Inside the units of 141 Fifth Avenue, Nancy Ruddy’s designs leave residents feeling expansive and cheery. Ceilings soar past ten feet, and eight-foot tall glass doors stand to greet them. Four-inch plank solid walnut floors throughout add a crisp elegance to the homes. Kitchens are equipped with a Miele dishwasher and coffee system, as well as a Wolf range and Subzero refrigerator. Pietra Cucina stone countertops finish off the kitchen amenities. The bath areas wrap things up nicely, especially the master bath, which boasts Wenge wood and limestone double-sink vanities, and a separate tub and shower area. Residents will particularly enjoy the rainforest shower head and handheld body spray.

Living at 141 Fifth Avenue couldn’t be more exciting. Its premier location puts it right in the middle of some of the most creative and prolific areas of Manhattan. Greenwich Village, Chelsea and Gramercy are all just a short jaunt away. For the growing families, Madison Square Park is just a couple of blocks north of the development. Of course, Union Square Park is just a few blocks in the other direction, complete with a playground for the kiddies and a Farmer’s Market for health-conscious parents. Other local destinations include Whole Foods, Barnes & Noble, Equinox Gym—and the local subway, for those who want to conveniently explore other parts of the city.

As of May 2008, more than 80% of the building’s 38 units have been sold. Those still available range in size from 1205-4748 square feet, including the five-bedroom, seven-bath penthouse with library. This unit is priced at $11.25 million. Other units range in price from $2.8 million to $12 million. 141 Fifth Avenue is being marketed by CORE Group Marketing.

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Miraval Living would not be complete without the spa. Combined with a fitness center, the spa area is the place for pampering with one of sixty kinds of treatment. Of course, residents can request an in-home spa treatment any time, but sometimes it just feels more relaxing in a room intended for quiet contemplation. And there’s a lot more to do here than just get a mud wrap. Residents can do Pilates, yoga, or play basketball on the half-court. Braver souls can try out the 20-foot climbing wall. And after the workout is done, they can pick their poison, whether they choose to shower, or sit in the sauna or steam room.

The designers of Miraval have put environmentally-sound principles to work throughout the building and in the residences. Eco-friendly woods like Ipe and Walnut have been used throughout, and bacteria-resistant counter-tops in the kitchen help to keep the families healthy. Windows are over-sized and abundant, and each unit has a terrace with a view of the river and/or Manhattan skyline. Even the kitchen is windowed, so residents don’t have to suspend their connection to the world during meal-time.

Miraval offers something for every sized family, from the singleton to extended-family varieties. Their studios are small, at less than 573 square feet, but so are the prices at under $800,000, which is downright frugal for this side of town. One bedrooms range from 611-736 square feet, with prices of between $884,000 and $1.03 million. Two-bedroom units start at $1.45 million for 1,081 square feet. There are a select number of 3-5 bedroom residences, with prices extending as high as $5.96 million and square-footage ranging from just under 1,000 to more than 3,000.

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Would you enjoy living in the eighteen-story glass tower at 300 East 79th? If you like the idea of living on a tree-lined street with some of the best shopping in Manhattan little more than a jog away, then you probably would. If you like spending the evenings wandering the local coffee houses or watching a jazz band perform, you would definitely enjoy it here. And your family is sure to appreciate the proximity of Central Park and the Carl Schurz Park.

The interiors of 300 East 79th speak in a whisper, being neither ornate nor barren. Eleven-foot ceilings make the homes expansive and airy. Sleek designs adorn the master bath and kitchen, with the stainless steel kitchen appliances and backdrops appealing to those with an “everything in its place” mentality. The master bath is light and cozy, marble countertops blending well with porcelain penny tile walls and floor. Elsewhere, walnut flooring adds a subtle charm to the home, and residents can choose an optional Creston Home automation package for full control.

In terms of amenities, 300 East 79th offers its residents a little bit of everything. An entertainment suite on the second floor is the focal point of the building, and boasts a 700 square-foot fitness center, a children’s playroom and a washing area for oversized laundry. And while waiting for their laundry, the landscaped terrace offers residents tranquility and warmth with its own outdoor fireplace.

For a little bit extra, residents have the option to add on comprehensive concierge service by Procierge; who wouldn’t want their every need met with compassion and thorough attention? Life is complicated enough without worrying about getting that impossible dinner reservation, making childcare arrangements at the last minute or trying to find a round-trip ticket at the most reasonable price. Procierge’s professionals can help with this and much more.

