Gea Elika's Blog, page 175

10 Essentials Every NYC Home Should Have

So you’ve moved to New York City, and now you’re setting up house. You’ve probably carried quite a few items from your past life, some of which might be on this list. But if you’re starting from scratch or want to be certain you have all the necessities for your big city adventure, here’s a guide to get you started.

Traditional Exterior by Brooklyn Architects & Building Designers Ben Herzog

1. Ceiling fan

New York apartments tend to be on the warm side, which is awesome during a polar vortex, but not so awesome in August. A ceiling fan in the bedroom makes a huge difference when it comes to circulating air and preventing hot flashes, which you shouldn’t be having if you’re only 30.

When shopping for an apartment, if the bedroom doesn’t have one, ask the landlord if he’d be willing to add it. If you’re buying, as long as there’s a ceiling fixture, you should be able to install a fan yourself.

2. Fire extinguisher

This is a no-brainer, and every home should have one, but particularly if you’re renting a New York City apartment, a fire extinguisher is essential.

3. Flashlight

Blackouts can happen, especially during summer months when circuits overload due to extreme heat. Always keep a flashlight with batteries handy.

4. Table lamps

Transitional Living Room by Markham Interior Designers & Decorators Jennifer Brouwer (Jennifer Brouwer Design Inc)

Many prewar apartments won’t come with ceiling fixtures, and ceilings can’t be cut because they’re most likely concrete. So if you want to see what you’re doing, you’ll need table lamps in every room. (Luckily, most NYC apartments average only 2-3 rooms.)

5. Dimmers

Your bathroom and probably your entrance should have overhead or wall-mounted lights, so head to the hardware store and purchase dimmers so you can control the brightness and set the mood in your new digs.

6. Collapsible laundry basket

Since most NYC apartments don’t come equipped with a washer/dryer, you’ll be heading to the basement or out to the Laundromat to do laundry. A collapsible basket will take up little space and get the job done when transporting, even if you drop your dirty clothes off at the dry cleaners for wash-and-fold.

7. Doormat

I own two doormats –– one outside in my hallway and one inside my apartment. Having two gives dirt less of a chance of making its way into my apartment, which saves on cleaning and wood floor maintenance.

8. Place for mail/keys

If you designate a place for keys, you’ll be less likely to misplace them. You’ll also avoid clutter, which is likely to creep up on you in a compact space. A table or shelf with a box or hanging hooks near your apartment’s entrance will do the trick.

Transitional Entry by New York Architects & Building Designers GRADE

9. First aid kit

Along with #1 on this list, you’ll want to have a few basics like bandages, antiseptic, and first aid cream. You never know when you might cut yourself; get a nasty burn or even a hangnail in between manicures.

10. Bar/liquor cabinet

Known to be social, New Yorkers like to unwind with a cocktail and invite friends over to share a bottle. Even if you don’t have space for a cabinet, create an area where you can install a shelf or place a table to display your drink of choice and perhaps some pretty glassware. You might also consider getting creative and creating a little bar in a nook or closet if you have the space.

Contemporary Home Bar

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The Taxman Cometh: Homeowners Shouldn’t be Afraid

The holidays and joyous celebrations are fading into our memories. It is hard to believe, but the tax season is upon us. While many look upon this with dread, homeowners and prospective buyers should not have this sense. The IRS looks favorably upon those that have delved into home ownership. There may even be a special “gift” when you file your income taxes, in the form of a larger than expected refund. However, there are plenty of misconceptions, with many not fully understanding the ramifications.

The basics

There is plenty of good news for homeowners. It starts with deductions for mortgage interest and real estate taxes for those that itemize, rather than take the standard deduction.

 

 

It can be on first or second mortgages (including a home equity loan or line of credit). The loan must also be for a main home or a second home. Moreover, the mortgage must be secured by your house. However, this will be the case in the overwhelming majority of instances.

During the first half of your mortgage term, the majority of your payment goes towards interest. This may not seem fair, but bankers make the rules and therefore receive payment first. On the flip side, this is beneficial for tax purposes since interest is deductible while principal payments are not. As principal is slowly paid down, more of your payment is applied to principal and less to interest.

