Category: Uncategorized
September 25, 2019
BLOG: The Pearl of the Upper East Side
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Located on Manhattan’s historic Upper East Side, The Pearl’s no-fee rentals combine modern design elements with classic finishes to create a living space that celebrates New York City’s timeless chic. The 23-story tower, located between 1st Avenue and York Avenue on 66th Street, presents an elegant base with a sleek, glassy facade and invites residents into its stunning marble-clad lobby, where a 24-hour concierge is on-hand to help with whatever task residents need accomplished.
Upstairs, these spacious homes feature floor-to-ceiling windows with exquisite East River and intimate skyline views as well as gorgeous finishes and top-of-the-line appliances and fixtures, including baths clad in Crema Marfil marble and inspired by luxury spas. Residents also have access to The Pearl’s state-of-the-art fitness center, where they can follow their workout routines without stepping foot outside their building. Resting atop The Pearl is PHB, a three-bedroom penthouse that defines Upper East Side luxury. This duplex includes multiple private terraces and a spacious living area centered around the gourmet kitchen.
Living at The Pearl is about more than the building, though. The Upper East Side is a quiet slice of Manhattan, where tree-lined streets are cut by wide avenues lined with fine dining and comfort food. Just around the corner, residents will find the ever-popular Bagelworks, where lines will often snake out the front door, while just a few blocks south, Sushi Seki provides the best omakase meal around. Residents seeking something a little more casual will love Maya, the neighborhood taqueria that also offers the neighborhood’s best bottomless brunch. Foodies willing to head a little further afield will love the Upper East Side’s slate of classic eateries, including famous Italian spot Tony’s Di Napoli, a family-friendly UES staple since 1959, and Ravagh Persian Grill on 1st Avenue, which combines New York’s penchant for world-class Middle Eastern cuisine with a small plates philosophy that keeps regulars coming back for more.
Nestled in the heart of the Upper East Side, The Pearl is across the street from P.S. 183, a highly ranked school that embraces a community-focused educational philosophy; among other activities, it hosts a weekly flea market that has been a neighborhood staple for two decades. Nearby St. Catherine’s Park offers a shady spot to enjoy a coffee or spend some time with the family at the playground, while Central Park is just a few blocks west. Meanwhile, joggers will love how close their new home is to the East River Greenway along the FDR. Residents also have convenient access to the nearby F/Q/6 subway lines, all of which are central arteries that carry New Yorkers around Manhattan and the outer boroughs.
So, what are you waiting for? Head over to The Pearl’s website to see these amazing homes for yourself!
September 20, 2019
BLOG: Your Guide to Celebrating in Style in Midtown West
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When New Yorkers celebrate, they’re often drawn to the classy bars and authentic restaurants found in Midtown West. The area, which encompasses classic neighborhoods, including Hell’s Kitchen, represents the very pinnacle of Manhattan living, and it’s no wonder that it’s a favorite for anniversaries and important milestones. Keep reading for a guide to taking that special someone out for an unforgettable evening.
At Algin Management, the family-owned business with half a century of experience matching prospective buyers with no-fee rental apartments in great NYC neighborhoods, we know how to help you have a sensational time as you navigate Midtown West.
It may seem quaint, but a bouquet of flowers or a box of bonbons is a surefire way to start your special evening right. Hell’s Kitchen staple Flowers by Richard is your one-stop shop for all your floral needs. From a classic dozen red roses to themed bouquets like the yellow Lemon Drop Roses and delicate Jade Green Roses, Flowers by Richard is sure to have the perfect arrangement. If your lover has a sweet tooth, stop by La Maison Du Chocolat by Columbus Circle and pick up a box of rich dark chocolate or creamy truffles.
Columbus Circle is also home to Robert, the unparalleled restaurant atop the Museum of Arts and Design. There’s no better spot in Midtown West to mark an occasion than this chic dining room, decorated with bright modern furniture and looking out on the green canopy of Central Park and the iconic skyline along the park’s western edge. Enjoy a round of signature cocktails before diving into the menu by Chef Gonzalo Colin, who has crafted a range of dishes that span the globe. Choice ingredients like Kobe beef and Maine lobster form the heart of these elegant meals, all backed up by a formidable wine list.
