Good Morning!
Happy Wednesday!
It’s a heatwave here. Sunny, and a bit humid, but the perfect storm for the energy of the city to come roaring back as we head into summer. I’ve been busy with buyers and sellers alike as we begin looking at different homes and buildings that are showing upside investment potential. This week I’m taking you to FiDi to look at a new building built by starchitect Rafael Viñoly and a great restaurant for those perfect summer nights.
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Rafael stays booked and busy. He’s designed buildings such as 432 Park Ave (yes the meme building), 3 Waterline Square on UWS, and The Rockefeller University on the UES. His work spans continents, and while he has come with some design controversy, I think he, for the most part (sorry 432 Park), delivers something to be looked at, that is also incredibly functional.
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Rising 898 feet most would assume this building was a task of maximizing air rights. It was quite the opposite. Rafael Viñoly Architects requested a zoning change that allowed for a building with larger floor plates (larger floor-plans) in exchange for a reduced building height. With a facade designed with rounded corners and floor-to-ceiling windows, the tower is an sight-to-be-seen.
I say it all the time. A good lobby is the hallmark of a building done right and this is no exception. Triple height, well decorated, and a sense of grandeur all match the exterior of the building perfectly.
Rounded corner windows create the most epic viewpoints throughout the entire building. This dining area?! Are you kidding?! I would order in almost 100% of the time if it meant that was the backdrop of my meals.
Kitchens were intentionally placed and designed - giving homeowners functionality without eating (no pun intended) too much of the floorplan in the living spaces with the kitchen. They feature a full suite of Miele appliances, including a vented hood (rare to find in the city), polished nickel fixtures, Ombra di Caravaggio marble countertops and backsplash.
The primary bathrooms feature floor-to-ceiling Covelano marble, a custom wall-mounted vanity and faucet, and radiant heated floors.
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Set atop the stunning building are three floors of unparalleled amenities. A pool, state-of-the-art gym, and movie theater are some of the lifestyle-focused spaces residents can expect to find when they call The Greenwich home.
My opinion? With a blended PPSF hovering around $2,500, the building is in line with where we typically find new development pricing. I like the building for its large floorplans, functional amenity spaces, and potential upside in the future that many are predicting in FiDi.
Liberty Bistro is located inside Brookfield Place in Battery Park and one of my favorite spots to visit when I’m near the water. Whether you're in the mood for casual happy hour or a first date, Liberty Bistro/Le Bar is a chic moment. Explore craft cocktails, extensive wine list, and make sure to order some light bites. Afterward, you’ll take a walk along the BPC promenade to catch views of the Statue of Liberty and the Hudson River. Perfect spot for sunset!
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This week’s paint swatch is Behr’s Luxe Lilac. In Rochester every year there is a Lilac Festival that the ENTIRE city comes out to enjoy. I find lilacs to be a bit more vibrant than this color, but there is a nice grey undertone to this that makes it a bit more palatable for the home.
I want to say thank you as always for all of the support with Finding Space. I say it week after week, but I am so grateful for how this community has grown and invested in my weekly rundowns.
We surpassed 800 subscribers this week which is absolutely crazy. We’re quickly approaching the one year mark of Finding Space, and what started as a small newsletter for those closest to me has turned into a large community.
Chat Soon.
Jonathan
I need to get back to the city soon!! I love this week's color - so subtle!
Love Rafael Viñoly Architects! Great color. Great read!