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THE WILLOW, NAFTALI GROUP’S LATEST BOUTIQUE TOWER, LAUNCHES SALES IN GRAMERCY

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COOKFOX Architects and Rockwell Group-Designed Luxury Development Brings Timeless Interiors and Stylish Amenities to Historic New York City Neighborhood

NEW YORK, April 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On the heels of launching four new buildings in late 2024, including the record-breaking One Williamsburg Wharf, The Henry, 255 East 77th Street and Viceroy Fort Lauderdale, Naftali Group, a leading privately held global real estate development and investment firm based in New York, today announced the launch of sales at The Willow, a new luxury residential building in the heart of New York’s historic Gramercy neighborhood. Designed by the award-winning COOKFOX Architects, with amenities and residences by the world-renowned Rockwell Group, The Willow represents a modern interpretation of classic New York architecture, offering 69 exceptionally crafted residences and a curated suite of club-like amenities that seamlessly integrate with the historic charm of the Gramercy neighborhood.

“The demand for well-designed, meticulously planned residential buildings is strong, especially for our recently launched projects in New York City,” said Miki Naftali, Chairman and CEO of Naftali Group. “With this impressive momentum, we’re proud to introduce The Willow in New York City’s Gramercy neighborhood. This development reflects the area’s rich architectural history through its beautiful arched windows and modern interpretation of classic Downtown buildings, and it showcases our collaboration with the incredible COOKFOX Architects and Rockwell Group. With the expertise of a world-renowned design team, we’re excited to see The Willow become a landmark in this cherished New York neighborhood.”

Located at 201 East 23rd Street, two blocks northeast of the historic Gramercy Park, The Willow features a stunning exterior by COOXFOX Architects, the global architecture firm known for its critically acclaimed work in environmentally responsive and sustainable architecture and design. Rising 19 stories on the prominent corner of East 23rd Street, the boutique building’s striking hand-laid masonry façade is crafted from a custom red brick blend, cast stone, and sleek black metal accents, paying homage to the architectural fabric of the historic Gramercy neighborhood Thoughtful, eye-catching design elements, such as one-of-a-kind arched windows and private setback terraces and loggias, provide residents with indoor and outdoor lifestyle experiences, while the custom black metal railings and entrance doors set the stage for a distinctive and timeless quality.  

Complementing the building’s remarkable façade, COOKFOX thoughtfully designed the layouts of The Willow’s residences, emphasizing contemporary elegance and refined style that mirrors the surrounding neighborhood. The spacious layouts, serene color palette, and luxurious finishes by Rockwell Group create a welcoming atmosphere throughout, from the custom millwork in the kitchens to the spa-like bathrooms that evoke a sense of tranquility.

Ranging from one to four-bedroom residences, including four half-floor penthouses and one full-floor penthouse at the crown of the building, The Willow boasts gracious homes with elegant floor plans and interiors, seamlessly blending loft-style living with classical details. Each home features white oak flooring throughout all living spaces and bedrooms, with select residences, including the building’s penthouses, offering expansive private outdoor loggia and terrace spaces that invite seamless indoor-outdoor living with dynamic views of the iconic New York City skyline. The homes also include beautiful open kitchens with honed quartz countertops, Miele kitchen appliances, and custom-designed cabinetry, while the baths are finished with honed Ice Grey stone and Waterworks fixtures for a spa-like experience. Residents of The Willow are welcomed home through custom black entrance doors that open to a 24-hour attended lobby with a custom stone patterned floor and artisan-made reception desk clad in hand-glazed tile that leads into a landscaped open courtyard designed by Future Green, inviting natural light into the lobby and adjacent library. 

