The marketability of new properties has decreased as a result of a downturn in the economy, but that isn’t stopping brave developers like Ramin Kamfar from trying to make a ripple in the stagnant pond. The Charles is the Upper East Side’s newest addition to the condo market. This 35-story limestone and glass façade is located just down the road from The Laurel, another newbie to the area, at 1355 First Avenue, and although sales at The Laurel have been slow, marketing execs expect The Charles to pull through looking like a champ.

The Charles will be amenity-rich. A community fitness center will help residents exercise their bodies, while the in-building library will help exercise the mind. The Sky-lit pool will be popular with kids and adults, and the screening room will be the place for catching the newest DVD releases with or without the kids. A playroom for the little ones is just the place for parents to calm frazzled nerves, and the garden can sooth even the most savage of souls. A wine vault rounds off the community offerings.

Because of its status as celebrity magnet, The Upper East side of Manhattan garners a lot of attention from filmmakers and writers. But it doesn’t take wealth to appreciate living in this area. Museum Mile, named for the string of museums that line Fifth Avenue along Central Park, is a popular destination for the culturally-aware. Residents of The Charles will enjoy The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim Museum, just to name of couple.

The Charles was designed by prominent firm Ismael Leyva Architects, the force behind The Time Warner Center and Astor Place. British designer David Collins, well-renowned for putting personality into his designs, serves as a collaborator. Inside the units, oak and marble flooring provide a luxurious foundation upon which the remainder of the units is built. Polished lacquer accentuates the finished look, and linen-glass gives the units a marketing boost. Ten-foot ceilings, although expected in modern luxury condominiums, make a nice addition to the expansive atmosphere.

Sales for the 45-unit development started in August 2008, so buyers have plenty of options when choosing a home. One, two, three, and four-bedroom units average $1,738 per square foot, a price comparable to that of its neighbors. The one-bedroom apartments start at $1.64 million for 965 square feet. Larger units reach up to 3,613 square feet and prices culminate at $6.1 million. The three-floor penthouse is priced at $16.5 million. The Charles is expected to open its doors in 2010.

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With so many luxury condo developments popping up on Manhattan, it’s a refreshing change of pace to see Prudential Douglas Elliman representing a Long Island offering. Cetra/Ruddy architecture firm put a lot of work into making the facade, and passersby will definitely notice its stylish mixture of green-hued cement and corrugated metal panels. The building is designed in an L-shape, with the purpose of maximizing the effect of natural lighting and allowing residents to enjoy unobstructed views in more than one direction.

L Haus is designed for those who value the social aspects of living in a community. Landscaped by Edgewater Design, The Yard is some ten thousand square feet, a motley conglomerate of activities for the family. A grassy area is great for family picnics, while the nearby grill and bar beckons the residents to spice up their lives. For those people who can only take so much of the outdoors, there are plenty of in-building amenities. The Club Room is quiet, a great place to bring the laptop or a notebook. Only a door away, the media room offers seating for sixteen and a large-screen television. And for the fitness guru, L Haus sports a 1,700 square-foot fitness center (aerobic and weight training equipment provided), and an attached 575 square-foot Yoga room (with bamboo flooring for effect). On the roof, residents can enjoy another social space, but with a birds-eye view of the neighborhood and the skyline. This area will have both public and private spaces, including private cabanas.

Inside the units, designers strived to bring as much light in as possible. Windowed kitchens and subtle, white oak flooring do their parts to brighten the rooms. The small kitchen is homey, with simple stone countertops and crisp-looking stainless steel backsplashes and appliances. A Liebherr refrigerator offers something different than most developments. Moving into the Master Bath, residents will enjoy the Casalgrande porcelain tile flooring and wood vanities. White fireclay drop-in sinks wrap around the mind, while the Kohler polished chrome fixtures adds a metallic contrast to the equation. A tempered glass shower reminds residents that they live in luxury.

L-Haus will feature 122 one, two and three bedroom homes in its eleven stories. Units will range in size from 675-1,800 square feet and include 2-3 bedroom duplexes, penthouses, and two-bedroom convertibles. Prices will start at $450,000 and surpass $1.5 million. The 15-year 421-A tax abatement will help cushion the cost of living. Prudential Douglas Elliman is the exclusive marketing and sales agent of L-Haus, which should be completed in early 2009.

