Location: 385 West 12th Street btwn Washington/West Streets
Floors: 7
Units: 12
Floor Plans: 3-4 Bedrooms/Town Homes/Flats/Penthouse
Prices: $5.795M to $17M
Architect: FLAnk
Developer: FLAnk
Sales & Marketing: Brown Harris Stevens
Marketing Tel: 212.906.9200
Website Url: www.385west12th.com

 
FLAnk’s 12 unit condominium is an architectural masterpiece. What makes this condo so unique is that the roof is split into two tiers. The top tier has a 50 foot lap pool, a hot tub/spa, a rooftop shower and a meditation deck below. An entertaining area is located on the lower tier, complete with gas grills. The magnificent rooftop’s views of the Hudson River will sweep you off your feet. There is an on site resident manager, full-time housekeeper, laundry delivery services and dog walking services are available. Most units at this complex contain 2,500 to 4,300 feet of space and the two duplex penthouses are about 8,300 square feet. In addition to the penthouses, there are four town homes and six flats- and the ceiling heights are 10′ to 18′.

Amenities: Many units have a study, den with fireplace, professional kitchen, wine cellar, laundry room, and a home theatre. Most homes are fitted with a technology package that allows residents to control lighting, shades, climate, and even the home entertainment system. Every residence includes a gas burning fireplace.

Additional amenities and features include elegant walnut flooring; custom designed maple cabinetry and heated flooring are within the master bathroom. There is also a family room in addition to the living room. There is also a doorman, attended lobby, concierge, luxurious roof garden, swimming pool and bike storage. It is said that FLAnk will even have throw residents a cocktail party.

Although it may seem that most residents may never want to leave their homes, there are many shopping, dining and entertainment options available around the complex. In addition, there are several spas and salons nearby for those that would rather get away from the building for a spa treatment.

No Comments »

Location: 33 West 56th Street
Floors: 19
Units: 48
Floor Plans: 1 to 4 Bedrooms
Prices: $11,5M
Developer: Stillman Development International
Architect: I.M. Pei
Sales and Marketing: Corcoran
Marketing Tel: (212) 836-1088
Website Url: www.Centurion Condominium.com
 

The new Centurion Condominium complex is one of the most stunning architectural projects in Manhattan.  Designer I.M. Pei’s works include the glass pyramid at the Louvre in Paris, the Four Seasons Hotel and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. “The face of the building should say ‘here I am’, according to Pei.  The front exterior of the building says ‘here I am’” with its symmetrical arrangements and setbacks.

As impressive as the building should be to see from the outside, a building should also be impressive inside. There will be a total of 48 residential units in the Centurion with 1 to 4 bedroom units available including 13 terraced homes and 3 penthouses. Teak floors are in the primary rooms of residential units with marble, limestone and porcelain floors in the bathrooms. The ceilings in each of the units will range from 10 to 17 feet. The washer/dryer units and the dishwasher are from Bosch. Units include a Sub-Zero refrigerator and a Wolf stove.  At present, the units in the Centurion are selling for around $2,800 per square foot.

Amenities: The entire facad is in Chamesson French limestone.  The lobby is crafted in Magny du Louvre French limestone with blonde Anigre wood including rich leather and marble accents.  Residents can expect white-glove concierge, a doorman, fitness room and even a liven-in superintendent (fee-based).  The fee-based residents assistant is not included in the fixed cost in monthly carrying fees. However, residents can pay a flat fee if they need to have a pet sitter, etc.  

For residents looking for something to do outside of the hotel, the Centurion is close to various restaurants, entertainment options, Manhattan historical landmarks, and museums. Central Park is just a short walk from the Centurion. Buyers looking for a condominium with fantastic resale value, this very well may be the one —It’s not too often that one can say they own something designed by I.M. Pei.

No Comments »

Location:  433 East 47th Street
Floors: 7
Units:  12
Prices:  $770,000 – $5.7M
Developer:  Josh Guberman – CORE Development Group
Architect: Chris Carrano of ADG Architecture and Design PC
Sales and Marketing: CORE – Steve Ganz and Jon Isaacs
Marketing Tel: 212-726-0781
Website Url: www.lux74ny.com

This residency offers an intimate atmosphere with ultra high-class amenities and features. All apartment homes come with custom hard wood flooring, high ceilings and a fireplace. Can’t live without features – the Bose 3-2-1 Series II Home Entertainment System and the Plasma TVs come equipped in every unit. Luxury studio apartments start at $770,000 and the penthouse is around $5.7M.

