For her segment, Jill offers an insightful tip on how to engage in public relations without a budget.  Her suggestion is to create a blog - it’s easy and free to set up a blog, and by updating it frequently, it will position you as an expert in your field, while also connecting you with potential buyers and future customers.   

Check out the video here: http://n2k.tv/?videos=start-your-own-pr-machine  

©2010 Mediashop PR Blog. All Rights Reserved.

             

+ART, NEW CONDO DEVELOPMENT IN WEST CHELSEA, PARTNERS WITH ART NON-PROFITS CHASHAMA AND CANNERY WORKS FOR TWO-PART EXHIBITION SERIES

Jason Covert’s CARNIVORA Opens September 16, 2010

New York, NY - August 31, 2010 - +aRt, a new condominium development in the heart of West Chelsea’s art district, Chashama, an organization that transforms donated retail storefronts in New York City into art exhibitions, and Cannery Works, a non-profit arts catalyst in support of debut projects, have partnered to present a new two-part art exhibition series this fall, beginning with Jason Covert’s CARNIVORA which opens to the public on September 16.

As per the partnership agreement, Ekstein Development, the developers behind +aRt, donated 1,800 square feet of ground floor retail space to Chashama for the two-part event series. Since 1995, Chashama (www.chashama.org) has supported thriving cultural communities by transforming temporarily vacant properties into spaces where art can flourish. The second exhibit is slated to open at +aRt on October 22.

CARNIVORA, which will run from September 16 - October 8, is the world debut of Cannery Works’ featured visual artist Jason Covert in a cross-disciplinary exhibition of photography, illustration, sculpture, painted works, ceremonial artifacts and robes, poetry and literature, and jewelry, as well as original musical compositions - all inspired by newly translated myth fragments from a Proto-Eskimo culture discovered north of Siorapaluk, Greenland in 2004.

“We were thrilled to receive the donated retail space at +aRt and are pleased to work with Cannery Works to present the world debut of Jason Covert’s new exhibit,” said Anita Durst, founder and president of Chashama. “The building’s location, in the heart of West Chelsea’s art district, is perfect for CARNIVORA and this presents a great opportunity for the artist to reach a wider audience.”

The exhibit is located in +aRt’s retail space at 540 West 28th Street between 10th and 11th Avenues. There will be a representative for the artist on hand at the gallery for the exhibit’s full run during all hours of operation (Tuesday - Saturday from 11am - 6pm) and Jason Covert will be available for appointments during this time. For more information about the artist and exhibition, please visit: http://www.jasoncovert.com/carnivora and email contact@jasoncovert.com for appointments.

According to Erik Ekstein, principal of Ekstein Development, “+aRt was developed as an artistically inspired residence, so having a gallery located in our retail space is the perfect complement to our residential building. It will provide a new, exciting exhibit to our neighbors and the greater art community of New York City.”

Ekstein Development worked with Chashama, Cannery Works and the artist to custom-fit the retail space, including installation of lighting and other features, to create an optimal gallery space. +aRt (www.540w28.com) was built in deference to the artistic narrative of Chelsea’s most important artists, architects, and poets. The 13-story new construction building is being exclusively marketed and sold by Halstead Property Development Marketing and will feature 91 artfully designed condominiums when construction is completed in September 2010.

CARNIVORA EXHIBIT DETAILS:
Exhibition Dates: September 16 - October 8, 2010
Operating Hours: Tuesday - Saturday: 11am-6 pm
Location: +aRt - 540 West 28th Street, between 10th and 11th Avenues

EVENTS:
September 16: Opening Night Events
4-6 pm - Press Preview
6-8 pm - Reception
8-10 pm - CD Listening Party
*Light refreshments will be served

September 25: 11-2 pm Artist Brunch and Q&A with Ann Landi, contributing editor of ARTnews
October 7: 7-10 pm Closing Night Party
Admission to Special Events: Free of Charge
RSVP for Events is Required: allison@mediashoppr.com  

**IMAGES AND INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST**
For more information, please contact Allison Berger by email at allison@mediashoppr.com or by phone at (212) 867-8778 x223.

