Ten New Family-Friendly Buildings In Manhattan

200 East 79th Street

A few years ago, the city landscape was blessed with a big harvest of new luxury residential buildings. Seizing on the fact that more and more young families were opting to stay in the city rather than move to the ‘burbs, developers met their needs with buildings loaded with special amenities—from movie rooms to swimming pools—to help enhance family living. Reflecting the downturn in the economy, the rate of new amenity-rich buildings appearing on the market slowed to a trickle, but when we surveyed the city for this article, we found more new (or new-ish) and exciting residential properties than we had anticipated. And to give you a better sense of your local options, we threw in a few classics as well.

West River House: 424 West End Avenue

Located in the heart of the Upper West Side, at 81st Street and West End Avenue, West River House is one of Manhattan Skyline’s properties that families love: a rental building with family-sized luxury-appointed apartments up to convertible three-bedrooms. A very pet-friendly building, its amenities include a staffed penthouse fitness center, a fully furnished and landscaped roof deck with river and skyline views, a 24-hour doorman, laundry rooms on every floor, a 24-hour attended parking garage, and “Sky’s the Limit” concierge. Of course, the building is also a brief walk away from Riverside Park, the Museum of Natural History, and the Children’s Museum—not to mention the West Side’s great food shopping. manhattanskyline.com; 347.728.0367; [email protected]

The Story House: 36 East 22nd Street

A boutique, nine-story condominium located in the middle of the Flatiron district (an up and coming area for families), The Story House offers full-floor fantasy condos filled with light, space, and wonderful amenities. Developed by Manhattan Skyline, the luxury building boasts eight full-floor loft residences, all with privately keyed elevator access directly into each home. The remaining homes on the top two floors of the building offer expansive, three-bedroom and three-bathroom layouts as well as outdoor terraces. To complete the story, all of the apartments have gourmet chef open kitchens and remote controlled gas fireplaces, not to mention access to a VIP concierge service. thestoryhousenyc.com; 212.697.8679; [email protected]

Philip House: 141 East 88th Street

Ranging in size from 702-square-foot one-bedrooms to 3,795-square-foot five-bedrooms, all of the 79 units in this completely renovated pre-war condo on the Upper East Side feature distinctive crown moldings, wide plank oak flooring, coffered ceilings, and wood-burning fireplaces. Building amenities include a landscaped rooftop terrace with a resident-only club room furnished with comfortable lounge areas, 60” LED HD televisions, surround sound, Wi-Fi, and wet bar. Residents will also have access to a separate gaming room equipped with game systems and foosball table, a music practice room, a Technogym fitness center, and on-site storage. In addition, a full-time staff of doormen and porters, as well as a resident superintendent, will be available on-site. philiphousenyc.com; 212.860.4188

Barclay Tower: 10 Barclay Street

One of the newer buildings to join Glenwood’s roster of luxury rental properties, the 58-story, 396-unit Barclay Tower offers an intimate living environment and amenities that are well-suited to families. The building’s one-, two-, and convertible three-bedroom apartments are spacious and cleverly designed, featuring nine-foot ceilings, oversized windows, eat-in kitchens with granite countertops, and lots of closet space, plus a washer and dryer in each unit. Building amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center with yoga room, a fully furnished party room, kitchen, and dining area equipped with an indoor/outdoor terrace and serving bar, a nautical-themed children’s playroom with hand-painted murals, and a swimming pool with special times set aside for kids. glenwoodnyc.com; 212.430.5900

Reade57: 57 Reade Street

A luxury condominium located in Tribeca, Reade57 offers three-bedroom residences up to 1,863 square feet. And in a neighborhood where the average price of a home is over $4 million, Reade57 gives families the chance to live in Tribeca at a lower cost. Developed by the John Buck Company, the team took a radical departure from traditional lofts to offer a diversified unit mix, with starting prices of the three-bedroom units at under $3.25 million. Homes feature sleek, contemporary finishes including teak floors, floor-to-ceiling glass windows, solid core doors, and some ceiling heights of up to 9’10”. Additionally, every home features central air with digital thermostats and in-residence washers and dryers. Building amenities include a landscaped common terrace, fitness center, lounge, a 24-hour doorman, and bicycle units. reade57.com; 212.396.5801; Shlomi Reuveni at [email protected]

