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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This entry was posted on Tuesday, December 2nd, 2008 at 7:45 am and is filed under Tribeca.