Condos - Manhattan

Manhattan Neighborhood Market Report: CHELSEA Real Estate Buyers Guide

Mitchell Hall - Manhattan Real Estate (The Corcoran Group) — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 14:01:18 -0600

Chelsea "HOT" real estate market - "COOL" Neighborhood

Chelsea is located between 34th Street and Greenwich Village on the West Side. Chelsea is largely a residential area with a varied mix of high-and mid-rise buildings, brownstones and industrial lofts. The architecture in this area is unique. East of Ninth Avenue, the spacious and stylish loft warehouses give way to stunning landmark townhouses, prewar co-ops and new luxury high-rise buildings.

For many years Chelsea was the heart of the Garment and Flower districts until recently. Chelsea today is one of the city's hottest zip codes and coolest neighborhoods. It is now considered a fashionable place to live, it began in the early 1800's as a family farm, it became more commercial later that century with the arrival of an above ground railroad.

Chelsea Landmarks and History: Chelsea's origins date back to 1750 and the neighborhood has seen a lot of change since its days as farmland. Chelsea was the city's first theater district, and was a fashionable shopping district. The famous Barney's specialty store was located at 17th and Seventh Avenue for many years before moving uptown to Madison Avenue. Barney's annual warehouse sale still takes place every winter in Chelsea.

One of the most architecturally distinct pre-war buildings is London Terrace, a 1929 complex that runs the entire block from 23rd to 24th Streets between Ninth Avenue and Tenth Avenue. London Terrace includes a common garden, a pool, and 1,700 units in co-ops (known as the Towers) and rentals (known as the Gardens.) In 1930 London Terrace was the largest apartment complex in NYC and in the world located across the street from the fashionable townhouses and Fitzroy brownstones on "Millionaire's Row"

west 23rd

Chelsea today is a vibrant neighborhood with off Broadway theaters, new cutting edge art galleries, restaurants, bars and pulsating night clubs and discos. The famous landmark Hotel Chelsea is where many famous artists, writers and musicians have stayed.

There are many new luxury rental buildings along Sixth Avenue and many new condo developments have been built and are being developed on the far west portion of Chelsea between 10th and 11th Avenues.

Chelsea has also become a hub for media and creative people and high energy businesses. Google recently opened their New York Headquarters in Chelsea, along with numerous ad agencies and media companies and the new Frank Gehry designed glass building on the West Side Highway opposite the Chelsea Piers will be the headquarters for media, e-commerce mogul Barry Diller's Interactive Corp.

The development of Chelsea Piers and the water park has also provided a huge economic boom to the district. Chelsea Piers offers: ice-skating; rock climbing; equestrian endeavors; gymnastics, golf, two restaurants, a marine center, health club, bowling facilities, biking, roller blading and television studios

The High Line Apartments

West Chelsea from 10th Avenue to 11th Avenue, from 16th Street north to 30th Street, is booming with new condo developments that are transforming the once gritty Manhattan neighborhood into a fashionable destination. Most of the new developments will happen around the High Line. New condos with park views.

The Caledonia, a 26-story building, at 450 West 17th Street, at 10th Avenue, will have its own entrance to the planned High Line park from the second floor. Prices for the 190 apartments range from $700,000 to more than $4million. The Caledonia will be the first luxury condo with entrances directly to the High Line park.

2006 AD for

The Caledonia---->

The High Line runs through three of Manhattans most dynamic neighborhoods, Hells Kitchen, West Chelsea and the Meat Packing District. Plans are underway to transform a 6.7acre span of former elevated train track running 22 blocks into an open park.

The High Line at 10th Ave

Manhattan Neighborhood Real Estate Market Reports:

A blog series courtesy of: Mitchell Hall, The Corcoran Group

Harlem

Morningside Heights

Upper West Side

Chelsea

Clinton / Hells Kitchen

To join my VIP Manhattan Buyer Profile System and receive new property listings by email click here.

©Mitchell Hall 2006-2009

Open House NYC: Price Fix

Mitchell Hall - Manhattan Real Estate (The Corcoran Group) — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 08:36:14 -0500

Two Manhattan, New York real estate brokers and Barbara Corcoran give price opinions to a seller of a pre-war Flatiron Loft.