There are special rules that apply to co-ops. If you are a tenant-stockholder, you can also deduct your share of the interest paid by the cooperative.

Homeowners can also deduct real estate taxes. These are levied by state and local governments on real property for the general welfare.

The amounts paid for mortgage interest and taxes are easy to find. The bank will send a statement at the end of the year. Your locality may also send a property tax statement.

Dollars and Cents

We will now turn to some numbers to demonstrate your tax savings. As your marginal tax rate increases, it will have a greater the impact on your taxes.

As an example, take a fictitious couple married with a combined adjusted gross income (wages, business income, interest and dividends along with some other items) of $175,000.  This places them in the 28% marginal tax bracket, based on the further assumptions we lay out below.

Suppose their mortgage interest and real estate taxes were $25,000 in 2014. Furthermore, for the sake of simplicity, there are no other itemized deductions for things such as state and local income taxes and charitable contributions.

Instead of it costing $25,000, the after-tax payout would be $17,000. The federal tax savings is $8,000.

The limits

The federal government places limits on itemized deductions at a certain income levels. If your adjusted gross income is more than $305,050 and your filing status is married filing jointly (lower income levels for other filing statuses), certain itemized deductions, including taxes and interest.

Conclusion

As always, readers should use this article for informational purposes and not rely on it for specific tax advice. We have also just covered federal taxes and not included how state and local income taxes (e.g. NYC) will be affected. It is always wise to consult an expert in the area for more detailed concerns.

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Neighborhood Spotlight: Living in Gramercy Park

Gramercy Park is both a neighborhood and a park.  Living in this Manhattan enclave doesn’t guarantee anyone the privilege of using its two-acre bucolic green space. The private park is located between East 20th (Gramercy Park South) and East 21st (Gramercy Park North), and Gramercy Park East and West. Lexington Avenue leads to the park’s northern edge, and on the southern edge, Irving Place intersects with Gramercy Park South. It is one of only two private parks in New York City and requires a key for access. (The other is in Sunnyside, Queens.)

 

 

The neighborhood

The compact neighborhood is bound by 14th Street to the south, 23rd to the north, Third Avenue to the East and Park Avenue South to the west. The Flatiron District lies west of Gramercy while bustling Union Square is southwest, and directly southeast is the East Village. Real estate choices range from prewar apartments to charming townhouses and postwar high-rises. Starchitect Robert A.M. Stern partnered with Zeckendorf Development in the makeover of 18 Gramercy Park, a luxury parkside condo building consisting of full-floor residences, maisonettes, and a penthouse duplex.

 

 

The park is a highlight of the neighborhood, and while the 39 buildings directly on the park have keys, many residents do not. The Players Club, National Arts Club, Gramercy Park Hotel, and several churches are among those with access.

As of 2012, 383 keys were in circulation, each coded and with its own number. Doormen and concierges hold 126 keys, and private residents hold the other 257, which cost $350 per year.

The prestigious park doesn’t allow drinking, dog walking, bicycling, smoking, or lawn furniture. Gramercy Park is a quiet retreat to read, relax, and perhaps admire its 180-plus-year-old history. At one point, keys popped up all over the city and even in Europe. Apparently, they were once easier to duplicate. A lost key costs $1,000 while a second lost key costs $2,000. Today locks are changed annually, which ensures no duplicate keys floating around.

Things to do

With a variety of neighborhoods adjacent and within walking distance, Gramercy boasts a convenient and enviable location. Madison Square Park is a popular alternative for those seeking a quiet reprieve from the city, and Union Square Park, though busier, is a few minutes south.

Since the Flatiron District is close by, residents can take advantage of Fifth Avenue’s mainstream shopping scene. Just a few blocks south of Gramercy, the East Village remains a destination for indie shops, cafes, and bars.

