immobiliare New York

The Frick Collection Returns: Inside The Iconic Art Institution’s Elegant Transformation

By Columbus International,11 April 202511 April 2025

One of New York’s most distinguished cultural landmarks is poised to reclaim its position in Manhattan’s competitive museum landscape. After a five-year closure for an ambitious renovation and expansion project, the Frick Collection will officially welcome visitors back to its historic Beaux Arts mansion on April 17, according to a recent report by Vogue.

The strategic renovation, executed by Selldorf Architects under Annabelle Selldorf’s direction with collaboration from Beyer Blinder Belle, represents a significant investment in cultural infrastructure. The project has increased the museum’s footprint by a precise 10%, bringing its total area to 196,000 square feet and substantially expanding its exhibition capabilities.

In an interview with Vogue contributing editor Dodie Kazanjian, former Frick director Ian Wardropper outlined the guiding philosophy behind the renovation: “to create a beautiful space that would harmonize with what was there before. We genuinely hope that you need to pause and ask yourself what’s new and what’s old.”

This meticulous approach to architectural integration maintains the Frick’s competitive advantage in the cultural sector – its intimate atmosphere and unique residential character. The institution has preserved its most celebrated gallery spaces intact, including the Garden Court, the West Gallery, and the Oval Room, while updating practical elements such as wall coverings and skylights.

During the renovation period, the collection maintained market presence through a temporary installation at the Marcel Breuer building on 75th Street and Madison Avenue. Operating as the Frick Madison from March 2021 through March 2024, this interim arrangement allowed the institution to maintain visitor engagement while exploring alternative presentation models for its collection.

The reopening strategy includes a phased approach to audience reintroduction. Members will receive prioritized access during exclusive preview days from April 9 to April 13, delivering enhanced value for the museum’s most loyal supporters before public admission begins.

Among the operational enhancements, the renovation introduces a new connecting passageway linking the James S. and Barbara N. Reibe Reception Hall with the library facilities, improving visitor circulation throughout the complex – a practical upgrade that addresses previous logistical challenges.

The Frick’s reopening positions the institution for sustainable growth in a competitive cultural market, demonstrating how historic institutions can successfully modernize their infrastructure while preserving the distinctive character that underpins their brand equity and visitor appeal.

NYC’s New Price Champion: The $110 Million Quadplex in the World’s Skinniest Tower

By Columbus International,9 April 2025

A new listing in Manhattan’s iconic Steinway Tower becomes the city’s priciest home on the market

In a city known for architectural superlatives and eye-watering real estate prices, a new champion has emerged. A spectacular four-level penthouse in Manhattan’s needle-like Steinway Tower has just hit the market for $110 million, making it the most expensive home currently for sale in New York City.

The Ultimate Billionaires’ Row Address

Located at 111 W. 57th St. on the exclusive stretch known as Billionaires’ Row, this extraordinary “quadplex” spans the 80th through 83rd floors of what is officially the world’s skinniest skyscraper. The property, listed Thursday according to StreetEasy, offers 11,480 square feet of interior space along with 618 square feet of outdoor terraces.

What makes Steinway Tower particularly remarkable is its slenderness ratio of 1:24, meaning it’s 24 times taller than it is wide—a feat of engineering that earned it the title of world’s skinniest skyscraper. For comparison, the Empire State Building has a slenderness ratio of just 1:3. The tower’s distinctive pinnacle, resembling a feather, has become an instantly recognizable addition to the Manhattan skyline since the building opened in 2022.

A Blank Canvas for the Ultra-Wealthy

The vacant penthouse currently features five bedrooms and six full bathrooms, with soaring 14-foot ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows that provide panoramic views of the city. Studio Sofield designed the suggested floor plan, but notably, the $110 million asking price includes a complete buildout and redesign according to the buyer’s specifications.

Each floor serves a distinct purpose in the current layout:

The first level (80th floor) contains a grand entry hall and south-facing kitchen with terrace access
The second level houses four ensuite bedrooms, a lounge area, and wet bar
The third level is dedicated to a massive 2,800-square-foot primary suite with dual bathrooms clad in gray and white onyx
The fourth level “crown suite” is designed for entertaining, featuring a bar, private screening room, service kitchen, and outdoor terrace

A Rarified Market Segment

True quadplexes are exceedingly rare in Manhattan. The most notable comparable property is hedge fund billionaire Ken Griffin’s approximately $238 million quadplex at 220 Central Park South, purchased in 2019—a deal that still holds the record for the most expensive home ever sold in the United States.

Lead listing broker Nikki Field of Sotheby’s International Realty explained to Bloomberg that the Steinway Tower penthouse was originally configured as two separate duplexes before the decision was made to combine them into this unprecedented offering.

Timing the Ultra-Luxury Market

The listing emerges as Manhattan’s ultra-luxury market experiences a significant uptick amid limited inventory. Previously, neighboring Central Park Tower held the title of most expensive listing with units priced at $250 million (later reduced to $195 million) and $150 million, but neither remains on the market today.

Steinway Tower itself has seen a remarkable sales resurgence. Since Nikki Field’s team at Sotheby’s took over marketing in summer 2024, the building has been “rebranded, repriced and restaffed,” resulting in $187 million in contracts currently in progress, including eight deals signed this year alone. Among those is Penthouse 72, which commanded $56 million.

“I’m looking for Jeff Bezos 2.0 at 111,” Field told The Post, referencing her previous sale to the Amazon founder at 212 Fifth Avenue.

The launch of Penthouse 80 represents a vote of confidence in the tower’s sales momentum after a challenging beginning. Despite initial sluggish sales following its 2022 opening, Field indicated to Bloomberg that the penthouse was strategically held back until market conditions improved.

