Upper West Side
May 19, 2010
Ever since Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim's depiction of the Upper West Side came to life in the legendary Broadway musical West Side Story the area has flourished into a neighborhood rich with the cultural opportunities and diverse experiences that define living in Manhattan. In fact, the 1957 musical literally birthed one of the most notable and admired building complexes on the island. The Jets and the Sharks battled around the tenements on 66th Street, in the very same area where today stands the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, the quintessential venue for artistic creativity.
The Upper West Side has become one of the most desirable places to live in not only Manhattan, but in the entire country. The neighborhood is bursting with wide ranging entertainment, fashionable shopping, delectable dining and stunning architecture. There are options for everyone and therefore the area has attracted a diverse crowd of residents. Gorgeous townhouses, distinguished pre-war brownstones, landmark apartment buildings, breathtaking condominium developments and luxurious co-ops offer residential opportunity for any individual.
New Developments
Further supplementing the inventory on the Upper West Side is the construction of extraordinary new condominium developments. These buildings come fully loaded with all the amenities and feature luxury living, many ofthem with breathtaking views. They are spacious and were built with location in mind, with parks, schools, transportation, shopping and cultural institutions nearby.
"There's very little new construction on the Upper West Side and they have the shortest pipeline of inventory in the city;' says Beth Fisher, Senior Managing Director at Corcoran Sunshine Marketing. “The neighborhood has the least supply and the most demand, so finding a new construction apartment at the very highest level of quality and execution is very exciting. The lifestyle, convenience and array of amenities that these new developments have to offer are unmatched.”
One such development is The Rushmore, developed by Extell and located at Riverside Boulevard and 64th Street. It is truly a trophy building with convenient location and an unbelievable selection of amenities. There is a 50-foot swimming pool, sun-lit garden atrium, fitness center, children's play center and entertainment suite with private theater and separate billiards room. There is even a landscaped sundeck with spectacular park and waterfront views. The Rushmore sits on a 16-story base that gives rise to two 43-story glass towers, adding to the glorious architecture of the neighborhood. Buyers have their choice of three styles of units, between two and five bedrooms, priced from $1.4 million.
"When people are looking at new developments, if you are fortunate to find a building that is stabilized and a quality offering, then it's an excellent investment and a great opportunity,” says Fisher. "The Rushmore is a well oiled machine at this point... We've closed over 130 units thus far.”
Extell Development also has a few extensive projects on the horizon that will further add to the developer's vision of Riverside South luxury living. With projects like The Rushmore and The Avery already thriving, Extell has unveiled its newest projects, The Ashley and The Aldyn, further adding to this dynamic and emerging neighborhood. The two buildings, one a luxury rental development and the other luxury condominiums, will share a 40,000 square foot amenity center at the base of the building. There is the exclusive La Palestra health and fitness center, a myriad of entertainment and athletic facilities are being offered including a two-story rock climbing wall, indoor basketball and squash courts, bowling alley, 75-foot indoor swimming pool and spa, virtual golf simulator and game room. The interiors of every unit have been held to the utmost standards of quality and include wood floors, marble and porcelain ceramic tile bathrooms and high-end appliances.
In addition, Extell has saved the best for last with plans to build Riverside Center, which consists of five residential towers, all designed by architect Christian de Portzamparc, on an 8.2 acre site between 59th and 61st Street. In between the residential buildings will be 3.2 acres of open space filled with trees, a water scrim and a park-like atmosphere. Riverside Center will provide attractions, amenities and venues for the ever-growing population in the area. The site will even include space for a new public school to help meet the needs of this up-and-coming and vibrant neighborhood.
Other areas on the Upper West Side have also seen new condominium developments rise up and enhance the area. Broadway has seen gorgeous buildings go up like Ariel East at 2628 Broadway and The Apthorp at 2211 Broadway. One of the most prestigious addresses in the city is 15 Central Park West, developed by Arthur and William Zeckendorf. While West End Avenue is now adorned with exceptional new developments such as 240 West End Avenue and 535 West End Avenue.
"The new developments are really adding to the diversity of the options in the neighborhood,” says Barbara Russo, Sales Director at 535 West End Avenue. "It adds value to a neighborhood already in a very coveted location. We've had an unbelievable amount of traffic this spring. We have seven available units left out of24 and I think that those last seven will move quickly.”
The Upper West Side is truly the quintessential New York City neighborhood. It is diverse, casual, stimulating, intellectual and desirable with a culture all of its own. The neighbors are welcoming and friendly. The area provides easy access to transportation, two of the most magnificent parks in the city, entertainment venues, cultural institutions, schools, restaurants, shopping and anything else that Manhattan has to offer.
As Michael Goldenberg succinctly puts it, "It is truly one of the best places to live in the entire country... There is nothing that you would be looking for to enjoy in the city of New York that you don't have easy access to.”
