Union Square Luxury Rental 2 BR for $4400

111 THIRD AVENUE – 16h

Where Gramercy Park and The East Village Merge, just one short block from Union Square: 111 Third Avenue is a great place to call home. This full service 24 Hour Doorman coop building has a laundry facility, roof deck with breathtaking views and an easy board approval process.

The designer loft-like apartment has 3 exposures: north, east and west. Enjoy the sunrise over lower east Manhattan from your windowed kitchen or romantic sunsets over Union Square and a glimpse of the monument buildings from your living room in the evening. This high floor sprawling 1000 SF 2 Bedroom apartment has a floor plan that is perfect for roommates allowing privacy and division or great for one person who needs a home office.


features
· GOURMET CHEF KITCHEN
· RENOVATED BATHROOMS WITH SEP TUB AND SHOWER
· EASTERN AND WESTERN EXPOSURE
· FULL SERVICE DOORMAN BUIDLING


offering
Rent: $4400
2 Bedroom / 2 Bathroom

Charming East Village Studio....only $369,900.

Charming Sun filled studio in a prewar art deco building in the heart of the trendy East Village. Virginia Arms is a meticulously maintained coop building with a beautiful lobby, new laundry facilities, two brand new elevators, a bike room and private storage. The building is financially sound, monthly maintenance is low, pets are welcome and guarantors are allowed. The high floor studio is approximately 350 sf and has retained all of it's prewar charm. Features include high ceilings, hardwood floors, box beam ceilings, 2 large closets, large windows in every room including the kitchen and bathroom and an spacious eat-in kitchen. Transportation is a cinch with the L Train 2 blocks away on Third Avenue and Union Square just 4 blocks north. Tompkins Square Park, great restaurants, galleries and theatres are just outside your door.

The Visionaire

"The Visionaire is more than an oasis in the city. It is an all-encompassing lifestyle that embraces the essence of home and “green living.” At the Visionaire, cleaner air, filtered water, energy efficiency and natural resource conversation are as essential as innovative design, abundant light, and captivating views."

The Visionaire is located in Battery Park City

Residence Features

Expansive floor-to-ceiling glass windows
Soaring ceiling heights
Sustainably harvested hardwood flooringthroughout
Four-pipe fan coil system
Heated and humidified air during coldweather and cooled and dehumidifiedduring summer months, for your easeand comfort
Fresh-air filtration system
Eco-friendly paints
Filtered fresh water from all faucets
Master light switch at your entry foyer
EnergyStar Asko washer and dryer

Building Amenities

24-hour doorman and concierge
Fitness center with yoga studio, sauna,steam and massage room
Sky-lit indoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi
Lounge with a fireplace, TV, pool tableand private screening room
Children's Playroom
Upper roof garden with cabanas, built-ingrill and wet-bar
Laundry facility
Private bicycle storage
24-hour parking garage

200 Eleventh Avenue: New York's first en-suite garage

Selldorf Architects are delivering a new standard of luxury.

200 Eleventh Avenue will feature 16 limited-edition homes with 100' of unobstructed river views and oh yeah.....an en-suite garage for each apartment.

Most of the apartments feature 3 bedrooms and 3.5 baths and several offer private terraces. Additional features include column-free interiors, en-suite bathrooms in all bedrooms, personal storage space on most floors, pickled teak flooring, hand carved granite soaking tubs and perimeter baseboard heating and zoned central air-conditioning.

Located in booming west Chelsea the buidling is centered between the Hudson River Park, the Chelsea Art District and New York's newest park: The High Line which will provide an addtional mile 1.5 miles of open space.

This masterpiece is expected to be complete in early 2009.

Metal Shutter Houses......poetic architecture

"I'm only interested in making something different. I have no interest in following a fashion. And when you look at the history of architecture, when somebody develops a new type of structure or material, a new type of architecture emerges. I like to develop my own structural systems and materials to make the work my own." - Shigeru Ban

Located at 524 West 19th Street Metal Shutter Houses is Shigeru Ban's first condominium project in the United States. The unique 11 story building is a one of a kind condominium. According to Ban, there is something inevitably compelling about the area between inside and out. Ban believes that the interstitial moment between breathing in the world and maintaining a feeling of shelter is understood by all. Ban uses a universal floor which runs seamlessly from inside to outside, interior sliding glass doors creating a vast uninterrupted space and focuses on natural light.

I think it's refreshing to see a developer follow his bliss and step outside the monotony of the cookie cutter buildings we are see popping up all over Chelsea. I often times cannot distinguish one interior space from another because they are all the same. Ban's poetic and practical approach to living with a focus on a communion of indoor and outdoor space is one that we often see with coastal architecture. Why not implement this architectural philosophy in the greatest city in the world?

Hats off to to Shigeru Ban and let's hope to see more of his work in the city.

There is one final 5 bedroom apartment left. Call me for more information.

