Stribling’s Luxury Report Says That Triplex on Fifth Isn’t Getting Any CheaperStribling’s Luxury Market report has bad news for buyers, at least if you’re the type who needs three bedrooms and a library on Park. Prices aren’t expected to drop anytime soon, says Kirk Henckels, director of Stribling Private Brokerage (the luxe firm’s ultraluxe arm), who spoke to us today. Already, there have been four closed sales above $20 million this year — writer Georgia Shreve’s duplex penthouse at 1060 Fifth Avenue that sold for $46 million is one of the more memorable deals, given that it still needs work. And nine more blockbusters are in the offing. (Last year, we had eleven total!) “We’re already ahead of pace,” Henckels says. The under–$20 million market’s also percolating. “There’s just so little [available]. One came on yesterday, and it’s priced significantly higher than one across the street that went for $17 million last year — and it won’t last long.” Why all the action, despite continued ambivalence about the economy’s future? Though some buyers, spooked by talks of a slowdown, may have left the game, plenty are still on the lookout for their next mansion, Henckels says.
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Blair Waldorf Had Breakfast at Bendel, Not Tiffany’s
Earlier today we posted an item that suggested that in Blair’s dream sequence during Gossip Girl last night, she was paying a visit to Tiffany & Company. She was, after all, dressed as Holly Golightly. But readers were quick to correct us, pointing out that it was Henri Bendel where the opening scene was shot. Or was it Bergdorf? We were très confused. All the mixed Fifth Avenue metaphors! But now the verdict is in: As you can see from the above photo, the store in question was Bendel. It’s “the same place they went in the 1st episode, where Dan and Serena met the first time,” explained reader Emily, patiently. “Bendel’s is Serena’s favorite store she says!” Well, then, it’s settled. Until next week, here’s to caviar wishes and DVR dreams!
Earlier: Daily Intel’s treasure trove of Gossip Girl episode recaps, interviews, and dish!
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Flags (and Hearse), Fifth Avenue
Daily Intel’s roving photographer, Everett Bogue, is back from St. Thomas Church, at Fifth Avenue and 53rd Street, where he reports crowds five or so people deep on all the sidewalks, a phalanx of NYPD, and lots of confused motorists heading down Fifth and wondering what all the commotions is for. For Brooke Astor’s funeral, silly motorists. For Brooke Astor’s funeral. Follow what’s going on inside with Daily Intel’s live-blog.
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Seeing the Sights
The Department of Consumer Affairs proposed earlier this week to cap the number of pedicabs in New York to 325. We find that limit way too high, as we object to the damned things on any number of levels, not least the incessant jingle-jingle that seems to follow you through midtown these days. All that said, were we forced to ride in one, like these chicks photographed at Fifth and 57th yesterday afternoon, we’d totally take some pictures of the driver’s ass, too.
Related: Agency Proposes Limit on Number of Pedicabs [amNY]