 

 

Nearby dining spots include Friend of a Farmer, Casa Mono, Pure Food & Wine, and just beyond the nabe’s official border, Gramercy Tavern –– long considered one of the finest restaurants in the city. Made famous by O. Henry, Pete’s Tavern is a terrific watering hole to grab a beverage and feel nostalgic. Open since 1864, it’s the oldest surviving saloon in New York.

In addition to the legendary Gramercy Park Hotel, Hotel Giraffe, and the W Union Square are a hop, skip and jump from the neighborhood.

No stranger to the rich and famous, Gramercy Park is the home of Jimmy Fallon, Julia Roberts, Uma Thurman, and Karl Lagerfeld.

Transportation

Served by the 6 train at 23rd and Park and the N-R-Q trains along Broadway, Gramercy has good public transit. The L Train is at 14th Street. The M23 crosstown bus runs from First Avenue to 12th Avenue along 23rd Street.

What it costs

 

 

Part of the attraction of living in Gramercy is that you’ll never see commercial development on the park. With exclusivity comes high cost. Prices run the gamut. A small one-bedroom on the park could be in the $600K range. A two-bedroom on the park could be more than $2 million while three and four-bedroom units can be priced at $5 million and higher. Properties located several blocks from the park run less and apartments without means of entry are valued ten percent lower than those with a key.

 

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New York City Real Estate for Sale: Should You Buy?

Buying a home anywhere in the United States is a big commitment. But due to the unique nature of New York’s real estate market, it’s an even bigger decision here. If you’ve started looking at New York City real estate for sale, you probably have a lot of questions of what it’s like to buy a home in this specific market.

Renting vs. Buying – The Bottom Line

If you already live in New York City and are happy with the apartment you’re renting, you may be wondering what you will get out of going through the often very challenging process of finding a home to purchase.

The simple answer is if you’re in a financial position to buy a home, it’s actually cheaper than renting. According to a 2014 report published in Forbes, buying in the New York City area is 22% cheaper than renting.

While you can definitely save over time by owning a home instead of renting one, it’s important to be aware of the additional cost of purchasing a piece of New York City real estate for sale. Once you’re a homeowner, you will be responsible for paying New York City property taxes (which are some of the highest in the US) and homeowners insurance. Maintenance fees or common charges are also very common costs that NYC homeowners are responsible for paying.

Should You Buy New or Resale?

Although many people assume that they’re going to purchase a resale, there are actually quite a few advantages to buying new. Some of those advantages include energy efficient appliances, green buildings, fire-retardant floor covering, high-tech friendly, lower replacement costs and custom financing options.

5 Questions You Need to Answer Before Committing to Buy

Based on our extensive experience working with a wide range of homebuyers, we’ve come up with a list of five questions we believe everyone should ask themselves prior to getting serious about buying a piece of New York City real estate for sale. The five questions are:

Are you prepared to maintain and repair an apartment or home?


Are you willing to stay in the same apartment or home for at least five to ten years?


Do you have a realistic idea of the type of apartment or home and amount of space you’ll need for the next five to ten years?


Are you relatively certain your financial situation will remain stable or improve over the next several years?


Are you a disciplined saver who can build up an account for emergency repairs?

Since these are questions you should think about detail, we encourage you to print them out so you’ll be able to really ponder them for a few days.

Learn More About Buying New York City Real Estate for Sale

As you can see from all the information we covered above, there’s a lot that goes into making a real estate purchase in New York City. If you want to learn even more about the ins and outs of the NYC real estate market, we highly encourage you to download our free and comprehensive Home Buyers Handbook

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The Chatsworth

Formerly a rental, this incredible 111-year-old building has been transformed into 81 co-ops. In addition to its beautiful exterior, The Chatsworth features wonderful residences and an ideal location in the Upper West Side.

History

The history of The Chatsworth dates all the way back to 1904. When this building was constructed, it redefined what prestigious living meant in New York City. With its view overlooking the Hudson River, the building’s name was borrowed from the most impressive estate in all of England.

John E. Scharsmith, who was the building’s architect, turned to the French Beaux-Arts for inspiration. That lead to decorative elements in the building’s limestone like stags, fruit and cherubs. Because the city’s elite were so impressed by the “largest and most complete building of its kind in the world,” it quickly become a haven for high society.