Thinking about selling your Manhattan home? To find out how much your Manhattan, NY apartment is worth in today's market contact me at 917-312-0924 for a confidential market evaluation or click here: Manhattan Apartment Seller.

Airforce Flyover: 77 Hudson

Mitchell Hall - Manhattan Real Estate (The Corcoran Group) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 12:37:06 -0500

You've seen airforce flyover the building.

Now come and see the beautiful Luxury Waterfront Apartments at 77 Hudson.

Manhattan style and design finally crosses the Hudson in this elegant glass tower.

The 48 story glass tower soars to the heavens, completely redefining the experience of urban life.

It begins with a building that is an objet d'art, continues through impeccably appointed residences, and extends to an array of indulgent amenities catering to all that life demands.

(photo credit:Jim Brown)

77 Hudson is one of the first residential buildings to be sheathed in glass walls, allowing spacious layouts.

Unobstructed panoramic views of New York City, the Statue of Liberty and New York Harbor. Extraordinary light from floor to ceiling, corner to corner.

Ultra sleek, modern European kitchens and baths and over 44,000 SF of indoor/outdoor amenities including rooftop pool, landscaped park, virtual golf and much more.

Featuring: 24/7 Concierge, Swimming Pool, Hot Tub, Childrens Play Room, Fully Staffed Fitness Center & Massage Room, Yoga & Pilates Studio, Men's & Women's Private Locker Rooms, Game Room, Cold Storage, Screening Room, Click Cafe, Dog Run, Private Dining Room, Lounge Room, Roof Top Bar and Fire Pit, Landscape Lawn, Fully Equipped Business Center, Jogging Path, Parking Garage, Virtual Golf, WiFi in Public Spaces, and much MORE...

Located on the Hudson River Water front in Jersey City. 5 Minutes from New York City Downtown/Battery Park City, 10 Minutes to Grennwich Village/Chelsea and 20 Minutes to Midtown Manhattan. Most convenient location in Jersey City with NY Ferries, PATH and Light Rail at your doorstep!

Prices range from:

Studios in the $300k's

1 bedrooms in the $400K's

2 bedrooms from $600k's

3 bedrooms from $1M +

Contact me at 646-442-7166 for more information or to sechedule an appointment.

Courtesy of:

Mitchell J Hall, Associate Broker, REALTOR® Coldwell Banker Previews International

46 Countries · 127,000 Agents

Local and global real estate questions and referrals are always welcomed.

The Manhattan Club: Time Share Condos For Sale

Mitchell Hall - Manhattan Real Estate (The Corcoran Group) — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 13:48:15 -0500

200 West 56th Street

Own a Share of Manhattan - The Manhattan Club - Time Share Condominiums

The Manhattan Clubs Convenient Midtown Location Gives You Easy Access To Central Park, The Theater District, Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, Museums, Fine Dining, And World Famous Shopping.

The Full Time Concierge Staff Is At Your Service, Whenever The Need Arises. Imagine your own elegant suite right in the heart of New York City just for those times you want to be in Manhattan.

Junior Executive Suites to Penthouse Suites Available.

An affordable way to own luxury in Manhattan. Own a share in the The Manhattan Club.

A unique Concept For Individuals Who Travel To New York For Business And Leisure.

From The Moment You Step Into The Lobby You Will Feel Right At Home. With A Combination Of Elegance, Service and Convenience.

Spacious Luxury Suites, Private Lounge, Fitness Center, Meeting Rooms, Concierge Service, Valet Parking. Everything For You. In The Center Of Manhattan, Its Easy To Get To Anywhere.

A Great Idea In Manhattan.

Now There Is A Way To Afford A Luxury Suite In New York.

Each Suite Typically Features High Ceilings, Large Windows, Plush Fabrics, Elegant Furnishings.

Includes A Refrigerator, Dishwasher, Microwave, Bose Radio, Computer, Printer, Plazma Tvs, And Multiple Phone Lines.

