New Harlem Condo

Artimus Construction, Inc. and GF55 Architects - partners in revitalizing large parts of South Harlem (SOHA) – have captured the neighborhood spirit of this emerging Harlem community with new construction that blends old with new.

Brownstone Lane II, which was built as ground-up new construction to mirror masterfully restored landmarked Harlem brownstones, is just one project by this innovative developer/architect duo that is changing the face of a neighborhood and getting rave reviews by buyers and residents alike who call SOHA home.

Brownstone Lane II is new construction that evokes the past, but also offers a full complement of modern conveniences and amenities for today’s busy lifestyles.

Outside there is beautiful precast brownstone, wide stoops, landmark-looking window cornices, roof trim and other historical touches – common to New York City brownstones built at the turn of the century.

But inside Brownstone Lane II there are modern duplex and triplex apartments with 24-hour attended lobby, underground parking garage, fitness center, children’s playroom and private community courtyard with organic vegetable garden. Modern rooftop terraces set back on the fifth floor are hidden from the street as not to mar the “traditional” brownstone look.

The building almost fooled “The History Channel,” which wanted to feature the project in a television special on historical buildings.

Brownstone Lane II, which features a block of townhouses and an adjoining modern brick apartment building, has only several units left out of 54, since the buildings went on sale last spring.

Brownstone Lane II joins four other projects on two adjacent city blocks (between Manhattan Ave. and Frederick Douglass Blvd., and West 118th and 120th St.) where Artimus and GF55 have also built: Brownstone Lane One, which sold out with 48 apartments; SOHA 118, a 15-story, 93-unit luxury condominium that opened in April and is already 70% sold and two large rental buildings, 444 Manhattan Ave. and Susan’s Court.

“There is no other developer/architect team making such a difference in one area of the city,” said Artimus developer Yoav Haron, who pointed out that “SOHA” neighborhood’s upscale retail is fast catching up to the residential developments – with several restaurants, cafes, two organic grocery stores, fine wine stores, a NY Sports Club, doggie day care and other establishments in the area. Earlier this year, Starbucks moved into the retail space at SOHA 118, which already has a Chase Bank and a Marcel Dry Cleaner.

Beautifully landscaped, private gardens in the rear and a brick and glass solarium are shared by both the north and the south buildings at ground level. “The courtyard is a great community space where parents and children can enjoy the best of city living together. It’s a true community within a community,” said Shay Alster of GF55 Architects.

“Everything was coordinated and thought out on the site so that the final product is of the highest order.”

All units feature Italian custom kitchens, mahogany floors, European tile bathrooms, stainless steel appliances and balconies.An underground parking garage, fitness center, storage and utility rooms connect Brownstone Lane II with Brownstone Lane One.

For more information, go to brownstonelane2.com.

The Brownstone Lane II 45,000 s/f townhouse building facing south onto 119th St., features duplex units on the ground and second floor that extend from the street to the rear yard, while the third and fourth floors are flat level apartments. The garden side of the fifth floor has duplex units with penthouses on the sixth floor with access to large terraces.

The Brownstone Lane II modern 60,000 s/f tower facing north onto 120th St. is a brick and limestone building and has a setback at the sixth floor that complements the existing and adjacent apartment buildings on Manhattan Ave.

Artimus Construction and GF55 Partners Complete Entire City Block with SOHA 118

SOHA 118, one of Harlem’s tallest new luxury condominiums, opened its doors this April in one of the city’s most vibrant new neighborhoods where Starbucks just announced it will lease the building’s retail space. “Now our residents will be able to get the latte they deserve each morning,” says developer Yoav Haron of Artimus Construction. “We couldn’t be more pleased.”

At SOHA 118, Starbucks joins a Chase Bank and a Marcel Dry Cleaner, occupying the building’s ground floor retail. The neighborhood, called SOHA or South Harlem, is popping with not just new residential buildings, but also new stores and restaurants — from organic groceries like “Carrots” and upscale doggie day care “Posh Paws,” to a New York Sports Club and bakery/ cafe Patiesserie des Ambassades, which have recently opened in the area.