After being officially recognized as a landmark in 1984, the building’s re-imagination honors its long and glamorous history.

Architecture

With its mansard roof, red brick midsection and limestone base, the exterior of The Chatsworth is nothing short of extraordinary. At the grand entrance, residents and guests are greeted by enduring craftsmanship and Old World sophistication. Inside the building, the entryway features intricate metalwork and gilding. The truly regal entrance is completed by an official Coat of Arms.

Residences and Amenities

While the building still holds true to everything that has made it such an incredible sight for over a century, the residences have been fully updated to provide homeowners with all the features of modern living that they desire.

One really unique aspect of the residences in The Chatsworth is that no two are exactly alike. What residents can expect are vast, open spaces made even more impressive by their high ceilings and ample natural light.

In the kitchen, homeowners will enjoy pale grey marble and stainless steel hardware, as well as the latest Wolf, Miele And Gaggenau appliances. Depth and warmth is added to this space thanks to herringbone floors.

Bathrooms are rich with Italian marble, while bedrooms offer lots of space to relax. Residents of The Chatsworth will be able to enjoy numerous amenities, including a children’s playroom, active playroom, game room and a private screening room,

Availability

The building’s official website currently lists six different floor plans. The one-of-a-kind floor plans include three 2-bedroom layouts, one 3-bedroom layout and two 4-bedroom layouts. While pricing details aren’t currently available on the official website, StreetEasy currently lists 8 active sales. The active sales include a:

$2.235M 2-bed/1-bath (1,079 square feet)
$5.25M 2-bed/2-bath (2,140 square feet)
$6.135M 3-bed/3-bath (2,440 square feet)
$6.675M 3-bed/3-bath (2,751 square feet)

Neighborhood

Located near Riverside Park and the Hudson River, The Chatsworth’s Upper West Side location is ideal for residents who want convenient access to both green spaces and the best of what metropolitan living has to offer, as well as wonderful views.

[ The Chatsworth ]

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Luxury New York City Real Estate in 2015

While the general market throughout NYC is still very strong, there have been some signs of price sensitivity and other issues in the luxury New York City real estate market. If you’re thinking about making a purchase in this market during 2015, there are several trends you should be aware of to help you make the best choice.

Price Sensitivity and Slowing Demand for Massive Apartments

In spring of last year, there were two record $70 million co-op sales. Although those types of sales may make it seem like the sky is the limit for how far prices can climb, there have been signs that buyers are only willing to go so high before deciding to take a step back until the market cools a little.

 

 

To put this trend in context, many have referred to it as a sign that the market “is reverting from an insane market to a strong, steady market.” The signs of price sensitivity also coincide with a slowing demand for large apartments. Specifically, while 2014 saw an increase in luxury sales, it also saw an ongoing drop in sales of four-bedroom apartments.

New Developments Becoming Exponentially More Expensive than Resales

During the second quarter of 2014, the median price for new luxury developments was $17 million. That represents an incredible 169.5% increase from the same quarter of the previous year. In comparison, the median for resales (91% of which were in the luxury market) during the same time period was $4.49 million. That marked an increase of just 17% from the previous year.

Luxury Apartments Sitting on the Market for Longer

The term absorption rate refers to how long it would take for all current inventory to sell out. In the luxury New York City real estate, the absorption rate saw an increase in 2014 after seeing decreases for most of the previous two years.

 

 

The most common explanation for the increased absorption rate in this segment of the market is that buyers don’t feel pressured to act right away. Instead, buyers are taking their time and evaluating different options within the market.

Luxury Contracts Signings on a Downward Trend

Based on the information covered in the previous section, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that actually signings of luxury contracts also saw a slowdown in 2014. During the first half of 2014, total signings on apartments costing at least $4 million were down 8% from the previous year.

What Do These Trends Mean for Luxury New York City Real Estate Buyers?

