Gramercy Park Neighborhood Guide

330 Third Ave
Stones throw from Gramercy park and a hop skip and a jump from Union square, this building is close enough to all the action while also being far enough to get some peace and quiet. Building link, and online service providing notifications about packages and deliveries, is conveniently used, and a concierge is [...]

8 Gramercy Park South

By Alex Cho on August 12, 2010

8 GRAMERCY PARK SOUTH
Okay, lets get real, Gramercy Park IS the newest hot residential neighborhood in Manhattan. With beautiful landscaping, greenery, and architecture, a vibrant, convenient and youth-filled location. 
Well, a key to that pesky private Park for one. Residents of pre-war building 8 Gramercy Park have that, and more, with their impeccable location.  Apartments feature [...]

MY WAY CUP - 102 east 23rd Street
A New Way to Wake Up…
The first java hut for these young, hot, Israeli partners opened up a
little over three months ago in downtown Manhattan; My Way Cup (a pun on coffee and it being “my wakeup”) has proven itself worthy of this thriving neighborhood, located on [...]

145 East 16th Street, The Washington Irving House
So you want to live downtown? This is the place to be. East 16th street leaves you near loud and busy Union Square, quiet and peaceful Gramercy, and everything in between. Convenient, trendy, easy to navigate and the best of all words, 145 East 16th street provides you [...]

235 east 22nd street – Gramercy House
If you’re looking for a beautiful, prewar art-deco architecture in a modern and young neighborhood, check out 235 E. 22nd street, the Gramercy House. Located in the prestigious and exclusive area of Gramercy, this Mid-rise, 24-hour doorman building provides luxury with convenience. BLT steak, Lyric diner, CVS, the Gramercy [...]

 
The Gramercy Regent  157 East 18th Street
A co-op building with sponsor rentals located in the trendy Gramercy Park neighborhood, The Gramercy Regent combines class with convenience. With 7 floors, an elevator, and washer dryer in a prewar structure, you get the charm of a small building in a big city, the best of both worlds. [...]

 
The Elektra – 290 Third Ave
If you’re looking to be wowed by modern, clean, chic and finished apartments, the Elektra has you covered. This modern post-war building, built in 1991, has incredibly new Condo finishes, as well as beyond impressive fitness room and rooftop deck with panoramic views of the New York City skyline. The [...]

212 East 25th Street

By Alex Cho on January 4, 2010

This fifth floor walk-up located on 25th St. between Second and Third Avenues reminds me of an out of shape bald guy who decides to get his act together. He decides to shave his head completely, let’s go of the St. Anthony haircut, get back to the gym and make the most out of what he’s got. I was recently in this building and it was teaming with workman upgrading the hallways, adding lighting and crown molding. Although none of these apartments is exceptionally large, the management company goes out of its way to make the most of what they’ve got. The apartments here feature charm, stainless steel appliances in the kitchens, marble bathrooms and French doors. Many of the units have exposed brick and the Cromans have gone out of their way to update the kitchens and baths. The unit I visited on the top floor was quite a hike, but when you arrived there, you were greeted with French doors and stairways to your own private roof deck. This management company allows pets, shares and doesn’t make you jump through hoops to get approved. All in all, definitely worth a look.

135 East 17th Street

By Alex Cho on January 1, 2010

This seven-story elevator building is in a phenomenal location, 17th Street right off of Irving Place. This address puts you within striking distance of the East Village, Union Square and NYU. 135 East 17th Street features studios and one bedroom units only. And if you’re familiar with Scharfman renovations, then you will be used to the unique, highly-polished, red-stained wood floors. The main benefit to a unit here is obviously the location, though the units can be a bit pricey. Also, some studios here have a kitchen in the middle of the unit. Despite that, you still can’t discount the location and the neighborhood. Definitely worth a look if you have your heart set on living in Gramercy Park.

On a recent Saturday I met Steve Nardoni, the managing agent and long time resident of 305 East 24th Street. He had three excellent listings on the market in this very well-maintained “white brick” post-war building so I figured I would stop in and check them out.

A distinctive boutique condominium, Twenty9th Park Madison is located on 29th Street between Madison Avenue and Park Avenue South. It’s really a unique project that has a lot to offer to potential buyers. The building towers above its neighbors, allowing amazing open views. Amenities include a fully staffed lounge area with espresso bar and cold storage for fresh food deliveries. The rooftop sundeck with an outdoor shower and barbeque grills offers unbelievable panoramic views. A state-of-the-art fitness center with a yoga room and parking garage adjacent to the building offer the utmost convenience to tenants. This condo building really reflects the urban chic lifestyle.

