The Forward Building, Straus Square, and Seward Park (Compass(
Over the past few decades, the Lower East Side has evolved from a working-class enclave of tenements to one of New York’s hippest neighborhoods. Some celebrate this, but others despair at the thought of big-box retail chains and uber-luxury condos gentrifying a historic setting, sometimes at the expense of prewar buildings and long-time businesses. The latter would be well advised to look to Dimes Square, a section of open streets at the Lower East Side/Chinatown nexus named as much to honor local restaurant Dimes as to act as a pun on Times Square further uptown.
Dimes Square, spring 2024 (Compass)
In this article:
At the height of lockdown, this served as a hub for independent media and transgressive art that attracted writers, models, playwrights, and skaters. But as the city reopened, it became more of a destination without sacrificing local history and without welcoming national chains. One source told The New York Times that the buildings were too small to be of interest to such retailers, but that does not seem to have stopped local, independent businesses. The landmarked Jarmulowsky Bank was converted to boutique hotel Nine Orchard; independent bookstore Yu & Me Books reopened at the beginning of 2024 after a fire; specialty homewares store Beverly’s opened a permanent location following a successful area pop-up; and an influx of fine dining restaurants opened their doors. Through it all, the Dimes Square name went from something of a joke to one denizens use with pride.
This area has also experienced a residential building boomlet. Lower East Side prices hit a record high in 2019, but have started to level off with fewer new construction condos coming online. However, new projects are still taking shape, some at more approachable prices than their glittering predecessors. We look at the most exciting new projects below.
Featured Listings
Hua Ming, #3C (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)
West Lake Terraces, #2D (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)
Seward Park (3-4), #J1304 (Compass)
Forward Building, #6D (Compass)
New residential developments happening in and around Dimes Square
222 LES Tower + Lofts, 222 East Broadway
Developed by Optimum Asset Management | Design by S4Architecture
12 availabilities from $799,000
Developed by Optimum Asset Management | Design by S4Architecture
12 availabilities from $799,000
222 LES Tower + Lofts refers to this condominium’s two separate components: a landmarked loft building combined with a new construction tower. All units feature interiors by Paris Forino, and the sponsor is offering five years paid common charges for a limited time.
222 LES Tower + Lofts is located within excellent proximity to several parks and the Lower East Side waterfront, but residents enjoy access to a 6,700-square-foot private park with a playground, barbecue areas, and a meditation garden. Indoor amenity offerings include a fitness center with yoga studio, an indoor pool, and ample space for coworking and relaxing.
222 LES Tower + Lofts is located within excellent proximity to several parks and the Lower East Side waterfront, but residents enjoy access to a 6,700-square-foot private park with a playground, barbecue areas, and a meditation garden. Indoor amenity offerings include a fitness center with yoga studio, an indoor pool, and ample space for coworking and relaxing.
222 LES Tower + Lofts, #19B (Corcoran Sunshine Marketing Group)
139 Bowery
Developed by Global Joint Venture | Design by Raymond Chan Architects
5 availabilities from $1,230,000
Developed by Global Joint Venture | Design by Raymond Chan Architects
5 availabilities from $1,230,000
139 Bowery (Coldwell Banker Warburg)
When 139 Bowery was still on the drawing board, rental units were predicted for the apartments above the forthcoming retail and office space. But as construction winds down, sales have launched on a collection of one- to two-bedroom condos on top.
All units feature high ceilings, unobstructed Manhattan views through double-pane windows, kitchens with white granite countertops and Thermador appliances, and in-unit laundry. A part-time doorman is on staff, and there are three outdoor roof terraces.
All units feature high ceilings, unobstructed Manhattan views through double-pane windows, kitchens with white granite countertops and Thermador appliances, and in-unit laundry. A part-time doorman is on staff, and there are three outdoor roof terraces.
139 Bowery, #10A (Coldwell Banker Warburg)
328 Grand Street
Developed by 328 Grand LLC | Design by Lam & Lam Engineering
2 availabilities from $1,495,000
Developed by 328 Grand LLC | Design by Lam & Lam Engineering
2 availabilities from $1,495,000
328 Grand Street (Chris Setter)
Amenity lounge rendering (Artur Szostakowski)
The tall, amenity-rich buildings of the Essex Crossing mega-development have garnered significant attention, but the Lower East Side has also seen a number of more intimate boutique condominiums take shape. A case in point may be found at 328 Grand Street, which does not offer common amenities but rather two amenity spaces, one of which has a curb cut, for purchase. This allows the buyers to put exactly what they want – a gym, a media lounge, a garage, or whatever they can dream up – in the building.
But while 328 Grand Street is not the most amenity-rich new offering, residents enjoy incredible privacy and peace in a bustling neighborhood. All five units are reached via direct elevator access, and double-pane windows offer incredible light while blocking out noise. All residents have private balconies for an outdoor escape, and the penthouse comes with two balconies and a roof terrace.
But while 328 Grand Street is not the most amenity-rich new offering, residents enjoy incredible privacy and peace in a bustling neighborhood. All five units are reached via direct elevator access, and double-pane windows offer incredible light while blocking out noise. All residents have private balconies for an outdoor escape, and the penthouse comes with two balconies and a roof terrace.
328 Grand, #3A (Real New York)
355 Grand Street
Developed by Interboro Realty Management | Design by SM Tam Architect
1 availability for $9,500/mo.
Developed by Interboro Realty Management | Design by SM Tam Architect
1 availability for $9,500/mo.
355 Grand Street (CityRealty)
The Lower East Side has seen some impressive new rentals take shape in recent years, and 355 Grand Street is the latest to join their ranks. It offers only a pair of multi-level apartments, all of which enjoy private outdoor space and incredible light and views through noise-reduction windows. Interiors feature high-end finishes and appliances, including in-unit laundry.
355 Grand Street, #3 (City Connections Realty Inc)
11 Essex Street
Developed by 11 Essex Street Realty LLC | Design by Workshop DA
Coming soon
Developed by 11 Essex Street Realty LLC | Design by Workshop DA
Coming soon
11 Essex Street, June 2024 (CityRealty)
When micro-housing units were being hailed as the solution to New York’s housing crisis, architect TRA Studio planned a 120-foot-tall, 16 micro-unit building for 11 Essex Street, where an ornate tenement building stood on site before nearby construction made the building unstable. However, Workshop DA has released renderings of a modern, slender new building that will likely be an eight-unit boutique condominium. A recent site visit saw the new design on the fence and the old building down.
{{error}}
More No Fee Rental Deals
- Grand Opening View All
-
Special Offers
-
Avalon Fort Greene offering discounts on select units; No-fee rentals from $2,845/month
-
Security Deposit Discounts at Beatrice Apartments in Chelsea; No Fee Rentals from $3,855/Month
-
Security Deposit Special at Jersey City's 70 Greene Street - Only $1,000 Required on Select Leases
-
6sqft delivers the latest on real estate, architecture, and design, straight from New York City.