Do these signs of slowing activity in the market mean that buyers should avoid making a purchase? In our expert opinion, the answer to that question is no. Based on these various signs of mild cooling, savvy buyers may have more negotiating power during the upcoming year than they would have had during the previous few years.

Since navigating the luxury New York City real estate market can still be a major challenge, learn more about how working with an exclusive New York City buyer agent can help you find the ideal property.

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Dealing with a Nightmare Neighbor: Know Your Rights in NYC

While residing in close quarters has its advantages (it’s nice to know that someone is always around in case of an emergency), living the apartment life comes with its challenges, one of which is the nightmare neighbor.

Chances are you’re familiar with at least one of the four scenarios below depicting a difficult neighbor. Take note of what you can do to alleviate some of the most common complaints among New York City dwellers, because one could eventually happen to you.

The renovator

As long as a homeowner takes the correct steps –– hires an architect, receives board approval, gets necessary permits, etc. –– renovating an apartment is perfectly legal. Damaging your unit in the process, however, is not.

A good neighbor will bring a remodeling project to your attention before the first hammer swings. Often the condition of neighboring apartments is documented through photos and videos, along with the unit being renovated. If you run into issues with damages, call 311 immediately. Depending on the circumstances, a building inspector will visit the job site, and the contractor/owner could be fined.

If noise is the issue, try and settle it privately with your neighbor. Contractors should be working within the hours permitted, which for many buildings is between the hours of 9am and 5pm Monday through Friday, so there’s not a whole lot you can do if the construction is happening between those hours. If you hear disruptive noise before or after these hours, or on weekends, reach out to your managing agent immediately to nip the problem in the bud.

The irresponsible pet owner

Tired of listening to your neighbor’s dog bark at odd hours? You can report the noise to the City of NY. Be sure to provide the address and your name if you want the barking to stop.

The Department of Environmental Protection should send a letter to the dog’s owner within seven days, along with suggestions how to curtail the barking. If they’ve sent a letter before, they may come to the site and do a noise inspection.

The noisemaker

Blaring television? Vibrating music? Yelling or loud conversation? You can report these and other non—emergency noises and the police will respond to your complaint when they are not handling urgent matters.

You may want to start with your landlord, super, or managing agent before you involve the law, however. Try making a complaint with your building first, and if the noise doesn’t stop, contact NYC.gov.

The smoker

Smoking is illegal in public spaces such as halls, elevators, and lobbies of buildings with 10 or more apartments. Unfortunately, smokers have a right to light up inside their unit –– but when cigarette, cigar, or another type of smoke is affecting your wellbeing, you have a right to speak up.

It’s best to document when smoke enters your unit and the inconvenience or health issues it’s causing you and your family. Try and resolve matters with your neighbor, if possible, and involve your landlord or super if you need to. Depending on the circumstances, you may need to hire an attorney to be sure you know your rights. A lawyer can advise you on next steps. In the meantime, check out these links below.

Smoke Free Housing
New York Housing Court
Housing Court Answers

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How to Profit from a Neighborhood on the Cusp

The grittier parts of Manhattan have been disappearing, one by one. Many previously undesirable neighborhoods received an overhaul, becoming chic, even hip and cool. However, this also means rental and housing prices have jumped. This has extended to parts of Brooklyn and Queens. Those desiring to live in Manhattan looking for the next rebuilt neighborhood still have an opportunity, however.

Transforming Hell

The area known as Hell’s Kitchen is undergoing a transformation, or at least part of it. The Hudson Yards project encompasses a large area, extending from West 28th Street to West 43rd and west of 7th Avenue.

For those unfamiliar with the neighborhood as it currently exists, it is not a fun place to live. Granted, it is not the dangerous place it once was, but it is not completely gentrified by any stretch. The real estate project, formally known as the Hudson Yards Redevelopment Project, is a mixed-use real estate project.

Hudson Yards is ambitious effort. It will include over 20 acres of open space, starting at West 42nd Street, crossing a pedestrian bridge that will expand into a park bordered by a tree-lined boulevard. The Jacob Javits Center will be expanded, and include a hotel, ballroom, and more meeting rooms.

