The Charles
October 28th, 2008
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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