Earlier this year Mayor Eric Adams announced NYC’s latest office-to-residential project, converting the former Daily News and JPMorgan Chase building into residential space, but in the coming years NYC will see way more apartment conversions than that!
According to data released by RentCafe, New York is set to create 3,987 apartments from conversion projects in the next few years–the second highest number after Los Angeles.
The conversion projects come as a result of the pandemic, which left many commercial and office spaces abandoned. To combat this issue, adaptive reuse emerged as the solution to rejuvenate these deserted buildings while also keeping up with the increased demand for housing.
Though while these conversion projects peaked in 2019 and 2020, they’ve since slowed down.
The interest in these projects, however, still remains high, and it’s expected to display impressive amount of growth in the coming years.
In fact, RentCafe data shows a whopping 122,000 rental apartments are currently undergoing conversion– a 63% increase compared to 2021. 45,000 of these apartments are office repurposing.
Out of NYC’s 3,987 future apartments, 2,609 of them will result from the conversion of former office buildings, with the rest being made in former NYC hotels.
And 758 of them are already under construction, so they’ll be livable soon enough.
“Hotels were built with a shallower core to window depth, which makes them quite easy to convert. Conversions to apartment from hotel that you’re seeing, come as a result of the almost death of the hotel industry during Covid,” said Steven Paynter, Principal at Gensler, one of the world’s largest design and architecture firms.
In the bustling streets of 1880s Harlem, where culture and creativity intertwined, a timeless piece of history was born – the Cabinet Card. Amongst the myriad of vintage photographs from that era, one particular gem stands out: an enchanting portrait of a beautiful woman exuding grace and charm while holding a bouquet of flowers. This…
A family business that first began in South Brooklyn 42 years ago opened its first brick-and-mortar outpost in New York City at Time Out Market on Friday, August 4.
Morris Salomon and Abie Bitton’s grandparents’ wholesale bakery has supplied all manner of baked goods to top hotels, restaurants and caterers for special events like weddings in NYC and beyond since 1981. As travel plans, the hospitality industry and formal fêtes all stalled at the onset of the pandemic, the cousins began exploring opportunities to deliver those family recipes for treats like baklava directly to consumers, and Baklava Bakery was born.
The new address “represents an exciting milestone for the bakery,” Salomon says in an email. “The establishment of a physical location at such a prominent food market allows us to offer our authentic and delectable baklava to a broader audience in the heart of New York City. Our presence at Time Out Market not only signifies our commitment to delivering high-quality pastries but also presents an opportunity to showcase the rich flavors and cultural heritage of our products to locals and visitors alike.”
This first local locale for the biz will offer more than its perfected phyllo dough and pistachio signature sweets. The Middle Eastern bites, handheld crêpes, and cute “candy sushi” that’s just what you’d imagine will all appear on the menu.
“We aim to create a memorable and enjoyable experience for every customer who steps through the door,” Salomon says. “We aspire to become a beloved destination for baklava enthusiasts, providing them with a warm and inviting atmosphere where they can savor our time-honored recipes. Additionally, we hope this venture will enable us to foster meaningful connections with the local community, cultivating a strong and loyal customer base.”
Baklava Bakery is located on Time Out Market New York’s first floor at 55 Water Street in Brooklyn.
CANTON, Ohio (AP) — On the last of his many visits to Jim Brown’s home in Los Angeles, Ray Lewis recalled the legendary running back being as powerful as ever.
As a feeble Brown, in the final months of his life, slowly approached the Hall of Fame linebacker, Lewis braced himself.
“He said, ‘If I put this walker down, I still don’t think you can stop me,’” Lewis said.
No one stopped Jim Brown.
With dozens of fellow Hall of Famers dressed in their signature gold jackets in attendance, Brown’s extraordinary life — on and off the field — was celebrated Thursday during a moving tribute for a man NBC broadcaster and event emcee Mike Tirico perfectly described as “one of a kind, unique, complex and different from anyone you ever met.”
Brown, who died in May at the age of 87, was remembered for not only being one of America’s greatest all-around athletes and one of the top players in NFL history, but a visionary for social change, his work with gang members in Los Angeles and an ability to unite people from different backgrounds.
The touching 90-minute event drew a varied crowd featuring a Who’s Who of football royalty with Emmitt Smith, “Mean” Joe Greene, Ronnie Lott, Barry Sanders mingling with Commissioner Roger Goodell, comedian Dave Chapelle and rapper Flava Flav.
