Jasper is one of those unique condo developments that offers something for every member of the family. The kids have their own space in the Children’s Play area, while parents will enjoy the fitness area—complete with high-end equipment—and a pool with a fireside lounge. But it’s not the amenities that will attract residents to this Murray Hill development. This eighteen-story conversion of a 1920’s office building is in the middle of it all, convenient to both midtown Manhattan and Park Avenue.

Jasper Condominiums is located at 114 East 32nd in Murray Hill. This is a unique Manhattan neighborhood, placed right in the middle of the urban sprawl that is New York, yet more in tune with small-town suburbia, with its small neighborhood grocer and quiet streets. Residents who enjoy eating out will like the local eateries, especially if they prefer Tex-Mex (El Rio Grande) or Italian (Nicola Paone). Of course, Grand Central Terminal is within walking distance, which opens up all of New York for those brave enough to venture out.

Sales just began at Jasper Loft Condominiums, but the eighty units are expected to go fast. Ismael Leyva, whose many prior projects includes the Time Warner Building, designed Jasper to emanate warmth both inside and out. The orange scaffolding that defined the construction space before the conversion was finished has been moved, but the theme continues inside the building. The end result is a warm yet stylish interior décor, including Peruvian hardwood floors and high-end brand name additions like Kohler tubs in the baths and Sub-Zero refrigerators in the kitchens. If that doesn’t warm the spirit, the high ceilings and spacious outdoor terraces will.

Jasper is being marketed by CORE Group, who is also responsible for marketing some of Manhattan’s most high-profile condominium developments, including 40 Bond Street and 50 Gramercy Park North. Jasper offers studio, one, two, and three bedroom units ranging in size from 591-2079 square feet in area. Studios start at $900,000, with the spacious penthouse priced at $3.5 million. The average price per square foot is $1,150, which is relatively cheap for any area of Manhattan. Occupancy is slated for Fall 2008.

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With new condominium developments sprouting up all over Manhattan, there has been an overwhelming trend toward buildings constructed with glass and angles. As a conversion, 211 East 51st Street skips this inevitability. The 14-story building has a brick facade that fits in nicely on this quaint, tree-lined street in Midtown Manhattan. But the small feel of this neighborhood is only an illusion. Just blocks away in every direction are New York staples like Central Park, the Rockefeller Center, the United Nations Building and the Museum of Modern Art.

Residents of 211 East 51st Street won’t have to venture too far from home to find enjoyment. The fitness center allows no excuses for keeping in shape, while the resident’s lounge is perfect for socializing afterwards. The Okeanos Club and Spa offers weary bodies a chance to be pampered with massages, and facials; it also has rooms for contemplation. For those who would rather sit outside and think of their place in the universe, Greenacre Park is only a minute’s walk away. This private park boasts a raging waterfall and a quiet stream with plenty of sitting space, a true urban oasis.

Inside, 211 East 51st units offer their owners a different kind of oasis, one that takes them from the worries of practical life. Cyprus limestone floors and Calacatta gold marble in the kitchen add an exotic touch to an otherwise standard luxury kitchen with its Bosch appliances and white oak cabinetry. The master bath is comfortable, a walk-in shower reflecting the conveniences of modern luxury living.

Many of the 73 units in the development have been sold already, but as sales just started in May 2008, there are still plenty available for those people who are looking for a nice, family-friendly home with the feel of suburban life. Most units are one and two bedroom condominiums, except for the three-bedroom penthouses, large spaces with ample outdoor space and extraordinary space. The 2,400 square-foot duplex unit adds to the expansive feel with 18-foot ceilings. The price of this duplex penthouse is $4.5 million, the highest price tag in the unit. Other units range from $670,000-$1.9 million for a one or two-bedroom unit with up to 1,218 square feet of living space. Many also include terraces. 211 East 51st is being marketed by AnneMarie Alexander.