Guests and residents are greeted by an inviting lobby complete with sculpted art glass by Duncan Laurie, Tuscan limestone, and oriental woods before making their way into one of the luxuriously appointed apartments, state-of-the-art fitness center or urban zen garden. The building is located in one of the quietest, most covetable stretches of Manhattan and is in close proximity to shopping (Zara, Intermix, H&M), restaurants, café and bars (Gramercy Tavern, City Bakery, Shake Shack, La Pomme), along with drug stores, supermarkets, bakeries, convenience stores and buses and subways going in every direction.

Gramercy Towers, a classic Gramercy Co-op building has become anew, with a complete renovation of the lobby, hallways, laundry room and rooftop deck in the past year. Every resident gets their very own key to Gramercy Park. With a 24 hour doorman and a garage in the building, this co-op is full service.

One of the better priced buildings on the park, 26 Gramercy Park South is a boutique 10 story co-op with a park time doorman. The building was built in 1896 and is composed of mostly studios and one-bedrooms with a few two-bedrooms. Many of the apartments have amazing views of the park and views of 34 Gramercy Park East - which is the oldest co-op on Gramercy Park.

1 Lexington Avenue is the perfect marriage of old world elegance with modern convenience. It is located on one of the most desirable corners in New York City. You have a full time doorman, an attended elevator and, even though the address doesn’t say Gramercy Park North, you still get a key to the park!

12 East 22 Street

By Alex Cho on April 21, 2009

Long known as starter apartments, these units really appeal to the newcomers in the city who are looking to live in a great neighborhood – without breaking the bank. If you are looking for an incredible location and basic amenities (with a little bit of funk thrown in) then 12 East 22 Street should definitely be put on the tour.

Built in 1929, 45 Gramercy Park North is a white-glove co-op. Many apartments in the building have open southern views of and all have keys to Gramercy Park.

This Neo-Renaissance co-op has awesome ornamental babies carved in relief over its entrance pediment – a strong statement, which sets the tone for this exclusive pre-war address.

One of the largest buildings on Gramercy Park, 44 Gramercy Park North is a massive co-op that stands fifteen stories high and has 75 apartments. The buildings façade is red brick that is overlaid with Neo-Gothic details such as leaded glass windows and a limestone arched entryway that gives one the feeling of entering a stately European mansion.

7 Gramercy Park West is the only condo building on Gramercy Park. In a land of co-ops, the “Condo on the Park” rarely has anything for sale or for rent because it is the only building, other than the rental buildings on the park, that doesn’t have the hassle of a co-op board approval process.

One of the most sought after white glove doorman co-ops downtown, 24 Gramercy Park is truly a unique building on Gramercy Park. The building was built in 1909 and converted in 1956.

It has the old world charm and elegance of a London townhouse with the service of a 24 hour doorman and private wine cellars. In fact, it was the first building to install private wine cellars in New York City.

90 Lexington Ave

By Alex Cho on April 3, 2009

Before this former Blue Cross/Blue Shield building became “Lex Lofts,” it was a low cost alternative to the Murray Hill cookie cutter. Featuring soaring ceilings, balconies, large loft-like apartments and laundry on every floor-it was my hidden gem in the neighborhood. These apartments were big, under market and original-the perfect rental. While at that time, the units did not have dishwashers and the renovations were basic-it still offered tremendous value.

If you love Gramercy, than living on Irving Place is a dream come true. This building is located between Irving and Third and is just a stones throw away from Gramercy Park. It is by far one of the best values I have found.

The legendary sandwich shop, Defonte’s, in Red Hook Brooklyn is opening a Manhattan branch! The owner, Nick Defonte, is the third generation of the family business and is putting Defonte’s on the map for all of the Manhattanites who don’t have their Brooklyn passport.

It has recently been rumored that the owners of 36 Gramercy Park South sent its tenants a notice (that still needs to be approved by the Attorney General’s office) saying they have decided to convert the building into condominiums. This is a substantial development because this landmarked structure is the last rental building on the private park.

Talk about history- The Gramercy Park House, built in 1883, was the first co-op apartment building in Manhattan. The structure still contains its original cable-driven elevator. As one of the oldest luxury apartment buildings in the city, its generous apartments were advertised as “French Flats” in order to differentiate them from the tenement buildings in the area. This was one of the first downtown buildings to feature the luxurious finishes seen uptown in the Fifth Avenue brownstones. Facing Gramercy Park, building residents are entitled to a key to the private park.

