More than ever, parents are choosing to raise their kids in the city.After all, there’s no other place in the world where such an array of arts and culture, beautiful public parks and green spaces, top schools and diverse neighborhoods can be found within a five-minute walk of one’s front door. Despite the tumultuous economy, families are investing in new homes here, and developers are meeting the demand. In what feels like an unprecedented residential building boom, luxury apartments seem to be going up on every block, and many of them are catering to families. From onsite play spaces with children’s programming, to entertainment lounges stocked with games, to concierge services that arrange everything from vacations to birthday parties, buildings are offering up an abundance of amenities just for families. If this new style of city living appeals to you, then enjoy the parade of new buildings on the following pages. One of them might just be the right fit for your family.

UPPER EAST SIDE

Azure (333 East 91st Street)

This 34-story luxury building features one- to fivebedroom apartments with expansive windows offering views of the East River and Manhattan. “Azure is at the vanguard of a new way of family living in Manhattan,” says Douglas MacLaury of the Mattone Group, one of the building’s joint developers along with The DeMatteis Organizations. “It’s a property that offers so much at such exceptional value.” Azure has studios, one-, two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom homes, including combination homes that allow families to customize their living space. Families will appreciate the building’s amenities, which include a residents’ lounge, a fitness center, a private dining room with catering kitchen, and a landscaped roof terrace. There’s a children’s playroom, as well as a teen game room equipped with video games, billiards, and foosball.

Central Park Plaza (1851 Adam Clayton Powell)

This elegant pre-war condominium conversion has the perfect family-friendly location: it’s just steps from Central Park. The six- and seven-room homes are situated within two six-story limestone and brick buildings spanning a full city block. The apartments are spacious with open kitchens, solid wood oak floors, high ceilings, and architectural crown and base moldings. Residents also receive a complimentary one-year membership to the Abigail Michaels concierge service, which provides services related to home needs, entertainment, travel, shopping, and more. Parents and kids alike will love the amenities, which include a roof deck overlooking Central Park, a fitness center, and plenty of storage space.

Georgica (305 East 85th Street)

Inspired by the Georgica Pond in East Hampton, this 20-story building offers 58 units. “Georgica’s furnished model residences showcase the luxury of space, the flexibility of floor plans and unlimited decorating potential,” noted Rob Kaliner, principal of Ascend Group LLC, developer of Georgica. “These homes highlight the versatility of the building, which suits many preferences and lifestyles.” Building amenities include a children’s playroom, landscaped roof deck with playground, a concierge service, a private fitness center and more.

Isis Condominium (303 East 77th Street)

This boutique residence offers up intimate living— there are only 32 homes, and just two per floor. The two-, three-, and four-bedroom units feature top-of-the-line Subzero and Viking appliances, Poggenpohl cabinetry, steam showers and radiant heat flooring in the master bathrooms, hardwood floors, and oversized windows that let in plenty of light. Building amenities include a common rooftop terrace, beautifully-designed lobby, and sophisticated video intercom security system. Plus, families will appreciate that the building is located just a short walk from Central Park.

Manhattan House (200 East 66th Street)

This luxury building is full of inspired amenities, including a Roto Studio-designed children’s playroom, where kids can explore science, art and culture. Another notable building feature is the rooftop Manhattan Club, with panoramic skyline views, an expansive terrace, indoor library and lounge. Set within one of Manhattan’s largest private residential gardens, Manhattan House offers spacious and light-filled apartments, many featuring multiple exposures, expansive closets and storage space, fireplaces and private balconies. “This, complemented by its location in the heart of the Upper East Side just moments from prominent private and public schools, Central Park, restaurants and activities, is why many, including residents who grew up in the building, have chosen Manhattan House as the place to raise families of their own,” says Brian Fallon, partner of O’Connor Capital Partners and president of Manhattan House.

Miraval Living (515 East 72nd Street)

Designed by Miraval, known for its high-end resorts and spas, Miraval Living is a unique and luxurious addition to the Upper East Side. Perhaps its biggest draw for families is its close-knit community: the building features a children’s activity center with art and education classes, and a private park with lawn chairs and tables. There’s also a swimming pool, a basketball court, and a gym with an indoor and outdoor yoga studio, and spa—among other features. “It’s one place in the city where you have the best of both worlds in perfect balance,” sums up Elaine Diratz, managing director at Corcoran Sunshine.

