It’s hard for present-day DUMBO, Soho, Tribeca, and Village visitors to imagine, but there was a time when those neighborhoods’ former industrial buildings sat vacant and all but abandoned, putting a blight on the area. That changed when artists, drawn to the expansive spaces and low rent, started turning the spaces into live/work studios. It didn’t take long for the cachet of the creatives to increase property values, though. While the Loft Law was implemented to bring the living spaces up to code, it had the unfortunate side effect of pushing out the artists and bringing rents to unattainable highs.
To this day, loft apartments are in high demand. At a time when available land is scarce, developers and designers can find it easier to restore the facade of a former industrial building to its former glory and convert the interiors to residential space - a painstaking task when it comes to keeping original features like high ceilings, oversized windows, columns, exposed brick, exposed joists, and exposed beams intact, but one that can nevertheless be easier than working within some historic districts’ stringent requirements for new construction.
However, as there are only so many one-time commercial and industrial buildings in New York, and many have already been converted to residential, authentic lofts are becoming few and far between. For example, 168 Plymouth, a daylight factory turned luxury condominium, is now over 70 percent sold; remaining availabilities start at $2.1 million.
To this day, loft apartments are in high demand. At a time when available land is scarce, developers and designers can find it easier to restore the facade of a former industrial building to its former glory and convert the interiors to residential space - a painstaking task when it comes to keeping original features like high ceilings, oversized windows, columns, exposed brick, exposed joists, and exposed beams intact, but one that can nevertheless be easier than working within some historic districts’ stringent requirements for new construction.
However, as there are only so many one-time commercial and industrial buildings in New York, and many have already been converted to residential, authentic lofts are becoming few and far between. For example, 168 Plymouth, a daylight factory turned luxury condominium, is now over 70 percent sold; remaining availabilities start at $2.1 million.
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This time, New York City lofts are largely inhabited by not-so-starving artists: Justin Timberlake recently sold his penthouse at 443 Greenwich Street, a former book bindery warehouse, for $29 million. The singer/actor clearly has a penchant for historic Tribeca - Curbed notes that before he and his wife, actress Jessica Biel, purchased the penthouse for $20,185,527, he had an apartment at Pearline Soap Factory, whose architecture and interiors were inspired by the tenant of yesteryear.
Additionally, the New York Post recently announced that stage and screen actor Anthony Rapp sold his Noho loft for $2 million, over the asking price, after only 12 days on the market. It is located in a landmarked building that was originally built in the late 19th century as the headquarters to the American Waltham Watch Company. We present a selection of authentic loft apartments currently on the market.
Additionally, the New York Post recently announced that stage and screen actor Anthony Rapp sold his Noho loft for $2 million, over the asking price, after only 12 days on the market. It is located in a landmarked building that was originally built in the late 19th century as the headquarters to the American Waltham Watch Company. We present a selection of authentic loft apartments currently on the market.
From the Listing: Want a true Manhattan loft with great light and city views? This is the one! Apartment features include 11-foot ceilings, a spacious living space, oversized windows, large sleep loft, separate home office/sleep area, exposed brick and decorative fireplace, renovated kitchen with brand new Bertazonni range, Liebherr Refrigerator, and Bosch dishwasher. Bathroom is pristine updated as well. The flexible living situation could involve the new owner to use the office area as an enclosed bedroom or the current sleep loft as an office and storage area with a deep storage space behind the loft. See floor plan and full details here.
The Ships Chandlery, 170 John Street, #2D | $1,100,000
Financial District | Condominium | 1 Bedroom, 1 BathFormer Hickson W. Field Stores
From the Listing: From the custom ceiling tiles to the concrete flooring, this one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment is decked out, literally from top to bottom. Enter through a foyer, backlit by faux windows, and emerge in a space like none other. Currently set up as a living room / TV lounge, the concrete floor travels up the walls and ceiling, creating a nook that is perfect for all uses. The open concept kitchen is completely updated, with stainless steel appliances, including Miele cooktop, two Marvel fridges with glass doors, Fisher & Paykel double drawer dishwasher, and a wine cooler. White quartz countertops and custom installed lighting and chandelier add to the sleek and modern look. Sunlight streams into the bedroom and main living area as you face north onto the charming tree-lined stretch of John Street. See floor plan and full details here.