Artist Bio:
In 1974, Jason Covert was born on the peninsula known as Cape Cod between a harbor and a marsh. Schooled at Connecticut College, graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, Covert worked for a time with the controversial Massachusetts based artist Barre Pinske. After traveling the world, Covert landed in New York City (2000) and currently resides in Brooklyn. His work is found in many private collections. For more information, please visit: www.jasoncovert.com.

About +aRt:
Set in the heart of West Chelsea, +aRt is located at 540 West 28th Street. The 13-story new construction building will feature 91 artfully designed condominium residences that range in price from $490,000 - $2,300,000 and qualify for the city’s 421-A tax abatement program. +aRt is being developed by Ekstein Development, L&M Development Partners and RD Management and will be exclusively marketed and sold by Halstead Property Development Marketing. For more information, please visit: http://www.540W28.com.

About Cannery Works:
Cannery Works provides a springboard to launch the next wave of vital 21st century artists. Offering customized support for signature projects, Cannery Works nurtures early career artists and introduces their work to a wider audience. 1% of all monies related to CARNIVORA benefits The National MS Society. For more information please visit: www.canneryworks.org.

About Chashama:
Since 1995, Chashama has championed the movement to repurpose vacant properties in New York City; recycling them as artist studios, galleries, theaters, performance and experimental presentation venues, while simultaneously invigorating the surrounding community with an influx of innovative programs, culture, creativity and commerce. For more information please visit: www.chashama.org.  

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©2010 Mediashop PR Blog. All Rights Reserved.

             

• PS90, the 1905 gothic style elementary school transformed into a residential condominium in Harlem, has been mentioned in an article on Curbed. With the completion of its construction and the announcement of its TCO, closings and move-ins are expected to take place later this month.

• Norman’s 180, Miami’s chic new restaurant and hotspot, was featured on FOX TV on Wednesday, August 11, in Coral Gables. Check out this newscast to watch Chef Norman concoct one of his signature dishes and be sure to try out the recipe at home.

• Thirty-five grants valued at more than $280,000 have been awarded to promising scientists by Fight For Sight, a nonprofit organization supporting eye and vision research. Some of the upcoming studies for this year have been highlighted in an About.com article.

• Only seven of the thirty-five units in the Old City Mercantile, a series of six historic buildings converted into apartments by BRP Companies, are available. Check out the article in Brownstoner Philadelphia noting the widespread popularity of the buildings.

©2010 Mediashop PR Blog. All Rights Reserved.

             

Contact: Allison Berger, Allison@mediashoppr.com
Mediashop PR, 212-867-8778 x223

OLD CITY MERCANTILE IS NOW 80% LEASED

Seven Apartments Currently Available For Rent in this Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia Awarded Building

New York, NY -August 23, 2010 - BRP Companies today announced that The Old City Mercantile, a luxury rental development building located in The Old City historic district on North Front Street is 80% leased and only seven apartments remain available to rent.

The Old City Mercantile is the unparalleled restoration of the group of six historic Greek Revival Style buildings known as the Girard Estate. Located at 20-30 North Front Street, the buildings were originally constructed between 1828 and 1834 by the estate of Stephen Girard.

Awarded the 2010 Grand Jury Award from the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia, The Old City Mercantile won in the “adaptive use” category. For more information about the awards, please visit http://www.preservationalliance.com/events/luncheon/luncheon.php.

Rentals are available for immediate occupancy at this 5-story, 35 unit building. The remaining loft and two-bedroom homes range in size from 1,100 square feet to 2,000 square feet and in price from $2,050 - $2,995 per month. For more information, please contact:

Maxwell Realty Co., Inc.
1736 Pine Street
Suite 100
Philadelphia, PA 19103
215-546-6000

“We are thrilled with the leasing velocity at The Old City Mercantile,” said Geoff Flournoy, principal of BRP Companies. “With the recent grand opening celebration and recognition of the 2010 Grand Jury Award from the Preservation Alliance - it is clear people are excited about the development.”

BLT Architects served as Architect of Record leading the building’s complete restoration, maintaining its original façade and other historic touches while updating the entire infrastructure and transforming the property into a truly modern, luxury residential building.