The Comfortable Marble Bathrooms Are Complete With Plush Towels, Terry Robes, And An Array Of Fine Toiletries.

Fully Deeded Condo Ownership - 1 week Flexible Staying Plans.

The Manhattan Club Is A Member Of Resort Condominium International, The Largest Vacation Exchange System In The World. This Will Give You The Opportunity To Trade Your Week For Any One Of Approximately 3,500 Locations In 85 Countries Worldwide.

Available Listings:

200 W. 56th St.

Manhattan Club

Price

Location

Type

Rooms

Beds

Baths

Approx. Square Footage

Monthly Charges

$18,000

Midtown West Side

Condo

550

$110

Mitchell Hall
Add to Contacts
6464429543

MLS#: 513822

Active Listing

$19,999

Midtown West Side

Condo

700

$134

Mitchell Hall
Add to Contacts
6464429220

MLS#: 463488

Active Listing

$21,500

Midtown West Side

Condo

2.5

550

$110

Mitchell Hall
Add to Contacts
6464429181

MLS#: 520237

Active Listing

$21,900

Midtown West Side

Condo

700

$85

Mitchell Hall
Add to Contacts
6464429180

MLS#: 453996

Active Listing

$23,999

Midtown West Side

Condo

700

$125

Mitchell Hall
Add to Contacts
6464429424

MLS#: 537087

Active Listing

$24,999

Midtown West Side

Condo

700

$126

Mitchell Hall
Add to Contacts
6464429627

MLS#: 524014

Active Listing

Contact: Mitchell Hall to buy your share of Manhattan

Brokers and agents welcome locally and globally.

Vote!

Mitchell Hall - Manhattan Real Estate (The Corcoran Group) — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 06:50:02 -0600

Just as real estate is local so is politics. Just as real estate goes in cycles so does politics. Local economies affect the real estate market local economies affect politics and both go in cycles. The pendulum is about to swing.

Whether you're from a red state or a blue state, conservative or liberal, republican or democrat we're all Americans! Get out and vote today!

Voting Procedures in NYC

Polls are open from 6 a.m. through 9 p.m. citywide. Registered voters need only sign their name to cast their vote, but those who have recently registered may be asked to provide personal identification that includes their current address.

• To find your poll site call or visit the

NYC Board of Elections Poll Site Locator

NYC Board of Elections Candidates Page

Manhattan Living in Riverdale, NYC's Best Kept Secret: Upper Upper West Side

Mitchell Hall - Manhattan Real Estate (The Corcoran Group) — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 16:22:43 -0600

Just north of Manhattan's west side on the Hudson river is the beautiful enclave of Riverdale. The Solaria is the tallest building in Riverdale. The sleek new 20-story, 65-unit Solaria offers floor-to-ceiling glass apartments.

Rising high above the cityscape, most residences feature oversized balconies that graciously expand private living areas and offer breathtaking views from sunrise to sunset. Awe-inspiring protected vistas including the Hudson River, Palisades, George Washington Bridge, Long Island Sound, Van Cortland Park and Manhattan.

Solaria’s kitchens are stylishly efficient and stunningly appointed with spacious cherry wood cabinetry, granite countertops and top-of-the-line Viking, Fisher & Paykel, and Dacor appliances. Storage and countertop space are abundant. Each kitchen has an operable window through which sunlight streams in.

Master Baths are posh and inviting, with Jerusalem stone walls and floors, stone countertops and cherry wood vanities with dual sinks, Toto toilets and radiant-heated floors. Luxuriate in the deep, Zuma soaking tub or frameless glass-enclosed shower. Provide your children or guests with complete privacy because every bedroom was designed to have a dedicated bathroom.

The building offers Manhattan quality in Riverdale. Riverdale once NYC's best-kept secret is known for quality public and private schools. Schools for students from kindergarten to 12th grade as well as several college campuses and numerous synogogues and churches.

Riverdale has beautiful parks, convenient transportation to Manhattan by bus, subway, and commuter rail. Riverdale has many stately castle-like homes and the neighborhood has elite private schools including Fieldston, Riverdale Country School, and Horace Mann. Riverdale is in a sense the closest northern suburb of New York City although it's within New York City boundaries.

