Experts believe the remodeling boom is not just a short-term trend but part of a larger cultural shift. Carlos Martín, Director of the Remodeling Futures Program at Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies, notes that many homeowners are increasingly motivated by a deep emotional connection to their homes. “It’s not just about return on investment anymore,” Martín said. “People want their homes to reflect their lives and to work better for their families.”

TheHomeMag has also adapted to reflect this shift, emphasizing trust and transparency in its contractor recommendations. Its AI-powered tools aim to reduce the uncertainty that can often accompany renovation projects, giving homeowners greater control and confidence. As part of its growth strategy, the company is also expanding into adjacent areas, such as pet-friendly home design, reflecting the evolving needs of modern households.

The projected growth in remodeling expenditures aligns with broader economic trends. Falling interest rates are expected to make financing more accessible, while rising property values give homeowners more equity to leverage. Together, these factors create a favorable environment for large-scale projects, from structural upgrades to aesthetic overhauls.

As homeowners embrace these opportunities, TheHomeMag is doubling down on its role as a trusted partner. With its mix of print and digital resources, the company offers a comprehensive solution for homeowners seeking to navigate the remodeling landscape. From selecting contractors to visualizing the final result, TheHomeMag provides the tools and expertise needed to turn aspirations into reality.

For many, the decision to renovate rather than relocate reflects a growing sense of attachment to their homes. In a year marked by economic uncertainty, this renewed focus on improving and personalizing living spaces stands out as a bright spot. As remodeling activity accelerates in the coming years, companies that offer verified service will play a critical role in shaping the future of American homes.
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The air of free speech carries with it a responsibility—to nurture truth, to elevate discourse, and to uphold integrity. At WORKHOUSE, we believe these principles form the foundation of meaningful communication. With that in mind, we’ve made the decision to leave behind what was once Twitter—now X.

The digital landscape is vast, and our commitment to genuine connection doesn’t require compromising our values. Effective immediately, WORKHOUSE will no longer maintain an active account on X. Instead, we’ve established a presence on BlueSky, where community and credibility take precedence. Of course, we will remain active other social platforms that align with our mission for fostering dialogue rooted in trust and transparency.


The X platform itself has drifted far from its original purpose. What once served as a vital network for information and exchange now feels like a relic of its former self, weighed down by missteps and disarray. Its usefulness has not simply waned—it’s been dismantled, leaving behind a space unfit for those who seek clarity or collaboration.

Public relations thrives on honest engagement and reliable channels of communication. When those channels fracture, they become obstacles rather than tools, undermining the trust that sustains relationships. Remaining active on X, given its current trajectory, would only erode the credibility we strive to uphold every day.

More concerning is the platform’s direction under its current leadership. Decisions made at the highest level have created an inhospitable atmosphere for thoughtful discourse, where decisions seem driven by ego rather than a genuine commitment to open dialogue. These choices run counter to the freedom of exchange we consider essential—not just for our industry but for the broader public good.

WORKHOUSE is proud to align with platforms that reflect our values. Where renewed opportunities to participate in conversations are built and respected. We encourage our followers to join us there. Follow us on Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/workhouse.bsky.social. Together, we can redefine what it means to truly communicate.

Every Thursday, THE BOARD BRIEFING brings you curated industry insights directly from our Experts to your inbox.
On the eve of Thankfulness, in this upside-down time of engagement, I have been asked by The BOARD to provide personal perspective, expanding on the quote above which is found in our Special Edition of The BOARD's New Go-To-Market Mandate. Since I penned it, times have certainly changed.
It doesn’t take a sage to sense the ground is shifting. But it does take daring to turn disruption into destiny. In today’s world of oversaturated brands and sound-bite marketing, the messages that break through are those that carry grit and individuality. Now is a good time to return to the art of passionate defiance, of ethical fury, and honorable ire. Anger, when grounded in purpose, becomes the fuel that ignites real action. It can sharpen the brand’s edge while challenging the half-hearted and hollow. Furious conviction as found in the raw power of punk music, musty mosh pits, and angry poetry— are not just cultural expressions, they can serve as guiding principles. Punk music symbolizes a rebellion against convention, urging brands to strip away artifice and embrace unfiltered honesty. Mosh Pits inspire brands to jump in and connect with audiences authentically, even in unpredictable environments. Angry Poetry serves as a call for truth and passion in brand communication, pushing beyond pleasantries to meaningful, memorable storytelling.

