Architectural History: Manhattan Place at 630 First Avenue

Manhattan Place-Illustration by Travis Nichols

“What I always try to do is marry good architecture with good business,” says Costas Kondylis, architect of Manhattan Place, “You have to propose design solutions that increase the value of the building.”

 Architectural History

Manhattan Place’s 35 story, bronze-glass and brown-brick tower was completed in 1985, and features a large West-facing plaza with an impressive, tiered fountain designed by famous, urban landscape designer, Thomas Balsley. Its angled orientation was chosen to maximize views for residents.

Thomas Balsley

Thomas Balsley

Over nine years at the firm, Philip Birnbaum & Associates, Costas Kondylis grew immensely as an architect and his first design was Manhattan Place. Philip Birnbaum is credited with being the almost anonymous architectural hand behind many of the most imposing apartment towers in New York City.

What made him so popular among developers was the efficiency of his apartment layouts. There was virtually no wasted floor space in his units, meaning that builders could fit more apartments on a floor. Because he tried to eliminate interior hallways, occupants also got more usable room. He said he designed for the people who lived in his buildings, not the elite. Manhattan Place is among some 300 buildings designed by Mr. Birnbaum, alone or in association with others.

Costas Kondyllis

Costas Kondyllis

people need to have their own open space, even in a city of high-rises

”Most people don’t know Philip Birnbaum, yet he probably designed more buildings in New York than anyone else,” Donald J. Trump has said. ”Not all were great but they all made money. And some were, in fact, very good.”  Layouts were not his only trademark. Mr. Birnbaum also counted the rooftop swimming pool among his innovations. His daughter, Dara Birnbaum, a video artist in Manhattan who originally followed her father into architecture, said the idea was that ”people need to have their own open space, even in a city of high-rises.”

He would say, ‘Let’s use the roofs for the common good,

”He would say, ‘Let’s use the roofs for the common good,’ ” Ms. Birnbaum said. She traced this concern to a youth spent in railroad tenements so dark he would study outside by streetlight. Mr. Birnbaum grew up in Washington Heights, attended Stuyvesant High School and earned his architectural degree at Columbia. He was accepted at Princeton but was cautioned in a letter from the university that, as a ”Hebrew,” he might not fit into the environment. Mr. Birnbaum carried that letter around for many years, his daughter said.

I wanted ‘Manhattan’ because Manhattan is the best place to live

Jeffrey Glick of the Glick Organization, the building’s developers said about why he chose the name Manhattan place,  ”I wanted ‘Manhattan’ because Manhattan is the best place to live,” Originally, Manhattan Place had 485 units selling from $190,500 to $648,500.

In the building boom following World War II, Mr. Birnbaum did a great deal of work in Forest Hills and Kew Gardens, Queens, much of it for the developer Alfred L. Kaskel. Over the years, his practice was known as Philip Birnbaum, the Office of Philip Birnbaum or Philip Birnbaum & Associates.

Mr. Birnbaum also designed the Doral Beach Hotel in Miami Beach and the Doral Country Club in Miami, but most of his major projects were in Manhattan. The 47-story Excelsior, at 303 East 57th Street, was for a time New York’s tallest apartment building.

Other significant apartment towers besides Manhattan Place included 45 East 89th Street, at Madison Avenue; the Bromley, 225 West 83d Street; Le Chambord, 350 East 72d Street; the Promenade, 530 East 76th Street and the Horizon, 415 East 37th Street.

The skilled architectural design of Manhattan Place, impressive amenities,
smart apartment layouts and great staff continue to attract buyers from all
over the world. Historically, Manhattan Place has not only been a great place
to live, but also a smart investment

  • Architectural Firm: Philip Birnbaum & Associates
  • Architect: Costas Kondylis
  • Developer: Glick International Development
  • Awards: National Association of Homebuilder 1984 MIRM Awards. Five Gold Awards (including Best Overall U.S. Project). Two Silver Awards

Sources: The New York Times, Miami Haute Living, The NY Observer, Glick Development website.

If you’d like more information on Manhattan Place, or if you are interested in buying, renting or selling an apartment, please contact Tony Sarcone. I’d be happy to assist you with no obligation nor pressure.

TOWN Concierge NY Restaurant Spotlight: Brasserie Pushkin

Brasserie Pushkin

Brasserie Pushkin

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brasserie Pushkin
41 West 57th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues
www.brasseriepushkin.com

The menu features “Imperial-influenced dishes, as seen through the contemporary and cosmopolitan lens of New York.”

