Alice Chun: Where Design Meets Purpose in the Heart of Peter Cooper Village

In the bustling heart of Peter Cooper Village, Gramercy, lies a sanctuary of innovation and design, crafted by the visionary Alice Chun. As an inventor, social entrepreneur, and professor in architecture and interior design, Alice's home is more than just a living space; it's a testament to her belief that design should make the invisible visible. Her approach is not just about aesthetics but about infusing dignity into every corner and creation. This philosophy is vividly reflected in her living room, which doubles as a dining area and a laboratory of ideas. Here, modern simplicity meets natural materials, creating a space that's both functional and deeply personal. The room is divided by a bookshelf that's not just a partition but a canvas of family memories and global adventures, showcasing Alice's knack for blending storytelling with design.

The essence of Alice Chun's design philosophy shines through her fascination with light. Discovering the grim reality that many rely on toxic kerosene for lighting, she turned to origami, transforming a simple art form into a beacon of hope. Her collapsible, foldable solar light is a marvel of innovation, embodying her belief that good design should encompass beauty, wonder, and awe. This creation is not just a product; it's a statement that design can be a powerful tool for social change. Her living space, adorned with 3D sketches and prototypes, stands as a testament to her commitment to transforming simple materials into magnificent structures. It's a space where imagination meets reality, and where design transcends aesthetics to become a lifeline for communities worldwide.

Alice's journey of design and impact stretches far beyond the confines of her Peter Cooper Village home. Her work has illuminated lives in Makoko, Lagos, Haiti, Ukraine, and beyond, proving that light is a universal need that knows no borders. Her bedroom, a blend of simplicity and elegance, doubles as a living laboratory, where she continues to refine her designs, learning and evolving with each iteration. This approach underscores her belief that design is not just about creating beautiful spaces but about practicality, adaptability, and, most importantly, about making a difference. Alice Chun's home is a beacon of innovation, social impact, and sustainable design, reminding us that true design is about improving lives and making the world a brighter, more beautiful place.

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Chris Simms Lists a Restored Antique Farmhouse Estate in Greenwich for $8M

Chris Simms is trading in Greenwich for a new chapter out of state, and with that comes a freshly listed $8 million estate at 640 Round Hill Road that reads like the town’s greatest hits: historic bones, modern polish, and enough land to make the word “acreage” feel like an understatement. The fully restored antique farmhouse spans approximately 3,669 square feet on about 4.01 level acres, with sweeping meadow views and a true country setting directly across from protected conservation land—with immediate access to the Greenwich Riding Trails.

Inside, the house keeps its character front and center—wide-plank antique floors, exposed beams, preserved fireplaces, and original details—while a design-forward renovation brings the comfort up to modern luxury standards. The newly created primary suite is positioned as a standout: cathedral ceilings, a dramatic wall of floor-to-ceiling windows with electric shades, a bespoke dressing room with custom cabinetry, and a private staircase up to a light-filled office that feels like its own retreat.

The layout is built for both everyday living and entertaining, with six bedrooms and five full baths, plus a beautifully finished lower level featuring a substantial recreation room with a fireplace, an additional bedroom, a full bath, and direct exterior access. Outdoors, the property leans into its “host and unwind” potential with a historic party barn and a pool house with a kitchenette—spaces that make holiday weekends and summer nights feel automatic rather than aspirational.

For equestrian buyers (or anyone who just wants that Greenwich lifestyle without needing a second property), the setting is as functional as it is picturesque: three horse stalls with a tack room, plus three paddocks. The Simms put it simply: “Being the steward of this remarkable home and property has been a true privilege. Our family has shared so many unforgettable moments here, from leisurely trail rides with our horses throughout the neighborhood to enchanting holiday celebrations in the historic barn.” Monica Webster of Douglas Elliman holds the listing.

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Escape the Chill: Cozy Indoor Date Spots in NYC This Winter

As the winter chill envelops New York City, finding the perfect indoor date spot becomes a quest for warmth and intimacy. Whether you're planning a first date or looking to rekindle the romance, NYC's diverse culinary scene offers cozy havens that promise a memorable experience. Here are some must-visit date spots that combine ambiance, culinary excellence, and a touch of magic, perfect for escaping the cold and chilling indoors.