Through WORKHOUSE, one of the country’s leading public relations and integrated creative agencies, we’ve observed how a brand that’s bold enough to drive fast, break glass and revive the spirit of hunters and gatherers reclaims a primitive, direct way of reaching audiences. In the relentless pursuit of connection, brands that act as gatherers of insights, curators of genuine stories, and catalysts for change create movements rather than mere followings. These brands aren’t simply louder than bombs; they are the voices of a cultural crescendo.
As a member of THE BOARD, a community of C-suite leaders in fashion, beauty, and tech, I’ve seen firsthand how investing in fresh ideas anchors brands to the future. This new red era requires creative provocation, guiding companies to foster innovative and resilient market identities. And with industry challenges mounting, the transformation catalysts brands face demand radical shifts—not a mere update, but a full recalibration. For Public Relations, that recalibration means embracing “creative destruction,” the concept Austrian economist Joseph Schumpeter described as the relentless cycle where emerging forces replace outdated ones. PR’s historic trajectory—from Sumerian farm bulletins to Roosevelt’s “Fireside Chats”—demonstrates that the medium is anything but static. Yet, as we step into an AI-engineered, digitalized, fragmented era, our craft requires nothing short of a riot of innovation. We must reclaim our role as culture-shapers, blending relationship-building with digital sophistication for the brands we champion to become the Best in Show. Public Relations is a practice now hyphenated—a tense alliance of storytelling, strategy, and symbiotic media. This means going beyond mere pitches to the art of creating dynamic content that resonates emotionally and addresses complex issues. And while the PESO model (Paid, Earned, Shared, and Owned Media) is still grossly inhaled, I have forever felt that it is a farcical way forward, shepherded by a lifeless formula, draining creativity through a data-driven, unoriginal approach. From the ancients to the immediate, nothing ever works unless you inject it with intention. But this model is just a flimsy framework: true transformation calls for unapologetic innovation— progressive and disruptive. It ain't minor tweaks made to a boring boilerplate that wins the day but full-throated commitment, radical shapeshifting, furious flag-waving— That’s how PR operates and why we continue to exist

This is where the next chapter erupts—not in predictability, but in brands that claim a pulse in culture, setting the beat for a new generation, like unruly school children who refuse to settle down. Every action becomes a verse in a larger story, an anthem for those fierce enough to care. This mandate isn’t strategy alone; it’s the bedrock for brands determined to endure, to matter, longing to leave an everlasting mark.
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CODA: “Fake news” is no longer just a term; it’s a threat to the fabric of the informed. When truth is treated as negotiable, real facts struggle to hold ground. For those of us who represent brands, we are not immune to the impacts of this war on truth. It’s on us to champion transparency and integrity, ensuring that the messages we put forth are rooted in reality and respect for the audience’s intelligence. At WORKHOUSE, we don’t just work with the press; we stand with them. Through initiatives like our #FreePress campaign, we underscore that truth isn’t a convenience—it’s a necessity. By supporting organizations like the Freedom of the Press Foundation, we back journalists and watchdogs committed to safeguarding information from censorship and manipulation. In this climate, those who speak for brands have a responsibility that goes beyond mere messaging. We’re part of a larger fight to uphold honest communication and resist the easy lure of sensationalism. By anchoring our work in factual, compelling narratives, we can help restore trust and serve as a counterforce to the corrosive effects of misinformation. ​