Here’s a look around Brasserie Pushkin (formerly known as Cafe Pushkin), the first New York project from Russian mega-restaurateur Andrey Dellos. He imported Andrey Makhov, the executive chef of his celebrated Cafe Pushkin in Moscow, and also a pastry chef by the name of Emmanuel Ryon, who makes sweets that are sold in a cafe area in the front of the space. The menu features “Imperial-influenced dishes, as seen through the contemporary and cosmopolitan lens of New York.”

So, expect traditional fare like beef stroganoff, blintzes, and blini with caviar, all executed with a bit of a modern twist. Most entrees are priced above $30, and there are several big cuts of meat on the menu including veal chops, pork chops, and a ribeye steak. The dining room, which is spread out over two floors, has plenty of ornate woodwork, huge chandeliers, and 18th Century-style paintings. Brasserie Pushkin is now open for dinner.

The TOWN Concierge is a complimentary service provided to all TOWN clients to make their real estate experience more pleasurable. Contact me for more information.

TOWN Concierge NY Restaurant Spotlight: Pie Face

Australian Pie Face

Australian Pie Face image from NY Grub Street

Pie Face

1691 Broadway, near 53rd Street
piefacenyc.com

Anyone who hasn’t recently attended a production of Sweeney Todd or Titus Andronicus can appreciate the appeal of a meat pie in all its portable, filling tastiness.

Whoever finds the lucky golden token in their pie wins a trip for two to Australia, plus unlimited pie

Aussies in particular are boosters of this particular snack, so it’s no surprise that a new source, Pie Face hails from Down Under. The 24-hour carb dispensary specializes in savory pies (Thai chicken curry; beef and tomato; tandoori vegetable), but you can get sweet pies and coffee as well. Those who haven’t yet sullied their New Year’s resolutions can opt for mini-pies, and if you’ve already said to hell with it, there are sausage rolls too. In honor of the opening, the shop will give customers a free coffee or mini-pie all day Thursday, beginning at midnight. A golden pie giveaway starts at the same time and runs for a week: Whoever finds the lucky golden token in their pie wins a trip for two to Australia, plus unlimited pie. www.newyork.grubstreet.com

The TOWN Concierge is a complimentary service provided to all TOWN clients to make their real estate experience more pleasurable. Contact me for more information.

Andrew Heiberger Shares Some Predictions for Manhattan Real Estate In 2012

2012 Predictions

 

 

 

 

Andrew Heiberger, Founder and CEO of Town Residential, shared some of his thoughts and predictions on the Manhattan real estate market for 2012. I think these points should be very helpful for buyers, sellers, investors and renters trying to navigate the Manhattan real estate market in the upcoming year.

 If I were renewing a lease right now I would try to extend for two years if given the choice

On the Manhattan Sales Front:

  • I believe that prices and price per foot in all parts of Tribeca, the far West Village, Noho, and west of Park Avenue on the Upper East Side will rise the most due to a lack of supply. The same is true for townhouses and other single family residences, where quality supply is also limited.
  • Overall I believe 2012 will see more sales transactions and slightly higher prices in Manhattan, with the market buoyed in part by interest rates remaining at historic lows during this upcoming election year.
  • People still have faith in home ownership, especially in Manhattan. Together with an abundance of international buyers as well as affluent buyers from around the United States, the demand has remained strong for Manhattan real estate.

New Development Sales Market:

  • I believe Gary Barnett’s One57 will be a grand slam and THE success story of 2012. Its success will also pave the way for other super-high end developments in and around the Plaza District to its east, including the much-anticipated development at the former Drake Hotel site.
  • On the Upper East Side above 57th Street there are at least six major luxury developments, both ground-up and conversions, expected to file offering plans in 2012. We expect prices for many of these properties to start at $2,500/sf and likely exceed $5,000/sf in some cases.
  • In Soho, the far west village, Noho, the Chelsea Highline area, and all parts of Tribeca, it will be the year of the boutique condominium. Many super high-end new construction projects and well-conceived conversions are proceeding and expected to come to market. I believe they will sell out very quickly with prices starting at $2,000/sf and ordinarily capping out at around $4,500/sf. In other parts of Manhattan such as Hudson Yards and the East 30’s to 50’s, it is more likely that we see most new developments built as rentals.

On the Manhattan Rental Front:

  • The vacancy rate will remain low, and rents are sure to rise starting around the 2nd quarter. If I were renewing a lease right now I would try to extend for two years if given the choice, because once employment numbers pick up rents will jump even further to record highs.
  • Low mortgage rates are keeping rents in check because the alternative of buying becomes feasible once you approach the $80/sf threshold for units under $1.5 million.

