Mark David Fromm is the Co- Founder and CEO of Mark David & Company Real Estate, LLC (“Mark David”) a full-service residential real estate broker 
Claudia Saez-Fromm is the Chief Operating Officer and cofounder of Mark David & Company. From the beginning of her Real Estate career in 20 
TriBeCa Offers New Yorker’s a Place for the Arts
April 23, 2013 by Mark David & Company
Tribeca is a dynamic community located in the Lower Manhattan region of New York City. The name Tribeca is was derived from a description of the location, “Triangle Below Canal Street” and the neighborhood is enclosed by West Street, Broadway, Vesey Street, and Canal Street. Tribeca was one of the first residential neighborhoods constructed outside of New York City boundaries throughout the colonial period. Residential construction in Tribeca began in the late 18th century and later in the middle of the 19th century, the neighborhood converted into a commercial area with many loft and store properties.
The Tribeca neighborhood has a culture like none other and its full of intriguing buildings, cobblestone streets, and plenty of charismatic dining spots. Those interested in learning more about the neighborhood can take tours of walking tour with either Tribeca Open Artist Studio Tour or the Historic Tribeca Walking Tour with Big Onion. This area is most known for hosting the Tribeca Film Festival which was introduced by none other than Robert Deniro along with others to help uplift the community after 9/11.
Tribeca Architecture
Tribeca has done an amazing job at conserving the original residential element as you will notice a cluster or two of well kept mid-19th century wood and brick homes. Throughout the mid-19th century many residential properties were destroyed in order to make room for warehouses and factories.
Many building were developed in order to meet the demand of the booming textile industry throughout the 1840’s and 1850’s. These structures feature many Italian elements like limestone facades, marble, cast iron, and classical lines. Warehouses and factories developed in the 1880’s feature elements of the Romanesque Revival style. Today, many of these factories and warehouses have been converted into the homes of many families and artists.
Historic Districts of Tribeca
Tribeca Historic Districts are made up of four various historic regions within the Tribeca neighborhood of Manhattan.
The Historic Districts of Tribeca are:
- Tribeca West, established on May 7, 1991
- Tribeca North, established on December 8, 1992
- Extension, established on November 19, 2002
- Tribeca East, established on December 2, 1992
- Tribeca South, established on December 8, 1992
For more information on TriBeCa please CLICK HERE to speak with Mark David and Company
Carnegie Mansion Sells for $25 Million
April 16, 2013 by Mark David & Company
A Carnegie Hill Mansion was sold for $24,912,140 just last week. It was considered as the most expensive sale for the week, according to city records. The mansion was distinguished by the urban convenience items, en-suite garage and more. The buyer is truly lucky indeed.
Just off the Fifth Avenue at 1 East 94th Street, the house comes with 15 rooms, built in the year 1892. It was given an external face lift in the year 1921 by Cass Gilbert, an architect known for his creation of the Woolworth Building, considered as the tallest skyscraper in the world during 1913. Gilbert, known as the pioneer for the skyscraper genre, was fond of wide spaces too. He did not only designed and renovated 1 East 94th, but he also lived in the mansion for quite a while.
Recently, the master of the grand limestone town house was music mogul and hip-hop enthusiast Lyor Cohen. He was the previous chief executive for recorded music at the Warner Music Group. Cohen started in the music business as the road manager for the Run-DMC. He first bought a 6-bedroom home in 1999 for more than $9 million. He then installed a private gym and a sauna big enough to accommodate all the men in his family.
Mansion Amenities and the Price to Pay
Going back, the said Carnegie Mansion comes with an elevator, powder rooms, and an outdoor entertainment option featuring a huge terrace and a planted patio. Cohen had a divorce in 2006, and started selling the mansion by 2010. It first went to the market with a price of $28 million.
The identity of the buyer was shielded by the limited liability company, Hilltop East 94th Street.
Other Homes Sold
On the other hand, the runner up for this week is yet another example of what they call as the year-end rush to merge luxury sales before bigger tax kicks in. The lavish duplex penthouse condo located at Park Laurel was sold for $23.75 million. This was owned by J. Michael Evans, vice chairman of Goldman Sachs. Another one on the list was a 5,000 square foot modernist penthouse at West 63rd Street. It was designed by Beyer Blinder and Costas Kondylis. It comes with 12 rooms, with decorative accents, double-sided stone and steel fireplace and the like. The unit was listed for $26.75 million.