Finally, for those fearing the shadow has deepened and the pendulum swung far back, cut through the darkness with a defiant glow. Take heart, and a cue from Morrissey, who, in times of turmoil, sang, “There is a light and it never goes out.” If Mr. Miserable can find hope, surely we can, too.
This year, W O R K H O U S E celebrates 25 years of award-winning creative innovation, pioneering public relations, and dynamic brand building across a broad spectrum of entertainment, culture, fashion and lifestyle spheres. Suffering a business challenge? Need a creative shoulder of support? Book real time from someone who’s been there. To arrange personal advisement with Founder & CEO, Adam Nelson visit The Board’s Office Hours here
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Ready to get started? THE BOARD is a vetted community of C-Suite talent from worlds of Fashion, Beauty, Tech and more. Whether your brand needs a 'Dream Team' to create a data-driven roadmap for what's next or an on-call advisor to provide objective feedback on your strategy, THE BOARD has you covered.

In New York City, where history meets opulence on nearly every corner of the Upper East Side, a townhouse on East 64th Street stands as an enduring monument to the city’s architectural legacy. Known as the Symphony Townhouse, this residence at 163 East 64th Street opens a door to Manhattan’s past while showcasing the luxuries of today. More than a home, it’s a symbol of an era when townhouses became synonymous with New York’s social elite—spaces that were grand, private, and almost aspirational in their exclusivity.

The townhouse was originally crafted in 1872 by the Victorian architect John Prague, then reimagined in the Neo-Georgian style by R.D. Graham—a transformation that preserved its original grandeur while introducing the architectural flourishes of a changing city. These historical homes captured public fascination in the 1970s when 24-year-old writer Charles Lockwood published Bricks and Brownstone: The New York Row House 1783–1929. Lockwood’s work, the first comprehensive exploration of New York’s beloved row houses and townhouses, coincided with the rise of historic preservation efforts across Manhattan and revived interest in restoring the city’s architectural heritage.

This wave of renewed appreciation for brownstones and townhouses like the Symphony was part of a broader cultural moment, spurred by the newly established New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission and New York Landmarks Conservancy. Together, these groups worked to safeguard buildings that could otherwise be lost to urban redevelopment, and now the city’s historical homes, like the Symphony Townhouse, are in greater demand than ever.

Walking past its meticulously restored red clay brick facade—a project entrusted to artisans who worked on The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine—the townhouse seems to invite passersby to imagine its storied past. Beyond the impressive 20-foot-wide entrance, the townhouse unfolds across 8,000 square feet and five levels, each crafted to preserve its Victorian soul while embracing the comforts of modern luxury.

Inside, the Symphony Townhouse transports its guests back in time, with 15 rooms marked by architectural splendor. The grand foyer, with hand-painted wall coverings and wood-paneled walls, leads into a parlor floor where Versailles wood floors and 13.5-foot ceilings accentuate the townhouse’s stately proportions. An original English pine library dating back to 1872, illuminated by an early 19th-century bronze chandelier, calls to mind the intellectual salons and literary gatherings of a bygone era. For decades, the townhouse has been home to notable guests and residents, including Bob Hope, Liza Minnelli, and Alan Thicke, whose presence has added to its cultural mystique.

In fact, The Symphony Townhouse takes its name from owner Kenneth D. Laub, a celebrated composer and real estate developer whose passion for music left an indelible mark on the residence. Known for his iconic orchestrations and songs composed within, Laub infused the townhouse with a legacy that harmonizes history, creativity, and the arts.

The main living spaces continue the homage to the townhouse’s rich history. Custom faux Fragonard murals in the grand living room reflect the artistry of Manhattan’s Frick Museum, while a Belle Epoque walnut bar with a Lalique French crystal ceiling brings a refined European flair. In the dining room, a Provencal tapestry dating back to the 1750s, meticulously restored by the Metropolitan Museum, graces the wall, while French, Venetian, and Russian chandeliers add touches of old-world elegance to each room.

Each floor of the Symphony Townhouse holds new layers of history and design, connected by a grand staircase with custom wrought-iron railings that add a touch of grandeur. The library’s shelves are lined with preserved English pine, a nod to the townhouse’s Victorian origins. A French Country eat-in kitchen, a wine cellar with space for 300 bottles, and eight fireplaces spread across the home add warmth, character, and practicality to the townhouse’s carefully preserved charm.