300 East 79th is being marketed by Corcoran Sunshine, one of the premier names in the real estate industry. Many of its forty units are still available, but they’re moving fast. A variety of floor plans and sizes make this a nice place for those looking for an adaptable residence. The units are mainly one and two-bedroom condos, but a four-bedroom, four-bath unit shakes things up a bit. Square footage ranges from 814 for the one bedroom condo to 1,364 for a larger two-bedroom unit. The two penthouses are priced at $5.4 million and $5.7 million for nearly 2500 square feet of living space; if you don’t care about the elite status of owning a penthouse, the four-bedroom unit is larger and less expensive ($4.8 million for 2,664 square feet). Other units range from just over $1 million to just over $2 million. The building was developed by 1510 Second Avenue, LLC, the real estate investment firm attached to the Sears Tower in Chicago.

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This 38-unit building is a piece of architectural history. Originally designed by the renowned Italian-American architect Rosario Candela, Cetra/Ruddy has helped convert it to a luxury condominium development. Located on the desirable Upper East Side of Manhattan, 40 East 66th isn’t chock full of amenities and glaringly obvious extravagance. The combined living/dining room serves as a soothing distraction to outside worries, while a wood-burning fireplace, constructed of beautiful limestone, invites the family to the hearth. Herringbone-style flooring adds elegance throughout. Cetra/Ruddy treated this development like a baby, each room attended to like a doting mom.

Comfort is the theme throughout the units. The kitchen is bright, cheery and pristine, with a spice rack next to the stove for easy reach. A Large master bedroom and wide, bright master bath with heated towel rack provides every convenience, and well-placed, oversized windows throughout create a connection to the real world without sacrificing privacy. Three units per floor allow for quiet evenings and weekends. And it’s a reader’s paradise, with ample light and plenty of large, airy rooms to relax in. A library with loads of bookshelf space provides seclusion when necessary.

With Central Park a simple block away, residents of 40 East 66th have a massive amount of outdoor space to play in. But on rainy days, it’s always good to have an alternative to board games and television. Children will love the huge indoor playroom, while parents might prefer to get their exercise in the fitness room with a private trainer. And storage room for bikes and strollers makes it easy for those impromptu trips to the park. Miele washer and dryers adorn each unit, while extra space in the apartments allow for versatility.

40 East 66th is located on Madison Avenue, THE place for high-end shoppers to unite. There is no end to the shops, museums and cafes located within walking distance, and names like Armani, Godiva and Guggenheim are daily sightings. Prices for the neighborhood are high, no doubt about it, with the three-bedroom units averaging $2500/square-foot, (just around six million dollars for units of 2,400 square feet). Add to that the common charges and monthly fees and the prices easily soar. The development is being marketed by Corcoran Sunshine. This premier marketing group has been planning, marketing and selling real estate throughout the United States and the world for more than twenty years. Its collective sales has surpassed $15 billion.

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In a city full of sleek new condominium developments, finding one that is different from the rest is a challenge. At first glance, Lux 74 looks just like all the other condo buildings around, with its modern glass façade and trendy décor. But this development, which is located at 433 East 74th Street, promises to show residents something they haven’t seen before. One is atmosphere. The Upper East Side of Manhattan is one of the most luxurious, high-class neighborhoods in Manhattan. Those who live here at Lux 74 will have for their kids a number of quality public and private schools to choose from. Singles will enjoy the proximity of fun social spots and museums, including the Whitney museum and nearby Nicola’s Restaurant.

The other thing that separates Lux 74 from other developments is the designers’ focus on the outdoors. Landscaped terraces adorn many of the twelve residences, and a rooftop terrace serves as the focal point of social activity. Residences have an outdoor kitchen, complete with a grill and outdoor appliance package. Imagine the smells that would come off these terraces, with the variety of people who live in Manhattan, and it’s not hard to see how unique Lux 74 will be.

Josh Guberman and the Core Development Group put a lot of effort into designing the interiors at Lux 74. Attention has been given to providing each residence with luxury brand appliances and fixtures. The professional chef’s kitchen includes custom floor-to-ceiling cabinets of Italian walnut. Marble countertops add subtle elegance, and floor-to-ceiling windows offset this with their gritty view of the city outside. The master bath reveals more of the same commitment to quality. The gray efficiency of the Bianco Gioia marble walls complements the White Calacutta mosaic tile. Comfort is a consideration, too, with a special radiant floor system easing after-shower time, and handheld body sprays for convenient washing. After showering, a few minutes in front of the cozy fireplace will warm body and soul.