The Crème de la Crème kitchen has European cabinetry with walnut finish. Each unit comes with a storage unit space, Bianco Gioia Marble, Viking appliances and SS Sub Zero refrigerator. The bathrooms have heated flooring, wall mounted faucets and Hudson Reed fixtures.
Amenities: A modern athletic center, outdoor kitchens with DCS grills, community dining area and sundeck. In addition, the condo offers a 24-hour concierge service, a full-time superintendent and an on-site porter.

From the Whitney Museum to the Manhattan Ballet School, the Lux 74 offers a rich mixture of community amenities within walking distance. And of course, this would not be complete without a variety of restaurants and shopping options. Also, parents have the privilege of sending their children to quality public schools or private schools in the area. The Lux 74 is unarguably a high-class condominium in a high-class area.

No Comments »

Location: 30 West 21st Street
Neighborhood: Flatiron
Floors: 11
Units: 13
Floor Plans: Town House, Multi-level Penthouse
Prices: $6M-$7M
Architect: Karl Fischer
Developer: Beck Street Capital
Sales and Marketing: CORE – Steve Ganz and Jon Isaacs
Marketing Tel: 212-726-0781
Website Url: www.almalofts.com

Architect Karl Fischer and interior designers Roman & Williams merged their creative minds to design the luxurious new mid-size condo in Flatiron. The classic pre-war home offers expansive living space —13 loft-like residences with an average space of 4,000 square feet. The designers preserved the original neo-Renaissance architectural form that it once possessed in the early part of the 20th Century. Each residence will have Dinesen oak flooring and grand ceilings. Living room space will be around 50′ wide with incredible views of the Chelsea skyline.

Crestola marble countertops are in the kitchen with an exclusive appliance package by Dada. Alma’s master baths are done in marble, Buffi fixtures, a Gobi tub and steam showers are included in each residence. All units have private elevators with keyed access entry, ensuring maximum security.

Amenities: The amenities are second-to-none and are uniquely tailored to the needs of the resident. There is a concierge service, a 24-hour doorman and private maid service which includes evening turndown service.  A state-of-the-art fitness center, a yoga studio and even a wine cellar are available to residents.

The building is located near Union Square and Madison Square Park. There is an assortment of restaurants, night clubs and of course, shopping. Although this building is in a thriving and ‘hot’ area with several nightclubs and bars, this can be an annoyance to some buyers. This is the norm for many hot Manhattan neighborhoods.

The Alma targets a specific buyer, units in the condominium are quite costly, however, the buyer is investing in space that is usually not offered in some Manhattan mid-rises. We believe that the Alma is a smart investment because of its sprawling residences, elite amenities and loft-like layouts.

No Comments »

 

Whether it’s art, music, shopping, or fine dining, guests are offered the opportunity to experience Soho life to the fullest at this condo.  The 400 unit Hotel Condominium is currently under construction and scheduled to open in the spring of 2009.  All units are fully furnished with interior design functions handled by The Rockwell Group and Fendi Casa. Each unit comes complete with a fully stocked bar and flat screen televisions. Appliances and plumbing fixtures are state- of-the-art to provide the height of a luxury experience. Guest suites have glass curtain walls that serve as a light source offering breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline, Statue of Liberty, and the Hudson River.

Amenities: The Trump Soho offers many amenities that are found at many world-renowned luxury hotels such as 24-hour room service, a full-service luxury spa, swimming pool, fitness center and an on-site concierge. There is a two-story guest lounge, a trendsetting bar with a heated swimming pool with private cabanas and a plush landscaped outdoor garden courtyard.  Guest do not have to walk far for fine dining -there will be a restaurant within the hotel.  There are conference facilities and meeting rooms available and a library with an extensive private book collection.

Location: The 386,000-square-foot building is located at 246 Spring Street on the corner of Varick and Spring Street.

What’s the drawback?  Trump Soho Condominium owners are only permitted to use their units for 120 days total in any single calendar year. In addition, owners cannot reside in their units for 29 consecutive days over the course of a 36 day period. The hotel is not intended as a permanent residential property. Buyers should view this as an investment opportunity with perks. 

No Comments »

Location: 16 Prince Street
Neighborhood: Nolita
Floors: 7
Units:  15
Size: 1-2 Bedrooms – Penthouse
Prices:  $1.5M to $7M
Developer:  16-Prince Development LLC
(Principals: Robert Siegal and Peter Manning)
Architect: Roman & Williams
Sales and Marketing: Mary Ellen Cashman and Sean Turner for Stribling
Marketing Tel: 212.585.4557
Website Url: www.211elizabeth.com
 

211 Elizabeth Street isn’t what you would consider extravagant or ultra-modern, however, it is likely one of the classiest Manhattan condo. This condo can be described as simple yet elegant. The design and color scheme is truly reminiscent of the pre-war era.  Designers incorporated the original design of the building so that it would blend in with the neighborhood.  Respect for history and culture was shown and continues to show in every unit.