Azure: 333 East 91st Street

Azure has great appeal to families who want to be on the Upper East Side, and are seeking family-sized residences at great values (compared to other parts of the area). Located at 333 East 91st Street—just a few strides away from Carl Schurz Park—the 34-story residential building offers floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning views of the East River and Manhattan, along with top kitchen appliances and Bosch washers and dryers. The building also provides 6,300 square feet of amenity space including a children’s playroom, a teen lounge with pool and foosball tables and Internet access, a fully equipped athletic facility, and a 24-hour concierge and valet service. Azure has also become known for customizing units to best fit the needs of its families; often, larger spaces are created by combining units. azureny.com; 888.509.8539; [email protected]

1214 Fifth Avenue

Recently opened, 1214 Fifth Avenue is the tallest rental building on the Upper East Side’s Fifth Avenue, offering amazing views of Central Park and proximity to the area’s great schools and cultural institutions. The rental property, managed by Related, is smoke free and pet friendly, and features a children’s playroom, a media room with theater-style seating, and 185 apartments including convertible two-bedrooms, corner two-bedrooms, and three-bedrooms, all perfect for families. There’s also a fitness lounge, an indoor pool, and—something you rarely see in Manhattan these days—a drive-through courtyard! 1214fifthavenue.com; 212.268.1214

200 East 79th Street

A few years ago, developer Orin Wilf raised the lifestyle bar on family living in the city with 170 East End. His next residential enterprise, 200 East 79th Street, will open its sales office in early October—and it’s looking like an easy sell, especially for families. The intimate 19-story development will house 39 residences, combining a modernist aesthetic with materials and details that evoke prewar luxury residential architecture in its Upper East Side neighborhood. Imagine grand entertainment spaces, eat-in kitchens, family rooms, laundry rooms, and generous closet space—not to mention a gymnasium with a children’s basketball court, ping pong, a ballet bar, and yoga area. 200e79.com; 212.729.4355

225 Rector Place

What family doesn’t need some relaxing feng shui in their daily lives? A new 24-story luxury condo in Battery Park City, 225 Rector Place has been re-envisioned by internationally acclaimed hospitality designer Clodagh, thanks to the magic she works with color, lighting, and material selection. The building’s 181 contemporary residences, including 12 exquisite penthouses, are designed with one of two distinct palettes: the first being open, modern, and decidedly downtown; the other inspired by the textures and colors of nature. Residents also get to enjoy building amenities like a swimming pool with oversized skylights, a fitness center, yoga studio, children’s playroom, and a landscaped rooftop retreat with views of the harbor and Statue of Liberty. rectorplace225.com; 212.779.0225

One Museum Mile: 1280 Fifth Avenue

Art aficionados—and the rest of us—have found the perfect home at the 21-story tower known as One Museum Mile. It houses 116 luxury condominiums at the northeast corner of Central Park’s lush landscape and is the future home to the much anticipated Museum for African Art. The building offers studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes and penthouses as large as 2,118 square feet. Interiors are complete with white oak flooring, teak cabinetry, deep brown granite kitchen countertops, stainless steel appliances from Thermador, GE, and Bosch, and polished Dolomitti marble in the bathroom. Some residences take advantage of the verdant views with outdoor terrace space, and all families will find a multitude of amenities at their fingertips, including a children’s room, a teen game room, a rooftop pool with barbecue area, and a catering kitchen. onemuseummile.com; 212.996.1280

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Asphalt Green

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">Asphalt Green’s high-quality sports programs start at 4 months old. Two beautiful facilities in vibrant Manhattan neighborhoods provide the optimal space for children to learn the fundamentals, play for leisure, or compete at the highest level.<br />As the leading sports and fitness facility in Manhattan, Asphalt Green’s never-before- seen training methods focus on improving your mental and physical game. Whether participating in swim, soccer, flag football, martial arts, basketball, baseball, tennis, or volleyball, coaches instill values that set athletes up for success in life and bring out their full potential in sports.</span></p>

