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...

Best Lunch in Tribeca

Columbine, is not only the state flower of Colorado, it is home to the BEST lunch spot in Tribeca. Lines that wrap around the corner only prove that locals agree.


Fresh bread delivered every morning and local produce are staples to this Tribeca take out joint. The menu is inventive with daily specials to keep you from getting bored. But trust me, once you find a favorite, you will dream about it at night. I wake up craving Donald's Famous Smoked Chicken Salad with Lettuce and Tomato on Ciabatta. Or maybe you would prefer Columbine's Jerk Chicken Sandwich with Grilled Red Onions, Mango-Cilantro Relish and Jamaican Hot Sauce or the Tuscan Vegetarian: Italian White Bean Puree with Garlic and Cracked Black Pepper, Red Onions, Oven Dried Tomatoes, Arugula, Shaved Parmesan (or not) on Pizza Bianca. Are you salivating yet? Don't eat your keyboard.

For lighter options, they offer 3 daily soup specials like Sweet Red and Yellow Pepper Puree (veg) or Portuguese Chick Pea with Pancetta, Escarole and Parmesan Garnish. Their salads are packed with veggies and flavor, like the Romaine with Toasted Hazelnuts, Asparagus, Asiago and Champagne-shallot Vinaigrette.

Okay, I think I have tortured you enough. You can thank me after your first bite.

Columbine
229 West Broadway (cross White St.)
212-965-0909
http://www.columbine229.com/index.html
Open for breakfast and lunch.
Delivery and catering available

If you disagree, don't worry. I am still searching...