••• “The ‘1,588 sq ft’ Manhattan loft on the 5th floor (‘penthouse’) at 249 Church Street that sold on December 4 at $2.15mm, is a study of the power of ‘on the other hand….’ On the one hand, the broker babble promises between the lines that there is a renovation ahead of the buyer; on the other hand, the bones are terrific, including 16 foot ceilings and roof rights, so there is a lot to work with. The Market found this combination of opportunities to be worth $150,000 more than the well-dressed 3rd floor loft that sold nearly 3 months ago.” —Manhattan Loft Guy

••• Grub Street, noticing the omission of New Amsterdam Market in yesterday’s New York Times article about Pier 17 and the South Street Seaport in general, followed up with NAM founder Robert LaValva. “His organization, which added April Bloomfield to its board of directors earlier this year, is ‘working closely with the neighborhood’s small businesses as well as city and state officials to form a new community development corporation that will spur the area’s economic revival.’ The market will introduce a wholesale component in 2013, and for the first time, plans to open in February for the season.”

••• Artist Nate Lowman, who has a studio in Tribeca, makes art that incorporates smiley faces: “It’s like a casual formality,” he’s quoted as saying. “It doesn’t make any sense. It’s just like ‘Happy! Happy!'” :) My question: In the photo, is he on Franklin Place? (Update: See comments.) —The New York Times

••• Curbed notes that 21 Ann (113 Nassau) is getting glassed. Photo courtesy Curbed.