The New York Condo Blog

Overview

Development of West Chelsea continues in its luxuriously modern and exclusive fashion with the rise of 100 11^th Avenue, located at the corner of 19^th street. Helmed by French architect Jean Nouvel, well known for his Opera House in Lyon, this 20 story glass tower will hug the Hudson River and redefine the Westside Manhattan skyline.

This will be Jean Nouvel’s first venture into the Manhattan residential market and he is sure to follow the trend of unconventional masterpieces that have risen in the area. With his ability to weave art, history, natural and cultural references into his projects, Nouvel is one of the most original designers of his generation. He teams up with Beyer Blinder Belle whose portfolio includes 139 Wooster and the Hamptons House; together they will provide residents of 100 11^th Avenue, “with an environment of beauty and comfort, of contemporary relevance and timeless endurance.” For proof just look at the building to be…

The surrounding area is of great influence to the building’s design and Nouvel is not shy in taking advantage of it. This self described “vision machine” demonstrates the spirit of Nouvel’s design; known for infusing the elements in his work, the façade of the building will be comprised of 1,750* different glass windowpanes set to look like undulating water. These “megapanels” of glass will range in size – some as small as 11’ to as large as 37’ – tilt, and degree of transparency. This decision is not by accident as Nouvel is building a complement to his friend’s, Frank Gehry’s IAC Headquarters just across the street which was built to look like sails of a ship. Units will offer either South or West, or Southwest exposures which capture breathtaking views of the Hudson, Chelsea Piers, and New Jersey coast. Units up to the 7^th floor will have the luxury of outdoor space; however, all residents will be able to take advantage of Nouvel’s scant, yet tree-filled enclosed back garden.

100 11^th aims to give back to the very environment that influences it. The building is targeted to receive the prestigious U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED certificate by offering eco-friendly features such as: natural ventilation, low-emission, recycled, and non-toxic materials for construction, and reduced ozone-depleting refrigerants. With a connection so close to the outdoors and the vigilance and visibility of the Green movement on the rise, living in an eco-friendly building is soon to become a standard for Manhattan apartment shoppers.

Units and Pricing

When announced the building was to offer 72 – units; however, units have been combined and now the total number has dwindled to 54. At press-time the building is 60% sold.

Prices for 1 Bedrooms start at $1.825M and can top off at over $2.8M. For example, 8C which is comprised of 1BR/1BA totaling 890 square feet is the smallest unit at $1.825M or $2050psf. The other 1BR unit, 4C, boasts 170sf of outdoor space and 1405sf of indoor will run approximately $2.8M.

Two bedrooms are in a different price bracket starting with 10D- a 1760sf 2BR/2BA plus a powder room- at $3.6 to the adjoined units 10B/C – combined it offers 2000sf with South and Southwest views – at $4.4M.

“Very few” 3 Bedrooms exist; however, 8A is still on the block with 3 bathrooms and a powder room, this 1950sf unit is offered at $4.1M.

The top floor is comprised of a single residence, with 4,600+ sf indoor space and a full-roof terrace, it was originally offered at $22M, but is no longer available.

Interiors

When designer the interior, Jean Nouvel continues his philosophy that the building must reflect the outside which is why units are light, neutral, and minimalist. Units will be floored with seamless Italian-imported white terrazzo and white plaster walls will lead to each unit’s window wall – allowing for maximum sunlight and transparency. Custom Valcucine Kitchens with stainless steel appliances will include an anti-ozone depleting Sub Zero refrigerator and a frosted-glass pantry. The bathroom, in line with the kitchen, features a stand up shower and double Corian tub, with spandrel and fritted glass, porcelain, painted plaster and mirrors with a built-in shelving for maximum storage and minimum visibility.

From a unit’s window wall, the ceiling recedes to a still generous 10 – 11’ celing to augment the incoming sunbeams. Also, this space is treated with generous heated floors to allow for maximum comfort and unobstructed views. This carefully crafted plan exemplifies Nouvel’s mastery of the elements and enhances the entire living experience at 100 11^th ave.

Amenities

The amenities of 100 11^th Avenue meet the standards of those wishing to live here. From the yet-to-be-announced restaurant at the building’s lobby level to the private garden, gym, spa, and indoor-outdoor pools, there is no amenity this team has not thought of.

The 70 foot long mirror-canopied pool will feature both outdoor and indoor swimming space. The outdoor portion of the pool will extend into the lower tier of the building’s garden. A glass partition will separate the tow so residences can enjoy the pool year round. The fitness center will boast a sauna and steam room, shower facilities, and a lounge that overlooks the garden and pool. Private screening rooms are available to the residents for entertainment gatherings.

The lobby will always have an attending doorman and a Luxury Attaché Concierge available to store groceries in the refrigerated storage or arrange to have a resident’s car valet parked.

Area

The area surrounding 100 11^th Ave can still be considered to be undergoing a transformation; however, already the area has received some of the most renowned restaurants, cafes, shops, and recreation areas. Highly acclaimed restaurants are within walking distance, such as: Del Posto, Morimoto and Craftsteak.

Contemporary art galleries flank the same and surround blocks and are receiving worldwide attention. Boutique and niche retail stores, such as Jeffery, Alexander Queen, the Chelsea Market, and Bodum, are just blocks south in the Meatpacking district. Accessible to Chelsea and Meatpacking shopping and dinning are not the only benefits of the area. Public and recreational spaces are nearby. Just across the street, residences may opt to take advantage of Chelsea Piers. From a golf range, to batting cages, to indoor ice skating – Chelsea Piers is the largest activity complex in Manhattan. The Westside also boasts a generous bike path and several piers for a picnic or a closer view of the boats that go by on the Hudson. Recently announced, the nearby, once-defunct Highline will be getting a recreational makeover and should be ready before the building is, sometime in 2008.

Interesting Fact

Early rumors have mentioned Danny Meyer, of Union Square Café fame, as the future Restauranteur of the 100 11^th Ave’s lobby café.

Investment Potential

This property should be viewed more as a residence than an investment. With the high price per square and available inventory in the neighborhood, it is hard to explain why this property would be better investing in that another. Why one would think about investing is if a unit is purchased now, it will be another 18 months of appreciation before the unit would be available for the market; a lot could be earned or lost in that time. Also, with the low availability, snatching up one of the few remaining units could prove to be a hot commodity should no more development happen. But with this innovative structure featuring uncompromised luxury and design, wouldn’t you want to keep it all to yourself?