New York City's tall buildings make its skyline among the most iconic in the world, and it is possible to live in some of them (if you have a few million dollars lying around). However, the past few years have seen a new wave of boutique buildings, commonly defined as low- or mid-rise properties with 50 units or fewer.
It has become easier for developers to find land and space for boutique buildings than towering skyscrapers in New York City; moreover, low-rise new development is perceived as less intrusive to established neighborhoods. From a buyer standpoint, boutique condos have much to offer. Fewer units per floor can mean more space and privacy, not to mention fewer people to run into in the elevator or lobby (welcome news to all who remember trying to social distance in a New York City apartment building).
That being said, it is less likely that residents of boutique buildings would fall into the New York cliché of not knowing one's neighbors, as people are likelier to run into each other in the lobby or mail area. Between greater square footage and a more communal atmosphere, this arrangement can offer the benefits of private homes combined with the convenience of a condominium.
That being said, it is less likely that residents of boutique buildings would fall into the New York cliché of not knowing one's neighbors, as people are likelier to run into each other in the lobby or mail area. Between greater square footage and a more communal atmosphere, this arrangement can offer the benefits of private homes combined with the convenience of a condominium.
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With all that in mind, boutique buildings aren't necessarily for everyone. While some buildings have incorporated basic amenities like a roof deck or bike room, one can't and shouldn't necessarily expect the array of over-the-top wellness, social, and lifestyle amenities found in a luxury high-rise. Additionally, when capital improvements are required for a boutique building, mathematics dictate that a smaller pool of residences means the cost per unit will be higher.
If boutique living is for you, you're in luck - several boutique condominiums in Manhattan and Brooklyn have recently launched sales. We look at the most exciting new prospects below.
Pros of Boutique Buildings
• More privacy and quieter living
• Communal atmosphere with staff and other residents
• Greater likelihood of getting on a board and having a say in the running of the building
• Potentially located in a historic neighborhood where zoning prohibits high-rises
• Fewer availabilities can mean higher valuation
Cons of Boutique Buildings
• Low-rise buildings make for less impressive views
• Less impressive amenity package
• Higher fees for special assessments or other repairs
• Harder to avoid unpleasant neighbors
• Fewer availabilities makes it hard to compare sales history on other units in the building
Beautiful Boutique Buildings
Manhattan
5 stories | 5 units
3 public availabilities from $9.95M - $10.75M
3 public availabilities from $9.95M - $10.75M
Amidst its residential conversion, the historic exteriors of 85 Worth Street were restored to their original glory. However, modern interiors by Paris Forino marry original beams and columns with high-end appliances, state-of-the-art technology, and luxurious finishes. Each home comes with two storage rooms, and amenities include a fitness center, a sauna and steam room, a spa with sauna and treatment room, a game room, and a children's playroom.
85 Worth Street, #2 (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)
83 Thompson Street
7 stories | 7 units
2 public availabilities from $5M - $29.5M
7 stories | 7 units
2 public availabilities from $5M - $29.5M
New construction is few and far between in the Sullivan-Thompson Historic District, but the Selldorf Architects-designed Spring + Thompson is a notable and tasteful exception. Its low-rise height and red brick facade pay respectful tribute to the surrounding architecture. It takes its place in close proximity to luxury designers' Soho flagships, art galleries in Soho and Tribeca, Hudson Square offices, popular Downtown dining, a Trader Joe's supermarket, and the Spring Street C/E trains.
Spring + Thompson, #PH (Corcoran Sunshine Marketing Group)
21 West 17th Street and 16 West 18th Street
14 stories | 26 units
4 public availabilities from $2.79M - $3.7M
14 stories | 26 units
4 public availabilities from $2.79M - $3.7M
The guidelines imposed by the Ladies Mile Historic District make new construction rare, but Louie's context-sensitive design helped it pass muster with the Landmarks Preservation Commission. Both buildings in the complex offer full-floor residences and access to amenities like a state-of-the-art fitness center, a spa with sauna and cold plunge, and a rooftop lounge. Another perk is an address at the nexus of the Flatiron District, Union Square, and Chelsea.
Louie XVIII, #9 (Nest Seekers LLC)
221 East 48th Street
4 stories | 6 units
1 public availability asking $1.8M
4 stories | 6 units
1 public availability asking $1.8M
221 East 48th Street was famously the home of industrial designers Russel and Mary Wright, whose Guide to Easier Living detailed how to increase leisure time and reduce housework through efficient design and household management. Decades later, Terra 48 offers effortless living with direct elevator access, private balconies, L-shaped living areas, high-end kitchens, and in-unit laundry. It is in a central location near Grand Central Terminal, the United Nations headquarters, and popular Midtown restaurants.