NYC in Focus: Washington Square Park
April 11, 2013 by Mark David & Company
Washington Square Park is one of the pinnacle landmark points of New York City. Named for the 1st President of the United States, General George Washington, the park is home to amazing architecture and monuments. Located in Manhattan’s legendary Greenwich Village, Washington Square Park is a well known meeting place and cultural activity hub.
The historic Washington Arch and and the central fountain are two of the most prominent tourist attractions in the park. An original “Memorial Arch” made of plaster and wood was built over Fifth Avenue in 1889 to commemorate the centennial of General Washington’s first inauguration. The temporary structure proved so popular that a permanent marble arch was erected in 1892 by acclaimed architect Stanford White and modeled after Paris’s Arc de Triomphe. A Washington quote is inscribed on the arch, “Let us raise a standard to which the wise and the honest can repair. The event is in the hand of God.”
Other monuments featured in the park are a tribute statue of Italian nationalist leader Giuseppe Garibaldi (1888) by Giovanni Turini and J.Q.A. Ward’s bust of steel manufacturer Alexander Lyman Holley (1890). There also stands a stone World War I memorial flagpole, “In honor of all those from this district who gave their lives in the World War”, commemorated in 1920.
Although plants and flowers are not a major focal point of the park due extensive paved areas, it still offers strolling paths, children’s play areas, park benches, picnic tables, commemorative statuary and two dog runs. Like many NYC parks, Washington Square Park is known for its chess and scrabble playing area. Chess in the park is no mere game though. Many players are serious competitors playing for cash, gambling $5-$20 or more per game. In 1995, a $900,000 renovation rejuvenated the park for the 21st century and bocce courts have also been added.
The park’s first fountain was completed in 1852 and replaced in 1872 with the central fountain moved from Fifth Avenue and 59th Street. The center fountain has long been a congregation point for bohemian artists, folksingers and the post-World War II beatniks. Sunday afternoons were the day to gather but the working class residents of Washington Square didn’t always appreciate the “undesirable element” congregating in the park and the city government began requiring permits for any public performances. When these Sunday musical gatherings were shut down by refusals to grant permits from the Park Commissioner’s office in 1961, folk music pioneer Izzy Young and 500 other musicians and supporters marched through the park singing. Performing music in a public place without a permit brought out the NYPD Riot Squad who used billy clubs against the protestors and arrested 10. It took many years for these cultural tensions to resolve.
In 2011, a city crackdown on vendors and soliciting in the park saw musical busking and performing threatened again with performers receiving tickets for being within 50 feet of a monument or 5 feet of a bench. But after community outcry, officials backtracked and determined the restrictions “prohibit the sale of art and souvenirs, and restrict the solicitation of donations” but would not generally apply to entertainers. The park is once again a haven for performers, bringing out musicians and artists of all kinds. Pianist Colin Huggins is known for wheeling his baby grand piano out to the park to play on a typical Sunday afternoon.
OHM Luxury Condos in Chelsea
April 2, 2013 by Mark David & Company
Tired of living in a crowded apartment building with crying kids next door and a pile of strollers on the lobby? Then it’s time to move. Check out the OHM Luxury Condos in Chelsea. This building is situated at the corner of 30th Street in the west side area. The building features 288 units, 34 story grandiose tribute to the making of a potential modern skyscraper. OHM surely shows the possibilities of the rental market in the coming years.
OMH caters to the young professionals who have the passion for business and the like. The condo welcomes well paid and creative bachelors and bachelorettes. One part of the complex is driven by this demographic is the on-site concert venues held usually in its lobby. For at least twice a month, the Douglaston Development hires local and international musicians to perform and attract new tenants to the place.
The Douglaston Development is the developer for this amazing complex. They have created units to supply the market that they are trying to reach out to. The location is conveniently close to bars and clubs in Chelsea, with a shuttle bus provided by the building itself to assist the residents as they reach hotspots in the area and other fine destinations.
Features and Amenities
The OHM Building is not only famous for its trendy and chic atmosphere, or for its partnership with music. It offers wide array of amenities found only in OHM such as the floor to ceiling windows, GE stainless steel appliances, Caesar-stone counter tops, a great fitness center, rooftop terrace, and more. Some of the units within the building even have their own personal terraces with spectacular views of the Hudson River and the West Side Skyline. Other building amenities and features include the following:
- Elevator
- Concierge and Valet Service
- Residents Lounge
- Residents Garden
- On-site Garage
- Wifi Access
- Billiards
- Retro Arcade featured every video game you can think of
- TV and Tenant Lounge with Fireplace, and a whole lot more
And to make everything more interesting, there are a number of personalities who have made OHM their home. Where you plan to live here or see the lobby rock concerts, the OHM is indeed a great place for young working professionals. It is designed by the great architect, Stephen B. Jacobs., and takes the words modern and chic to a whole new level. There is indeed no place like OHM.