Subway service will be extended to the neighborhood. This is a key consideration. As those on the East Side can attest, having convenient access to transportation affects real estate values and rental rates. Serviced only by the Lexington line, bargains can be found the further east you live. The long-anticipated 2nd Avenue line should raise real estate prices along with rents.

The number 7 line will extend to 41st Street and 10th Avenue. Built without federal funds, it is expected to be completed relatively quickly since federal government rules will be eased.

It is not hard to see how the area will be transformed into a desirable area of highrise and midrise office and residential buildings.

How to profit

The key is getting in early. Buying instead of renting makes the most sense. After all, rents will rise as demand to live in a hot place increases. Those waiting until the area is completely built will have missed a large portion of the gains. At that point, the press will be writing articles on the benefits of the neighborhood, and everyone will be clamoring to live in the area. Prices will shoot up.

The precedent for improved real estate values after significant resources are invested is clear. There are numerous examples. We will examine a few.

Bedford Stuyvesant was long considered an undesirable place to live. Many parts had high crime rates. In 2013, the Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corp. celebrated the completion of a $20 million revitalization project. It included the renovation and redesign of streetscape improvements, which helped spur an additional $100 million private sector investment in housing and commercial development. Since 2010, the median sales price has risen more than 25% to over $500,000, roughly equal to the appreciation of the entire borough of Brooklyn, according to Trulia. Many parts of the borough have seen a renewal. Over the last 3 months, the 19% gain has outpaced the 4% for all of Brooklyn. It was listed as one of the most popular neighborhoods in the borough.

Another area that is in the midst of a transformation is the Lower East Side. In 2013, then Mayor Bloomberg announced plans to develop a 1.65 million square foot development called Essex Crossing. It includes residential, commercial, and cultural space to be constructed over several years. Prices have been volatile, and it is difficult to judge since there aren’t that many sales to compare. Since 2010, the median price has more than doubled to about $1.4 million.

Lastly, Park Slope in Brooklyn offers a longer-term example. Long considered an up-and-coming neighborhood in the 1970s, it is now a very desirable, and expensive, place to live. Over the last 5 years, the median price has risen about 35% to $910,000, easily outpacing the entire borough’s 30% increase to $603,500.

Conclusion

The city, once crime ridden and considered unmanageable, has become a safe, desirable, and fun place to reside. The increasing population has caused real estate prices to accelerate, even after the severe downturn that is becoming a distant memory. Hudson Yards, with its large investment and access to transportation, is poised to become the next financial bonanza.

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Should I Renovate or Cash in? 6 Questions You Should Ask

Purchasing a home in New York City doesn’t come cheap and neither does renovating. If you’re fortunate enough to have bought property in the city ‘back in the day’ when prices were more affordable (all relative, by the way), you might have outgrown your apartment by now. Or, perhaps you’d like to live in a different neighborhood or borough –– a place that’s more convenient to your job, family, or the friends you’ve made over the years. Whatever the reason, sometimes moving is necessary or desired.

In either of the scenarios mentioned above, you’ll have to decide if you should stick with your present digs and make improvements or move on to something bigger and better. And so, “Should I stay, or cash in?” is probably crossing your mind.

Ask yourself these six questions during the process and hopefully by the end, you’ll know if you should wear your home improvement hat or start packing.

1. Is your reason a good enough reason to sell and move on?

Mostly likely, a job is not a reason to move. Most positions don’t last forever, and you could find yourself working in yet another part of town in a few years. If you have your heart set on a different neighborhood –– perhaps for more convenient transportation, better nightlife, or to be closer to family –– then think about moving.

If you’re maxed out on space –– you’re living in a one-bedroom with two kids and a third is on the way –– I’d say there’s no time like the present to get a bigger place.

2. Is it a good time to sell?

If you’re looking to sell right now, the answer is an obvious, “Yes,” since it’s a seller’s market. But markets fluctuate, and selling a year from now could not be so profitable. Talk to a real estate professional before you decide whether to cash in. He or she will also be able to give you an idea of how much you should expect to get for your apartment.

