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Photo credit: BDG | Rendering credit: Vizerio Architectural Visualization Photo credit: BDG | Rendering credit: Vizerio Architectural Visualization
Even though New York still faces many challenges from the fallout of COVID-19, a stronger sense of optimism is in the air as the number of new cases remains low, and as some of the city's famous hustle-and-bustle returns thanks to business reopenings and the popular outdoor dining pilot. Over in East Harlem, one of Manhattan's most vibrant communities, the rental project named The Smile is getting set for its leasing launch later this summer, and has put forth a registration site for interested renters. The building caters to those interested in an all-inclusive live, work, and play-from-home lifestyle as well those who cherish quick commutes to Midtown and other parts of the region.
Developed by Blumenfeld Development Group (BDG), The Smile rests atop and alongside the 2002-built Gotham Plaza commercial building on the iconic 125th Street shopping corridor. The building's main entrance will be on quieter 126th Street where the dramatic 11-story-high concave facade is found. According to a press release, the mixed-income building will introduce 233 much-needed housing units to Upper Manhattan. Twenty percent of apartments are designated as affordable housing, for which a housing lottery took place earlier this year to delegate the homes to households.
Credit: Vizerio Architectural Visualization
Vizerio Architectural Visualization
Brown Harris Stevens Development Marketing is steering the initial lease-up of market-rate apartments, where rents are estimated to begin at a reasonable $2,256/month for studios, $2,795/mo for one-bedrooms, and $3,814/month for two-bedrooms.

Considering the robust amenity suite, expected rents at The Smile compare favorably to similar caliber projects in the metro area. On tap, residents will have a state-of-the-art fitness center called The Smile Fitness Club and a private rooftop club with a swimming pool, three whirlpools, grilling and dining areas, and an open-air movie theater. Other bells and whistles include 'The Smile Spa,' a facility envisioned to be on par with the city’s leading spas. It will have a hammam, sauna and steam rooms, color-changing LED Himalayan salt room, cold room, and private treatment rooms.
The Smile is designed by Bjarke Ingels Group, one of the most cutting-edge architecture firms of our time. The mid-rise building stands out not only for its unprecedented amenity offerings, but its graceful swooping form, checkerboard charcoal facade, and a cantilevering wing that shelters rooftop programming and increases exposures of prized views of the city skyline, Harlem River, and the surrounding neighborhood.
Credit: BDG

"The Smile brings a soft, curvilinear expression to Harlem’s 126th Street as it nestles between the two neighboring buildings. The street wall leans inwards as it rises upwards in a relaxed gesture. The homes rise above and beyond the Gotham Retail Plaza, cantilevering over to 125th Street as it captures the views and sunlight from the south. The Smile is designed for the desires of Harlem’s residents of today – joining the diverse Harlem neighborhood, integrating wellness amenities, and offering generous roof gardens." —Bjarke Ingels

 
 
 
 
Vizerio Architectural Visualization
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The SMile harlem
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In addition to the rich cultural, dining, and retail offerings of the neighborhood, the building is steps from the local and express trains of the Lexington Avenue line, which can bring commuters to Midtown East within 20 minutes. Metro-North railroad, two short blocks away on Park Avenue, has next-stop service to Grand Central Terminal and north-bound trains to upstate New York and Connecticut. While the project's immediate area suffers from residual social woes, several large-scale developments by the city's busiest developers (ie. Extell and Durst) are in the works. Leasing is anticipated to begin later this summer and interested renters can register here for further information.
(BIG)

Blumenfeld Development Group

Blumenfeld Development Group
The Smile Leasing
158 East 126th Street
Syosset, NY 10035
(888) 586-XXXX
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