OHM Details
- Location: 312 Eleventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001
- Rent Price Range: From $2775 to $11,500
- Pet Policy: Pets are allows, but with a weight limit of 50 lbs
- Architect: Stephen B. Jacobs Group
- Developer: Douglaston Development
Live the way you’ve always wanted to. Get a unit at the OHM Luxury Condos in Chelsea.
Director Ethan Cohn Lists Greenwich Village Home for Sale
March 15, 2013 by Mark David & Company
Ethan Coen, the one half of the Oscar-winning Coen brothers film-making duo, has just listed his Greenwhich Village home in the market. The extremely talented film director, screenwriter, editor, cinematographer and producer will be selling his home, which is located at 30 East 10th Street. This home is actually a co-op which is being sold for $2.3 million, according to the New York Post. Senior Vice Present, Stefania Carinali, at Citi Habitats has the exclusive listing.
The House Details
The home measures around 1,800 sq. ft., with one bed room and one bathroom. As mentioned, the unit is at the 30 East 10th Street, located between the Fifth Avenue and Broadway. It features a 13-foot tall ceiling, a mezzanine loft, custom-made bookshelves and a laundry room used as a darkroom
Ethan Coen brought this apartment unit with his beautiful wife, Tricia Cooke, in the year 2004. They purchased it for $1.495 million. The second floor apartment comes with a huge living room and a nice, open kitchen. And next to the kitchen are stairs to the amazing loft mezzanine. With the said measurement of the unit, this is indeed big for a 1-bedroom apartment.
The 12-story building where the unit is found comes with a roof deck, an elevator and allows pets inside. It was built in the year 1909, features 21 apartments on 12 floors. As you can see, this is not very crowded, perfect to those who want to live peacefully at a place with just enough space. It is indeed perfect for bachelors and for a small family.
Who is Ethan Coen?
Ethan Coen is part of the legendary Coen brothers director duo. These brothers played a major role in the development of filmography and similar areas. Ethan is actually a very talented and creative person, who has the passion for directing films, screenwriting, and the like. This man and his project have already won several prestigious awards, from 4 Oscars to other 67 wins, as well as nominations.
Ethan, age 55, born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, graduated from Princeton University, is best known with his brother to have written numerous award-winning films. This include Raising Arizona, Barton Fink, Fargo, and No Country for Old Men.
And now as he continues his career in the film industry, he now lives in a new house. If you would like to see the set-up on how he lived for the past few years, better check out his Greenwhich Village co-op home now listed on the market. It is surely exciting to live in the homes of celebrities and popular individuals. Feel his creativity and awesomeness while checking out the said place. And if you look into the price, you can see that it’s not that expensive. The $2.3 million apartment unit is indeed worth its price.
Rising Rental Rates in Manhattan Level Out
March 9, 2013 by Mark David & Company
Over the past few years, apartment rents have increased in New York City, but it seems that the market is facing a speed bump and is starting to get back on its feet. The average rent in Manhattan is estimated at $3,368, $76 less than in October. Also, it looks like this is the third month in a row that rental prices are decreasing in NYC.
The truth is, the price decline might be seasonal because throughout the winter, the rental market has the tendency to slow down, and that’s definitely a good thing. It seems that medium rents are somewhere 1.5 % higher than last year and inventory is up too, having 13,618 apartments for rent in Manhattan in November, which means 21% more than one year ago.
Specialists are mentioning that the market is improving. However, the main question is ‘how can the housing market improve if there are still so many areas with a weak economy?’ If the downturn continues, the housing recovery won’t last very long.
Not only the economy influences the rental market but also factors like first-time homebuyers who prefer to leave when their leases expire instead of paying higher rents. First-time buyers are pushed by these rents and these people are usually looking for studios or one-bedroom condos because they’re much more convenient. That is why there has been an increase in this area of the market. At the same time, the demand for two-three or even four bedrooms has declined.
If there are more first-time buyers than last year, it is obvious that there will be more sales of one-bedroom condos and studios. Meanwhile, if people buy, it means that they’re not willing to rent anymore; thus way, rentals of both one-bedroom condos and studios have dropped with six percentage points, according to recent statistics. Nowadays, a lot of people are looking to buy and this clearly affects rentals. Despite their intention, not everyone has the possibility to buy apartments since the lending standards have remained tight. It is believed that if lending conditions were easier to fulfill, a housing boom would shake the market.