Featured Property: The Chelsea Mercantile

Built in 1906 by Rockrose Development, The Chelsea Mercantile is one the largest residential conversions in Chelsea. Located at 252 Seventh Avenue, the building is located in the heart of Chelsea. Highlights in the area include: Whole Foods, Chelsea Hotel on 23rd, the flower district directly to the north and the High Line which will soon be unveiled.

The apartments have exposed brick walls, state of the art wiring, limestone walls and floors in the bathrooms and built-in garbage disposals in the kitchens. Some of the units have fireplaces and although the standard ceiling height is 9 feet, the Penthouses have ceiling heights of 11-13 feet, skylights and terraces.

Prices range from $1,250,000 for 1 Bedrooms to $8,995,000 for 3 Bedrooms.

Call me today to set up an appointment to see available apartments.

Bobby Van's Steakhouse ....

Okay...so I go back time and time again, and although their steak is out of this world....the calamari salad has me hooked! I'm the kind of person who likes diversity...very rarely is there much of anything I like to do over and over again...especially when it comes to food. This really is the best salad I have had....EVER. I actually dream about it on the way out to Bridgehampton from the city...and many times Bobby Van's is my first stop for that very reason....and a few others.

There are 4 Bobby Van's locations in the city...but my favorite is the Bridgehampton location on Main Street. Joe owns the place, and you've got Mikey and Gerald behind the bar.....both are brand new daddies...well....Mikey will be pretty soon here.

Stop by next time you are in town.....and remember to try the calamari salad.

HOT NEW LISTING: GRAMERCY PARK

130 E. 18th - 14ST

RARE OPPORTUNITY to own a 3 bedroom in one of Gramercy's best full-service coop buildings. This 3 Bedroom and 2 Bathroom Coop is graciously proportioned with a sunny living room that flows into a dining area that can easily seat eight. This sprawling six room home offers not only generous and open living areas but spacious bedrooms and an abundance of closets and storage space. Enter your home one of two ways: through the cozy kitchen or through the dramatic gallery entrance. Round the corner and your eyes will move through the sun-drenched living area and gaze towards the wall of windows framing open western views of both city and sky. Absolutely breathtaking! Off the living room, step onto your private terrace with open western and southern views. Situated just two blocks south of the whimsical Gramercy Park, find gourmet restaurants, boutique shops and magical parks abound. Union Square is one short block west offering access to major subway lines, Whole Foods, Trader Joes and the famous Greenmarket open several days a week.

$2,300,000

Building Specifics:

Full-Time DoormanConciergeCentral LaundryRoof DeckCourtyardGarden

Hudson Rail Yards future again in Jeopardy

IMPASSE may end deal for Hudson Rail Yard Project

Late Friday afternoon, the MTA announced that the deal with Tishman Speyer had reached an impasse. The cause of the impasse was Tishman’s reluctance to close the deal prior to rezoning. Tishman Speyer had planned on building 8.1 million square feet of office space and about 3 million square feet of residential housing with 3,000r residential units. Tishman Speyer won the bid after a very long and drawn out selection process. The “runners up” were Extell Development Co., The Related Cos., and Brookfield Properties. It is unclear whether the MTA will no restart the bidding process of simply opt for one of the runner-up bids.

The Hudson Rail Yards is a 26 acre track of land that makes up the northern section of the highly anticipated HighLine in West Chelsea. Friends of the Highline and supporters of the High Line have been lobbying for a project that would preserve the remnants of the highline that surround this railyard.

A spokesman for Tishman Speyer, Robert Lawson said he is in hopes the deal can be salvaged.

"This is a highly complicated deal and we have been negotiating in good faith with the MTA for several weeks," he said in a statement. "We share the same goal as the MTA and the City to transform Hudson Yards into a successful and vibrant community. We still hope to be able to complete this deal and reach an agreement that satisfies the needs of everyone," he said in a statement.

CHELSEA HOTEL TURNS 125

In celebration of the Chelsea hotel's colorful history, the Grand Ballroom doors will open for the first time in many years. On display will be an exhibit of over 100 photographs taken at or inspired by the iconic hotel which has been a home to countless famous artists.

Just a few of the famous inhabitants have included Madonna, Mark Twain, Martha Graham, Bob Dylan and Janis Joplin.

The exhibit will be held in the hotel which is located at 222 W. 23rd St. Opening on May 9th, the exhibit will run through May 11, noon to 6pm. David Elce, a VP of the hotel will co-curate the exhibit with Linda Troeller ( a Chelsea resident and photographer).

The Chelsea Hotel, built in 1883 was once the tallest building in Chelsea built as a private cooperative. Due to economic trouble and the relocation of theatres the building was bankrupt within a few years and purchased and reopened as a hotel in 1905.

The 12 story red brick building is know for it's famous staircase and it's illustrious residents. Both a field of dreams and a breeding ground for tragedy the hotel has both a colorful and troubled past.

UNION SQUARE GREEN MARKET

What's better than this??!


This past weekend the Union Square market was ROCKIN'!

Located at Broadway and 17th the market is open 4 days a week throughout the year on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 8 to 6pm.

Just a few of the goods include organically grown veggies and fruits, potted plants, fresh flowers and amazing baked goods. One of my favorites have included the sugar free, whole wheat flour cookies and breads.



As the weather begins to warm, the energy, sights and sounds that surround the market are nothing short of refreshing. What an amazing diachotomy to have a thriving organic market smack in the middle of New York City.


I suggest grabbing a cup of coffee (and possibly the one you love....well okay as long as I'm making suggestions.....going for a long run in the morning as well) and going for a leisurely stroll through the market. Stock up on your fresh veggies for the week and soak in the energy of the morning. It's a great way to roll into your weekend

I love this market.

MUTTS of MANHATTAN

Doggie of the week:

LowerEastSide LIZA

Liza is a 1 1/2 year old MinPin Chihuahua mix living on the Lower East Side

Liza's passions include her fuzzy mini boom box and eating. She enjoys toying with her food by batting it around before she actually eats it. Liza's mom believes this is a part of her German heritage where her ancestors were trained to kill rats and rodents in the same way. She is right! Miniature

Pinchers were developed from the terrier breed and their original use was in hunting rats to keep the population down

in the stables.

Well, if the baguette that Liza was obsessing over in the park today was any indication of how ferociously she could defend a stable, we have a champion on our hands.

Hat's off to LIZA for keeping her girlish figure despite of her apparent food addiction.

FREE HUGS IN UNION SQUARE TODAY

FREE HUGS!!!!!!

That's right, free hugs were being given out today in Union Square.

There were plenty of takers as well (including myself I might add)

I have to admit I stopped to watch for awhile and had that "mmmm....I don't know you and am a little uncomfortable hugging you" feeling at first. But then figured...."why not?"

Surprisingly, most people took them up on their offers.

Refreshing.

The Chelsea Stratus

Please welcome what is officially Chelsea’s tallest building: The Chelsea Stratus.
Stretching her long legs 40 stories into the sky, Stratus offers what few Chelsea building can offer …breathtaking City Views. To the north you have views of the The Chrysler Building and Empire State Building, to the south soak in spectacular views of The Hudson River and Lower Manhattan. Both equally impressive, it’s really just a matter of preference.

Even more impressive is the heavy hitter line-up of amenities:

24 doorman
Concierge services
Rooftop terrace with dog run
Fresh direct coolers
Billiards room
Indoor basketball court
Landscaped garden
Lounge
Fitness center
Wine cellar

Apartments feature high ceilings, floor to ceiling windows and birch hardwoods. The kitchens are elegantly appointed with professional grade appliances, Pietra Cardosa stone countertops and Macassar Ebony Word Cabinetry. Finally, indulge in your spa-like Hebron Gold Limestone bathrooms finished with deep soaking tubs, seamless glass showers and Ivory Travertine Countertops.

It’s no wonder the building is over 92% sold out. There are still a handful of homes left in Chelsea’s newest and hottest luxury building. Closings commence in May. Give me a call and we can take a look at a few of the apartments still available!

HIP HAUNTS.........

FREEMANS on the LES

I was so friggin’ excited to go to this place. It had all the makings of a magical experience for me….perhaps I built it up too much in my mind. Quaint hideaway hidden at the end of a non descript alley….a sort of refuge from the noise and grit of the streets of New York. I expected to be transported to another world. I guess in many ways I was….but it turned out to be West Virginia.

We made sure we got there early to avoid the droves of people and 2 hour waits we had heard about. In retrospect, the darker it got, the better the ambiance. Perhaps then the stuffed animal heads would have served as a funky backdrop and not creepy monuments. Contrary to many of the reviews, I found the service prompt and friendly.

I knew going in that I was not crazy about the menu….I was looking more to the over all experience to sweep me off my feet. We both had salads for entrees that were large and delicious. The devils on horseback were tasty as well.

I wouldn’t rush back to this place but I am glad I experienced it. There is a bar in the back room that might be fun to have dinner and hang out at late in the evening.

The Charleston in Murray Hill

With just a handful of apartments left, The Charleston is one of NYC's best deals today.

LCOR and SLCE Architects have delivered a modern east side beauty that offers affordable luxury.

There are 191 exceptional homes ranging from studios to 3 Bedrooms. The floor plan are functional and spacious, bright and well appointed. Amenities include 24 hour doorman, concierge services, rooftop deck, zen garden, well equipped fitness center and lounge. The fitness center far exceeds your traditional on-sight gym, fully equipped with high-end cardio machines and free weights.

I was particularly impressed with one of the remaining 2 bedrooms priced at 1.3M. With both west and north exposures the windows perfectly frame the Empire State Building and offer breathtaking sunset views. The open floor plan is perfect for roommates with separated bedrooms. The master suite was a calming retreat with two walk-in closets, double vanity, deep soaking tub and separate shower. It rivaled bathrooms I have seen in apartments twice the price.

Sure, you are not in the west village or Chelsea, but with new developments popping up all over this area, expect to see an infusion of services. With prices around $1000/sf a short hold waiting on the neighborhood to advance would be well worthwhile. Expect to see great returns in this building.