Representing a new generation of luxury Downtown Manhattan living, The Willow comprises an exclusive club-like collection of indoor-outdoor lifestyle amenities designed by Rockwell Group, the firm internationally recognized for its innovative and luxurious design approach and decades of work in the high-end residential and hospitality spaces around the world. Rockwell Group crafted the amenities at The Willow to feel like an extension of the home, offering an array of stylish, thoughtfully designed spaces for wellness, entertainment, and leisure. Residents will have access to a state-of-the-art fitness center, complete with a sauna, as well as a cinema and a speakeasy-inspired lounge known as the Mermaid Room. The building’s signature Hearth Room features a striking travertine block fireplace and serves as a cozy gathering space, while the Glamercy Room offers a curated music lounge outfitted with instruments and an extensive vinyl collection, as well as a professional recording studio. Additional amenities include a nautical-themed children’s playroom, a landscaped rooftop terrace with sweeping city views, a bike room, and storage available for residents to purchase. Two private cabanas on the building’s roof deck are also available for purchase. The landscaped central courtyard, visible from many residences and the building’s jewel box lobby, offers a rare and tranquil green space within the urban landscape.

“Following the success of Naftali Group’s other Manhattan projects, we are delighted to help bring The Willow to life in Gramercy,” said Alexa Lambert of Compass Development Marketing Group, the building’s exclusive sales and marketing agent. “We have already seen wonderful interest from buyers and brokers who recognize the exceptional quality and design this project offers as well as the opportunity to live in one of New York’s most iconic and fun neighborhoods.”

Perfectly located where the charm of Gramercy meets the vibrant energy of Flatiron and NoMad, The Willow is surrounded by the neighborhood’s picturesque tree-lined streets and buzzy neighborhood offerings. The Willow’s location also provides residents with proximity to many of Downtown Manhattan’s acclaimed cultural and lifestyle destinations, including fine dining, shopping, and green spaces like Madison Square Park, Union Square Park, and much more. Ample transportation options are also nearby, which ensures seamless connectivity to the rest of Manhattan and beyond.

One of the most active developers in New York City, Naftali Group has successfully launched and sold out three record-breaking luxury condominium projects in Manhattan since 2020 including The Benson at 1045 Madison Avenue, 200 East 83rd and The Bellemont at 1165 Madison Avenue, in addition to more than 37 total projects over the past three decades, including The Shepherd in Greenwich Village. Along with the forthcoming The Willow, the firm has several new development projects in the pipeline in Manhattan, including the recently launched The Henry on the Upper West Side and 255 East 77th Street on the Upper East Side, both designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects. In Williamsburg, Brooklyn, the firm is developing Williamsburg Wharf, a 3.75-acre master-planned development along the Williamsburg Wharf, including the recently One Williamsburg Wharf, the project’s first condominium tower, and Two and Three Williamsburg Wharf, which recently launched leasing. In addition to Naftali Group’s active projects in New York City, the firm is developing over 3 million square feet of premier residential and mixed-use space in South Florida, including the recently launched JEM Private Residences in Miami and Viceroy Residences Fort Lauderdale.

Construction at The Willow is well underway, and completion is slated for Q3 of 2026. Pricing begins at $1,225,000 for a one-bedroom residence. Sales and marketing are being handled exclusively by Compass Development Marketing Group. For additional information or to schedule a private appointment, please visit www.thewillow-gramercy.com.

About Naftali Group
Naftali Group, a privately held global real estate development and investment firm based in New York City, has a prestigious track record, having led some of the most significant developments and landmark restorations. Founded and led by Miki Naftali, Naftali Group is highly specialized in identifying and acquiring undervalued properties in premier geographic areas with strong potential growth while maximizing the value of unique and irreplaceable assets. Naftali Group pursues strategic acquisitions and continuously grows its extensive portfolio of new development condominiums, income-producing, mixed-use properties and other assets. Through innovation and discipline, Naftali is recognized as a leading developer with a current and past portfolio comprised of more than 50 projects encompassing more than $15 billion in total value. One of the most active firms in New York City, Naftali Group has successfully launched and sold out three record-breaking luxury condo projects in Manhattan since 2020, including The Benson at 1045 Madison Avenue, 200 East 83rd and The Bellemont at 1165 Madison Avenue. The firm has several new development projects in the pipeline both in Manhattan and in Brooklyn, where the firm’s waterfront development Williamsburg Wharf is currently in progress and estimated to be completed with the first phase in 2025. In addition to active projects in New York City, Naftali Group is developing over 3 million square feet of premier residential and mixed-use space across two projects in South Florida, including JEM in Miami and Viceroy Residences Fort Lauderdale. Visit: https://naftaligroup.com/.

