995 Fifth Avenue is unique among today’s most luxurious condominium developments. Located just across from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and a short walk from Central Park, residents who live here will feel as if they live on a southern plantation or in a New England Manor. These 26 residences more than double the living space of most condos. They range in size from 4100 to 8400 square feet. Termed half-floor or full floor apartments, each unit has between three and six bedrooms, in addition to a number of other rooms that can double as sleeping quarters, such as a guest room and a staff room. Some units feature a media room, library, gallery, his and her baths, a dressing room, wine closet, wet bar or utility room. All include a washer, dryer, and plenty of walk-in closets.

Not exactly towering at 16 stories, 995 Fifth Avenue is a restored limestone and brick building that at one time was a hotel. Residents here can still feel as if they are receiving room service, as each apartment is equipped with a touch panel video intercom to order food deliveries, valet service, or to control the airflow in the apartment. Some even come with controls to set lighting, a hidden plasma screen television and sound/video components.

Residents of this Fifth Avenue development live in large, bright, airy units with plenty of windows and light colors to soothe the senses. Living rooms are large with dark hardwood floors, and the oversized kitchen boasts English decor. No two homes are the same, and each is customizable, so if residents prefer stone flooring, that is what they get. And for those who are fortunate enough to have a “staff,” some units come with staff quarters.

From the comfort of their home, residents of 995 Fifth Avenue can order take out, request that their dry cleaning be picked up or have their car brought around. But there are times when it’s just too nice to stay home. For days like that, there is La Palestra. This private on-site spa comes with a staff of its own, including nutrition experts, chiropractors, and massage therapists, all working together to ensure that residents are provided with the best exercise program available. And when they’re done working out, they snack in the spa’s lounge and request a complementary massage. Scheduled for occupancy in 2008, 995 Fifth Avenue is intended for those who demand highest quality and are prepared to pay for it. The lowest price for a 4/5 bedroom is $10.5 million. An eight-bedroom unit goes for $35 million.

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With only two apartments per floor, 8 Union Square South is a home for those who love the convenience of large-city life but prefer a small-community existence. Across from Union Square Park, this development is in the middle of everything, including restaurants, nightclubs and art boutiques, and yet it remains separated from the hustle and bustle. For old world–or just old fashioned–residents, Union Square offers an open-air market, where local farmers and growers can sell their wares. And starting after Thanksgiving, the Holiday market is the perfect place to pick up those Christmas “necessities” like candles and lights.

It is easy to look past 8 USS’s bland appearance in favor of the neighborhood offerings, but this glass and concrete building has a lot of internal beauty. All conds have the advantage of being corner units, and as such, utilize natural light to evoke comfort. High ceilings expand the mind, while oversized windows offer views of Union Square and a backdrop of the city. The master bath is large, with floors and walls of textured limestone and a towel radiator to warm those chilly nights. Kitchens include Sub-zero appliances and a wall oven.

Living at 8 Union Square South has its benefits. Eric Cohler’s interior designs are customizable, so residents can request more closet space or special storage and wine facilities. Just as important, each resident is automatically awarded a membership to Quintessentially, the worldwide concierge service. This service extends from helping residents find those hard-to-book restaurant seats to making travel arrangements to shopping on those days that are just too full to run errands. An on-site gym adds to a resident’s sense of exclusive pleasure–and serves to remind them that there are no excuses for not staying in shape. Residents can choose 1, 2, or 3 bedroom apartments, starting at $1.1 million for 866 square feet. Penthouses top out at 3,100 square feet, and include private outdoor space and an exclusive elevator entrance. These units list at a cool $8.9 million, and are being marketed by Shvo Marketing and Sales as the ideal example of combined culture and luxury.

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Twenty9th Park Madison is one of those homes that defy the mind. Towering thirty-one stories above the city, residents here have an enviable floor-to-ceiling view of the East River, as well as the Empire State Building and the Chrysler building. But with the shades drawn, it may be hard for residents to remember that they’re in the center of one of the world’s largest cities. With Teak hardwood flooring and open floor plans, homes resonate a peaceful combination of traditional and contemporary styles. One example of this complementary pair is the master bath and kitchen. The bath has walls and floors of limestone and marble while the kitchen utilizes stainless steel appliances and under-counter lighting. Wenge wood, a popular dark wood from Africa, adds elegance to everything from the bathroom fixtures to kitchen cabinetry to appliances.