Marketing has just begun on Lux 74, but already two units have been sold. Buyers will have a variety of floor plans to choose from, but units are expected to move quickly. There will be studios for the single workers, one and two bedroom Maisonettes, a five bedroom townhouse with private garden and a number of full-floor and penthouse units. Sizes range from 538 square feet up to 5,896 square feet, with outdoor space in some units ranging from 120 square feet to 1,543 square feet. Studio prices start at $764,951.

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Located at 333 East 91st Street, Azure New York is a high-rise with lofty standards. It stretches 34 floors above the street, which boosts window views past the road and into the Manhattan skyline.

Azure New York is a cooperative, which means that residents don’t own the individual units; rather they own stock in the company which owns the building. And while some may be frightened of the idea of investing in their home, others are glad for the opportunity. Besides, there are many benefits to a Co-op. Residents do not need to have board approval to sell their apartment, and they can sell it or rent it out right away.

Of course, why would anyone want to sell? Living in Azure expands the mind. At least, that’s what the designers had planned when they started putting their ideas to practical use. Builders put in large, full-room windows throughout the living and dining area, with views of the nearby river and the surrounding cityscape. Hardwood floors are spread throughout the rooms, combining practical design with beautiful elegance. The master bath adds exuberance to the unit with its spacious, glass-walled shower and deep soaking tub, surrounded by attractive graphite oak vanities and white marble flooring. Units also come equipped with a washer and dryer.

Although living in a nice home with nice décor is, well, nice, it can’t make the place feel like home. For with a home comes a community, and Azure offers that as well. It has a rooftop terrace for late-night conversation, a children’s playroom for the kids on those rainy days, and a fitness center for adults on those rainy days. Residents also have a chance to sign up with Stellar Concierge, a full-service personalized assistant. For an extra fee, Azure residents can get personal training, a private chef, hard-to-get concert tickets and reservations, and nutritional counseling, just to name a few services.

Azure offers residents another type of community as well, that of its Upper East Side neighbors. Developers plan to build a new gifted-and-talented middle school right beside the development as part of their agreement to develop the land. And there are a number of other schools scattered around the region. Down the road, residents will be able to buy fresh fruit from an outdoor market. This family-friendly area also has the 92nd Street Y, with activities for the whole family, not to mention the Carl Schurz Park, that’s just two blocks away. Also nearby is Asphalt Green, a recreation center with a large ball field and an indoor pool.

Prices for Azure New York are very reasonable for this side of town, with an average price of $1,000/square foot. The development has everything from studios to five-bedroom units, some with outdoor terraces, large kitchens with pantries and a large foyer. Square footage for the units varies from just over 600sf to more than 3000sf. Actual price range is $605,000-$5.5 million. As of February 2008, 15% of the units were sold.

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Happy kids make for happy parents, but adults here will find that they don’t need much help. A 42,000 square-foot Equinox gym with state-of-the art equipment gives them their own health-conscious playground. It also allows no excuse to allow the weather to keep them from keeping in shape. At home, residents enjoy hardwood floors, bright kitchens and brand-name kitchen appliances. The master bath has a frosted-glass shower and marble tile on the floor and walls.

While this development is particularly aimed at attracting families, the spacious units can in themselves be a draw for anyone desiring a little bit more space. One of the only buildings in Manhattan to offer four and five-bedroom units, 255 East 74th is a viable alternative to leaving the Manhattan area when the family starts to expand. Seventy percent of the homes here are three or four bedrooms, with a few 3,200 square-feet, five-bedroom units thrown in for good measure. Of course, there are the standard one and two-bedroom offerings as well. And with 87 units available, potential residents won’t have to stake the sales office out to ensure an apartment. They will, however, want to contact a representative soon, as units are expected to go fast. Prices range from $2.5 million to $7 million, and units will be ready to move in to around late 2008

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Manhattan House is on its way to a new existence. These apartments, originally constructed in 1951 and awarded soon after with praise from the American Institute of Architects (New York Chapter), were designed by Skidmore, Owings and Merrill. The block-long building at 200 East 66th Street houses almost 600 apartments As residents move out, the building is slowly going to be converted to a condo development, with units boasting anywhere from one to five bedrooms, with a few studios thrown in for good measure. One or more full-floor penthouses will add an extra luxurious touch.

The politics of the building may have more to do with how progress continues in the conversion than financial or aesthetic matters. Faced with residents who don’t want the building converted, and dealing with the limitations of listing rent-stabilized units–which by law cannot automatically be converted to condominiums–Manhattan House directors are fighting their way through technical issues.