One, two, three, and four bedrooms units are available starting at $660,000. Abated taxes and low Common Charges complete the package at Solaria.

Please contact me to schedule an appointment or click here to receive available listings.

New York Harbor - Views from Battery Park City

Mitchell Hall - Manhattan Real Estate (The Corcoran Group) — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 09:14:56 -0600

New York Harbor is the bodies of water, rivers, bays, ports and islands around New York City at the mouth of the Hudson river. The first recorded European in the harbor was Henry Hudson in 1609. He was greeted by the native Lenepe Algonquins when his ship entered the harbor. He discovered Manhattan island and sailed up the river named after him.

Battery Park City is a 92 acre planned comunity at the southwestern tip of lower Manhattan. The land it is located on was created from the Hudson river using dirt and rocks excavated during construction of the World Trade Center. All buildings in BPC constructed since the year 2000 have been designed using green (LEED) certified sustainable technology. Many of the apartments in BPC have Statue of Liberty, New York Harbor and Hudson river views.

Queen Mary 2 in New York Harbor

Dusk - Jersey City View From Battery Park City

Sunset in New York Harbor

The Statue of Liberty

The above photos of New York Harbor were taken from a beautiful high floor Battery Park City condo that I had the pleasure of listing, marketing and selling twice.

Looking for a condo in Battery Park City or have one to sell?

You can receive current listings clicking here.

You can search homes here.

You can find out how much your home is worth in today's market clicking here.

Courtesy of:

Mitchell Hall, The Corcoran Group

©Mitchell Hall 2006-2009

Local and global real estate questions and referrals are always welcomed.

Manhattan Real Estate in history/today: New Condos - 455 Central Park West

Mitchell Hall - Manhattan Real Estate (The Corcoran Group) — Sun, 17 Sep 2006 09:27:05 -0500

455 Central Park West "The Castle"

From A Cancer Hospital Built In 1887 To Luxury Condos Today - No Corners For Germs

In Sunday’s New York Times real estate column Big Deal by Josh Barbanel there’s an item titled Five Turrets, No Dungeons about a couple that recently bought and moved into their new $6.4 million turret condo at 455 Central Park West between 105^th and 106^th Street.

Jonathan Miller from Miller Samuel appraisers said the prices paid for the turret apartments were the highest prices paid for a coop or condo north of 96^th Street. Of 19 condos there are 8 still available priced from $4.8 - $7.6 million. I have also heard that the Ariel the two new luxury glass towers going up on opposite sides of Broadway at 99^th Street has a contract on a $7 million penthouse apartment.

Affluent buyers paying record prices are moving on up to deluxe apartments on the Upper Upper West Side. The apartment is over 5000 square feet with 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a library, dining room, and family room; eat in kitchen, two terraces and a patio with 1000 square feet of outdoor space.

The French renaissance style chateau building has intricate wrought iron gates, arcaded loggia and imposing circular towers and slate roof. Built in 1887 for the New York Cancer Hospital, the first cancer hospital in the city.

The building has 5 round turrets because at the time it was built corners were thought to harbor germs. It later became a nursing home and asylum whose management was convicted of Medicaid fraud and it closed.

The building had been dormant and decaying for more than 25 years. Local neighborhood residents call it the castle.

In 2001 a Chicago developer Dan McLean who also built a development on Fisher Island off the Miami coast broke ground blending the landmark building with a new 26-story tower. The new building shares a lobby and courtyard with the chateau-style structure. Each turret condo has at least 1 circular room.

9/11 caused hardship and a halt to the project until Columbia University came to the rescue. The first 15 floors in the tower were bought by Columbia University. They bought 2 and 3 bedroom apartments for prominent professors and visiting dignitaries. They paid $45.38 million for 53 luxury condos an average of about $1 million per apartment.

Columbia a large owner of Manhattan real estate on the Upper West Side, Harlem, Morningside Heights and Upper Manhattan also bid on the property but lost by $200,000 to MCL companies.