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Every new development has a head-turner, something meant to get the attention of buyers. For 459 West 18th, this would be its odd appearance. With a façade of striking black aluminum and white fritted glass, in addition to a unique, multi-angled tower, this building is sure to attract a few sidelong glances. But visitors will notice that much more than its black and white coloring distinguishes this development from its neighbors. With collaboration from developer Robert Ricciardelli, the prominent architectural firm of Della Valle Bernheimer served as both architect and developer for the project, giving the building a definite singular vision.

Inside the full-floor units of 459 West 18th, large monolithic windows brighten and expand. The black and white theme spills into the interior designs, with the addition of a few warm additions such as light wood finishes and a tinge of Cielo blue throughout. Units are spacious and well-integrated. Frameless white oak doors conceal divisions between rooms while nine-foot ceilings make them appear larger than their square footage. The kitchen is separated from the living area by a polished lacquer island. The refrigerator hides smartly behind concealing wooden cabinetry. Built-in recessed lighting provides the units with a warm glow. In the Master Bath, custom-designed by Della Valle Bernheimer & RIFRA of Italy, residents will find elegance around ever corner, from the clear glass under-mount sink to the ceiling-mounted shower head. To add convenience, the units have a Bosch washer/dryer set and an InSinkErator disposal.

Residents of 459 West 18th will find out quickly that they’re located at the center of a very busy neighborhood. The Far West Chelsea development is close to the Piers and the Hudson River Park. The Chelsea market is a good weekend destination, when residents have time to explore the 800-foot smorgasbord of shops. Also nearby are a number of distinctive neighborhoods like the Meatpacking District and the newly revamped High Line rail park. And since Chelsea has more art galleries than any other location in New York, it’s easy to see why exploring the contributions of modern, surreal or traditional artists is always a viable option.

Sales for 459 West 18th are being handled by the Corcoran Group. The units seem to be moving quickly, with only two apartments in the eleven-story building showing available on the group’s website. Both offered units are 3 bedroom/3 bath condos; one unit is a penthouse with 10.5 foot ceilings and a wood-burning fireplace. It measures at 3,447 square feet. The other unit is smaller, at 2,177 square feet. The prices for these units are $7.5 million and $2.8 million, respectively.

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Located within view of the Chrysler Building and the 59th Street Bridge, 300 East 64th is the Upper East Side’s newest, 30-floor luxury condo community. As with most new luxury developments, units in this building have hardwood flooring and gracious marble baths. The kitchens are Euro-style, with contemporary granite, glass and porcelain finishes, under-cabinet lighting and high-name stainless steel appliances. Double-pane windows increase privacy and decrease noise pollution.

300 East 64th provides residents plenty of opportunities to experience a sense of community. With its landscaped roof deck, residents will always have a place to relax above the helter-skelter or have a get-together with friends. For those who desire a little more action, the Circle Club is in-building. The club has a fitness area with both cardio and weight-training equipment, and a sauna/treatment room for relaxing afterwards. In a separate area, residents can play games, watch the big game on the large flat screen, or enjoy a drink at the wet bar. There’s even a library lounge for people who just want a place to catch up on some reading. Parents will appreciate the in-building laundry area and the Junior Circle Club, a hangout just for the under-eighteen crowd.

The Upper East Side is a vibrant community in its own right, and residents of 300 East 64th have no shortage of afternoon walkabouts available. The development is a mere three blocks from the East River and Rockefeller University, and within walking distance of just about any kind of food the palette desires, whether Japanese, Italian, American or Mediterranean. There’s a Starbucks just down the road, and a Haagen-Dazs for that ice-cream craving.

300 East 64th has 102 units, including studios and apartments ranging from 1-3 bedrooms, so there’s plenty for buyers to choose from. Studios start at $515,000 for 469 square feet. One bedroom units range from $730,000 to $1.19 million for 636-768 square feet. Two and three bedroom condos are limited, and run from $1.4 million to $2.25 million. They range in size from just over 1,000 square feet to a comparatively expansive 1,431 square feet. Classic Marketing LLC is in charge of sales. Schuman, Lichtenstein, Claman & Efron (SLCE) is the architectural firm responsible for the building’s design.

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In the heart of the Upper West Side is a new addition to the neighborhood, one that is about going back in time, to a place unaffected by the financial and social woes of the world. The Pre-War conversion of 905 West End Avenue is nestled next to Riverside Park, in a century-old building far removed from the glass that comprise most new luxury developments in New York. The 13-story building will have 77 units, each crafted to provide residents with a unique sanctuary.