In Manhattan, 3, 634 vacant rental lofts were available in November, which means a 41% increase from one year ago. Even though the rental market seems to be slowing down, it appears that prices won’t drop that much. The situation shouldn’t be compared to a bubble that is about to burst because one can never know what will happen 2, 3 months from now. Experts in real estate are highlighting that over the next year, rents are expected to remain at this level and not decrease or increase precipitously.
It will definitely be exciting to watch how things will improve in the next months; in spring and summer the market will reach its peak, so rental prices will go through plenty of modifications.
Park Ave Full-Floor Residence Sells for $12.9 Million
March 2, 2013 by Mark David & Company
Selling for $12.9 million, 823 Park Avenue No. 8 was New York City’s most expensive sale for the first week of February, 2013. Originally listed at $15 million, the full floor condominium houses 9 rooms, almost 4,200 square feet and spans the block between 75th and 76th streets. The prewar building is a Greek Revival style beige limestone originally designed by the firm Pickering and Walker and built in 1911. 823 was constructed as one of Park Avenue’s first rentals with each apartment encompassing an entire floor. In 2004, renowned architect Barry Rice oversaw a two-year luxury renovation of the building. With ample Park Avenue frontage, the white-glove amenities in the residence include a full service concierge, 24 hour doorman, a health club gym, private storage and the newly refinished lobby of elegant French limestone.
With five bedrooms and four and a half baths, No. 8 features oversize mahogany windows and polished herringbone oak floors. 10-foot coffered ceilings and carved marble mantel fireplaces appear in both the south corner living room and mahogany-paneled library filled with light overlooking beautiful Park Ave.
Three more windows light up the fine eat-in kitchen with blue slate countertops and chef approved Viking range with hood. 48” Fisher/Paykel drawers, European-style ceramic sink with Waterworks plumbing fixtures and excellent storage and display space finish off this cook’s paradise.
Retiring to the master bedroom is a dream, tucked away for privacy in the back of the apartment. Southern exposures, a gorgeous marble bath, walk-in closet with dressing area and oak plank flooring complete the master domain.
Rising Rental Rates in Manhattan Level Out
February 28, 2013 by Mark David & Company
Over the past few years, apartment rents have increased in New York City, but it seems that the market is facing a speed bump and is starting to get back on its feet. The average rent in Manhattan is estimated at $3,368, $76 less than in October. Also, it looks like this is the third month in a row that rental prices are decreasing in NYC.
The truth is, the price decline might be seasonal because throughout the winter, the rental market has the tendency to slow down, and that’s definitely a good thing. It seems that medium rents are somewhere 1.5 % higher than last year and inventory is up too, having 13,618 apartments for rent in Manhattan in November, which means 21% more than one year ago.
Specialists are mentioning that the market is improving. However, the main question is ‘how can the housing market improve if there are still so many areas with a weak economy?’ If the downturn continues, the housing recovery won’t last very long.
Not only the economy influences the rental market but also factors like first-time homebuyers who prefer to leave when their leases expire instead of paying higher rents. First-time buyers are pushed by these rents and these people are usually looking for studios or one-bedroom condos because they’re much more convenient. That is why there has been an increase in this area of the market. At the same time, the demand for two-three or even four bedrooms has declined.
If there are more first-time buyers than last year, it is obvious that there will be more sales of one-bedroom condos and studios. Meanwhile, if people buy, it means that they’re not willing to rent anymore; thus way, rentals of both one-bedroom condos and studios have dropped with six percentage points, according to recent statistics. Nowadays, a lot of people are looking to buy and this clearly affects rentals. Despite their intention, not everyone has the possibility to buy apartments since the lending standards have remained tight. It is believed that if lending conditions were easier to fulfill, a housing boom would shake the market.
In Manhattan, 3, 634 vacant rental lofts were available in November, which means a 41% increase from one year ago. Even though the rental market seems to be slowing down, it appears that prices won’t drop that much. The situation shouldn’t be compared to a bubble that is about to burst because one can never know what will happen 2, 3 months from now. Experts in real estate are highlighting that over the next year, rents are expected to remain at this level and not decrease or increase precipitously.
It will definitely be exciting to watch how things will improve in the next months; in spring and summer the market will reach its peak, so rental prices will go through plenty of modifications.
The Real Difference Between Pre-War and Post-War Apartments
February 26, 2013 by Mark David & Company
“Prewar” is a word that speaks volume for the New York City real estate. The term is usually applied to those apartment buildings that were built before World War II and it invokes images of thick walls, generous layouts, high ceilings and plaster ornamentation. Other categories such as pre-prewar, pre-pre-prewar, post-war and “white elephants” are often used in the housing market as well.
