The New York Apartment Blog

One great thing about living in a building that also homes a boutique hotel, is that residents are lucky enough to take advantage of the hotel amenities/services.  Cassa NY, located at 70 West 45^th Street, is a contemporary condominium building exuding luxury in the heart of Midtown Manhattan.

The residences exude stunning open living areas with the highest quality materials and finishes set against panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline.  Each home boasts sleek, fully integrated kitchens, designed for contemporary life.  The white lacquer cabinetry conceals appliances from Miele, Liebherr and Wolf, while the Pietra Bedonia stone is the perfect accent piece.  Cassa NY offers a large amount of half and full floor-through apartments, all offering corner exposures.

Walk into the bathroom and you may feel like you are walking into a spa.  Each bath features exquisite glacier glass walls, limestone floors, Travertine marble vanities, spacious glass enclosed showers and soaking tubs.  Best part?  If you need extra towels, just call!

Beyond the bright, double-height lobby is 1945, a new restaurant bringing mid-century American cuisine to Midtown Manhattan.  With organic ingredients and design inspirations from the 40’s/50’s, this glass encased dining experience is something not to miss. Or, head to the horseshoe-shaped bar for a drink to unwind after a long day.

A la carte hotel services available to residents are 24-hour room service, full housekeeping and turn down services, in-room spa services, 24-hour concierge, child-care services, pet-care services, daily fresh flower deliveries, limousine and valet services and overnight shoeshine service.  An additional service, Garde Robe, is a premiere wardrobe storage and personal valet service that provides climate-controlled storage for your favorite pieces, footwear and accessories!

Cassa NY is in the heart of Manhattan-the epicenter of it all.  Blocks away from Bryant Park, the NY Public Library, some of the city’s best dining and endless shopping options, the location is hard to beat!

Directly in between the Fashion District and the West Village, the Archstone Chelsea, 800 6th Avenue, is where you want to be. Noteworthy amenities include an attended lobby, on-site attended garage, a rooftop sky deck offering views of the West Village & Empire State Building, a private health club, outdoor patio deck with bocce courts and seating, and a special events lounge with full kitchen and wet bar. On-site services include in-house valet offering dry cleaning, laundry, apartment cleaning, and tailoring and shoe repair.

It’s what’s on the inside that counts. Loft residences with 16-foot ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows, bamboo floorings and custom lighting. Then there are gourmet kitchens where you will see imperial white granite countertops and designer two-tone maple custom cabinetry. The bathrooms feature Daino Royale marble vanities with cherry wood, chrome bases, and stainless steel sinks.

What’s on the outside? Plenty. Macy’s Herald Square, Chelsea Piers Sports Complex, Chelsea Market, Cafeteria, 7th Avenue Fashion District, the Empire State Building, Madison Square Park, and shopping & dining in the West Village. If that’s not enough, you are minutes away from the Village and Meat Packing District. Easy access to the PATH train and the 1, 2, 9, N, Q, R and W subway lines.

Now, the part you’ve been waiting for: Archstone Chelsea is cat & dog-friendly!  You are allowed two pets with a total maximum weight of 45 lbs. with a $1,000 pet deposit per apartment.

Bonus-Archstone expects to purchase more than 14.6 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of renewable energy for electrical usage at 12 of its Archstone New York City apartment communities. That’s the equivalent of taking more than 4,000 taxi cabs off the streets for a month! The energy, purchased from Green Mountain Energy, will power the communities’ lobbies and other common areas such as laundry rooms, and exterior lighting. It’s just one of the ways we make apartment living greener for the environment.

Located a paper planes throw across the pond from Manhattan is the brand new waterfront building 175 Kent. Located in the Williamsburg sector of Brooklyn, it offers the same trendy way of life as Manhattan at a portion of the cost. With a magnificent waterfront view of Manhattan, 175 Kent offers modern living in an area of renowned for its elegance, social scene and posh lifestyle.

