Where To Live Now

More and more parents are choosing to raise their kids in the city, and it’s easy to see why. There’s no other place in the world where such an array of arts and culture, public parks and green spaces, top schools and diverse neighborhoods can be found right outside one’s front door. And just as families are investing in new homes here, developers are meeting the demand. Luxury apartments seem to be going up on every block, and many of them are catering to families. From onsite play spaces and entertainment lounges to butlers who will walk children to school, buildings are offering an abundance of amenities designed to meet the needs of today’s city 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 WEST SIDE

808 COLUMBUS (808 Columbus
Avenue)

This rental
building is one of five residential developments comprising Columbus
Square, a new residential community located between 97th and 100th
streets and Columbus and Amsterdam Avenues. “Our slogan is ‘rent your
home, own your life,’” says Peter Rosenberg, director of development at
Stellar Management, the building’s co-developer. The building also
offers plenty of amenities to make family life convenient and enjoyable:
Think two acres of elevated landscaped lawns, a children’s playroom, a
residents’ lounge with private dining room and catering kitchen, a
70-foot mosaic tiled saltwater pool, a fitness center, a
bicycle/stroller storage room, and valet parking.

THE CORNER AT 200
WEST (200 West 72nd Street)

Located on the Southwest corner of 72nd Street and Broadway, The
Corner at 200 West is a noteworthy addition to the luxury rental
market. “It stands apart from other rental buildings because we’ve paid
so much attention to every detail,” says Jeffrey Kaye, vice president of
Gotham Developers, the building’s developer in a joint venture with
Philips International and Rhodes NY. The 196 luxury homes include
spacious two- and three-bedroom units, each with their own washer/dryer
and gourmet kitchen, and in the three-bedrooms, recessed personal safes,
custom powder rooms, and 36” Liebherr refrigerators. The ecofriendly
property features Energy Star appliances, low-e perimeter glass, and
plumbing features that promote water conservation. The Corner
anticipates a LEED Silver rating. Families will enjoy the children’s
playroom, and a 10,000square-foot landscaped roof terrace with
fireplace, misting wall, sundeck, barbeque area and movie projection
screen.

235 WEST
71ST STREET (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 1,200-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 (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 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
free membership and classes at Kidville’s main complex on Columbus
Avenue.

UPPER
EAST SIDE AZURE
(333 East 91st Street)

This 34-story luxury building features studio
to five-bedroom 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. Construction is expected to be complete
by early March.

THE BROMPTON (205 East 85th Street)

Situated on the Upper East
Side between Carl Schurz Park and Central Park, The Brompton is only a
short walk to The Guggenheim or Metropolitan Museum of Art. The
building’s gothic-inspired architecture is designed by Robert A.M. Stern
Architects, LLP. The building consists of 164 studio and one- to
four-bedroom apartments, and amenities include a cardio fitness room,
direct access to an Equinox Fitness club and 24-hour concierge and
doorman services. Families will enjoy the landscaped outdoor terrace and
outdoor children’s play area, as well as an indoor children’s playroom.

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.

MANHATTAN HOUSE (200 East
66th Street)

This
luxury building is full of inspired amenities, including fulltime
doormen, concierge services, porte-cochere entrances, and a Roto
Studio-designed children’s Georgica playroom. Another notable feature is
the rooftop Manhattan Club, with panoramic skyline views, an expansive
terrace, indoor library and lounge. Manhattan House offers spacious,
light-filled apartments, many featuring expansive closets, 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 people
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.

THE LAUREL (400 East
67th Street)

This

LEED-certified building offers homes ranging from studios to
four-bedrooms. Apartments feature stunning panoramas of the city, solid
white oak flooring, climate control capabilities and a large-capacity
washer and dryer. The Laurel also has bicycle
and carriage storage, a 24-hour doorman and full-time concierge. Another
feature is the Laurel Club, a two-story recreational space with a
screening room, kitchen, conference center, children’s game room,
toddler play area and multimedia computer room. The Laurel is located
close to several parks, neighborhood markets and sidewalk bistros.