Soaring 15 stories high, the 93-unit building that is already 65 percent sold out, is one of Harlem’s tallest buildings. Designed by GF55 Partners, it offers buyers fantastic views and spacious modern interiors that feature Brazilian cherry hardwood floors, Italian kitchens with stainless steel appliances, European bathrooms with Jacuzzi tubs and Kohler fixtures, oversized windows and open floor plans. Balconies, three level penthouses and private roof terraces as large as 800 sq. ft., add to the uniqueness of SOHA 118.

Apartments at SOHA 118 range from two bedrooms starting at $825,000 to $2.1 million for three bedrooms. Still for sale are the building’s two largest four bedroom duplex penthouses, each with two inside staircases, 3,500 sq. feet with large terraces that are among the largest apartments on the market in Harlem for $3.4 million and $3.5 million each.

Amenities include a 24-hour doorman, fitness center, children’s playroom, media room, and an elevated landscaped community garden and private courtyard surrounded by the buildings.

Although the building has a contemporary feel, GF55 Partners designed it to work with the existing traditional brick buildings and brownstones in Harlem. A two-story stone base anchors the red brick and metal panel façade with larger corner windows. “We wanted SOHA 118 to fit into the neighborhood,” said Shay Alter, partner at GF55, who also designed the high-end lobby to feature reflective glass surrounding the floors, walls and ceilings. Jerusalem stone, marble, wood panels and stainless steel complete the finish palette.

SOHA 118 follows five other projects built by Artimus Construction and designed by GF 55 Partners on two adjacent blocks between 118^th and 120th streets , between Manhattan Avenue and Frederick Douglass Blvd. ; 444 Manhattan Avenue, Brownstone Lane One and Brownstone Lane Two Apartment and Townhouses and Susan’s Court.

“There is no other developer/architect team making such a difference in one area of the city,” said Haron, whose father, Ken Haron, founded Artimus Construction in 1979 as a small renovation company. Today the company has built over 50 buildings in Manhattan, both market rate and affordable housing.

“SOHA 118 closes the circle,’’ adds Haron. “It completes an entire city block that was designed for us by wGF55 .” Partnering on, the two companies have begun work on two new nearby projects in South Harlem; 454 Manhattan Avenue and the SDA Morija Church. “Together we are building strong, viable communities and better housing and communities for residents,” added Haron.

2056 Fifth Avenue: The Best of The Old and The New

Historic Beau-Arts Condo Conversion In Harlem

Until now, the choice has been clear for buyers attracted to the hot Harlem market – purchase a fully equipped luxury apartment with gorgeous views in a modern high-rise building or opt for a classic restored townhouse or one in need of a little tender care.

Not anymore. AFC Realty Capital, partnering together with award-winning BKSK Architects has come up with a new twist aimed at luxury home buyers in search of charm and old New York.

For those interested in the latter… 2056 Fifth Avenue is a building as rich in history as the neighborhood it has called home for over 100 years. This five-story, 22-unit architectural gem integrates the antiquities of yesteryear with the luxurious surroundings of modern living.

A-reimagined cornice and a carved limestone façade face the street. The building’s original details have been meticulously preserved using today’s most advanced construction techniques. The result is a building that retains an abundance of classic charm, yet is contemporary in every way.

The remarkable transformation was conceived and executed under the direction of AFC Realty Capital President Arthur Fefferman who had a vision when he hired the award winning minds of BKSK Architects. The building, which had a diverse array of uses throughout its history, most recently as a church sanctuary, was a creative challenge for the creative minds at BKSK. They painstakingly maintained the building’s brick and limestone exterior facades that resulted in keeping one of the most beautifully detailed structures remaining in Harlem today.

