Downtown Digs

While Manhattan’s
Upper West and Upper East Sides are notably perfect for growing fams, there is
a wealth of family-friendly buildings downtown that also fit the bill. We’ve
done some scouting and found four fabulous finds for the modern urban family.
Check out these downtown digs.

354 Broadway, Unit 7
| D’ARTE HOUSE
Tribeca

The D’Arte House boasts more than just a swanky location.
Floor to ceiling windows allow you to bask in natural sunlight and enjoy a
stunning city view. The 12-foot high ceilings and wood burning fireplace make
it both spacious and cozy. Features include a state of the art chef’s kitchen,
master bedroom with its own private bath, terrace and sitting area. This
two-bedroom is within walking distance of six schools and plenty of
entertainment.

Asking Price: $2,900,000
Maintenance/CC: $1,935
Agent: John Gomes, Prudential
Douglas Elliman, 212-727-6178

99 John Street, Unit
301 | 99 John Deco Lofts
Financial District

This two-bedroom, two-bath luxury loft boasts soaring 11- to 14-foot ceilings
and a gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances and lacquer cabinetry.
Bathrooms contain marble countertops and floors. The 27-story building features
a landscaped roof deck, fitness center and resident’s lounge with billiards,
flat screen televisions and iPod docking stations. Families can appreciate
amenities including a 24-hour concierge service, bicycle storage, onsite
parking garage, valet and laundry service. Plus, residents can take in views of
the East and Hudson Rivers.

Asking Price:
$1,250,000
Maintenance/CC: $814
Agent: Nest Seekers
International, 212-217-9999, Christian Gonzalez and Tali Berzak

70 Little West Street, Unit 4G | The Visionaire
Battery Park City

With its tree-lined streets and waterfront view, this Battery
Park City abode is absolutely idyllic. It comes with two bedrooms, a separate
dining room and built-in office for working from home. The master bedroom has
motorized blinds with black out shades—perfect for sleeping late or mid-day
naps with your little one. And the 12-foot aquarium of tropical fish that
greets you in the lobby seals the deal. Families can enjoy long walks along the
Hudson or head to nearby Tribeca
galleries for a little weekend culture.

Asking Price: $1,390,000
Maintenance/CC: $1,727
Agent: Elaine
Clayman, Brown Harris Stevens, 212-906-9353

176 Broadway, Unit 10D
Financial District

This renovated apartment lies in the heart of the Financial
District and offers an open kitchen, two bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms. It has an
additional area that easily transitions into an office space, along with a full
river view, an amazing roof deck and a laundry facility. The kitchen is brand
new with stainless appliances, wood cabinets and a large pantry for storage.
Even better, central air is included with the maintenance fee and pets are
allowed.

Asking Price:
$839,000
Maintenance/CC:
$1,992
Agent: Ronnie Russo Landau, Corcoran, 212-848-0494

PRICES ON ALL PROPERTIES
AS OF JANUARY 11, 2012.

Speakitaly NYC

SPEAKITALY NYC offers stimulating and entertaining lessons for children 0 to 16 years through a wide combination of activities based on the communicative approach anchored in the Common European Framework of Reference: active learning (group work, role plays, etc.) and practice exercises aimed to improve listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Kids will start speaking and using Italian in a very natural way.&nbsp; Small classes capped at 6 students to make sure each one gets the needed attention and facilitate learners' progress.&nbsp; Our method is driven by a didactic method that is the result of constant updates, professional certifications and more than 10 years of experience in working with non-native speakers from different native languages and levels of knowledge. Our aim is to develop a range of Italian language skills while improving accuracy that will enable the students and participants to interact without stress or feeling rushed. We want to help those in the community really embrace not only the true culture in Italy but the Italian culture within New York City&hellip; Who doesn&rsquo;t love what Italy represents in the kitchen, in history &amp; in the arts? Speakitaly wants to support multilingual families who want to learn a new language or pass along their ancestor&rsquo;s heritage and culture. Raffaella, the founder said: "We see language awareness and intercultural sensitivity as the milestones for an inclusive society. Italian, like all other languages, is an enrichment and a growth in every way. Vi aspettiamo!"

Music Together

Music Together&reg; is for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and their parents/caregiver. The classes include songs, rhythmic rhymes and movement, and instrument play activities that are developmentally appropriate for the children and easy for parents and caregivers, regardless of their own musical ability.

Chickenshed NYC

Chickenshed is an inclusive theatre company that began in the UK in 1974. Chickenshed NYC is a young organization bringing that same ethos and unique methodology to the USA. Chickenshed&rsquo;s mission is to create entertaining and outstanding theatre that celebrates diversity and inspires positive change. Chickenshed's model of Inclusive Theatre is based in the belief that everyone can flourish when everyone is included. At Chickenshed everyone is welcome, everyone is valued, and together we produce remarkable theatre. We want to break down barriers between people to create a world without labels and where differences no longer divide. At Chickenshed, support is given to those who need it, and given by those who can . We believe that creative activities, self-expression and performance should be available to anyone who has the desire, no matter their background or circumstances. We know that when everyone has the opportunity to shine, amazing things happen. Chickenshed NYC provides programming for little ones, children and youth through semester-long activities and performances.