NEW YORK — Finding a two-bedroom apartment in a doorman building in New York City that isn’t priced near or above $1 million is a challenge. But it’s not impossible. Here are three for $700,000 or less.
775 Lafayette Ave., Apt. 12F, Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn
2 Bedrooms/1 Bath
Co-op
Approximately 1,100 square feet
$424,500
Maintenance: $781.91/month
Open House: Sunday, Nov. 17, 1-3 p.m.
Lowdown: The buyer of apartment 12F at the Shelton — a new, nearly sold-out 83-unit affordable-housing development in Bedford-Stuyvesant — cannot have a household gross income exceeding $145,250 at the time of purchase.
The unit features energy-saving amenities, is wired for an in-wall sound system and has great views of One World Trade Center, the Chrysler Building and the East River, said Tony Von Meyers, of Halstead Property.
“It’s great value for money,” Von Meyers said. “If you want to compare it to buildings in Clinton Hill and Fort Greene, you’re looking at significantly higher prices [there].”
Resale restrictions expire after 15 years. Income levels post-purchase don’t matter.
“One of the points of [offering reduced pricing] is to grow the neighborhood, and you can’t grow if you’re going to stifle people’s wealth,” Von Meyers said. “We want to give people a chance to get in and put down some roots. How they grow the branches is up to them.”
A part-time doorman is on duty from 3 p.m. until midnight or 1 a.m., he added.
Location: The Shelton sits between Throop Avenue and Marcus Garvey Boulevard. “You can see the commercialization and reawakening of the neighborhood marching up from Fort Greene along Dekalb and Lafayette,” Von Meyers said. “New construction, restaurants, clubs, bars, shopping — it’s all happening.”
The closest subway is the G at Bedford-Nostrand, four blocks west along Lafayette. The J train at Kosciuszko Street is about five blocks east. Buses run along several nearby avenues.
Why put it on your open house calendar? “For people who either live in Bed-Stuy and want to stay there or are looking to move to Bed-Stuy and don’t have the resources for a brownstone or condo, this is an attractive option,” Von Meyers said.
790 Riverside Dr., Apt. 9K, Washington Heights, Manhattan
2 Bedroom/1 Bath
Co-op
Approximately 900 square feet
$575,000
Maintenance: $1,413/month
Open House: Sunday, Nov. 17, 2:30 to 4 p.m.
Lowdown: Restored mahogany woodwork, original moldings, built-in glass cabinetry — these are just a few of the details of this unit in the landmarked Riviera, a Beaux Arts- and Revival-style building at 157th Street. Completed in 1911 on farmland owned by John James Audubon, it is part of the Audubon Park Historic District.
“I’m a lifelong New Yorker and nearly fell over when I saw what the buildings are like up here,” said Vivian Ducat, of Halstead Property. “[This apartment has] a house-like quality with large rooms and a long, wide hallway that separates the sleeping spaces from the living room.”
Many movies have been filmed in the building — which has its own website — including “Salt” with Angelina Jolie, she noted.
The current owner remodeled the bathroom but left the kitchen, which had been partially redone by a previous owner, said Ducat, who lives in the building and was once its co-op board president.
The maintenance includes an assessment for capital work. There’s a new roof. In the renovated marble lobby the 24-hour doorman stands behind the old Lyric Theater ticket booth, which a former resident donated, Ducat added.
Location: A block south is another historic area, Audubon Terrace, the first planned cultural center in the U.S., which houses the Hispanic Society of America, the American Academy of Arts and Letters, and Boricua College. New nearby retailers include a fitness center, Taszo Cafe and Heights Tavern. To the east is the historic Morris-Jumel Mansion and the home where Marjorie Eliot hosts a free jazz salon every Sunday in her parlor.
The 1 train at 157th Street is steps away. The C is three blocks east at 155th and St. Nicholas Avenue. Walk two more blocks for the B and D.
Why put it on your open house calendar? “You won’t see many other parts of Manhattan like this with the glam of Central Park West details,” Ducat said.
11-24 31st Ave., Apt. 15A, Long Island City/Astoria, Queens
2 Bedrooms/1.5 Baths
Condo
933 square feet
$699,000
Common Charges: $684/month
Real Estate Taxes: $11/month, abated until 2026
Open House: Sunday, Nov. 17, 2-4 p.m.
Lowdown: East River Tower went on the market about two years ago, and this sponsor unit is one of four remaining for sale. In addition to a 24-hour doorman and luxury appointments — including bathroom floors that radiate heat — the unit has a balcony overlooking Socrates Sculpture Park and views of Manhattan’s skyline.
“This is a high-end condo that would cost twice as much for the same square footage if it were across the water,” said Irene Racanelli, of Douglas Elliman. “It’s very affordable and you’re practically in Manhattan.”
She added: “The building has great energy and is diverse, with empty nesters to young people.”
Location: The building sits near the waterfront where Astoria overlaps Long Island City. It’s a bit remote — about a mile hike to either the Broadway or 30th Avenue N and Q stations. Parking is available in the tower's indoor garage. Officials are hoping to bring a new East River Ferry stop at Astoria’s Hallets Point peninsula, where a $1 billion development project was approved in October.
In addition to the sculpture park a block south, the Noguchi Museum, a Costco and several pizzerias are nearby. The Vesta Trattoria & Wine Bar is half a mile away.
“There’s not a lot yet, but it’s coming,” Racanelli said. “There’s new construction all around. By this time next year, there will be a lot more in terms of [restaurants and services].”
Why put it on your open house calendar? “It’s 933 square feet with a balcony and great views of the city and the East River,” Racanelli said, claiming, “It will be gone after the weekend.”
