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Posts from January 2008

Affordable NYC: Jackson Heights

Affordable NYC: Jackson Heights published on 7 Comments on Affordable NYC: Jackson Heights

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Photo: JP Chan

I’m a bit disappointed that Jackson Heights isn’t as affordable as I thought (see listings below). Coops and condos can be had for under $300k, but I’m a firm believer in 2-3 family homes where tenants help with the mortgage. I didn’t come across any here for under $800k.

That’s not to say I don’t have a whole lotta love for Jackson Heights! If you have never been, it’s worth the trip for Little India alone. I trek over from Brooklyn occasionally just for the Jackson Diner. If you’re not into Indian food, the neighborhood certainly isn’t lacking on the ethnic restaurant front.

Jackson Heights is one of those remarkably diverse communities where everyone seems pleased as punch to be there (Or is it just me drinking the Kool Aid?). There’s a very large Latin American population and in fact, the neighborhood is the center for gay Latinos in Queens.

The architecture: Jackson Heights is known for it’s urban planning. The neighborhood consists of many pre-war rowhouses and garden apartments built around courtyards. Much of the area is historically landmarked.

Subway service is not a problem. The 7, E, F, G, and R all run through Jackson Heights.

Jackson Heights Beautification Group
Jackson Heights Life Forum
Jackson Heights Blog
Jackson Heights NYC
Jackson Heights NYC Info

Wood Tile

Wood Tile published on 3 Comments on Wood Tile

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I love these! I’m not a huge fan of parquet floors, but this wood mosaic and herringbone look is hot. Yeah, I said “hot”. Just shoot me now.

Since wood + water don’t mix, my first question was “But how do you grout?” Well, you use epoxy thinset and epoxy grout. The tiles are recommended for backsplashes, wainscoting or as accents. I’m assuming you can use them for floors in low traffic areas that don’t see any moisture.

Anchor Bay Tile offers 9 choices of real wood tile from sustainable forests. At $25.50 per square foot, it would be a tough nut to crack for the entire floor anyway. It ships from Arizona.

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Beagle Tiles, straight outta Brooklyn, has a line of veneered plywood. They came up with the concept in 1986 when they converted a mound of 1/4″ fir plywood scraps into beautiful, functional tiles. “Proud owner” Marcy informs me that these can be grouted since they are sealed and finished first.

Weekender: New Paltz, NY

Weekender: New Paltz, NY published on 6 Comments on Weekender: New Paltz, NY

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Photo of Mohonk Mountain House: C Purrin

New Paltz is pretty perfect. Seriously, you can’t get much better than this. Located within 90 minutes of NYC and accessible by public transit, the town is completely walker friendly.

And this is no podunk town. It’s a full service village. There are plenty of restaurants, including the eclectic Main Street Bistro (complete with a punk era Beastie Boys/Murphy’s Law poster on the wall), The Guilded Otter brewery and the local/organic/slow food Village Tea Room. There’s also a Lemon Grass Grill, Italian, Indian and Middle Eastern restaurants.

When you tire of eating and shopping, there’s always The Gunks. If you’re not fond of rock climbing, there are plenty of hikes. Or it’s cool to just sit on your ass and look at the mountains. For a great adventure, check out The Ranch in nearby Gardiner. Deniro jumped there. And so did I.

New Paltz is a college town, so there’s no lack of hip factor or nightlife. In my day, SUNY New Paltz was known as the “party school”. I don’t know if that still holds true. It’s quite a veggie friendly, yoga momma, liberal town. In 2004, New Paltz was the site of New York’s first same sex marriages.

Oh please, if New Paltz was commutable I would so live there.

Chamber of Commerce
Unofficial Site

Reconditioned Tools

Reconditioned Tools published on 2 Comments on Reconditioned Tools

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My MacBookPro never leaves my side. Until I get my iphone, then we’ll see. When my old laptop became obsolete after a week (Thank you Mr. Jobs!) I didn’t want to spend good money on something I’d probably have to replace in another few months. I got this ingenius brain fart to buy a refurbished computer directly from Mac. I paid half the price and have a year’s warranty.

So, what about doing that with power tools? The deals aren’t as good as computers, but they are discounted and they do come with a warranty. Plus, buying refurbished means you’re recycling!

Keep in mind that used and reconditioned are two different things. You can purchase used tools on Craig’s, Ebay or Amazon, but you don’t know what kind of problems they have.

It’s best to go directly to the manufacturer or a reseller they recommend, but if that’s not possible, just make sure the company isn’t some guy fixing tools in his garage.

