NEW YORK — With New York’s Independence Day fireworks back on the East River, we’re featuring apartments that come with a view of the spectacle — especially for buyers planning ahead for future Fourths.
75 Wall St. Apt. 25L, Financial District, Manhattan
Studio/1 Bath
Condo
441 square feet
$699,000
Common Charges: $513.99 per month
Real Estate Taxes: $131.67 per month, abated until 2021
Open House: Sunday, July 6, 2 to 3 p.m.
Lowdown: This west-facing unit in the condominium above the Andaz Wall Street hotel gets plenty of sunlight and city views, plus a partial peek at the river, said Brooke Elliott, of Nest Seekers.
But one of the top draws is the building’s roof deck with a 360-degree view that includes the East River bridges and extends to the Atlantic Ocean.
“We have one of the best views of the fireworks in the whole city. It will be phenomenal,” Elliott said, adding that hotel guests never have access to the roof or other resident amenities as they are kept separate, and this year even residents will not be allowed to bring guests to the roof, so it won’t get overly crowded.
The apartment, which was converted to condo in 2010, features top-end appliances and finishes. Though a studio, it has a “loft-like feel” with a layout that “utilizes the space very well” including built-in storage and Italian cabinetry that reaches to the near 11-foot ceiling.
The pet-friendly building allows residents to order in-room treatments and meals from the hotel’s spa and restaurant.
“The apartment currently has a tenant on a month-to-month lease, but it can be delivered empty,” Elliott said.
Location: In addition to Andaz’s room-service perks for residents, the hotel's Biergarten sets up in the building’s plaza Tuesdays through Fridays from June to October, with special discounts for members, Elliott said. On Thursdays in summer, the plaza is home to a farmers market.
Restaurants and retailers, ranging from fast food to gourmet and discount to luxury, continue to move into the neighborhood. SoulCycle is slated to debut on nearby Gold Street in the fall. Within four blocks are the 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, J and Z trains. The FDR Drive is two blocks east.
Why put it on your open house calendar? “It’s the lowest-priced apartment at 75 Wall," Elliott said, noting that sponsor units start at $870,000. With low common charges and a tax abatement, she added, "It’s also an amazing investment.”
44-27 Purves St., Apt. 9D, Long Island City, Queens
1 Bedroom/1.5 Baths
Condo
738 square feet
$710,000
Common Charges: $495 per month
Real Estate Taxes: $25 per month, abated until 2023
Open House: Sunday, July 6, 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Lowdown: The roof deck with lounge chairs at this Long Island City condo has 360-degree city views that extend to lower Manhattan, said Jermain Miller, of Douglas Elliman, adding that the mint-condition Unit 9D itself has city views.
The large bathroom in the bedroom has heated floors, and there's a second half-bath in the unit. In addition, the apartment has a northwest-facing balcony off the bedroom, “lots of closet space,” a built-in overhead wine rack, GE Profile appliances, “big windows,” and a washer and dryer.
The building opened in 2007 and includes a 24-hour doorman, gym, storage and free Wi-Fi. Parking is available but paid for separately.
Location: The apartment is in Long Island City’s Court Square area, which is heating up. At least 200 new condo units and nearly 4,000 rentals are scheduled to open by 2017 — including a Rockrose Development project with a new beer hall and music venue on tap — Miller noted. A film studio opened nearby earlier this year, and the upscale Food Cellar store is looking to add a second location in the area. MoMA’s P.S.1 and M. Wells Dinette are a few blocks down Jackson Avenue.
The 7, E, G and M trains are two blocks away at Court Square.
Why put it on your open house agenda? “The space and the quality [of construction] are what a lot of apartments are lacking,” Miller said. “[Many] look a little beat up, but this apartment feels like a new development — as if no one ever lived in the unit.”
415 Main. St., Apt. 8A, Roosevelt Island, Manhattan
2 Bedrooms/2 Baths
Condo
1,197 square feet
$1.15 million
Common Charges: $1,500 per month
Real Estate Taxes: $161 per month
Open House: Sunday, July 6, 1 to 2 p.m.
Lowdown: The east and west exposures with floor-to-ceiling windows for full river views is one of the main selling points for this two-bedroom, two-bath condo in Roosevelt Island, said Susan Yusook Kim, of Douglas Elliman.
While it’s “possible” to see the Fourth of July fireworks from the unit, residents “definitely” can see them from the building’s rooftop lounge, she said.
The apartment — a resale with a tenant in place through July 2015 — features an open chef’s kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances and two walk-in closets.
“It was developed by the Related Companies, one of the top developers in New York, and has a really nice layout,” Kim said.
In addition to the rooftop lounge, building amenities include a 24-hour doorman/concierge, fitness center and children’s playroom.
Location: The new Cornell University campus, opening by 2017, will bring in “a lot more retail, restaurants and activity to the island,” Kim said. In the meantime, a Starbucks, Duane Reade, a few restaurants and a Zip Car location are within a block. A Smorgasburg-like market on the weekends debuted in June, and the Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park memorial opened last year on the southern tip of the island.
Both the Roosevelt Island Tram, which takes Metro Cards, and the F train station, are one block away, in opposite directions. The Red Bus — free as of April 1, 2014 — circles the island.
Why put it on your open house calendar? Aside from the great views, it’s a one-stop commute to Manhattan, and the unit offers good value. “For the quality of this building in Manhattan, it would be between $2 and $2.3 million,” Kim said. “With the future development on the island, the price will go up for sure.”