Each unit at The Old City Mercantile features maple hardwood flooring, stone countertops and custom hardwood cabinetry, and is equipped with GE profile stainless steel appliances and Kohler bathtubs. Several units include private roof decks and balconies with spectacular views of the Delaware River, Benjamin Franklin Bridge and the Center City skyline. Residents will also enjoy an elegantly landscaped common courtyard.

The Old City Mercantile is located in the heart of Philadelphia’s Old City district, which was the center of Colonial Philadelphia and the original hub of political, commercial, social and religious life in the port city. It is within walking distance to historic attractions such as Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell Center, and Philadelphia’s Penn Station, as well as art galleries, clothing boutiques, restaurants, bars and entertainment.

About BRP Companies:
Founded in 1995, BRP has been a trusted and proven developer and builder of new homes, condominiums, apartments and retail properties across the City of New York and Philadelphia. From the company’s modest beginning as a local Brooklyn developer, BRP has successfully evolved into a full-service real estate company offering a full complement of development, construction, and property management services.

To date, BRP has completed approximately 250 housing units and has over 700 units in the pipeline. With a dedicated and growing staff, BRP has worked tirelessly to enhance and continue its partnerships with government agencies and not-for-profit organizations to build quality affordable, mixed-income, and market-rate housing units throughout the City. For more information, please visit: www.brpcompanies.com.
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©2010 Mediashop PR Blog. All Rights Reserved.

             

Contact: Megan Raphael, megan@mediashoppr.com
Mediashop PR, 212-867-8778 x232

BEACON TOWERS HARLEM RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT OFFERS CASH INCENTIVE TO BROKERS

Development Offers up to $7000 Cash Incentive to Buyer’s Agents Who Close At Beacon Towers

New York, NY - August 11, 2010 - Strategic Development and Construction Group and Lemle & Wolff, Inc. developers of Beacon Towers, a new cooperative residential development in Harlem, today announced that they are offering a cash incentive to buyer’s agents whose clients close on units at Beacon Towers.

Brokers representing buyers who successfully purchase and close at Beacon Towers will now receive a $1,000 bonus paid for their first closing, $2,500 for their second closing and $3,500 for their third closing.

An eight-story newly constructed building; Beacon Towers is located at 29 West 138th Street and is currently over 85% sold. Of the nine remaining units, prices start at $275,000 for one bedroom homes and $375,000 for two bedroom homes. Construction on the project is complete and occupancy is immediate with no board approval required. The building has a 421-a real estate tax abatement for 25 years and offers amenities such as a fitness center, attended lobby, an interior courtyard and an underground parking garage. There are units which have private terraces and others with river views. For a full list of available units and floor plans, please visit: http://www.beacontowersliving.com/.

Located on 138th Street between 5th and Lenox Avenues in one of Harlem’s architecturally and historically significant neighborhoods, Beacon Towers is surrounded by cultural institutions, public and private schools, restaurants, and shops. The Harlem River Drive entrance is only one block away and numerous subway and bus lines are accessible within walking distance.

Beacon Towers is a joint venture between Strategic Development and Construction Group and Lemle & Wolff, Inc., two developers that have been at the forefront of creating mixed use affordable housing developments in New York City for more than 25 years.

The development is being exclusively marketed and sold by Halstead Property Development Marketing. For renderings and floor plans, please visit http://www.beacontowersliving.com or contact Megan Raphael at megan@mediashoppr.com or 212-867-8778 x 232.

About Strategic Development and Construction Group:
Strategic Development & Construction Group (SDCG) has been actively engaged in the acquisition, financing, development and marketing of residential and commercial projects since 1985. SDCG has built over three thousand residential units and earned numerous awards for its achievements from organizations such as the Associated Builders and Owners of Greater New York, Inc., the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, NYSAFAH and the New York State Senate. For more information, please visit: http://www.strategic-construction.com  

About Lemle & Wolff, Inc.:
Lemle & Wolff, Inc. is a real estate management and development firm that was established in 1938 and is today one of the foremost providers of affordable housing in upper Manhattan and the Bronx. A full service organization, the firm is committed to the preservation and upgrading of the housing stock in the areas it services. L&W currently manages more than 300 buildings and, since 1974, L&W has completed the construction and/or rehabilitation of over one hundred buildings. L&W is a past recipient of an award for national excellence for community development partnerships. For more information, please visit http://www.lemlewolff.com/.