Here’s what I found during a quick search:
Tyler Tool
Tool King
CPO Outlets

Oh, PS: In all fairness to Steve Jobs, I dropped my old computer so many times that it finally just died on me. I can’t avoid a good Mac dig though.

Research The History Of Your Home

Research The History Of Your Home published on 8 Comments on Research The History Of Your Home

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It’s one of those things I’ve always wanted to do but never got around to. I got goosebumps when we found old letters from the war in our Bed Stuy house. And I was equally excited when we found crack vials from the 80’s. It’s all part of the history!

If you’re not lucky enough to have found time capsules in your walls, there are some ways to figure out who was there before you.

Talk to the previous owners, tenants and neighbors. Local shopkeepers could be a good source if they’ve been there awhile. The guy at my local hardware store knows everyone and everything.

Public records include deeds, taxes and building permits. You’ll probably need to go to the County Clerk’s office and hit the library and historical society as well. Property Shark and ACRIS will get you started, but you won’t get very far.

The links below go into much more detail than I ever could. If all else fails, you can always hire a house genealogist.

Photo: Wally Gobetz

Wiki How
Hunt Down Your Home’s History: CNN
Old House History
House Genealogy
Cyndi’s List

BKLYN Designs 2008

BKLYN Designs 2008 published on 1 Comment on BKLYN Designs 2008

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Via Decor 8

CALL FOR EXHIBITORS: BKLYN DESIGNS + 2008

Since it’s launch in 2003, Bklyn Designs has expanded into three main venues. The Dumbo show is presented by the Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Target this year.

In addition to showcasing up and coming home furnishing and fixture designers, BKLYN DESIGNS 2008 will feature a cash and carry market for small home accessories.

There is no jury fee to enter, but booth space is $800 and items must have been made in Brooklyn.

Application deadline is February 1, 2008.

BKLYN Designs

Building Materials Reuse Association

Building Materials Reuse Association published on 4 Comments on Building Materials Reuse Association

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BMRA is not for profit educational and research group whose goal is to encourage the reuse of building materials during deconstruction. It is a membership based group that brings together demolition companies and recycling organizations.

So what does that mean for the homeowner? Well, the site lists state by state directories of members and non members in the business. This includes salvage companies, reclaimed lumber and demolition services.

New York
New Jersey
Connecticut

1950’s Kitchen Cabinets

1950’s Kitchen Cabinets published on 5 Comments on 1950’s Kitchen Cabinets

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Before you get excited, Source Antiques is located in Bath, England. But I just want to give you an idea of what you can do with old outdated cabinets. With a bit of refurbishing and new handles, your cabinets could be (almost) as spectacular as these. Won’t you give them a second chance?

We have a set of wood cabinets in our garage that are waiting for some love. And I can’t wait to get to them! It’s going to be a fun project.

Local Slate Quarry

Local Slate Quarry published on

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Although slate is not a renewable source, there are some things to consider before dismissing it.

Let’s start with the negatives first. Is it raping the earth? What impact does the mining have on the environment? Does it create pollution?

If you really want your renovation to be green, these are questions you’ll have to ask about every product. You can buy a 100% recycled countertop that is fabricated under the best conditions, but if it’s being shipped from California and will be out of style by next year, what’s the point?

A few things to consider:

Buy local.

Get something that will hold up for many years.

Go with something that won’t go out of style next year. A classic look.

Is it recyclable once the life expectancy is over or if someone buys your house and guts it because it’s “not their taste”?

I found a local (enough) quarry in my search. Sheldon Slate is a 4th generation family owned business with locations in NY, VT, ME and PA. They mine and manufacture tiles, sinks, slabs and roofing.

Beats Italian marble or granite.

Hotel Liquidators

Hotel Liquidators published on 1 Comment on Hotel Liquidators

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A few weeks ago I heard about the glut of hotel armoires on NPR. This due to the fact that flat screen TV’s are all the rage now and hotels are discarding the entertainment units along with the big outdated TV’s.

Armoires have been around since the turn of some long ago century. I don’t know the full history, so I won’t pretend I do. They can be converted for use as a closet, kitchen cupboard or computer desk. And why not still an entertainment center? Those flat screen TV’s are still very much out of place in a period home!

Universal Hotel Liquidators seems to be the only local hotel shop. And when I say local, I mean New Haven, CT. They currently have some cool couches and chairs from the Essex House.

For a list of surplus outlets across the country, see I Love Upstate’s November post.

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