 “2056 has captured a niche in the marketplace by offering buyers a distinctive alternative to what is commonly found in the area,” said Jessica Armstead, of the Corcoran Group, the building’s exclusive sales and marketing agent, who reports that 12 unique apartments are left out of the original 22 at the East 127th Street building.

The building’s former use as a church allowed BKSK architects  to create a unique living experience highlighted by magnificently renovated residences with loft-like interior spaces, soaring ceilings and oversized windows, vaulted lobby and private landscaped courtyard.

The building offers duplex, garden and penthouses homes, priced from the upper $600,000 to $1.575 million. The top floor penthouse boasts large floor-to-ceiling windows, a gas powered fireplace and an oversized terrace to provide dramatic views that stretch from Yankee Stadium to George Washington Bridge.

 The two-story duplex homes are geared at sophisticated buyers who want the benefits of townhome style-living in a maintenance free environment.  “The garden home has great appeal for its separate entrance and private garden with direct access the private landscaped courtyard,” added Armstead.

Each residence is designed for maximum privacy, with a 16-hour doorman, high-tech interactive video surveillance system, grand lobby featuring 17-foot ceilings crafted with wood, glass and stone details, residents-only landscaped courtyard, modern well-equipped fitness center, private storage bicycle room, cold storage for Fresh Direct deliveries and GE stackable washer/dryer in each apartment.

The building is located near many of Harlem’s most popular restaurants and shops, minutes from 125th Street and all major transportation. “The character of the immediate neighborhood is dramatically changing,” added Fefferman. “The nearby East River Plaza will add 485,000 square feet of retail space and several other residential and commercial endeavors are planned. “Ours is an ideal setting for a small group of distinctive homes with all the charm and elegance of classic city living.”

Besides the great views of the Big Apple, when the 30-story Harlem condo 5th on the Park opens later this year, it will also have some monumental sculptures at the entrance and lobby for all to see on the ground level. 

5th on the Park’s developer Lew Futterman recently returned from traveling across the country to bring back work of exciting new artists like African American artist Nnamdi Okonkwo who will make a vibrant artistic statement with a large monumental stone sculpture ( to be installed at the entrance of the FX Fowle building).

Okonkwo was hand-picked by Futterman, a former rock music producer and his fashion-designer wife Starla Caldwell, who have commissioned a large stone sculpture.

Okonkwo, who was born in Nigeria, now lives and works out of his gallery in Fayetteville Georgia. His beyond life-size work is on display in galleries, buildings and public sculpture gardens across the country. The 5th on the Park piece, which is still being worked on, will be derived from a piece called (Friends) also shown on the artist’s website www.nnamdiart.com

Futterman also commissioned a large modern metal sculpture that will hang in the lobby, by artist Tim Prentice.

Fifth on the Park the luxury condo facing the historic and beautiful Mount Morris Park in central Harlem is attracting buyers who are raving about the building’s spectacular views — from the tallest condominium in Harlem. Besides nature’s beautiful views of the Big Apple, when the 30-story condo opens later this year…it will also have some monumental sculptures at the entrance and lobby for all to see on the ground level. Fifth on the Park’s developers recently returned from traveling across the country to bring back work of exciting new artists like African American artist Nnamdi Okonkwo will make a vibrant artistic statement with a large monumental stone sculpture ( to be installed at the entrance of the FX Fowle building) .

Here is a great way to spend a Saturday morning: Participate in the Harlem 5K Health Walk-A-Thon sponsored by New York Road Runners Club (NYRRC), the organizer of the NYC marathon.

Don’t worry, there’s no racing or running! This is a health walk to help raise money to support Harlem’s Healthy Eating and LIving Initiative (HEAL). Join thousands of your neighbors in Harlem on Saturday, August 23 at 9 a.m. in Morningside Park. And there will be plenty of entertainment and health-related activities along the course.

Registration is $20 by August 22. All participants receive an official bib and event t-shirt. For more information and to register for the walk online, visit the NYRRC website here. 

