With new condominium developments sprouting up all over Manhattan, there has been an overwhelming trend toward buildings constructed with glass and angles. As a conversion, 211 East 51st Street skips this inevitability. The 14-story building has a brick facade that fits in nicely on this quaint, tree-lined street in Midtown Manhattan. But the small feel of this neighborhood is only an illusion. Just blocks away in every direction are New York staples like Central Park, the Rockefeller Center, the United Nations Building and the Museum of Modern Art.

Residents of 211 East 51st Street won’t have to venture too far from home to find enjoyment. The fitness center allows no excuses for keeping in shape, while the resident’s lounge is perfect for socializing afterwards. The Okeanos Club and Spa offers weary bodies a chance to be pampered with massages, and facials; it also has rooms for contemplation. For those who would rather sit outside and think of their place in the universe, Greenacre Park is only a minute’s walk away. This private park boasts a raging waterfall and a quiet stream with plenty of sitting space, a true urban oasis.

Inside, 211 East 51st units offer their owners a different kind of oasis, one that takes them from the worries of practical life. Cyprus limestone floors and Calacatta gold marble in the kitchen add an exotic touch to an otherwise standard luxury kitchen with its Bosch appliances and white oak cabinetry. The master bath is comfortable, a walk-in shower reflecting the conveniences of modern luxury living.

Many of the 73 units in the development have been sold already, but as sales just started in May 2008, there are still plenty available for those people who are looking for a nice, family-friendly home with the feel of suburban life. Most units are one and two bedroom condominiums, except for the three-bedroom penthouses, large spaces with ample outdoor space and extraordinary space. The 2,400 square-foot duplex unit adds to the expansive feel with 18-foot ceilings. The price of this duplex penthouse is $4.5 million, the highest price tag in the unit. Other units range from $670,000-$1.9 million for a one or two-bedroom unit with up to 1,218 square feet of living space. Many also include terraces. 211 East 51st is being marketed by AnneMarie Alexander.

[ Contact Us ]

The interior designers here used light shades of color and wide, well-lit spaces to encourage personalization. While the open living room suggests design options, the follow-through is left up to the residents. World-class appliances in the kitchen add flair, but again, there is little to distract the homeowner from adding that personal touch. Recessed lighting throughout reflects a soft ambiance that is well-deserved at the end of a long day.

Number Five condominiums is located at 5 East 44th in Midtown New York. This is just steps from the ever-popular shopper’s center and more cultural activities than residents can shake a stick at, including the New York Public Library, Grand Central Station, Rockefeller Center and Central Park. It’s the perfect area to raise a culturally-aware, well-educated family. And if this doesn’t seem like the best amenity available, residents of Number Five are automatically given a one-year complimentary membership to Quintessentially, the renowned Concierge service company. Quintessentially helps residents to organize their time and resources to make the most out of living, whether through helping with those impossible-to-find concert tickets, locating a good pet sitter or keeping the condo clean.

Residents at Number Five have plenty of size and style choices to decide from. Units here range from the tiniest studio apartment (just over 500 square feet) to the 2,300 square feet duplex penthouse, complete with almost a studio’s space terrace. Prices for these units range from $725,000 to a cool $3.9 million. Sales started in March 2008, and out of the twenty units, seven are already under contract. Number Five condominiums was developed by Vintage Group and is being marketed by CORE Group Marketing.

[ Contact Us ]

The architect of The Alexander has designed buildings around the world, including Spain, Singapore, and Shanghai. So the homes here at 250 East 49th Street may emanate more worldly charm than many Manhattan apartment developments. With twelve-foot ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows, the whole world seems to expand around them. Still, residents will find plenty of “American” amenities in these homes, including the 24-hour doorman and concierge as well as a fitness center and storage for cold deliverables as well as private storage for extra out-of-season clothes and goods.

The Alexander is twenty-three floors of mainly one and two-bedroom units, including a penthouse. Although it’s not specifically advertised as a family development, families will find the homes comfy and the area conducive to family activities. Rockefeller Center is just down the road, and plenty of parks give kids and their parents a place to hang out together. Units emphasize choice and freedom with open designs and the resident’s choice of Poggenpohl finishes in the bright and cheery kitchens, whether they prefer white lacquer with aluminum, oak dark wood veneer and beige lacquer, or teak wood laminate with aluminum. All baths are outfitted with Jerusalem gold limestone, a spa shower and a heated towel bar. All units include white oak floors, a washer and dryer, a Viking microwave, privacy shades and individually controlled heating and air. Some lucky residents will enjoy private outdoor space, either a balcony or terrace.

The building’s structure places one bedrooms from the ground floor to the sixth floor. The sixth floor has two bedrooms with large outdoor terraces. Those units above are two-bedroom apartments, some with balconies. The square-footage would be small for suburban Texas, but for New York City, they’re spacious. One-bedroom units have 647 square feet, 2 bed/2 bath units average 995 square feet with balconies and terraces to add outdoor space. The largest two-bedroom unit is 1,147 square feet. The penthouse is much larger, at 2,771 square feet inside. Costs range from $909,500 to almost $2 million for one and two-bedroom units. The penthouse is currently priced at over $3 million.

[ Contact Us ]

For those looking for a “true” New York experience, 865 U.N. Plaza offers residents a wealth of opportunities. Blocks from the New York Public Library and Grand Central Station, this Pre-War structure has seen its share of historical and cultural milestones. But residents of the Tudor-style high-rise wont’ care much about the past when they can enjoy the present. Peaceful views of the East River abound, and soaring above the Manhattan backdrop, residents can enjoy moments of insight that land-dwellers miss. 865 U.N. Plaza is geared for the working, single adult. Its studio and one-bedroom apartments range in square footage from a cozy 559 square feet to a more expansive 948 square feet. Some floor plans include an optional den/office, and all provide plenty of closet space. The property boasts of being pet friendly, so there is no need to find a new home for Buster or Spot.

The classic, Pre-war look of granite and stone is complemented with modern-style stainless steel appliances to add depth to a simple design. In the streamlined kitchen, an over-the-stove microwave reminds residents that there is always an easier way to make a meal, especially on those busy Friday nights. Of course, with plenty of things to do in this neighborhood, the likelihood that residents will spend a Friday night at home is slim. The Radio City Music Hall is just down the road, not to mention a myriad of small restaurants. But on the off chance that residents feel a quiet Friday or Saturday night coming on, there’s nothing quite as relaxing as watching the world go by beneath you while you enjoy a home-cooked meal. Each condominium at 865 U.N. Plaza has a windowed kitchen.

Halstead Property, one of the area’s most prolific real estate sales groups, markets this condominium development. Samson management is responsible for the development of 865 U.N. Plaza, and with a price range of $446,000 to over $1 million, it is apparent that people see the value in these homes. As of August 2007, 12 of the 21 listed properties are already under contract. Financing is available; however, potential residents must make a down payment of 10%.

[ Contact Us ]

The building is walking distance from Bloomingdale’s, Dylan’s Candy Bar, The Four Seasons, The Bridge Market
Food Emporium, Bed Bath & Beyond, and countless other neighborhood necessities. The views are expansive,
and depending on the residence, include the city, the East River, streets, and the courtyard. The eastward views
include the river, Roosevelt Island, Long Island City, and the 59th Street bridge.