Solid oak flooring throughout, with wall-to-floor windows make the Manhattan skyline a static guest, with some units offering a private balcony to enhance the experience. The kitchens feature Caesarstone countertops, brushed stainless LG appliances and custom cabinetry in every residence. The bathroom contends spas with a Kohler sink, black granite floor tiles, and soaking tubs.

Amenity features include a concierge, state-of-art bi-level fitness center including yoga and free-weight systems, a landscape interior courtyard garden, and a 14,000 sq. ft. rooftop lounge with liberating views of the renowned skyline. Also, a gaming room/lounge with kitchen area for whenever you want to throw a shindig with you and your good mates.

175 Kent is in the middle of all that Williamsburg has to offer—shops, restaurants, clubs, entertainment and bars. East River State Park and McCarren Park are both in close proximity to the building. Manhattan is only minutes away on the L Train Bedford Avenue stop.
Best of all, the first month is free!

Architect Enrique Norten brings form and function together to Mercedes House, 555 West 53rd Street, New York’s freshest residential structure laddering 30-stories tall with 900 units developed by Two Trees Management. Absolutely staggering, Mercedes House features a one-off zig-zag roof layout like no other, with vindicated views of both Clinton Park and the Hudson River. Fittingly located above the new showroom for Mercedes Benz, this contemporary-cut rental complex features flowing green roof balconies that make Mercedes House the heavy-hitter abode of the Clinton Park district.

Residences
The first phase which will be completed in May will include 250 rental units, which range from 460 sq ft studios to 1,000 sq ft 2-bedrooms. The floor-to-ceiling windows (many which open to terraces) that feature astounding views of Manhattan will bring a tremendous amount of light into each unit that features oak floors, 10 ft ceilings and washer/dryers. Sophisticated interiors assure ample liberty, be it a studio, one or two-bedroom home.

The second phase set to be completed the end of 2011, will create 600 more units, with 200 of these being roomier condo layouts with slightly different finishes/features than the rentals.

Amenities
Amenities are ample enough to make staying home possibly more enjoyable than going out. The 45,000 sq ft of space will including the state-of-the-art wellness center and health club, 24-hour concierge for who can call car service, on-site parking, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, bocce and yoga, indoor basketball, barbeque, boxing ring, golf simulator, screening room, volleyball and spa facilities.
The outdoor space on the zig-zag includes two outdoor decks with community garden, green space for sunbathing, amphitheater and a large circular pool. For those animal lovers, you will notice the on-site stable for NYPD police horses!

Neighborhood
Mercedes House is ideally situated on the western edge of midtown Manhattan in Clinton, rising above the Hudson River and just across from newly renovated Clinton Park. Everything that characterizes the city that never sleeps is located just outside- International markets, restaurants (Taboon, 123 Burger Shot Beer, Azuri Café, The London Bar), mom-and-pop shops, world-class entertainment, some of the city’s hottest hotels and an endless array of arts & culture are all a stones throw away.

The Continental, the new 53-story luxury rental tower located at 885 Sixth Ave., is more than 50 percent leased in just three months. Such results come on the heels of several other successful additions to the growing Sixth Avenue Corridor neighborhood, including Trader Joe’s, Food Parc, La Pomme and Bar Basque.

Situated on the corner of Sixth Avenue and 32nd Street, The Continental’s 336 apartments boast expansive floor plans and impressive views of the Manhattan skyline. Residents enjoy the building’s Midtown location, which puts them within close proximity to many of the city’s cultural attractions, as well as major transportation hubs like Penn Station, Port Authority and Grand Central.

“The response to The Continental, from renters and the real estate community alike, has been tremendous,” said Cliff Finn, managing director of new development marketing for Citi Habitats Marketing Group, the exclusive marketing and leasing agent for The Continental. “We are thrilled with The Continental’s success thus far, especially considering it was achieved through the drudges of this winter’s awful weather. We could not have accomplished this without the project’s quality construction and pristine amenities, including the only pool on the Sixth Avenue Corridor, as well as its convenient and increasingly dynamic location.”

The Continental is comprised of studio, one-bedroom, one-bedroom with home office, and two-bedroom apartments starting on the ninth floor. The building’s lobby, 15,000 sq. ft. amenity space and garage, in addition to premier retail space may be found on the lower floors. Monthly rental prices start from approximately $2,960 and range to more than $6,815.

