One area, though, was left intentionally unfinished: A library of vintage books with their spines removed.
“If a congressman comes in, they can sign one,” says MacEwen.
Events
Architect Bruce Goff feted in Tulsa
Goff Fest, a celebration of the life and works of unconventional architect Bruce Goff returns to Tusla, Oklahoma, from December 1 to 4.
Goff’s eccentric and varied designs include the Tulsa Club Hotel, Riverside Studio and the Boston Avenue United Methodist Church, a standout of the Tulsa skyline.
Early mentor Frank Lloyd Wright admired his creativity and independent spirit, but Goff, who died in 1982, was also shadowed by controversy—from his contentious exit as chair of the architecture department at the University of Oklahoma to the destruction of his masterpiece, Shin’en Kan, by arsonists in 1996.
Goff Fest includes panel discussions, film screenings, gallery exhibitions, tours of Goff buildings, and a Beaux Arts–inspired Goff Ball. Tickets go on sale November 1 at Goff-fest.com.
News
Where have home prices increased the most?
According to data from Zillow Home’s Value Index, the average price of a home at the end of September 2022 was $357,810—up nearly 15 percent from a year ago.
Where are the hottest markets? Using Zillow’s index, a team at Decorative Ceiling Tiles tallied the 10 cities where home prices have risen the most since the start of the coronavirus pandemic in January 2020.
- Gilbert, Arizona: 68.54 percent
- Austin, Texas: 69.05 percent
- Tampa, Florida: 69.35 percent
- Nampa, Idaho: 69.69 percent
- Surprise, Arizona: 69.93 percent
- Clearwater, Florida: 71.09 percent
- Port St. Lucie, Florida: 72.88 percent
- St. Petersburg, Florida: 76.92 percent
- Round Rock, Texas: 80.94 percent
- Cape Coral, Florida: 85.96 percent
Florida is home to 5 of the top 10—not surprising given the massive real estate boom there and the state’s “open for business” policy during the pandemic.
The report also found the urban areas where home prices increased the least: At the bottom were Las Cruces, New Mexico (11.35 percent); San Francisco (11.27 percent); Washington, DC (10.47 percent); Midland, Texas (6.27 percent) and Odessa, Texas, where the average house price actually dropped nearly 2 percent.
You can see the full rankings here.
Robust sales continue in the New York market
In Manhattan, 30 contracts were signed at the $4 million-and-above range in the week ending October 23, according to Olshan Realty’s weekly report on the luxury real estate market. That’s the most since May 9, when 39 contracts were signed.
The top two contracts were both in buildings designed by Robert A.M. Stern: One was a $16.95 million duplex penthouse in 150 East 78th Street and the other a $16 million condo in 400 W 12th Street in the far West Village.
Total sales for the week surpassed $211 million, according to the report, which is compiled by New York real-estate pro Donna Olshan.
