Virginia K. Smith

We're not sure what's in the architectural air these days in Cobble Hill, but lately, we've noticed a lot of stunning duplexes in the area. One more to add to the mix: this 2.5-bedroom parlor-level duplex with its own private garden.

Read David Bowie's reflection on his early days in New York, and favorite house in the city (Vulture)

It's not all overcrowded: here are the craziest abandoned sites still standing in NYC (Thrillist)

Three key steps for landing your very first apartment (My First Apartment)

What better way to kick off a cold January week than with the inspirational tale of an Upper West Side renter who not only scored a multi-million-dollar apartment for under $800/month, but also got an $876,619.10 refund from the landlord after years of overcharges?

Yes, real estate miracles really do happen.

Q: I'm renting in a co-op, and the building is currently doing renovations on the risers for the past month. It's very dusty at times; we've already had to move things out of the closet, but soon won't be able to use our living room because the workers need to temporarily move our couch. Is there any rule for compensation or relocation in this kind of situation?

Someone in lower Manhattan wants to rename their neighborhood "ReBeCha" (NYT)

Finding the 'ghost streams' of Brooklyn (Atlas Obscura via Brownstoner)

Sad but true: Sometimes, it really does take a village to keep rats from taking over your apartment building, or even the entire street. And thanks to a bevy of complaints in the area, DNAinfo reports that the Health Department and Community Board 2 are teaming up to hold a "rat academy" next week in hopes of teaching Fort Greene residents how to fend off the four-legged fiends.