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Directly east of Midtown's prominent office towers is one of its more peaceful enclaves. Turtle Bay spent centuries as farmland, and its residential renaissance began over 100 years ago when Charlotte Hunnewell Sorchan bought and renovated a row of townhouses, created a garden from their adjoining backyards, and dubbed the project Turtle Bay Gardens. She sold the houses at cost to friends like Maria Bowen Chapin, and later residents included E.B. White (who reportedly named the title character of Charlotte's Web in Ms. Sorchan's honor), Stephen Sondheim, Katharine Hepburn, and Olivier Sarkozy.

The area got another boost in the late 1940s when the United Nations headquarters was built on 18 acres of cleared commercial land. Diplomatic missions took shape on surrounding streets, sometimes in converted townhouses, in a move that lent the neighborhood a global flair.

In this article:

1 Sutton Place South
1 Sutton Place South Beekman/Sutton Place
342 East 51st Street
342 East 51st Street Midtown East
The 141 Condominium, 141 East 55th Street
The 141 Condominium, 141 East 55th Street Midtown East
Prospect Tower, 45 Tudor City Place
Prospect Tower, 45 Tudor City Place Turtle Bay/United Nations
50 United Nations Plaza
50 United Nations Plaza Turtle Bay/United Nations
More recently, Turtle Bay has experienced an influx of modern high-rise condominiums. While the twenty townhouses of Turtle Bay Gardens are protected by the Landmarks Preservation Commission, the rest of the area is not. This fact, along with a 2017 Midtown East rezoning, has allowed tall buildings to take advantage of river views to the east and skyline views to the west.

While Turtle Bay is technically defined as East 42nd Street to 53rd Street between Third Avenue and the East River, the boundaries with the nearby Beekman/Sutton Place enclave are extremely porous. In any event, this neighborhood is far enough east to offer some respite from the chaos of the city, and yet still in a central location allowing for easy access to Grand Central Terminal, United Nations headquarters, Midtown offices, fine dining, and high-end shopping
Below, we look at forthcoming projects that are further poised to reshape Turtle Bay. For those who do not want to wait that long to move to this dynamic yet peaceful neighborhood, we present a selection of the top ten condominiums that brought the neighborhood to prominence with units that are available for immediate move-ins.




New Developments in Turtle Bay - Beekman/Sutton Place

Condominium | Completed in 2001
Design by Costas Kondylis (new construction) | 64 units
5 availabilities from $1,650,000

High-rise condominium constructed over a school Beekman Regent (CityRealty)
In August 2024, a package of 26 sponsor condos was released at The Beekman Regent, which was converted from rentals to condos in the early 2000s. The property package includes two- to four-bedroom apartments with townhouse and penthouse units among them, and select units have private outdoor space. Like all residents in the building, these owners will enjoy access to amenities like a fitness center, sauna, lounge, library, private storage, and valet parking.

The release of the new units represents the latest chapter in The Beekman Regent's rich history. The original Romanesque building at 351 East 51st Street was constructed in the late 19th century as Primary School No. 35, which later became PS. 135. When the Board of Education decided to sell the building to a developer who might have demolished it, local preservationists succeeded in getting it on the National Register of Historic Places. The original school is now retail space, the new condominium went up above it, and the resulting design was the 2002 winner of the Mercedes Benz Property Award for "Finest New Redevelopment in the World."

The Beekman Regent, #LOFT5A (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

Condominium | Completion estimated for late 2024
Design by Fischer + Makooi Architects (renovation) | 95 units

234 East 46th Street entrance Renderings of The Perrie (Corcoran Group)
Living room and open kitchen
Fitness center with courtyard access
A teaser site has recently launched for modern condominium The Perrie in anticipation of a fall 2024 sales launch. The one-bedroom units are expected to start at $875,000, and a five-unit collection of penthouses with private roof terraces is expected to start at $1,385,000. Many units will have private balconies, and all residents will have access to an attended lobby, courtyard garden, fitness center, and lounge.