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SOURCE Naftali Group

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HKAGE Showcases Gifted Students’ Learning Journeys at InnoCarnival 2026

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Promoting “Technology for Good” Through Innovation and Creativity 

HONG KONG, Oct. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education (HKAGE) has been invited to participate in InnoCarnival 2026, organised by the Innovation and Technology Commission. Under the theme “Technology for Good, Innovation for All”, HKAGE will showcase the learning journeys of gifted students who have completed programmes on AI robotic arms, underwater archaeology, etc., demonstrating how technology can be harnessed to address societal needs.

Having proactively aligned its work with the education development strategies of the Education Bureau (EDB), HKAGE fully supports the EDB’s Blueprint for Digital Education in Primary and Secondary Schools, which seeks to advance the digital transformation of school education in Hong Kong. Building on its Talent Development Model, HKAGE systematically develops programmes, provides diversified learning experiences and engages in cross-sector collaborations to nurture gifted talents equipped with innovative capabilities, technological literacy, and a strong sense of social responsibility. At the exhibition this year, HKAGE will present how students applied knowledge gained through gifted education programmes and learning experiences in areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, environmental science, underwater archaeology and sustainable development to design socially conscious solutions. These experiences reflect the students’ ability to serve society with knowledge and respond creatively to diverse challenges.

Among the highlights is the learning journey of students in the “Artificial Intelligence Course: Creative AI Robotic Arm for Inclusion”. After acquiring foundational knowledge in artificial intelligence, robotics and sensor applications, students designed, tested and refined intelligent robotic arm prototypes through real-time data analysis and algorithms. With the aim of improving the quality of life for the elderly and caregivers, students explored various application scenarios for intelligent robotic arms. Another showcase features the “Environmental Science Course: Bat Echoes – Voices of the Night”. Through acoustic monitoring, the exhibition demonstrates how students recorded bat voices and analysed related activity data and characteristics. The programme enabled students to gain a deeper understanding of local biodiversity and explore practical approaches to ecological conservation.

The HKAGE exhibition booth also features an interactive photo-taking device, allowing visitors to take photos with different gifted programme themes and share the joy of learning.

On the first day of the exhibition, a “Build Your Own Glider Parent-Child Workshop” is specially organised by HKAGE for the visitors. Under the guidance of instructors and assisted by HKAGE students, participants will learn the basic principles of aerodynamics, including lift, gravity, thrust and drag. They will also learn to design, assemble and decorate their own gliders by using lightweight and durable materials, experiencing the joy of science and engineering.

Mr WONG Chung Po, Acting Executive Director of HKAGE, said: “The Academy is committed to providing gifted students with diversified learning platforms and encouraging them to transform knowledge into innovative practices that generate positive social impact. Participation in this exhibition not only provides students with a valuable learning experience that helps consolidate the knowledge acquired in gifted programmes, but also enables the public to better understand how gifted education nurtures a new generation of creative and socially responsible talents to jointly advance the philosophy of ‘Technology for Good’.”

InnoCarnival 2026 – The Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education

Date:

24 Oct – 1 Nov

Venue:

The Hong Kong Science Park

Booth:

C08-09

Time:

10:00 – 17:00 (Mon to Fri)

10:00 – 18:00 (Sat & Sun)

 

About the HKAGE

Established in 2008 and subvented by the Education Bureau, the HKAGE offers gifted education services actively to local primary and secondary school students to unleash their potential. It also provides gifted education-related information and support for teachers, parents, and other relevant stakeholders.