BATTERY PARK CITY

The Visionaire (55 Battery Place)

Located in Battery Park, the 35-story Visionaire is a green building featuring natural materials, an advanced fresh air supply system, and energy-saving technology. It also boasts a fitness center and spa, a landscaped roof garden, a sky-lit indoor pool, a children’s playroom, and a 12-foot reef aquarium. But most noteworthy is its children’s programming, provided by Wellness 360. “Because The Visionaire is truly a community, we have the opportunity to talk to the residents to find out exactly what they want and need,” says Liz Neporent, president of Wellness 360. Just a few of the activities they offer: swim lessons, story times, and family movie nights.

FINANCIAL DISTRICT

200 Water Street

The 576 newly renovated residences in this luxury building have a unique perk: VIP access to the worldfamous Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, which is opening next door as a 3-story restaurant. Tenants can bypass the long lines, and get free delivery service. 200 Water Street also boasts other family-friendly touches, including a rooftop terrace on the 33rd floor with chaises, card tables, cabanas, a BBQ grill, WiFi access, and a waterfall shower that kids will love. The residences themselves are spacious (the two-bedroom apartments, for example, are 1,500-square-feet) and feature oversized windows offering views of the East River, Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges and neighboring South Street Seaport.

MIDTOWN WEST

Emerald Green (320 West 38th Street)

Consisting of two 24story towers and 569 apartments with spacious layouts and impressive city views, Emerald Green is a luxury rental building that lives up to its name. The building is designed to qualify for LEED certification, and features recycled-content construction materials, water-efficient plumbing, and a parking garage outfitted with electric car charging stations—among other features. “Enhancing the quality of life for not only our residents, but also future generations is a top priority,” says Gary Jacob, executive vice president of Glenwood Management, the building’s developer. There’s no shortage of onsite activities, either: building amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center and swimming pool, a circular stone whirlpool spa, a children’s playroom with hand-painted murals, and a screening room with theater-style seating.

Silver Towers (620 West 42nd Street)

Built by World Trade Center developer Larry Silverstein, this pair of 60-story glass towers comprise the largest rental development in New York City and features 935 market-rate residences, ranging from studios to penthouses. An onsite park features a bronze playground sculpture designed by renowned artist Tom Otterness. “The public park at Silver Towers will be a magnificent oasis for the families of the Clinton District area,” says Lisa Silverstein, project developer for Silver Towers. “From the giant play sculpture and bocce ball court to the multiple options for gathering in beautiful outdoor settings, the development will further enhance the neighborhood for everyone.” The building also features an indoor pool, concierge, dog run, state-ofthe art fitness center, and Wi-Fi Lounge, among other features.

CHELSEA

120 Eleventh Ave

Located near Hudson River Park and the Highline, this original turn-of-the-century loft building in the West Chelsea gallery district features five true lofts and two modern triplex penthouse residences. The homes have oversized windows, restored original hardwood floors, and generously sized layouts. Since there are entrances to the building on both 11th Avenue and West 20th Street, all of the lofts have private elevator access. And a big plus for families: “Each loft will have a mem bership for two to Chelsea Piers, which is across the street, for one year,” says Lida Drummond, a sales associate with Prudential Douglas Elliman.

Chelsea Enclave (177 Ninth Avenue)

Set amid the grounds of The General Theological Seminary, this luxury building overlooks The Close—a serene stretch of lawns, gardens and trees. “This is such a unique location in the city, I really don’t think there is any place like it,” says Dan Brodsky, managing partner with The Brodsky Organization, the building’s developer. The 53 residences at the Chelsea Enclave include one-, two-, three, and four bedrooms and penthouses. A big draw for families is the onsite apple seeds, a popular children’s play space. There’s also a private roof lounge with a children’s play area and a sundeck with a built-in grill. Plus, a tennis court and day care center operated by the seminary are available to Chelsea Enclave residents.

UPPER WEST SIDE

200 West (200 West 72nd Street) Located on Broadway and 72nd Street on the Upper West Side, 200 West is a noteworthy addition to the luxury rental market. “I think it stands apart from other rental apartments because we’ve paid so much attention to every detail,” says Jeffrey Kaye, vice president of the Gotham Real Estate Developers, the building’s developer. The 196 luxury apartments include a high number of spacious two- and three-bedroom homes, which are relatively uncommon in the rental market. Each has its own washer-dryer unit and plenty of closet space. The building is eco-friendly and features Energy Saver appliances and water-saving plumbing features. Families will love spending time in the playroom and roof deck, which has a mist wall, sundeck, barbeque area, movie theatre screen, and fireplace area.

