Whether it be a staircase, crown molding, arched windows, or double-height ceilings; every New Yorker yearns to be in a space more interesting than the run-of-the-mill, shoebox apartment. Creativity in apartment design seemed to have hit its nadir in the 60's and 70's when ubiquitous (and often shoddily-built) brick facades cloaked scores of identical, low-ceilinged apartments — making one feel that they live in an ant colony rather than the human creative center of the universe.
We can't knock these mundane apartments too much though - this huge batch of mid-century housing, built primarily for the middle class, remains one of the last repositories of attainable for-sale units in Manhattan. Moreover, their often generous room proportions typically surpass the 'cozy,' cookie-cutter layouts many developers have pitched as 'luxury' in recent decades.
But what for those on a budget looking for a unique space to call home? Sadly, in this city of renters and great income disparity, $1 million does not go very far in buying something inspiring right off the shelf. But between the city's great stock of pre-war buildings and new architects/developers thinking outside the box, interesting and characterful spaces can certainly be found, especially if one expands their search away from lower Manhattan and looks at the co-op end of the market. Below we compiled a list of available, new-to-the-market apartments that feature special design elements that allow the unit to stand apart from the generic shoebox apartment.
We can't knock these mundane apartments too much though - this huge batch of mid-century housing, built primarily for the middle class, remains one of the last repositories of attainable for-sale units in Manhattan. Moreover, their often generous room proportions typically surpass the 'cozy,' cookie-cutter layouts many developers have pitched as 'luxury' in recent decades.
But what for those on a budget looking for a unique space to call home? Sadly, in this city of renters and great income disparity, $1 million does not go very far in buying something inspiring right off the shelf. But between the city's great stock of pre-war buildings and new architects/developers thinking outside the box, interesting and characterful spaces can certainly be found, especially if one expands their search away from lower Manhattan and looks at the co-op end of the market. Below we compiled a list of available, new-to-the-market apartments that feature special design elements that allow the unit to stand apart from the generic shoebox apartment.
In this article:
From the listing: Last PH unit in beautiful new development, closing started!!! Welcome home to the Penthouse; an expansive, two-bedroom, two-bathroom duplex with a private terrace and balcony. Situated on a beautiful tree-lined block by Herbert Von King Park, 701 Lafayette Avenue is where you can relax and call home. This apartment features a great living room with private balcony access, full kitchenette, and full bath on the main floor.
From the listing: Large open, converted loft condo in prime DUMBO, Vinegar Hill! This converted warehouse loft boasts sunny southwestern exposures, with oversized windows, soaring ceilings, exposed original brick, hardwood floors throughout and abundant closet and storage space. It has a large desirable, flexible layout, perfect for living and entertaining, complete with an office area set up for work from home arrangements.
(Corcoran)
From the listing: Enjoy treetop views in this lovely, wide and bright pre-war 1 bedroom,1 bath, situated on the top floor of a well-maintained 16 unit co-op. Ideally located on the border of Park Slope and Prospect Heights this home is near to Prospect Park and numerous neighborhood amenities. An excellent floorplan with two exposures and a plethora of windows provide abundant natural light.
(Corcoran)
From the listing: Move In Ready. Welcome to residence 11A at 10 Park Avenue. This bright and fabulously renovated corner 1 bedroom, 1 bath coop apartment features beautiful pre-war details including high beamed ceilings, hardwood floors, over-sized casement windows, three exposures – north, south, west, and Empire State Building views.
(Compass)
From the listing: Sunny 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home in prime Carroll Gardens! Parlor floor-height ceilings and a decorative fireplace with ornate mantle welcome you to this lovely duplex apartment. Facing west onto tree-lined Clinton Street, the bright living room offers ample space for living and dining, in addition to good closet space.
(BHS)
From the listing: igh on the 12th floor, with all windows facing south, this over-sized one bedroom with one and a half baths, is a true gem. The generous and gracious layout features all of the amenities that make this a perfect home - a powder room off the foyer, a large windowed kitchen, a separate dining area, a separate service entrance, an ensuite bedroom wing, and an unusual number of large closets.
(Brown Harris Stevens)
(Compass)
From the listing: Massive Brooklyn Heights Corner Loft Condo with Private Outdoor Space and Skylights in an Elevator Building! Rarely does an opportunity like this come to market. Currently configured as a 1 bedroom but easily converted to a two or three-bedroom, this airy loft with over 900 square feet is loaded with charm and possibility. The open kitchen is fabulous for entertaining with modern appliances, custom storage cabinetry throughout, and a dishwasher.
