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The week of December 29, 2025 - January 4, 2026 was the slowest week for Manhattan residential real estate activity of the 2025 calendar year, likely due to the New Year's Eve and New Year's Day holidays falling in the middle of the business week. But while the number of contracts signed dipped slightly week-over-week, two uber-luxury deals asking over $20 million were instrumental in driving the aggregate dollar amount up during this time, and 2025 ultimately logged the highest total number of December contracts since 2021.

It is roughly two full weeks into winter in the Northern Hemisphere, but the season is already off to a chilly start in New York City. Real-feel temperatures hovered around 0 degrees Fahrenheit the week before the winter solstice. While New Yorkers just missed out on a white Christmas, Central Park saw 4.3 inches of snow a short time after, making it the first time the park has observed greater snowfall than 4 inches since January 2022 (per the National Weather Service). In the days that followed, temperatures plummeted below freezing with wind chills into the teens.

The Willow, Naftali Group’s newest luxury boutique tower in Manhattan’s historic Gramercy neighborhood, is designed by COOKFOX Architects with interiors and amenities by Rockwell Group. The 19-story building will offer 69 residences, including penthouses with expansive private loggias and terraces. Its amenities reinterpret classic Downtown design for contemporary living and include a private cinema, the speakeasy-style Mermaid Room, a landscaped courtyard, and The Glamercy Room, a music lounge with a recording studio. A signature element of the Mermaid Room is a salvaged mermaid medallion discovered on-site and preserved by the project team, whose mysterious origins inspired the room’s name and nautical character.

Installing radiant floor heating in a New York City apartment can be a challenging process. Industry leader Warmly Yours notes that in addition to installing the system, the existing flooring needs to be replaced with materials that are better suited to conducting heat. Additionally, the installation will raise the height of the floor by about an inch, meaning existing doors may not clear it anymore.

From the rise of intimate, community-driven destinations to a renewed influx of international buyers, 2026 is shaping up to be a year defined by how thoughtfully residential environments support daily living. These shifts are influencing where buyers invest, what they expect, and how developers respond.

Fireplace design has quietly but meaningfully shifted in recent years, becoming an architectural element defined by materiality, proportion, and craftsmanship rather than ornament or nostalgia. Designers across luxury residential projects are approaching the hearth with a level of precision that treats it as part of the architectural language of a room—not an accessory added at the end.

A curious and increasingly visible trend is taking shape across New York: In a city where every square foot is treated like a precious commodity, a centuries-old architectural idea is quietly reshaping the skyline: the loggia.

In the weeks following September 11, 2001, a time when much of the city was closing itself off through increased security measure, Open House New York (OHNY) was established as a counterpoint to provide a deeper look at the people, projects, infrastructure, and systems that define New York City and its future. OHNY offers year-round programming like tours, lectures, screenings, and parties, and the highlight is OHNY Weekend. It started with 84 sites in all five boroughs, and has since expanded to over 300 destinations including residential buildings, manufacturing workshops, infrastructure facilities, and performance spaces.

New York's most upscale residential buildings flaunt the use of high-quality materials: statuary marble floors and countertops, bronze door handles and frames, and onyx details. But the rarest and perhaps most highly coveted amenity of all is made from a commonplace nickel alloy: a key to Gramercy Park, the only private park in Manhattan. The first keys to Gramercy Park were made of solid gold, and today’s keys are treated as reverently as if it was still the practice.

As the city slips into fall, New York’s rooftops are stepping into the spotlight. Once simply prized for their views, these elevated spaces are now designed as fully realized extensions of the home — places to sip morning coffee, unwind after work, or host a dinner under the stars. From landscaped gardens and shaded pergolas to bocce courts, outdoor kitchens, and fire pits, rooftop living is evolving into one of the most coveted amenities in residential design.

Facade installation is ongoing at Naftali Group’s 19-story residential tower The Willow in the Gramercy neighborhood of Manhattan. Designed by COOKFOX Architects, the tower’s facade features red brick and industrial styled punch windows cladding a massing that includes numerous setback terraces and partially enclosed loggias. Facade details include segmental arches formed by soldier coarse brick, commonly found in industrial buildings.