235 West 71st Street

This boutique building offers the best of both worlds: it’s small and intimate, yet features an abundance of services, including a full-time doorman, playroom, gym, storage room, bike room and live-in super. In addition to sprawling full floor apartments with six-plus bedrooms, enormous eat-in kitchens and two family rooms/libraries, there is a ground floor duplex with a 1200-square foot garden, and a ninth-floor full floor apartment with a huge landscaped terrace. “This is a unique building with only large apartments and not many apartments—thus providing very high attention to owners’ needs,” says Lisa Lippman, senior vice president and director of Brown Harris Stevens.

905 West End Avenue

Situated one block from Riverside Park, this pre-war building features two- to four-bedroom units perfect for families. The interiors feature European elegance combined with modern design touches. The lobby offers a striking first impression, boasting a turn-of-the-century staircase accented by a stained-glass window. Residences have kitchens with granite countertops, white crackle mosaic tile backsplash, Tuscan Botticino floors; and bathrooms with Zuma bathtubs and Waterworks fixtures. Enjoying the boutique environment, the building comes complete with a roof deck for the owners, as well as bike storage, onsite resident managers and a 24-hour doorman.

The Apthorp (390 West End Avenue)

The legacy of The Apthorp dates back to 1908, when financier William Waldorf Astor and his team of architects made it the world’s largest residential building. Today, families can still enjoy its Italian Renaissance detailing and design—not to mention an expansive interior courtyard. But the building also boasts floor plans and amenities suited to the tastes and lifestyles of today’s families. Originally consisting of 10-room apartments with six bedrooms, today’s renovated residences are still breathtaking in size and range from 1,100 to 6,000 square-feet and four to 12 rooms. The building also has plans to add a fitness center and children’s playroom.

The Ariel (East and West; 2628 Broadway and 245 West 99th Street)

The changing face of the Upper West Side includes Ariel East and West, twin luxury glass towers. The buildings offer two- to five-bedroom residences with views of Central Park and the Hudson River. Ariel East has 50 feet of outdoor space with a playground, and Ariel West has a 100-foot private landscaped garden off of the lobby as well as a three-lane, 51-foot swimming pool. Residents can enjoy the La Palestra fitness center, which features a half-court basketball court, a billiards parlor with a grand piano, a pet spa, and a 15-seat private screening room.

The Rushmore (Riverside Boulevard at 64th Street)

This building’s proximity to Riverside Park is a compelling draw for families. “Riverside South has the flavor of the Upper West Side with a tremendous sense of luxury and individuality, because it is on the waterfront and on the park,” not to mention near Lincoln Center and other great spots, says Donna Gargano, senior vice president of Extell, the building’s developer. The building also has a private sundeck and a private onsite screening room, which Gargano says is part of the Rushmore’s “entertainment suite.” You can work up a sweat in the La Palestra fitness center and 50-foot pool. Kidville NY runs the children’s playroom, and residents receive a free membership and classes at Kidville’s main complex on Columbus Avenue.

TRIBECA

Barclay Tower (10 Barclay Street)

This 58-story, 396-unit luxury rental building offers an intimate living environment and familyfriendly amenities. “What makes us different from other buildings is our culture,” says Steve Maschi, director of marketing at Glenwood Management, Barclay Tower’s developer and management company. “Our philosophy is when you walk past the front door, you’re home, before you even cross your apartment door.” The building’s one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments are spacious, featuring nine-foot ceilings, oversized windows, eat-in kitchens with granite countertops, and lots of closet space and a washer and dryer in each unit. In addition, the building has a top-notch playroom and an indoor pool with dedicated swim times just for kids.

KIPS BAY, TURTLE BAY, & MURRAY HILL

Waterside Plaza (10-40 Waterside Plaza)

A group of four residential towers nestled against the East River at 25th Street, Waterside Plaza boasts spacious two- and three-bedroom luxury rentals as well as furnished units. “Families love the fact that Waterside Plaza is ready-made for children—the plaza is secure and spacious, making it a safe area in which children can play. In addition, families can enjoy concerts, movies, and holiday celebrations,” says Peter Davis, managing director of Waterside Plaza. Residents of the Plaza also have access to its onsite amenities, including a playroom and outdoor playground, The Waterside Swim & Health Club, an onsite garage, and Creative Dream Parties, a facility that hosts themed birthday parties for kids. An onsite concierge desk helps families plan everything from vacations to music lessons.

