December 20, 2023
What Up Family?
Welcome to The Edit with Aaron Seawood, a lifestyle letter serving a weekly dose of real estate, culture, and wisdom—all in three minutes or less. Let’s dive in.
Real Estate Remix
With many office buildings (especially older ones) still sitting vacant, developers are starting to pivot, turning older commercial spaces into shiny, new apartments. 160 Water Street is a success story for precisely this type of project. Originally a 1970s office building, the structure has now been converted into luxury apartments, 588 of them to be exact. Rents range from $3,500 for a studio to $7,500 for a two-bed, and the building offers extensive amenities, including a co-working space, rooftop bar, golf simulator, pool, and bowling alley, to name a few. As a Brooklyn townhouse connoisseur, I have to say it’s not my first choice, but there’s definitely a place and time when a luxury rental in an amenity-rich building fits the bill. What are your thoughts on converted buildings like this? Would you live at 160 Water? Would you pay a premium to do so? Drop me a line; I’m curious to hear what you think!
NYC Insider: What’s Happening This Week
No city does the holidays like NYC. We’re less than a week away from Christmas, and if you’re looking for a festive, family-friendly activity, I’ve got you! Here are some classic, tried & true ideas to add to your festivity list:
- Browse the department store windows (Saks, Bergdorf, Macy’s, and Bloomingdales)
- Dyker Heights Christmas lights crawl
- Shop the holiday markets (Bryant Park, Union Square, Columbus Circle, full list here)
- Rockefeller Center tree & ice skating
- Brooklyn and NY botanical garden light shows (Lightscape & Glow, respectively)
- Luminaries at Brookfield Place
- Frost Fest at Coney Island’s Luna Park
Weekly Gem 💎
Create things for yourself—not anyone else.
Last weekend, I was in Houston to support my family, Martellus Bennett, for his TOMONOSHi! I+D Lab and KOKORO art and furniture exhibit. Witnessing the official opening and viewing the unique pieces he’s created was incredible. Despite being a Super Bowl champion who spent ten seasons in the NFL, Marty is way happier creating art now than he ever was playing football. It shows that whoever connects with your creations will surface when you make things for yourself—not them. This weekend was a powerful reminder, as I saw first-hand what staying true to your passion looks like. You are the audience; make sure you like it.
$4.85M Clinton Hill Townhome on Mansion Row
Listing courtesy of my Compass colleague, Debra Kameros
This one’s a Stunner. Situated on Mansion Row in Clinton Hill, 442 Clinton Ave is a four-bed, four-and-a-half bath townhome with more than 3,300 SF of interior living space. That number doesn’t include the three private outdoor areas, including a landscaped garden, large terrace, and rooftop patio. Other features include:
- Built-in bookshelves with a library ladder, ventless fireplace, and bespoke Calacatta marble mantel.
- Gated front yard with classic Brooklyn stoop.
- Entire glass curtain wall.
- Private parking spot.
- Who wants a tour?
Before you go…
👀: Kendrick Lamar, welcome to BK! Details on his sprawling new penthouse (mirrored bedroom ceiling and all) are here.
🏠: This is America’s most expensive listing right now.
🎵: Nicki Minaj’s new album Pink Friday 2 made history, landing at No.1 on the Billboard 200 (for the third time; two different decades!). A monumental feat, Nicki is the best-selling female rapper of all time. Check out Let Me Calm Down feat. J. Cole 😮💨
🦐: New York’s twelve best restaurants of the year, according to the restaurant king himself, Pete Wells. How many have you made it to?
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Looking to Buy, Sell, or Rent? Let’s talk.
Like I ask GOD every day, who can we help next?