Austin Nichols House, 184 Kent Avenue, #C105 | $1,250,000
Williamsburg | Condominium | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 824 ft2Former grocery warehouse and bourbon distillery
From the Listing: Dripping with style, this custom-designed residence is a standout in Austin Nichols House, Williamsburg's premiere condominium building. Upon entering the home, you are struck with its high end design. A gracious foyer leads you down a corridor that opens up to a massive living, kitchen and dining area. The open chef's kitchen with breakfast bar comes equipped with a fully integrated Smart tech Dacor refrigerator, Bertazzoni four-burner gas stove, Sharp microwave oven and Asko dishwasher; this is the ideal layout for entertaining and for the discerning chef. Off of the living room is a massive king-sized primary bedroom suite with a spa-inspired bathroom. The home enjoys tremendous storage with custom built closets. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: Residence 11A at the Chelsea Mews is an oversized one (flexible two) bedroom with a massive open concept living space and 11'2" ceilings. Located in the rear of the building, this south-facing residence has hardwood floors and new windows offering open city views. The current owner installed reclaimed wood finishings which include beautiful accent beams, shelving, and built-in benches. These unique additions really elevate the space. A grand 20' x 25' entertaining space, the open living and dining area is centered by a custom stone wall adorned with mantle and decorative fireplace. Tucked away just next to the living area is the windowed kitchen with plenty of storage and counter space. The kitchen features a Bosch dishwasher and under-counter lighting. There is an additional windowed loft storage space accessible by a custom spun-metal ladder. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: This dramatic space will draw you right in and through to your private terrace with open views north. Interiors feature soaring ceilings, greenhouse windows above the dining/home office platform, and large living room with a gorgeous pass-through kitchen. The big bedroom has a sliding barn door, river view, closets galore, and lofted space to be used in a number of ways. The flexible floor plan can easily be converted to two sleep spaces. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: This gracious two-bedroom, two-bathroom loft features soaring 12-foot ceilings, newly refinished hardwood floors, and an open layout . Upon entering the gracious foyer, you will find a large coat closet and full bathroom to your right and an even larger utility room to your left with a full-sized washer/dryer. The open chef's kitchen has stunning new Corian marble countertops, white high gloss Cucine cabinetry, and Sub-Zero fridge, dishwasher and range. The charming living space is filled with all-day sunlight and boasts three oversized windows with a bright northern exposure. Off the living room, a large primary bedroom awaits you and features a large passthrough closet and an en-suite bathroom. See floor plan and full details here.
270 Water Street, #4B | $1,450,000
Financial District | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 1 BathFormer button factory
From the Listing: 270 Water Street, #4R, is a an open split plan apartment. Exposed rafters in the beamed ceiling and wide plank oak floors connote a vibe that everyone is looking for, but can never find. Exquisite exposed brick and eight windows with north and west exposure frame the home. The kitchen features new stainless appliances from Viking and Miele. A vented washer / dryer is also installed. The Seaport district is alive and well, with no part of New York City benefiting from outside investment more over the last five years. See floor plan and full details here.