The new condominium represents the latest chapter for 234 East 46th Street. Crowdfund investor Prodigy originally intended to develop 234 East 46th Street into a long-term hotel with Korman Communities under its AKA brand. However, this didn't pan out and Prodigy filed for bankruptcy in 2021. The Perrie's developer, Cape Advisors, bought the building for $13 million in May 2023.

Condominium | Completed in 2023
Design by Issac & Stern | 15 units
5 availabilities from $1,795,000

244 East 52nd Street boutique condominium Minuet (Christie's International Real Estate)
Low-rise boutique condominium Minuet took shape on the former site of Turtle Bay Music School. The 15 units include a maisonette and penthouse, and all feature private outdoor space, large-scale windows, kitchens with custom cabinetry by BOTTEGA and integrated Miele appliances, and primary baths with radiant heated floors. Amenities include concierge service, a fitness center with separate movement studio, and a roof terrace with outdoor kitchen.

Minuet, #2C (Christies International Real Estate Group LLC)

Condominium | Completed in 2022
Design by Issac & Stern | 27 units
No current availabilities

249 East 50th Street 249 East 50th Street (Compass)
As of this writing, the boutique condominium at 249 East 50th Street is sold out. All the units feature oversized windows, high ceilings, hardwood floors, kitchens with custom cabinetry and stainless steel appliances, and in-unit laundry. Residential amenities include a central courtyard, an attended lobby, a fitness center, bike storage, and a roof deck.

The building is located in close proximity to fine dining, but one of Manhattan's fanciest restaurants once stood on the site: After chefs James Beard and Andre Surmain taught cooking classes in the drawing room of Mr. Surmain's townhouse, Mr. Surmain later turned it into Lutece. The restaurant appeared in numerous films, but closed in 2004 amidst a drop in tourists and tightening dining budgets after 9/11. Plans for a residential condo go back to 2006, but the Great Recession and later the pandemic stalled proceedings.

Condominium | Completed in 2021
Design by Peter Poon Architects | 6 units
2 availabilities from $3,890,000

219 East 44th Street EVEN Hotel (CityRealty)
In 2016, the health and wellness-oriented EVEN Hotel opened an outpost up the street from Grand Central Terminal. The project includes six full-floor units situated on top of the hotel rooms to make the most of river and skyline views. Residents enjoy access to the hotel's amenities, which include an attended lobby and state-of-the-art fitness center. Ben & Jack's Steakhouse is just an elevator ride away.

The Residences at the Even Hotel, #PH (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

Condominium | Completed in 2022
Design by Stephen B. Jacobs Group | 121 units
21 availabilities from $1,895,000

430 East 58th Street Sutton Tower (Astra Studios)
At 62 stories and 847 feet tall, Sutton Tower is the tallest building in its neighborhood and second only to supertall 432 Park Avenue as the tallest building in Midtown East. The tower has undoubtedly changed the local skyline, but the limestone pillar and coffered crown pay tribute to historic architecture.

Inside Sutton Tower, no more than three units per floor allows for excellent privacy and spacious floor plans. Amenities are spread across four light-filled floors and include a fitness center, a 50-foot indoor pool, a spa area with infrared saunas and treatment rooms, a private dining room with chef's demonstration kitchen, a game room, and a children's playroom.

Sutton Tower, #39B (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

Condominium | Completion TBD
Design by SLCE Architects | 86 units

936 First Avenue Google Streetview of 936 First Avenue
In September 2023, demolition permits were filed for a trio of low-rise Turtle Bay rentals at 930 First Avenue, 401 East 51st Street, and 936 First Avenue, which once served as literary hangout Beekman Place Bakeshop. A short time later in November 2023, developer SK Development announced plans for a new building with retail at the base and a 15-car parking garage.

