New Condo Development: The Lucida – 151 E. 85th Street, New York 10028

The Lucida
Location: 151 East 85th Street (at Lexington Avenue)
Size: 110 units, 18 stories
Prices: From $1.95 million
Expected Occupancy: Late 2008/Early 2009
Developer: Extell
Architect: Cook + Fox
Interior Designer: S. Russell Groves
Sales & Marketing: Corcoran Sunshine

Overview: Green, Glamorous, a Little Glitzy
Many months ago, when my husband and I attended the cocktail opening for the Lucida Sales Office, we thought: The Lucida is not for us. Though definitely high-quality, it was, well, just a bit glitzy – “chocolate-stained” solid oak floors and doors, high-contrast polished ceramic kitchen cabinets with shiny metal trunk-like handles. Also, because it’s a mid-rise building, the views are not great, compared with other new developments.

Some months later, when I revisited the model apartments with my father, I found the quality and design of Lucida more pleasing – it’s clearly one of the highest-quality condominiums currently in development.

As the “Upper East Side’s first green condominium registered for LEED certification,” Lucida is a 20-story hybrid rental-condo building with first-floor retail space and rental units on lower-level floors. Lucida is developed by Extell. Retail and rental spaces are leased from Goldman.

Lucida’s architects Cook + Fox are known for both residential and commercial projects including On Bryant Park, Henry Miller Theater and The Caroline.

Amenities include:

- The exclusive La Palestra fitness center with pool.
- Kidville playground.
- Private wine cellar.
- Bicycle storage room.

Raves & Faves
- Quality is top-notch; design and layout of kitchens is well done.
- Central location, easily accessible to subway and near to Central Park.

Lucida kitchen

Not So Hot
- Trough sinks.
- No Jacuzzis (why are so many New York condo developments avoiding Jacuzzis?).
- Wish the building were taller with better views.

Units: Layout, Pricing and Availability
Apartments available at the Lucida include two- to five-bedroom units ranging from $1.95 million to $10+ million. Upper floors have recessed terraces.

- Two bedrooms (1445 sf – 1646 sf): $1.95 – $3.3 million
- Three bedrooms (1760 sf – 2153 sf): $3.3 – $5.5 million
- Four bedrooms ( 2160 sf – 2605 sf): $4.6 – $5.7 million
- Five bedrooms (2717 sf – 3755 sf): $6.0 – $10+ million

Lucida interior

Come See for Yourself
Interested in buying at the Lucida? Give us a call at 212-220-4633 or 917-603-6224, or email us. As a buyer broker, our services are free to you, and we represent your interests. We’ll be delighted to show you apartments at the Lucida and other comparable properties. Be sure to ask about our rebate program.

Location & Neighborhood
Ever since New York’s Central Park was first opened, the Upper East Side has been one of the most coveted residential neighborhoods in Manhattan, and it’s likely to stay that way. The Lucida is a short walk to the Park, to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and to the other venerable institutions along Museum Mile. There is easy access to upscale shopping and to many of the city’s best schools, both private and public.

1 Comment »

One Response to “New Condo Development: The Lucida – 151 E. 85th Street, New York 10028”

  1. on 19 Jul 2009 at 5:59 pm Stefan

    I believe Peter Aaron at Cook+Fox had a lot of input with the Lucida. He is a good architect with a number of years as a Project Architect on many top projects at the Pei firm. For this reason, I believe the building deserves a little extra consideration.. most likely some worthwhile construction details here as there should be in this price range.

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