Tenants have access to the exclusive American Leisure-managed Continental Club & Spa, featuring a 50-foot indoor infinity-edge lap swimming pool with heated hydrotherapy spa, set within a double-height, glass-enclosed atrium with lounge chairs. A health club with a fitness and cardio center, yoga studio, his-and-hers locker rooms and his-and-hers treatment rooms, is also available.

The Club’s lounge with fireplace opens onto a landscaped terrace with seating and dining areas, and there is a fully equipped catering kitchen for residents to easily host private social events. The Wi-Fi-enabled space also features a gaming lounge with billiards and LCD displays. In addition to the entertainment lounge, there is a 48th floor skydeck furnished with lounge chairs. Other amenities include a full-service Abigail Michaels concierge, valet and on-site parking, 24-hour doormen, BuildingLink, and bicycle storage.

The Costas Kondylis-designed tower has a state-of-the-art lobby featuring exclusively designed custom furnishings by Capri Furniture, Christopher Guy and J. Robert Scott. Residences boast floor-to-ceiling tinted windows, ceilings as high as eleven-and-a-half feet, white oak flooring throughout and washers and dryers in every unit.

Kitchens have Florenza porcelain tile flooring, wood-grain cabinetry with stainless steel hardware, concealed full-extension silent self-closing drawers and quartz countertops and backsplashes. The stainless steel appliance suite includes a gas-range stove, microwave and dishwasher and Fisher Paykel refrigerator with in-door water dispenser.

Baths at The Continental offer Verdana porcelain tile floors, polished marble vanity countertops, recessed medicine cabinets with mirrored doors, Kohler bathtubs and polished chrome fixtures by Moen to create a clean spa-like setting.

Once known as the ‘Silk Stocking District’, the Upper East Side still retains its position as the most affluent area of New York City.  No matter where you go, mention this neighborhood and it usually arouses images of luxury and extravagance.  It’s convenience to Central Park, multi-cultural museums & every high-end designer in a stones throw makes this area very desirable.

Museum Mile is the name for a section of Fifth Avenue running from 82nd to 104th streets in a neighborhood known as Carnegie Hill. The “mile” contains one of the densest displays of culture in the world.  Ten museums occupy the length of this section of Fifth Avenue, including The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Frick Collection, The Jewish museum, Goethe-Institut, Neue Galerie New York, Guggenheim, National Academy Museum, Museum for African Art, El Museo del Barrio, Museum of the City of New York and the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum.

An eleventh museum, the Museum for African Art, joined the ensemble in 2009 at 110th Street, the first new museum constructed on the Mile since the Guggenheim in 1959. In addition to other programming, the museums collaborate for the annual Museum Mile Festival, held each year in June, to promote the museums and increase visitation.

In the shopping mood?  You will not become bored with the array of shops in this stunning neighborhood.  Baccarat, Barney’s New York, La Perla, Versace, D&G, Prada, Moschino, Armani, Fred Leighton, Valentino & YSL are just a few names that call the Upper East Side home.

Nestled between these shops are great cafes and restaurants for the taking.  A favorite for mother’s and the children is Alice’s Tea Cup-a whimsical tea room with a health conscious menu and very kid-friendly.  The perfect location for a party or a family to take some time out of their busy day and relax in a comforting setting.  Other notable eateries include Fig & Olive, The Mark Restaurant by Jean Georges, Café d’Alsace, Beyoglu, Fishtail by David Burke, Parlor Steakhouse and Nica Trattoria.

Perfect for any age or family size, Central Park runs along the Upper East Side, giving residents things to do all year round!  Whether it’s ice-skating in the winter, checking out the Summer Concert Series in the summer, or taking a run in the morning, there is always something to do to keep you busy.  A favorite of locals is to be able to see the changing colors in the early Fall & the blooming of flowers in the Spring-the perfect scenery in your ‘backyard’.

