Steve Cuozzo, a prominent New York City real estate and business columnist, has been delivering comprehensive coverage of Manhattan's commercial real estate market, restaurant scene, and urban development trends through a series of detailed reports spanning from July to August 2025.
In one of his most notable recent pieces, Cuozzo reported that New York City's iconic Flatiron Building will be bathed in lights for the first time in its 123-year history. The exterior lighting design, revealed publicly for the first time, received approval from the Landmarks Preservation Commission on August 4, 2025. This historic milestone represents a significant moment for one of Manhattan's most recognizable architectural landmarks.
Cuozzo has been closely monitoring the Union Square district's remarkable momentum, noting that more than 17,000 square feet of retail space in the area was leased during the second quarter of 2025. This figure represents more than seven times the volume recorded in the second quarter of 2024, indicating a substantial recovery and growth in the retail sector.
The columnist has also been tracking workplace trends, particularly focusing on JPMorgan employees' complaints about having to pay for access to a 'cutting-edge' fitness center at the company's new headquarters as workers return to full-time office schedules. One employee complaint posted on Reddit sarcastically stated, 'It's truly a perk to be gifted the opportunity to spend money,' highlighting worker frustration with the additional costs.
Cuozzo has been particularly critical of media coverage regarding return-to-office trends, arguing that news outlets continue to 'absurdly undercount, downplay or misunderstand the return-to-office phenomenon.' He contends that the surge in office occupancy should be obvious from the current leasing frenzy and increased pedestrian traffic on city streets.
In the legal sector, Cuozzo reported that Latham & Watkins law firm became the latest tenant to sign a lease at the Sixth Avenue office building at 1285 Sixth Avenue. The Latham deal brought the tower to 100% leased, demonstrating strong demand for premium office space.
The columnist also covered a tragic incident when he reported on a massacre at a Park Avenue office tower perpetrated by an individual identified as Shane Tamura. Cuozzo noted that the 'madman's rampage reminds us that evil can strike the most secure-seeming location, even in the best of times,' casting a dark cloud over NYC's premiere business corridor.
In Lower Manhattan, Cuozzo has been following the recovery of Aby Rosen's Seaport office tower at 17 State Street, which has been experiencing brisk leasing activity since RFR Realty refinanced the harbor-facing, 571,000 square-foot office building in January. The refinancing was one of three that RFR completed during this period.
Beyond Manhattan's core business districts, Cuozzo has been covering residential development in outer boroughs, including a new all-affordable housing tower near Coney Island's famous Parachute Jump. The 420-unit building, located behind the Coney Island boardwalk, represents the final phase of a trio of properties that BFC has developed in the previously underutilized blocks between West 16th and West 17th Streets.
Cuozzo's restaurant coverage has highlighted The Yacht Club as New York City's restaurant of the summer, praising its stunning views of the Hudson River. He described it as 'the season's hottest new spot that has set sail,' indicating its popularity among diners seeking waterfront dining experiences.
In World Trade Center developments, Cuozzo reported that fintech firm Clear Street extended its lease at 4 World Trade Center and added an entire floor to its footprint. Clear Street expanded into the entire 46th floor of the building, demonstrating the financial sector's continued commitment to Lower Manhattan.
The columnist has also been following faith-based real estate developments, including Calvary Baptist Church's 'miracle building' on West 57th Street, which secured two new leases. The building, scheduled to open after Labor Day, represents what Cuozzo called 'one of the city's most uplifting sagas.'
However, not all of Cuozzo's coverage has been positive. He has identified what he terms a 'development black hole' on West 57th Street, where a 900-foot-long block 'looks gloomier every year as landowners hold out for magic-bullet combinations of tenant commitments and construction financing.'
The reopening of the legendary Waldorf-Astoria hotel has been a major focus of Cuozzo's coverage. He reported on Lex Yard at the new Waldorf-Astoria, describing it as 'a wonder that reinvents the legendary hotel's stuffy old reputation.' The menu even features a Waldorf Salad, paying homage to the hotel's culinary heritage. After five years of waiting, Cuozzo noted that the new Waldorf-Astoria, an Art Deco icon of New York City since 1931, 'is a sight to behold,' bringing back Big Apple's 'grand hotel' style.
Cuozzo has been monitoring retail trends beyond prime corridors, noting that Third Avenue's retail scene is experiencing an upswing. While the mile-long Third Avenue corridor 'enjoys none of the prestige of Madison Avenue,' Cuozzo considers it meaningful 'as a barometer of the economic health of one of Manhattan's most stable middle-class neighborhoods.'
The Yacht Club's opening at the Starrett-Lehigh Building has been another focus, with Cuozzo describing the indoor-outdoor venue that includes a 125-seat, seafood-focused restaurant and several expansive bars.
In development news, Cuozzo reported that Seaport Entertainment is mulling offers for a vacant lot at 250 Water Street. SEG took administrative steps to complete a process announced in January to 'internalize food and beverage operations at many of our wholly-owned and joint venture-owned' properties.
Cuozzo's food coverage has extended to artisanal bakeries, highlighting Hanis bakery and its 'life-changing PBJ' sandwich, which he declared 'the best in NYC.' Owner Miro Uskokovic, formerly of Gramercy Tavern, explained, 'I became known for my American desserts at Gramercy Tavern and other restaurants, and PB and J is the most American thing.'
On the political front, Cuozzo reported that NYC real estate dealmakers are bracing for a 'drag-out battle' with potential mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani's socialist policies. New York City's major real estate professionals are preparing for a 'knock-down, drag-out battle should socialist Zohran Mamdani become the next mayor' while expressing confidence they will prevail in any such confrontation.
Finally, Cuozzo covered the restaurant expansion news that Serafina will open a trattoria at the latest Anagram apartment tower. The developers of Anagram luxury rental apartment towers are expanding their brand in Manhattan, while the popular Italian trattoria brand Serafina is growing at an even faster pace. The two brands will come together at 300 East, representing the convergence of residential development and dining amenities in the luxury rental market.