53 Irving Place

By Ari LeFauve on March 11, 2009

Irving Place is a quiet street tucked away in Gramercy that runs from 14th Street to Gramercy Park South between Third Avenue and Park Avenue South. Samuel Ruggles named the street in the 1830’s as he was developing Gramercy Park. He apparently chose the name to honor Washington Irving, the author of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” and “Rip Van Winkle”.

295 Park Avenue South

By Alex Cho on March 10, 2009

When looking at apartments, it all boils down to price, size, location and amenities. 295 Park Avenue South ranks high on location and puts you within walking distance of Madison Park, Union Square, Chelsea and the Village. You get your doorman and the 6 train right out your front door.

Gramercy Place is the large condo tower right off of Park Avenue South on the southeast corner of 22nd Street. The building can’t be missed, standing taller than most of the surrounding structures, at 26 stories high. The lobby and the rear court of the building have been handsomely done, in a classic sophisticated style. The light-colored outside of the building is nothing spectacular or innovative, but it is certainly attractive. The building has a rooftop health club with pool. There are two outdoor decks, one facing south looking towards lower Manhattan, the other facing north facing the Metropolitan Life Clock.

220 East 22nd Street

By Alex Cho on March 6, 2009

Here’s the great news about 220 East 22nd Street. It is a fantastic location putting you within walking distance of Gramercy Meat Market, Gramercy Fish Co. and Bruno’s Ravioli.

Then there’s more, you are looking at studios starting at $1700 and moving up to $2400 if it includes a loft. They also have one bedroom starting at $2500, and great share apartments for 3 people starting at about $3500. Many of these units have outdoor space, and 12 foot ceilings.

254 Park Ave South

By Ari LeFauve on March 6, 2009

254 Park Avenue South is a pre-war building, that’s being completely re-done and converted into condominiums. Like most new developments projects in Manhattan, luxury was in mind when designing the interiors and amenities. But, the difference with 254 PAS is that a major emphasis was on functionality and how these luxurious amenities will actually be used in the lives of residents. The fitness center will be superbly equipped with top-of-the-line machines, the Park Lounge is a social club area designed to help residents socialize with one another, and the units themselves feature up to 14’ ceilings, and oversized windows to take in the Park Ave South views. The design utilizes materials like polished stones, warm woods, and metals, giving the homes a rich and sophisticated feel. The layouts themselves have also been thoroughly thought through to provide the most functional space possible.

Gramercy Towers is located on Third Ave, between 18th St and 19th St, steps away from Union Square, Park Avenue South, and the East Village. This unbeatable location is made even more enviable with the full-service amenities available at this co-op. Similar to most luxury high-rises, 205 Third Ave offers a full-time concierge, private courtyard garden, rooftop deck, laundry and more. It is these services combined with the location that really give this building its edge. Beautiful renovations have been done to the residence’s interiors, adding sophistication and elegance to the building. With units starting at $495,000, this is a great building to look at for purchasing a Gramercy Studio.

81 Irving Place

By Ari LeFauve on March 4, 2009

81 Irving Place is one of the most interesting residential buildings in Gramercy. It was designed by George Pelham, and it distinguished by its terracotta decoration and five-sided balconies. Located just south of Gramercy Park, the building’s sculpted balconies accent the façade, and the intricate brick work. The brown brick building features gargoyles and arches that also add unique detailing. Originally built in 1929, it was converted to a co-op in 1982.

57 Irving Place

By Ari LeFauve on March 3, 2009

57 Irving Place is a brand new ground-up condominium in Gramercy containing ten exquisite apartments. This boutique development is expected to be completed in late 2009, and will include nine apartments and a townhouse unit consisting of the three bottom floors. This townhouse will total 6763 square feet and will feature a center atrium with a double-height living space overlooking a private garden, media lounge, fitness center and a 30-ft saltwater pool with Jacuzzi and sauna. Kitchens boast honed bluestone floors, white satin lacquer cabinetry and granite countertops. All residences feature direct elevator access, a 65 sq. ft. storage room, and they include a comprehensive technology and utilities package including: 24/7 tempered fresh air supply system, multi-zone HVAC system, pre-wiring for Crestron home automation, and a private rubbish chute. 57 Irving brings a unique modern vision to a classic New York City neighborhood.

