Located in Chelsea, 540 W. 28th can be likened to a painting hung in one of the most artistic neighborhoods in New York. Erik Ekstein developed this 13-story building to serve as a place of commonalities for art lovers. There’s even 6,000 square feet of gallery space for the public and residents alike, showcasing exclusive works from John Pawson, among others. An on-call art consultant will offer advice and support for those who want to integrate pieces into their own homes.

Before residents even walk into their homes, they’ll be inundated with gifts, amenities that are offered building-wide no matter the size of the home they choose. For those needing stimulation, a state-of-the-art fitness center is full of brand new equipment to get the blood flowing. The large, rooftop terrace offers a place to commune or sit in awe, with views of the Empire State building and the Gallery District, not to mention the Hudson River. The Art Yard is another place to sit and contemplate, with the addition of a waterfall to soothe tired souls. An Abigail Michaels concierge service adds that extra luxurious catering, providing the residents of 540 W. 28th everything from restaurant reservations to move-in assistance.

Of course, all of the amenities in the world don’t mean a thing if the homes aren’t of the highest quality. In the 88 homes at 540 W. 28th, designers took this into serious consideration. A bright and airy living room contrasts nicely with the darker, more mature kitchen. In the kitchen, oiled seven-inch, white-oak flooring meshes well with walnut cabinetry and black granite countertops. A Sub-Zero refrigerator and Bertazzoni range gives at-home chefs the best equipment to work with. In the master bath, concrete style tiles line the soaking tub and walk-in shower. A black lacquer vanity is customized to fit the needs of the residents. A bright orange Agape hand shower mixes things up a little bit.

Chelsea is a neighborhood easy to fall in love with. Known as the industrial center, its brick-faced landmarks and early 20th century company buildings have been turned into galleries, lofts and gourmet restaurants, giving the area a modern feel while maintaining a cozy nostalgia for its history. The Gagosian gallery, Mary Boon Gallery, and Anton Kern are just a few of the artsy places to visit for sculptures, photos and mixed media. But art isn’t all that Chelsea offers. There are plenty of five-star restaurants around that specialize in whatever ethnicity one may desire. A pedestrian-only park at High Line, a screening room at Chelsea Cove, and outdoor activities at Chelsea Piers give residents a great variety of healthy weekend choices.

Halstead Property is the marketing force behind 540 West 28th’s 88 units, a mix of studio, one bedroom, and two-bedroom condos (including five penthouses). This firm has represented more than 65 new developments throughout the tri-state area. The smallest studio is 445 square feet. The largest two-bedroom is a six-room giant with 2,539 square feet. Prices range from a cool half million to $4.16 million, with the average unit selling for $1,237 per square foot. A generous 421-A tax abatement adds a small incentive for purchasing here. Sales started in October 2008, and potential residents should expect to occupy their homes in spring 2010. 540 W. 28th

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The five or so families who earn the privilege of calling 34 Greene Street home may not find themselves living a fairy tale existence, but this cast iron restoration will offer loft-lovers a home that they can be proud to live in. The building at 34 Greene Street qualifies as an historical landmark, having been constructed back in 1873. It follows a renaissance revival style.

34 Greene Street is an eight-story building developed by the Sorgente Group. The units give residents plenty of room to breathe, with ceilings of up to fourteen feet high and expansive windows to give the homes a light, airy feel that lifts the spirits. Flooring of wide-plank solid white oak helps keep the rooms bright. The kitchen is a Schiffini custom-designed room with Calacatta Marble Countertops and Wenge veneer base cabinets. Miele stainless steel appliances add that touch of class, and a wine refrigerator pleases high-class sensibilities. The Master Bath is designed for comfort and class. Silver and Osso Travertine tile flooring complements the custom-designed fixtures, while the enclosed steam shower and cast iron soaking tub ensure that residents have the freedom to choose their method of relaxation. Some units have a few extra amenities, like a fireplace, wet bar, and private terrace. All units come equipped with a washer and dryer. Community-wide features like the 24/7 video doorman and a keyed-elevator access system bring peace of mind.

34 Greene Street is located close to NYU and Washington Square Park, and is just steps away from Little Italy, a hotspot for those in love with the Italian culture. A simple walk around the area will guarantee entertainment, as vendors mob the streets, selling their wares. This might be jewelry on one block, T-shirts on another, and artwork in the middle. There are plenty of high-end boutiques, and for the younger (or hipper) crowd, skating shops abound. SoHo may not be THE artists’ area any more, with higher prices forcing many artists to Tribeca or the like, but there’s still plenty here to attract those with the creative soul. After all, SoHo is part of the well-named “Design District,” with the all the trendy clothing stores to prove it.

Sales at 34 Greene Street are being led by Prudential Douglas Elliman. Square footages for the units range from 1911 to 4889 for lofts with one to four bedrooms and an extra room to serve as an office. This is a wide variety for a wide range of people. Prices for the units start at $3.535 million. Sales started in early 2009.

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Luxury isn’t the first word that comes to mind when Harlem is mentioned. But this historic New York neighborhood is slowly building itself up to a much more prolific existence. 2056 Fifth Avenue is just one area development that might help the neighborhood return to glory. This one-time church has been renovated into a seven-story luxury condominium development. BKSK Architects has left the building with its beaux arts style, including a carved limestone façade to integrate into the neighborhood more fully. But this isn’t mass-produced housing. There are only ten residences in the building, including duplexes and spacious garden style units; expandable studio apartments and two penthouses rounding out the offerings.

10-to-12-foot-ceilings and oversized windows will ensure that residents enjoy a spacious and airy home. Thoughtful additions like GE stackable washers and dryers in each unit, and fade-resistant bamboo flooring will add convenience and durability to the package. Studio apartments are designed to be combined with neighboring two bedroom condos to make for a spacious three-bedroom home.

Designers have put a lot of thought into sprinkling luxury throughout the homes. The kitchen boasts cherry cabinetry and glass-accented doors. Stainless steel sinks and quality Jenn-Air appliances add a modern elegance. In the Master Bath, residents will find Batieug Blue limestone floors, and plenty of cooperative features, like the separate enclosed shower and bath, and side-by-side his and hers sinks. The penthouses follow the same general design, with a few extra perks like a gas-powered fireplace and private terrace.

Building-wide amenities include a fitness area, private storage, cold storage and a residents-only landscaped courtyard for contemplation. A wide variety of security measures ensure peace of mind. A full-time doorman is supplemented with a video surveillance system and a 7.5 ft steel door.

Those who do choose to make 2056 Fifth their homes will find plenty in Harlem to keep themselves busy. The Jazz and Music Festival is always a great place to experience good music and good food. The Apollo Theater makes for a good weekend evening out. And for those who prefer outdoor activities, Thomas Jefferson Park and Marcus Garvey Park are both within jogging distance.

2056 Fifth has 22 studio, one and two-bedroom units, half of which were sold their first month on the market. The one bedroom homes start at 1352 square feet and include a rec room and more than 300 square feet of outdoor space. Duplexes start at 1130 square feet and span to 1800 square feet. Finally, penthouses are from 1406-1503 square feet, with more than 600 square feet of outdoor space. Prices range from $600,000-$900,000. Sales are being handled exclusively by The Corcoran Group.

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