Just steps from a similarly-named development, The Alexander Plaza (developed by Sydness Architects) is making a splash. The homes offer owners luxury and practicality combined. Even the glass facade glimmers with a unique-angled usefulness. The units are designed to be open and encouraging, more like lofts than traditional apartments. Ceilings are high, at 11′6″, and large, floor-to-ceiling windows bring plenty of lightin, a good energy saver for folks looking to save a few cents here and there.

Natural bamboo flooring adds an other-worldly charm to the homes. In the master baths, the minimalist design dominates. A black lacquer finish gives the room a little bit of modernism, while Jura Beige limestone adorns the floors and walls. A soaking tub alongside and separate from the shower offers flexibility to that daily routine. And double sinks make work preparations run more smoothly. In the kitchen, Poggenpohl custom designs welcome the residents to a life of convenience, with quartz stone countertops and multi-layer kitchen islands. High-end brands like Subzero, Viking and Miele leave no doubt that the homes have been carefully crafted to meet the highest standards. Each unit is also equipped with individually controlled central heat and air, and an electronic safe for those valuables.

Community-wide amenities like the very popular Equinox fitness center, a conference lounge, cold food storage room, and private storage don’t add anything new to luxury developments, but nonetheless make for an easier existence. What will help residents, however, is the available tax abatement, which can save hundreds to thousands of dollars in payments.

Perhaps the most interesting aspect of living at The Alexander Plaza is its location in such a culturally-rich area. Of course the United Nations building is the premier spot, but the global atmosphere it brings is added on to with a number of internationally-based art and food shops. Not far from the development are the Empire State Building, Times Square, Bryant Park and Radio City Music Hall, so residents will never be without something fun and enticing to try.

The 23-floor Alexander Plaza is located at 315 East 46th Street in New York. Available units include one, two and three bedroom units, some with additional space for a den or office. Many of the larger units are full-floor homes. Square footage starts at 703 for a small one bedroom and 1645 for the two bedroom units. Larger units expand to just over 3000 square feet. Prices for the units range from $1.25-$5.913 million. The Corcoran Group is responsible for sales and marketing. The Alexander Plaza

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Designed by prominent architect Ed Rawlings, FIFTY Franklin is a reminder of ancient Greek architecture, located in the trendiest area of Manhattan. The Tribeca offering stands proud as a not-so-typical residential setting for the luxury set. The most obvious difference between it and other luxury condos around is the subtle human touch, the realization by the designers that humans don’t want to be enclosed in a stiff facade. FIFTY has a windowed lobby, which instead of keeping the city out, brings its beauty in for guests and residents alike.

The interiors of FIFTY Franklin bring the outdoors in. Light, oak plank flooring complements a tilt and turn window set to make the units spacious and warm. Also contributing to the expanse is an integrated kitchen, the appliances tastefully hidden behind an island of white opaque catalyzed lacquer. Recessed lighting adds a pristine glow to the units. Elsewhere in the home, huge soaking tubs are the focal point of the Master Baths. But with a separate glass-enclosed shower, nobody has to give up that relaxing soak, even when the spouse has to get ready for work. Travertine marble flooring or porcelain tile adorns the baths, depending on the size and location of the unit. All homes are equipped with a Bosch washer and dryer. Finally, developers have added extra space to each in the form of a walk-in closet for one bedroom units and an extra room—a possible office or playroom—in larger homes.

What really turns a development into a desirable place to live is all of the little “extras” that it offers. FIFTY Franklin has a little bit of everything for its residents. A roof-top landscaped terrace offers 360-degree views of the area. For those who want a little more privacy in which to contemplate, some units have private balconies or terraces with Arcadia sliding glass doors, accessible through the bedroom or living area. Through the long, hot New York summer, central air infuses homes with nice, steady cool air. Pet owners will enjoy taking their best friends to the pet spa, located in the building along with a fitness and health center, and a multimedia lounge that can be used as a screening room one day and a meeting locale the next. Other amenities include a 24/7 concierge, individual storage units and an optional on-site parking facility. Finally, a first floor guest unit on the first floor serves great as a guest home for in-laws or other out-of-town family members.

FIFTY Franklin is in Tribeca, which is a neighborhood full of range. The area has plenty of places for the budding chef, baker, film-maker and artist. The development is close to Thomas Paine Park and Columbus Park, and only steps from a number of other great neighborhoods, including Chinatown, the Financial District and and Soho.

The 18-floor building housing FIFTY Franklin is located between Lafayette and Broadway and is being marketed by Prudential Douglas Elliman. The development offers studio, one, two and three bedroom units starting at 600 square feet. The smaller of the 72 units average $1,000 per square foot, which is very frugal for the area. Overall prices range from $600,000-$3 million. Sales started in November 2008.

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