Residents at Twenty9th Park Madison will find that the decor isn’t the only contrasting aspect of life here. Whether they feel like enjoying a quiet night on the rooftop terrace, barbecuing, or getting a daily workout at the on-site gym, life can be just as varied as residents want it to be. The neighborhood adds to this variety with plenty of places to catch a meal or a breather. Clubs beckon on Friday night, boutiques scintillate on weekday afternoons, and with both the subway and PATH trains within walking distance, the entire city is at their fingertips.

H. Thomas O’Hara Architects has added a shimmering gem to midtown south with this development. The typical one bedroom/one bath apartment lists at just over $800,000, although residents can choose a studio or two-bedroom home as well. Square footage for these homes runs from 536-1,309 feet, again offering residents a variety of options. For larger homes, interested parties can expect to pay up to $2,210,000. Each residence comes with a microwave, dishwasher and stackable washer/dryer. Common amenities include a 24-hour concierge, cold storage for perishable deliveries, a convenient parking garage and an espresso bar in the lobby. Twenty9th Park Madison is currently accepting interested buyers.

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The previous home of the Superior Ink building in West Village is facing a new life–as a condominium development And with an architectural firm like Robert A.M. Stern in charge of the design, there isn’t much doubt that something big is going to happen here. Rumor has recently been confirmed that the town homes and condo structure that will be developed at 70 Bethune street is going to retain the Superior Ink name. With a tower 15 stories high, and not much around to compete, Superior Ink is bound to be the local hotspot. Seven town homes will line Bethune Street, adding single-family structures, which are becoming rare in the metropolitan area. In all, developers plan to have 69 condos and 7 town homes with studio, one bedroom and two bedroom apartments of up to 4,100 square feet.

Like many of Stern’s designs, Superior Ink is expected to “go green. “ The development has already registered for LEED certification, which means that they have pledged to use environmentally sound building procedures, a more efficient use of energy and renewable resources.

Superior Ink’s facade is a motley combination; the town homes render a dark seventies brick style, while the tower looks more modern. Then again, what’s on the outside isn’t as important as how the building is constructed and the inside design. Large windows and wide rooms will dominate, and the addition of elevators, a private gardens and rooftop terraces will add to the open mobility. Those who choose to live here are going to be eligible for a 421(a) tax abatement.

Related, which just received the 2007 National Building Museum Honor Award, is responsible for developing Superior Ink. This area of Manhattan has a lot of attitude, being near to Greenwich Village and placed right off the Hudson River. With the market demand of Chelsea and West Village, this development should be as popular as some of Stern’s other newcomers. Sales here start in September 2007, and prices have as-of-yet been undetermined.

Just how Superior Ink will turn out is anyone’s guess. A work in progress, Superior Ink has been rendered with commercial space on the ground floor, town home basements, arched windows and two-story bay windows, in addition to stoops. A few amenities that seem destined for inclusion here are a lounge, a gym, a pool, a children’s playroom and a private parking area.

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One thing that the Platinum on West 46^th Street isn’t going to be is drab. NYC Platinum’s 43-story facade, which has been designed by Costas Kondylis, blends steel with glass in a futuristic variation of ancient elegance. Contributing to a medieval feel is a lobby with a “floating island” concierge desk surrounded by a moat of flowing water. Fire complements its elemental opposite. The lobby boasts a 26-foot long fireplace. Also inviting residents in is stimulation of a different sort. A 15-foot plasma screen television complete with mood-enhancing video. The expense of all this won’t be wasted simply on the visitors and residents of NYC Platinum. The 24-hour concierge and the valet will share the benefit.

Perhaps the double-height lobby serves as a decent introduction to NYC Platinum, but it is by no means all there is to this development. What would a good first impression mean if it wasn’t followed by the “real-deal?” The amenities here are touted as some of the most eclectic in Manhattan. Cold storage for perishable packages, bulk-laundry area, in-building parking, and bicycle storage, to name a few.

It is no surprise that this development is geared for the busy adult. Even the homebody couldn’t stay away from Platinum’s many fitness choices. The fitness center has built-in LCD televisions in the equipment, in addition to a yoga studio, experiential shower, social sauna and treatment room with on-site massage therapists. After exercising, or even instead of exercising, residents will enjoy The Zone and the Q Lounge, spots that seem to have it all. The lounge is equipped with a billiards table, an outdoor terrace with cabana seating, a misting area for hot days and a stone fireplace for those chilly nights. Include a large screen plasma television, and plenty of space to entertain, and the Lounge is perfect for the swinging single (or those who still wish they were!) The recovery zone is the place to chill after the party, with full-body massage chairs and a calming audio/video area.