About Halstead Property Development Marketing:
Halstead Property Development Marketing is the exclusive sales and marketing firm for numerous new developments in the tri-state area. They consult with developers on every aspect of the development process, including: pre-development planning such as comprehensive market research, detailed unit mix and layout analysis and amenities planning, all of which enables their clients to maximize sales prices, increase absorption rates and provide an overall superior product benefiting the consumer and developer. In addition, the division directs and coordinates the selection of all on-site personnel, conducts extensive sales training and monitoring, designs exceptional sales environments, and creates integrated communications planning including marketing, advertising, public relations and branding. For more information on the Halstead Property Development Marketing Division, please visit: http://www.HalsteadPDM.com/.

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©2010 Mediashop PR Blog. All Rights Reserved.

             

• Miami’s new favorite restaurant Norman’s 180was featured on a segment that aired last Friday night on NBC-6 in Coral Gables. Check out this newscast to see what Chef Norman is whipping up in his new restaurant.

• The Stevie Awards for Women was mentioned in an Examiner.com article that focuses on making oneself most attractive for potential jobs or promotions. Receiving an award or recognition is the perfect way to help you look your best when it comes to your resume. The Stevie Awards for Women is included under the “External Awards” section.

• Affordable housing is currently being developed in Brooklyn at 1560 Fulton Street in Bedford-Stuyvesant thanks to The Goldman Sacs Group, BRP Development and the city. An article on the new development that is called The Bradford was featured in The Real Deal Online. The Bradford is for low -and middle- income families and will contain 105 apartments.

©2010 Mediashop PR Blog. All Rights Reserved.

             

Contact: Allison Berger, Allison@mediashoppr.com

Mediashop PR, 212-867-8778 x223

PS90 CONDOMINIUMS IN HARLEM: CONSTRUCTION COMPLETE IN HISTORIC RENOVATION

Former NYC Public School Now Luxury Condo Development

New York, NY - August 9, 2010 - West 147^th Associates LLC and Halstead Property Development Marketing today announced that TCO was received last week, construction is now complete and move-ins are slated for later this month, a former school converted into a luxury condominium development in Harlem.

Located at 220 West 148th Street between Frederick Douglass and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. boulevards, PS90 is the redevelopment of a circa 1905 gothic style elementary school into a residential condominium. Originally designed by Charles B. J. Snyder, Superintendent and Chief Architect for New York City public schools from 1891-1922, PS90 is notable for its iconic block-through “H” plan, a design which allows for more windows than typically possible and allowed for the creation of a landscaped front courtyard that frames and leads to a grand front entrance, and a larger landscaped rear courtyard. In addition PS90 has a 14,000 square foot community space that is formerly the school’s auditorium.  

As part of the modern re-design, led by architect Mark Ginsberg FAIA, LEED AP, the building’s original exterior was maintained and refurbished in some areas, while the entire infrastructure was newly constructed.  The building features original Gothic touches like ornate spires, intricate masonry, elaborate stonework and gargoyles which offset the modern loft-like floor plans. Additionally, a sixth floor was added with the creation of penthouses that feature all new construction and  have generously-sized private rooftop terraces, some with midtown Manhattan views.

Sales at PS90 began in September 2009 and the property is among several FHA approved developments in New York City. Qualified buyers will be able to purchase homes at PS90 with a down payment as low as 3.5 percent.

“We are very excited to announce the completion of construction on PS90.  From the beginning, the building inspired us with its natural light and great proportions and we wanted to help write the next chapter of PS 90’s long history,” said Lisa Gomez, executive vice president of development at L+M Development Partners Inc. “The entire team worked to assure the juxtaposition of the building’s historic and modern design elements.” 

PS90 features a total of 75 condominium residences in a mix of studio, one, two and three bedroom homes.  The units range in size from approximately 762 - 1,630 square feet and in price from $450,000 - $899,000. For more information, please visit: http://ps90condo.com/.

