65 Franklin Street Begins Its Rise Above Tribeca

Tribeca has a new luxury tower officially climbing skyward, bringing a pool, 106 residences and serious architectural pedigree along with it.

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Inside a 300 square foot apartment

Ever wanted to know what it’s like to live in a 300 square foot apartment? Many of us have had our small apartments, but this takes the cake. Or should we say cupcake. Serhant agent Talia McKinney shows us one on this weeks.Tiny Spaces.

In this episode, Talia takes a look inside Caitlin Widener's gorgeously designed tiny apartment only steps away from Prospect Park. This handcrafted Brooklyn home is intentional with every single design choice. Make sure to take inspiration and let us know in the comments your favorite part of this tiny home!

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Designing and Developing 32-34 Walker Street in Tribeca

By Cedric Abboud, Principal of Urban Capital Group and SOMA Projects

Tribeca remains one of New York’s most architecturally distinct neighborhoods, celebrated for its 19th-century cast-iron buildings, loft style luxury living, and vibrant, close-knit community. For architects and developers, building in a landmarked district like Tribeca means more than creating something new. It means respecting the neighborhood’s industrial legacy while contributing thoughtful, contemporary design.

At 32 Walker Street, we faced a unique challenge, we set out to merge a historic cast-iron building from 1850, once a textile warehouse, with a new structure to create a unified building that is contextual, visually striking, and financially viable. The result is an irreplicable boutique luxury residence in the landmark district, offering ceiling heights ranging from 12 to 16 feet, direct southwest exposure, and rare unobstructed views within the architectural fabric of Tribeca.

By collaborating early with Higgins Quasebart, our historic Consultant, under the oversight of the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC), we embraced a design approach that sought dialogue rather than disruption. We began by studying the block’s architectural DNA, repetitive window rhythms, and richly textured façades. Tribeca’s industrial buildings are timeless, defined by generous proportions, large volumes, and oversized windows. Our first move was to follow the window pattern of the original structure and align the floor levels, ensuring the new and historic elements read as a single, cohesive building.

Natural limestone gradually evolved as the right material choice, a subtle nod to the area’s classical heritage and the character of old New York. The design draws inspiration from Judd House, the quintessential cast-iron reference, as well as from Tadao Ando’s 152 Elizabeth and One Kensington Gardens in London by David Chipperfield, with an emphasis on simplicity and elegance. Inside, the architecture is guided by a principle of quiet luxury, with high ceilings, restrained detailing, and robust, natural materials. The interiors feature natural oak, natural stone, and top-tier fixtures sourced from some of the finest vendors and fabricators in the world.

Designing in a landmark district inevitably comes with challenges. A building’s bulk and visibility are closely scrutinized by the LPC. These factors directly impact sellable square footage and the overall feasibility of a project. There was significant skepticism early on about whether the penthouse floor would be approved as proposed. As the project advanced and gained traction as we partnered with Prosper Property Group on the development, and then engaged with The Turett Collaborative (TTC), a New York architecture firm with extensive experience in Tribeca to succeed in the process. The team’s expertise was instrumental in refining the design, addressing regulatory requirements, and navigating the Department of Buildings process.  Through close collaboration, we earned unanimous LPC support. 

Tribeca is not just a neighborhood. It is an archive of New York’s mercantile and architectural history. Every new project should enhance that legacy by being contextual to its neighborhood and a positive addition. At 32 Walker, we are proud to add a quiet, confident new chapter. By honoring the site’s history, simplifying complexity at every stage, and embracing collaboration, we have achieved an optimized design with layouts that support modern living, all while aiming to deliver the project under budget and at record speed for the historic district.


Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or submit here to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

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Luxury Tribeca Loft Conversion: 85 Worth Launches Sales with AI-Powered Amenities

Step into the future of luxury living at 85 Worth in Tribeca, where historic elegance meets cutting-edge technology and world-class design.

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From White Box to Luxe Haven: A Look Inside Melanie Morris’s Transformative Interior Design

Transforming a bland “white box” into a luxurious, sophisticated home is no small feat. Yet, designer Melanie Morris effortlessly accomplished this in her recent project. With a keen eye for texture, lighting, and custom design elements, Melanie turned a New York apartment into a chic and inviting pied-à-terre. In this video tour, she walks us through the design decisions that elevated a blank canvas into a space brimming with character, comfort, and understated elegance.

