The Beekman Regent, 351 East 51st Street: Review and Ratings

Review of 351 East 51st Street by Carter Horsley

The Beekman Regent earned the 2002 Mercedes Benz Property Award for the "Finest New Redevelopment in the World." The handsome, 20-story project was completed in 2001 and is a condominium with 64 apartments.

The building was developed by Beekman International Center L.L.C

It is built over a handsome, five-story former school building that was erected in 1893.

Costas Kondylis is the architect for the new construction. 

Bottom Line

One of the more attractive re-uses in the city of an old school property, this handsome development has many setbacks and terraces and a good location in the Beekman Place neighborhood near the United Nations.

Description

The original base of the building is similar in color and style to the Dakota apartment building at 1 West 72^nd Street.  The 2001 rooftop addition of setback stories uses a redder masonry façade.

Amenities

It has a concierge, some balconies, some terraces, a garage with 24-hour valet service, continental breakfast service in the lobby, a resident building manager, a pram and bicycle room, a wine cellar, and a health club.

There is nearby cross-town bus service but the building is not close to a subway.

Apartments

Apartments feature 24-karat gold hardware, Giordano Italian brown mahogany floors and raised panel doors, marble window sills, 24-karat gold hardware, full-size Maytag washers and vented dryers, and marble whirlpool baths.

Apartment ceilings range in height from 9 to 14 feet.

Kitchens have Sub Zero, Thermador, Miele and GE ADvantium appliances, in sink garage disposal, granite countertops and backsplashes, cherry wood cabinetry and Italian porcelain tile flooring.

Bathrooms have Robern medical cabinets with beveled mirrors and sterling silver hardware and Kohler Tea for Two tubs.

One of the penthouses has five fireplaces.

Loft C is a two-bedroom unit that has a foyer that leads to a 23-foot-long gallery that opens onto a 17-foot-long open kitchen and a 25-foot-long living room.

Apartment 15D has a 9-foot-long foyer that opens onto a 25-foot-long living room flanked by an open 16-foot-long dining room and a 12-foot-long den/library.  The two-bedroom unit has a 12-foot-long enclosed kitchen.

History

The building was erected as P.S. 135, a four-story school, in 1892 designed by George W. Debevoise in a Romanesque Revival style.  He was Superintendent for the Board of Education.  

It subsequently became the United Nations School.

Location

The building is across the street from another luxury apartment tower, the Grand Beekman at 400 East 51st Street, that was in construction at the same time and both are close to Donald Trump's very tall Trump World tower to the south that looms over the nearby United Nations. 

This building is very close to the charming and small Beekman Place neighborhood and not far from Sutton Place.