Sue's News and Views, February 2023

Sue's News and Views
February 2023

©Richard Koek

Dear All!

Isn't this what Times Square used to look like in the wintertime? No snow as of today, in NYC. Some appreciate that - others don't, for a myriad of reasons. Personal preference.

Personal preference is a strong driver in human beings. We humans are very much attracted by what we like and what's familiar to us. Especially when looking for a place to live. We talk about a lot of personal preferences in real estate.  Sometimes a preference changes, overnight. Or becomes more - or less - of a priority.... The serenity prayer says: ... grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

Real Estate decisions are big decisions. Whether selling or buying, you'll be faced with circumstances you cannot change, you're faced with obstacles you didn't anticipate, and sometimes you are in danger of losing the focus on what's really your priority. And yet there are small decisions to be made every day. Every small decision ever so slightly changes your path. Without making the small - and the big - decisions, you wouldn't fail; but you also wouldn't learn nor conquer. 
See what happens when you don't hold back, and engage fully!

***

Snow on the red stairs at Times Square is another fantastic NYC image by photographer Richard Koek. Please scroll down to my new segment Featuring... 
and read the Q & A on him and his art. 
And enjoy some other meaningful events the city offers in February during 
Black History Month!

Stay warm and dry in February,
Kind regards,
sue

Featured Listings

TriBeCa

Jay Street, Unit 6C

BD  2 BA   1300±SF    $ 2,590,000

sun-flooded, serene top floor Loft w/high ceilings
spectacular sky views with a Freedom Tower view
open kitchen w/breakfast bar with new appliances
mint condition and move-in ready,  finest materials everywhere
pin drop quiet, closets galore, laundry room in the unit
common roof deck one floor away
very low maintenance
prime TriBeCa location, best transportation options

JUST LISTED

725 Riverside Drive, Unit 6E

1 BD   1 BA   678 SF   $480,000

OPEN HOUSE: Sunday, February 5,
12:30-2:30 pm, by appointment only

Street View: Scaffolding has been removed from this facade. 

Yesteryear meets the Contemporary. This prewar 1 bedroom, 1 bath investor welcoming condominium, nestled on Riverside Drive is move-in ready. When you enter this home, you’ll be greeted with all the prewar charm such as, high ceilings, crown moldings, gorgeous hardwood flooring with inlay, recessed lighting, and plenty of closets, including a walk-in. The kitchen, gracious in size, has black granite countertops, plenty of cabinetry, stainless steel appliances that include a dishwasher. The bathroom, tiled in white, has a black granite floor and a deep cast iron tub. The living room and bedroom are not only generous in size but are bright and airy. The bedroom easily fits a king size bed, has North facing sky view windows, and another large closet. 
The 725 Riverside Drive Condo is pet friendly, boasts two elevators, central laundry area in the building, a live-in super, part-time security staff (3pm-1am), and bike storage ($25/mo; waiting list). There is an assessment of $ 372.09/mo for capital improvements, ending January 2027.
Transportation: 1, A, B, C and D subway lines, and the M4, M5, M100 and M101 bus lines. The building is located by the Ralph Ellison Memorial, the beautiful Riverbank State Park, City College of New York, the Hispanic Society Museum and Library, and New York Presbyterian Columbia University Irving Medical Center. The vibrant neighborhood also offers many restaurants, cafés and bars: BoNo, Harlem Public, The Chipped Cup, Bird in Hand, MamaSushi, Chopped Parsley, Geisha Sushi, L’Artista, local shops including a farmer’s market, and so much more.

NYC Events February 2023

FEBRUARY 2023
The Theme of this year's Black History Month is Black Resistance

Celebrating Today, Tomorrow, Every Day - lets study the history of Black Americans’ responses to establish safe spaces, where Black life can be sustained, fortified, and respected. Join in to celebrate Black History Month by supporting black-owned businesses, entrepreneurs, artists, writers, musicians, and other individuals who are making history. Black resistance strategies have served as a model for every other social movement in the country, thus, the legacy and importance of these actions cannot be understated. I'm impressed, moved, and inspired by Black culture, Black talent and Black resilience, every day. Let's take this time to recognize and support all who continue to fight for justice and equality in our society.

FEBRUARY 5, 6 pm 
Mostly Marcus! 
at Room 623

Acclaimed singer, songwriter, actor, host & emcee, Marcus Goldhaber brings his popular weekly series, “Mostly Marcus!” to Room 623. Each Sunday evening he sings Jazz, spreads joy and features special guests; this Sunday: Alexis Cole.
Harlem Speakeasy Room 623, 
271 W 119the St. 
Book your tickets HERE

FEBRUARY 10, 7 pm
New York Première  
CALL ME DANCER 
by Leslie Shampaine, Dance on Camera Festival New York

Leslie Shampaine's documentary will take you on a fascinating journey. A true-life fairytale from the streets of Mumbai to the stages of New York, it features Manish, a young and talented street dancer from the City of Dreams, that is Mumbai. 
Walter Reade Theater
Tickets HERE

NOW - feb 12, 2023

NYC Restaurant Week

NYC Restaurant Week is back! Now through February 12, explore the five boroughs through specially priced prix-fixe menus at hundreds of participating restaurants. Click HERE to explore participating restaurants, view menus, and make reservations!

now - feb 12, 2023

NYC Broadway Week

Here again for its winter run, NYC Broadway Week makes its return engagement. Now through February 13, get two-for-one tickets to nearly every Broadway production! Click HERE to view the list of participating shows and snatch up the best seats for the ones you want most.

FEBRUARY 24 & 25, 7pm& 9:30pm
The Black Version

Straight from L.A., with sold-out shows elsewhere, The Black Version asks the audience to suggest a popular film title and then its cast improvises the “Black version” of that film, including an improvised soundtrack, dance numbers, DVD extras, audition reels, and more.
At the Midnight Theatre, 
75 Manhattan West Plaza New York. Tickets HERE

FEBRUARY 27, 3 pm
Meet The Founders of Black Theatre United

In honor of Black History Month, Black Theatre United is excited to announce a discussion series entitled “The Business of Show”. One Manhattan West in midtown.
Space is limited, please reserve your spot HERE

FEATURING...

 is a new segment in my monthly newsletter: 

It will shine a spotlight on an artist who's home and work base is in New York City. 
The first artist in the spotlight is photographer 
@ Richard Koek.
Enjoy!

Featuring...

Dutch-Argentinian Photographer Richard Koek 

His images have taken my heart by storm, his views inspire me, 
his visual stories lure me in...
I met with Richard Koek and asked him a few questions on how he creates what is an incredible gift to the world. 
Enjoy the Q & A and look out for his work !

• Question Sue Mathys: When did you realize that you’re a photographic storyteller?
Answer Richard Koek: As a teenager I brought home holiday photos with people I didn’t know in them. They sparked my peers’ interest and confusion
• Q: Did you have a photographer idol?
RK: August Sander (a German photographer in the early 20th century) inspired me to see human beings in their microcosm, to make people bigger than life, and - to catch the beauty
• Q: What happened on the first day you arrived in New York?
RK: I remember it vividly: in June 2000 I decided to stay in New York. I had just rented a shabby artist space in Brooklyn, and celebrated my new life change with a bottle of beer in hand on the silver roof watching the skyline of New York - taking it all in
• Q: How has NYC changed since then?
RK: New York City is a city in transit. I cherish all changes she goes through. Just like how I have gone through big changes over time
• Q: Have you changed since you’ve lived in NYC?
RK: I’m more at ease today with things that are out of my control
• Q: How does your art inform your life and vice versa?
RK: Art informs my life through the people who see my photos and connect with me through them. I learn so much about my art from them. Art is healing
• Q: How long does a photoshoot take?
RK: A photoshoot can take a second or an hour, both have their magic. I will take the time to stay with it until I get the image I’m going for
• Q: What is essential for the way you create?
RK: I don’t “think” when I shoot - it’s more of a channeling, a visual gut feeling. I try not to think too much, just capture. I always remember how I feel after catching a unique image. It’s that flash of euphoria that keeps me going.
• Q: What is the idea behind postcards from New York?
RK: Postcards from New York is a Covid pandemic project. A new fascinating way to connect with the world who wanted to know from me how things were going in the NYC I’ve grown very fond of
• Q: Your mission:
RK: To capture the beauty of the mundane moment. If I can inspire people to be aware of and feel the beauty of daily life, our lives can be so much more enjoyable
• Q: Where can people who are interested in seeing more of your art, turn to?
RK: @Richard Koek on instagram, my websites Richard Koek, Photographer and Postcards from New York
• Q: What are upcoming projects?
RK: The publisher of my photo book NEW YORK, NEW YORK  is sending me to Japan in March to create a photo series of Urban Japan. I’m excited to go on this journey!

Real Estate in the News:

For the Manhattan Weekly Luxury Report, click HERE

Lifestyle Tips and Tricks

The Top 2023 Bathroom Trends

"Bathroom design in 2023 will continue to build on themes emerging since 2020, including clean lines, easy-maintenance materials, and heavy doses of natural colors. At the same time, an underlying current is shifting our view of bathrooms from task-focused spaces to rooms designed for comfort.
According to Jean-Jacques L’Henaff, a design expert with LIXIL Global Design, the bathroom has transformed into a space focused on health, wellness, and relaxation. At the same time, larger home design trends are influencing aesthetic styles. As a result, personalization is driving a lot of the design choices, encouraging homeowners to create comfortable rooms with custom bathing experiences."

Courtesy of Better Homes & Gardens

Trend Watch 2023: What's Hot for Homes

Comfortcore, color, contrast, and more: quick hits on today's top interior styles to watch from an Atlanta-based staging professional.

Courtesy of National Association of Realtors

80 Super Bowl Appetizers

Crowd-pleasing comes easy with any of these winning apps.

Courtesy of Good Housekeeping

Send Sweets to Your Sweetie

Desserts that really deliver: exciting options for nationwide shipping.

Courtesy of Forbes

Get Restaurant-Quality Meals at Home

Elevate your eat-at-home game.

Courtesy of Better Homes & Gardens

Thanks for reading and subscribing! 
Ready to achieve your next real estate goal?

Reach out to chat!

"I will work to allocate 15% of my real estate vendor spend to 
Black professionals - from photographers to videographers to attorneys to contractors to stagers to all the small businesses I source and refer to my clients"

Sue Mathys

Licensed as 
Susanne Mathys-Huerzeler
Lic. R.E. Salesperson
The R - Team
M: 917.667.9407
sue.mathys@compass.com

Office: 212-913-9058

Compass is a licensed real estate broker. All material is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description or measurements (including square footage). This is not intended to solicit property already listed. No financial or legal advice provided. Equal Housing Opportunity. All Coming Soon listings in NYC are simultaneously syndicated to the REBNY RLS. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.

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