Luxury is rising to new heights in Manhattan

Perspective

10/07/2019

Who would have thought that New York could reach greater summits? Literally and figuratively! The new developments that have sprung up in Manhattan over the last 3 years are setting new world standards in terms of luxury, amenities and services.

Starting with One Manhattan Square (OMS), an 80-storey high-rise delivered in early 2019 that offers, in addition to the 815 apartments, over 10,000 sq.m. (107,639 sq ft) of communal amenities spread over four floors. Including, of course, a spa with a pool, a basketball court, a golf simulator, a cinema theatre, and, because it is New York after all, an agility course for dogs.

277 Fifth Avenue, now the highest construction of the eponymous avenue with 55 floors, is banking on its club style and offers its residents relaxation and meeting spaces, a library, a bar and a private dining room. Not to mention the fitness club that opens onto a terrace overlooking 5^th Avenue. It doesn't get much classier than this.

The Centrale, a 71-storey high-rise with 24 residences, has opted for an Art Deco look thanks to the creativity of Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects. The reception rooms are breathtaking, as are the swimming pool and gym, which would make even a 5-star hotel turn green with envy.

Services that outstrip luxury hotels

But one of the most spectacular recent constructions is without doubt 130 William, in the Financial District. A visionary project by the architect Sir David Adjaye, including a rooftop deck equipped with private cabins and barbecues, numerous pools, an Imax cinema theatre, and a golf simulator.

“Owning an apartment in one of these developments is a guarantee of an alternative lifestyle in New York, with a level of services that even luxury hotels do not offer”, explains Christophe Bourreau, Director of BARNES New York. “In this city where inviting people over is not the done thing, it was only logical that these new constructions offer private dining rooms equipped for Michelin-starred chefs. So much more personal than a restaurant! The same trend can be seen in gyms, pools, wine cellars and cinemas, often a cut above those of the prestigious Manhattan clubs.”

It goes without saying that à la carte prestige and luxury reign supreme within these apartments, decorated by the top international firms. So how much do they go for? “From $1.5 million, i.e. €1.3 million, for a 65-70 sq.m. (700-753 sq ft) one-bedroom apartment”, says Christophe Bourreau. “Upwards of $3 million (€2.6 million) depending on the floor for a 120 sq.m. (1,292 sq ft) apartment with 3 bedrooms.” There seems to be no limit to prices: in January 2019, Illinois-based billionaire Ken Griffin purchased a 2,230 sq.m. (24,000 sq ft) “pied-à-terre” at the prestigious 220 Central Park South for $238 million (€212 million). A record to date, but in Manhattan, the sky’s the limit...

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