From left: The Real Deal’s top stories include best and worst deals, the profile of one-time real estate big wig Michael Shvo, and news on the Setai

The most popular stories on The Real Deal Web site from 2009, based on the number of page views, run the gamut from a collection of the best and worst deals since the crunch, to a profile of the boom-time marketing wunderkind Michael Shvo, to the breaking news that the Setai joined the number of city projects releasing buyers from their contracts.

Here are the top 10 stories of the year:

1. Finding a bottom in Brooklyn
2. The best and worst deals
3. Where in the world did Shvo go?
4. Setai condo buyers granted right to cancel contracts, get deposits back
5. New York could see a double dip in residential market
6. ‘Vornado Tornado’ gets ready to land
7. Where are buyers backing out?
8. Fortress buys Sheffield57 at auction for $20M
9.The tallest green condo shoots
10. SL Green battles Levy, Chetrit in Chelsea [more]

From left: Pool pavilion and Turkish steam bath and lounge

Developer Africa Israel has announced that the remaining 50,000 square
feet of amenities at 20 Pine is complete and ready for use. In addition
to the already open library and terrace lounges, residents at the
embattled FiDi project being marketed by Shvo will now have access to
an indoor pool pavilion and 3,000-square-foot lounge, a
1,400-square-foot game room, and a gym, spa and Turkish steam bath and
lounge. Residents living above the 24th floor will also have access to
hotel-style services, including daily breakfast and a private lounge. TRD
[more]