On Friday, September 26, the New York Film Festival kicks off at Lincoln Center. The festivities will open with Luca Guadagnino's After the Hunt and close with Is This Thing On? (directed by star Bradley Cooper), and there are many star-studded projects being screened in between. The New York Film Festival comes on the heels of the Telluride Film Festival, the Toronto International Film Festival, and the Venice Film Festival, all of which were likely precursors to this year's Oscar nominees.

Despite an abundance of world-famous performance venues, prestigious music schools and conservatories, and highly acclaimed instructors, the perfect practice space for musicians isn't easy to come by in New York City. Close quarters and thin walls of many apartments mean the neighbors aren't likely to be appreciative of the most masterfully played musical instruments early in the morning or late at night. Some residential buildings even have rules saying musical instruments cannot be played during certain hours.

An elegant take on Gramercy living, The Willow blends timeless architecture with forward-thinking design, offering 69 one- to four-bedroom residences in one of Manhattan’s most coveted neighborhoods. Located just two blocks northeast of Gramercy Park, the 19-story tower by Naftali Group and COOKFOX Architects pays tribute to the area’s historic charm with a red brick façade, arched bays, and asymmetrical setbacks that create expansive terraces for upper-floor homes.

Façade installation is progressing on The Willow, a 19-story residential building at 201 East 23rd Street in Gramercy, Manhattan. Designed by COOKFOX Architects and developed by Naftali Group, the 210-foot-tall structure will yield 69 units in one- to three-bedroom layouts. The development will also include a four-bedroom penthouse on the upper levels and ground-floor retail space. The property is located at the corner of East 23rd Street and Third Avenue. Rockwell Group designed the interiors and amenities, while COOKFOX also designed the facade and layout of the residences.

The top 50 best-selling buildings in New York City so far this year are, not surprisingly, dominated by new development condos. These buildings tend to have more inventory and generally command higher prices than resales, as they’re designed around what today’s buyers want: state-of-the-art finishes, comprehensive amenities, and well-considered sellable layouts.

Many families across New York City are discovering that the most exciting part of the season isn’t happening at distant vacation destinations or crowded summer camps — it’s unfolding right at home.

Luxury residential resorts worldwide are embracing immersive, family-first programming that transforms everyday living into extraordinary experiences. This same energy is now reflected in many of the city’s top luxury buildings, where amenity spaces are intentionally designed to spark creativity, play, and connection for children and teens without ever leaving the building. The developments below stand out with their innovative family-friendly amenities.

While June 2025 got off to a robust start in terms of Manhattan contracts signed, the past few weeks have seen dips in deals. The month has been marked by political and economic turmoil, and CityRealty data shows that June 2025 could be on track to a two-month low if things continue at this rate.

With COOKFOX Architects designing the hand-laid masonry facade and Rockwell Group crafting gorgeous interiors and amenity spaces, The Willow is set to make quite the splash.

At the high end of the Manhattan real estate market, townhouses are in particular demand by a certain class of luxury buyer. They crave the exclusivity and privacy that not even the best-appointed penthouse can provide, and issues like high interest rates and equally high carrying costs do not put deter them. On the second full week of June 2025, a time when the number of contracts signed experienced a slight week-over-week dip, townhouses put on a strong showing in the top contracts of the week.

Fifteen years ago, it looked as though the Manhattan skyline was on the verge of being overwhelmed by glass and metal towers, austere monuments to Modernism that often lacked the warmth and character of the city's historic architecture. However, recent developments suggest a resurgence of traditional design principles in both public and private construction.

Naftali Group, a privately held global real estate development and investment firm based in New York, has topped out of The Willow, a construction milestone for its anticipated luxury residential development located in the Gramercy neighborhood. Rising 19 stories on the corner of 201 East 23rd St., The Willow brings a modern interpretation of classic New York architecture to one of the city’s most historic neighborhoods and is slated for completion in Q3 of 2026.

