Elliott in El Barrio

Forever

2008-08-26T11:22:00.000-07:00

Hey—it's been forever since last post, I lost the login information.

I'm going to try to get some new photos up here soon. There's been some changes in the apartment, and lot's of work yet to be done!

Pre-Closing

2006-08-04T19:53:00.000-07:00

So what I thought was the closing turned out to be the pre-closing. Basically I just signed a bunch of papers, and handed over all of my money. Over 11k in closing costs, knocking my decorating budget down and jeopardizing my fall vacation plans to Greece. But everything is final now, I'll get the keys on August 30th.
The plan is to pack quickly and get myself out of here by the end of the month. Each time I leave the apartment I've vowed to bring an item to toss on the street. I really don't have much furniture worth keeping.

Declutter

2006-08-01T07:38:00.000-07:00

I'm starting to get really excited about the move. It's this amazing opportunity to start from square one, a fresh empty space. I've been thinking a lot about color and a new sofa. I think I'm most excited to declutter, getting rid of all that useless paper and junk that's piled up over the years.

First Look

2006-07-24T14:39:00.000-07:00

Ok, first impressions. I thought the space seemed a little small. Definitely because the ceilings are smaller than what I am used to, only 8'2". Maybe too because it's totally empty, and difficult to visualize as lived in...but let me start over.
The appointment was for 3PM, so I decided to go in for a half-day. The N train was cooperative, so I made it uptown in time to pick up a few things from the Pathmark. I dropped off my stuff and went to meet Josh, from the management office and Craig, the head contractor to start the tour. I was excited, I really didn't have any questions prepared or anything, and I didn't take as many photos as I wanted either.
The entry way has a video monitor so I will see you first when you come to visit. The first level is the lobby, the first floor has the laundry, exercise room and outdoor terrace. I am on the third floor. When you get off the elevator, you take a left, I'm the first apartment on the left. It faces northeast and gets really nice light, overlooking the terrace with 120th street behind.

Dreamer

2006-07-22T13:55:00.000-07:00

I've lived in my place on 120th street since 1996, East Harlem has been my home in Manhattan—except for my first couple of months with Lauren on Bleecker. One of the things that really defines the neighborhood for me is its murals, many are of latin and black cultural heros and icons. This portrait of Martin Luther King is on 123rd and 2nd avenue.

The Walkthrough

2006-07-20T13:28:00.000-07:00

This is the first post ever on my new blog! Well, what's it all about you ask? It's all about me and my new apartment in East Harlem, New York City!
Some of you may know that since June 2005 I have been in the process of purchasing a new cooperative apartment. The whole thing has dragged on with stops and starts, a seemingly unending process of paperwork, bank statements, lawyers, on and on. But today I got a call from the propert management agency, on Monday I get to have my first real look at the space. I plan to bring a camera, a pencil, and a tape measure. I'll have lots of pictures and thoughts to post. This blog will document the deveopment of my new place. I'll let you know when I get new furniture, what colors I choose to paint, the menu from my first dinner party. Lots of fun stuff like that.
So, come back often.