The public health emergency for Covid is poised to expire on May 11; however, memories of months on lockdown with neighbors on all sides are all too vivid for some New Yorkers. They may be coming to find that there is something to be said for boutique condos or rentals (commonly defined as a low- or mid-rise measuring 50 units or fewer). Fewer units per floor can mean more privacy and space for residents, not to mention fewer other people in the elevator or lobby (a new concern in the age of social distancing). That being said, it is less likely that residents of boutique buildings would fall into the New York cliché of not knowing one's neighbors, as people are likelier to run into each other in the lobby or mail area. Between greater square footage and a more communal atmosphere, this arrangement can offer the benefits of private homes combined with the convenience of a condominium.

With all that in mind, boutique buildings aren't necessarily for everyone. While some buildings have incorporated basic amenities like a roof deck or bike room, one can't necessarily expect the array of over-the-top amenities found in a luxury high-rise. Additionally, when capital improvements are required for a building, mathematics dictate that the smaller pool of residences to draw from means the cost per unit will be higher.

If boutique living is for you, you're in luck - developers are recognizing this and working on a number of boutique condos in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. Not only does this speak to buyers' wishes, but low-rise new development is often seen as less intrusive to established neighborhoods than new high-rises. We take a look at some of the newest buildings that have recently launched sales.

Pros of Boutique Buildings

• More privacy and quieter living

• Communal atmosphere with staff and other residents

• Greater likelihood of getting on a board and having a say in the running of the building

• Potentially located in a historic neighborhood where zoning prohibits high-rises

• Fewer availabilities can mean higher valuation

Cons of Boutique buildings

• Low-rise buildings mean less impressive views

• Less impressive amenity package

• Higher fees for special assessments or other repairs

• Harder to avoid unpleasant neighbors

• Fewer availabilities makes it hard to compare sales history on other units in the building

Iron Lofts is a boutique condo development in a converted, landmarked Renaissance Revival-style building located at 29 West 21st Street near Madison Square Park, Fifth Avenue shopping, fine dining in Gramercy and NoMad, Eataly, and Trader Joe's. All six full-floor units are reached via key-locked elevator and feature oversized windows, wide-planked oak floors, recessed cove lighting, central air conditioning, private laundry rooms, expansive proportions, kitchens with Sub-Zero and Miele appliances, and spacious primary suites with generous closet space and serene baths. Remote monitoring and secure package delivery is coordinated via virtual attendant.

Located at the border of Hudson Yards and the Garment District, The Westerley’s brick facade and gridded windows pay respectful tribute to the area’s industrial history. Inside, open layouts and high ceilings were inspired by commercial lofts of yesteryear. However, features like private elevator access with contactless controls, custom kitchens, luxurious primary baths, dimmable LED lighting, and prewiring for smart home controls were designed to appeal to the modern buyer. Whether one prefers to cook at home or eat out, The Westerley has them covered – it is next door to Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare and up the street from Whole Foods and the culinary offerings of Hudson Yards and Manhattan West.

In the Riverside Drive-West End Avenue Historic District, a Renaissance Revival-style townhouse has been restored to its original architectural glory while the interiors were converted to condominiums with state-of-the-art technology, triple-glazed windows, custom Poggenpohl kitchens, and luxurious primary baths. Seven of the 10 residences have private balconies, and all residents enjoy access to the building’s rear garden and roof deck. Additional amenities include bike storage, free deeded storage, a lounge, a boutique fitness studio, and the services of a resident manager who provides well-thought event programming.

More than 100 years after it was constructed, 66 West 138th Street has been fully renovated and redesigned into a collection of one-bedroom condominiums. High ceilings and exposed brick nod to the building’s prewar history, while open layouts and stainless steel appliances address the needs of today’s buyers. It is not an amenity-rich building, but its Central Harlem address may make up for that: It is a short distance from the eclectic culinary offerings lining Malcolm X and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevards, and two blocks from the express 2 and 3 trains at 135th Street.

In the midst of Greenpoint’s building boomlet, 68 North Henry Street brings a collection of two- and three-bedroom units down the street from Monsignor McGolrick Park. Residences are reached via private elevator access, and all apartments come with high ceilings, hardwood floors, in-unit washer/dryers, private storage space, and private outdoor terraces. Amenities include bike storage, on-site parking, and a roof terrace with views of Brooklyn and the Manhattan skyline.

Jefferson Hancock has taken shape on a tree-lined residential block, albeit one within walking distance of Bushwick performance venues, Knickerbocker Avenue dining, and the Halsey Street L train. Sales launched earlier this year, and the building is gearing up to welcome its first residents this spring. At this time, residents will enjoy interiors by Brittany Marom Interior Design, thoughtful layouts, chef’s kitchens, pristine primary baths, and private outdoor space in the vast majority of units. Amenities include a fitness center with yoga studio, a pickleball court, a library, co-working spaces, a dog run, and a roof deck with an outdoor kitchen and Manhattan skyline views.

Closings have recently commenced at 215 Putnam Avenue, a contemporary new condo at the junction of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Prospect Heights, Crown Heights, and Clinton Hill. Two-thirds of the apartments come with private outdoor space, and all units offer oversized casement windows, environmentally friendly temperature control, high-end kitchen appliances, and luxurious baths. The bedrooms offer generous closet space, but the building offers deeded storage; additional amenities include a main lobby and a roof deck with open views.

Just outside the Crown Heights Historic District, Lexè’s pale brick facade is underpinned by an airtight building envelope and triple pane windows, two features that were instrumental in its Passive House certification. There are solar panels on the roof, and all units feature individual ERV systems, induction stoves, and interiors by an Italian company that uses materials with zero environmental impact and superior quality standards. The vast majority of apartments have private outdoor space, and the building is a short walk from Prospect Park and the Brooklyn Botanical Garden.

Brooklyn’s boutique condo building boom has made its way to Red Hook, where The Conover’s design nods to the neighborhood’s industrial history. The 22 units include eight duplex Townhouse units, three Garden units, and three Penthouse units, all of which offer private outdoor space. All interiors feature open floor plans, exposed concrete ceilings, oversized windows, modern kitchens with fully integrated appliances, and serene baths with high-end fixtures. The building is topped with a 5,000-square-foot roof deck with BBQ grills and water views.

Astoria Proper brings a collection of one-bedroom units a short distance from the robust dining scene of 30th Avenue. All units feature oversized, double-paned casement windows, private glass balconies, white oak flooring, kitchens with premium appliances, baths with radiant heated floors, and in-unit washer/dryers. Parking and storage are available for purchase, and amenities include a fitness center, a rear courtyard, and a roof deck.