Entryway: Setting the Tone with Texture and Art

The journey begins at the entryway, where Melanie immediately makes a bold statement with contrasting textures and materials. A concrete, resin, and brass console greets visitors, establishing a tone of refined sophistication. The look is completed with a sculptural piece by artist Charlie Patterson and a unique lamp by Incommon With. Lighting, as Melanie emphasizes, plays a significant role throughout the space, and the entryway is no exception—setting the stage for what’s to come.

Main Living Area: Overcoming Design Challenges with Ingenuity

Designing the main living area posed a unique challenge due to the space’s long, narrow dimensions and expansive walls of windows. But Melanie saw this as an opportunity to push the boundaries of traditional design.

“I wanted to maximize seating and make it as comfortable and inviting as possible,” she explains. The centerpiece of the room is a custom-designed Serpentine sofa that cleverly doubles as a dining banquet. Upholstered in a luxurious, stain-resistant cream fabric, the sofa curves gracefully around a rich walnut base, which seamlessly transitions into an integrated dining table.

Above, a sculptural fixture by Apparatus drapes across the ceiling, adding intimacy to the open space. The round dining table and leather chairs create easy circulation, while the green marble accents on the coffee table nod to the client’s love for the color, subtly weaving in personality.

Bedroom: A Luxurious Hotel-Inspired Retreat

The primary suite underwent a complete transformation, becoming a cozy, luxurious retreat that exudes the feel of a five-star hotel room. The walls were paneled in rich walnut, creating a warm, cocoon-like atmosphere. Custom-built millwork seamlessly integrates a dresser and vanity, providing both functionality and visual continuity.

Melanie softened the hard lines of the room by incorporating curves in the custom nightstands and headboard. Brass accents, handmade by Prusin Studio, elevate the millwork, while wall sconces flank the bed, washing the room in a soft, ambient glow. The attention to detail in the bedroom is a testament to Melanie’s skill in combining comfort and style, creating a space that feels both restful and refined.

Lighting: The Unsung Hero of Design

Throughout the apartment, lighting serves as both a functional element and an art form. In the living room, sconces add elegance and balance to the space, while the ambient lighting in the bedroom panels highlights the rich textures and curves of the custom millwork. This meticulous attention to how light interacts with materials and shapes brings the entire project to life.

Final Thoughts: From White Box to Welcoming Home

Melanie’s ability to transform a blank, characterless apartment into a home bursting with texture, warmth, and personalized details speaks to her expertise as an interior designer. The mix of custom furniture, unique lighting choices, and thoughtful use of materials achieves a balance between luxury and comfort that is rare to find.

By bringing in elements like sculptural furniture, eye-catching lighting fixtures, and sophisticated textures, Melanie successfully created a space that feels less like a temporary pied-à-terre and more like a cherished home. The result is a stylish haven that invites you to sink in, stay a while, and savor the art of thoughtful design.


Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or submit here to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

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The Ultimate Guide to NYC's Best Rooftop Bars and Lounges for Summer 2024

Explore the top rooftop bars and lounges in NYC this summer. Enjoy stunning views, crafted cocktails, and vibrant atmospheres.

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The Lispenard Collection Offers Authentic Tribeca Loft Living

Experience the perfect fusion of historical charm and modern luxury at The Lispenard Collection, where Tribeca's rich architectural heritage meets contemporary elegance in these stunning full-floor lofts.

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Inside Beefbar: A Glimpse into Tribeca's Latest Fine Dining Sensation

Discover Beefbar in Tribeca, NYC's newest fine dining sensation.

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NYC Real Estate Leaders Gather at Perelman Performing Arts Center for Exclusive Tour

Discover the exclusive gathering of NYC's real estate leaders at the Perelman Performing Arts Center, organized by Bloomberg Philanthropies and hosted by the Leonard Steinberg Team of No. 33 Park Row.

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A Fashionable Fusion: Inside Oleg Cassini's Historic Gramercy Park Townhome

Discover the blend of history and modern luxury in Oleg Cassini's former Gramercy Park townhome. Explore this neo-gothic masterpiece with its grand great room, stunning stained glass features, and plush bedrooms.

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New York's Winter Warmth: Inside the City's Luxurious Residences with Fireplaces

New York City, known for its bustling streets and towering skyscrapers, also harbors cozy sanctuaries for those who relish the winter season.

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