Actually, these terms represent historical categories of buildings that are very important for renters and buyers who have a specific style of apartment in mind. In New York, an apartment is determined by the period in which it was built. And apparently, those particular characteristics that represent a prewar or a postwar apartment expose some important details about the resident of the apartment.
More than anywhere else, people from Manhattan purchase exactly what reflects them. For buyers, the most important aspects that help them make a decision are the apartment and the three blocks around it. Apart from the style, there are also some practical considerations you might want to have in mind. The majority of prewar apartments in Manhattan are co-ops and they require large down payments and co-op board approval. There are buyers who want a prewar, but unfortunately, they aren’t able to qualify for a co-op.
Those who search prewar apartments have better chances of finding the right place if they concentrate on some particular neighborhoods, such as the West Village and the Upper West Side, where old buildings dominate the market. If buyers are looking for less expensive apartments, other neighborhoods like Boerum Hill, Carroll Gardens and Cobble Hill are available. Those who buy a home for the first time have the possibility to find here characteristic prewar features such as beamed ceilings and sunken living rooms.
Clients who have more specific tastes may encounter some difficulties. There are prewar apartments that can be classified as pre-prewar or even pre-pre-prewar. The first ones refer to those apartments built before World War I which feature even higher ceilings, more complex detailing and numerous fireplaces.
As far as pre-pre-prewar condos are concerned, these apartments are extremely large, having from 14 to 20 rooms. Unfortunately, over the years, most of them have been turned into multiple dwellings. Still, there are devoted buyers who are willing to do everything to recombine units so that they can recapture the original intent. But fixing up or reassembling such an apartment, with probable repairs and wiring, fixtures and plumbing is a very challenging task.
This is one of the major reasons why a lot of people prefer new buildings. They just want to move in with their toothbrush and nothing more. They don’t even think of tearing down walls or redoing electrical panels. In this case, new constructions are the best option and these units are in buildings that feature a lot of amenities. But just like in the case of pre-war buildings, the remaining question is whether the buyer is able to afford the premium prices he commands.
Massive Loft in East Village Lists for $25 Million
February 23, 2013 by Mark David & Company
Just recently, a massive loft in East Village has been listed for $25 million, and this is definitely no ordinary loft. It stands in the great New York City, high on top of the historic building, the former concert hall of the famous Beethoven. The said concert hall has now been converted to an extravagant floor through loft apartment. You can see a photo taken by Gregory Colbert, owner of the place, and the mansion is obviously big. Colbert, the photographer, is quite obsessed with documenting human interactions with animals, and he somehow fit a whole herd of elephants into the great room, called as the Beethoven Hall. It boasts 32 feet of arched ceilings and windows, which was first constructed in 1860. There are 10 additional rooms to complete the listing, and all of which come with great designs. These include four bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, an updated kitchen, a huge living room, and a pretty loggia. It also features a huge terrace that provides enough space for outdoor entertainment.
The Price to Pay for a Piece of the Beethoven Hall
Colbert paid only $6 million for the space back in the year 2004. But now he is asking for a sum of $25,000,000 for the loft.
Actually, he tried to sell his loft back in 2009. There was only one measly photo of the concert-hall-turned-into-an-apartment. The pad was never sold by that time. But now, Colbert re-listed it with 11 rooms to enjoy, and people can feast their eyes on 19 beautiful images of the stunning renovated concert hall apartment. The images alone show so much awesomeness, what more if you see these rooms up close, right in front of your own eyes? Back then, he said that the $5 million price in 2009 will be used to fund his global photography excursions, and so we guess his budget has now increased to $25 million.
The listing calls to the 3rd floor space of the said Beethoven Hall, a classic place which was constructed in the 80’s. The ceilings reach a height of 32 feet, with an 800-sq. ft. outdoor terrace. The living room is equipped with a wood-burning fireplace, hardwood floors, and somewhat like a high tech library. Aside from that, there is a laundry room, a fitness center, more than 400 sq. ft. of storage space, and more.
Points to look into the Beethoven Hall
- Comes with a rustic vibe, you won’t feel that you’re living in a city.
- Exposed brick is all over the house, including the kitchen.
- Has a built-in storage made of distressed wood.
- Natural light isn’t a problem.
- The upper part of the loft is used as a gym.
- A romantic feel for the guest room
- The bathroom comes with modern design, decorated with glass and mirrors.
- Selling point of the home: the outdoor space.