3. How long do I plan to stay in New York?

If you do indeed decide to buy a different apartment, consider the prices now, because to see a worthwhile profit, you’ll probably need to live in the unit for a minimum of 5-10 years, if not longer. If you can’t answer that question, you might want to stay put and remodel, or choose to rent until you figure out if you’ll hang around the city for a while longer.

4. Do I need more space, or can I work with what I’ve got?

If space isn’t an issue, renovating might be the better choice, especially if you purchased your apartment for a song in 1987. Yes, you’ll experience the hassle of construction, but you’ll also get to customize your pad and make it close to or exactly what you want. Bear in mind –– when purchasing, you’ll never find every item on your wish list in one property.

5. Financially, can I afford to move?

Not only does moving present logistical challenges in a city like New York, but even if you reap a huge profit when you sell your apartment, your monthly payment including mortgage, maintenance, and perhaps taxes, will probably be higher than what you’ve been paying. Ultimately, will you be able to afford it?

6. If I renovate, where will I live during construction?

Staying in your apartment might be the logical choice, but you’ll need to find somewhere to live during the remodel. Do you have friends or family willing to put you up for a few months or longer? If not, renting or subletting another unit is an additional expense you’ll need to account for. It’s best to stay as close to your project so you can check in on the progress almost daily.

 

 

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20 East End Avenue

This new 17-story building takes the best concepts of life in pre-war New York and puts a modern spin on them. Not only are the residences in 20 East End Avenue spacious and highly functional, but the building has a lot to offer in terms of amenities.

History

From the beginning, Corigin Real Estate Group was committed to creating units that drew authentic inspiration from pre-war apartment homes. Since the team knew that 20-room apartments wouldn’t be practical, they took a different approach. They focused on creating spaces that were 2,800 to 3,000 square feet in size. Then all of the building’s amenity spaces were specifically made to function as extensions to each home in 20 East End Avenue.

Architecture

With a team of 330 talented professionals, Robert A.M. Stern Architects boasts projects that range from 30 Park Place to 15 Central Park West. The team brought their vision and expertise to 20 East End Avenue. The result is a building that evokes a time period prior to World War II. Some of the building’s exterior features include Juliet balconies, stone arches and bay windows. Numerous setback terraces are spread throughout the building’s exterior, all of which are nicely complemented by limestone balusters.

Residences

When you walk up to 20 East End Avenue, you are met by a classic pre-war facade. The two-story entrance features pale Indiana limestone that was all handset. Inside the lobby, a Venetian plaster ceiling and grand architectural staircase combine to make a big statement.

All of the residences feel very spacious thanks to the ceilings being at least 11 feet high. Appalachian white oak flooring and gorgeous fireplaces are examples of features that can be found in many of the apartments. Powder rooms feature custom marble vanities, while the master bathrooms have heated floors.

In the kitchen, residents of 20 East End Avenue can enjoy custom millwork cabinetry and granite countertops. All appliances are top of the line Gaggenau Series offerings. Both living spaces and bedrooms have been carefully crafted to provide wonderful areas for entertaining and relaxing.

Amenities

The building’s amenities play a major role in the overall experience it provides. Those amenities begin with the fitness center and spa, which has everything you could want for working out and feeling great. 20 East End Avenue has a library and children’s game room, as well as a separate billiards and game room. Since the amenities were specifically designed to be extensions of homes, there are private storage cabinets available in the wine cellar. The building also offers an attended lobby, valet parking and bike storage.

Availability

The ten available residences in 20 East End Avenue start at $4.495M, and go up to $12M in price. The smallest space is a 2 bedroom and 2.5 bathroom with 1,913 square feet, while the largest is a 6 bedroom and 6 bathroom with 4,299 square feet.

Neighborhood

With its Upper East Side location, the convenience and beauty of the surrounding neighborhood is best described as an urban suburb. This makes it ideal for parents who want a peaceful place to raise their children, as well as couples or individuals who want a peaceful oasis that doesn’t require sacrificing their proximity to the heart of the city.

[ 20 East End Avenue ]

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