From the listing: Now is your chance to own a piece of history at 29 Tiffany Place -- a turn of the 20th century converted factory loft on a charming cobblestone street. At 859 square feet, this 2-bedroom apartment boasts 11-foot ceilings, impressive exposed post and beam features, and large, oversized east-facing windows that provide brilliant morning light. In the living room, fantastic built-in bookshelves and a reading bench surround the window.
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(Compass)
From the listing: Live on top of it all and soar above other surrounding buildings with direct Manhattan skyline views from your own Private Roof Deck! Looking for something special? Sick of the "cookie-cutter" condos slapped together with no soul? Look no further, your search ends here at 190 Conselyea! Apartment Features: Bamboo Floors, Soaking Tub, Central Heat and AC, Washer & Dryer, Floor-to-Ceiling Windows, Caesar Stone Countertops, Grohe-Concetto Kitchen Faucet, GE Stainless Steel Appliances, and Wenge Cabinetry. Williamsburg's Graham Avenue strip is one of the hottest sections in northern Brooklyn, referred to by many as the New Bedford Avenue.
(Compass)
(CORE)
From the listing:
Welcome to PS90, one of the most sought-after and iconic addresses in Harlem. This first floor (not street level) one-bedroom residence spans over 1,100 square feet and features a large private terrace. The loft-like home boasts a dramatic entry foyer, which leads to a bright and spacious living and dining area, lined with oversized cathedral windows. The chef's kitchen is fitted with stainless steel appliances and an abundance of storage space.
(Bold New York)
From the listing:
Welcome to PS90, one of the most sought-after and iconic addresses in Harlem. This first floor (not street level) one-bedroom residence spans over 1,100 square feet and features a large private terrace. The loft-like home boasts a dramatic entry foyer, which leads to a bright and spacious living and dining area, lined with oversized cathedral windows. The chef's kitchen is fitted with stainless steel appliances and an abundance of storage space.
(CORE)
905 Union Street, #3 (Compass)
From the listing: Welcome to 905 Union Street #3, a beautiful 1 bedroom plus office/nursery located in the heart of Park Slope just 1.5 blocks from Prospect Park. Situated on the 3rd floor of a historic, Queen Anne style brownstone, this delightful home is bright, airy, and abundant with both original features and thoughtful, architect-designed upgrades.. As you enter the gracious foyer, you are drawn to the open plan living/dining room by the stunning light flooding through the three south-facing windows to the front of the apartment. This bright airy and space offers separate living and dining areas along with a decorative fireplace and a beautifully renovated kitchen, which features updated cupboards and countertops, along with stainless steel appliances.
(Compass)
(Compass)
From the listing: arified air! A fantastic high-floor one-bedroom with a cozy private terrace in one of the most iconic landmark buildings in New York: One Hanson Place. This 866 square foot unit features oversized southwest-facing windows with open views of Brooklyn, New York Harbor (including the Statue of Liberty), and lower Manhattan. Of course, the light inside the apartment is fantastic.
(Corcoran Group)
From the listing: Across from Fort Greene's Commodore Barry Park you will find 33 N Elliott Place, 1R. This over-sized, duplex, legal one-bedroom, four-room condo was being used as a two-bedroom and even has a bonus room! The well laid-out floor plan offers 1,040 square feet of space spanning two floors, plus an exclusive patio!
(Halstead)
From the listing: This unique 1 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom stands out amongst a sea of cookie-cutter homes with its impressive corner west and north exposures, high ceilings, herringbone hardwood floors and the highest floor with a large private outdoor terrace in the C line (no terraces above you). The elegant foyer welcomes you with a large gallery perfect for your home office and an oversized powder room for guests. The corner living room is ideal for bright and sunny exposures accommodating living and dining areas overlooking your private terrace.
(Corcoran Group)
From the listing: Boutique Living in the lively, energetic heart of Williamsburg. 242 South 1st Street AKA Lofts1 is formerly a cheesecake factory built in 1911 and converted into a modern 4-story condominium in 2007. Opportunity is Knocking...this is the lowest priced condo currently available in the Prime Southside and/or Northside!
(Corcoran Group)
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?
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