square foot one for sale or maybe you need a Summer loft stunner to lease both in the heart and soul of Soho!  If this season of renewal warrants a change of address, i'm your man just give me a ring, a text or an email! 

 

Sales are now open at 3E3, a bespoke collection of full-floor homes offering contemporary luxury in The Bowery — the city's most cutting-edge neighborhood.

 

Walls of windows anchor each home into the city's stunning landscape, while white oak radiant heat flooring and soaring exposed concrete ceilings convey sleek modernism and absolute luxury. Open kitchens are fashioned in black walnut cabinetry, soapstone countertops and premium appliances by Miele, Wolf and Sub-Zero. Vented in-unit LG washer/dryers and designer fixtures add effortless sophistication and ease. Each residence comes with private storage and is eligible for property tax abatement. 

 

Located at East 3rd Street right off of Bowery, #3E3rd sits at the nexus of vibrant Downtown style, where the East Village, The Bowery, NoHo, SoHo, Nolita and Lower East Side collide. 

 

Don't miss this stellar opportunity in a world-class neighborhood. Contact me today for more information. 

Netflix is the latest big name tech company making a splash in New York City (and supporting gingers see photo above). The streaming entertainment giant announced last week that it would launch a major "production hub" in Brooklyn and expanded office space in Manhattan. The firm is set to open a 100,000-square-foot corporate office in the Flatiron District, while in Bushwick, six sound stages and production space could accommodate “thousands of production crew jobs” in the next five years, according to a statement from Gov. Cuomo’s office.

 

While Netflix currently shoots several popular shows in New York City, including The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and Russian Doll, those series are currently filmed at other facilities, such as Silvercup Studios and Kaufman Astoria Studios in Queens. And, unlike the Amazon HQ2 deal, the $4 million in tax credits offered to Netflix are tied to specific job creation goals. According to Cuomo's office, the company must create 127 jobs in its corporate office by 2024 to get the full reimbursement. The Brooklyn facility, meanwhile, is estimated to bring more than $100 million into the city's coffers.

 

Google, meanwhile, is continuing to expand and refine its footprint along Manhattan's west side. The company recently drew headlines for its Grow with Google NYC Learning Center, a pop-up learning center set within the firm's Chelsea headquarters. Open to everyone, the 11,000-square-foot space will offer free workshops, one-on-one coaching and community events, plus multiple classes per day, six days a week.

 

With or without Amazon, or even Netflix and Google, the tech industry is making its mark throughout the city, leaving many a wise New Yorker sighing a snarky, "HQ who?"

The L-Train Slowdown — formerly known as the L-Train Shutdown — got off to shaky beginnings last Friday night. As service slowed to three trains an hour, long lines snaked through stations and countdown clocks went haywire, forcing the MTA to take them offline. By Monday, regular service seemed to be restored for commuters, but thus begins 15-18 months of significantly reduced service on nights and weekends.

 

In other L-Train news, recent reports have shown that despite averting a complete shutdown, rents have continued to tick downward in North Brooklyn. Let's see if this trend is here to stay but it's a great time to take advantage of the dip. 

The brand-new Essex Street Market has finally announced its opening date — May 13 — meaning our foodie prayers will be answered in just two weeks' time! Twenty-one legacy vendors in the original venue across the street, which closes on May 5, will hop join 18 new shops and two full-service restaurants in the massive ground-floor bazaar at the corner of Essex and Delancey. The Essex Street Market will continue to be overseen by the city, while later this year, the neighboring Market Line food hall will open downstairs, bringing even more culinary delights to massive Essex Crossing, including beloved Ukrainian hot spot Veselka and German food outpost Schaller & Weber.

 

On May 13, look for ol' school Essex Market favorites like the quirky Shopsin's general store, decadent Davidovich Bakery and dreamy fried rice ball purveyor Arancini Bros. Newcomers include local dairy delights Lower East Side Ice Cream Factory and Valley Shepherd Creamery, plus peddlers of Thai, Moroccan and shawarma specialties. Dhamaka, one of the two sit-down restaurants, will bring everyday Indian food to the masses.

 

If you need to find me next month, I'll be snacking my way through Essex Street Market!