Residents of Five Franklin Place will enjoy the thoughtfulness of Van Berkel’s design. In consideration of people’s innate desire for sunshine, he emphasized natural light throughout the building, even in the traditionally shadowed style of the New York City loft. Each loft unit embraces the sun through the use of double-height windows and the central placement of second-floor mezzanines. And residents who don’t want to live in a loft will find happiness in one of the penthouse units or in a city residence. The City-style residences offer east and west terraces and expansive views of the panoramic surroundings. And while the designers put their own touch into the units, they made sure to allow residences plenty of flexibility to define their own space with large, airy rooms.

B&B Italia masterfully designed the interiors of Five Franklin Place to complement the architecture. Different levels of the building utilize different styles and colors of decor to maximize lighting and enhance the natural beauty of the units, and all of this is established with contemporary vision. Doors are set flush against walls, bookcases built into the walls, and a futuristic sliding curved wall in the Master bath rotates to reveal a real “room with a view.”

Five Franklin Place offers a number of amenities for the fitness-crazed generation, including a sub-level fitness center with private spa. This is the perfect place for residents to lift weights, do some Yoga or Pilates in the mirrored room, or sweat it out in the sauna or steam room.

Fifty-five homes occupy Five Franklin Place, each varying from 1200-3400 square feet in area. There is a good mix of one and two-story residences, with units ranging from one bedroom to four-bedrooms, and penthouses that contain interior elevators and a rooftop terrace. Prices start at $2 million and soar to $16 million. Sales started in April 2008.

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Get lost in a time-warp at Vestry, located at 33 Vestry Street in the creative Tribeca area of Manhattan. The facade is translucent glass and marble, hardly compatible with the browns and tans of the neighborhood brick buildings. But with a style like Vestry’s, residents of these seven units won’t need to fit in with everyone else. Starting with the car elevator that will take your vehicle to private parking, Vestry is a unique addition to the area. The building was designed by the Dutch architect Winka Dubbeldam, a visionary in her own right. She includes a mixture of apartment styles, including single-level units, townhouses, three and four-bedroom triplexes and a duplex penthouse.

Dubbeldam saw Vestry’s unique potential to speak to its residents and went with it. Spacious floor plans leave plenty of room for residents to discover their own style, while classic additions like a 5′ gas-burning fireplace (with Pompeii stone hearth) brings with it the high standard of design expected in luxury developments. Mafi hardwood oak flooring is used throughout, a darker shade of wood that envelopes the home in elegance. In the kitchen, stainless steel countertops mingle with fully-incorporated brand name appliances to take residents into the future, when efficiency will dictate that everything have its own place. Bathrooms add to that futuristic appeal; they are large and pristine, with heated limestone flooring and a comfortable, six-foot soaking tub. A separate shower and toilet area allows for increased privacy. Recessed lighting throughout the home adds ambiance.

Outdoor space is important in today’s green-conscious world, and Vestry has included terraces or balconies with all of their apartments. The penthouse, with a 1900 square foot roof deck, comes out ahead of everyone, especially with its private 16′x8′ heated pool and Ipe wood flooring, but in New York, it’s not the space that counts, but what can be done with the space. And even a small 100 square foot terrace is room enough to enjoy a little extra peace and quiet.

Since they first started sales in April 2007, four units have sold or gone into contract; therefore, there are currently three units still available, ranging from $6.2 million for a large full-floor apartment with 3,252 square feet, to the extravagant penthouse with over 7,000 square feet inside and 3,693 square feet out, priced at an equally extravagant $22 million. Units come with private storage areas, walk-in closets and insulated glass windows, in addition to private laundry facilities. The development is only block away from Tribeca’s many eateries and entertainment.

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The cobble-stoned streets of Tribeca take the mind back to the day of the horse and carriage. So, too, should Pearline Lofts, since the site of the building was a soap factory back then. The brown-brick building fits well with the other buildings in this historic area of Manhattan. But the vision of the developers and designers here is anything but old. With its arched windows and barrel-vaulted ceilings, this seven-resident building (originally designed with nine residences) only creates the illusion of age. Residents have 3,000 square-feet of living space to enjoy, including a 52′ x 26′ living room/dining room. Combined with 10.6′ ceilings, the units successfully draw the mind back to the idea of original New York lofts, without the broken pipes and concrete floors.

Contrary to its façade, the interiors of Pearline Loft units boast modern luxury. Apartments have four-inch Brazilian teak wood flooring, their sleek look blending well with the kitchens’ walnut wood cabinetries and islands. Bathroom floors and walls have the distinctive and more-water-compatible travertine tile, with radiant heat flooring to warm any chilly bath-time experience. The six-foot deep-set tub allows for the occasional pampering, while a private rain shower serves its purpose on workdays or hurried evenings when there’s too much to do to linger in the shower.