When the dessert plates are cleared and the night seems poised to end, head around the corner to The Aviary for one last glimpse at the skyline. This outpost of the famous Chicago venue features small plates and creative cocktails in a lively setting, making for an exciting nightcap sure to put a memorable aura on the intimate evening.
Learn more about Midtown West, New York’s crossroads of shopping, dining and culture, and Central Park, by viewing our current availabilities in this dynamic neighborhood today.
September 20, 2019
BLOG: A Renter’s Guide to Kitchen Essentials
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So, you’re a budding home chef looking to take your culinary pursuits to the next level. You yearn to craft Instagram-worthy dishes that not only please the palates of your guests but look like refined pieces of art. While perusing Algin Management’s available no-fee luxury rentals in NYC, you realize that the kitchen is perhaps the most important aspect of a residence for you.
Cooking is a pursuit that is dependent upon the tools of the chef. While there may be ways to get the best out of low-quality kitchenware, some essentials are incredibly important if you want to take your meals to the next level.
There may be no other piece of kitchenware more important than one’s pans. And again, as with the knives, the market is flooded with options. We highly recommend Tramontina’s Professional Restaurant Fry Pan. It is billed as a pan made for a professional kitchen and adapted to be used at home, and that’s what it feels like. Its cast stainless-steel handle and heavy gauge aluminum construction make it feel incredibly solid without weighing a ton. It can be used on all stovetops, comes with a lifetime warranty, and is truly nonstick, which makes clean-up easier.
Cooking nearly always involves cutting of some sort, so having a good set of knives is vital. There are many kitchen knife sets on the market, but we’re partial to the Calphalon Classic Self-Sharpening 6-Piece Cutlery Set. The set includes a paring knife, a Santoku knife, a utility knife, a chef’s knife, and kitchen shears. They are all made from fully forged, high-carbon German steel. What truly makes this set extraordinary, however, are the built-in knife sharpeners. The knife block—which utilizes their patented SharpIN technology—has a sharpener for every blade. If you cook often, your knives will inevitably start to become dull. Having to take out a sharpener is another step in preparing your dish. With this set, the sharpener is right there. Run the knives in and out a few times, and they’re ready to go.
If you’re going to be braising, roasting, or making soups, stews, and casseroles—if you’re going to be slow cooking at all—you need a Dutch oven. But not all Dutch ovens are created equal—not by a long shot. Le Creuset’s Dutch Oven is one of the most well-known brands, and for good reason. Le Creuset has been making Dutch ovens for just under a century. They know what they’re doing. This cast-iron beauty can do it all. It distributes heat slowly and evenly, ensuring that everything inside the pot coalesces just the way it should.
Now that you have the proper tools for a future that is filled with good food, Algin Management can help you find a new home (and kitchen) where you can create and host many feasts to come.
July 11, 2019
BLOG: The Air-Purifying Powers of Indoor Plants
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Clean air is a cause that most people can get behind, but for some, the idea of nurturing a living plant can be a little intimidating. But for those lacking a green thumb, there are plenty of low-maintenance, virtually indestructible plants — the kind that can withstand whatever hardships you may inadvertently impose upon them. Aloe, for example, can tolerate being watered every two to three weeks, and the snake plant “thrives on being ignored,” according to HGTV. The hardy pothos plant is an excellent choice for first-timers. When it needs water, it will begin to visibly droop, basically telling you, “I’m thirsty!” Once drenched, it will perk back up again.
Different plants have different needs, based on the climate found in their native environment. Tropical plants will crave humidity and warmth, while desert plants prefer dry, arid conditions. The key to nurturing a plant is taking these conditions and applying them to the three major elements a plant depends upon for life: soil, light, and water. Make sure the soil you use is composed correctly — depending on your plant, you may need to add sand, peat, or perlite. For light, refer to the guidelines that came with your plant, or hop online and do a little research. But it is also important to be responsive to the signals your plant gives. If the leaves begin to look singed around the edges, your plant may be receiving too much direct sun. Try moving it to a location in your apartment that offers bright, indirect light, and see how it fares there. Water may be the trickiest component of all. Some plants will drown or rot in an abundance of water, while others will quickly wither without enough of it. Guidance from your local nursery can help you perfect your watering schedule.
It may take a little work to get your indoor garden going, but the innumerable benefits of indoor foliage are worth the effort. Before you know it, your no-fee apartments in Manhattan will feel like a verdant paradise.
