Is Apple Coming to Brooklyn?

Brooklyn continues to attract major real estate developers and corporations looking to get some of that famous Brooklyn love. Clothing retailer J.Crew (a favorite of first lady Michelle Obama) is said to be eyeing space to open a store in Williamsburg and Apple is also looking into opening one of its super popular retail spots in the area as well.

 Two years ago, Whole Foods became one of the first major national retailers to open a location in Williamsburg in a deal that appeared to presage the once-gritty neighborhood’s transition into a mainstream shopping hub. Now, that transformation appears to be gathering more steam. J.Crew, according to several knowledgeable sources, is taking a 6,000-square-foot store in the neighborhood, which just a few years ago was an outpost for artists and recent college grads, offering an eclectic mix of boutique retailers that catered to them.
Other major brands are also exploring the Williamsburg market according to sources. The electronics giant Apple, for instance, is rumored to be interested in opening a store in the area. Sources say the company has considered 242 Bedford Ave., a retail space across the street from the planned Whole Foods on the corner of Bedford Avenue and North 4th Street. So far, according to several sources, Apple has yet to pull the trigger on a deal.

source›› crain's

Is This Jay Z's Former "Stash Spot" at 560 State Street Up For Sale?

These now famous lines put 560 State Street on the map as rapper Jay Z's alleged stash spot:

I used to cop in Harlem, all of my Dominicanos Right there up on Broadway, pull me back to that McDonald's Took it to my stash spot, 560 State Street Catch me in the kitchen like a Simmons with them pastries.

Check out the photos of what may have very well been Jay's spot back in the day on the block for $870k:

source›› curbed

Carson Daly Buys House on Long Island

With his new gig as co-host on NBC's "Today", former TRL God, Carson Daly is about to close, or has closed on a $6.5 million house in the north Hempstead town of Manhasset.

The six-bedroom home sits on 1.3 acres of land, and comes complete with a Juliet balcony and white-columned porch, swimming pool, a curving staircase, several fireplaces and ornate moldings. 

source››patch

Alicia Keys Puts Manhattan Penthouse On Sale

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Singer/songwriter Alicia Keys continues to unload her New York properties. Back in 2010 the singer sold her Long Island home for roughly $4 million. Now her and husband Swizz Beats are selling their stylish and huge Manhattan penthouse for $18 million. The home was purchased back in 2010 from rocker Lenny Kravits for $14 million.

 source: NYP

Is it Oprah's Or Gayles? Someone's New York Penthouse is Up For Sale!

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For a cool $7.9 million you too can live like Oprah or Gayle King. A penthouse believed to be owned by one of the two BFFs is on the block and is expected to go pretty fast.

Finished in 2006, Place 57 has condos ringing in originally from $1.47 million to $7-plus million. Oprah’s penthouse sits on the 36th floor and features 2,530 square feet of wall-to-ceiling windowed space as well as a 768-square-foot terrace. The modern space features a “triangle-shaped” living room, high-end kitchen, dining area, and two bedrooms, one with an attached bathroom. The master suite has three walk-in closets, a jetted tub and sleek shower.

[Zillow]

Rihanna 's Beverly Hills Pad Can Be Yours For a Cool $4.5 Million

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Pop superstar Rihanna is either making a strategic business move or she is trying to rid herself of bad memories. Back in 2009 the singer dropped a cool $6.9 million on a bachelorette pad in Beverly Hills during the thick of her relationship with fellow popster Chris Brown. There is no doubt the young singers spent plenty of time there together during their relationship. Now the house is up for sale for $4.5m a huge loss for the singer and no word on where she plans to relocate on the west coast.

The House Def Jam Built: A Look Inside Music Mogul Lyor Cohen's $26 million Manhattan Pad

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Who says the music industry doesn't pay? Legendary music mogul and current ruler of Warner Music Group Lyor Cohen has made tons of cash off of the talents of some of hip hop's biggest names. He also cashed out when partner Russell Simmons sold Phat Farm some years ago and he also gets a phat check every time the Def Jam name and/or logo is used. He is easily worth north of $100 million dollars but is as modest in appearance as they come. However, behind the scenes Mr. Cohen lives the life of a king, after all he is one of the music industry's wealthiest people. After a tough day of contract negotiations, visits to recording sessions, video shoots and overseeing the day to day operations of the third biggest music group in the world, Lyor Cohen retreats to his $26 million Manhattan apartment, where he kicks it back with a glass of wine and a cigar no doubt. Take a look inside the house Def Jam built/paid for.

Brooklyn's Most Valuable Crib

 

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Brooklyn is the new Manhattan. Ask anyone who is on a waiting list desperately seeking a Broolyn address. Over the last decade, Brooklyn has slowly transformed into top destination for young couples and families seeking to be in the center of everything. But living in Brooklyn for many doesn't come cheap. The property value has also skyrocketed with demand.

City tax assessments are one way to estimate the value of New York City homes, and by that metric, the most valuable mansion in Brooklyn is 40 Willow Place, assessed at $6.14 million.

[Curbed]