The developers of Be @ William converted a 1960s office building into a new-age version of luxury; although they spent $32 million to reconstruct it, this building, located in the well-developed Financial District of Manhattan, has proven to be anything but a financial burden. In fact, this is one of the more affordable developments in the area, averaging prices well below $1000/square foot. With this price, and William’s location near both of the area’s big rivers, the development is sure to attract the attention of a lot of people. For those who decide to buy, they’ll find plenty to do in the area. Be @ William stands across from a park and a plaza for those people with kids or animals; singles will appreciate the proximity to restaurants, cultural events and the Hudson River Park.

The beauty of Be @ William extends past the black and white stone exterior of this sixteen-floor building. Each unit has a wide open kitchen with white quartz countertops that provide a contemporary feel. Custom-designed appliances personalize the unit, while white oak floors add elegance. Nine-foot ceilings and large windows bring New York City and all of its wonders into direct focus.

Residents who choose to “Be @ William” will find many intriguing community services, including a 24-hour doorman and concierge service. But above all else, they will enjoy the indoor/outdoor sky lounge, a roof-top paradise for residents that includes a wet bar, flat-panel television, fitness area, billiards table and plenty of room to socialize. A kitchenette and grilling area offer the opportunity to share a meal along with casual conversation, and a fireplace guarantees that gatherings will always be “cozy.”

Be @ William has 113 units of studio, one and two-bedroom luxury condominiums, varying in size from the small but elegant 640 square-foot studio to a penthouse with nearly 3,000 square feet of living space, balanced between indoor and roof-terrace living area. One bedrooms average 1,080 square feet, and the largest two-bedroom unit is 1,406 square feet in area. Seventy percent of the units are already sold, at prices ranging from a thrifty $331,000 to a more than reasonable $1.8 million.

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From the street, 40 Bond looks more like an art gallery than a place to live. But it’s not art passers-by see as they walk along the Bond Street development. That white, swirling length of metal is actually a cast aluminum gate designed to shield the front private gardens of townhouses from the prying eyes of street goers. And it fits in well with the neighborhood, exuding a “graffiti-style” effect, according to Jacques Herzog of the Swiss architectural team Herzog & de Meuron. The green glass facade, which some might notice gleams with different shades of light and dark, could be a building straight from Gotham City.

Getting past the gate, visitors will find that this development doesn’t simply present a facade of unique artistry; it represents all that art values–creativity, uniqueness and compelling vision. In a time when privacy is reserved for the wealthy, rooftop denizens, 40 Bond offers townhouses that include a private yard and private entrance, right at street level. Twenty-three lofts and a triplex penthouse sit on top of these town homes, stretched upwards ten stories. It is rumored that Ian Schrager himself, who is responsible for giving birth to 40 Bond (in addition to being a prime mover and shaker in many hospitality areas–think Studio 54) is going to be living in the penthouse.

So, just what does a resident of 40 Bond get to look forward to? We’ll not talk about the floor to ceiling, fully-operational windows or the high ceilings. We’ll not even discuss the standard amenities like the 24-hour concierge or fitness room. Residents of 40 Bond get to experience a true, full-service lifestyle accompanied by a backdrop of complete luxury. Imagine sitting in a room, feet resting on a wide-plank, smoked oak floor, mind tuned to the smells and sounds of NoHo that travel through open windows. Employees of the Gramercy Park Hotel provide their services to you, including housekeeping, valet parking, limousine service, room service, catering, even personal shopping and delivery. Pet sitting and supervised childcare is also offered for those errands that demand your personal attention. This is the life that Schrager had in mind with 40 Bond, a lifestyle that took all of the inconvenience from existence, leaving residents here to enjoy what is really important in life.

As of October 2007, twenty-four of the twenty-eight 1-4 bedroom units have sold, at prices reaching as high as $2800 per square foot of living space. For homes that range from just over 1,000 square feet to 3,800 square feet, it could mean a high price to be free of small tasks. Although there are a select number of rentals, the majority of units here are buy-only.

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At fourteen stories, Yves Chelsea doesn’t exactly “tower” over its neighbors. But it does have a unique fantasy-movie appearance. All that glass brings back memories of the castle in The NeverEnding Story. But is life here like a fantasy movie, too?

Yves offers one, two and three bedroom residences for 41 families. Many units offer landscaped outdoor space, which are utilized through building setbacks. On a warm, moonlit night, this kind of sanctuary can be like taking a temporary trip to heaven. All units offer floor-to-ceiling windows, and some homes without terraces provide a small balcony for thinking smaller thoughts. American walnut hardwood flooring offers simple beauty, while the Bosch washer and dryer add convenience.

In addition to the outdoor space, owners here revel in the expansive layouts and great city views. The units have many other decor and design perks, including all-glass cabinets and countertops in the kitchen, along with a Miele oven and a storage area for that irreplaceable vintage wine. Residents of Yves Chelsea have access to the Abigail Michaels Concierge Service, which can help then with just about any travel or dining excursion. Or, if they prefer to work harder for their rewards, Yves’s health center is just a short jaunt away. This facility is complete with a pool, sauna and treatment room, A freestanding bath awaits the weary but well-worked resident.

Yves is located at 127 Seventh Avenue, in the heart of Chelsea, home and playground to many of the world’s up-and-coming artists. Residents have no shortage of things to do around “town,” from taking the kids to the park, to visiting one of the many fine eateries.

One-bedroom units range from 701-937 square feet, not including outdoor space. Larger two and three-bedroom homes have a considerably wider range, from 1,090 square feet to 2,367 square feet, in addition to outdoor space that ranges from the very small 50 square foot balcony to the 520 square foot landscaped outdoor terrace.

Once the site of a horse stable, the land beneath Yves has a lot of history. Late paperwork was all that kept this lot from becoming a historical landmark. Many people will see this fact as a great way to expect their property value to increase in the future. For now, units are priced at as little as $950,000 to as much as $6.95 million.

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Happy kids make for happy parents, but adults here will find that they don’t need much help. A 42,000 square-foot Equinox gym with state-of-the art equipment gives them their own health-conscious playground. It also allows no excuse to allow the weather to keep them from keeping in shape. At home, residents enjoy hardwood floors, bright kitchens and brand-name kitchen appliances. The master bath has a frosted-glass shower and marble tile on the floor and walls.

While this development is particularly aimed at attracting families, the spacious units can in themselves be a draw for anyone desiring a little bit more space. One of the only buildings in Manhattan to offer four and five-bedroom units, 255 East 74th is a viable alternative to leaving the Manhattan area when the family starts to expand. Seventy percent of the homes here are three or four bedrooms, with a few 3,200 square-feet, five-bedroom units thrown in for good measure. Of course, there are the standard one and two-bedroom offerings as well. And with 87 units available, potential residents won’t have to stake the sales office out to ensure an apartment. They will, however, want to contact a representative soon, as units are expected to go fast. Prices range from $2.5 million to $7 million, and units will be ready to move in to around late 2008

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