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SOURCE Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education

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LEAP Group Relaunches HumanView, a Growth Intelligence System Built to Explain Why Customers Behave the Way They Do

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Reimagined from the ground up, HumanView pairs statistical modeling with expert analysts to turn millions of real-world customer signals into business decisions

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LEAP Group today announced the relaunch of HumanView, its growth intelligence service. The new version has been rebuilt from the ground up and now has a dedicated home at leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

HumanView analyzes what customers say and do across social platforms, e-commerce sites, review platforms, search behavior and user-generated content, including signals from Reddit, TikTok, YouTube, Meta, Amazon and Walmart+ that general AI tools cannot always access. Because the data reflects unprompted, real-world behavior, it avoids the response bias built into surveys and focus groups.

The service works in three layers. HumanView captures signals at scale, decodes millions of records through validated statistical models such as regression, correlation and clustering, and then relies on experienced analysts to interpret the patterns. Clients receive clear, human-validated insights instead of another dashboard.

“Machines find the patterns. Humans find the point,” said Alan Gilleo, CEO at LEAP Group. “The first version of HumanView showed us how much customers reveal when nobody is asking them questions. This version is built to explain why they act the way they do, and to put those answers in front of everyone making decisions, from product to service to marketing.”

HumanView focuses on three areas:

Growth Intelligence: customer motivations and how people perceive a brand and its competitors

Market and Category Intelligence: product pain points, service friction, unmet needs and competitive gaps

Audience Intelligence: new segments, positioning opportunities and gaps in the market

Every model is designed and validated by data scientists and benchmarked before it informs a recommendation.

To learn more about HumanView, visit leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

About LEAP Group
LEAP Group is a boutique marketing agency holding company with offices in Louisville, Indianapolis, Cincinnati and Chicago. Guided by the belief that brands should “Market Less. Matter More.,” LEAP gives clients access to specialized experts across its entire network. Learn more at leapgroupnetwork.com.

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SOURCE LEAP Group

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STEPHEN A. SMITH ADDRESSES WHITE HOUSE DINNER ATTENDANCE, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO HBCUs AND PROTECTING CORPORATE INVESTMENT IN BLACK EDUCATION

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NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Stephen A. Smith, media mogul, New York Times bestselling author, and proud 1991 graduate of Winston-Salem State University, is addressing the public discussion surrounding his decision to attend a White House dinner with President Donald Trump, emphasizing his commitment to the long-term financial stability of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

For Smith, the decision was rooted in a commitment to institutions that have educated generations of Black leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and public servants.

“I will always advocate for HBCUs and the students whose futures depend on them,” Smith said. “My reason for attending the White House dinner was to discuss the challenges these institutions face in securing long-term funding and to make the case that corporate America must continue to invest in them.”

Smith acknowledged federal support through the FUTURE Act while expressing concern that political tensions surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) could discourage private companies from supporting HBCUs. He maintains that these institutions deserve sustained corporate partnerships, philanthropic contributions, and public investment.

“If we truly believe in free-market capitalism, businesses should be able to support educational institutions and charitable causes without fear of criticism or repercussions,” Smith said. “HBCUs have made extraordinary contributions to this country. They deserve sustained public and private investment.”

Ashley Christopher, Esq., Founder and CEO of the HBCU Week Foundation, recognized Smith’s advocacy and decision to engage with the administration.

“Stephen A. Smith has been a powerful advocate for HBCUs, using his platform and influence to shine a national spotlight on our institutions,” expressed Christopher, “His continued support of HBCU Week helps advance our mission of connecting students with life-changing educational opportunities, and we are proud to have him as our ambassador.”

Since Smith became an HBCU Week Ambassador in 2019, the initiative has facilitated more than 15,000 on-the-spot college acceptances and raised and awarded more than $150 million in scholarships, according to the HBCU Week Foundation.

As public discussion continues, Smith is emphasizing the importance of ensuring HBCUs have the resources and partnerships needed to educate future generations and expand opportunities for students.

CLICK HERE to watch Smith’s full response to his White House visit.

MEDIA CONTACT:

media@mrsasinc.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/stephen-a-smith-addresses-white-house-dinner-attendance-reaffirms-commitment-to-hbcus-and-protecting-corporate-investment-in-black-education-302918547.html

SOURCE Straight Shooter Media

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