BATTERY PARK CITY

THE VISIONAIRE (70
Little West Street)

The striking
35-story Visionaire condominium is a LEED Platinum-certified green
building featuring natural materials, an advanced fresh air supply
system, and sophisticated energy-saving technology. Residents enjoy a
well-equipped fitness center and spa, landscaped roof gardens, a sky-lit
indoor lap pool and a children’s playroom with a vibrant reef aquarium.
The surrounding neighborhood is a residential enclave that has become
the hub of sustainable living in New York City. One-third of the
waterfront community is dedicated to open space, which is ideal for
recreational activities. This fall, New York City’s first LEED-certified
public school, PS 276M, will make a welcome and important addition to
this family-friendly neighborhood.

FINANCIAL DISTRICT

LIBERTY PLAZA (10
Liberty Street)

This new
construction offers 287 one-, two- and threebedroom apartments. Designed
to facilitate comfortable living, each apartment features high
ceilings, natural lighting and plenty of space. Amenities include a
24-hour doorman, fitness center with saunas and an exercise pool, a roof
deck, a lounge with a kitchen, a laundry facility and a children’s
playroom. Located in the increasingly familyfriendly Financial District,
Liberty Plaza is situated on a block surrounded by Wall Street,
Broadway and the East River.

MIDTOWN WEST

505W37 (505 West
37th Street)

Located in
up-and-coming Hudson Yards, this rental building offers studio, one- and
two-bedroom apartments. A total of 835 units are offered between the
two towers. Each apartment includes floor-to-ceiling windows with views
of the Statue of Liberty, Chrysler Building and Empire State Building.
Apartments also include modern appliances, hardwood floors, and high
ceilings. Families will love the spacious, open floor plans, 24-hour
attended lobby, card-operated laundry, rooftop deck complete with
kitchen and lounge area, and outdoor landscaped terrace and reflecting
pool.

EMERALD
GREEN (320 West 38th Street)

Consisting of two 24-story towers and 568 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, 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 theaterstyle 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 feature 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 a children’s
playroom, indoor pool, concierge, dog run, state-of-the art fitness
center, café and Wi-Fi Lounge, among other amenities.

CHELSEA

436 WEST 20TH
STREET

This historic
Chelsea mansion has five unique apartments for rent, each measuring
1,800 square feet, ranging from 2 bedrooms/2 baths to 2 bedrooms/3
baths. They boast 14-foot to 17-foot ceilings, artfully restored
finishes and have been upgraded with modern amenities like Bosch
washers/dryers and stoves and wine coolers by Viking. Situated across
from the picturesque Episcopal Seminary, the mansion sits on a quiet
block and is monitored by DGA video security. Families will love the
private outdoor gardens, wood-burning fireplaces, and the house butler,
who will walk children to school. Apartments are available unfurnished
or furnished with George Smith custom upholstery and imported pieces.

456 WEST 19TH STREET

This newly constructed
condominium was inspired by the artists’ studios of the early 20th
century, and features amenities that will please design aficionados and
families alike. Each spacious unit features 20-foot ceilings and a
“mini-townhouse” feel, says Millie Perry of Stribling Marketing
Associates. “The layouts are family style,” Perry says. “The living
room, dining room, kitchen—everything is open.” Currently
LEED-registered, the building is in the process of applying for Silver
certification.

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 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.

TRIBECA

ARTISAN LOFTS (143 Reade
Street)

Magnificent views,
streaming light and a family-friendly layout characterize these
spacious lofts. “They’re very family-friendly lofts,” says Barrie
Mandel, senior vice president at Corcoran Group. “They’re very generous,
wide open kinds of spaces.” Each apartment’s interior combines a
contemporary vision with respect for history—original board-cast
ceilings are left exposed, grand cement columns lend strength and form
to the space, and oil-rubbed walnut cabinets and kitchen blocks add
touches of depth and character. Bathrooms display a gorgeous combination
of polished concrete, Ipe wood, nickel, and marble, making for a
luxurious, spa-like experience.

