Despite the green lushness of the suburbs, you might be surprised to learn that “environmentally speaking” the
City is a far greener place to live than the suburbs. This thoughtful article from the NY Times, reveals the truth about America’s compulsion to live in large private homes, surrounded by personal parks (called lawns) and drive everywhere in lumbering SUVs. It turns out that city dwellers, who are surrounded by other city dwellers and lots of concrete are, in fact, placing a much lower burden on our planet’s ecosystem.

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New York magazine ran a surprising, in-depth article about why New Yorkers, on average, are now living longer than most other people in the U.S. In fact, A New Yorker born in 2004 can now expect to live 78.6 years, nine months longer than the average American will. The fascinating back story applies to all city dwellers, including Philadelphians — YO! Philly folks, listen up — and read on…

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Comparing a ’spec house’ with a custom home designed by an architect is like the difference between an ‘off the rack’ suit and a custom-tailored set of clothes. Night and day. In our first video podcast, @HOME presents a conversation with famed architect Richard Wesley. Roger asks Richard about the Residences at Rock Top, his latest ‘GREEN’ project in Manayunk. Click ‘more’ to see the podcast.

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Here’s a double recommendation for a fantastic day out. Start with RiverRink at Penn’s Landing (sponsored by Blue Cross) which has just re-opened for it’s 14th Season. What a great way to get some fresh air, spend some time with family and friends, and re-discover the joys of gliding on the ice. And when you’re ready to warm up, we’ll tell you where to find the absolutely best hot chocolate in Philly. More…

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Apollo astronaut Alan Bean, the fourth man on the moon, dedicates new Phenom microscope with Betty Thompkins, founder of the Minority Student Training Program at Philadelphia’s Central High School. The Phenom is a gift from microscope manufacturer FEI Company. Steven Berger, vice president at FEI is also pictured.

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A couple of weeks ago I met with Daily News real estate reporter Jason Sheftell who wrote this highly informative article about our city. Jason quoted Alex Generalis a founder of Miles & Generalis: ‘Loft living in these neighborhoods is for people who are looking for something truly special,” says Alex Generalis, the firm’s owner and a world-renowned sculptor who did the button on New York’s Seventh Ave.’

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Last week this was the most highly ‘clicked-on’ article in the Wall St. Journal online and also the #1 emailed article. The gist is that eager sellers and real-estate agents are snapping up “St. Joseph Real Estate Kits” so that they can bury these small statues of St. Joseph on their property in hopes of increasing their chances of selling their property. More…

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It’s not exactly a secret that real estate prices in New York are, shall we say, eye opening. But the recent sale of a “no bedroom” studio loft at The Plaza for slightly over $2 million got the attention of even sticker-shockproof New Yorkers. And in some neighborhoods of the city studios are now going for more per square foot than 1-bedroom apartments. More…

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Rotem USA, a division of Hyundai Motors is continuing with plans to establish a railcar manufacturing facility in South Philly. The announcement today confirmed Rotem’s plans and that they’ve signed a 20-year lease on a building of around 290,000 square feet. This will create about 300 new jobs in the city of Philadelphia. Among Rotem’s customers for the new railcars is our very own SEPTA and Southern California’s Metrolink service. More…

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If someone offered the city of Philadelphia FIVE dollars back for every dollar invested should we take the deal?? A new study released by the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance suggests that this is exactly what we get back in tax revenues for every dollar we invest in art and culture. Even the state benefits — they (we) get back $2.50 for each dollar invested — also not a shabby return. More…

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