Following a video highlighting Brown’s many accomplishments during nine seasons with the Cleveland Browns — eight-time All-Pro, three-time MVP and 12,312 yards rushing — along with his work during the civil rights movement in the 1960s, Browns owner Jimmy Haslam was the first of six speakers.
“He transcended football,” Haslam said. “Jim got into the entertainment business as an actor, and then Jim was into social justice before there was social justice.”
Rudolph “Rockhead” Johnson, a former California gang leader who spent much of his early life in prison, followed Haslam and expressed his deep love for Brown.
“He is the reason why I am in front of you and alive,” Johnson told the audience, which included hundreds of fans who waited in long lines to pay their final respects to Brown, who retired after the 1964 season.
Johnson recalled that after meeting Brown, he was invited to the star’s home and went there carrying a .357 magnum handgun. He also explained that Brown talked him out of seeking revenge after his 15-year-old daughter was murdered — on his birthday.
“And for the first time in my life, I fought my bad negative feelings and I went against my own neighborhood,” Johnson said. “I started crying in front of a man, and I’ve never done that before in my life. That’s how much he meant to me.
“Because of him and what he stood for and what he helped me understand about myself, it allowed me to be a man today, a responsible father and hardworking citizen in our society. But Jim Brown was every bit of a man. He was a man among men.”
Bob Arum told two remarkable stories about Brown.
The 91-year-old sports entertainment maven was practicing law in New York, when Brown was the one who convinced him in 1965 to become a boxing promoter. The founder and CEO of Top Rank, Arum also recalled how it was Brown who organized the famed “Cleveland Summit,” when Muhammad Ali, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (then Lew Alcindor) and other prominent Black athletes met to promote economic empowerment.
Following Arum, singer Johnny Gill did a stirring rendition of Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come,” with his final words bringing many in the auditorium to their feet.
John Wooten, one of Brown’s former teammates, also asked the crowd to stand, raise their hands and pledge what was at the core of his dear late friend’s message to others.
“Human dignity,” the 86-year-old Wooten said as the crowd repeated his words. “Respect everybody.”
Wooten then asked Lewis, who spent countless hours learning from Brown and referred to him as “Papa” to stand.
“This is the man that Jim chose to be the next leader of the athletes,” Wooten said, pointing toward Lewis. “He told me, ‘This is our guy.’”
The 48-year-old Lewis, who retired in 2012 after 17 seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, delivered his remarks about Brown with the fiery passion of a Sunday preacher.
Lewis recently lost his son, Ray Lewis III, to an accidental drug overdose at the age of 28, and said if he had one wish it would be to ask God for one more conversation with his son and Brown.
In closing, Lewis offered advice while asking a favor from his mentor.
“A lot of fathers truly believe it’s what you can give your children that will make you happy,” he said. “It’s not what you can give your kids, it’s what you can leave your kids. You leave your kids hope, faith, love, promise.
“Jim Brown,” Lewis said, pausing and looking skyward. “Jim Brown. A lot of people trying to figure out ways to go to the moon. Papa, if you don’t do nothing else, whisper to my son and let him know. I will see you both real soon.”
The Sheen Center for Thought & Culture is a stunning historical building that blends Gothic Revival style architecture like intricate and ornate stone carvings with a modern style. The building has been around since the mid-19th century when it was home to St. Alphonsus Church. Ever since it’s played an important religious and secular role in the community. Becoming The Sheen Centre in 2015, it is a place that embraces and celebrates creativity, culture, faith, and contemporary thought with performances and much more. These include beautiful Candlelight concerts that pay tribute to both classical composers and modern artists.
Although the iconic Sheen Centre certainly stands out in the NoHo (North of Houston Street) neighborhood in downtown Manhattan, it’s surrounded by beautiful 19th-century buildings. In fact, it’s an area known for its rich architectural and historical heritage and also a thriving hub for creative minds. Cast iron elements give NoHo a truly unique aesthetic. Located just minutes from Bleeker Street, 2nd Avenue, and Broadway-Lafayette subway stations, it’s super easy to get to and there are loads of parking lots nearby. You can grab a bite to eat at one of the many delicious restaurants nearby after a concert at The Sheen Center.