Condominium | Completion TBD
Design by ODA Architects | 44 units

305 East 44th Street, imagined Turtle Bay condo Rendering of 305 East 44th Street (ODA)
A low-rise, mid-block building is currently situated at 305 East 44th Street, but grand plans for a glassy skyscraper with white-colored divisions designed by ODA were once imagined for the site. Demolition permits were filed in 2016; but in March 2018, The Real Deal announced that the project was on hold until further notice. A softening condo market was a factor, and a rent-controlled holdout didn't help. A recent visit to the site shows that demolition is finally proceeding and a fresh set of permits have been filed this year.
303 East 44th Street Walk-ups at the building site under demolition as of August 2024

Top 10 Condos

Completed in 2007
Design by SLCE Architects | 88 units
3 availabilities from $1,895,000
Average PPSF since 2021: $1,432

310 East 53rd Street Three Ten (Douglas Elliman)
On the southeast corner of Second Avenue and East 53rd Street, Three Ten stands out for its glassy facade and private balconies on every corner. Select units have double-height ceilings and working fireplaces, and all residents have access to amenities like a garden, health club, and private garage.

Three Ten, #23A (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

Completed in 2001
Design by Costas Kondylis | 376 units
9 availabilities from $1,350,000
Average PPSF: $1,433

845 United Nations Plaza Trump World Tower
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Trump World Tower's reputation has taken a hit in recent years because the former president's name is still on the building (despite some residents' efforts), but the building remains the tallest in Turtle Bay. By virtue of its soaring height and glassy facade, residents enjoy sweeping views of the East River and Manhattan skyline. The cornerstone of the amenity package is a 10,000-square-foot health club with a 60-foot lap pool; additional offerings include 24-hour doorman/concierge service, maid service, valet parking, a wine cellar, and a private park.

Trump World Tower, #8A (Compass)

Completed in 2003
Design by Costas Kondylis | 89 units
6 availabilities from $1,525,000
Average PPSF: $1,436

400 East 51st Street, Turtle Bay condo The Grand Beekman
One of the first new buildings to take shape in its neighborhood in decades, The Grand Beekman pays a modern tribute to architecture of old with its sophisticated facade and distinctive top. The apartments feature prewar-inspired layouts and proportions, but amenities like a conservatory with landscaped garden, a two-story fitness center, and a residents’ lounge cater to the modern buyer.

The Grand Beekman, #20C (Corcoran Group)

Completed in 2006
Design by H. Thomas O'Hara | 38 units
2 availabilities from $1,799,000
Average PPSF: $1,437

212 East 57th Street, Turtle Bay condo Sutton 57 (CityRealty)
Sutton 57 is located at the nexus of Turtle Bay and Midtown East in close proximity to Whole Foods and the Bridgemarket Trader Joe's, not to mention several fine dining options. The small number of units allows for generous floor plates and excellent privacy with full-floor apartments starting on the tenth floor. Residential amenities include doorman service, a fitness center, and a roof terrace with skyline and river views.

Sutton 57, #8C (Corcoran Group)

Completed in 2015
Design by COOKFOX Architects | 57 units
4 availabilities from $1,650,000
Average PPSF: $1,528

301 East 50th Street, Turtle Bay condo 301 East 50th Street
The limestone-clad, LEED-certified 301 East 50th Street makes a striking statement on the corner of Second Avenue, and the building is underpinned by state-of-the-art air filtration throughout. Residential amenities include 24-hour doorman/concierge service, a fitness center with yoga deck, steam rooms, and saunas, cold storage, bike storage, and a pet spa.

301 East 50th Street, #8A (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

Completed in 2010
Design by Sydness Architects | 88 units
2 availabilities from $3,495,000
Average PPSF: $1,534

250 East 49th Street, Turtle Bay condo The Alexander (CityRealty)
In a neighborhood increasingly filled with high-rise condominiums, The Alexander continues to stand out at street level for its curved corner. This allows for airy apartments with distinctive floor plans. Residential amenities include an attended lobby, a fitness center, and a roof terrace.