One Brooklyn Bridge Park, 360 Furman Street, #341 | $1,495,000
Brooklyn Heights | Condominium | 1 Bedroom, 1.5 Baths | 1,216 ft2Former shipping center for the Jehovah's Witnesses printing operations
From the Listing: With 13' ceilings, 1,216 internal square feet, and 192 square feet of private, south facing outdoor space, this condo at One Brooklyn Bridge Park brings you upscale loft living at its finest. This super-sized condo features two walls of enormous windows in the living room and bedroom with southern sunlight all day long. The open plan living, dining, entertaining and cooking space is anchored by the custom Italian chef's kitchen by Dada with ample prep space, a beautiful island with enough space to seat four and a vented hood, Bosch dishwasher and Sub-Zero refrigerator. The hall to the large bedroom has enough space to have a home office that you pass on the way to the super-sized bedroom. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: The perfect mix of rustic and modern in Hudson Square! The entire first floor has poured-concrete floors with radiant heating. The stainless steel open kitchen is outfitted with a brand new Miele dishwasher, Sub-Zero refrigerator, Viking range, and water filtration system. The top floor has an en-suite bathroom tiled in recycled glass, and makes for a perfect office or second bedroom. This mint duplex is the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life, and has been featured in the March issue of Elle Decor Netherlands and Swedish design magazine Vårt Nya Hem. See floor plan and full details here.
The Gretsch, 60 Broadway, #10H | $1,500,000
Williamsburg | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,257 ft2Former musical instrument factory
From the Listing: Stunning views and light as you enter into this split two-bedroom, two-bath loft at the sought-after Gretch building. This loft offers over 1,200 square feet of unparalleled space with dramatic northern views of the New York City skyline and historic Williamsburg bridge. The home also offers over 12-foot ceilings, oversized windows, cook's kitchen with Wolf range, and 36 Sub-Zero dishwasher. Through the main bedroom, you'll find a large walk-in closet, spa like en suite bathroom with double vanity sink, glass shower and soaking tub. The second bedroom features fully customize cabinetry which offers multiple uses. Right across the hall, you have a newly installed Bosch washer/dryer and another full spa-like bathroom. See floor plan and full details here.
Loft 25, 420 West 25th Street, #4E | $1,675,000 (-4.3%)
Chelsea | Condominium | 1 Bedroom, 2 Baths | 1,409 ft2Former ink-press warehouse
From the Listing: Upon entering this stunning loft located in the West Chelsea's gallery district, you'll be instantly impressed with its 12' ceilings, over-sized windows, and expansive layout. This 1,409-square-foot open floor plan is set up for easy living and entertainment. The large one-bedroom plus home office/interior room with custom sliding doors and two bathrooms complete this spacious home. The south-facing primary bedroom has a beautiful en suite bathroom and a large closet. There are custom-made cabinets, closets, and wonderful details throughout, from the glass Italian Schiffini kitchen, fit with Bosch and Liebherr appliances, to the oversized shower with multiple spray heads. See floor plan and full details here.
Downtown by Starck, 15 Broad Street, #2814 | $1,695,000
Financial District | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,579 ft2Former headquarters of J.P. Morgan banking operations
From the Listing: Perched high above the action, this open and loft-like home features nearly 11' ceilings and bright western exposures, highlighted by oversized windows and city views. The open living area is the ideal place to entertain or simply lounge enjoying a binge-worthy TV show. The fully equipped kitchen is a chefs dream and features Bosch and Jenn-Air appliances, and an abundant amount of counter and cabinet space. The huge primary bedroom has an en-suite marble bathroom with a dual sink vanity, deep soaking tub, and an oversized separate shower stall. Off the main entrance is a sliding glass door that leads to a private and generously sized separate interior suite that can easily be converted into a second bedroom, and outfitted with two large closets. See floor plan and full details here.
70 Washington Street, #2V | $1,869,000
DUMBO | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,490 ft2Former paper box manufacturer
From the Listing: This sprawling home showcases multi-width hickory wood flooring, soaring 11'+/- concrete beamed ceilings, and eastern-facing windows that give you a view of the quintessential DUMBO neighborhood on a tree-lined block. The space accommodates all types of living arrangements and can be flexible to set up the apartment in a multitude of ways. There is adequate room for a formal living area, dining area, secondary lounge area, and barstool seating at the oversized kitchen island. The chef's kitchen features a separate custom-built pantry, an abundance of cabinetry and top of the line appliances such as Sub-Zero refrigerator, Thermador stove, Viking cook-top, brand new Bosch dishwasher, and a built-in wine fridge. See floor plan and full details here.