Residences include Roman & Williams designed cabinetry, walnut butcher block countertops, wood burning fireplace, Walnut Herringbone wood floors, watermark and antique brass faucets and fittings. The ac unit is a multi-zone HVAC and the heating is individually controlled Governale baseboard heat. The washer and dryers are Bosch Axxis front loaders. Units are also wired with quad-shielded cat-5 and RG-6 cable. Condo units range from $1.5 Million to $7 Million and range from 785 square feet for studio units to 2,189 for the penthouse.

Amenities: The building includes an attended lobby, bike room, fitness center, dedicated storage units, landscaped roof terrace and a full-time superintendent.  The penthouse is described as the “Ultimate Downtown Penthouse” because of its plush indoor/outdoor living and open-air entertaining with outdoor grilling .  Features include 12 wood-framed glass doors that connect to intimate outdoor living rooms.  There is a private shower and hot tub where residents can enjoy stunning views of New York City. Included is a wood-burning fireplace and a sun-filled solarium. What gives this neighborhood its charm? Nolita’s top notch retailers and small businesses. 

No Comments »

Location:  159 West 24th Street
Neighborhood:  Chelsea
Unites: 24
Prices:  $1.35M
Developer:  Michael Schmitt -
Gustavo Martinez (Interior)
Architect: BKSK Architects
Sales and Marketing: Citi Habitats
Marketing Tel: 212.685.7777
Website Url: www.carriagehouse24.com

Unlike our recent condominium posts with a list of luxury amenities and ample living space, the Carriage House Chelsea caters to a different market.  According to some naysayers, this building is not considered a ”high-end” residency because of the 600 sq. footage and paltry perks – if any.  On the flip side, the residency offers a mixture of elegance and contemporary living. 

This pre-war building was built in 1901 as a horse stable.  Later on, it became New York City’s first automobile storage.  Today, over a century later, the Carriage House is converting into a mid-rise condominium.  Granted the amenities may not equal to what the the luxury apartments offer in other communities in the Manhattan area …But it does have a few good perks.

There are a total of 24 loft residences and every unit will have white oak flooring and 9.6′ to 113′ ceilings.  Features include Italian cabinetry, a Wolf cooktop and oven, Sub-Zero fully intergrated refrigerator, GE Monogram microwave, a Bosch dishwasher and a Bosch washer/dryer are included.  In addition, there is a wall-mounted flat screen TV.

Amenities: A part-time doorman and a full-time virtual doorman.  The well landscaped rooftop terrace has awesome views of the city skyline.  There is a kitchenette on the rooftop including a barbeque gas grill.  There is also on-premise private parking available.

The Carriage House is located in one of the most sought after neighborhoods in the New York City area.  It is close to Madison Square Garden and Mid-town locations.  In addition to fabulous boutiques, retail stores and restaurants, Chelsea is noted for Manhattan’s ”best nightlife”.  So, regardles of what a handful of naysayers opinion about this condo, Chelsea’s real estate market has remained consistent over the past few years.  

No Comments »

No Comments »

Location: 143 Reade Street
Neighborhood:  TriBeCa
Floors: 18
Units: 38
Year Built: Pre-war 1929
Converted: 2008
Floor Plans: 2 to 3 Bedrooms/Penthouse
Size: 1,500 to 3,000 square feet
Prices: $2,895M to $5M
Developer: Bill Brodsky and Elliott Ingerman
Architect: BKSK Architects (exterior) -
Roman & Williams (interior) 
Sales and Marketing: Corcoran
Marketing Tel: 212.732-4000
Website Url:  www.artisanlofts.com

Many developers are transforming former industrial towers in Manhattan into spacious living quarters —The Artisan Lofts is one of them.  Because of the enormous size of the building, The Artisan Lofts are able to offer residents a plethora of rich amenities and features.  For instance, both the lobby and art gallery will have a rotating exhibition of artists from around the globe.  Residents can enjoy and unwind on the landscaped Artisan Roof Garden with panoramic views of Tribeca.  This family friendly residency will house a Children’s Imagination Center designed by the Church Street School for Music and Art.  Included is a theater stage and play areas for children. 

