WHAT DOES GREEK REVIVAL MEAN?

Greek Revival is a neoclassical style of architecture inspired by, and incorporating features of, Greek temples from the 5th century BC. It became popular in the U.S. and Europe during the first half of the 19th century.  Greek Revival is inspired by the symmetry, proportion, simplicity, and elegance of the ancient Greek temples of the time.

Greek architecture is heavy on my mind since we just returned from a truly incredible family wedding in the Athens Riviera. Aside from the perfectly orchestrated (and wildly fun) destination wedding festivities, we had a professional tour of the Acropolis and surrounding area. It was a long day in 90-plus-degree heat—but well worth it!

In addition to being mesmerized by the Acropolis, I couldn’t help but notice the residential real estate surrounding the area, some of which faces the monument directly. So, I asked the guide if it was “sought-after”—and of course, the answer was yes. It’s also home to some of the most expensive real estate in Greece. Imagine a direct view of the Acropolis from your roof deck? That could run you about 300 million euros—the current list price of the most expensive property listed in Greece which also overlooks the Acropolis.

You might not have a view of the Acropolis, but you can still find a huge amount of Greek-influenced architecture right here in NYC where Greek Revival also found its way in the early to mid-19th century. It was the first architectural style here that wasn’t steeped in British tradition. It arose out of a desire to establish a new cultural identity and coincided with a general fascination with ancient Greek culture in the early 1800s. Americans were turning away from the British-inspired Federal style toward Greek Revival.

The DNA of the Acropolis is embedded in many of New York’s most iconic buildings—both commercial and residential. The use of grand columns, temple-like façades, elevated platforms, and symmetrical design all point directly to Athens.

You see it downtown in Federal Hall at 26 Wall Street and the New York Stock Exchange, whose stately columns and raised entryways are a clear homage to the Parthenon.  Uptown, the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Fifth Avenue façade channels the symmetry and grace of a Greek temple. Even the New York Public Library evokes the drama and openness of the Propylaea—the grand gateway to the Acropolis.

And then there are the residences: the stately co-ops lining Fifth and Park Avenues, the Greek Revival townhouses in Greenwich Village and Brooklyn Heights, and limestone-clad pre-wars from the Upper West Side to Carnegie Hill. Their formal symmetry and grand lobbies aren’t just stylistic—they’re nods to a 2,500-year-old design philosophy that believed architecture should uplift the human experience.

A prominent and exquisite example of Greek Revival residential real estate can be seen on Chelsea’s Cushman Row, 406–418 West 20th Street. The beauty of these homes is accentuated by their positioning—facing the square of the General Theological Seminary in the heart of the Chelsea Historic District. Another fine example includes a set of rowhouses on Washington Square North. These houses are set back 10 feet from the property line and have deep front yards with exquisitely detailed iron fences and gates.

Greek Revival is just one slice of New York’s vast and eclectic architectural landscape, which truly is unlike any other—it’s a living, breathing museum of architectural ambition and global inspiration. What makes it so remarkable, in my opinion, is how wildly eclectic it is. You can stroll just a few blocks in Manhattan and pass a row of Greek Revival townhouses, a 19th-century cast-iron loft, an iconic Art Deco tower, a grand Beaux-Arts building, and a sleek new glass high-rise—all in one walk. That kind of contrast might feel chaotic anywhere else, but here, it’s part of the magic we call home!

Have a fabulously classic weekend—and Happy Father’s Day to all the dads!

Best, Michael

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Local News

New York City's most viral pool deck is officially back for summer 2025

A psychedelic splash of color returns to Roosevelt Island with a brand-new design by Parisian artist Meri Karapetyan

Located at Manhattan Park, a luxury rental community on Roosevelt Island, the pool deck project has become a buzzy annual landmark for art lovers and leisure seekers alike.

Each summer since 2015, one of NYC’s most Instagrammable gems has quietly made a massive visual statement. Now, the Manhattan Park Pool Deck—the city’s most colorful outdoor pool experience—is back with a fresh new look for 2025, and it's making waves once again (literally).

The annual tradition transforms the Roosevelt Island pool deck into a supersized canvas, inviting an emerging artist to completely reimagine the space. This year’s commission went to Paris-based artist Meri Karapetyan, whose mural, Waves of Joy, is a dizzying, delightful homage to nature’s movement and energy. Over the course of 14 days and with the help of 26 gallons of paint, Karapetyan brought a vivid palette of flowing lines, leaflike shapes and solar bursts to the 8,500-square-foot deck, turning it into a technicolor daydream.

Take a dip into the full story behind NYC’s most colorful pool deck—click the link to explore Waves of Joy.

More Info: CLICK HERE

Van Gogh’s Starry Nights At NYBG:

Why You Should Experience This Seasonal

Celebration Of Beauty & Botany

Summer’s upon us, and with the new season comes an outpouring of things to do in the city. Here’s why you should add Starry Nights at NYBG to your seasonal bucket list.

NYBG’s newest event, Starry Nights, is a botanical celebration inspired by Vincent Van Gogh’s love for nature and the open sky. With real sunflowers, contemporary art installations, live music, light bites and delicious drinks for purchase, and—conditions permitting—a drone show, it makes for a lovely summer night out in the city. Here’s why we think you should check it out:

1. It’s a botanical wonderland with seasonal blooms

2. The drone show is the first of its kind in NYC

3. It reimagines Van Gogh’s art in an interactive way

4. It’s the family-friendly adventure of the summer

5. It will only be around for a limited time

6. People can’t rave about it enough

This is not your average garden stroll—click below to discover why Starry Nights is a must-see.

More Info: CLICK HERE

This Incredible Museum Of Banksy-Inspired

Art Is Open All Summer & It’s Hosting

Themed Movie Nights

Calling all Banksy-heads and street art lovers! Dedicated to the mysterious artist, the Banksy Museum has so much to see and do!

The anonymous and famous street artist Banksy has given us some of the most memorable moments and art. And now, there’s a museum filled with the largest collection of work inspired by his creations! It’s officially been over a year since the Banksy Museum has been open, and it has delighted native New Yorkers and tourists alike.

Throughout June, the Banksy Museum, located at 277 Canal Street, will have a Banksy-themed movie night every Monday to kick off the week. These screenings are free with your ticket and, of course, popcorn is included.

See why this museum has New Yorkers talking—click below to explore Banksy’s legacy in full color.

More Info: CLICK HERE

Michael J. Franco

Lic. Assoc. R.E. Broker

M: 917.817.4122

mfranco@compass.com