Dedimus Potestatem

<p>Dedimus Potestatem provides fun, engaging, academically challenging programs to students in primary, middle, and high school. Programs include Leadership, Debate, Model United Nations, Computer Programming, Financial Literacy, Filmmaking, Philosophy, Model Congress, Mock Trial, Etiquette, Bioethics, Stem and Bioethics, and more. We currently offer both virtual and in-person private, semi-private, and group sessions and after-school programs. Contact us to bring us to your school today!</p> <p>Sessions</p> <p>We currently offer both virtual and in-person private, semi-private, and group sessions as well as after-school programs. To register, visit <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/bookclassesnow" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.potestatem.co/bookclassesnow </a>or email us at <a href="mailto:[email protected]?subject=REGISTER" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[email protected]</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/leadership" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Leadership: Middle School ages 10-13, High School ages 14-18</a></p> <p>This is a unique leadership course that gives students the skills they need to succeed in life. Using an activity-based syllabus centered around character traits most sought and admired in leaders (initiative, honesty, self-control, adaptability, empathy, persuasiveness, resourcefulness, diligence, tolerance, determination, generosity, punctuality, courage, reliability, endurance, deference, creativity and integrity) students learn how to deal with situations they encounter in life. These building blocks will ensure they grow to become the leaders so sought after by our burgeoning society. Our grading rubric was adapted with the permission of Neil Mercer, the Director of research and Head of Faculty at The University of Cambridge.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/little-leaders-prek-and-kindergarten" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Little Leaders: Primary School Ages 6-9</a></p> <p>Developed by former pre-school and elementary teachers, this ethics-centered program utilizes a play-based method to encourage students to explore and apply soft skills in their daily lives. While cultivating the skills they will need to build strong, successful relationships, they will learn how to find their voice and showcase themselves in the best way. Students will learn to communicate and negotiate so they can be better team leaders and team players. Students will learn how to deal with situations they encounter in life, such as bullying, cheating, conflicts between two or more parties, and more. The inculcation of these values in our children's formative years will ensure they grow to become the leaders so sought after by our burgeoning society.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/beginnersdebate" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Speech & Debate</a> (competitive and non-competitive programs available)</p> <p>This online after-school program prepares students for formal and informal presentations. Participants learn to craft and present arguments and inform, persuade, and motivate an audience in a variety of ways. According to the English Speaking Union, debate is a natural fit for students and compliments common core standards. Debate builds literacy and multi-media research skills, fosters critical thinking and expanded perspectives, enhances public speaking skills, increases confidence, trains students to listen effectively, supports diverse learners and strengthens civil engagement and discourse. </p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/model-un" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Model United Nations (Ages 11-18)</a></p> <p>Model UN simulates the six major organs of the United Nations. Students role play as delegates from a country of their choosing and learn to write and present resolutions based on topics they are passionate about-just as if they were representing member states of the United Nations. We utilize materials from National Model UN and video tutorials to teach students how to write and present position papers, working papers, and draft resolutions. Students use debate and negotiation to enlist the support of other delegates for their resolution. Model UN is a great way to teach students leadership skills like communication, conflict resolution, negotiation, and delegation.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/self-defense-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Self Defense and Empowerment</a></p> <p>Developed by a veteran Krav Maga specialist, this self-defense program will focus on the principle of healthy minds in healthy bodies. Students will focus on de-escalation techniques as well as safe and active means of self-defense. Through active games and fun drills, students will learn the disciplined focus, critical thinking, adaptability, and resilience necessary to achieve goals, as well as gain valuable social insights into leadership and teamwork. Students will expend energy and reduce stress while learning to stand and present confidently.</p> <p>Mock Trial (<a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/mock-trial-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fairy Tale Mock Trial for ages 7-9</a>, regular <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/mock-trial-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mock Trial Ages 10-18</a>)</p> <p>Mock trial is a hands-on simulation of the American judicial system. The goal is to help participants acquire a working knowledge of our judicial system, develop analytical abilities and communication skills, display leadership in a court of law, and gain an understanding of their obligations and responsibilities as participating members of our society. Materials for this course are provided by The American Bar Association.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/model-congress" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Model Congress: Ages 10-18</a></p> <p>This civics course simulates the legislative process. Students will learn about the electoral process, lobby for issues they are passionate about, draft and deliver bills, amend legislation, debate international policy, and learn how to effectively represent a constituent body of their choosing. We utilize materials from The Constitutional Rights Foundation, ICivics (founded by Justice Sandra Day O’Connor) and the National Model U.S. Congress. These resources have been proven to improve students’ civic knowledge, presentation, and core literacy skills. New research has also shown that the use of the aforementioned materials has also led to increased participation in the democratic process. Our objective in this course is to educate the next generation, nurture and inculcate a passion for civics and history and encourage young people to advocate for themselves.