Once the red tape has been wrapped up and all of the unhappy tenants satisfied, the developers of Manhattan House have large plans for the apartments here. By combining existing apartment units, some of which are as big as 2,400 square feet, developers hope to attract tenants who expect something more from a modern condo development. This combining of living space would make for a unique appearance as well as huge floor plans. Other than these changes to the units, developers don’t plan to renovate much. The units already have fireplaces, and 8.5-foot ceilings, in addition to views to both the north and south. Developers will be updating appliances, adding new fixtures to the master baths and sprucing up the kitchen with crown molding and glass tiles. If all goes as planned, the building will soon be worth over one billion dollars.

Since the development is still in the process of finalizing, many more amenities might find their way into the package later on. Currently, developers are working on a gym, and have recently added full concierge service. Most units will have a washer and dryer; a large, private garden will provide a community-wide place to relax.

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As one of only a few LEED-certified green construction buildings out there, Laurel Condominium is 31 floors of environmentally conscious living space nestled in a facade of Indiana limestone. Residents living here can feel good knowing that they are not contributing to greenhouse gases or water pollution. Landscaping uses water-efficient methods, optimal daylight is used rather than energy-stealing lights, and waste is managed and recycled as much as possible. And to limit the use of cars, Laurel offers residents their own bicycle storage area.

For those who may not feel in shape enough to ride back and forth to work, or to the store, the Trophy club, Laurel’s bi-level fitness and training center, can whip them into shape quickly. As a triathlon training facility, they will have no problem running, biking or swimming to work, especially under the tutelage of celebrity trainer Orion Mims, who will train them privately for an additional cost. Other amenities include an around-the-clock door attendant, onsite parking and full-time concierge service.

Once the grueling side of life is over with and its time to take a break, the Laurel Club is a great place to unwind. It is a private, two-story recreational space where folks can take a break at the double-height windows, enjoy a snack in the dining room, catch a movie in the screening room, or play in the upstairs game room. And since residents can bring their kids, each can veer off into their own direction, as there is an arcade, computer room and craft room.

One can’t fully appreciate Laurel until she walks into the condominium itself. With a choice of studio to four-bedroom condominiums, residents have nothing to complain about. Ceiling heights range from 9-12 feet high, and residents have it all: appliance rich kitchens, views of uptown Manhattan that can gorge the eyes, architectural baths, and solid white oak finishes. Each residence comes with high-speed internet and cable wiring, a two-zone wine cooler in the kitchen, choice of stovetops and a large capacity washer and dryer. The master bath has white marble floors and walls, a ‘magic mirror” style vanity and heated floors. Second baths and powder rooms boast the same quality, if a little less of the frills. Laurel is designed by Costas Kondylis and Partners.

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995 Fifth Avenue is unique among today’s most luxurious condominium developments. Located just across from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and a short walk from Central Park, residents who live here will feel as if they live on a southern plantation or in a New England Manor. These 26 residences more than double the living space of most condos. They range in size from 4100 to 8400 square feet. Termed half-floor or full floor apartments, each unit has between three and six bedrooms, in addition to a number of other rooms that can double as sleeping quarters, such as a guest room and a staff room. Some units feature a media room, library, gallery, his and her baths, a dressing room, wine closet, wet bar or utility room. All include a washer, dryer, and plenty of walk-in closets.

Not exactly towering at 16 stories, 995 Fifth Avenue is a restored limestone and brick building that at one time was a hotel. Residents here can still feel as if they are receiving room service, as each apartment is equipped with a touch panel video intercom to order food deliveries, valet service, or to control the airflow in the apartment. Some even come with controls to set lighting, a hidden plasma screen television and sound/video components.

Residents of this Fifth Avenue development live in large, bright, airy units with plenty of windows and light colors to soothe the senses. Living rooms are large with dark hardwood floors, and the oversized kitchen boasts English decor. No two homes are the same, and each is customizable, so if residents prefer stone flooring, that is what they get. And for those who are fortunate enough to have a “staff,” some units come with staff quarters.

From the comfort of their home, residents of 995 Fifth Avenue can order take out, request that their dry cleaning be picked up or have their car brought around. But there are times when it’s just too nice to stay home. For days like that, there is La Palestra. This private on-site spa comes with a staff of its own, including nutrition experts, chiropractors, and massage therapists, all working together to ensure that residents are provided with the best exercise program available. And when they’re done working out, they snack in the spa’s lounge and request a complementary massage. Scheduled for occupancy in 2008, 995 Fifth Avenue is intended for those who demand highest quality and are prepared to pay for it. The lowest price for a 4/5 bedroom is $10.5 million. An eight-bedroom unit goes for $35 million.

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