In Nashville, Tennessee, it is not uncommon to have a recording studio at home — even if it’s not quite at the level of Taylor Swift, who reportedly transformed a 2,000 sq ft guesthouse on her six-acre home there into a spectacular space to lay down tracks. For artists with shallower pockets, apartments with professional recording studios are a staple in the city: take CODA, Margaux Midtown, The Lucile and Rye Charlotte Ave. 

The Willow, a boutique residential development located at 201 East 23rd Street in Gramercy, has officially hit the market starting at HK$9,559,000.

Summer in New York is a season of contrasts: sun-drenched avenues, the hum of city life, and a collective yearning for just a bit of calm amid the urban chaos. While parks like Central and Prospect are popular respites, some of the city’s most serene escapes are actually hidden in plain sight – nestled quietly inside the walls of luxury residential buildings. These interior gardens are fully realized sanctuaries, designed with purpose and elegance, offering peace without needing to step onto the street.

As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, New York City's public parks get more crowded between a greater volume of visitors and public events like concerts, movie screenings, and outdoor workout classes. But for some New York City residents, an outdoor oasis is just an elevator ride away.

Construction is progressing on The Willow, a 19-story residential building at 201 East 23rd Street in Gramercy, Manhattan. Designed by COOKFOX Architects and developed by Naftali Group, the 210-foot-tall structure will yield 69 units in one- to three-bedroom layouts. The development will also include a four-bedroom penthouse on the upper levels and ground-floor retail space. The property is located at the corner of East 23rd Street and Third Avenue.

The property is scheduled for completion in late 2026.

The Willow by Naftali Group Launches Sales in Gramercy: A Contemporary Homage to Classic New York Living

COOKFOX Architects and Rockwell Group bring timeless design and curated amenities to The Willow, a boutique condominium redefining luxury in the heart of Gramercy Park.

Naftali Group has unveiled The Willow, a boutique building bringing timeless luxury to the heart of Gramercy. Located at 201 East 23rd Street, just steps from historic Gramercy Park, The Willow is designed by acclaimed COOKFOX Architects, featuring refined interiors and amenities crafted by the world-renowned Rockwell Group. With 69 meticulously designed residences, ranging from one to four bedrooms—including four half-floor penthouses and a spectacular full-floor penthouse—The Willow presents a striking modern interpretation of Gramercy's classic architectural charm.

Sales have launched at The Willow, a new boutique condominium on the corner of Third Avenue and East 23rd Street in the heart of Gramercy. The first public availabilities start at $1.3 million for one-bedrooms, $2.2 million for two-bedrooms, and $4.2 million for three-bedrooms. The 69 residences include four half-floor penthouses and one full-floor penthouse, but none of these are on the market yet.

The Willow, a remarkable new residential tower in Gramercy, has officially launched sales, presenting an exclusive opportunity for homebuyers seeking luxury in New York City. Developed by the renowned Naftali Group, this boutique tower combines timeless architecture with modern conveniences, setting a new standard for urban living.

New York’s Gramercy neighborhood has always been one of quiet grandeur, a place where brownstones line leafy streets and charm is built right into the architecture. Now, a new name is joining the conversation: The Willow.

NEW YORK, April 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On the heels of launching four new buildings in late 2024, including the record-breaking One Williamsburg Wharf, The Henry, 255 East 77th Street and Viceroy Fort Lauderdale, Naftali Group, a leading privately held global real estate development and investment firm based in New York, today announced the launch of sales at The Willow, a new luxury residential building in the heart of New York's historic Gramercy neighborhood. Designed by the award-winning COOKFOX Architects, with amenities and residences by the world-renowned Rockwell Group, The Willow represents a modern interpretation of classic New York architecture, offering 69 exceptionally crafted residences and a curated suite of club-like amenities that seamlessly integrate with the historic charm of the Gramercy neighborhood.

New renderings have been revealed for The Willow, a 19-story residential building under construction at 201 East 23rd Street in Gramercy, Manhattan. Designed by COOKFOX Architects and developed by Naftali Group, the topped-out 210-foot-tall structure will yield 69 residences as well as ground-floor retail space. The 7,200-square-foot lot is located at the corner of East 23rd Street and Third Avenue.