Each unit has walnut flooring and the bathrooms in Ann Sacks hand-glazed porcelain tile. The ceilings will be 11-12 feet high. The living areas have 8-foot windows with spectacular views of lower Manhattan, the Empire State building, historic buildings of Tribeca and the Hudson River. The hand-made kitchen is comprised of solid walnut butcher block and granite trivets accentuated with walnut and black–power backsplashes. The renowned design team, Roman & Williams and BKSK Architects did not miss a single detail when designing this building.

Amenities: The Skylit Wellness Center offers modern cardio machines, bodybuilding equipment and free weights.  Residents get plenty of natural light from the 50-foot skylight as they exercise and utilize the massage and yoga rooms.  The building has a full-time concierge, resident manager and a 24-hour doorman.

Other Features and Amenities:  Elevator(s), classic loft-style cement columns and a select few units have outdoor space.

Location: Tribeca has been coined the ”Mecca” for furniture and design in the Northeast. Sculptural fashions from designers such as Issey Miyake are within walking distance.  The area has many critically acclaimed culinary options such as Nobu and Chanterelle and Blaue Gans and Turks and Frogs.  In addition, Tribeca has plenty of greenery, theaters, galleries, cafes, shops and excellent schools.

What are New Yorkers saying about this condo? According to sources, the economy may affect the investment value of similar projects like this one throughout NYC. 

So far, higher priced residences have been flexible.  After taking this into consideration, we have rated this project at an 8.5 on a scale of 1-10.

No Comments »

Location: 305 East 85th street         
Neighborhood: Upper East Side, Manhattan
Floors: 20
Units: 63
Floor Plans: 2-4 Bedrooms; Penthouse
Size: 1,237 to 3,000 square feet
Prices: $2.5 to $3.2 million
Developer: Ascend Group LLC
Architect: HM White Site Architects
Year Planned: 2009
Sales and Marketing: Prudential Douglas Elliman Development Marketing Group
Marketing Tel:  212.988.8511
Website Url:  www.georgicalife.com

The Georgica project is growing rapidly, so far, the stunning glass tower has 17 stories. This modern Manhattan family-friendly condo is strategically placed between First and Second Avenue.  The building is close to excellent schools, liberal shopping and dining facilities and just a stroll away from Central Park and Carl Schurz Park.  The Georgica received its name from prestigious Georgica Pond in East Hampton Village.  The tower’s glass exterior that’s currently being placed will provide an ample supply of natural bright lighting.

Once the project is complete, many residences will have private terraces and the master bedrooms will have floor-to-ceiling windows.  The spacious living and dining room will have stunning views overlooking the East River …perfect for entertaining guests.  The walls will be eggshell toned and the floors finished in white oak herringbone.  One great added feature —a select few residences are planned to come equipped with limestone fireplaces.

In the bedroom: The two bedroom units will have oversized master bedrooms with a dressing room or a split bedroom.  The square footage will range between 1,250 – 1,900 sq. ft.

The three bedrooms will encompass great foyers and masters suite with sitting areas with tons of walk-in closet space.  A few units will have an option for a library or additional family room.  Space wise? You’re looking at around 1,700 to 2,350 ft.

The four bedroom will have similar features but with a split floor plan that will have a long hallway leading to three bedrooms with a smaller foyer going into a living area.  Another appealing feature is the fourth bedroom off the kitchen; this can be transformed into another living area.  Each floor will only house 2-4 units to ensure privacy.  The larger four bedroom units will be located on the higher floors and will only contain two units on each floor.

In the kitchen: Calacata gold marble on the counters tops—appliances by Miele and Marvel wine coolers.  The chic herringbone floors connect the kitchen and family room.

Master bath & second bath interior: The master bath will have glass mosaic walls, a Verde Antiqua marble vanity and heated flooring.  The fixtures include Waterworks, Kohler and Toto. The second bathroom walls and floors are done in Zebrano Essenza Bianco stone.  And Bianco Dolomiti marble flooring in the shower.

Amenities:   A full service building with a 24hr doorman, 24hr concierge, elevators, extensive fitness center, fully landscaped roof deck, a refrigerated package room, adult lounge, children’s playroom and playground (enclosed with extra-high glass windscreen for supervision and maximum security).

Pets: Allowed

City Attractions: This area is saturated with plenty of retail outlets, cafes and restaurants. The building is close to notable retail stores such as Barnes & Nobel, Circuit City and Best Buy.

Subway & Bus Info: The closest transportation is located at two avenues from the Nos. 4, 5 and 6 trains and close to bus lines (M101, M15 and M86). Taxi cabs are also available.

We give The Georgica an over all two-thumbs-up. The condo is in a great location plus it has excellent amenities, features and as far as pricing – this is a great buy.

No Comments »