How Remote Work Is Devastating New York City’s Commuter Rails "Before the pandemic, they relied on office workers, who spent up to $500 a month on tickets. At the M.T.A., those sales are down 75 percent." (New York Times)
New report shows that Manhattan construction spending is trending upward "The report, released by the New York Building Congress, takes a look at Manhattan’s construction spending and activity from 2018 to 2021, highlighting the economic impact that the building industry has had on New York City’s pandemic recovery. Manhattan’s construction starts are valued at $7 billion, a $1 billion increase since 2020. Current projects in the pre-design, design and bidding phases are valued at $29.5 billion." (amNY)
After winning approvals, the $100 million Lever House renovation is moving ahead "The second curtain wall tower ever built in New York City, Lever House opened at 390 Park Avenue in Midtown Manhattan in 1952, the product of a design collaboration between SOM partner Gordon Bunshaft and Natalie de Blois. The 21-story, 260,000-square-foot building was purpose-built as the headquarters for Lever Brothers soap company and has remained a shining example of early International Style architecture since its opening—while slender steel mullions framing ample windows and prominent spandrels are a common sight across corporate Midtown towers today, the Lever House is one of the typology’s popularizers." (The Architect's Newspaper)
Landmarks approves design for $77M renovation of Delacorte Theater in Central Park "The project will also focus on revitalizing the theater’s exterior. The design illustrates canting the exterior slightly outward and making sure its surface blends with the changing seasons in the park. To improve resiliency and sustainability the plan replaces current decking with park-approved materials. Lighting improvements and new towers seek to improve the venue’s ambiance and theatrical experience overall as well as safety for crew members. Exterior and interior signage will also be upgraded." (6sqft)
LISC NYC closes deal to bring affordable housing to Central Harlem "On Jan 24. a $6.5 million construction financing deal was signed off by the national non-profit LISC NYC, through the NYC Acquisition Fund, and donated to Carthage Real Estate Advisors LLC, a reputable Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) in the tri-state area. The loan will be allocated between three major projects that include the development of new affordable housing units, a retail space and the new LGBTQ Center of Harlem." (amNY)