Talk about history and charm. Sage House was built in 1913 as the home of the Russell Sage Foundation, the philanthropic organization named in honor of the railroad tycoon, politician, and Wall St. financier.

7 Lexington Avenue

By Ari LeFauve on February 27, 2009

This post-war building built in 1948, is located just to the north of Gramercy Park at the southern tip of Lexington Avenue. The location offers several subway lines close by along with the crosstown bus. This condop (a co-op operated with condo rules) allows unlimited subletting, parents buying for children, and for units to be used as a pied-a-terre or investment unit. Pets are welcome as well. With a beautiful roof deck, bicycle storage, and laundry in the basement, this is a great building with prime Gramercy location, without a lot of rules.

Gramercy North, located at 50 Lexington Avenue, is referred to as a ‘condop,’ meaning it’s a co-op with condo rules. So, there are few rules and restrictions on purchasing or subletting apartments

88 Lexington Avenue

By Alex Cho on February 26, 2009

Back in the day I used to walk my clients into 88 and 90 Lexington - and if they did not take them I fired them! Why? Because if three walk-in closets in a 600 square foot studio with 10 foot ceilings in a doorman building with laundry on every floor is not enough-I can’t help them.

Trendy and casual, Tonic East is sure to make a night on the town a great experience. With no cover charge and modestly priced drinks, flash your I.D and you are on your way in.

Located at 411 Third Avenue, the three level sports bar boasts 25 large screen TV’s and 11 projection screens. You won’t miss a single play! If you plan on going on a Friday or Saturday night, expect it to be busy and a tight fit to get to the bar. The décor is what you would expect in a mid-class sports bar, minus the team pennants.

60 Gramercy Park North

By Ari LeFauve on February 25, 2009

Be the envy of everyone you know with your very own keys to Gramercy Park. That’s right, as a resident of 60 Gramercy Park North, you are entitled to a coveted key to Manhattan’s last private park. Built in 1924, this Gramercy building was later converted to a co-op in 1984. This is really a prime Gramercy building, on the park, with a gym, two landscaped gardens, and storage. The architecture combines Italian and Spanish style, with some of the windows surrounded with decorative terra cotta. The aesthetic of the pre-war building is powerful, and the residences are spacious.

OK kids - here’s the deal. You probably already know there is a party going on at Third Ave in the 20’s and you can easily skip the cab ride and walk back home from Tonic with one of these reasonably priced studios or one bedrooms.

As an extra bonus many of these units feature balconies and tremendous closet space. Yes, girls, you can live in NY and have more than 3 pairs of shoes! Some of these one beds at $2800 can easily be shared - so only $1400 each gets you in Gramercy prime.

260 Park Avenue South

By Ari LeFauve on February 24, 2009

Built in 1930, 260 Park Avenue South has been completely renovated into a spectacular pre-war condominium building. This building blends the upscale living of a Park Avenue address with a cool downtown neighborhood. Amenities include a 24-hour concierge, two common rooftop terraces, fitness center, bicycle storage, and laundry on every floor. The area boasts incredible shops, restaurants, parks, and transportation to just about anywhere you could want to go.

240 Park Ave South

By Ari LeFauve on February 24, 2009

240 Park Avenue South has been designed as a new 104,000-square foot, mixed-use commercial and residential condominium. The project contains 52 luxury residential units with 6,000 square feet of street level retail space. The units range in area from a 2,700 square foot, three-bedroom penthouse to an 805 square foot, one bedroom apartment.

Crossing 23rd has arguably the best location of any condo building in this neighborhood. It’s distinguished by its asymmetrical façade with the top third of the building having a different pattern than the lower two thirds. Amenities include a doorman and a part-time concierge, a lounge and meeting room with a landscaped terrace, a fitness room, and laundry room. Many of the 95 apartments have floor-to-ceiling windows and washers and dryers. Transportation is literally steps away, and the restaurants in the area are some of the best in the city. This is really one of the premiere Gramercy Condo buildings with the total package

Gramercy Park Habitat is a 24 hour doorman building with amenities including a bicycle storage room, garage accessible from the interior of the building, and laundry on every floor. Located one block east of Gramercy Park, this building was formerly a brewery that has been converted to condos.

Arctica is one the best bars in the ‘hood. It’s just a cool place to hang out (Arctica… cool, ha…get it?)