Facts, curiosities, and interesting things about The Sheen Center
1. Named after a TV-famous bishop
Fulton John Sheen was an American Catholic bishop, theologian, author, and famous television personality known for his Emmy Award-Winning TV Show Life is Worth Living which promoted a positive Catholic message. He authored many books and in the ‘30s and ‘40s often appeared on a radio show named The Catholic Hour, reaching a massive audience. He served as the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of New York and consistently advocated for social justice, speaking on issues like civil rights and equality.
2. It promotes thought with a diverse program of events
The Sheen Center reflects John Sheen’s commitment to open-mindedness by offering a huge variety of opportunities for people to grow not just spiritually but intellectually and creatively. There you can enjoy theatre productions, film screenings, art exhibitions, lectures, musical performances, and much more besides. This place is an open book – a place where people come to explore and experience life – a truly unique spot.
3. The area has some of the best restaurants in the city
Just around the corner from The Sheen Center, you’ll find Sláinte Bar, which is the perfect place for a tipple after an evening of entertainment. You can also head to Von across the road for some delicious craft beer. If you’re looking for a real standup meal then head to C as in Charlie for a Korean feast or Fish Cheeks for some irresistible Thai seafood. Il Buco, however, is a real standout in the neighborhood. It’s one of the best restaurants in NoHo, serving up delicious Mediterranean fare and it’s just a two-minute walk from The Sheen Center.
Candlelight concerts at The Sheen Center
Imagine this historic, iconic building illuminated with hundreds of flickering candles as talented musicians perform. Well, you don’t have to imagine it – you can see for yourself as The Sheen Center regularly hosts Candlelight concerts paying tribute to a whole host of different musicians, from classical composers to modern pop artists and more.
There’s always something going on at The Sheen Center. Right now you can visit an exhibit dedicated to the artwork of Rafael Colón – a New York City artist who uses skateboards, guitars, violins, and other wooden items as canvases on which to paint everything from Italian Renaissance-style paintings to characters from Naruto. You’ll find the exhibit at the Janet Hennessy Dilenschneider Gallery which is open weekdays 10 am – 5 pm.
Photo: Sheen Center, Facebook
New York City is a feast for the eyes. On the streets, life moves quickly with a buzzing vibrancy and beautiful buildings. Within these gorgeous structures, you can find soul-stirring Candlelight concerts where life stands still for 90 minutes as you listen to incredible renditions of your favorite songs by candlelight. You’ll find them at The Opera House, Irondale, St. Ann and the Holy Trinity Church, and many more iconic venues.
With the white sheets removed, the hoods now off, and the dog whistles as overt as they were during Jim Crow and the struggle for civil rights in the mid-20th century, a conservative group that spearheaded the Supreme Court’s overturning of affirmative action now has set its sights on Black women.
Edward Blum, a conservative activist, founded the American Alliance for Equal Rights nonprofit, which has filed a lawsuit against Fearless Fund, an Atlanta-based venture capital fund.
The lawsuit alleges that Fearless Fund “is engaging in unlawful racial discrimination by restricting eligibility for its grant competition to only Black women entrepreneurs.” The legal action cited the Civil Rights Act of 1866 and was filed in federal Court in Atlanta. Fearless Fund, established in 2019 by prominent Black women, including Cosby Show actress Keshia Knight Pulliam, entrepreneur Arian Simone, and corporate executive Ayana Parsons, aims to support and empower Black women who own small businesses. Notable investors in the fund include Bank of America, Costco Wholesale, General Mills, Mastercard, and JPMorgan Chase.
The lawsuit reportedly marks Blum’s first legal challenge since his organization’s victory in the Supreme Court in June.
The Court rejected affirmative action in collegiate admissions, ruling against race-conscious student admissions policies used by institutions like Harvard University and the University of North Carolina.
Blum’s group had argued that such policies unfairly discriminated against white and Asian American applicants.
Blum’s lawsuit focuses on Fearless Fund’s “Fearless Strivers Grant Contest,” which provides $20,000 in grants, digital tools, and mentorship opportunities to Black women business owners.
The American Alliance for Equal Rights claims that white and Asian American members of their organization have been excluded from the grant program solely based on race. Fearless Fund has yet to respond to the allegations.
In an interview with Reuters, Blum stated that the lawsuit is just the beginning of his efforts to challenge race-based policies used by private corporations through the American Alliance for Equal Rights.
He said he aims to build upon the success of the cases against Harvard and UNC, filed by his organization, Students for Fair Admissions, which led to the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling in June.
“The common theme of these organizations is to challenge in the courts the use of racial classifications and preferences in our nation’s policies,” Blum said, as reported by Reuters.
