NEW YORK CITY — It's officially summer in New York, the time when city dwellers start clamoring for sunshine. And you shouldn't have to give that up when you head into your apartment. For these three apartments, sunlight is key. Big windows, multiple exposures and outdoor spaces make these some of the brightest apartments on the market. Each unit has an open house this Sunday.
205 E. 59th St., #13C, Midtown
3 bedrooms/ 3 bathrooms
Condo
Approximately 1,552 square feet
$2,950,000
Common charges: $2,637 a month
Real estate taxes: $1,489 a month
Open House: Sunday, June 28, 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Lowdown: This spacious condo unit is distinguished by the 21-foot, floor-to-ceiling window in the living room. “It's indisputably the most attractive feature of the unit,” said Douglas Elliman broker Jacques Cohen.
The double-height window, as well as exposures to the east, north and west, mean that a buyer rarely needs to switch on a light during the day, according to Cohen.
Three true bedrooms are paired with three full bathrooms. One bedroom has its own en-suite bathroom and can accommodate a king-sized bed. Another bedroom, with an eastern exposure, has scenic views of the Queensboro Bridge. The master bedroom features a walk-in closet and a bathroom with a soaking tub.
Off the open kitchen and living room there's a 62-square-foot private balcony, “perfect for two people to sit and enjoy the view,” said Cohen. Other amenities include a gas fireplace, central air conditioning, and a washer and dryer unit.
205 E. 59th St., constructed in 2003, comes with a 24-hour doorman, fitness center, 5th floor common terrace and a private “puppy park.”
There are a total of 62 units with three apartments per floor — somewhat uncommon for the neighborhood, said Cohen. “Most Lenox Hill high-rises have 200, 250 units,” he said.
Unit #13C is a sponsor unit that the developer previously rented out. Cohen explained that with a sponsor unit, a buyer avoids condo board approval, extra paperwork and processing fees.
Location: The southeast entrance to Central Park is located just four blocks to the west of this development. The building is also right next door to Bloomingdale's. There's plenty of nearby public transportation, with the Lexington Avenue N/Q/R train and the 59th Street 4/5/6 one block away.
Why put it on your open house calendar? Since it's a sponsor unit, Cohen thinks the apartment is ideal for a buyer looking for “a quick, seamless closing.” He also said it's rare to find a true three-bedroom, three-bathroom condo in this market.
161 N. 4th St., #4F, Williamsburg
1 bedroom/ 1 bathroom
Condo
Approximately 740 square feet
$999,000
Common charges: $580 a month
Real estate taxes: $71 a month
Open House: Sunday, June 28, 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Lowdown: This condo unit is a bright, top-floor one bedroom with a private terrace. “Exposures to the north and east bring in great morning light,” said Corcoran broker Marvin Chu, who thinks the exposures are “the highlight of the place.”
This is a resale by the second owner of the apartment since the 37-unit development opened in 2009. Giant windows, framed with black metal, dominate both the living room and bedroom. Custom solar shades are included if it gets too bright.
The floor-to-ceiling glass in the bedroom leads out to a 160-square-foot terrace, enough space for some small tables and lawn furniture.
The open kitchen is outfitted with Bosch appliances; other amenities include a washer and dryer, central air conditioning and extra storage space. The building also has a fitness center and landscaped common courtyard.
According to Chu, a tax abatement in place ensures low monthly taxes for the next nine years.
Location: The development is located in prime Williamsburg, on the corner of North 4th Street and Driggs Avenue. “The location speaks for itself,” said Chu, noting that a New York Sports Club is under construction one block down, with a Whole Foods on the way.
The Bedford L stop is four blocks away, with a variety of cafes, bars, boutiques and restaurants in between.
Why put it on your open house calendar? “This apartment is for someone who's not looking to buy in a huge building,” said Chu. “It's a homey building in a great location.”
954 Bergen St., #5F, Crown Heights
1 bedroom/ 1 bathroom
Condo
Approximately 514 square feet
$530,000
Common charges: $266 a month
Real estate taxes: $306 a month
Open House: Sunday, June 28, 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Lowdown: This new Crown Heights development just received its certificate of occupancy, meaning that a buyer is able to move in immediately.
The building officially opened in January 2015, according to aptsandlofts.com president Dave Maundrell. So far, 30 of the 36 units have sold.
Located in the rear of the building with multiple oversize windows, you'll get “amazing afternoon sunlight,” according to Maundrell.
The modest size of the apartment is downplayed by an efficient layout, with a washer/dryer hookup and coat closet just to the right of the front door. The kitchen is tucked away in the corner of the unit, said Maundrell, to allow for a bigger, open living space.
The kitchens in this development are unique, with red cabinetry, black granite countertops, subway-tiled backslashes and stainless steel appliances.
There is also a common roof deck, bicycle parking and private parking (for purchase) in the building.
Location: The development is off Franklin Avenue, the main drag of Crown Heights that's lined with cafes, bars and restaurants. It's also a half block away from Berg'n, a popular beer and food hall in the neighborhood.
About three blocks away you can catch the Park Place shuttle, which offers a quick ride south to Prospect Park. The Franklin Avenue 2/3/4/5 station is about seven blocks away.
Why put it on your open house calendar? “If you're renting, this is a great first apartment to buy,” said Maundrell. He noted that the unit is priced reasonably and is located in a quickly-growing neighborhood. “The neighborhood is coming of age,” he said.