168 Plymouth, #3B | $2,081,000
DUMBO | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,210 ft2Former concrete daylight factory
From the Listing: This gracious 1,210-square-foot split 2-bedroom, 2-bath loft is efficiently laid out so that there is not an inch of wasted space. The apartment boasts high ceilings, up to 10'10", and oversized daylight factory windows. Custom RiFRA Italian kitchen includes Miele appliances, porcelain stone countertops, a blackened Dornbracht faucet and a bleached white oak island. The large primary bedroom has two walk-in closets and an en-suite primary bath featuring a custom Haisa marble mosaic on the floor, double showers with Dornbracht fixtures, large format heather grey porcelain tiles and a custom RiFRA bleached white oak vanity. Other features include wide plank white oak flooring and restored concrete beams and columns. See floor plan and full details here.
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From the Listing: Welcome to The Glass Farmhouse Condominium, a true prewar loft building originally built in 1914. Currently configured as a 1-bedroom plus one office and 2 full bathrooms, this move in-ready home features soaring 12-foot-high ceilings, oversized 8-foot-tall north- and east-facing windows allowing plenty of natural light all day long and picture perfect views of the most iconic New York City buildings. The extra-large bedroom features plenty of closet space and a en-suite bathroom with deep soaking tub. The home office can also be used as a guest room and is conveniently located next to the guest bathroom which has a large walk-in shower. The massive living room offers enough space to have a separate living area and dining area without being crowded. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: Mint renovated turnkey, 2- bedrooms/2-bathroom home boasts high 11.5' ceilings, oversized south and west-facing windows, restored hardwood floors, in-home laundry room with vented washer/dryer, and exceptional storage and closet space. The large, modern, European-style chef's kitchen was inspired by Parisian oyster bars and outfitted with zinc and marble countertops, Bertazzoni gas range with vented hood, and separate wine fridge. Custom task lighting. The primary bedroom features generous closets and en suite luxury bath with Zuma soaking tub. See floor plan and full details here.
The Red Hook Lofts, 160 Imlay Street, #5E2 | $2,225,000 (-3.1%)
Red Hook | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths | 2,491 ft2Former New York Dock Company Building
From the Listing: Residence 5E2 is a 2,491-square-foot floor-through white box apartment offering an ultra-spacious, versatile layout and an extraordinary opportunity for a buyer to create and build out their own customized three-bedroom and three-and-a-half-bathroom floor-through dream home! This blank canvas apartment features an easily convertible layout, an unprecedented abundance of space, and with both western and eastern exposures, this home showcases inspiring postcard-perfect views of the Statue of Liberty, Manhattan skyline and downtown Brooklyn along with sweeping harbor vistas. See floor plan and full details here.
The Folio House, 105 Fifth Avenue, #8D | $2,289,000 (-4.4%)
Flatiron/Union Square | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,800 ft2Former location of the original Barnes & Noble bookstore
From the Listing: Apartment #8D offers an amazing opportunity to move into a classic Flatiron loft space as is, or to build on the current design and create your dream home. This 2-bedroom/2 full bathroom unique loft with bonus laundry room in excellent condition is being offered for the first time in over 35 years. Details include original columns, 11-foot ceilings, and six magnificent oversized windows. The smart open functional kitchen with supersized granite countertops offers ideal amount of cooking space and tons of storage space and plenty of room to spread out. The bedrooms are located on opposite ends ensuring plenty of privacy. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: This gorgeous loft-style unit is an open format concept. The living room possesses exposed brick walls and a built-in workstation, while the kitchen is equipped with an eat-in island, quartzite countertops, custom cabinets, and a suite of high-end stainless steel appliances from Viking and Thermador. The primary bedroom possesses a walk-in closet, a massive windowed dressing room, with an en-suite bathroom marble finishes and double vanity mirror. The dressing room leads down into a private bonus room perfect to utilize as an office or gym. The second and third bedrooms sit on the opposite side of the home and share access to a lovely media room/den. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: Apartment #10A is a convertible 3-bed, 2-bath with southern exposure and abundant natural light. Renovated throughout with custom stained oak flooring, custom millwork, recessed lighting including art lighting, and the exquisite, Akdo gray ash marble feature wall with TV enclosure and an EcoSmart vent-less ethanol fireplace. Additional custom-built black walnut cabinet and shelving in the living room and teak floating shelves and cabinets in the secondary room. The renovated kitchen has Poggenpohl cabinets, Thermador appliances, Bosch hood, Miele speed oven and microwave, and high gloss Neolith quartz countertops, backsplash, and waterfall-bar extension. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: Residence 2A is a meticulously designed loft with incredible 14-foot ceilings. Through the gracious entry foyer, the attention to detail is immediately apparent with the floor-to-ceiling built-in library and coat closet with intricately milled oak doors. The home features a gorgeous gallery wall leading to the two bedrooms and an incomparable Great Room with custom elements found throughout and further accentuated with the oversized south facing windows. The generously proportioned living area features built-in bookshelves, integrated speakers and wide plank oak flooring. The stunning open kitchen further complements the great room with luxe finishes such as stainless steel appliances, custom built-in bar and cabinetry anchored by a waterfall edged marble center island. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: Spanning approximately 2,700 square feet, this expansive home is filled with original hand-sawed wood beams and columns, extra-wide plank floors and tall brick art walls throughout. Oversized east-facing windows and soaring ceilings amplify the bright airiness of the space. A semi-private elevator vestibule shared by just one other loft invites you inside the rambling open-plan living spaces. A huge windowed office provides the perfect spot for working or studying from home. The modern, eat-in kitchen gleams with large-format tile and black-and-white lacquer cabinetry, and chefs will love the fleet of upscale stainless steel appliances, including a Sub-Zero refrigerator, gas range, dishwasher, built-in microwave and wine refrigerator. Sleep soundly in the owner's suite, where you'll find excellent closet space and a massive en suite spa bathroom See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: Step off a key-locked elevator into this expansive home with soaring 10-foot ceilings and beautiful custom finishes. The living room features a wall of windows overlooking 15th Street with gorgeous Northern skyline views, including the Empire State Building. Off of the living room is a sizeable office/den area with exposed brick that is perfect for working from home. The impressive chef's kitchen boasts a massive island, a Fisher-Paykel induction stove and oven, additional Wolf wall oven and microwave, 48 inch Sub-Zero refrigerator/freezer, and an endless amount of storage space. The bedroom wing is nicely separated from the living spaces in the back area of the apartment. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: Enter this classic and authentic full-floor Tribeca loft through a key-locked elevator into a private foyer. Upon entering the home's main living space, one is instantly struck by the volume and proportions, with 11'6" ceilings and massive windows facing north overlooking Duane Street. Featuring two bedrooms and a home office, this loft has been beautifully renovated and is truly move-in ready. A gas fireplace and space for multiple seating arrangements create a warm and inviting living room. The dining area can easily hold a table for 10 and is flanked by the chef's kitchen for a harmonious dining and entertaining experience. The kitchen features Miele appliances, an abundance of hidden storage, and custom cabinetry that seamlessly integrates with the refrigerator. See floor plan and full details here.
195 Bowery, #34 | $3,995,000
Lower East Side | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths | 3,782 ft2Former AT&T headquarters
From the Listing: Never before offered, this potential combination creates a two-story floor through loft covering 3,782 to 4,354 square feet. The third floor is currently set up as a 2,177-square-foot former gallery space with double height ceilings, great for oversized art pieces, and faces Spring Street. The fourth floor is currently set up as a 1,605-square-foot residential loft. The units are accessible via a private key-locked elevator and feature excellent sunlight throughout, refinished hardwood floors, extraordinary closet space, a private laundry room, central air, and a chef's kitchen with Viking and Bosch appliances. See floor plan and full details here.