Explore our availabilities today and find your next home in classic New York.
June 26, 2019
BLOG: Follow Your Passion and Discover the City
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The key is to start with what you love. Are you an art buff, or someone who is thinking of becoming an art collector? New York is the art capital of the world — once you begin to tap into the network of artists and art institutions here, you will be astonished at how much there is to explore. Museums like The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim Museum have such a wealth of programming that they are like their own miniature art empires amidst the bustling streets.
If you have more specific interests, be sure to check out Meetup, offering groups to join with people who have similar interests. From photography workshops to avid hikers, the groups are endless. If you can’t find one that fits you, try starting your own!
Another great way to meet people and build a community in NYC is to join a gym, yoga studio, or run club. You’ll meet people from your neighborhood while getting in the best shape of your life. The Central Park Track Club is one of the foremost running clubs in the city, and their “track,” most of the time, is in Central Park (as you might have guessed). This is an ideal way to connect with nature in the city and to meet other serious runners. Another excellent place to get your double dose of friendly faces and an outstanding workout is Orangetheory Fitness, a fitness club whose entire ethos is based on building community and on recognizing the enormous benefit of having personal training coaches overseeing your entire workout plan. Or try CorePower Yoga for equal parts sweat-inducing workout and mindfulness. You’re going to need both with what will soon be your exhilarating and ever-expanding schedule.
Explore our availabilities today and find your next home in classic New York.
June 4, 2019
BLOG: Scenic and Convenient Escape NYC for the Weekend
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The Hamptons, Long Island, N.Y.
The Hamptons is one of the quintessential New York seaside getaways, especially during the warmer seasons. Worth a visit for endless components – there are the long stretches of pristine white sand, the hulking dunes, and the uninterrupted views of the deep-blue Atlantic Ocean, for starters. If you want to stray from the beaten path, check out Two Mile Hollow Beach, a low-key, picturesque spot with vibes that tend toward the bohemian.
Asbury Park, N.J.
If your favorite part of going to the beach is strolling the boardwalk, perusing the seaside shops, and enjoying fresh seafood, Asbury Park might just be the place for you. The promenade has a distinctive, old-school feel; it’s one of the few remaining beach towns still full of arcades, theaters, vintage clothing boutiques, and infamous venues like The Stone Pony, where Bruce Springsteen played in his early days. Travel & Leisure recently declared Asbury Park “the coolest place on the Jersey shore,” but we’ll let you decide for yourself.
Shelter Island, Long Island, N.Y.
Nature lovers will find much to love at Shelter Island, the bucolic Long Island oasis. While Shelter Island has enjoyed renewed popularity in recent years, it remains a natural and quiet getaway, thanks to Mashomack Preserve. The preserve, a swath of land making up about a third of the island, covers “2,039 acres of interlacing tidal creeks, mature oak woodlands, fields, and freshwater marshes,” according to The Nature Conservancy. To explore it, take a stroll on one of the loops of the nine-mile-long Mashomack Preserve Trail, where you’ll see plenty of fascinating flora and fauna and get a healing dose of salt air.
Phoenicia, N.Y.
Perhaps your getaway inclinations pull you upward, toward the mountains. In that case, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a mountain escape with as many recreational opportunities as Phoenicia, N.Y. Set deep in the Catskill Mountains, Phoenicia is surrounded on all sides by natural playgrounds. You can head down Esopus Creek on an inner tube, hike to the dramatic, two-tiered Kaaterskill Falls, or take in miles of fall foliage from Giant Ledge. Afterward, stroll historic downtown Phoenicia, where you can shop for antiques or try the pan-fried trout alongside the locals at the famous Phoenicia Diner.
As your summer getaways come to an end, you can look forward to coming home to your homey apartment in the city. Explore our availabilities today and find your next home in classic New York.
May 6, 2019
BLOG: Algin’s Guide to Renting in NYC
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Start Your Search Early (But Not Too Early)
This is always tricky in New York. You certainly don’t want to start too late, because the pressure of hurrying the process could cause you to make a rash decision — landing you in a less-than-ideal situation. Most NYC apartments are listed 30 days in advance, and some are 60, but it’s rare to find time frames longer than that. So, you can start two months before your moving date, but make sure to only search for apartments that are available for rent two months out. The last thing you want is to find a wonderful place and then discover that it’s up for rent in a month. Paying rent twice is far from ideal. We’d recommend starting anywhere from 30 to 50 days out. That way, you can get a good feel for the market and are more likely find something you really want.
