Lovely brownstone. I love the kitchen with the rangetop in the island and the open floor plan. (Love the idea of the West Side Story photo.)
5
"Next to where my wife cooks." Really? She has a demanding job, too. Mr. Blankenbuehler sounds like the exactly kind of Type A-type guy who would benefit enormously from having a nice hobby like, say, cooking.
6
Beautiful home, though I can't help but think of the families that were pushed out so that Mr. Blankenbuehler and other wealthy people could buy homes in Manhattan. I hope he and his family are supporting local Harlem businesses. I live in Harlem and am scared to see my neighborhood disappearing bit by bit.
13
This obviously wasn't a multi-unit dwelling, and it's doubtful if the previous owner hadn't also been relatively well off, so I'm not sure anyone was "pushed out" in this case. BTW, when did YOU move to Harlem?
10
Nice story, but THE FOUNTAINHEAD, really?
29
Wonderful, uplifting story. Thank you for sharing, Mr. Blankenbuehler.
5
When you're in the private back yard, you wouldn't be aware of whether it "clashes" with the other back yards. Besides, being different doesn't mean it clashes. Shade can always be added with umbrellas or a pergola. The yard looks pretty efficient for entertaining, which the owners probably do quite a bit of. The slightly-burnt display cigarettes may be like candles. Even if they haven't been used for their purpose, the wick should always have been lit briefly, not left unburnt.
4
I prefer foliage and trees since they provide natural air conditioning, air cleaning and breezes. Umbrellas are good sunscreens but are even hotter to sit under.
4
Trees certainly are good for the environment, and they can be added if the owners later want to.
3
I'm glad little Sofia is doing better. The apartment is lovely. Good choice for a profile piece.
20
C'mon. I can't be the only one wondering about the 4 "one hit" cigarettes in photo #7.
10
These are probably used as props when choreographing.
3
Interesting story about a family man and successful artist. I always admired Jerome Robbins as the best artistic contribution to West SIde Story. As far as design, the backyard is walled off for privacy, without a tree, clashes with neighboring yards who have tall foliage plus there is no breeze nor shade. It would have been nice to see some ivy covering at least or some openings like portholes in the 3 sided wall.
1
Wonderful guy, great talent, he's worked very, very hard for every bit of the success he so richly deserves. Onward, Andy! BRAVO!
20