Terra 48, #3 (Elegran LLC)
6 stories | 6 units
2 public availabilities from $4.3M - $4.6M
2 public availabilities from $4.3M - $4.6M
420 East 75th Street is a six-story boutique condominium on a peaceful Upper East Side block near John Jay Park, popular local restaurants, and the 72nd Street Q train. All units are reached via direct elevator entrance and feature private outdoor space, not to mention well-appointed kitchens and super-luxe primary suites with dressing rooms and en suite baths with radiant heated floors. Climate-controlled accessory rooms can be purchased separately and customized to buyers' desires, and building amenities include a fitness center, a lounge, a library, a pet spa, a bike room, a courtyard, and a landscaped roof deck.
420 East 75th Street, #2 (Compass)
390 Manhattan Avenue
5 stories | 5 units
3 public availabilities from $2.2M - $2.75M
5 stories | 5 units
3 public availabilities from $2.2M - $2.75M
A new boutique development dubbed The Grand Manhattan is actually located in the heart of Greenpoint near McCarren Park, popular area dining, and the Metropolitan Avenue G and Graham Avenue L trains. All five full-floor units are reached via direct elevator access and offer such perks as video intercom systems, oversized windows, high-end kitchen appliances, baths with jetted Jacuzzi tubs, and in-home laundry. Private storage is available for purchase.
The Grand Manhattan, #PH (Nest Seekers LLC)
110 Eckford Street
5 stories | 5 units
3 public availabilities from $2.2M - $2.5M
5 stories | 5 units
3 public availabilities from $2.2M - $2.5M
The five units of The Park House comprise a garden duplex, a top-floor penthouse, and full-floor units in between. The building is located a short distance from McCarren Park, but all units have their own private outdoor space. They also have contemporary interiors, kitchen appliances by Bertazzoni and Fisher & Paykel, spa-like baths, and in-unit laundry.
The Park House, #GARDEN (Nest Seekers LLC)
1110 Manhattan Avenue
6 stories | 6 units
2 public availabilities from $2M - $2.28M
6 stories | 6 units
2 public availabilities from $2M - $2.28M
A short distance from the Greenpoint Landing Esplanade, The Manhattan Belle is topped with a roof deck with open views and dedicated cabanas for each unit. All homes are reached via direct elevator access and come with custom lighting, prewired speakers and integrated sound systems, premium appliances in the kitchens, radiant heated floors in the baths, built-out closets, and in-unit laundry.
The Manhattan Belle, #5 (Corcoran Group)
5 stories | 4 units
2 public availabilities from $1.9M - $2.89M
2 public availabilities from $1.9M - $2.89M
123 Meserole Street took shape in a section of Greenpoint near many popular restaurants, public parks and playgrounds, and the Montrose Avenue L train. But between direct elevator access, private outdoor space, expansive windows, and tranquil, well-appointed interiors, the apartments inside offer excellent peace and privacy.
123 Meserole Avenue, #PH (Serhant)
4 stories | 7 units
4 public availabilities from $628K - $995K
4 public availabilities from $628K - $995K
With its low-rise height and brick facade, 97 Seigel Street makes a respectful new addition to its East Williamsburg block. But all seven units offer ultra-modern aesthetics and such coveted features as oversized double-pane windows, open-concept living areas, kitchens with premium appliances, spa-inspired baths, generous closet space, and washer/dryer hookups.
97 Seigel Street, #PH (Compass)
4 stories | 7 units
3 public availabilities from $875K - $2.2M
3 public availabilities from $875K - $2.2M
The four-story 90 Herbert Street is far from the tallest new building to rise in Williamsburg, but nevertheless makes a statement at street level with its red brick facade and oversized arched windows. The apartments inside offer generous storage to begin with, but each home comes with a deeded private storage unit. They also offer herringbone flooring, premium Bosch appliances (including washer/dryer), tranquil baths, and convenient proximity to local parks, popular dining and performance venues, and the Graham Avenue L train.
90 Herbert Street, #3A (Compass)
4 stories | 4 units
2 public availabilities from $2.45M - $2.55M
2 public availabilities from $2.45M - $2.55M
185 Ainslie Street is located on a tree-lined residential block, albeit one in close proximity to popular Williamsburg dining and nightlife, local galleries and performance spaces, and the Graham Avenue L train. The ultra-private apartments inside feature high ceilings, oversized windows, well-proportioned rooms, central heating and cooling, and in-unit laundry.
185 Ainslie Street, #1 (Compass)
4 stories | 5 units
4 public availabilities from $550K - $945K
4 public availabilities from $550K - $945K
In southeastern Bushwick, the unique shape of 140 Moffat Street allows for curved living/dining rooms in every unit. Interiors also feature oversized windows, contemporary finishes, premium stainless steel appliances in the open-concept kitchens, and washer/dryer hookups. The building is located in close proximity to the historic Most Holy Trinity cemetery, popular Bushwick nightlife, and the Chauncey Street J/Z trains.
