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Open House Agenda: 3 Apartments to See This Weekend

By Emily Nonko | July 7, 2016 12:17pm | Updated on July 8, 2016 4:09pm

MANHATTAN — It may be the doldrums of summer, but great properties are still being shown while so much of the city is away on vacation. Here are some of the nicest listings for one, two and three-bedroom apartments that are holding open houses this weekend.

141 W. 24th St., #3, Chelsea
Three bedrooms/Two-and-a-half baths
Approximately 2,500 square feet
Condo
$3.895M
Taxes: $1,843 a month
Open House: Sunday, July 10, 12:30 to 2 p.m.

Lowdown: The owner of this apartment is from TriBeCa, so “he tried to recreate that feeling of an open loft space, with really great finishes, in the apartment,” said Corcoran broker Timothy Melzer.

He bought the apartment about two years ago, then gutted it. Its centerpiece is the sprawling living room with exposed brick (which the owner repointed) and the original wood ceiling beams. The windows added during the renovation are “completely soundproof,” according to Melzer, and are locked with a key.

Unlike a loft, however, there are distinct rooms throughout the apartment: a dedicated dining room, a media room and three bedrooms.

“There is no wasted space,” Melzer said. “Every inch is utilized.”

Last year, the apartment went on the market for either rent or sale. “We ended up getting $15,000 a month to rent it,” Melzer said. The renter is still there on a month-to-month lease.

“If you calculate the property price and the rental income, you're getting an extremely rare return rate,” he said.

Location: There are two high-end hotels planned for this block, which Melzer predicted will bring up property values considerably. He also noted that “you're only a quarter of a block from Whole Foods.” The closest trains are the 1, F and M, all on 23rd St.

Why put it on your open house calendar? “It's one of the largest spaces you'll find with this kind of renovation under $4 million,” Melzer said. 

147 Prospect Park Southwest, #11, Windsor Terrace
Two bedrooms/One bath
Approximately 850 square feet
Co-op
$750,000
Maintenance: $776 a month
Open House: Sunday, July 10, 11:30 to 1 p.m.

Lowdown: For those who can't decide if they prefer old or new interior details, "this is a perfect marriage of classic prewar detail and a modern renovation," said Brooklyn Real broker Mary LaRosa Lederer. 

She noted that this apartment has more prewar details than many others in the building, with coffered ceilings, parquet floors, moldings, transoms and arched entryways. Even the dumbwaiter remains, although it was transformed into a makeshift cabinet.

In the kitchen, there's still a space built into the wall that was used to hold vegetables. But otherwise the kitchen has undergone a modern renovation to open it up to the rest of the apartment. The bathroom, too, was renovated. 

Creating an open, bright space was one of the main goals of the owners during their renovation. "You have windows in the front and back of the apartment so you already have good cross ventilation," said LaRosa Lederer. A screen separates the master bedroom from the dining area; it can be easily opened to let more light in. 

From both the living room and second bedroom there are views of Prospect Park. Its location on the third floor (of a walkup building), means the apartment looks out onto treetops. 

Location: Besides Prospect Park right across the street, "you have three restaurants in that two block radius," LaRosa Lederer said. She lives a block away from this building and has seen the food scene in the neighborhood picking up. A walk to the Prospect Park Circle, on the southwest corner of the park, takes about seven minutes. There are more restaurants and bars there, as well as the F/G trains.

Why put it on your open house calendar? "The combo of prewar and renovation," LaRosa Lederer said.

26 East 38th St. #5F, Murray Hill
One bedroom/One bath
Approximately 850 square feet
Co-op
$849,000
Maintenance: $1,217 a month
Open House: Sunday, July 10, 11 to 1:00 p.m.

Lowdown: A renovation within the last six months ensured this apartment was “designed for entertaining,” said Douglas Elliman broker Anna Lobanova.

The apartment, however, had good bones to begin with. It boasts a terrace off the master bedroom as well as a spacious private roof deck. “To have two terraces is so unusual smack dab in the middle of Manhattan,” Lobanova noted.

The terrace — which is separated from the bedroom by a wall of glass — is ideal for morning coffee or a low-key gathering. A bamboo fence surrounding it lends a sense of privacy, Lobanova said. Up a spiral staircase is the roof deck, which fits a dining table suited for large gatherings. There's also water access if the new owner wants to add plantings.

The apartment is located on the top floor of a historic townhouse, and its wood-burning fireplace is still working. A more modern kitchen was added in the renovation, as well as a washer/dryer combo.

Being on the top floor of a townhouse means this unit is at the top of a five-story walkup. Lobanova said that it has been manageable for the current owners, who have a young child.

“You're getting the best light and outdoor space from the top floor,” she said. “It's worth the climb.”

Location: “The street is quiet,” said Lobanova, “But you're within walking distance to these incredible landmarks.” Those include the Morgan Library and Museum, Bryant Park and Grand Central Terminal. The closest subway lines, at Grand Central, are the 4/5/6/7.

Why put it on your open house calendar? “It's a one-of-a-kind place you must check out in person,” Lobanova said.