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Inside the units of 141 Fifth Avenue, Nancy Ruddy’s designs leave residents feeling expansive and cheery. Ceilings soar past ten feet, and eight-foot tall glass doors stand to greet them. Four-inch plank solid walnut floors throughout add a crisp elegance to the homes. Kitchens are equipped with a Miele dishwasher and coffee system, as well as a Wolf range and Subzero refrigerator. Pietra Cucina stone countertops finish off the kitchen amenities. The bath areas wrap things up nicely, especially the master bath, which boasts Wenge wood and limestone double-sink vanities, and a separate tub and shower area. Residents will particularly enjoy the rainforest shower head and handheld body spray.

Living at 141 Fifth Avenue couldn’t be more exciting. Its premier location puts it right in the middle of some of the most creative and prolific areas of Manhattan. Greenwich Village, Chelsea and Gramercy are all just a short jaunt away. For the growing families, Madison Square Park is just a couple of blocks north of the development. Of course, Union Square Park is just a few blocks in the other direction, complete with a playground for the kiddies and a Farmer’s Market for health-conscious parents. Other local destinations include Whole Foods, Barnes & Noble, Equinox Gym—and the local subway, for those who want to conveniently explore other parts of the city.

As of May 2008, more than 80% of the building’s 38 units have been sold. Those still available range in size from 1205-4748 square feet, including the five-bedroom, seven-bath penthouse with library. This unit is priced at $11.25 million. Other units range in price from $2.8 million to $12 million. 141 Fifth Avenue is being marketed by CORE Group Marketing.

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The interior designers here used light shades of color and wide, well-lit spaces to encourage personalization. While the open living room suggests design options, the follow-through is left up to the residents. World-class appliances in the kitchen add flair, but again, there is little to distract the homeowner from adding that personal touch. Recessed lighting throughout reflects a soft ambiance that is well-deserved at the end of a long day.

Number Five condominiums is located at 5 East 44th in Midtown New York. This is just steps from the ever-popular shopper’s center and more cultural activities than residents can shake a stick at, including the New York Public Library, Grand Central Station, Rockefeller Center and Central Park. It’s the perfect area to raise a culturally-aware, well-educated family. And if this doesn’t seem like the best amenity available, residents of Number Five are automatically given a one-year complimentary membership to Quintessentially, the renowned Concierge service company. Quintessentially helps residents to organize their time and resources to make the most out of living, whether through helping with those impossible-to-find concert tickets, locating a good pet sitter or keeping the condo clean.

Residents at Number Five have plenty of size and style choices to decide from. Units here range from the tiniest studio apartment (just over 500 square feet) to the 2,300 square feet duplex penthouse, complete with almost a studio’s space terrace. Prices for these units range from $725,000 to a cool $3.9 million. Sales started in March 2008, and out of the twenty units, seven are already under contract. Number Five condominiums was developed by Vintage Group and is being marketed by CORE Group Marketing.

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Residents of Five Franklin Place will enjoy the thoughtfulness of Van Berkel’s design. In consideration of people’s innate desire for sunshine, he emphasized natural light throughout the building, even in the traditionally shadowed style of the New York City loft. Each loft unit embraces the sun through the use of double-height windows and the central placement of second-floor mezzanines. And residents who don’t want to live in a loft will find happiness in one of the penthouse units or in a city residence. The City-style residences offer east and west terraces and expansive views of the panoramic surroundings. And while the designers put their own touch into the units, they made sure to allow residences plenty of flexibility to define their own space with large, airy rooms.

B&B Italia masterfully designed the interiors of Five Franklin Place to complement the architecture. Different levels of the building utilize different styles and colors of decor to maximize lighting and enhance the natural beauty of the units, and all of this is established with contemporary vision. Doors are set flush against walls, bookcases built into the walls, and a futuristic sliding curved wall in the Master bath rotates to reveal a real “room with a view.”

Five Franklin Place offers a number of amenities for the fitness-crazed generation, including a sub-level fitness center with private spa. This is the perfect place for residents to lift weights, do some Yoga or Pilates in the mirrored room, or sweat it out in the sauna or steam room.

Fifty-five homes occupy Five Franklin Place, each varying from 1200-3400 square feet in area. There is a good mix of one and two-story residences, with units ranging from one bedroom to four-bedrooms, and penthouses that contain interior elevators and a rooftop terrace. Prices start at $2 million and soar to $16 million. Sales started in April 2008.

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