The Alexander, #15CD (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

Completed in 2015
Design by SLCE Architects | 123 units
5 availabilities from $1,888,000
Average PPSF: $1,663

305 East 51st Street, Turtle Bay condo Halcyon (Douglas Elliman)
Halcyon stands out in the Turtle Bay skyline for its glass and bronze tower rising from a limestone base. Inside, the apartments feature abundant natural light, high ceilings, Poliform kitchens, and white marble primary baths. Residential amenities include an indoor pool and sun deck, a fitness center, and a sky lounge.

Halcyon, #6G (Compass)

Completed in 2016
Design by Hill West | 90 units
1 availability for rent for $6,200/month
Average PPSF: $1,757

959 First Avenue, Turtle Bay condo The Sutton (CityRealty)
The Sutton's address puts it at the nexus of Turtle Bay and Beekman/Sutton Place, two of Manhattan's most tranquil neighborhoods. The Roman-style brick building offers a similar sense of peace, security, and luxury with well-appointed apartments and amenities like a fitness center, a lounge, a children's playroom, and a courtyard. Another perk is a 421a tax abatement expiring in 2032.

The Sutton, #6F (Compass)

Completed in 2015
Design by Foster + Partners | 88 units
9 availabilities from $2,225,000
Average PPSF: $1,759

50 United Nations Plaza, Turtle Bay condo 50 United Nations Plaza (Zeckendorf Marketing LLC)
The Foster + Partners-designed 50 United Nations Plaza is directly across the street from United Nations headquarters, which allows for beautiful East River views through oversized windows. A landscaped entrance and port cochere set the tone, and amenities include a state-of-the-art gym, a 75-foot lap pool, and private and wine storage for purchase.

50 United Nations Plaza, #41 (One and Only Realty Inc)

Completed in 2017
Design by Skidmore Owings & Merrill | 95 units
8 availabilities from $3,595,000
Average PPSF: $2,429

252 East 57th Street, Midtown condo 252 East 57th Street
Some consider 252 East 57th Street to be in Turtle Bay; others position it at the easternmost end of Billionaires' Row. All agree that the glass curtain wall allows for excellent light and views, and that the curve of the tower allows for distinct, spacious floor plans. Amenities include an indoor pool with hydrotherapy circuit (sauna, steam room, and ice room), fitness center, screening room, billiards room, and on-site parking.

252 East 57th Street, #60A (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)


Discounted Listings in Midtown East -Turtle Bay - Beekman/Sutton Place

155 East 49th Street, #10D (Coldwell Banker Warburg)

Prospect Tower, #1318 (Compass)

Turtle Bay Towers, #4P (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

The Prospect Hall, #4E (Compass)

Sutton House, #11EC (Stephen P Wald Real Estate Associates Inc)

Southgate, #10F (Corcoran Group)

The 141 Condominium, #5C (Compass)

200 East 57th Street, #9G (Coldwell Banker Warburg)

Connaught Tower, #25J (Corcoran Group)

Turtle Bay Towers, #20H (Keller Williams NYC)

342 East 51st Street, #4AB (Compass)

2 Beekman Place, #1B (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

333 East 46th Street, #9B (Coldwell Banker Warburg)

Southgate, #15A (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

400 East 59th Street, #13E (Sothebys International Realty)

860 United Nations Plaza, #16C (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

Plaza 400, #32G (Sothebys International Realty)

The Essex House, #207 (Sothebys International Realty)

The Mondrian, #14F (Corcoran Group)

Place 57, #15A (Corcoran Group)

One Sutton Place South, #2C (Sothebys International Realty)
Would you like to tour any of these properties?
Just complete the info below.
  1. Select which properties are of interest to you:

Or call us at (212) 755-5544
Would you like to tour any of these properties?