Modern boutique condo that nods to Tribeca’s cast-iron architecture
This modernist, boutique condo with its black grid-and-glass facade and cantilevered top by architectural firm ODA is vastly different from the original vision, conceived by Dutch architect Ben van Berkel of UNStudio. His innovative design involved concealed balconies in an optical illusion worthy of M.C. Escher. A 2008 press release for the project elaborated on this concept: "The building will be wrapped in an optically dazzling, constantly shifting pattern of horizontal black metal bands sewn onto its form the way decorative seams and pleats are sewn onto a luxurious couture garment.”
Unfortunately, that project never came to fruition, a victim of the 2008 housing market crash. The current 20-story iteration, a new build completed in 2015, need not worry about making architect Frank Gehry squirm, as the New York Times wrote of the old design in 2011, but it did borrow the idea of nodding to Tribeca’s cast-iron architectural past with its bold black framing. And the resulting end product is still good enough to attract celebrity tenants like basketball sportscaster Marv Albert.
Andrew Escobar designed the all-white interiors
Like the facade, van Berkel also had grand design-forward plans for interiors that involved floating kitchen islands, curved walls and circular sliding doors. ODA’s realized project is more conventional, but still luxurious with high-end finishes designed by Andrew Escobar.
All of the 53 loft-like units were designed like blank slates with all-white kitchens and baths and wide-plank oak floors. Open kitchens are uniform with Calacatta marble counters, backsplashes and islands, Poggenpohl cabinets, Bosch appliances and Sub-Zero refrigerators. White marble continues in all of the bathrooms, where fixtures from Waterworks elevate the experience. Some bathrooms also contain heated floors, dual vanities and separate shower stalls and soaking tubs. Central air, stacked washers and dryers, generous closets, 9.5-foot ceilings and oversized windows can be expected at all price points.
The largest units on the top floors include private elevators, laundry rooms, multiple terraces and two levels with walls of windows to match. Some even offer Manhattan skyline views of the Empire State Building and Hudson Yards. But all apartments are on the larger side, starting with 812-square-foot lofts and maxing out at 3,200 square feet spread across a four-bedroom penthouse. Prices start around $1.3 million and have reached $8.5 million for that massive penthouse.
Hotel-worthy amenities include a rooftop pool
From the two-story, fully staffed lobby to the rooftop pool, this boutique condo feels more like a boutique hotel. This sense starts with a sculpture of towering gold crowns in front of the building, after which residents pass through a double-height glass facade into the dramatic lobby. It’s impossible to miss the black-and-white marble concierge desk with its marble slab wall, which mimics the look of wood and reaches the ceiling. This setup complements the floor-to-ceiling bookshelves along the side, where seating is arranged in front of a fireplace.
In nice weather, the heated rooftop pool beckons with cabanas, lounge chairs and a grill. The fitness center isn’t just bright and airy, but also outfitted with the latest equipment and a lounge area in front of a living green wall. Greenery continues into the inviting playroom, where a replica full-size tree looms over black-and-white-checkered floors and stretches toward a blue ceiling.
Beyond the common spaces, some apartments come with deeded storage units, while a select few can buy a parking spot in the automated garage that connects to the lobby.
Another differentiator is the condo’s location on Franklin Place, a privately owned stone street. This alley dates back to at least the 1800s, when manufacturing lofts used to line this stretch well worn by horse carriages. In fact, Franklin Place is one of the few streets left in the city with Belgian stones instead of cobblestones, which differ slightly in appearance and are more slippery when it rains.
Trendy Tribeca location near Hudson River Park
Like Franklin Place, many of the surrounding buildings are equally historic with neoclassical cast iron architecture. This former warehouse district is now a trendy, affluent downtown neighborhood favored by everyone from families to celebrities. While the main entrance is on Franklin Place, the condo is hugged by Franklin and White streets and Broadway, providing quick access to hip dining, art galleries and coffee shops.
Destination spots that draw people from all over include Aire Ancient Baths, a moodily lit underground bathhouse just down the block that’s filled with pools inspired by ancient Rome. The legendary Odeon bistro is a few blocks south, part of the city’s fabric since it opened in the 1980s. Bubby’s comfort food is another enduring favorite, as is the two-Michelin-starred Atera for its New American tasting menu.
Meanwhile, boutique shops dominate here, with niche options like Balloon Saloon for one-of-a-kind creations to The Mysterious Bookshop for mystery/crime/spy books galore. Hudson River Park and its path is a popular option to exercise more than one’s wallet, plus piers filled everything from a playground to a skate park.
For practicalities, food shopping options include the specialty Gourmet Garage around the corner. Whole Foods is a 15-minute walk, but groceries can be delivered.
Canal Street transportation hub offers many subway lines
This is a good location for subways, with numerous lines within a few blocks. Thanks to the Canal Street hub many lines connect here, including the 6, J, Z N, R, Q, W, A, C, E trains, plus the local 1 at Franklin Street. Those with cars can jump onto the West Side Highway and are close to the Holland Tunnel to New Jersey. A short trip across town reaches the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges and FDR Drive along the east side.
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Quantarium
Current List Price
Sold Price
Area Factors
Low Crime
Crime Score®
4/ 10
Biker's Paradise
Bike Score®
92/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
99/ 100
Rider's Paradise
Transit Score®
100/ 100
Sources: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Walk Score
Sources: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Walk Score
WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Powered by CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks. Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Environmental risk data is provided by First Street Foundation® and is designed to approximate risk and not intended to include all possible scenarios.
Parks in this Area
Collect Pond Park
4 min walk
Picnic Area
Trails
Tribeca Park
4 min walk
Trails
Thomas Paine Park
5 min walk
Trails
Concessions
Duarte Square
6 min walk
Picnic Area
Albert Capsouto Park
6 min walk
Trails
African Burial Ground National Monument
6 min walk
Picnic Area
Trails
Multi-Purpose Field
Columbus Park
6 min walk
Duane Park
8 min walk
Trails
Washington Market Park
9 min walk
Trails
Playground
Botanical Gardens
Schools
Source:
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