Ascend to the townhouse’s rooftop, and a rare urban oasis emerges. Bluestone and marble flooring create a tranquil retreat in the heart of Manhattan, where a state-of-the-art snow-melting system ensures year-round enjoyment. Lanterns cast a gentle glow across the deck, illuminating a lighted fountain and seating area with a built-in TV outlet for outdoor entertainment. The rooftop is a true sanctuary—a space designed for both privacy and luxury, providing a view of the city that feels both intimate and exclusive.
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What makes the Symphony Townhouse particularly rare is its status as one of Manhattan’s most photographed properties, blending its historical significance with timeless style. This home tells a story through its design and history, rooted in an era when Manhattan’s townhouses embodied both the aspirations and accomplishments of the city’s elite. The Symphony Townhouse’s return to the market marks more than a sale—it’s an opportunity for a new steward to inherit a piece of New York’s architectural and cultural history, one that continues to resonate in the city’s ever-evolving narrative.

THE SYMPHONY TOWNHOUSE 15 Rooms | 5 Bedrooms | 8.5 Bathrooms | 8,000 Sq ft | 20 Ft Wide | 20 Ft Deep | $15.9M
Video: 163 East 64th Street https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nvQqyjU2kE 
To learn more, contact: The Agency:  Mike Biryla or John Antretter. 

Fashion Week has always been about flair, risk, and redefining style boundaries. But in recent years, the buzz surrounding these high-profile events has extended beyond humans and onto their beloved companions. Pets have become fixtures in the fashion world, strutting alongside models in tailored ensembles that range from playful to luxurious. From the spectacle of Harrods’ “pet-a-porter” shows to Anthony Rubio’s intricate designs adorned with semi-precious stones and tailored for everything from Pomeranians to Great Danes, the pet fashion scene has firmly established itself in the style canon.

However, as the world of pet fashion reaches new heights, there’s a broader conversation brewing among pet owners. While a sequined harness or a chic bowtie might turn heads at a party, what pet lovers increasingly seek is not just glamour but substance—resources that go beyond the runway. With the pet industry projected to reach over $123 billion in the U.S. alone, it’s clear that pets are more than just a trend; they’re family.

It’s in this context that ThePetMag is stepping in to fill a vital gap. Launching in January 2025, this publication will aim to address what matters most to today’s pet owners: practical, reliable content that enhances their pets’ quality of life. Unlike the designer-focused, glossy spreads that often make headlines, ThePetMag will cater to the everyday needs of pet owners, offering everything from expert advice on pet health and nutrition to at-home care tips and engaging stories.

ThePetMag has its roots in TheHomeMag, a household name in home improvement content for over two decades. Leveraging this legacy of trust, ThePetMag is positioned to extend that same level of dependable information to pet owners. Initially distributed as an insert reaching 100,000 of TheHomeMag’s most engaged readers, the publication will evolve into a standalone magazine, promising thoughtful content that goes beyond superficial trends. The American Pet Products Association (APPA) endorsement of ThePetMag underscores this commitment to informed, responsible pet care.

President & COO Tom Bohn encapsulates the heart of this new venture: “The launch of ThePetMag was a significant milestone. We understand that pets are truly the heart of the home. Expanding into the pet space allows us to reach a passionate community of pet lovers and provide valuable content.”

As Fashion Week events across the globe continue to spotlight pets in all their stylish glory, the pet industry itself is reflecting this cultural shift. Millennial and Gen Z pet owners, who make up a significant portion of this market, have moved beyond simply owning pets—they want to integrate them into a lifestyle that prioritizes health, happiness, and family connection. 

The emergence of pet-focused publications reflects a broader trend: while pet fashion will always have its glitzy side, the real heartbeat of pet ownership lies in the everyday moments. Whether it’s finding the right diet for a high-energy pup, learning the nuances of training, or simply understanding how to keep a pet happy and healthy, ThePetMag aims to be that go-to resource.

