New Developments on the Skyline

In New York real estate, each new development tries to one up the next. With the recent unveiling of 23 East 22nd Street and 56 Leonard, other buildings pale in comparison.

Architect Rem Koolhaas, of One Madison Park fame, has released renderings of its sister building, directly behind its brother. 23 East 22nd Street reminds me of my two favorite childhood games, Legos and peek-a-boo. The stepped design is reminiscent of the Lego buildings I made as a kid. While mine toppled over, this one is sure to stand the test of time. Koolhaas cantilevered the building 30 feet over its neighbor so that residents can peek-a-boo around One Madison Park to see the park. The 18 residences will have amenities such as the Creative Artists Agency (CAA) Screening Room, pool, gym and a Charlie Trotter restaurant. Projected completion is late 2010 with prices starting at $3.5 million for a 2 bedroom. Or you can drop $45 million for the 6 bedroom penthouse. If they take Monopoly money, I'll take it.

In Tribeca, Herzog & de Meuron revealed their masterpiece, 56 Leonard. The "houses stacked in the sky" are comprised of 145 residences, each with its own unique floor plan and private outdoor space, blending indoors and outdoors seamlessly together. The units all cantilever over each other in a profusion of balconies and glass. Since there are no tall building around, residents will enjoy views from downtown Manhattan to as far as the Atlantic Ocean. Units range from 1,430 square feet to 6,380 square feet, and will include two- to five-bedroom residences and 10 penthouses. Prices start at $3.5 million, up to $33 million.

If you would like to view these properties or have any other real estate needs, please contact me at jireland@coregroupnyc.com. These are two cool new properties, but I am still searching...

Flatiron Pedestrian Mall

Love, love, love. That's how I feel about the new pedestrian area around the Flatiron building. Before the mall was conceived, tourists had to dodge traffic to get the perfect photo of the famous landmark. It was like a sick and twisted game of Frogger. Now, they can comfortably sit in front of it while enjoying a Shake Shack burger. Surrounded by big planters of foliage to block out the traffic and shaded by bright blue umbrellas, the tables are a convenient place to relax and take in the sight.

Additionally, traffic is less congested because signs clearly direct drivers which way to go. Fifth Avenue or Broadway? It's not the former free for all where truckers crossed 3 lanes of traffic to make a turn. Bikers are happy too with their own well marked bike lane.

So on the next gorgeous day, enjoy the way NYC spent our tax dollars. Take a seat and look up. The Fuller building may be better known as the Flatiron building, but it is still magnificent. As for the perfect structure, I am still searching...