205 E 59th

NYC living….
There is just something about New York City. The people are warm and friendly; and sometimes even the buildings have a life and mind of their own…
I recently visited 205 E59 and was rather smitten!! Ok, so yes, I get smitten regularly. Not with women (my wife would KILL me) but with buildings. I [...]

Trump World Tower - 845 United Nations Plaza

Surpassing the height of every residential building in Manhattan gives Trump World Tower the right to claim the title of second largest residential building in the world and the largest luxury condominium in Manhattan. Shadowing the United Nations, this building reaches a staggering 262 meters. With 90 floors and 376 apartments, your neighbors are not strangers, but friends.

333 East 55th Street

Located on a quiet tree-lined block in the coveted East 50’s, this lovely co-op building is in a neighborhood that encompasses all the transportation, restaurants, shopping and entertainment that Midtown has to offer. This full-service building includes 24 hour doorman services, a live-in super, planted roof deck, reading garden, laundry, and a parking garage. Built in 1962, 333 East 55th Street was converted to a co-op in 1979. Apartments vary in size and upgrades, but if you can find a South-facing apartment on a higher floor, you will enjoy open city views including a view of the Chrysler Building. The board is allows co-purchasing, pied-a-terres, and W/D’s.

211 East 51st Street

Modern and elegant - everything about 211 East 51st is sleek, simple and sophisticated. The building’s lobby is done in black, white, and grey Italian Bisazza tile and has a full time doorman. For a true zen experience there’s a park, Greenacre Park, which boasts a waterfall and a stream, adjacent to the building. The building is conveniently located in close proximity to Rockefeller center, the UN, Grand Central, Bryant Park, and Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale’s along with countless restaurants (Fig and Olive, Fuchsia), bars (Four Seasons, Sutton Terrace), and specialty boutiques. 211 is also located in close proximity to some of the world’s top public and private schools along with the N, R, W, 4, 5, and 6 trains and buses going in every direction.

The Veneto - 250 East 53rd Street

Given that Adam Tihany – the man behind the swank designs of the Maritime Hotel, Aureole, Le Cirque and Per Se, among many others – designed the interior of The Veneto and Davis Brody Bond is the architect behind the condo, you’re sure to be impressed by the high-rise’s striking aesthetic. The sleek design is over-flowing with tastefully laid-in marble and granite, making it clear from the first look that this is an amenity-trenched luxury building. The Veneto is also located just blocks away from Bloomingdale’s, Staples, the luxe Bridge Market Food Emporium, Bed Bath and Beyond, and an innumerable amount of bars and restaurants.

Three Ten Condo - 310 East 53rd Street

Three Ten Condo is a luxury glass tower designed by SLCE Architects. It’s set on a glistening five-story limestone base and all it takes is one look for one to understand what this building is all about – breathtaking views of Manhattan accentuated by floor-to-ceiling windows and very high ceilings. Three Ten Condo is a modern building that comes with all the latest finishings and amenities including custom lighting and remote controlled shades (a welcome touch given how sun-drenched the apartments are).The building is conveniently located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan just steps away from the United Nations, Radio City Music Hall, Rockefeller Plaza, Bloomingdale’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, Grand Central and the 59th Street subway stations, and countless restaurants and bars including the swank Convivio, At Vermilion, Bookmarks, and the ever-popular Sutton Terrace.

Number 5 - 5 East 44th Street

For a hip downtown feel in Midtown New York there’s nothing quite like Number 5. With its sleek and slender white metal clad façade and red stripe accent, the building, designed by Philip Johnson and Alan Ritchie Architects, adds a modern flare to the covetable stretch of 44th street between Madison and Fifth Avenues where the building is located. Once inside the building guests are greeted by a sensuously curved white-walled reflective lobby with cove lighting before making their way into the elevator that leads, in some cases directly, into sun-drenched, high-ceiling apartments. To boot the location couldn’t be more convenient. Located in the heart of midtown, Number 5 is mere minutes away from Grand Central, Bryant Park, The New York Public Library, MoMA, Saks Fifth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, and Central Park.