140 Moffat Street, #3AB (Compass)
1198 Jefferson Avenue
4 stories | 4 units
4 public availabilities from $899K - $1.25M
4 stories | 4 units
4 public availabilities from $899K - $1.25M
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The four units of The Sassoon comprise a garden duplex with multi-level deck, a two-bedroom with Juliet balcony, and two three-bedrooms with dual balconies. All interiors feature abundant natural light from north and south exposures, kitchens with custom cabinetry and high-end stainless steel appliances, king-sized primary suites, and stackable LG washers and dryers. The building is topped with a common roof deck and located in close proximity to Irving Square Park, popular local dining and nightlife, and several transportation options.
The Sassoon, #PH (Corcoran Group)
4 stories | 8 units
2 public availabilities from $600K - $795K
2 public availabilities from $600K - $795K
At 78 Harman Street, only two units per floor allow for excellent privacy. Virtual doorman service, smart intercoms, modern kitchens, and in-unit washer/dryers streamline everyday life in the building. It is located near Broadway dining, a C-Town supermarket, and the Kosciuszko Street J train.
78 Harman Street, #2R (Nest Seekers LLC)
87A Cooper Street
5 stories | 8 units
4 public availabilities from $745K - $975K
5 stories | 8 units
4 public availabilities from $745K - $975K
Between its sleek gray tone facade and oversized windows, Cora makes a striking, modern addition to its Bushwick block. Select units have private balconies, and all interiors feature open-concept layouts, kitchens with stainless steel appliances, baths with high-end fixtures, and in-unit washer/dryers. The building is located in close proximity to local restaurants and galleries, as well as the Chauncey Street J/Z and Wilson Avenue L trains.
Cora, #PH (Nest Seekers LLC)
4 stories | 6 units
3 public availabilities from $750K - $1.5M
3 public availabilities from $750K - $1.5M
72 Quincy Street is a red brick building located at the nexus of Bedford-Stuyvesant and Clinton Hill. All units have private outdoor space, and interiors feature thoughtful layouts, kitchens with wraparound islands and integrated appliances, spa-like baths, smart home technology, and washer/dryer hookups. Each unit comes with dedicated private storage.
72 Quincy Street, #PENTHOUSE
$1,375,000
Bedford-Stuyvesant | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 922 ft2
72 Quincy Street, #PENTHOUSE (Corcoran Group)
197 Pulaski Street
4 stories | 7 units
2 public availabilities from $625K - $1.4M
4 stories | 7 units
2 public availabilities from $625K - $1.4M
Classic charm meets contemporary elegance at Pulaski Gardens, a new development condominium in Bedford-Stuyvesant. All apartments are reached via keyless entry and feature floor-to-ceiling windows, hardwood floors, high-end kitchens, multi-zone heating and cooling, and in-unit washers and dryers. The building is located on a tree-lined street near Herbert Von King Park, popular local dining, and the Myrtle-Willoughby Avenues G and the Myrtle Avenue J/M/Z trains.
Pulaski Gardens, #GARDEN
$1,400,000
Bedford-Stuyvesant | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths | 1,715 ft2
Pulaski Gardens, #GARDEN (Nest Seekers LLC)
3 stories | 7 units
2 public availabilities from $1.55M - $1.56M
2 public availabilities from $1.55M - $1.56M
103 Putnam Avenue houses six two-bedroom units and a one-bedroom penthouse. All units come with private outdoor space, and interiors feature loft-like living/dining rooms, kitchens with prep islands and Bertazzoni appliances, luxe primary baths, generous closet space, and in-unit laundry. The building is protected by virtual doorman service and located near Fulton Street dining, local playgrounds, and the Classon Avenue G and the Clinton-Washington Avenues A/C trains.
103 Putnam Avenue, #3B (Corcoran Group)
7 stories | 32 units
8 public availabilities from $1.15M - $2.8M
8 public availabilities from $1.15M - $2.8M
All 32 units at 630 Grand Avenue have private outdoor space, and interiors feature oversized windows, high ceilings, recessed lighting, well-appointed kitchens, spa-like baths, and in-unit laundry. Residents arrive to a lobby with package room, and amenities include a fitness center, a media room, a children's playroom, a pet spa, a courtyard, and a roof terrace with outdoor kitchen and Manhattan skyline views. The building is located five blocks from Prospect Park and in excellent proximity to the Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, the Brooklyn Public Library, popular local dining, and the 2/3/4, B/Q, and S trains.