The building’s interior units stick to the traditional façade. Designers have carefully separated the kitchen from the formal dining room and living area, but contemporary styles pop in where they are needed. The kitchen includes plenty of modern, stainless steel appliances in addition to a microwave and Sub Zero refrigerator; these go nicely with the marble floor and granite countertops. Residents can eat and watch the clouds roll by through the large kitchen window, and then spend some time in front of the fireplace. A soak in the Master Bath’s Zuma tub is just the thing to end a long day.

905 West End Avenue is one of the only developments around to aim their marketing arrows at families with kids. Visitors of the website can see what their kids’ room might look like, or find out what kid-friendly activities are offered around the neighborhood. And there are plenty. The area is replete with places for the kiddies, including the Lasker Pool and Ice Rink, Planet Kids and a number of different playgrounds. Adults can enjoy the smooth sounds at Smoke Jazz and Supper Club, or catch a flick at one of the nearby theaters. In-development amenities include a roof sun deck and a bike room.

Buyers at 905 West End Avenue have 14 different floor plans to choose from, including two-bedroom and four-bedroom units. Halstead is marketing these apartments, along with one six-bedroom, five bath condominium of 4102 square feet that is listed at $5.53 million. Other apartments are available, including four-bedroom units with 2165-2290 square feet, priced between $2.975 million and $3.14 million, and two-bedroom units of 1636-1812 square feet, which are priced just under $2 million. This makes the average price for the units $1550/square foot. Sales at 905 West End Avenue started in April 2008.

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It seems that everyone’s trying to go green now. Murray Hill’s newest residential offering at 303 East 33rd is following right along. Besides being LEED certified, a designation that involves using Earth-friendly, renewable building materials, 303 East 33rd is using landscaped roofs to take advantage of nature’s contributions, recycling rain water for irrigation.

The 12-story building will have a shiny glass facade, no shocker there. And while the interior designs are pretty well hush hush, the flooring and cabinetry is rumored to be bamboo. As for amenities, residents should expect Energy Star appliances and fixtures which reduce water usage. 24-hour concierge service is included, along with a few other treats. The outdoor garden is a great place to relax and provides a smooth contrast to the constant buzz of the billiards room and lounge with wet bar. Parents who are working on a weight-loss goal won’t need to find a sitter for the kids; they can work out in the fully-equipped fitness area while the little ones stay busy in the abutting playroom. A convenient bicycle storage area means that even large families can take to the road without worrying about where to store their bikes. Finally, singles and families alike can enjoy a game of bocce or grill out, or just enjoy the quiet of a warm evening on the rooftop terrace.

Murray Hill isn’t well known in luxury circles, because the area is not exactly the home to many Wall Street investors or successful entrepreneurs. Still, the neighborhood has an eclectic mix of young and old, single residents and families, and with this, a certain charm. As in most locations in New York City, there are plenty of places to catch a meal or buy that “can’t do without” item, and there’s also easy access to transportation.

303 East 33rd is the result of a partnership between Toll Brothers and Kibel Company, with Cantor Pecorella taking charge of sales. Pre-sales started in August 2008, and the sales office opened in September. There are currently 41 units (out of 130) listed for sale, a mixture of studios, one, two, and three-bedroom residences. The three-bedroom penthouse is listed at $4.5 million for 2,782 square feet, while the lowest priced unit is the 546 square-foot studio, listed at $635,000. There are plenty of one and two-bedroom residences available, ranging in size from 656-1541 square feet. Two bedroom residences start at $1.375 million. Construction at 303 East 33rd should be completed by Fall 2009.

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Developers of the new luxury condos at 300 East 23rd Street spent a lot of money to separate their product from other new developments on the market. Instead of the standard plastic model, Quantum Partners used a rotating hologram to show clients the advantages of investing here. But Tempo, as the development has been dubbed, doesn’t need fancy technology to appeal to buyers. Except for the over-used look of steel and glass, Tempo offers residents a nice blend of traditional and modern designs. A metallic sheen dominates the lobby, except for the splash of red in the benched seating area. In the units, floor-to-ceiling windows offer views of the neighborhood; floors are wide-planked black oak wood, and 8-ft wooden doors reveal a traditional elegance. This is balanced, of course, by the not-so-traditional Unitone Security System, which provides state-of-the-art peace of mind.