Columbia has also recently put up Luxury Residential Towers on Broadway at 103^rd and 110^th streets and has major expansion plans including a new campus in the Hamilton Heights section of Harlem.

I attended a broker party a couple of years ago when they started selling. The remaining 44 apartments started at around $1.35 million. The building features include many amenities including valet parking, a concierge a health club and pool.

The Real Deal recently reported that condo sales have been slow. The building is opposite Central Park, the area is called Manhattan Valley adjacent to Harlem and a few blocks east of Morningside Heights

Manhattan real estate in history/ today

A blog series by Mitchell Hall

Landmark Living

Starchitect Skyline 19th - 21st homes

The Castle 455 Central Park West

The Ansonia

The Dakota

50 West 86th

Starchitect Skyline: Branded Glass Houses in the Sky - Manhattan real estate in history/ today: 19th century to 21st century homes

Mitchell Hall - Manhattan Real Estate (The Corcoran Group) — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 07:49:08 -0600

"Starchitect" aka Star Architect, architect -branded designer buildings throughout Manhattan are changing the face of neighborhoods, lighting up the NYC skyline and turning apartments into Live-in Works of Art.

Innovative designs, the move away from the standard cookie-cutter apartments, luxury service and views are attracting consumers that want everything taken care of for them. From valet parking, concierges, meditation gardens, infinity pools, electronically controlled sliding glass walls to restaurant service and room service.

Recent record sales taking place around the city, a real estate trend that is breaking down the old neighborhood boundaries by allowing the new buildings to become destinations in and of themselves.

From the glass Richard Meir buildings on the West Side Highway in the Far West Village to the Time Warner Center at Columbus Circle, they built destination buildings that created something that didn't exist before, and therefore set new pricing boundaries. The neighborhood is still important, but the buildings today are offering a lifestyle as well.

The glass towers have a distinct 21st century look. Materials such as glass curtain walls, glass and stainless steel, glass cubes are as distinct to the new millenium as brownstone and limestone is to the 19th century. 21st century designed homes are offering luxury buyers a new alternative to the once more sought after charm, character and elegance associated with pre-war coops.

Branding is an effective marketing tool for real estate developers, name brand architects and designers considered to be the 21st century architects and the next generation of urbanists from Phillip Johnson's Urban Glass House, Downtown by Phillipe Stark, Santiago Calatrava's 80 South Street glass and steel townhouses, glass cubes stacked on top of each other from a sculpture to Jade Jagger's Chelsea Living "PODS" are creating a buzz and demand for their brand name buildings.

New luxury condos with new park views are going up in Chelsea around the The High Line. The Caledonia, the first luxury condominium tower on the High Line will be completed Fall 2008.

The High Line runs through three of Manhattan's most dynamic neighborhoods, Hells Kitchen, West Chelsea and the Meat Packing District. New apartments are planned along the elevated 22-block park the High Line is to become.

The High Line a 6.7 acre span of former abandoned elevated train track running 22 blocks that is being transformed into an open agri-tectural park. The 21st Century Central Park.

At the southern end of the High Line, in the meatpacking district, the Dia:Chelsea museum will serve as anchor for the new neighborhood, with a 330-room André Balazs hotel. The grit-and-glamour that New Yorkers love about the meatpacking district is expanding northward along the High Line through West Chelsea

Manhattan Residential Real Estate history from the 19th Century to the 21st Century:

The luxury apartment house was actually invented in New York in the late 19th century. Upper-class New Yorkers lived in townhouses and single-family mansions during the 19th century. By 1930, 90% percent of Manhattanites lived in apartments. To lure potential tenants, developers borrowed the word "apartment" from the French to make the new buildings sound more fashionable. The word and the lifestyle stuck.

19th Century Townhouses

Brownstone and limestone

In 1890 The Dakota was the first luxury apartment building in Manhattan.

It's Beaux Art style architecture was popular in the late 19th century.

In 1904 The Ansonia was called the most technologically advanced apartment house in the world.

Apartment house living spread from New York to the rest of the country.

1930 Art Deco Buildings

The San Remo

After World War II the New York apartment buildings became flat panels of brick and glass, lacking shape, color, texture, and ornamants.