The Clocktower Building, 1 Main Street, #6GH | $4,400,000
DUMBO | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths | 3,354 ft2Former commercial warehouse
From the Listing: Located on the southeast corner in one of DUMBO's most coveted buildings sits this sprawling and masterfully designed three-bedroom loft (which can easily be converted into a true four bedroom) plus a home office and 3.5 baths. This approximately 3,354-square-foot combination home is surrounded by walls of oversized windows, 11' +/- concrete beamed ceilings and hardwood flooring making this space the true definition of a forever home. The kitchen, living and dining areas are seamlessly combined and can be set up perfectly for entertaining or everyday living. The open chef's kitchen features top of the line appliances, and the dining area provides beautiful northern exposure and views of the Manhattan Bridge. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: This corner 3-bed/3.5-bathroom loft recently underwent a massive, top to bottom, meticulous renovation with the highest of finishes being added, all while maintaining classic features such as exposed original columns and tall ceiling height. This expansive loft spans just over 2,300 square feet, faces south and west, and has ten oversized tilt and turn windows throughout, which bring in fantastic light. The newly renovated, open kitchen is equipped with the highest end appliances: Wolf 4 burner stove top with griddle and grill, Wolf microwave, Sub-Zero wine cooler and custom cabinetry throughout. Other kitchen features include a deep soaking sink, marble countertops and a gorgeous white marble backsplash. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: Enter this 2,600-square-foot full-floor loft home from the key locked elevator and you are greeted with soaring 11-foot ceilings, amazing light and beautiful walnut flooring throughout. The loft is fully renovated and features 27 over-sized windows (insulated for acoustical privacy) which face north and west on Grand and Broadway. The kitchen is fitted with top-of-the-line finishes like a Viking oven and dishwasher, Sub-Zero Fridge, additional fridge drawers in the island and a pantry providing abundant storage space. The primary bedroom suite easily accommodates a king-sized bed as well as an additional seating area with desk. There are custom open-closets and a windowed en-suite spa style bath including steam shower, soaking tub and custom double sink cabinet vanity. See floor plan and full details here.
The Cobblestone Lofts, 28 Laight Street, #6AB | $11,000,000
Tribeca | Condominium | 4 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths | 5,462 ft2Former textile and wool commercial building
From the Listing: This dramatic and inspiring pre-war corner loft boasts a sprawling 5,462sf layout and 10'2' ceilings - truly unlike anything else on the market. Huge casement windows, exposed beams, and brick throughout create the quintessential ambience of Tribeca elegance. Enter the exquisitely-detailed home through a grand entry foyer and gallery, leading to colossal wood-beamed entertaining spaces, a windowed eat-in kitchen, and dual exposures with open city views to the east towards Soho and south towards the Freedom Tower. The truly great room is aptly named with a formal living room, a gas fireplace, and an elegant dining area. A spacious media room features a second gas fireplace and is an ideal space for relaxing, rejuvenation, movies, entertaining, and more. See floor plan and full details here.
129 Lafayette Street, #PHA | $15,950,000
NoLiTa/Little Italy | Condominium | 4 Bedrooms, 4.5 Baths | 4,647 ft2Former light manufacturing building
From the Listing: Spanning the top two floors of the building with a 2,400-square-foot wraparound terrace off the living room, Penthouse A features 360-degree views and modern architectural details throughout. Enter the top floor from the key-locked elevator into the grand living room surrounded by oversized windows, 13-foot ceilings, custom concrete flooring and a wood-burning fireplace. The open layout flows into a modern chef's kitchen featuring Val Cucine cabinetry and top-of-the-line appliances including a Viking Stove, Thermador double oven, Sub-Zero refrigerator and wine cooler. Off the kitchen is a separate media alcove with a dry bar and powder room. Surrounding the top floor is the expansive private terrace featuring incredible views perfect for entertaining or hosting dinner parties. See floor plan and full details here.
Would you like to tour any of these properties?
Just complete the info below.
Or call us at (212) 755-5544
Would you like to tour any of these properties?