Set to open this month at 450-460 W42nd Street between 9th & 10th Avenue, MiMA is the newest luxury addition to Midtown Manhattan’s skyline.  Designed by one of the world’s leading architecture and design firms, Arquitectonica, this 63-story glass wall residential tower features 50 floors of luxury rentals, 151 tower condominiums, plus a new 669-room Yotel.  Not just for living, this building also features exciting new retail and dining experiences and the all-new Frank Gehry designed Signature Theatre Center.

Residences

When you walk into MiMA, you will feel David Rockwell’s design sophistication every direction that you turn, from the double-height wood and glass lobby, the furnished corridors and the finishing touches in each residence.

Amenities

M Club at MiMA is the ultimate residential amenity. Totaling over 44,000 square feet, M Club provides an array of health, recreation and entertainment facilities including three landscaped outdoor terraces, a full-size indoor basketball and volleyball court, heated lap pool, residents-only fitness center by Equinox, indoor screening room, private party rooms, catering kitchen, tech center, game room with billiards and Wii.  The furnished, landscaped, outdoor terrace, sitting at the top of the city, makes you feel like you are miles away from hustle & bustle.

Pet-Friendly

When looking for a pet-friendly space, you want to ask the specifics, i.e. what animals are allowed, if there is a weight-limit, etc.  At MiMA, both dogs (under 50 lbs & no aggressive breeds) and cats are allowed.

One amenity that is perfect for the dog-owners is “Dog City”-a fully-equipped, professionally-staffed pet spa that features an indoor and outdoor play space.  It also includes a wash, dry and groom facilities, on and off-site vet care, pet training, scheduled dog walks and pet play dates.

Location

In the middle of it all (literally), MiMA is situated in the heart of Manhattan.  Theatres, phenomenal restaurants, nightlife, indoor/outdoor markets, museums, shopping and parks are all at your fingertips!  Bowlmor Lanes Times Square, Bryant park, Hudson River Park and Theatre Row are a few of the cultural highlights that are in your backyard.

DKLB BKLN, at 80 DeKalb, rises 36-stories into the sky offering stunning views of the Fort Greene, Brooklyn & Manhattan skyscape.  The first in Brooklyn, this LEED certified building created by Costas Kondylis & Partners, showcases the very best in rental apartment design, interior finishes, amenities and conveniences.  Everything from the building materials, recycling program and low-VOC paints/finishes have been chosen to benefit the planet and your life.  The striking glass & metal façade has already become an architectural icon in the most sought-after neighborhoods in Brooklyn.

Residences

The studio, 1-and 2-bedroom apartments have a great open & spacious layout that offer stunning city and river views that are hard to come by, and are hard not to get in awe over.  With 9-11 ft high ceilings accented with oversized windows, designer open-layout kitchens with Energy Star appliances, oversized closets (are you listening, ladies?), luxurious baths, maple wood floors throughout and a washer and dryer in every unit, each and every one of your needs will be met.  And exceeded.

Amenities

The 5,000 sf of amenities include a 24-hour attended lobby, fitness center with yoga studio, valet parking and landscape terrace create the perfect lifestyle community in the heart of Brooklyn.  Plus, the sunny resident’s lounge has Wi-Fi, a fireplace, a library, ground floor bicycle-storage and an entertaining kitchen.

Location

Fort Greene is hands down one of Brooklyn’s most sought-after neighborhoods right now.  From the boutiques, world-renowned arts and music scene, upscale wine bars, bustling cafes and artisanal restaurants, you will never have to go far to meet all your life’s needs (or wants).  Follow the brownstone streets to the luscious Fort Greene Park, Brooklyn Academy of Music, the farmer’s market with organic & local produce, shops and restaurants on DeKalb Avenue, as well as 11 major subway lines are all at your doorstep.

Walking along the cobblestone streets and iron-clad buildings of SoHo today, taking in the shopping, eating, art & music scene, you will understand why it’s such a popular destination for locals & visitors, alike.  It’s hard to imagine that not so long ago this area was filled with farms and rolling hills amongst Federal-style housing.