Back Bar at Hotel Eventi

Credit: Laurent Tourondel Hospitality

A NoMad Gem: Nestled in the heart of NoMad, Back Bar at Hotel Eventi is the neighborhood's newest addition, offering a cozy and dimly lit ambiance ideal for a romantic evening. The bar's $12 premium cocktails, like the Sour Attitude and Harvest Moon, are as elevated as they are affordable. Pair these with delicious bar bites, including the renowned LT Burger or Ahi Tuna bites, for a date night that's both indulgent and budget-friendly.

L’Amico

Credit: Laurent Tourondel Hospitality

Rustic Elegance in NoMad: L’Amico, with its visible red brick kitchen and twin copper-clad, wood-burning ovens, exudes a warm, inviting atmosphere. The restaurant's diverse menu features American favorites with a twist, like artisanal pizzas fired in the ovens. For a more exclusive experience, book the Hidden Bar, a private space offering an intimate setting for cocktails and quiet conversations.

MO Lounge at Mandarin Oriental, New York

credit: Mandarin Oriental

A Scenic Retreat: Overlooking Central Park and the Manhattan skyline, MO Lounge at Mandarin Oriental offers a stunning setting for a romantic date. The contemporary American cuisine and well-crafted cocktails complement the breathtaking views, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a scenic yet cozy retreat. The focus on local, high-quality ingredients adds to the allure of this elegant lounge.

P.J. Clarke’s (Sidecar)

credit: P.J. Clarke’s

A Midtown East Speakeasy: For a touch of history and exclusivity, P.J. Clarke’s Sidecar in Midtown East is the perfect choice. Once a members-only space, this speakeasy-style bar and dining room offers a refined setting for intimate conversations and classic New York vibes. Enjoy classic bites and frosty martinis in a space steeped in history, from its origins as a bookie joint to a beloved dining experience.

Conclusion

New York City's winter may be cold, but these date spots offer the perfect escape. Each location brings its unique charm, combining cozy atmospheres with exceptional culinary experiences. Whether you're in the mood for a sophisticated cocktail, a gourmet meal, or a historic speakeasy vibe, these venues are sure to make your winter date nights unforgettable.

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Finding Success as a Luxury Real Estate Agent in New York

Finding success as a luxury real estate agent in New York can be a daunting task. With a competitive market and ever-changing real estate industry, it can be difficult to navigate the path to success. However, with the right knowledge, hard work, and dedication, you can make your mark as a successful luxury real estate agent in New York. This guide will provide you with the key elements to becoming a successful luxury real estate agent in New York.

Understand the Local Market

In order to find success as a luxury real estate agent in New York, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of the local market. This includes being able to identify the local trends in the luxury real estate market, as well as the neighborhoods that are most desirable to luxury real estate buyers. Being familiar with the market also means that agents should be familiar with the types of luxury properties that are in demand and the price point that luxury clients are willing to pay. In addition, agents should be aware of the competition within the luxury real estate market, as well as any new developments that might impact the market in the future.

Having a deep understanding of the local market is also important for luxury real estate agents in order to be able to provide the best advice to their clients. Agents should be able to provide their clients with knowledge of the local neighborhoods and their various features, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each. Agents should also be able to provide advice on the best way to invest in luxury real estate and the best ways to maximize returns. Knowing the local market helps agents to build trust with clients, and this trust can help agents find success in the luxury real estate market.

Brand Yourself as a Luxury Real Estate Agent

Your brand should be reflective of who you are, what you do, and how you can best serve your clients. It should also distinguish you from other agents in the area.

To do this, you should create a website that showcases your portfolio of listings, along with your credentials and awards. Make sure to include high-quality photographs of your listings and showcases your past successes. You should also create a blog where you can share your insights and expertise on luxury real estate topics. Doing this will help you establish yourself as an expert in the field and will give potential clients an idea of what you bring to the table.

Build a Strong Network

As a luxury real estate agent in New York, it is essential to have a strong network of contacts. Building a strong network allows you to gain access to potential clients and increase your visibility in the market. Having strong connections with other agents and brokers, as well as potential buyers, can also provide you with valuable information that can help you find the right properties for clients and close lucrative deals.

