The area got another boost in the late 1940s when the United Nations headquarters was built on 18 acres of cleared commercial land. Diplomatic missions took shape on surrounding streets, sometimes in converted townhouses, in a move that lent the neighborhood a global flair.
In this article:
While Turtle Bay is technically defined as East 42nd Street to 53rd Street between Third Avenue and the East River, the boundaries with the nearby Beekman/Sutton Place enclave are extremely porous. In any event, this neighborhood is far enough east to offer some respite from the chaos of the city, and yet still in a central location allowing for easy access to Grand Central Terminal, United Nations headquarters, Midtown offices, fine dining, and high-end shopping
Rental | To be completed in Summer 2005
Design by BKSK Architects | 194 units
9 availabilities from $4,592/month
Offering 1 month OP and 1 month free on a 13 lease.
Condominium | Completion TBD
Design by ODA Architects | 44 units
Under Construction | Anticipated completion: 2028
A recent visit to the site shows that construction is finally proceeding after a fresh set of permits were filed last year revealing a new but still slender pared down design. ODA is still helming the design of the 470-foot-tall building which will include 131 condominium units and 8,000 square feet of ground-floor retail.
Condominium | Completed in 2001 (new sponsor units recently released)
Design by Costas Kondylis | 64 units
10 availabilities from $1,450,000
The building will feature no more than two residences per floor, transitioning to full-floor homes with expansive private terraces above the 14th floor. These upper units will offer partial views of the East River.
To be constructed with a reinforced concrete frame, the tower will include retail at the ground level, building services and storage in the cellar, and residential amenities throughout. As of June 2025, excavation work is actively underway.
Condominium | Completion TBD
Design by SLCE Architects | 86 units
In September 2023, demolition permits were filed for a trio of low-rise Turtle Bay rentals at 930 First Avenue, 401 East 51st Street, and 936 First Avenue, which once served as literary hangout Beekman Place Bakeshop. A short time later in November 2023, developer SK Development announced plans for a new building with retail at the base and a 15-car parking garage.
Demolition at the site is now well underway and the developer is moving forward on a 29-story, mixed-use condo tower with 83 apartments. A conceptual design released by the Pacific Rim Group illustrates a bold red brick cladding on the lower levels and a matching grid-like facade extending upward.
Condominium | Completed in 2001 (new sponsor units recently released)
Design by Costas Kondylis | 64 units
10 availabilities from $1,450,000
The release of the new units represents the latest chapter in The Beekman Regent's rich history. The original Romanesque building at 351 East 51st Street was constructed in the late 19th century as Primary School No. 35, which later became PS. 135. When the Board of Education decided to sell the building to a developer who might have demolished it, local preservationists succeeded in getting it on the National Register of Historic Places. The original school is now retail space, the new condominium went up above it, and the resulting design was the 2002 winner of the Mercedes Benz Property Award for "Finest New Redevelopment in the World."
The Beekman Regent, #10A
$2,295,000
Turtle Bay/United Nations | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths | 1,752 ft2
Condominium | Completed late 2024
Design by Fischer + Makooi Architects (renovation) | 95 units
13 availabilities from $885,000
The new condominium represents the latest chapter for 234 East 46th Street. Crowdfund investor Prodigy originally intended to develop 234 East 46th Street into a long-term hotel with Korman Communities under its AKA brand. However, this didn't pan out and Prodigy filed for bankruptcy in 2021. The Perrie's developer, Cape Advisors, bought the building for $13 million in May 2023.
Condominium | Completed in 2023
Design by Issac & Stern | 15 units
3 availabilities from $1,789,000
Condominium | Completed in 2022
Design by Issac & Stern | 27 units
One availability for $3.5M
The building is located in close proximity to fine dining, but one of Manhattan's fanciest restaurants once stood on the site: After chefs James Beard and Andre Surmain taught cooking classes in the drawing room of Mr. Surmain's townhouse, Mr. Surmain later turned it into Lutece. The restaurant appeared in numerous films, but closed in 2004 amidst a drop in tourists and tightening dining budgets after 9/11. Plans for a residential condo go back to 2006, but the Great Recession and later the pandemic stalled proceedings.
249 East 50th Street, #7A
$3,500,000
Turtle Bay/United Nations | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths | 1,859 ft2
Condominium | Completed in 2021
Design by Peter Poon Architects | 6 units
No availabilities
Condominium | Completed in 2022
Design by Stephen B. Jacobs Group | 121 units
15 availabilities from $1,825,000
Inside Sutton Tower, no more than three units per floor allows for excellent privacy and spacious floor plans. Amenities are spread across four light-filled floors and include a fitness center, a 50-foot indoor pool, a spa area with infrared saunas and treatment rooms, a private dining room with chef's demonstration kitchen, a game room, and a children's playroom.
6sqft delivers the latest on real estate, architecture, and design, straight from New York City.