The Alexander - 250 East 49th Street

The Alexander exemplifies modern luxury. Conveniently located in Turtle Bay, which has seen a recent spurt in luxury condo developments, there is nothing that comes close to the groundbreaking aesthetic of this sleek 24-story condo building. The condo high-rise features an artfully done glass tube-like corner section, making for sun-drenched rooms and covetable floor-to-ceiling windows. Ceilings that soar at nearly 12 feet complement the loft-like apartment interiors, which boast all the latest appliances and finishes and with only 88 apartments, The Alexander offers privacy and quiet. To boot, the location of this building truly cannot be beat in terms of all-around convenience. Shopping (Bloomingdale’s, Henri Bendel), restaurants (Fig and Olive, Fuchsia), bars (Four Seasons, Sutton Terrace), some of the world’s top public and private schools, the UN, public parks, subways, and buses going in every direction are just a stone throw away from The Alexander’s doorstep.

One Beacon Court - 151 East 58th Street

One of the most centrally-located and luxe buildings in all of Manhattan, One Beacon Court occupies an entire city block bounded by East 58th and East 59th Streets and Lexington and Third Avenues. This building truly changed the face of this stretch of Manhattan when it opened its doors just a few years ago. It boasts a stunning center elliptical court/driveway and the famed Le Cirque restaurant along with Starbucks, Home Depot, and the Container Store are all located directly in the building’s lower floor. To boot the building is mere feet away from Bloomingdale’s, Zara, H&M, Sephora, countless restaurants and bars fit for any price range, the N, R, W, 4, 5, 6, and F subway lines, and buses going in every direction. The base of the building houses office space for Bloomberg L.P., so the condos are all located in floors 30 to 55 making for unparalleled city views especially given the building’s floor-to-ceiling glass façade. As one would expect, One Beacon Court offers residents amenities galore, including access to a fitness center, entertainment suite, children’s playroom, and a business center.

The Mondrian - 250 East 54th Street

A classy, yet modern entrance and rotunda soar above the lobby and welcome you to the Mondrian. This sleek, post-war condominium is known for its hotel-like services and amenities. It was built in 1991 and boasts 43 floors and 179 apartments.

The Bristol - 300 East 56th Street

The Bristol dominates much of Sutton Place’s neighborhood skyline, but down below is a very charming building with fountains and gardens. It is the leader in rental living in the area, with its lush landscape making it a cut above the rest. This tower is on a corner block at East 56th Street between Second and First Avenue where you can find anything and everything you would want and more. The L-shaped building has prestige on the outside and elegance sprinkled all around the double-height designer lobby.

Olympia House - 279 East 44th Street

Though the Olympia House is a high-rise building right in the middle of Midtown East’s bustling action, it features a homey marble lobby with cozy chairs, an abundance of mirrors, a beautiful trompe-l’oeil wall painting, and a Raymond Weil wall clock – making it a truly peaceful haven in the center of the city.

To most tenants, the best part about living at The Olympia House is the staff. The majority of them have been there for many years and they are very friendly, helpful and accommodating. The elevator building has a full-time doorman, a live-in super, a common storage area, and pets are allowed.

Falcon Towers - 245 East 44th Street

Make your way past the spacious front courtyard and into the granite lobby complete with a lush fountain and you’ll be greeted by one of the Falcon’s affable full-time doormen.

The elevator building’s apartments feature marble tiled bathrooms, self-cleaning gas ovens, and many of the residences have spacious terraces. Most of the apartments are sunny with good views onto quiet streets. The building has both a laundry room and an affiliation with The New York Health and Racquet Club which entitles tenants to a discount.

210 East 58th Street

210 East 58th Street defines what it is to be a ‘welcoming building.’ The doorman and the staff in this building are so friendly, in fact that you’ll probably need to make extra time in your day to enter and exit the building.

The units are both spacious and affordable. The building is composed primarily of very large alcove studios (that can easily be converted) and one-bedrooms so large you will have a hard time furnishing it.