50 Gramercy Park North

By Ari LeFauve on February 19, 2009

Hotelier Ian Schrager’s idea behind 50 Gramercy Park North was to provide unprecedented service combined with unique, top quality residences, all with Gramercy Park as the backyard. With only 23 residences, the layouts are unique, finishes are nothing but the best, and the views of Manhattan’s only private park are stellar. Residents will enjoy the benefits of the unique five-star, world class Gramercy Park Hotel and are entitled to a coveted key to Gramercy Park.

145 East 22nd Street

By Alex Cho on February 19, 2009

145 East 22nd Street is a great building tucked away a block from Manhattan’s only private park. While you won’t get keys to it, you will get all the charm that Gramercy has to offer.

Dating back to 1888, the Abbey Condominium was formerly the Parish House of St. George’s Church. The building, whose exterior is a protected city landmark, has been completely renovated into condominiums. This elevator building is home to apartments ranging in size from studios to four bedrooms. Due to the history and past function of the structure; the architecture was not originally ideal for residential use. The developer worked on each unit as a separate project, utilizing the space in a creative and impressive way.

71 Irving Place Coffee

By Ari LeFauve on February 17, 2009

As a resident of Irving Place, 71 Irving coffee is a part of my daily routine, and in my opinion, offers the best coffee in the city. My favorite blends include hazelnut and the indulgent chocolate hazelnut blend that they have appropriately named Sinful Delight. But, don’t get too attached to one flavor, because the availability varies from day to day. If you’re hoping for a steaming cup of french vanilla coffee, you may have to try an Irving Farm House Blend instead. This is actually a blessing in disguise, because you are then able to expand your repertoire of Irving Place flavors, and they are all delicious.

Gramercy Park Hotel

By Ari LeFauve on February 17, 2009

A New York fixture since 1924, the Gramercy Park Hotel was sold to Ian Schrager in 2003, who transformed the historic building back into a luxury hotel. Although the hotel has been completely redone, the original Bohemian feel is still abundant, but with a 21st century flair. Statement-making furniture and an amazing use of color have created an original style.

Mumbles Restaurant

By Alex Cho on February 16, 2009

I recently moved to Gramercy and I can honestly say that I love the area. Expecially when it comes to my favorite time of the weekend - going out for brunch with friends.

From my extensive brunching experience, the two most annoying things are slow service and ridiculously long lines. Thankfully, Mumbles saves me from both.

130 East 18th Street

By Ari LeFauve on February 16, 2009

This full-service co-op building features great Gramercy studios, one, two, three, and even four-bedroom apartments. Located on 18th Street, between Irving Place and Third Ave, Gramercy Plaza offers an address many would like to call home. The prestigious Irving Place is home to wonderful restaurants, and offers a quiet block in close proximity to Union Square.

Tracy Towers is a great choice for first time buyers, purchasers looking for pied-à-terre, or a buyer using a guarantor. It is a co-op with very reasonable board requirements and an approval process that is fairly simple. It is a wonderfully maintained building and the staff is always pleasant and extremely helpful. Plus the view from the roof-deck is breathtaking!

TEMPO reflects the sophisticated vibe that is Gramercy. This new development building boasts floor–to–ceiling windows, black oak wood floors and 10–foot ceilings. Each home is also Smart Wired with Vertilinc to enhance residents’ ease of living. Innovative technology provides one–touch access to service options from food delivery and scheduling reservations to managing deliveries and packages. TEMPO is just steps away from the exclusive Gramercy Park and is walking distance to Union square, numerous subway lines, and some of the city’s finest shops, restaurants and nightlife venues.

A doorman rental building with state-of-the-art condominium fixtures, Gramercy Park Lofts combine the best of both worlds. Units have brand new oak flooring, oak doors, custom closets, and industrial oversized windows. Some even come with private outdoor space.

270 Park Avenue South underwent a complete 6-month building makeover and gut renovation project and is now available to rent. Be the first to live in one of these fabulous apartments.

Rutherford Place is listed on the National Registry of Historic Properties and Mr. Tom Cruise himself used to call these luxurious apartments home in the 80s, but the combination of exquisite detailing and top-notch service are the real draw for renters.

Through extensive renovations, one of New York City’s landmarked buildings has become a combination of old-world charm and modern amenities. In addition, many of the Rutherford Place homes come with Stuyvesant Park views.

The Gramercy Spire is an attractive high rise building in Gramercy Park — great location, nearby transportation, shopping and dining.