As the Manhattan real estate market is constantly changing, contact me if I can expand on these points. I also have many rentals available at varying budget levels on my listings page. Please feel free to give your comments below.

Luxury, Bridgehampton Vacation Rental for an Unforgettable Summer 2012

Open, Luxury Bridgehampton Vacation Rental

Luxury, Open Bridgehampton Rental Home

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is one of the nicest homes I’ve stayed in when visiting the Hamptons. While this Bridgehampton home is large, it’s also very comfortable.

This home rents fast so reserve it now before it’s gone. Enjoy the Hamptons lifestyle in luxury with this stunning, open and airy, contemporary home. Beautifully furnished and set on app. 1.5 secluded acres, this home offers everything one hopes to find in the Hamptons. Over 3,100 sq. ft. of living space for relaxing or entertaining. Stroll to the beach or take a dip in the heated pool.

This modern home features a new kitchen, 5 spacious bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, a fireplace, jetted tub, high ceilings, water views, garage, upper/lower decks, outdoor shower and a fantastic open layout. You’ll never want to leave, but should you decide to, it’s also close to the highway for convenient traveling.

PROPERTY SPECIFICS
Pets allowed  |  Pool  |  Garage  |  Parking available
PROPERTY FEATURES
Furnished | Fireplace (gas) | Washer/Dryer | Dishwasher/Microwave | Dining room | Eat-in kitchen | Balcony | Private patio | Garbage disposal | Hardwood floors | High ceilings

Availability:

Memorial-Labor Day: $150,000
July-August: $125,000
Year Round: $175,000


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Contact me for a showing. There is also more listing information here.

TOWN Concierge Restaurant Spotlight: Tsushima Midtown East

Tsushima

Tsushima

 

 

 

 

 

 
Image courtesy of www.tsushimanyc.com.

 

Tsushima
141 East 47th Street at Lexington Avenue
www.tsushimanyc.com

From the sidewalk, this unassuming Japanese eatery looks like any other sushi joint in Midtown, but inside, with a sleek interior, undulating ceiling, and seasonal menu, Tsushima proves to be a sharp cut above.

Ordering omakase is an ideal way to appreciate the chef’s artfulness

Traditional Edomae-style sushi is featured here, instead of the showy, super-sized Japanese-fusion rolls common to similar establishments, with prime selections of fresh fish that showcase the sushi chef’s knife skills. Ordering omakase is an ideal way to appreciate the chef’s artfulness and take the guesswork out of ordering, but plenty of a la carte options invite exploration, including a meltingly savory toro nigiri, and dense, flavorful yellowtail sashimi, along with seasonable delicacies like octopus, abalone, and sea urchin. Cooked entrees feature tender chicken teriyaki and a lightly battered vegetable tempura that delivers the right amount of tasty, flash-fried crunch.


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The TOWN Concierge is a complimentary service provided to all TOWN clients to make their real estate experience more pleasurable. Contact me for more information.

Enjoy Summer 2012 In Luxury In This Stunning Bridgehampton Home

430 Lobs Lane Rental

430 Jobs Lane Bridgehampton South

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 this mint home will make your summer one that you will never forget.

If you’re considering renting a home in the Hamptons this summer or even year round, you should act now on this property. I personally know the owners of this home and have been in it many times and it is truly special. It’s located in Bridgehampton South and rarely available as it is rented every summer.

You’ll feel comfortable and right at home. App. 5,500 sq. feet, this spacious, tastefully furnished Bridgehampton home set on a beautifully landscaped acre will allow you to enjoy all that the Hamptons offers in luxury.

It features 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, a formal dining room, large living room, fireplaces in the master bedroom and living room, a jetted soaking tub, a home office/guest room (6th bedroom), heated pool, garage and large backyard.

This is the perfect home whether you are looking for a peaceful retreat to recharge or you enjoy entertaining. Enjoy stunning water views of both the ocean and Mecox Bay which are within walking distance. Private, yet, convenient to the highway for exploring, this mint home will make your summer one that you will never forget.

PROPERTY FEATURES:
Furnished | Fireplaces (gas) | Washer/Dryer | Dishwasher/Microwave | Dining room | Private patio | Hardwood floors | High ceilings I Pets allowed  |  Pool  |  Garage  |  Laundry room I Parking available I Water Views

 

AVAILABILITY:

Memorial-Labor Day: $275,000
July-August: $250,000
Year Round: $325,000

 

View Larger Map

Contact me for more information and a showing before it’s gone. You can see more on this listing at TOWN here.