Go in With a Plan
This is a must. Whether moving on your own, or with a partner or friend, make sure you know what you want in a residence. Sit down and make a wish list, and then decide which things on your list you can live without — and which things you can’t. When you search, aim high, but don’t be unwilling to compromise. If you’re looking for a two-bedroom with a roof deck, an eat-in kitchen, a parking space, natural light, and an in-unit washer/dryer, and you find a place that has everything but the roof deck, it might be time to pounce. Go in knowing which aspects of your future home are negotiable and which are carved in stone — it will make the whole experience far less stressful.
Understand Your Credit Score
Many listings will post a credit score or range that is needed to rent a residence. It’s important to know where you stand in this particular area to avoid surprises. Sites like Credit Karma offer free credit checks, and since they’re soft inquiries, checking the score will not impact your credit. If you find your credit score is too low for many apartments you desire, you may be able to have a guarantor co-sign for you. Not all buildings allow guarantors, but many do.
Be Ready to Act
Speaking of pouncing, being ready to act when your ideal place pops up is vitally important. You may only have a window of 30 minutes to lock down an apartment before it’s gone. Go in ready to rent, primed to get the ball rolling, or you might be left in the dust.
One way you can easily find a new NYC no-fee apartment is by exploring our availabilities today to jump on your new home in classic New York.
April 18, 2019
BLOG: A Guide to a Heavenly Home Office
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Find a Space
The first thing to consider is where you are going to set up your workspace. You don’t need a lot of space for a home office, but you don’t want to be crushed into a closet, either. There are many no-fee apartments in Manhattan that offer layouts with half-bedrooms. Those layouts work quite well for a home office. Remember that it’s a good idea for your work area to be separate from the main living area of your home. Keep your living space for living and your working space for working — the separation will help you maintain regular hours and enhance productivity.
Let There Be Light
The lighting in your home office is vital. It’s pretty simple really: If your lighting is off, you will constantly be straining your eyes to see your work. This leads to a lack of focus. Also, inadequate lighting can zap the energy right out of you, and good lighting can do just the opposite. It’s wise to avoid harsh overhead lights and go with a floor lamp accented by a nice desk lamp. And always utilize natural light as much as possible. Some people say you shouldn’t have your desk facing a window, but we disagree — we’re all for it. Natural light is invigorating. Use it.
The Desk — The Epicenter of the Home Office
In most home offices, the desk is the centerpiece and the most important furniture purchase you’ll make when designing your workspace. If there’s any place to splurge a bit, this is it. Your desk needs to be functional and aesthetically pleasing or you won’t want to work there. Think of it this way: You will be spending a significant amount of time at this desk — you should love it. Moreover, we recommend purchasing a model that converts to a standing desk. Sitting all day is bad for your back, and having the option to stand and work helps break up the monotony. If you need fresh air, be sure to get out and enjoy a serene walk around your neighborhood, no matter where you live – whether it be Gramercy, Murray Hill, or the Upper East or West Side – a clear mind gets the job done.
The Importance of Comfort
This part is simple: Buy a nice chair. Along with the desk, this is the place to spend your money. Even if you purchase a convertible, standing desk, you will still spend hours seated, and you’re going to want to be comfortable. The last thing you need is for your home office to be an uncomfortable, unwelcoming place that makes you feel miserable.
Distractions and Design
Don’t put a television in your home office. Just don’t do it. It’s tempting, but remember: This is a work space. Having a television in your home office will only serve to distract you from your work. And again — we can’t stress this enough — the key to being productive when working from home is to create an office space that is separated from living space, both physically and in terms of what you do there. It’s also wise to keep the design cohesive. If you’re going modern, stick with that the whole way through. If you’re going traditional, the same goes. Cohesion will help the space feel like a separate, distinct entity. This is your chance to build everything to your exact specifications. So, shoot for the moon.
Explore our availabilities today and find your next home in classic New York.