Each unit at PS90 features high ceilings (up to 12 feet), Herringbone pattern European oak floors, Quartzite countertops and custom walnut toned cabinetry, and is equipped with Kitchen Aid stainless steel appliances and thermostatically controlled central air and heat. Several units offer expansive private roof decks ranging in size from 100 to nearly 2,000 square feet with spectacular views of the Hudson River and the New York City skyline. Residents will also enjoy a fitness center, work studio and an elegantly landscaped European-style courtyard.

PS90 is being developed by West 147^th Associates LLC, an affiliate of L+ M Development Partners Inc., the same developer who successfully built and marketed the Kalahari, a green conscious building in Harlem.  Financing is provided by Goldman Sachs’ Urban Investment Group and the development is being exclusively marketed and sold by Halstead Property Development Marketing. 

For renderings and floor plans, please visit http://ps90condo.com/ or contact Allison Berger at allison@mediashoppr.com or 212-867-8778 x223.

About Halstead Property Development Marketing:

Halstead Property Development Marketing is the exclusive sales and marketing firm for numerous new developments in the tri-state area.  They consult with developers on every aspect of the development process, including: pre-development planning such as comprehensive market research, detailed unit mix and layout analysis and amenities planning, all of which enables their clients to maximize sales prices, increase absorption rates and provide an overall superior  product benefiting the  consumer and developer. In addition, the division directs and coordinates the selection of all on-site personnel, conducts extensive sales training and monitoring, designs exceptional sales environments, and creates integrated communications planning including marketing, advertising, public relations and branding.  For more information on the Halstead Property Development Marketing Division, please visit: http://www.halsteadpdm.com/home.

About L+M Development Partners:

Since 1984, L+M Development Partners has been an innovator in developing quality affordable, mixed-income and market rate housing, while improving the neighborhoods in which we work.  A full-service firm, L+M works from conception to completion, handling development, construction and management with creativity that leads our industry.  We are responsible for more than $2 billion in development and construction and have created more than 10,000 high-quality units in the tri-state area alone.  Community leaders, government officials and investment organizations turn to L+M because of our consistent track record of excellence. L+M is a double bottom line company, where our success is measured not only in financial returns but also by the positive impact we make.  We take pride in our long-standing dedication to the communities we serve, demonstrated through an annual scholarship fund, job training programs and substantial support for local nonprofits.   L+M brings a superior level of commitment to our investments in developments, and equally important, to our investment in people.

About the Goldman Sachs Urban Investment Group:

Formed in 2000, The Goldman Sachs Urban Investment Group (UIG) deploys the firm’s capital though investments and loans to help transform distressed communities into sustainable and vibrant neighborhoods of choice and opportunity. By deepening our engagement in communities and strengthening relationships with the public and non-profit sectors, we strive to improve people’s lives and advance a comprehensive community development agenda. To learn more, visit gs.com/uig.

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©2010 Mediashop PR Blog. All Rights Reserved.

             

        +aRt is an artistically inspired residence, built to coincide with the artistic narrative of Chelsea’s most important artists, architects, and poets.  The 13-story new building will feature 91 artfully designed condominium residences that offer a mix of homes from studios to three bedrooms that range in size from 445 - 1,570 square feet.  The building features a state of the art fitness center, a 24-hour attended lobby, and a teak roof deck with various lounging settings, outdoor showers, and a bar with a grill.  Residents are also welcome to relax in a common interior courtyard that will display sculptures and a waterfall installation.

         The architectural and design elements of +aRt fit in perfectly with Chelsea’s rich culture and artistic feel.  The building features custom-made industrial styled decorative panels that flank the building’s brick façade, as well as original works of art and sculpture in the interior courtyard and sales gallery. “When we conceived 540 W 28^th, our aim was to create a building that fit in the rich context that is cultural and architectural Chelsea, which will give its inhabitants a bold, new perspective on the neighborhood,” said Erik Ekstein, president of Ekstein Development, the building’s lead developer. 

+aRt was recently featured in: The New York Times

For more information regarding +aRt please visit: http://www.540w28.com/

©2010 Mediashop PR Blog. All Rights Reserved.