North Tribeca is an historical district, yet primarily an area intended for manufacturing, so the designers of Pearline Lofts had to apply for a zoning variance simply to permit residential housing. Interpreted for the resident, this means not a lot of local traffic, making spontaneous nights on the town stress-free. And since this area is one of the ritziest places in town, it’s not unheard of for residents to run into celebrity neighbors who are also out and about, especially at such eateries as the Tribeca Grill, with its Mediterranean cuisine, and Nobu, a Sushi-lovers hangout. Of course, families might prefer to spend some time playing basketball or tennis at Washington Market Park.

Low on luxury amenities, Pearline Lofts seems to be marketing more to those who simply want a nice home. Buyers won’t find a heated pool or a pet spa here, but little conveniences easily replace those sporadic shows of bravado. Residents will much prefer their ever-present Sonos stereo system and Lutron HomeWorks lighting control capabilities. Other convenience items include a stacked Miele washer and dryer and automatic window shades. This automation can save a lot of legwork, since each loft contains more than ten floor-to-ceiling windows.

Pearline Lofts offers three-bedroom units, all with similar square-footage and monthly common charges. Prices start at $4.8 million and surpass $6 million. One single-bedroom, 1188 square-foot unit sits on the first floor, but this is black sheep of the building. A full-floor penthouse on the seventh floor includes a private 2000 square-foot rooftop terrace.

Do not confuse Pearline with its contemporary across the street (415 Washington Street); it may look the same, and both buildings are being built as one project; however, there are distinct differences between the two. Pearline is located at 414 Washington Street in North Tribeca.

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In TriBeCa, folks live fully aware of artistic values. Form, color and style become almost as important as functionality, and the first thought of many buyers is the sense of community the area offers. Sixty Beach Street is just one of those places where creativity takes precedence. Housed within the same building, the development has a variety of living options, including lofts, maisonettes, and penthouses. The two and three bedroom lofts have high ceilings and arched windows, with a master bath and a powder room. Townhouses (otherwise referred to as maisonettes) have plenty of indoor space and a large back yard. Finally, the penthouses are even more spacious inside, and include dark wood floors and customized kitchens with a personal wine cooler. Black walnut floors add traditional beauty to each unit, while brand name kitchen appliances and crystal glass countertops add a sparkle of elegance.

Whether residents choose one style or another, they can look forward to high ceilings, some up to twenty-four feet tall, along with other elements meant to add spaciousness. Building-wide amenities include a fitness center and children’s playroom, in addition to private storage space. A landscaped roof terrace gives residents a chance for some fresh air after a long day at the office, while personal amenities such as a laundry room for blankets and other bulky items provide residents with a comfortable amount of convenience. In an unusual addition, but one that is sure to appeal to pet-lovers, Sixty Beach Street has a pet spa.

Pet spas and wine storage in the kitchen may be just the type of thing that folks have come to expect in TriBeCa, with its reputation as home to the artistic and eccentric, but there is much more to this area. There is certainly no shortage of things to do here. The Washington Market Park is nearby, as is Pier 25, and the Hudson River Park has plenty of room to play volleyball and run or rollerblade. Outdoor cafes abound, giving residents of Sixty Beach a nice place to soak in the neighborhood’s flavor first hand. An abundance of artistic opportunities keep people coming, with art festivals and street gatherings, in addition to the renowned TriBeCa film festival.

Prices at Sixty Beach Street start at $2.895 million for a 1,860 square-foot two bedroom condominium. The three bedroom unit, with 3,457 square feet of living space, is selling for $3.75 million.

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The thought of living in a hotel can give even the most self-sufficient souls goosebumps; there’s just something about the idea of being waited on hand and foot. And that is the draw that Smyth Upstairs is working off of. Smyth Upstairs is a brand new condo development of 15 units, situated above the Smyth Tribeca Hotel on West Broadway. These one and two-bedroom units blend into the hotel below, and have the same amenities, including concierge service and 24-hour room, maid and laundry services.

In addition to all of the services Smyth provides, the development also offers residents access to other treats: a cellar bar and ground floor restaurant for the ultimate in fine dining (without the fuss of driving or dealing with traffic)! Finally, access to its fitness center and a resident-only rooftop terrace fourteen stories above the street round out the community offerings.

Inside each unit, the interior reflects not the temporary decor of a hotel room, but a serene blend of elegance and comfort. Freestanding Peapod bathtubs in the master bath complement the room’s sandblasted stone strips, and offer a quiet place to reflect the day. Large windows let the majesty that is New York–as well as plenty of natural light– to flow right into the rooms. Valcucine etched glass cabinets and Sambucca maple floors pique the interest of even the pickiest of folks.

Residents of Smyth Upstairs will plenty of things to do in the area; close to Hudson River Park and City Hall Park, there is no shortage of greenery. And Tribeca, known for its film festival and artsy feel, has plenty of charm on its cobblestoned streets. A popular place for actors and full of warehouses that have been converted to lofts, TriBeCa is the perfect place for folks who want more than the simple 9-5 existence.