The designers of Platinum NYC didn’t skimp on the elegance. Solid wood doors, white oak floors, floor-to-ceiling windows, glass and oak cabinetry and custom fixtures all contribute to the high-class atmosphere. Cool additions like a full size washer and dryer and individually controlled thermostats in each bedroom make Platinum the area’s most luxurious choice. And speaking of area, Platinum is close to many of the New York’s primary draws, including Penn and Grand Central Station and Rockefeller Center.

Prices for these units range from $900,000-$1.5 million. One bedrooms start at 750 square feet of living space, while larger residences are upwards of 1,000 square feet. Rumor is that this price isn’t scaring too many people away; in the first month of the start of sales, 25 percent of the units were sold.

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Still nearly two years from occupation, the luxury condominium development at 205 West 76th Street is making news. Not even off the ground yet, The Harrison’s developers have already had to make compromises. Having bought out the previously placed Equinox gym, the owner of Amsterdam Inn has refused to sell. And, although the people behind The Harrison (not to be confused with the restaurant of the same name) have committed to continuing the project regardless, this conflict has resulted in the prospects of trying to build a luxury condominium structure around and above the Amsterdam Inn.

If and when the building issues get settled, The Harrison can turn this block of the Upper West side of Manhattan into the jewel of the neighborhood. The building is nestled on 76^th street between Central Park and Riverside Park, leaving plenty of recreational opportunities. The structure is to be a two-tower building with studio, one, two, three and four-bedroom luxury condominiums. Residents have many amenities, including access to an in-building Equinox Gym, which is included in the monthly common charges.

Related is the real estate company behind the development of The Harrison, and they have been adding luxury and affordability to America since 1972. Their first collaboration with architect Robert A.M. Stern was The Chatham, and they have been working with the firm ever since. In fact, along with The Harrison, Related is using Stern’s services for two other condo projects, The Brompton and Superior Ink. In June of 2007, Related received the 2007 Honor Award from the National Building Museum for its work in urban revitalization and affordable housing.

Already registered for LEED certification, The Harrison, not to be confused with the restaurant of the same name, is intended to be eco-friendly, which includes using recycled materials, an energy-efficient irrigation system and new methods of heating and cooling. Prices begin at $700,000, and entered the market in the summer of 2007.

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With a rooftop terrace that boasts a waterfall, gazebo, spa, and an outdoor kitchen, the penthouses at 133 West 22nd might be the epitome of elegance for Chelsea’s future development, but each of the other 99 residences has its own appeal as well. The curved glass facade is a new addition to the 13-story pre-war structure, showing that traditional beauty can mix with that of the modern world. The large lobby, manned 24-hours, copies the curved style of the building’s outside, but stainless steel columns and Wenge wood walls bring a practicality to the room. 133 W.22nd is a home for those whose creative nature wants free reign. The 9′4″ ceilings allow the spirit to explore, while the view from those floor-to-ceiling windows brings the majesty of Chelsea into full focus. Residents need to bring their creativity with them, however, as the rooms are intentionally bare. This doesn’t mean to imply that the condominiums don’t offer residents sophistication. The kitchen’s black lava countertops and black/stainless-steel appliances create a modern appeal. Each kitchen also has a Bosch cook top oven a dishwasher and a Marvel wine cooler.

133 West 22^nd offers amenities that are quite unusual for the area. This is one of the only developments around to offer an outdoor pool, including an outside dining area. Also one of a kind is the rooftop terrace fully equipped with cabanas, a dining area, a wet bar and grille area. But the area also has its share of typical destinations, so those residents who don’t have the patience to stay at home can visit one of the many nearby dining and shopping locations, including Starbucks, Ben&Jerry’s and Barnes and Noble.

The designers of 133 West 22^nd have turned an old walk-up apartment building into a luxury setting for those who appreciate the area’s creative potential. The floor plans range in size from 763-2380 square feet, some with as much outdoor space as in. Many floor plans also offer an extra room that can be used as an office or den. Expected to be finished by the fall of 2008, the price of the 1 bed 1 bath at 133 West 22^nd is $965,000. Other units can be as high as $5.7 million.

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