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 three-bedroom
apartments featuring white oak flooring, floor-to-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 Riverdale
condominium building offers generously sized one-, two-, three- and
four-bedroom homes, and its amenities include an indoor playroom
designed by Pottery Barn Kids and a stargazing deck with a Meade
celestial telescope. The residents’ lounge has a home theater system,
Nintendo Wii, cozy seating and a kitchen and dining area. The Solaria is
situated in the one of the city’s premiere residential communities—from
the legendary Wave Hill gardens and art gallery to the hiking and
jogging trails, Riverdale offers much to those who appreciate nature.
Local shopping and dining, cultural institutions and excellent private
and public schools complement the neighborhood.

HARLEM

5TH ON THE PARK (Fifth
Avenue and 120th Street)

Families can find
plenty to love about 5th On The Park, a high-rise located in thriving
Central Harlem. The building contains a community room that doubles as a
playroom, two common outdoor
terraces (including one equipped with grills), and a 55-foot lap pool.
“For most of our buyers with families, the indoor heated swimming pool
and kids playroom will be big factors,” said Carole Griffin, Director of
Sales. “They also like the fact that they can get the space of an
actual home while having all the amenities that you can only get in a
luxury condominium.” The building’s 160 units boast top-of-the-line
appliances, including full-size washers and dryers, and afford residents
some stellar views of the city.

BROOKLYN

184 KENT (184 Kent Avenue)

This former warehouse on
Williamsburg’s waterfront will let families soak up the splendor of
their surroundings. “184 Kent features ample outdoor space including a
fully landscaped, 19,000 square foot interior courtyard for the private
use of residents,” says Jason Halpern, managing partner at JMH
Development. “There’s also a fenced rooftop sundeck with sweeping views,
a barbeque area and outdoor showers.” Residences range from studio to
threebedrooms and are pet-friendly, and the building features a 24-hour
doorman and concierge, on-site valet parking, lobby lounge, kids’
playroom and fitness center.

ONE BROOKLYN BRIDGE PARK (360 Furman Street)

This 14-story, 438-unit
building, housing everything from spacious loft apartments to townhouses
to penthouses, overlooks the East River and is situated within Brooklyn
Bridge Park. “Lovely Brooklyn Heights is already well known for being a
great family neighborhood,” says Highlyann Krasnow, executive vice
president 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.

THE EDGE (Williamsburg
Waterfront)

Bordered by the East
River and East River State Park and just steps away from shopping and
dining, The Edge 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 open-air pool, 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.

NEW JERSEY

THE MERCURY LOFTS AT THE
BEACON (4 Beacon Way, Jersey City)

This historic art
deco building offers spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline and
surrounding cityscape. The building’s half- and full-floor lofts feature
13-foot ceilings, gourmet kitchens and 3,000-6,000 square feet of
space. “The size of the residences in the Mercury is particularly
appealing,” says George Filopoulos, developer of The Beacon and
president of Metrovest Equities, Inc. “What was originally designed for
104 families will now be home to only 25.” What makes this building
especially family-friendly is Be Kids at the Beacon, a 66,000 square
foot children’s destination that will include an early childhood
education center, gymnastics and sports camps, a restaurant and much
more.

BUILDING
DIRECTORY

184 Kent
Avenue, Brooklyn; 888-736-8904
The Corner at
200 West 200 West 72nd Street; 212-721-1200
235 West 71st Street; 212-588-5606
436 West 20th Street; 212-334-4855
456 West 19th Street; 212-255-3456
5th On The Park, 5th Avenue at 120th Street; 877-348-8233
505W37, 505 West 37th Street; 877-505-3737
808

Lofts,143 Reade Street; 212-732-4000

The
Brompton, 205 East 85th Street; 212-249-8505
Chelsea

Edge, Williamsburg Waterfront, Brooklyn; 718-222-0211
The Mercury Lofts at the Beacon, 4 Beacon Way, Jersey City;
201-716-3000
Riverwalk Court, 415 Main
Street; 212-754-0455
The Rushmore, Riverside
Boulevard at 64th Street; 212-496-1400
Silver Towers, 620 West 42nd Street; 212-473-4242

Solaria, 640 West 237th Street; 718-884-0770

The Visionaire, 55 Battery Place; 212-425-2550