TOWN Concierge NY Restaurant Spotlight: Lexington Brass

Lexington Brass

Photo courtesy of Lexington Brass.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lexington Brass
517 Lexington Avenue
www.lexingtonbrass.com
American, Bar Scene, Spacious, Power Lunch, Sleek

Lexington Brass features top notch service and a simple menu of bistro favorites 

With their latest restaurant venture Lexington Brass, EMM Group breathes new life into the traditional midtown power lunch, abandoning the old school model of formal white tablecloths for a bustling, bistro-like experience better suited for the new wave of modern Manhattan diners. Stripped of pomp and circumstance, the Lexington Brass design is spacious but edgy, emoting an air of casual refinement. Full of plush seating and natural light, Lexington Brass features top notch service and a simple menu of bistro favorites that, for the weary traveler or overworked Manhattanite, will feel reminiscent of home. Unlike the blink-and-you-might-miss-it boites of lower Manhattan, Lexington Brass and its gleaming façade of floor-to-ceiling windows ushers in a new business backdrop where this generation of New York City minds and moguls break bread while breaking up the day, enjoying Lobster Mac n Cheese, Deviled Eggs, French Onion Soup, and Braised Short Ribs.

The TOWN Concierge is a complimentary service provided to all TOWN clients to make their real estate experience more pleasurable. Contact me for more information.

 


New Yorkers: Want An Endless Closet?

Virtual ClosetOne of the many advantages of working with TOWN is our ability to provide you with TOWN experts to solve common real estate concerns and storage has to be at the top of many Manhattanites list. Did you ever love an apartment you wanted to buy or rent only to decide against it because your wardrobe was greater than the closet space? Are you currently out of closet space, but don’t trust your clothing to your building’s basement or other storage facilities? Now there is a great alternative that gives you fast access to your clothing, is affordable, frees up apartment space and stores your items safely.

With Garde Robe, you no longer have to dream about endless closet space or pass on that almost perfect apartment due to storage concerns. Garde Robe is a service that provides climate-controlled storage and maintenance for your off-season and/or infrequently worn clothing, shoes, evening wear, furs and accessories.

You don’t even need to lift a finger! Garde Robe representatives will come to your home to pack and collect the off-season items that you are not wearing regularly. Unlike standard storage companies, Garde Robe provides 24/7 visual access to every item and provides same-day delivery and pick up service.

Every item is inspected, cleaned and repaired, if necessary, and then photographed with a description. You have visual access to every item in your “virtual closet” 24/7. Pick-up and delivery is even included in your monthly membership which is about $350 per month for 50 items (a suit, for instance is one item and many accessories are included such as shoes).

Garde Robe is trusted by many of the city’s elite including celebrities such as Ivanka Trump, and utilized by fashion designers such as Oscar De La Renta. The storage facility is very secure and climate controlled.

Garde Robe also provides other services such as luggage-free travel. Please feel free to contact me and I can provide more information on this needed and innovative service.

Get Free Access To Virtually Every Manhattan Listing

Search All Manhattan Listings

choose me as your agent, I’ll send you passes for three free days at Equinox Health Club as a thank you

Anyone who has tried to access Manhattan rental and sales listings knows that it can be a frustrating process. Often one has to go to each, individual, real estate company’s site in order to preview listings. Worse, many of the most common non-broker sites have old listings and sometimes listings that are not active (or real). Many times, exclusive listings are not available on these sites.

Now TOWN is offering you free access to virtually every Manhattan, residential, real estate listing. It is estimated that somewhere between 97-98% of all listings are exclusive, REBNY (Real Estate Board of New York) listings. Through TOWN’s VOW (Virtual Office Website),  you can very simply register (name and email) and have easy access to virtually every real listing in the Manhattan area. Because these are REBNY brokerage member listings, there are very strict rules regarding listings. They must be sent within 48 hrs. of getting the listing and taken off the feed within the same time frame after closing. Usually listings are put on and off the system within hours of a status change. You can also save searches and listings that are of interest to you.

While I have access to even more sophisticated search tools, and prefer that you work with me so I can make your real estate hunt even easier; this is a great way for you to see actual listings you would not otherwise have access to on your own. I am happy to register for you, if you like.

Please do me a favor and when you verify your registration, select me, Tony Sarcone, as your agent from the drop down menu. It obligates you to nothing, but it will make it much easier for you to contact me should you have any questions or need any assistance. If you do choose me as your agent, I’ll send you passes for three free days at Equinox Health Club as a thank you while supplies last. Simply email me and let me know.