Vong NYC

Vong, the long-standing Thai-French fusion restaurant from celebrity chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, has become a classic Midtown staple for locals and tourists alike.

With its inviting décor – the space was designed by David Rockwell and features lots of pink and orange, bamboo and potted palms scattered around the space, small orchids on every table, and walls covered with gold leaf details, collages and faux decay and faded newspapers – it’s little surprise that Jean-Georges has expanded his empire to include a number of Vong locations around the world.

Vermilion

Vermilion is a modern-minimalist Indian-Latin American restaurant. Its name literally translates into sindoor, a core symbol of Indian femininity and celebration of the beauty of women – how’s that for an impressive tidbit to bring-up on a first date?

P. J. Clarke’s

Did you know that this bar/restaurant has been around for over 125 years? Regis Philbin was there one night and I think he goes there often because everyone played it off like he was another random bar drinker.

Oxford East - 333 East 49 Street

This luxury doorman building is perfect for the girl or guy on the go. As soon as you walk into the lobby and through the atrium, you’re immediately greeted home by the beautifully landscaped gardens.

The management of this 12 story post-war classic recently updated their lobby and most apartments come equipped with cherry wood cabinets, stainless steel gas ranges and renovated baths. I am always pleasantly surprised by the uniqueness of some of the top floor layouts. I once opened the door of a studio and was immediately blasted by an abundance of sunlight coming in off the 600 square foot roof deck!

Lexington House - 141 East 56th Street

It’s a good thing the gym is included in the rent because with P.J. Clarke’s a block away, you’ll need to jump on the bike to work off their world famous German hash browns and top rated burger.

I love this building. I don’t know who thought of the arched built-in bookshelves, but they are a fantastic touch. This art deco influenced rental property features sunken living rooms, windowed kitchens and spacious layouts. Of course you get your 24 hour doorman, stainless steel kitchens and laundry in the building too.

Mia Dona

Powerhouse restaurateur duo Donatella Arpaia and Michael Psilakis venture into New Italian cuisine with Mia Dona—a casual enclave meant to evoke supper at Donatella’s home.

With its cozy, bright interior and accessible, hearty Italian fare, Mia Dona is both a neighborhood hangout and a dining destination. Given that Mia Dona’s concept is an ode to Donatella’s style and heritage - they chose to present an affordable Italian menu that includes such stand-out dishes as arugula and chicory mixed with grilled onions, oven-dried tomatoes, aged provolone and pepperoncini with a chianti vinaigrette; burrata for two with blood orange, red onion, fennel and balsamic; and crispy baccala with ricotta, potato, and garlic gremolata.

Tao Asian Bistro

Tao can rival any of the Meatpacking District’s mega-sized hotspots (think Buddakan, Buddha Bar), with its 16-foot Buddha statue, bustling bar, well-heeled crowd, and tasty eats.

The lighting is very dim and the noise level is high, so bring your reading glasses and ear plugs if you’re averse to either, because the scene and dishes are certainly worth checking-out.

Le Triomphe - 245 East 58th Street

Escape the commotion from the city streets and live sophisticatedly and peacefully in this slender tower that stands on the corner of East 58th Street and Second Avenue. Le Triomphe will shock and awe you from the moment you step into the granite-filled lobby, which has been decorated so you feel like you were a part of France’s past and present. The elegance of the lobby is certainly displayed in the apartments and demonstrated in the friendly staff, too.

Fig & Olive

Affordable, but not cheap; vibrant, but not too loud – it’s no surprise that nearly every table at Fig & Olive is occupied by a small group of gaggling girls or a couple on a first date.

St. Tropez - 340 East 64th Street

The St. Tropez’s spacious lobby runs the length of the building and boasts two entrances, each of which are equipped with their own doorman. Well-known for its family-friendly atmosphere and remarkably low monthly common charges that include both heat and air conditioning, the St. Tropez offers swank amenities including a rooftop-outdoor pool, a newly renovated fully-equipped basement gym, a spacious playroom, and a shipping & receiving center.