             

    NEW YORK, NY - August 4, 2010 — Fight for Sight, an organization that has supported eye and vision research since 1946 by providing funds to promising scientists early in their careers, today announced its 64th annual selection of grantees for outstanding eye research projects.

    This year, 35 grants valued at $288,300 have been awarded to researchers in three categories: seven Post-Doctoral Awards, five Grants-in-Aid, and 23 Summer Student Fellowships.  This year’s grants fund research on a wide spectrum of vision and optical conditions that affect millions of Americans young and old, including glaucoma, macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, aniridia, cataracts, dry eye, and lazy eye.

For a full list of 2010 grantees, please visit: http://www.fightforsight.org/.

    Fight for Sight’s (FFS) mission is unique among eye and vision research foundations — it identifies and funds promising students and researchers at the beginning of their academic and professional careers. The FFS grant allows awardees to obtain preliminary results and the first experience necessary to successfully apply for larger federal and foundation awards, such as the National Institutes of Health.   

    “The 2010 grant awardees will research a wide range of eye and vision issues that affect millions of Americans every day,” said Mike Wilke, executive director of Fight for Sight. “We are pleased to offer these individuals the opportunity to pursue their goals for vision research — often these first research studies inspire a life-long passion for eye research, as so many of our alumni have gone on to achieve great things in the field.”

    Over the last 64 years, Fight for Sight grants have been awarded to numerous scientists and researchers who have become major industry leaders.  Just a few of the prominent alumni include: Robert Machemer, MD, the “father” of modern retinal surgery; László Bitó, PDD, who developed the glaucoma drug Xalatan; Paul Sieving, MD, PhD (1980), current Director of the National Eye Institute; and more. Since its inception, FFS has awarded over $20 million in grants to more than 3,000 eye researchers.

    Grantees are selected through a rigorous review process by Fight for Sight’s Scientific Review Committee. Annual Post-Doctoral Awards and Grants-in-Aid are valued at $20,000 each and Summer Student Fellowships are $2,100 each. 

    2010 awards were made to a diverse group of universities and medical centers from coast to coast, including such pre-eminent institutions as the Harvard Medical School, The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, Johns Hopkins, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, University of Michigan, and University of California, Berkeley.

For more information on each grantee, please contact Megan Raphael at Mediashop PR: megan@mediashoppr.com or 212-867-8778 x232.

About Fight for Sight

    Since 1946, Fight for Sight (FFS) has invested in the future of eye and vision research by funding promising scientists early in their careers. FFS has supported over 3,000 new scientists with more than $20 million in research that has contributed directly or indirectly to major advances in ophthalmology and vision research, including development of the IOL, aspects of donor cornea preservation, various uses of ophthalmic lasers, glaucoma therapies, and gene therapy. Founder Mildred Weisenfeld lost her vision to retinitis pigmentosa before starting Fight for Sight, the first organization to promote the importance of funding eye research.

©2010 Mediashop PR Blog. All Rights Reserved.

             

While reading the New York Times, I came upon this article that I thought was very interesting about O Magazine. Susan Casey, the new Editor-In-Chief was hired to revamp the magazine and add some flair to it. Casey was the former Editor of Sports Illustrated for Women and the Creative Director of Outside Magazine. The September issue will be called the makeover issue and will be Casey’s first issue to hit stands since she has been working for Oprah. Do you think Casey’s role will help spice up the magazine?

According to Adage, Newsweek has been bought by Sidney Harman from the Washington Post Co. The deal was announced on Monday. Mr. Harmon bid $1.00 for the magazine, and plans on keeping the majority of Newsweek’s employees. Do you think the future of Newsweek looks promising?

Brandweek discusses the new Downy fabric softener pitch that states it will keep bed sheets smelling fresh for one week with their improved formula. This formula will be available to the public this month and found in Ultra Downy, April Fresh and Sun Blossom. The various Downy products will be advertised on TV, print and different social media sites. Do you think this campaign intrigue buyers to buy Downy’s new formula?

©2010 Mediashop PR Blog. All Rights Reserved.