During the 60’s and 70’s, artists began to move into the area to take advantage of the large spaces, known as lofts, to work & live in, starting the transformation of what we see today.  Boasting the greatest collection of cast-iron architecture in the world, we can see why this would be the perfect backdrop for artists & art lovers alike.

Museums worth mentioning include The New York City Fire Museum, CMA (NYC’s only hands-on art museums for children) and The New York Earth Room.  SoHo also houses an endless array of art galleries that mixes all aspects of the art world, including The New Museum of Contemporary Art, Clic Bookstore & Gallery, Brentano’s, Agora Gallery, Ronald Feldman Fine Arts, Animazing Gallery and the Deitch Projects.

SoHo boasts one of the most unique shopping experiences, with everything from art stands & street vendors on the sidewalks (which sell everything from jewelry, artwork, books, antiques & handmade goodies) to eclectic and high-end boutiques, this neighborhood exceeds all expectations.  Whether you are looking for the perfect designer dress or that one-of-a-kind vintage find, stores like Bloomingdales, Topshop, Kate Spade, Chanel, All Saints, What Goes Around Comes Around, J.Crew and Marc Jacobs create the ultimate shopper’s paradise with an endless array of options to choose from.

The selection of eateries in SoHo are amongst some of the best in the city! Jean Georges’ American Nouveau Mercer Kitchen, a Paris bistro-inspired Balthazar, a shabby-chic Lucky Strike, a refined take on Thai at Kittichai and Spanish-infused Boqueria are just a small handful of the melting pot that has become SoHo’s cuisine.  Besides the delicious aromas of those honey roasted nuts from the street vendors, that is.

For those night owls, SoHo’s nightlife is among the best of the City, no matter what your preference. ñ bar is for the quirky, yet elegant, crowd that can enjoy a tapas bar that showcases delicious food among the brown polka dot walls.  World-renowned Balthazar’s bar is much more intimate than the over-sized dining room, pouring your drinks with the utmost care.  The building was converted from a leather wholesaler’s warehouse to an airy space that can accommodate over 200 people in the dining room and at the zinc bar, keeping the style of the surrounding neighborhood.  If you are looking for a ‘spicier’ flavor, head to S.O.B’S for some Cuban salsa, Brazilian samba, Jamaican reggae and some African pop thrown in.  They even offer Latin dance classes (free) every Friday night, just to make sure you are ready for the weekend.

There is are great options for living in this neighborhood, including SoHo Court.

Just steps away from New York’s newest and world acclaimed park – the Highline – Port 10, at 303 Tenth Avenue, features luxurious rental residences in West Chelsea, one of Manhattan’s emerging neighborhoods. Complete with a host of amenities, residents will enjoy a stylish fitness room, multimedia lounge, and a landscaped roof deck with views overlooking High Line Park the Hudson River and the Empire State Building.

As welcoming and timeless as Chelsea itself, its original façade of iron spot brick adds substance and style to the shaded glass of today and tomorrow. Designed by Manhattan based H. Thomas O’Hara, Architect PLLC, every detail of every residence is impeccable from the stainless steel kitchens to the porcelain baths.

Residences

Ranging from spacious studios to three bedrooms, each apartment features gourmet kitchens with stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, in-unit washer and dryer and solid oak flooring throughout.  The oversized windows showcase stunning panoramic views of the High Line, the Hudson River and the Empire State building.

Amenities

Port 10’s greatest amenity is the 3,700 sq. ft. fully landscaped roof deck, sun deck with barbeque bar and an outdoor cinema, perfect for those warmer months!  Especially, with the open river and city views around you.  The Port club features a one of a kind fitness center was designed by Jay Wright from The Wright Fit with personal training available for residents, also featuring a bar, lounge & interactive game center.

Other services include 24-hour attended lobby, exclusive Knickerbocker Concierge Service, on premise building manager & a bicycle room for tenants.

Location

Located in the heart of Chelsea, Port 10 is just steps away from the Highline, some of the city’s most luxurious nightlife, Chelsea’s unique galleries, cafes and boutiques–right in the center of it all.  In the middle of a ‘walker’s paradise’, Port 10 is convenient to major subway lines & buses.