Elsewhere, the kitchen is full of stainless steel appliances, including names such as Bosch, Sharp, and Sub-Zero. The cabinetry is custom-designed by Gruppo Italia, and the counter-top/back-splash area is SMC stone. Bath features vary by the size of the apartment. Two-bedroom units have an oversized walk-in shower with terrazzo walls and floors, and a double vanity sick. Stone floors in the second bath and Mosaic wall tiles complement the Zuma Tub, which happens to be the main offering in the smaller one-bedrooms.

Like many newer developments, the floor plan integrates the kitchen with the living area, making even the smaller homes feel large. The amenities at Tempo have spiffy names like Cine Tempo and Up Tempo; what they mean is more for residents to do. A fitness area with weight-training machines and free weights (not to mention cardio equipment with televisions included) allow residents to drop the pounds in a fun and convenient environment; the massage room with an indoor/outdoor spa lounge and sauna offers a smooth recovery. On off-days, the 1900-square foot outdoor garden with screening area invites the movie-enthusiast, while an even larger outdoor area beckons the outside crowd with an outdoor kitchen and grill, grass lounging beds and a sky lounge with great view. A putting green adds a little untraditional fun.

Tempo?s location means a day out at any number of recreational sites, including Gramercy Park, Madison Square and Union Square, which caters to old-school chefs with its Farmer?s Market.  Tempo is just blocks from the New York Comedy Club for those with a sly sense of humor, and there are always plenty of places to dine no matter the palette?s desire.

Sales for 300 East 23rd Street began in September 2008. There are currently under twenty listings on Prudential Douglas Elliman?s DEVELOPMENTS website, but since there will be more than 100 units in this 20-story building, patient buyers should have plenty to choose from. Available units include a 1/1 unit with 764 square feet of space, listed for $865,000. There are a couple 2/2 units also available, and one three bedroom unit. Prices start at $1.44 million for the 1,186 square-foot, two bedroom unit, and surpass $2 million for the larger 1,491 square-foot three bedroom.

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Those who like the idea of “going green” but don’t want to give up the amenities of a luxury condominium will love Riverhouse. Its environmental features are extensive: Air going into the units is filtered twice; humidity control helps those with asthma or allergies make it through the seasonal changes. An on-site water filtration system guarantees the freshest water. The designers of Riverhouse also thought about the dangers of certain kinds of adhesives and other dangerous chemicals that inadvertently reach us. They used only renewable materials and low pollutant-emitting paints and sealants. Finally, designers here have decided to work alongside nature, instead of against it. Solar energy panels ‘crown’ the building, capturing the sun’s energy throughout the day. Planted roofs take advantage of the rain cycle, recycling rainfall for irrigation.

While helping the environment is great, a luxury development can’t claim “luxury” without a plentitude of amenities. There are places to sit and relax (the communal terrace and the media room), places to play (the children’s playroom for the kiddies and a billiard room for big kids) and places to test your stamina (the luxurious lap pool and the state-of-the-art fitness center). Pet owners are welcomed with open arms, especially at the in-building dog spa. And a parking garage for residents provides convenience. A Treehouse Getaway rounds out the offerings. This enigmatic area seems to be a place for all ages to enjoy the joys of the outdoors in an indoor setting. It includes a lawn and hanging chairs.

Residents can thank Ismael Leyva Architects and David Rockwell for Riverhouse’s overall design features. Large windows allow beautiful views of the Hudson throughout many of the units. A hideaway kitchen does well to integrate the room with the rest of the open floor design. Of course, each unit uses Energy Star appliances, including Miele dishwashers and a washer/dryer combination. Like almost all luxury developments now, Riverhouse has quality wood floors throughout.

Riverhouse is located in Tribeca, just outside the perimeter of Rockefeller Park and across from the Irish Memorial. There is no shortage of green space around, as a simple walk leads to no fewer than four different recreational areas. Residents can learn to play Chess, listen to stories, participate in a square dance, or tour Battery Park City’s public art collection. A myriad of eateries and shopping locales ups the ante and makes for a very busy weekend. For booklovers who don’t want to leave home, there’s a branch of The New York Public Library on the bottom floor, along with an organic bakery.

As of October 2008, there are still many units available in the 32-story building. Most of the units are 1, 2, and three bedrooms, although there is one four bedroom apartment. There are also two duplex units available. The apartments are generally spacious, with the smallest unit just over 1,000 square feet in area. Other units range from 1,092-2,156 square feet. Prices average $1,350/square foot. The highest-priced unit lists for $5.9 million. Riverhouse is being marketed by Corcoran and The Sunshine Group.

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