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/philosophy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Philosophy</a></p> <p>The focus of the Philosophy class is to examine and understand the ideas behind the most popular philosophies embraced throughout the world. To do this, students examine ethical situations through the lens of these philosophies and engage in a Socratic style debate. Students are presented with an ethical question and they must identify stakeholders and players within the dilemma, discuss the key moral issues and present opposing viewpoints. This class was built for students who wish to <a href="https://nhseb.unc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">compete in the middle or high school Ethics Bowl</a>. </p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/money-matters-financial-literacy-for-kids-afterschool">Money Matters: Financial Literacy for Students</a></p> <p>The Money Matters course is built to help students manage their personal finances, from building credit and loan applications to interest rates and investing strategies. This class will cover the basics of financial health, savings, spending habits, and budgeting. After learning how to store, track, and spend responsibly, students will learn about risk management, APRs, and tax preparation. This class will use real-life examples and teach students how to set and achieve financial goals. This course is ideal for middle and high school students.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/stem-dna-ethics" target="_blank" rel="noopener">STEM and Bioethics: (Ages 10-18)</a></p> <p>Our STEM program will give kids the opportunity to think critically about science and society, and to practice communicating scientific topics in ways everyone can understand. To be a successful scientist in our modern world, one must not only have a broad understanding of scientific material learned at school, but also the ability to communicate effectively and share that knowledge with others. Each week of this program will build on the previous while also introducing new scientific topics for discussion.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/virtual-after-school-etiquette" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Etiquette (Ages 5 and up)</a></p> <p>Due to increasing popular demand from groups and individuals, we have decided to offer our etiquette course as an eight week after-school class. Students will not only learn how to introduce themselves and their friends, they will explore appropriate language for quotidian and special occasions, how to enter and leave conversations, proper table behavior for different scenarios, effective strategies for conflict resolution and negotiation, the importance of tone, expression, and body language in every social interaction and why manners and soft skills are essential to a successful life.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/essay-writing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Speech and Essay Writing: Ages 10-18</a></p> <p>This group class includes eight one-hour online sessions focused on the creation, development, and delivery of informative and persuasive speeches. This program is tailored to the needs of the individual(s) in question and can include essay writing, use of stylistic devices, and persuasive rhetoric and/or instructions on how to craft and deliver a persuasive or informative multidimensional presentation with compelling slides, audio, and videos.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/visual-storytelling" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visual Storytelling</a></p> <p>Multimedia platforms have increasingly become more popular for educators, artists and businesses. Young people all over the world have begun using media to amplify initiatives, educate, share science, poetry, art, movement, culture and more. In this class students will learn to capture brief videos that share their voice and vision with the world.</p> <p>College application course </p> <p>Discover the fundamentals of style, narrative, and theme for the ideal college application essays! In these sessions, you will begin by examining outstanding Personal Statements and by brainstorming your own. Then, move on to draft and edit the specialized supplemental essays for each college on your list. Space is limited to ensure personalized attention.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/essay-writing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Academic writing</a> </p> <p>These are sessions focused on academic writing. Our tutors have years of experience in drafting, editing, and teaching essay writing. Each package will include a consultation with our tutors to assess individual needs. </p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/test-prep-sat-shsat-act-gre-gmat-asvab-tachs-more">Test Prep: SAT, SHSAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, ASVAB, TACHS + more</a></p> <p>These classes are focused on identifying the quickest and most efficient path toward improving students' standardized test scores. Starting with a diagnostic practice exam, this program will target the key subject matter your students need to master while integrating timing, triage, and practice strategies. We aim to regularly emulate the real-life conditions of tests until students are comfortable working quickly, accurately, and efficiently. Sessions can be one hour or two hours in length, as needed.</p> <p>Computer Programming: Coding for Kids</p> <p>In these sessions, we start by discussing the basics of computer programming, what it is, what it can do, and what it was built on. Then we will begin experimenting with block-based programming languages. Students will learn the basics of computer architecture, binary code, compilers, and algorithms. By the end of the course, students will be able to produce small programs of their own. The cost of materials is not included. This class is available to younger students (Ages K-1) and middle and high school students. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p>

Gaga Madness

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">Gaga is the hottest new sport in NYC. We've taken the fun of GAGA and pushed it into overdrive. Energetic coaches, pumped up music, sideline commentary, gear giveaways and more. Stay active and keep fit with this new craze that's sweeping the city.</span></p>