1948

Brick buildings

1961

Buildings were white brick

1974

Concrete set back vertical rectangles with balconies

1989

Brick facade with glass - post modern

1999

Distinctive Brick facade of the 90's

20007

Glass Towers of the New Millenium

Manhattan real estate in history/ today

A blog series by Mitchell Hall

Landmark Living

Starchitect Skyline 19th - 21st homes

The Castle 455 Central Park West

The Ansonia

The Dakota

50 West 86th

To search Manhattan Properties click here.

To recieve new listings by email click here.

Landmark Living: Manhattan real estate in history/today A blog series

Mitchell Hall - Manhattan Real Estate (The Corcoran Group) — Sun, 26 Nov 2006 17:27:51 -0600

My last blog Starchitect Skyline was part of a series of blogs about Manhattan real estate in history/today. I wrote about the brand name glass tower apartment buildings of the new millennium that are changing the NYC skyline.

This blog is about landmark buildings from another era and other uses that have been transformed or are being converted to luxury apartments.

Old World Details - Meets Modern Amenities.

Famous hotels, landmark banks, insurance company headquarters, factories, hospitals and even a former Police headquarters have been transformed into luxury apartments that offer unique spaces. This trend in real estate is not only taking place in Manhattan but in cities throughout the country.

Throughout Manhattan landmark buildings are being converted to condos. Just as the Starchitect branded buildings are a great marketing tool for developers so are famous Landmark buildings. Here is a sampling of some Landmark Living in Manhattan.

The Apple Bank building built in 1928 on the Upper West Side

Currently selling loft style condos priced from $2 to $8 million.

Old Police Headquarters Building at 240 Centre Street built in 1909

Edwardian Baroque style converted to 55 coop apartments in 1987.

Met Life Building 1 Madison Avenue

Once the tallest building in the world, converted to 142 condo units.

The Supreme Macaroni Factory

Pasta factory on 9th Ave at 39th St. is being converted to 96 condos.

The Cocoa Exchange 1 Wall Street

Neo- renaissance triangular shaped building converted to luxury apartments.

The Plaza Hotel

The famous Plaza Hotel is being converted to luxury condominiums

The Castle 455 Central Park West

1887 Cancer Hospital converted to luxury condos.

Churches

Park West Church 86th & Amsterdam Ave.

Tax exempt landmark churches are looking to real estate developers for cash. The Park West church at 86th and Amsterdam has plans to preserve it's main sanctuary and tower while erecting a 21 story apartment building.

Many preservationist and neighbors are concerned about these church's plans to develop their properties including development plans from the Theological Seminary in Chelsea. Everyone wants to be in Real Estate.

Manhattan real estate in history/ today

A blog series by Mitchell Hall

Landmark Living

Starchitect Skyline 19th - 21st homes

The Castle 455 Central Park West

The Ansonia

The Dakota

50 West 86th

New Construction Resales - A REAL DEAL!

Mitchell Hall - Manhattan Real Estate (The Corcoran Group) — Sun, 08 Apr 2007 19:39:02 -0500

New Construction Resales in Manhattan - Save Thousands of Dollars in Closing Costs

Seller Pays New York City and NY State Transfer Tax except when Buying from a Developer/Sponsor.

If you're looking to buy new construction you might save thousands of dollars by buying a resale in a brand new building. When a buyer purchases a condo or coop in a new development directly from the sponsor (developer) the buyer is usually required to pay New York City and New York State transfer tax.

When buying from a sponsor in a coop, (unsold shares) the transfer tax is not only the percentage of the sale price but the amount of the underlying mortgage allocated to the shares associated with the unit being purchased is also included.

In resales seller's pay transfer taxes. NYC transfer tax is 1.425% of sale price above $500,000. NY State transfer tax is $2.00 per every $500 in the sale price.

New buildings usually start selling pre-construction about 2 years before the building is ready for occupancy and the units close. Often the best lines sell out early and lower priced apartments on low floors. By the time the building opens there are usually a few resales. Either units never lived in purchased by flippers or a unit that might be for sale because of personal reasons.