Smyth Upstairs, designed by Brennan Beer Gorman, is scheduled for completion in Spring 2008. For this area of New York, the prices are relatively reasonable, ranging from $1.1-$4.8 million. One bedroom units start at just less than 500 square feet, but high ceilings make this feel much larger. The typical two bedroom condo is around 1,500 square feet, while the larger penthouse has 1,762 square feet along with a roof terrace. It also has a double-sided wood burning fireplace. Sales through Stribling Marketing Associates began in March 2007, although the development isn’t slated for completion until Spring 2008.

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You don’t have to be an artist to enjoy living at 34 Leonard, aka 180 West Broadway, but you should at least carry a small amount of appreciation for the artist’s way of life. Boutiques and galleries abound in this TriBeCa neighborhood, and the eight-story development is nestled between them. It is also close enough to SoHo, Chelsea and Greenwich Village to add hundreds more Friday night hangouts to the mix.

The red masonry façade of 34 Leonard may not exude elegance, but residents of the sixteen units here will not be disappointed. The apartments immediately impress with their expansive design. Light walnut hardwood floors brighten the high-ceilinged rooms, and seamless white walls present a canvas for personal expression. Large windows offer views of the park across the road and the urban hustle and bustle of the road outside pivoting windows.

Of course, residents won’t want to spend all of their time staring at outside beauty when they can enjoy the beauty inside their own homes. The kitchen is one area that residents will love to spend time in. Its futuristic silvery gleam combines form with function. While stainless steel Viking appliances bring crispness to the room, deep drawers, extensive cabinets and extra of counter space make it easy for even the most demanding packrat to fit all of her gadgets, dishes and personal appliances where she can find them in a hurry. Past the kitchen, spacious continues to describe these units; the master bath, decked with floors and walls of limestone, are large and bright, with an oversized soaking tub. A bank of mirrors placed over the vanity seems to double the room’s size.

Like most new condo developments, 34 Leonard has a number of standard amenities, including a twenty-four hour doorman and a gym with the finest equipment. Unlike other developments, it also has an industrial laundry room for handling large comforters and pillows, and private storage lockers, in case residents have some things they need to keep extra secure. Wine connoisseurs will appreciate the climate-controlled wine cellar, with room for up to 300 of their most valuable bottles, and a tasting room for special occasions. Pet lovers will love 34 Leonard for its unique pet spa. Finally, those who just like to enjoy the outdoors will appreciate the landscaped roof terrace, which has a sunbathing area, grill and outdoor shower as well as a bar and prep area for entertainment.

Sales for 34 Leonard began in Fall 2007, and although prices have not settled yet, they will start at $1,975,000. One, two, and three bedroom units abound; a 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath penthouse takes the eighth floor over and includes a 2,215 square foot wraparound terrace with an outdoor bar and fireplace. It also includes a master bedroom stone fireplace, for nights too chilly to consider sitting outside. The architect behind 34 Leonard is Beyer Blinder Belle.

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Located in the cinema capital of New York, Artisan Lofts is within gazing distance of the Empire State Building, the Brooklyn Bridge and the Hudson River. 143 Reade Street was originally built in 1929, but from the inside, no one could tell now.  A private lobby highlights a rotation of modern art, the 24-hour concierge and resident manager reveals the age of accommodation that we live in.

Artisan Lofts offers a range of consumer-oriented amenities, including a fully modernized fitness center. With a 50-foot skylight, residents might as well be outside. The mix of equipment options (cardio machines for the modernist and free weights for the old-fashioned), are enhanced by the addition of a yoga studio and a massage room. For the kids, Artisan’s private playroom, the Imagination Center, has all the bells and whistles that parents would expect from Tribeca, including a theater stage. Finally, adults will love to relax after work in the midst of nature; the roof garden offers lush greenery with the quiet that only non-land dwellers can enjoy in New York.

Each Artisan Loft condominium is carefully crafted to express an artistic, yet practical design. The design team of Roman and Williams worked hard to create a sense of class with airy open spaces, artistic ceilings of poured concrete, and corner columns that hint at an ancient Greek atmosphere. Oversized windows and high ceilings make residents feel like a part of something bigger, while the kitchen brings everything up to speed with 8-foot windows, solid walnut counters and walnut cabinets with a frame of blackened steel.

There is no shortage of neighborhood activities, in particular for the working family. The roads are wide, inviting casual conversation. Plenty of outdoor activities and lush green lawns invite the casual baseball game. The Hudson River Park is just down the road, and once a year residents can be a part of what makes Tribeca one of the elite: the Tribeca Film Festival. Along with the accompanying Family Carnival Day, residents here enjoy a true sense of community.

As of August 2007, 9 of the 38 residences in this development are still available for purchase. Most are 2/3 bedrooms with two or more baths. The square footage ranges from 1500 to 3033 square feet, some with a terrace or balcony. Offering prices range from $2.25 million to $7.25 million.

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