140 CHARACTER DEBATE?

Posted by Leonard Steinberg on 4/13/2013 Twitter provides just 140 characters for posts: makes billboard mentality seems like deep discussion?

US HOUSING: THE LONG, SLOW (BUT SURE) RECOVERY

Posted by Leonard Steinberg on April 11th, 2012 Some things take time, unfortunately, especially economic cycles. We are currently witnessing the emergence of the housing market from a very deep recession (border-line depression) and if history matters, the slow recovery we are experiencing appears to be in line. Housing bulls point to a stabilization of prices… [Read More]

THE PLAZA HOTEL TO SELL FOR $ 600 MILLION?

Posted by Leonard Steinberg on April 9th, 2012 New York’s famed Plaza Hotel built in 1907 is for sale again by current owner Elad Properties:  the landmark property that recently underwent a significant renovation and was partially converted to condominium residences has traded hands several times over the past decade. Sahara India Pariwar Ltd from… [Read More]

MEDIA INACCURACIES – IS IT GETTING WORSE?

Posted by Leonard Steinberg on April 8th, 2012 Is the media in its attempts to remain profitable in a digital world diminishing in accuracy? NBC highlighted this phenomenon this week with the Trayvon Martin shooting. With fewer staff and less time to report accurately and check facts, and with so much information out there, I… [Read More]

NEW YORK: ONLY THE 17th MOST EXPENSIVE CITY IN THE WORLD?

Posted by Leonard Steinberg on April 6th, 2012 New York City rates as the 17th most expensive real estate city in the world: maybe another reason why Manhattan is so incredibly popular with international investors these days? Monaco is at the top: a strong message about super low taxes for the super-wealthy? The rich always… [Read More]

IS NEW YORK CITY RENTAL LAND ANIMAL FARM?

Posted by Leonard Steinberg on April 6th, 2012 Do you pay a half or a third of the rent for the same apartment as your next door neighbor? Well, in New York there are some antiquated laws that allow this insanity (paid for by landlords, yet protected by some politicians whose only goal is re-election)…. [Read More]

GOOGLE’S ‘PROJECT GLASS’: VIRTUAL REALITY FOR REAL ESTATE TOO?

Posted by Leonard Steinberg on April 5th, 2012 Yesterday Google unveiled Project Glass, a secret program designed to bring augmented-reality to the masses. Google’s new Android-powered glasses will allow you to check your email, update your Facebook, or even check-in to your favorite restaurant. The device creates a direct link to your smartphone, providing real-time information… [Read More]

IS IT JUST A DREAM?

Posted by Leonard Steinberg on April 4th, 2012 I have checked into the DREAM HOTEL Downtown while my apartment is being renovated: It certainly has brought up several thoughts about hotel rooms and hotel life…..living in a hotel in your own City is very different than being in a hotel on vacation. I have always… [Read More]

DEMATERIALIZATION: WATCHING DESIGN EVOLUTION

Posted by Leonard Steinberg on April 1st, 2012 In the past 10 years we have seen a radical acceleration of evolution in the way we live as human beings: politicians (as always) keep trying to fight this fact, but we can physically witness evolution in our daily lives. Here are some items that I have… [Read More]

SAVE SOHO: HELP WITH THE A.I.R ISSUE IN SOHO AND NOHO!

Posted by Leonard Steinberg on March 31st, 2012 Forty years ago, zoning laws were enacted in New York permitting joint live/work quarters for artists who were  certified by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.  They were necessary to protect the remaining manufacturing uses as well as artists who occupied vacant or underutilized buildings… [Read More]