If you missed out on a building you like during pre-construction sales buying one of the first resales in a new development has many advantages.

In addition to not paying transfer taxes and other possible sponsor related closing costs you can have more instant gratification. You get to physically see the apartment, the fixures and the view in person. In pre construction you buy off a floor plan and brochures. You don't always get to see the building or the apartment you are purchasing. You don't have to tie up your 10%-15% deposit for a year or more. The apartment is ready to move -in brand new.

If you are interested in New Construction consider the many advantages of buying a resale. If you would like to receive listings by email of Manhattan New Developments including resale listings click here.

Manhattan Real Estate blog by Mitchell Hall

New Residential Developments: West Chelsea

Mitchell Hall - Manhattan Real Estate (The Corcoran Group) — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 23:55:40 -0500

Chelsea New Construction update:

175 Ninth Avenue (No condo towers for Seminary)

The General Theological Seminary has reversed course on a plan to build a 15- story condominium tower on its campus after news of the plan met with fierce community opposition as reported in the NY Sun. The seminary wanted to build a 151-foot tower to generate $21 million in revenue for renovation of its existing 19th century buildings. Community activists charged the tower would have been out of place in the neighborhood. Officials are now presenting a plan for a seven-story mixed-use residential building.

IMHO tax exempt landmark churches have no business in real estate development. Look for my Upper West Side construction update coming soon where I will tell you about the 21-story residential building ajoining the West-Park Presbyterian Church on West 86th Street.

The Caledonia 450 West 17th Street (Sold Out)

The 190 condominium units in The Caledonia, the 1st residential tower on the future High Line Park had sold out in April, within eight months of sales. The complex will also have 288 rental units available for rent this fall at rents ranging from $3,495. to more than $10,000 per month.

Newly announced projects

Chelsea
Chelsea Modern
447 West 18th Street

12- story, 47-unit condominium designed by Audrey Matlock. Prices for available units range from $1.63 million for a 1,300- square foot two-bedroom to $3.57 million for a 1,887- square foot three bedroom. Occupancy is scheduled for early 2008

Chelsea
459 West 18th Street

11-story loft condominium designed by Della Valle Bernheimer Architects. Exterior is black and white. Part-time Doorman. Occupancy of the full floor residences and multi-floored penthouses is scheduled for spring 2008

Other new luxury condo developments currently for sale in West Chelsea include:

520 West Chelsea (520 West 19th St.)

200 Eleventh Avenue

245 Tenth Avenue

100 11th Avenue

To receive listings by email for these or any Chelsea or Manhattan new development click here.

For more information about Chelsea click here.

Upper West Side Residential Update:

Mitchell Hall - Manhattan Real Estate (The Corcoran Group) — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 10:26:40 -0500

UWS News: Rezoning Battle

The Department of City Planning is proposing the first comprehensive rezoning of the Upper West Side in almost 50 years. The battle mostly started by the Ariel Condominiums - two 30 plus story towers currently rising on Broadway between 99th and 100th streets. The buildings have led to some neighborhood opposition because of their height. The rezoning calls for height limits on new construction that would see most future developments rise less than half the height of Ariel Towers, the New York Sun and The Real Deal reported.

In my Morningside Heights Market Report there is more information about Ariel condos and the landmak Art Deco Metro Theatre next door that remains. When I was photographing the theatre for my blog several people I talked to in the neighborhood thought they were office buildings until I told them they are residential condos.

In my Upper West Side Market Report I discuss the fact that between 72nd Street and 96th Street (the true Upper West Side) buildings are not taller than around 20 stories and are mostly pre-war. Between 59th and 72nd - Lincoln Square has been zoned for very tall buildings including The Time Warner Center and Trump Place. Above 96th Street in Morningside Heights, The Columbia at the North West corner of Broadway and 96th is 33 stories and was built in 1983.

New Construction Update:

165 West 86th St. A 21-story residential building is being erected ajoining the West Park Presbyterian Church. The project will have separate entrances for its 50 affordable studio rentals on floors five through 10, and its 27 market-rate condominiums on floors 11 through 21. Some community members are saying the separate entrances will create "segregation" in the building.