“This very healthy luxury spring market,” Field said. “We had no excuses to delay the launch.”

The Developers Behind the Tower

Steinway Tower was developed through a collaboration between JDS Development Group, Property Markets Group, and Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance. With 59 total units, each occupying at least one full floor, the building stands as the second-tallest residential tower in the United States.

As Manhattan’s luxury real estate market continues its strong performance in early 2025, all eyes will be on whether this architectural marvel’s crown jewel can secure its $110 million asking price—and perhaps on which billionaire might soon call it home.

Source: New York Post

The Invaluable Role of Real Estate Brokers in New York City

By Columbus International,13 March 2025

In the concrete jungle of New York City, where the real estate landscape is as towering and complex as its iconic skyline, navigating property transactions without professional guidance can be a daunting endeavor. While New York state law doesn’t mandate broker representation, those who venture into the NYC real estate market solo are often left wondering if they’ve made the right decisions.

Navigating the Labyrinth: Why NYC Real Estate Demands Expertise

New York’s real estate market operates unlike any other in the world. With its distinctive co-op boards, complex approval processes, and hyper-competitive environment, even seasoned investors can find themselves overwhelmed. Each neighborhood comes with its own unwritten rules, price trends, and hidden gems that only market insiders truly understand.

The difference between someone who uses a broker and someone who doesn’t is often measured in thousands of dollars and countless hours saved. At Columbus International’s New York office, brokers frequently see clients who initially tried to navigate the market themselves, only to realize they were missing crucial information that significantly impacted their investment decisions.

Beyond the Search: The Multi-Faceted Role of Today’s Broker

The modern real estate broker is far more than someone who simply shows properties. Today’s brokers are:

Market Intelligence Specialists: With real-time data and years of experience, brokers can identify value opportunities that online listings simply can’t reveal.
Negotiation Experts: In a city where every square foot comes at a premium, skilled negotiation can mean the difference between closing a deal or losing your dream property.
Paperwork Navigators: NYC’s real estate transaction documents can reach hundreds of pages. Brokers ensure that every detail is properly addressed.
Relationship Curators: The best deals in New York often happen before properties ever hit the public market. Established brokers maintain networks that give their clients first access to off-market opportunities.

The International Advantage

At Columbus International, our unique position bridging the American and Italian markets provides our clients with distinctive advantages. Whether you’re an Italian investor looking at Manhattan opportunities or an American seeking the perfect Milanese apartment, our bicultural expertise ensures you’re never navigating unfamiliar territory alone.

Understanding both markets enables the Columbus International team to provide contextual guidance that’s invaluable to clients. The company prides itself on translating not just the language, but the entire real estate culture, ensuring a seamless experience regardless of which side of the Atlantic the transaction occurs.

The Cost of Going Solo: What You Risk Without Representation

Many first-time buyers or sellers are tempted to handle transactions themselves, believing they’ll save on commission fees. However, this approach often proves more expensive in the long run:

Unrepresented buyers frequently overpay by 3-7% compared to broker-represented transactions
Solo sellers typically receive 5-10% less than properties marketed by professional brokers
Without expert guidance, transaction timelines often extend by weeks or months
Legal complications arising from improper documentation can cost thousands in remediation

Making the Right Choice

Whether you’re purchasing your first NYC apartment or expanding an international real estate portfolio, professional representation transforms what could be an overwhelming process into a strategic opportunity.

The value of a broker extends far beyond the transaction itself. It’s the confidence that comes from knowing every decision is informed by expertise and experience that truly matters. In a market as competitive and complex as New York City’s, that peace of mind becomes perhaps the most valuable asset of all for clients navigating these challenging waters.

Columbus International Real Estate specializes in residential and commercial properties, with offices in New York, Miami, Milan, and Florence. Our multilingual team of expert brokers provides seamless service for clients navigating both American and Italian real estate markets.

Giuliani Slashes Price on NYC Penthouse Following Legal Settlement

By Columbus International,5 March 2025

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani has relisted his Manhattan penthouse at a significantly reduced price following the resolution of his high-profile legal battle with two Georgia election workers, according to real estate records.

The three-bedroom Upper East Side residence hit the market Monday for $5.2 million—representing a substantial $1.4 million price reduction from its previous listing price.

This latest listing comes just days after a judge declared Giuliani had “fully satisfied” the terms of a settlement agreement with Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, two Georgia election workers who had successfully sued him for defamation. As The New York Post reported, the settlement allowed Giuliani to retain ownership of valuable assets—including this penthouse—that might otherwise have been seized to satisfy the $140 million judgment against him.

Luxury Living in Historic Landmark

The penthouse, located in the prestigious Lenox Hill neighborhood, offers luxury amenities rarely found in Manhattan’s high-end market. The property features a wood-paneled library, a wood-burning fireplace, and a glass conservatory. Previous listing photographs showcased Giuliani’s memorabilia collection, including a signed replica of Joe DiMaggio’s Yankees jersey presented to him in 2002.

Situated in a Gothic-inspired terra cotta and brick building constructed in 1906 and designated a landmark in 1977, the residence provides panoramic Central Park views. The white-glove cooperative includes full-service amenities with a monthly maintenance fee of $10,934 covering door attendants, porters, and a resident manager.

History of Price Reductions

This isn’t Giuliani’s first attempt to sell the property. According to listing history, the penthouse was initially offered in summer 2023 for $6.3 million and has undergone three separate price reductions since then.

The New York Post reported that prior to the recent legal settlement, Giuliani had made “a last-ditch bid to sell the pad at a $1 million discount” before it could potentially be seized by Freeman and Moss, who had successfully sued him after he accused them of ballot tampering during the 2020 election.

The current listing is being handled by Serena Boardman at Sotheby’s International Realty.