One way to build a strong network is by attending industry events and seminars. These events provide an opportunity to meet potential clients and build relationships with other agents, brokers, and buyers. Additionally, networking online is also a great way to build your network. Creating an online presence on social media and industry-related websites can help you reach a larger audience and make yourself known as an authority in the luxury real estate industry. Taking the time to reach out to other agents, brokers, and buyers can also help you build strong connections and increase your reach.

Final Thoughts

Being a luxury real estate agent in New York can be a very rewarding career as long as you are willing to put in the hard work. It is important to be knowledgeable about the local real estate market, the luxury market, and the best practices for marketing and selling luxury properties. Additionally, having a strong network of contacts and clients can help you to be successful in this field. With the right combination of knowledge, skill, and dedication, any individual can succeed as a luxury real estate agent in New York.

Get more real estate and property management tips from Off The MRKT. Whether you're looking for a new home, the newest trends, or a job, we are your resource on how to get off the market. We feature the top listings, restaurants, drinks, and recent events to ensure that you're up-to-date and informed on what’s going on in New York City. Check out our content today!

Warm and Welcoming Lobbies for Cold NYC Winters

With colder weather and shorter days, it's important in the Winter for owners of million-dollar apartments to be ushered into a warm and welcoming environment when they arrive home. These New York City lobbies eschew the typical sterile area to grab your mail in favor of elevated design elements that recall the architect and designers' larger vision for the building. 

130 William

Adjaye designed the exterior architecture and all the interiors, which is 800 feet tall and his first skyscraper in Manhattan. As you know, 130 William’s exterior is comprised of a custom, hand-cast façade and features a repeating pattern of large-scale arched windows that evoke the lofts that once populated the area. The lobby brings those design details inside, including a wall made up of arched-shaped hutches, that are curated with small design items. With 130 William, Adjaye wanted to celebrate NYC’s heritage of masonry architecture that was pervasive along the nearby streets. Adjaye’s overall design with 130 William was to highlight new possibilities of urban vertical living and the lobby sets the stage for this. 

photos by Michael Kleinberg

One Essex Crossing

One Essex Crossing, designed inside and out by CetraRuddy, is a 14-story condominium building that spans a full city block between Broome and Delancey Streets and features residences with skyline views, shared and private outdoor space, and a wealth of indoor/outdoor amenities. CetraRuddy designed the lobby as a series of emotional experiences that offers residents an oasis from the bustling city streets. Residents enter the building via Sky Bridge, an all-glass entry bridge that features direct sightlines and elevator access to the historic Essex Market and new Market Line retail below. A sleek marble ‘runway’ guides residents from the street, through the Sky Bridge, and into the tranquil lobby. Inside the lobby, large, woven-metal curtains separate the lobby’s lounge area from the main entrance and a selection of vibrant artwork, inspired by the artistic attitude of the neighborhood, hang in the space for residents and their guests to enjoy. 

photo credit to Evan Joseph Photography

111 West 57th Street

111 West 57th Street incorporates two notable structures. The first is a 1,428 foot SHoP designed new construction tower, which is the second tallest residential building in the Western Hemisphere. The second is the restoration of the historic Steinway Hall, former home of Steinway Pianos which was originally designed by Warren & Wetmore, the famed architects of Grand Central Station. For the lobby design Bill Sofield took inspiration from the original Warren & Wetmore architecture and collaborated with New York artisans to create interiors that were reminiscent of public spaces once featured in classic skyscrapers. Nancy Lorenz, an abstract painter created elevator doors inspired by the bronze detailing work found in many New York landmarks. Artist John Opella created a gold and silver leaf mural depicting elephants breaking out of the Central Park Zoo. The lobby features meticulously restored, end-grain wood flooring from the original Steinway Hall and fused glass urns by Lasvit with gold palm fronds, resting upon an Old Gold-finished vase that weighs 1,300 pounds and stands 14 ft tall. We also have photos of the private porte-cochère on 58th Street providing residents a quiet and private entry.

Photography by Adrian Gaut

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