Two blocks west at 86th and West End Avenue. The methodist Church of St. Paul and St. Andrew tried to raze their 100 year old church and build a 20 story condo. They turned down $6 million for their air rights from the developers of The Boulevard at 86th and Broadway back in 1989. They have been unsuccessful in their hardship claim to change their landmark status since the community has helped them out with repairs. B'Nai Jeshuron on west 88th St also came to the rescue of the Church because they have such a large congregation they have been renting the Church of St Paul and St Andrew for Shabot services and Jewish holidays.

215 West 88th St, Merrion Condominiums

Sales have begun for the condominium conversion of a 13-story, 96 unit prewar rental building. The project will include two new construction penthouses with private outdoor space. One to four bedroom apartments are priced from $714,000 to $2.738 million and range in size from 766 to 3,647 square feet.

2112 Broadway The Apple Bank Building

Nineteen of the 29 units are sold. Some units are already occupied. The ten available units comprise five-top-floor duplexs, four three-bedrooms and one four-bedroom. They range in size from 1,967 to 3,256 square feet, and are priced from $3.35 to $7.65 million

230 West 78th Street Linden 78

Three and Four bedroom condominiums are for sale pre-construction prices starting from $2,495,000 and full floor residences priced from $6,350,000.

205 West 76th Street The Harrison

Sales will begin this summer for The Harrison a new luxury condominium in the heart of The Upper West side.

Several other new projects are slated for the Upper West Side. To receive listings on current new devolpments and future projects click here.

New Condo Kitchens and Baths: What's Hot and What's Not

Mitchell Hall - Manhattan Real Estate (The Corcoran Group) — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 09:26:07 -0500

Luxury condos going up throughout the city, the latest trend is subtelty. Large spaces with quiet, subtle luxury is being seen in the newer condo projects.

Designers are creating kitchens that conceal major appliances. Flaunting appliances such as the Sub-Zero, the Viking, the Wolf are out. Today many buyers are looking for kitchens to be more sleek and concealed they don't want to see appliances anymore.

Many of the new condos are featuring kitchens that look like a built -in-piece of furniture; dishwashers are covered, refrigerators are covered.

Instead of traditional ovens, many condos have flat, sleek oven tops. Sleek (and often smaller) appliances with brand names like Fisher & Paykel, Liebherr, Gaggenau, Miele and Bosch are starting to replace the commercial style appliances like Viking and Wolf.

The right appliances or combination of appliances has become the new status symbol. Granite and marble is out, stainless steel is out, quartz resin and glass are in.

Out are kitchens that are un usable without counter space. Appliances are getting smaller, kitchens are not.

Environmentally friendly materials are being used such as teak-faced cabnitetry and lava stone countertops. Green is the new wave in design. Granite and marble was the standard for kitchens and baths a few years ago.

The trend is lots of glass, mosaics, ceramics and porcelains. At Loft 25, an industrial conversion at 420 West 25th Street in Chelsea the 79 units feature custom Schiffini glass kitchens. Everything is glass, the countertops, the cabinet doors are glass, the refrigerators are built-in and hidden behind glass panels.

Larger sexy bathrooms are a trend. At loft 25 Master baths are 150 square feet with generous showers and no bathtubs just enormous showers with multiple rain shower heads, that don't have doors. Spa-like bathrooms. Some buyers need a tub but many do not. Some of the new bathrooms are very large that have separate compartments for the toilet, double vanities or extra large deep single sinks and large oversized showers.

Available units at Loft 25 from $800,000 - $2,650,000

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The Apple Bank Building: Condo Conversion

Mitchell Hall - Manhattan Real Estate (The Corcoran Group) — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 07:51:53 -0500

The Apple Bank Building
2112 Broadway

The landmark Apple Bank Building built in 1928 on the Upper West Side at West 73rd Street and West 74th Street has been converted into 29 residential condominiums. Available units range from a Two Bedroom 2.5 baths from $4 million to a Three bedroom 3.5 baths for $6,665,000.

Watch the Video Tour Below from OpenHouse New York - Square Feet: