The Sky's The Limit For Midtown, FiDi

The sky is the limit for not only a select number of developers bank accounts but the buildings themselves too. These soon to be built and completed buildings defy convention as some of the city's tallest and most inventive undertakings in recent years.

Carnegie 57

Rendering of Carnegie57 Residences & Hotel

One of Extell's most daring ventures yet is Carnegie 57. At a planned 75 stories high, it will be the city's tallest residential building surpassing Trump's World Tower. Extell also plans to create the city's most high priced and luxurious apartments as well. Designed by famed French architect Christian de Portzamparc of the LVMH Tower, Carnegie 57 creators aim to complete the project by 2013. The ground floor will contain retail space while the first 20 stories will house the 210 room Park Hyatt Hotel.

Carnegie57 view from Central Park

While there are few details as of yet, Extell has spilled the beans on a few amenities. With a 63 car parking garage, screening room and fitness center, the buildings is going for large scale for its large price. Units will include duplexes and set back roofs up to the 72nd floor. With elevators going up to the 75th, many can only speculate that there will be a rooftop attraction soaring high in the sky for only the brave.

Tower Verre

Rendering of Tower Verre along 53rd

The Tower Verre, also known as MoMA Tower, is as impressive as it is difficult to get passed public opinion. While many find the sheer height and design of the building a push towards the future for Midtown, others find it obtrusive. The outcry of public opinion from both sides has helped to delay the building from even getting past the planning stages and into construction.

Lounge in proposed tower public space

The international developer, Hines, and architect of the vision machine, Jean Nouvel, are the minds behind the mixed use building. According to Hines website, the building will become the city's 3rd tallest rising up to 75 stories at 1,050 feet tall. The building will include a 100 room 7-star hotel, 100 luxury condominiums, below ground-level restaurant/lounge and the 60,000 square foot expansion to MoMA gallery space. The interesting design concept was supposedly inspired by the shape of man's finger. 

No matter what your opinion of the building itself, the one thing that is certain is that community board roadblocks will leave this empty lot next to MoMA for a while.  

Riverside Center South 

 

The Rushmore, one completed building of Riverside South

Charting the last frontier of New York, Extell plans to go hard or go home. Even though the developer has the most active number of projects in the city, they too have come face to face with the "community board" roadblock that has stalled others.

The 8 acre, 5 building project will be designed by architect Christian de Portzamparc bordering Midtown West and Upper West Side. 2 of the 5 residential buildings, The Avery and Rushmore, have already been completed. 

Outdoor space and view of Riverside Center South

In addition to the 5 buildings, Extell plans for a movie theater, 3.2 acres of park space, an elementary school, Costco, restaurants and retail space. As of yet, the project has been slightly scaled back after community complaints of a Costco.

Even though the developer has agreed to partially fund the school, add affordable units and incorporate open space, the community board was hoping for more. In addition to the agreed upon changes, Extell will be expected to entirely fund the 150,000 sq ft school space, remove one of five buildings to create less density, increase affordable from 20% for 20 years to 30% permanently and make a substantial contribution to the Miller Highway relocation.

Water walkway apart of 3.2 acre open space

Proposed changes will require at least 40 million in funding for the school alone. Many hope the developer can make it work since they are only one of the few planning for expansion in the area. The city itself will fund the development of an additional 75 acre space with 10,000 new housing units, an amphitheater, community gardens, public art, cafe terraces, boardwalk, restaurants, parking and retail space.

Beekman Tower

On the other end of town, the Beekman is one of the only buildings to go up without a hitch (almost). Despite the falling debris due to powerful winds that stalled construction, the Forest City Ratner building is set to open in early 2011.

Architect Frank O. Ghery has created a unique design for the lower Manhattan FiDi neighborhood. Rippling curves and a steel facade give to illusion of movement from as far as Brooklyn. At 77 stories tall, the tower is a stand out sight amongst the area rivaling the  nearby Woolworth building. Residences will go up to the 76 floor and supposedly a rooftop lounge or terrace will top off the building.

Not too many details have been provided about the inside of the building. There will be 903 rental units ranging from 500 to 1600 square feet. Every unit will be at market rate without incentives. Artistic wise, Ghery's inspiration comes from Baroque sculpture artist Gianlorenzo Bernini.

Towards the base of the building, a lot of talk has been going on about the new features. There will be a public elementary school on the first five floors of the building with a 4th floor outdoor play terrace. Beekman's other tenant will include NY Downtown Hospital with public underground parking and 2 public plazas.

Stay tuned for building updates and developments.

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FiDi On The Go

FiDi, the land where business is made, is no stranger to expensive fine dining. Dining big dogs of Delmonico's Steakhouse and Cipriani's have the area's finest sit down establishments. But what about the investor on-the-go? While the typical Wall Street crowd eats, breaths and sleeps money they need food too. Here are some of the best area carts for a power lunch in smell-o-vision!...Well, not really but we can dream, can't we?

Sam's Falafel
Cedar Street btwn. Trinity Place & Broadway

The plethora of halal carts in the area make it hard to choose which one is the best especially since many are mediocre. Sam's Falafel makes the choice pretty easy with heaps of side dishes and up to 12 falafel balls. The sandwich differs from the typical falafel sandwich by adding roasted eggplant, hummus, caramelized onions and twice as much falafel. 

However, the platter is the real money maker at Sam's stand. The $5 platter is easily two meals with salad, baba ganoush, hummus, tahini, peppers, one stuffed grape leaf, sauteed onions, pita bread, eggplant slices and all the falafel balls you could ask for in one serving. Come before or after the lunch crowd to bypass the long lines. If you must go at the height of the lunch hour, Sam provides complimentary fried pita chips while you wait.

Pro: Moist yet crispy falafel in huge portions

Con: Eggplant can be more tender

Veronica's Kitchen
125 Front Street (Pine & Front)

If you cannot afford to nod off at your desk after lunch reconsider eating at Veronica's. The coma inducing soul food cart will have you filled to the brim. 

At Veronica's, the staff serves up a blend of West Indian and Southern soul food favorites ranging from $5 to $8 depending on your choice of meat. 

Choose between chicken in every way imaginable from fried, barbecued, curried, jerk or stewed. 

Other entrees include fried fish, oxtail, beef ribs, roti and curried goat. The sides are the usual suspects of mac and cheese, plantains, collard greens, candied yams, potato salad or rice and peas. I was most surprised at the inclusion of bbq ribs at a cart but somehow Veronica herself fits anything and everything into that little cart and makes it good.

Pro: Authentic and flavorful
Con: Run out of many sides before closing

Love Truck Coffee
Wall Street in front of Duetsche Bank

We all need that morning fix and some more than others. Well the early bird gets the worm on Wall Street with a cup of joe from the Love Truck. The hippie vibe and classic rock music that comes from the truck seems to oppose the area but maybe that is what draws businessmen near. 

For even a plain cup of coffee they put in hot steamed milk versus cold milk or creamer a la Dunkin Donuts. The coffee is very strong so if you want to avoid morning jitters opt for their equally satisfying chai tea latte. For something a little different, try out there mint chocolate cappuccino or gingerbread latte in the colder months.

Pro: Great staff, coffee house quality on the go

Con: Served ready to drink (not scalding hot) so be ready to drink ASAP

Banh Mi Cart

Corner of Pearl & Hanover Streets

Short of trekking over to Chinatown, finding an authentic Vietnamese sandwich in FiDi is a tall order to fill. Luckily, the Banh Mi Cart offers specialty and traditional sandwiches in the Stone Street area. Literally meaning "flour cake", banh mi is a baguette made from wheat and rice flour.

The banh mi traditional sandwich is made with pickled carrots and daikon, chili peppers, cucumbers, cilantro, mayonaisse, pork slices and pate. Taking from its French influence, the pate has a light sweetness that mixes nicely with the spice. For the traditional, order the #1 spicy or not spicy. These also offer roasted eel, teriyaki chicken, shrimp, vegetarian, pan fried beef and tuna fish banh mi. For light eaters, try there paper thin spring and summer rolls which will leave you satisfied.

Pro: Evenly placed ingredients for "sweet and spicy" every bite
Con: A lot less expensive in Chinatown

Do you have more carts to add? Want to chime in on the food at a cart above? Comment below.

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Williamsburg Reinvents The Market

Williamsburg Bridge view from Brooklyn

The downfall of the condominium throughout much of NYC during the financial crisis has had its benefits for some. Multiple stalled condominium projects have run out of funding or gone completely bankrupt. However, a few developers have stayed afloat and even flourished in the condo turned rental game. Some of the newest and more popular properties in Williamsburg have been the perfect example for developers of how to play their cards right and still luck out in a down market.

34 Berry

While condo finishes and amenities are nothing new, offering them at a rental price is. 34 Berry, located near McCarren Park, includes a 1,600 sq. ft. fitness center, 24-hour computer lounge and amply spaced indoor parking garage. With a courtyard rivaling that of The Metropolitan, 34 Berry allows for social interaction amongst guests and neighbors. The difficulty with some condominium turned rental projects is restructuring the layouts to fit multiple units as condos tend to have less units at a greater size.

However, with the good comes the bad. 34 Berry's general building layout is described by some as dorm-like due to the enclosed courtyard and numerous studios per floor. What's great for students or artists is not always favorable to families. What the building does have in its favor is that it is a new construction designed by Perkins Eastman versus many area renovations.

The newly built building has at market and a few below market studios starting at $1,700 and 1-bedrooms at $2,150. However, the limited 2-bedroom rentals are priced high at $3,820 for the area. While looking for a Williamsburg steal, studios at 34 Berry provide renters with social amenities including 2 lounges and well priced units for young renters.

184 Kent 

 

The 338 unit building differs in a few categories from 34 Berry. For starters, the studios begin higher at $1,800. However, you get what you pay for since units here are also 15% larger than that of 34 Berry. 

 

With 12' to 15' foot ceilings, over-sized windows and exposed concrete beams the waterfront building is what you may think of when imagining a true loft. Prior to its luxury rental status, the building housed Wild Turkey Bourbon and is now listed as an official historic landmark.

 

Mixing the old with the new, 184 Kent has contemporary interiors by SLADE architecture, teak wood floors and natural stone counter tops. The building includes the standard amenities of luxury buildings but the fitness center and rooftop deck are made even better by the waterfront proximity. Working out might be made a little bit easier when your view is directly of the waterfront and of downtown Manhattan.

65 Ainslie

Kitchen & living space at 65 Ainslie

Ainslie has went for a different approach to set itself apart from area condo turned rental counterparts. Unlike at other buildings, Ainslie residents are met with nothing but convenience and connectivity.

Aware of the busy lifestyles that many of the residents lead, the building offers everything at renter's fingertips. From the Fresh Direct drop-off grocery service in the lobby to fully wired lounge, 65 Ainslie helps to makes your day a little less hectic.

It has a key access lobby, fully furnished rooftop, Manhattan skyline views and IPOD docks in each unit. Ainslie provides most residents with their own French terrace in addition to rooftop access for all 5th floor residents through their own unit.

 The benefits of Brooklyn living just got a bit better. With lower prices, condo finishes and amenities, Williamsburg is raising the bar in a down market.


For information on leasing and pricing contact (212) 202-0721.

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Froggr Feature: The Corner

View of The Corner on W. 72nd Street

One of the Upper West Side's newest luxury rentals, The Corner, has been noted for its unique outer design, varying layouts and stylish features. Designed by the minds behind the Millennium Tower Residences and Aria,  Handel Architects have created a standout curved glass tower where every residence is guaranteed sweeping views. Some of the stylistic choices within the Corner have drawn area art lovers in close. The lobby includes over 1,700 suspended crystals in a wave-like shape by designer Andres Escobar. Each unit also includes custom door knockers with swirled (not cornered) designs.

What many renters have also taken note of is the neighborhood itself. Located on West 72nd Street in the Upper West Side has its advantages.While the MTA has raised prices and cut services, you will at least not have to worry about getting to the closest train. On the same corner as...well, The Corner there is the 72nd Street Station for 1,2 and 3 trains. Two avenues over are the A,B,C trains at 72nd Street. The neighborhood is family friendly with schools and entertainment nearby. There are 2 playgrounds and 8 schools from York Preparatory School to Manhattan/Hunter Science High School. For teenagers and young adults, area attractions of the Apple Store and AMC Lowes Lincoln Square are within 5 blocks walking distance. Cultural attractions of Lincoln Center, Beacon Theater and American Museum of Natural History are nearby as well. 

New Trader Joe's at lobby level of The Corner

 

No matter what age you are, we can all appreciate the finer pleasures of life. Food speaks to our hearts from large portions of home style comfort food to small samplings of world class cuisine. You may have to travel down towards Lincoln Center or lower for larger high end restaurants such as the newly opened Lincoln or Bar Boulud but the neighborhood has plenty of its own intimate bistros and cultural eats. On the same block as The Corner rests Mike's Bistro and Sugar Bar. At Mike's, glatt kosher cuisine is on the menu with staples such as handmade gnocchi, ribeye steak and sea bass. Mike's is well known amongst Jews, Muslims and vegetarians for creating what some will find as bland into top notch flavor. Special menus and wine tastings are also offered upon request from Chef Mike Gershkovich. 

Nearby, the Sugar Bar provides nothing but soul. From the red snapper meuniere to the classic soul during open mic night, Sugar Bar is a draw for those looking for nighttime flavor. The restaurant is owned by singers Ashford and Simpson and has attracted the likes of Berry Gordy, Stevie Wonder, Bruce Willis and Patrick Ewing. Many people still reminisce about the duet between Michael Douglass and Whoopi Goldberg. 

Rooftop area near the lounge chairs

For a night in, residents still have many entertaining options. One of the city's three Trader Joe's is conveniently located on the ground floor of the building for last minute cooking. Building amenities include the 10,000 square foot rooftop terrace, a misting wall, movie projection screen, wet bar and BBQ area, landscaped garden, sun deck and 8 foot high wall fireplace. Indoors, there is the Corner Club. With many of the same amenities as the outdoor terrace, this area is great for alone time with its ipod dock, 42' television and blue ray player, lounge terrace and custom millwork. There is also a children's playroom to keep the little ones entertained with fun house mirrors, decorative seating, chalkboards and large video screens.

Inside of the actual residences, layouts and designs are numerous in variety. With 47 different floor plans throughout 196 units, residents are promised unique floor plans shared by only 3 other residents. In fact, some of the unit layouts are one of a kind. The standard features throughout every unit are the Bosch washers and dryers, high end faucets, walk in closets, and attractive door knockers for a touch of flare. Another shared feature are great views due to the building shape which is a plus for photographers and those who appreciate a classic sun filled room.

One of the many Corner layouts

To gauge unit pricing as a whole is difficult since they range by layout from slightly less than $3,000 to $20,000/month but most 1 bedroom units are priced between $4,500 to $7,000. The one complaint that some residents have seem to  lie in the fact that they chose a unit that was not right for them. Some kitchens are great for entertaining as there is a kitchen island and no walls in the large open space. While some appreciate the standard kitchen in a Manhattan apartment, many Corner residents choose this building to step outside of the box. 

The Corner is a nice addition to the area with a noticeable amount of design choices geared towards the modern renter. The glass lobby corridors, entertainment centered amenities and green living features are all in place for those who enjoy high end luxury without the guilt. The trend appeal has also placed The Corner head to head with area post-war buildings such as Aire. In close proximity to some of Upper West Sides great sights blended well with modern style often seen in Chelsea, The Corner is on the rise.


For leasing information and pricing, call (212) 202-0721

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Out With the Old, In With the Cold at Bryant Park

Bryant Park illuminating at night

Bryant Park Fall Festival

Great Lawn, Bryant Park

September13th-20th

6-7:30PM

While we are saying goodbye to the warm days of summer, Bryant Park makes it easier for us by presenting the Bryant Park Fall Festival. People are invited to enjoy the series of after work performances in the Midtown area park. From ballet to jazz music, these cultural events are a nice way to wind down after work or start off your own night of dancing with some inspiration from the pros.

Tonight at 6pm-7:30pm on the lawn, BAM's Black Rock Coalition will present its orchestra. The coalition supports Black musicians and will perform a retrospective of award-winning jazz-funk-rock group, WAR. The group was a 1960's breakthrough group with a California vibe blending funk, reggae, jazz and funk while lacing through socio-politcal lyrics. You will probably recognize many songs as they have been sampled from artists such as R&B princess, Janet Jackson to metal band, Korn. 

Black Rock Coalition performers belt it out on stage

On Saturday, the Brooklyn Philharmonic will perform on the lawn from 6-7:30pm.  Your eyes (and ears) will be opened as the orchestra performs some of their groundbreaking and award winning music. They are regarded as a philharmonic that has brought traditional works in a new light for many non-classical listeners. Specifically, they will display contemporary and traditional collaborations from their mixed chambers work for clarinet and strings this weekend. 

Parsons Dance defying gravity

Last but not least to round out the weekend will be Parsons Dance. From 6-7:30pm on the lawn, Parsons Dance will showcase their hit rock-dance opera, Remember Me,  that sold out last season. They will go all out for the free event by bringing the shows lead vocalist and grammy nominated rock-band opera, East Village Opera Company. The dance movements will be contemporary in nature full of explosive movement to engage the audience as in the vision of David Parsons. 

For directions and other performances, visit the official site here. 

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Celebrating Culture at the African-American Day Parade

One of the high energy dance teams at the parade

41st Annual African-American Day Parade

September 19th, 1PM

Starts at W. 111th Street & Adam Clayton Powell Blvd.

A celebration of cultural pride, music, food and dance will take place at this years African-American Day Parade. Located just one block from Central Park, residents from neighboring Upper West Side and Harlem can both enjoy the nearby festivities. 

Being the largest African-American parade in the country, notables including Governor Paterson, David Dinkins, Al Sharpton and Charles Rangel have been in attendance. The route begins on 111th Street and continues up to 142nd Street with step teams, high school marching bands, hip-hop dancers and musical performances hosted by Hot 97FM radio station. Organizations, historically Black colleges and large bands come from across 12 states to participate. 

Some of the littlest fans enjoying the celebration

 Many vendors come out along the route with Southern favorites of home fried chicken, macaroni and cheese and sweet potatoes. Authentic Southern sit down restaurants and family fun along the parade route includes Amy Ruth's and Harlem Lanes.

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Lincoln Center Presents: Benno's Lincoln

The new Lincoln at 142 W. 65th Street (courtesy Eater NY)

It is not often that a new restaurant opens in the summer in New York City. For one, a large scale high-end project can be risky during a time when many outdoor cafes and niche restaurants are bustling with the summer crowd.

However, fear did not seem to stop former Per Se chef, Johnathan Benno, from creating his Italian inspired Upper West Side restaurant, Lincoln. Although, $20 million and a Lincoln Center backing helps to squelch much of that fear. Opening on September 24th

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