For more information about Harlem Healthy Living visit their website here. 

Several new Harlem condominium developments are featured in today’s NY Post, presenting savvy apartment shoppers with “all kinds of options,” the Post says.

Our own Joe Holland is quoted in the story as saying that when it comes to the market, optimism prevails, while Sean Futterman, sales associate at Fifth on the Park, is quoted describing the building’s 70-percent sold rate, in spite of the normal summer slowdown. The Post describes Fifth on the Park as:

… a 160-unit tower that will be finished next year, promises to be Harlem’s tallest condo building at 28 stories; it will feature the kind of amenities (pool, concierge, etc.) that are still something of an anomaly in the neighborhood. Prices start at $638,000 for a studio and go up to around $2.3 million for a four-bedroom.

Some other interesting tidbits: Appraisal firm Miller Samuel says Harlem apartment sales are up by 44 units, and that most apartment prices saw significant increases in the first two quarters of 2008. A Prudential Douglas Elliman broker says restaurateurs Danny Meyer and Keith McNally are “looking at Harlem.” Not to mention the development of student and faculty housing being planned by Columbia University.

The conclusion?

“All this is a good sign for anybody looking to move to Harlem, which also offers value on rentals.”

Read the NY Post article here.

Yesterday marked the start of Harlem Week, a tradition that began in 1974 as “Harlem Day” and have evolved into a now-monthlong celebration of all that Harlem has to offer.

Here are some of the major upcoming events as part of Harlem Week:

• Saturday, Aug. 16 - Uptown Saturday Nite: An outdoor arts, entertainment and dance festival along West 135th Street, from 11 am to 8 pm.
• Sunday, Aug. 17 - Harlem Day: A huge outdoor celebration featuring multiple stages with live performances, including “A Celebration of Gospel and Jazz” on three main stages from noon to 7 pm. On W. 135th Street between Frederick Douglass Blvd. and St. Nicholas Ave., between Malcolm X and AC Powell Jr. Blvds., and between Fifth Ave. and Malcolm X Blvd. Also don’t miss the “Upper Manhattan Auto Show,” an auto showcase featuring over 100 new, antique, vintage, exotic and collectible cars, from 9 am to 5 pm at Howard Bennett Park, on W. 135th Street between Fifth Ave. and Malcolm X.

Harlem World has a great wrap up on the history of Harlem Week. And visit Harlem Week’s website for more information.  

See you there!

Research shows that great views increase the value of a condo unit - according to a recent report, by up to 60%. This is a key differentiator in a crowded market - we all understand intuitively that, other things being equal, a buyer would choose an apartment with a superior view. This of course allows the better view to command a higher price.

In New York City, real estate watchers surely remember the negative effect on the Lincoln Towers buildings when their view was obstructed by the new Trump Towers on Manhattan’s West Side.

Fifth on the Park (www.5thonthePark.com) luxury condos in Harlem offer what is essentially a huge value for free - their condos with spectacular Manhattan views. These apartments already offer excellent value for Manhattan, and with no comparable building in the neighborhood, the price can’t be said to be inflated by the views.

Time was, you couldn’t dream of finding a Starbucks in Harlem.  The first Starbucks to arrive in Harlem in 1999 was a joint venture between Magic Johnson and Starbucks, and was part of a special effort to reach “inner city” and “under-served” neighborhoods. It opened on 125th Street at Lenox Avenue.

Well, now Harlem is ready for its fourth Starbucks location! The new store will be on 125th Street between Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd. and Frederick Douglas Blvd. Last time we walked by (earlier this week), they were preparing the store.

The other Harlem Starbucks locations are at 145th Street and Frederick Douglas Blvd. (in the lobby of the Langston building) and the recently opened store in the lobby of the new SOHA 118 condominiums, at the corner of Frederick Douglas Blvd. and 118th Street.

The coffee chain is ubiquitous in all other parts of Manhattan — so why not Harlem too? Seems like they’ve finally caught on.