630 Grand Avenue, #505 (Corcoran Group)
6 stories | 5 units
2 public availabilities from $1.78M - $3.25M
2 public availabilities from $1.78M - $3.25M
All units at 684 Dean Street are reached via direct elevator access and include private outdoor space. Interiors feature oversized windows, contemporary kitchens, elegant primary baths, and in-unit laundry. Another perk of the building is excellent proximity to Prospect Park, the Grand Army Plaza greenmarket, Vanderbilt Avenue dining, and several transportation options.
684 Dean Street, #PH (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)
1025 Pacific Street
6 stories | 8 units
3 public availabilities from $895K - $2.5M
6 stories | 8 units
3 public availabilities from $895K - $2.5M
All eight units at The Pacific have private outdoor space, and the building is topped with a common roof terrace with dining areas and open views. All interiors boast high ceilings, oversized Pella windows, designer kitchens, spa-like baths, and in-unit washer/dryers. It is located less than a mile from Prospect Park and in close proximity to Washington Avenue dining and the Clinton Avenue A/C trains.
The Pacific, #4B (Serhant)
4 stories | 4 units
2 public availabilities from $1.23M - $1.3M
2 public availabilities from $1.23M - $1.3M
1251 Pacific Street makes a modern new addition to its Crown Heights block, and a common roof terrace looks out on open views. All four floor-through units feature All units feature floor-to-ceiling windows, open floor plans, chef's kitchens with high-end appliances, and private balconies. There is also generous closet space, but the building offers dedicated storage in the cellar.
1251 Pacific Street, #1A (Compass)
5 stories | 5 units
2 public availabilities from $1.6M - $1.7M
2 public availabilities from $1.6M - $1.7M
353 20th Street is a modern yet respectful addition to its South Slope block. All five full-floor units offer direct elevator access, virtual doorman service, oversized windows, wide-plank oak flooring, premium kitchens, serene primary baths, and private outdoor space. The building is located between Prospect Park and Greenwood cemetery, and in close proximity to 7th Avenue dining, Nitehawk Cinema, and the 15th Street-Prospect Park F/G trains.
353 20th Street, #TH
$1,695,000
South Slope - Greenwood Heights | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths | 1,446 ft2
353 20th Street, #TH (Brown Harris Stevens Brooklyn LLC)
216 20th Street
5 stories | 6 units
3 public availabilities from $720K - $1.52M
5 stories | 6 units
3 public availabilities from $720K - $1.52M
Two Sixteen is a modern yet contextual new condominium comprising six full-floor units. Select units have private outdoor space, and all interiors feature floor-to-ceiling windows, kitchens with high-end appliances, high-end baths, and Bosch washers and dryers. It is located in close proximity to Greenwood Cemetery, 5th Avenue dining, Industry City, and the 25th Street R train.
Two Sixteen, #3 (Elegran LLC)
814 Fifth Avenue
4 stories | 11 units
4 public availabilities from $695K - $1.25M
4 stories | 11 units
4 public availabilities from $695K - $1.25M
Opal 33 is a low-rise boutique condominium on a residential street near Greenwood Cemetery, Industry City, 4th Avenue dining, and the 36th Street D/N/R trains. Select units have private outdoor space, and all interiors feature oversized windows, open-concept living areas, well-appointed kitchens, queen-sized bedrooms, and in-unit laundry. Amenities include a fitness center, a roof terrace, private storage, and on-site parking.
Opal 33, #2A (Corcoran Group)
5 stories | 8 units
2 public availabilities from $795K - $1.3M
2 public availabilities from $795K - $1.3M
With its low-rise height and red brick facade, 184 Hawthorne Street makes a respectful new addition to a residential Brooklyn block near Prospect Park, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, popular restaurants, and multiple subway lines. Select units have private outdoor space, and all interiors feature oversized windows, U-shaped kitchens with Bosch appliances, and in-unit laundry. In addition to generous closet space, the building offers storage units for purchase.
184 Hawthorne Street, #4B
$1,295,000
Prospect Lefferts Gardens | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths | 1,228 ft2
184 Hawthorne Street, #4B (Corcoran Group)
624 New York Avenue
6 stories | 10 units
3 public availabilities from $840K - $1.23M
6 stories | 10 units
3 public availabilities from $840K - $1.23M
Calvert Villas is a boutique-scale building in the Calvert Collection, a two-building development on a tree-lined street in Prospect Lefferts Gardens. Residential amenities include a lobby lounge, a fitness center, a lounge with work pods and demonstration kitchen, a children’s playroom, a landscaped courtyard, and a rooftop deck with outdoor kitchen. A private school is located in the base of the building, which also enjoys excellent proximity to Prospect Park, Little Caribbean dining, and the Winthrop Street 2/5 trains.
Calvert Villas, #2B (Corcoran Group)
Would you like to tour any of these properties?
Just complete the info below.
Or call us at (212) 755-5544
Would you like to tour any of these properties?
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