April 2, 2019
BLOG: A Stroll Through Historic Gramercy Park
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Samuel B. Ruggles: The Man Who Made Gramercy Park
They say that one million horse carts of earth were shifted when developer Samuel B. Ruggles oversaw the transformation of Gramercy Square in the early 1830s. Perhaps he’d gotten the idea to create an urban haven from observing the model of Hudson Square — it’s the only private square in New York City older than Gramercy Park. At any rate, 66 moneyed New Yorkers were lucky enough to purchase a parcel of the reclaimed land. And so, the area’s prestige was born. Since then, of course, new streets, churches, apartments, hotels, and bars have sprung up, burgeoning into the wider area of the current Gramercy Park neighborhood. But be sure to visit the flagstone at the west of the original gated park, which quietly remembers this area’s savvy founder.
Famous Gramercy Park Residents
As you might imagine, a neighborhood as appealing as Gramercy Park boasts its fair share of celebrity locals. Shakespearean actor Edwin Booth presides over Gramercy Park in statue form — perhaps keeping an eye on The Players, the club he founded in 1888. A young Preston Sturges — the man who would go on to become one of the great filmmakers of his time — stayed at The Hotel Irving. (His mother stayed uptown at the Ritz-Carlton!) Among the contemporary residents of the area are “Kill Bill” lead Uma Thurman, “The Tonight Show” host and funnyman Jimmy Fallon, singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright, and one of Hollywood’s true superstars, Julia Roberts. Have a no-fee apartment here, and, rest assured, you’ll be in good company.
Explore Historical Gramercy
Today’s Gramercy Park throbs with all the vibrancy of modern-day NYC — and has all the modern conveniences, to boot. Yet, throughout the neighborhood, you can still sense the history. Stroll the leafy streets, and find 19th century brownstones rubbing shoulders with former carriage houses. Marvel at the Gothic Revival Calvary Church, known for its charitable work in the community. Catch a show at Gramercy Theatre, a former cinema turned decadent music and comedy venue. When you’ve tired yourself out, call in at Pete’s Tavern — one of the oldest drinking establishments in the city — for a cold beer. The celebrated watering hole has been featured in everything from “Seinfeld” to “Sex and the City.” Of course, if you require some more upmarket refreshment, you can always order a whiskey at The Players. Provided they accept you as a member, of course.
Explore our availabilities today and find your next home in classic New York.
March 18, 2019
BLOG: The Art of Organizing in Manhattan
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You’ll need to do some strategic shopping to find the organizational equipment to set up a home for maximum comfort and efficiency. A tall plant can anchor a room with a calm and verdant presence when its backdrop is a pristine white wall instead of a heap of clutter; a hamper can be an art object; and a desk organizer can provide a vintage accent that harkens back to the days of fountain pens and handwritten letters. Living in New York means having the most design-savvy versions of what sorts and holds your best-loved stuff. And part of the fun is discovering how aesthetically pleasing staying organized can be.
For organizing the bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen, it’s hard to imagine living in a no-fee New York apartment and NOT paying a visit or two to The Container Store. With their fabric hanging shelves and Elfa shelving system, this is a place where you can become an organizational strategist and work out configurations for creating and saving space inside every closet and drawer.
For keeping your apartment spotless, there is nothing more helpful than a set of cleaning tools whose thoughtful design makes them as easy to use as they are to store. At Muji, you can find mops, brooms, dustpans, and dusters derived from a Japanese design sensibility that promotes elegance and simplicity, and might even make the act of cleaning its own kind of refreshing ritual.
For storage solutions that could double as home decor, head to ABC Carpet & Home where you can find a hamper that is handmade by artisans in Colombia, or a set of handwoven raffia baskets that can both hold and display items too beautiful to store out of sight, like fresh fruit or jewelry.
Perhaps there is no place in New York City that makes getting organized and productive a more delectable experience than Goods for the Study – McNally Jackson Store. There, you can grab a set of geometric photo stands whose elegance is almost a side effect of their space- and hassle- saving simplicity — change the pictures you display in them as the mood strikes — there will never be a need for bulky frames or for your photographic adornments to remain static. The wood tape dispenser is an elegant touch for your workspace. It’s a piece you’ll want to exhibit, which means you will never go hunting for the tape again. Do you need a Brass Curve Pen Tray? Once you realize it’s a sculpture for your desk as much as a place to keep your writing instruments, the answer is, “It wouldn’t be home without it.”
And if you really need more space, no need to rent a storage unit blocks from home, some of Algin’s buildings offer storage units for rent so all of your possessions can stay under one roof. Explore our availabilities today and find your next home in classic New York.