Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc.

Is there anything more active than Scott Lawlor’s Broadway Partners?    read more »

When it comes to the relentless pursuit of prime Manhattan real estate in the last six months, Bear  read more »

Bear Stearns Feasts at 237 Park Avenue "When it comes to the relentless pursuit of prime Manhattan real estate, Bear Stearns is virtually unmatched. After taking 250,000 square feet in two leases last year, the I-bankers are closing in on a 106,000 square foot expansion at 237 Park Avenue." Lawyers Love 919 Third Avenue "The law firm that has the ear of every major hedge fund in the city, Schulte Roth & Zabel, has signed a lease for an 88,0000 square foot expansion at its headquarters at 919 Third Avenue." Go to Commercial Breaks by John Koblin. A Booth Remains the Same at Former Beat Drinking Hole "Don't be fooled by the freshly-scrubbed floors, potted tropical-looking plants, and lively Latin music at Jeremy Merrin's newest restaurant, located at 2911 Broadway, across from Columbia University. This is, in fact, Jack Kerouac's favorite New York dive bar. At least, it used to be." Go to Counter Espionage by Chris Shott. Model Lands Urban Glass House Condo "The Ralph Lauren model Filippa Hamilton has bought a duplex on the 10th and 11th floors of the Urban Glass House, the last residential commission of the late Philip Johnson." Chelsea Rowhouse Goes for $8.25 Million "The Andrew Norwood House, a landmarked rowhouse at 241 West 14th Street, has been sold to the 29-year-old developer Ben Shaoul for $8.25 million." Go to Manhattan Transfers by Max Abelson. Battle for Red Hook Pivots on Cargo and Cruise Ships "Just a couple of years ago, the container port in Red Hook, Brooklyn, looked doomed. But fierce reactions from neighbors and politicians who want to hold tightly to the 'working waterfront' of Red Hook's storied past spurred the city's Economic Development Corporation to temper its condos-and-cruise ship formula for the port." Go to story by Matthew Schuerman. Paris, London Make Manhattan Offices Look Cheap "Manhattan office-market stats out last week showed what everyone already knows: The borough has one of the most expensive and tightest office markets in the world. But it's nothing compared to Paris, London, Hong Kong, and a few other (select) cities." Go to The Lab by Tom Acitelli. Sign up for The Observer's weekly real-estate news email blast.

Although there's still scaffolding in place (and a gigantic billboard, too), some big name buyers have already arrived at The Plaza. Socialite Jocelyn Wildenstein is picking up a 3,000-square-foot apartment that went for just under $10 million, according to the New York Post. Fleeing East 82nd Street, Ms. Wildenstein will be joined by developer Harry Macklowe, New England Patriots owner (and sometime Putin pal) Robert Kraft, and Bear Stearns chief James Cayne.

Also, a contract has been signed on a $40 million pad at 15 Central Park West--just a few million shy of Daniel Loeb's record breaking purchase in the building. And Britney Spears reduced the price of her Silk Building condo to $4.5 million (but haven't we heard that before).

- Michael Calderone

The Munipal Art Society and Curbed have been collecting photos of massive advertising on buildings, like The Plaza above.  read more »

The New York Post reports that New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft--famous for giving his Super Bowl ring to Vladimir Putin--is buying at the The Plaza. However, there's no word yet on the specifics of his apartment. Regardless, Mr. Kraft will join some elite company: Bear Stearns chief James Cayne, Formula One's Flavio Briatore, and developer Harry Macklowe (who's buying two units).

Also, jewelry designer David Yurman is buying a $3.125 million apartment to add to his triplex. And, Haley Lieberman Binn--wife of Niche Media head, Jason Binn--is leaving Stribling for the Corcoran Group.  read more »

- Michael Calderone

The first quarter fund-raising numbers are beginning to trickle in, and once again Hillary Clinton is the big winner, raising a hefty $2 million a month each month from January through March. In a distant second place: Rick Santorum, whose war chest now holds $10 million, thanks to large GOP cash infusions -- and a little help from some New York friends.

A quick Politicker once-over of past Santorum donors turned up lots of usual suspects -- think Rupert Murdoch, who has given $4200, and Henry Kissinger, who plunked down $500 -- as well as some genuine surprises, like die-hard Democratic fund-raiser John Catsimatidis. The list also includes baby neo-con Mark Gerson, failed would-be senator Rick Lazio, MTA Chairman Peter Kalikow, controversial businessman Kenneth Langone, and a piggy bank's worth of Merrill Lynch and Bear Stearns-ers (we're sure Mr. Santorum's plum position on the banking committee had nothing to do with that). Most impressive, however, was Mr. Santorum's ability to recruit a real, live Frank Sinatra and Robert E. Lee!

-- Lizzy Ratner

More names after the jump:  read more »

One could be forgiven for thinking the city's financial condition is in pretty great shape these day  read more »

Bear, Stearns and Company has built a new corporate headquarters ready for the worst New York has to  read more »

Henryk de Kwiatkowski was getting flustered and not a little bit angry.  read more »

Joey Adams Jr.'s N.Y.C. Sex Jokes There are so many strip clubs in N.Y.C.  read more »