So, while the runways will continue to showcase playful pet couture, a trusted magazine soon arrives to help pet owners create a fulfilling, joyful life for their pets—one that goes beyond appearances and celebrates the heart of what it means to be furry.
 

Historic Symphony Townhouse in NYC Lists for $15.995 Million
15 Rooms | 5 Bedrooms | 8.5 Bathrooms | 8,000 Sq ft | 20 Ft Wide | 20 Ft Deep 

A distinguished piece of Manhattan’s architectural legacy, the Symphony Townhouse at 163 East 64th Street, is now on the market with an asking price of $15.995 million. Nestled in Lenox Hill, this 8,000-square-foot Neo-Georgian masterpiece offers 15 luxurious rooms, 5 bedrooms, and 8.5 bathrooms across a 20-foot-wide, 90-foot-deep footprint. Originally designed in 1872 by renowned architect John Prague and later reimagined by R.D. Graham, the Symphony Townhouse has been recognized for its architectural significance and recommended for national landmark status.

Represented exclusively by Mike Biryla, John Antretter, and Gabriella Michin of The Agency, this estate combines historical grandeur with contemporary luxury. The townhouse’s iconic red clay brick facade was meticulously restored by artisans from The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine, maintaining the property’s legacy of craftsmanship. Inside, the home unveils a rare blend of period details and modern amenities, including an original English pine library from 1872, eight fireplaces, and a private elevator.

The 2,008-square-foot lot is further enhanced by a bespoke rooftop garden with bluestone and marble flooring, a state-of-the-art snow-melting system, a lighted fountain, and a TV outlet, creating an all-season urban oasis. Interiors feature intricate design elements, including a Belle Epoque bar with a Lalique crystal ceiling, hand-painted wall coverings in the grand foyer, and a dining room illuminated by a restored Provencal tapestry from the 1750s.

Adding to the grandeur, the parlor floor boasts 13.5-foot ceilings, original pine paneling, and four chandeliers from the 18th and 19th centuries, showcasing French, Venetian, and Russian influences. A grand staircase leads to additional levels, where custom faux Fragonards echo the artistry of the Frick Museum, paying homage to the home’s historic roots.

As one of Manhattan’s most photographed properties, this storied residence has welcomed notable guests, including Bob Hope, Liza Minnelli, and Alan Thicke, becoming synonymous with NYC’s elite cultural and real estate circles. The Symphony Townhouse’s availability marks a unique opportunity for collectors and aficionados of historic New York architecture to acquire a truly remarkable property.

Noted for its opulence and unique design by Ronald Bricke, the Symphony Townhouse’s features include a Stephen Pusey-commissioned woodwork barroom floor, an atrium with a Lalique glass ceiling, and an impressive five-room parlor floor with original pine wood paneling from its initial construction. In addition to the custom bar, the house boasts a French Country eat-in kitchen, a 300-bottle wine cellar, and an elevator that connects all floors, including access to the lavish rooftop garden.

Distinguished and bespoke details throughout, such as a stunning raked limestone and red clay brick facade and approximately 1,325 square feet of unused air rights, make this townhouse poised for the next generation to create a forever home. This exquisite Neo-Georgian Townhouse offers timeless elegance, magnificent living spaces, haute craftsmanship, and the safety and privacy only a townhouse can offer.

Read Mansion Global story here https://www.mansionglobal.com/articles/a-19th-century-townhouse-with-bridgerton-vibesbut-its-in-manhattan-08f9a1ad
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Video: 163 East 64th Street https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nvQqyjU2kE

For inquiries and viewing arrangements, contact The Agency’s representatives.

Broker Contact for Viewing:

The Agency
Mike Biryla | M: 646.496.2174 | E: [email protected]
John Antretter | M: 212.658.0570 | E: [email protected]
Gabriella Michin | Available upon request

Press Contact:
Adam Nelson
Founder & CEO, WORKHOUSE
O: +1 212.645.8006
E: [email protected]