1) When you find a great rental, it's tough to give it up. That's why New York City renters are increasingly willing to commit money to renovate a rental unit, even if they know they will not be there permanently and may even have to return the space to its original state. Take Amanda Miller, who dropped $4,500 to make her $3,000 a month apartment jibe with her PR lifestyle. This included new paint, retrofitting three walk-in closets for her collection of vintage clothes and to build a closet for her 200-plus pairs of shoes. Paging the Hideous Desk. [Sinking Your Money Into a Renal/Vivian S. Toy]
2) The good folks at the William Beaver sales office remind Suzanne Slesin that even though the Beave may not be ready, it also may be too hot for someone her age. You see, the building's units are very small because, as architect Calvin Tsao explains, "They are for a new generation that love living in hotel rooms.” Well, she loves Andrew Balzas other hotels with small units, as well as the apartment's features, young vibe, and substantial tax abatements, but with sales moving quickly (92 of 319 units have sold), she worries she may have already missed the youth boat. Hogwash. You are never to old for William Beaver. [Window Shopping/Suzanne Slesin]
3) The Lower Manhattan redevelopment will include a bevy of luxury hotels, including some from the McSam group, a new W Hotel at 123 Washington Street, the long planned conversion of 75 Wall street, and a 660-room Sheraton under construction at 217 Pearl Street being built by local developer the Lam Group. Gene Kaufman, architect for McSam and Lam, points out those companies willingness to go into an untapped hotel market, saying “The Lam Group and McSam stepped into a market that had been overlooked. Now there are others coming in. The rebirth of Lower Manhattan has exceeded expectations — to everyone’s great joy.” [Square Feet/Lisa Chamberlain]
4) The Astor Place Barnes and Noble officially calls it quits over rising rents. After 13 years of operating in the area, the company decided that $1.15 million annual rent was just too much. While some are sad to see the 3 story store leave, the folks at the independent St. Marks Bookshop are not, with owner Robert Contant saying “I’m happy to see them go. They have a history of opening stores in markets where independent bookstores have been thriving, and then running them out of business.” [Astor Place Report/Emily Brady]
5) The iconic Manhattan House is being considered for landmark status by the LPC, even as the tenants are battling against the biggest condo conversion in history. The 19 story sits on a full block on the Upper East Side and represents the best manifestations of the Le Corbusier movement. [Street Level/Jake Mooney]