Beaux Arts - 307-310 East 44th Street

Being so close to the UN, the Beaux Arts is a perfect building for tenants looking for safety and security. As an older building, it also offers units with a tremendous amount of character.

Sushi Yasuda

Being a sushi fanatic, I make it a priority to dine at recommended sushi restaurants throughout Manhattan. I read about Sushi Yasuda on Gwyneth Paltrow’s blog. She was quoted as saying, “Best sushi in NYC, hands down.” Once I heard this, I knew I had to make it a priority to get a reservation.

Il Valentino

Il Valentino is a pretty neat Italian restaurant in the Sutton Hotel. What makes this restaurant so unique is that it manages to provide a very down-to-earth atmosphere, in a rather formal setting. That’s not to say that the restaurant isn’t top-notch, it just avoids the pretentiousness that other establishments tend to favor. At Il Valentino, it’s all about the food and your happiness.

The Milan - 300 East 55th Street

If you’ve been looking for a condo in Midtown East, you’ve probably heard of The Milan. It’s generally a building that I recommend to my clients who want a mix of space and amenities, but also want a bit of prestige thrown in there. Here’s why…

205 East 59th Street

205 E 59 is a 27-story apartment close to Bloomingdales and movie theaters, so you won’t be bored on a lazy Sunday. It’s also close to major subways and cross town buses, making your trip to work in the morning a breeze.

Aquavit Raw Bar and Grill

If you are really into good food, then price won’t matter at Aquavit because you get what you pay for.

First off, the tomato soup is a must try. Secondly, the black bass is so tender and the taste of the sauce blends perfectly with the fish – so fresh and refreshing - that you’d be hard-pressed to find a better meal in Midtown. Five thumbs up for anyone who is desperate for some delicious dishes.

310 East 55th Street

The art deco entrance of 310 East 55 is perhaps the most striking entrance of any building you will find in the surrounding area, but it’s more about location than the structure here. The nearby Blackstones bar is a great hang out for happy hours with coworkers and friends. Equinox is around the corner for a quick workout and the East River is blocks away perfect for dog walk or early morning jog.

Trump Tower - 721 Fifth Avenue

The Trump Tower exemplifies the style of the one of the greatest real estate tycoon in New York, Donald Trump. Luxuriousness, richness, golden, and charming, the building has a three story waterfall inside which offers a glimpse into the enchanting standard of living residents will experience at Trump Towers. The building also holds some of the world’s renowned brands and retail stores give the residence an added sense of prestige and fame.

230 East 44th Street

As affordable full-service elevator building only a block and half away from Grand Central, 230 East 44th Street is a must see for the bargain hunters in Midtown East. The apartments represent not only some of the largest in the neighborhood, but are also the most competitively priced. In addition, each unit has been fully gut renovated with attractive finishes and configurations that intelligently utilize all usable square footage.

223 East 50th Street

This pre-war elevator building is located in the heart of Midtown East on 50th St between Second and Third Avenues. This co-op building has an approval process that is easier than most. Purchasers only need to put down 10% and can rent out their unit after one year. Pied-à-terre allowed, and parents are even able to buy for their children; something often looked down upon by co-op boards.

Pet Friendly Hotel: Ritz Carlton New York Central Park

Looking to treat your dog to a weekend in style? The fantastic Ritz Carlton New York Central Park treats their pet guests just as good, if not better than their human guests.

The Ritz offers a “Doggy and Me” weekend package that includes a gift photograph and a “VIP (Very Important Pooch)” program. We’re talking the full star treatment which includes: the use of ultra-chic pet carriers, 22-karat gold plated identification tags, aromatherapy coat spritz treatments, home-baked dog treats, and in case of bad weather, loan of rainproof trench coats, leather jackets, and cashmere sweaters.

The Metropolis - 150 East 44th Street

Walk to work, take in the views, enjoy the service and relish the location… that’s what The Metropolis is all about.

Residents seem to echo these sentiments. Most cite the central location and friendly staff as their prime reason for renting.