Hello from Mike – Welcome Autumn
Hello Friends,
September in New York is that magical mix of crisp air, golden light, and fresh beginnings. The season always brings a sense of renewal, and this year the city has plenty to inspire—from waterfront makeovers to landmark design events.
Kips Bay at 50th
Since 1973, the Kips Bay Decorator Show House has transformed Manhattan homes into immersive exhibitions of the world’s top interior design talent—all while raising critical funds for the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club.
This year marks the 50th anniversary, and the milestone couldn’t be more exciting: the showhouse is literally one of my listings, 20 West 12th Street. The six-level Greenwich Village townhouse will play host to celebrated designers, who will reimagine its grand rooms with fine furnishings, art, and technology.
Opening September 30th through Oct 19th this promises to be one of the most inspiring design events of the season.
Majestic proportions, premiere location, and beautiful light and views define the grandly scaled 20 West 12th Street. An impressive 26 feet wide, built 80 feet on a 103 foot deep lot, and graced with a 20 foot private garden, with side garden, this approximately 9000 square feet turn of the century brick and stone house is destined to return to all of its former glory and maintains much of its century old character, lovingly maintained and attended to.
The West 79th Street Boat Basin is finally getting the green light for a $90 million makeover. After sustaining damage from Superstorm Sandy, the marina has been closed since 2021. Now, thanks to FEMA support and a unanimous nod from the Public Design Commission, the vision for a new central boathouse and revitalized 15-acre waterfront is moving forward.
When complete in 2028, the marina will once again welcome boaters (there’s already a 15-year waitlist with over 1,000 names!) and return this historic stretch of Hudson River Park to the community.
October brings the city’s annual Archtober Festival—a month-long celebration of architecture and design. This year’s theme, Shared Spaces, asks us to reimagine how New Yorkers move, connect, and live together. It’s a timely conversation, bringing architects, urban developers, civic leaders, and the public into dialogue about the future of our city.
Tours, talks, and exhibitions will animate all five boroughs, inviting us to see the city’s built environment with fresh eyes.
•Buck Mason Soho – classic menswear meets coffee lounge. Their in-house café, Fast Times, is a perfect pit stop between shopping and strolling. (486 Broadway)
•Penhaligon’s Soho – London’s famed perfumer brings its heritage scents and whimsical packaging to downtown Manhattan. (123 Prince Street)
(Special invite: the first 3 people to meet me for coffee at Buck Mason’s Fast Times—the coffee’s on me.)
This fall brings welcome news on the financing front. I currently have 7- and 10-year ARMs hovering around 5.5%, a significant improvement from the 7%+ rates we’ve become accustomed to.
Alongside new fall inventory, many spring and summer listings are adjusting prices, creating real opportunities to uncover value. If you’re looking for a home this season, I’d be glad to help you navigate toward that hidden treasure tucked among the fall foliage.
And speaking of foliage… a wonderful day trip is Mattituck on the North Fork of Long Island, where orchards, vineyards, and farm stands are at their peak this time of year.
Original content from Mike Lubin, Copyright 2025, all rights reserved