Paramount Tower (240 East 39th Street)

The 52-story Paramount Tower is a luxury rental building that has high-end features and services while also maintaining a family-friendly feel. “Paramount Tower sets the standard for exceptional living from the moment one enters the elegant lobby. Every detail of the public spaces, attentive services and sophisticated homes conveys quality and comfort,” says Gary Jacob, executive vice president of Glenwood Management. One-, two- and three-bedroom apartments are available, which are accessed by quiet high-speed elevators and warmly lit corridors with alabaster fixtures and sconces. Amenities include an impressive swim and fitness center with a lap pool; saunas; a landscaped, furnished sun terrace; a children’s playroom; and a recreational lounge with an adjacent kitchen—perfect for children’s birthday parties.

ROOSEVELT ISLAND

Riverwalk Court (415 Main Street)

This luxury waterfront condominium on Roosevelt Island offers the best of both worlds. “You get city living in a serene environment. It’s quiet. It’s safe. But you also have access to Manhattan within minutes,” says Kimberly Sherman Stamler, a vice president at Related, the building’s developer. The 18-story building has one-, two-, and threebedroom apartments featuring white oak flooring, floorto-ceiling windows with city views, and contemporary kitchens. Building amenities include a children’s playroom, entertainment lounge with adjoining rooftop sundeck, fitness center and yoga studio, and rooftop cabanas. Roosevelt Island itself is 47 acres, two-thirds of which are devoted to public parks, promenades, and open spaces—including a soccer field right outside the building.

RIVERDALE

Solaria (640 West 237th Street)

This building offers generously sized one-, two-, threeand four-bedroom homes, and its amenities include an indoor playroom designed by Pottery Barn Kids and a stargazing deck. Residents have formed play groups that often gather in the residents’ lounge, which has a home theater system, Nintendo Wii, cozy seating, and a kitchen and dining area. The building also offers a $30,000 education credit at closing. “Because Riverdale is home to so many of New York City’s top schools, we thought that home buyers would appreciate a program that helps them get a jumpstart on a first-rate education for their children,” says Joseph Korff, principal of Arc Development, the Solaria’s developer.

BROOKLYN

BellTel Lofts (365 Bridge Street)

Located in the center of downtown Brooklyn, BellTel Lofts features oversized lofts in a landmarked Art Deco building, according to JJ Bistricer, vice president of Clipper Equity, the building’s developer. The interior has been completely renovated to accommodate New York families looking for real living space. There are 250 units with over 100 different floor plans, many with terraces with city or river views. Building amenities include a rooftop terrace and a 6,500sq. ft. recreation space with a dedicated children’s playroom finished with toys and furniture, a fitness center, a yoga/ pilates studio, and screening room. A business center allows for a quiet place for work or meetings.

One Brooklyn Bridge Park (360 Furman Street)

This 14-story, 449-unit building, housing everything from studios to penthouses, overlooks the East River and is situated within the planned Brooklyn Bridge Park. “Lovely Brooklyn Heights is already well known for being a great family neighborhood,” says Sarah Burke, vice president of sales and marketing at The Developers Group. Amenities include a large children’s playroom, a music room, an art room, and a large roof terrace. There also are 550 parking spaces available for sale or lease.

One Hanson Place (1 Hanson Place)

The site of the former Williamsburg Savings Bank is now a 37-story luxury building for families. The historically landmarked exterior and ground floor of the bank have been retained, and the site houses 189 spacious residential units with open kitchens and high-end appliances, and bathrooms featuring custom vanities and mosaic stone. Amenities include a children’s playroom, free bike/stroller storage, a 24-hour doorman and business center, sky lounge and terrace, fitness center, and two common roof terraces. The building’s location is near the Brooklyn Academy of Music Cultural District and Fort Greene Park.

The Edge (Williamsburg Waterfront)

Bordered by the East River, shopping, dining, and the East River State Park, The Edge (pictured on page 92) is part of a revitalization of the waterfront area in northern Williamsburg. It’s home to two residential buildings containing 565 condominiums, 60,000 square feet of retail space, below-grade parking, and approximately 1.75 acres of open space slated to include a public park, promenade, and a water taxi landing. Residents can luxuriate in an indoor openair pool with outdoor terrace, yoga studio, theatre screening rooms, and children’s playroom. “For busy families, having a full-service building creates a very safe harbor,” says Jeffrey Levine, head of Douglaston Development, the building’s developer.