Society House (Nest Seekers)
When New York spent months of 2020 on lockdown, many floated the idea of converting the empty offices to residential use. Months later, the idea has not gone away–some mayoral candidates endorsed the idea, and the growing popularity of permanent hybrid work arrangements means less office space may be required, thus freeing it up for the possibility of residential use.
However, converting offices to residences is easier said than done. The process requires a massive rezoning that could take years; and, even if it does go through, the fact remains that many office floor plates do not easily lend themselves to residential conversions. Living rooms and bedrooms are legally required to have windows, and this can result in overly deep or narrow units in office conversions.
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That is not to say, though, that office-to-residential conversions cannot be done. In the heart of the Garment District, an early 20th-century loft building at 335 West 35th Street has been transformed into Society House, a collection of 66 condominium units. The conversion was announced in February 2018, and the building is gearing up for a sales launch.
An offering plan lists a sellout price of $90.855 million and indicates starting prices of studios from $775K, one-beds from $1.09 million, two-beds from $1.78 million, and a three-bedroom penthouse for $3.85 million. The building’s setback allows for many private terraces, and the penthouse will feature a large private terrace.
The busy firm of Issac & Stern is listed as the architects of record, and the project is the brainchild of The Chen Foundation Inc., a landlord affiliated with arts education non-profit T.F. Chen Cultural Center. According to The Real Deal, The Chen Foundation acquired the building from Acuity Capital Partners for $50 million in August 2015. The first two floors of the building will house the TF Chen Cultural Center, which will host rotating art and cultural exhibitions, forums, and fashion shows. Residents of the building will become VIP members and enjoy special access to the aforementioned events.
As the third floor shows, office floor plates can be tricky to convert to residential
Higher floors have room for larger units
Society House interiors (Nest Seekers)
The building’s former use as a factory allows for oversized windows and ceilings over 10 feet high. However, modern touches include beautiful European oak floors, smart intercoms, in-unit washer/dryers, and fine finishes throughout. Kitchens will come equipped with custom white satin lacquer cabinetry, Kohler Purist fixtures, and fully integrated high-end appliances. Baths will feature Italian Calacatta Gold porcelain tiles, Porcelanosa custom fixtures, and custom floating vanities.
Residential amenities are set to include a part-time doorman, a state-of-the-art security system, a fitness center, a lounge, a rooftop garden with dining and lounge furniture, and private storage for purchase. Society House also benefits from an address to the north of the world-famous West Chelsea gallery district. It is also just northeast of Avant Gallery in Hudson Yards, not to mention the luxury shopping and fine dining of New York’s newest neighborhood. It is just up the street from Moynihan Train Hall and offers easy access to the buses and subways of Port Authority.
It is also located in an area that has seen newfound residential development. The majority of this has been rental high-rises and the luxury towers of Hudson Yards; and yet, nearby, seven of the eight publicly listed units at The Westerley have entered contract. The one availability is a penthouse for $3.85 million.
Google Earth aerial showing location of Society House
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