Empire Speak

The Flatiron District of Manhattan has recently been subject to a new development known as 35XV, located at 35 W 15th St, which is a potential architectural icon of the area in all of its towering glass and granite glory.

It seems like many Roman Catholic schools have had budget cuts due to recent economic hardships, but Xavier High School has teamed up with Alchemy Properties to create a mutually beneficial deal which has allowed both to expand. In order to move house to a larger school which would come complete with a new gymnasium and recital space, Xavier sold their air rights to Alchemy. By building on top of Xavier, Alchemy qualified as a “community space” and this meant that they could expand further into the sky. This symbiotic relationship has allowed Alchemy to build what they deem a “Skymark.”

Designed by FX Fowle and Benjamin Noriega Ortiz (known for his design of the Mondrian Hotel, as well as his work with celebrities like Lenny Kravitz & Sean “Diddy” Combs), this skyscraper rises at an angle towards the sky and floor-to-ceiling windows are sure to provide residents with plenty of light. Homes start on the 8th Floor, 100 feet from the ground, with each unit offering marble counters with Poggenphol cabinetry, Miele appliances, and a sub-zero wine cooler. With master baths that include marble heated floors and steam showers, this entire residence is intended for a luxurious way of living. One special residence, 18B, has access to a spacious 842 square foot terrace balcony which only adds to this building’s architecturally striking appeal. Lit up against the night sky, 35XV has definitely secured its spot as a gem on the NYC skyline.

New York City’s iconic Park Avenue is in the process of gaining a community gem.  With 400 Park Ave South’s Toll Brothers condominium building under construction, the structure has become the talk of the town.  Its anticipated angular shape made of reflective glass will, literally and figuratively, reflect that of a giant crystal.  Many are comparing this building to London’s skyscraper known as The Shard, a mega-sized, pyramid-shaped building that recently opened in 2012.  The only similarity between the two structures is their reflective surfaces and funky shapes; 400 Park Ave South, designed by French architect Christian de Portzamparc, will be 42-stories in height and is expected to be completed in 2014.  Do not put this building on the back burner just yet though, for condo units will go on sale this fall!  The sales of these units will not be something to miss, for the units in this architectural icon will have excellent views of New York City’s most iconic buildings (the Empire State Building included).  By the nature of the Toll Brothers’ buildings, this highly anticipated project will be a modern contribution to Park Ave South. 

Here is a computerized design of the expected finished building:

A new building has opened its doors recently, transporting its residents from the bustling streets of Manhattan to a modern, edgy Netherlands.

The Huys Building, located at 404 Park Ave South, incorporates New York’s Dutch ancestry and presents it to us with gusto. Assembled by award-winning Dutch property developers Kroonenberg Group (which happens to include world-renowned designer Piet Oudolf who also worked on The High Line and Battery Parks), Huys has been designed with the Netherlands in mind. Newly converted from a prewar commercial office building, large windows were added to the already high-ceilinged apartments where residents have expansive views over tree lined Park Avenue South.

Launching just over a month ago, the Huys has a few apartments which are still up for grabs. Among those are a number of two or three bedroom apartments, as well as the Penthouse Unit 16A. The latter unit boasts a number of luxurious features, including wide oak plank floors, custom closet doors and frames, and electronically controlled solar shades with concealed shade pockets. The majority of the kitchen’s features have been imported from Europe, with Belgian stone slab kitchen countertops; Miele cooktop, convection oven and wine cooler; and Bulthaup cabinetry. The result of all of these ambitious components is a well-lit, beautiful space that’s unparalleled in the New York real estate game.

If you admire European design and aesthetic, the Huys is definitely for you. With every aspect of this building emulating the modern Netherlands, the communal spaces are no exception. The private roof terrace with kitchen and dining areas is just one of the perks that residents in this building are given.

On my walk to the office today, I decided to walk slightly out of my way (my usual stroll down 7th Ave from Penn Station directly to the office on 21st) to take a detour in order to see the progress on the Toll Brothers’ latest Gramercy building: 160 East 22nd.  Located on the corner of 22nd & 3rd Ave, this modern construction stands out rather than sticks out on East 22nd.  The string of buildings lining East 22nd between Park Ave & 3rd Ave that are classic in design with intricate architectural details and wrought iron fences will be capped off on the corner with the modern, top-of-the-line 160 East 22nd.  The condo building will contain 81 units after it is completed.   There are very few available units left, despite the incomplete state of the building (it is literally an empty shell currently), so if 160 East 22nd is the building for you, hurry up and reserve your spot in Gramercy’s next great condominium building!