Great NYC Apartment Buildings: Griffin Court vs. The Dillon

Griffin Court vs. The Dillon: Two stylish new residences in the chill-yet-cool Midtown neighborhood known as Hell’s Kitchen–or, more recently, Clinton.

Griffin Court (Pictured right)
The two connected eight-story towers that make up Griffin Court at 452 West 54th Street offer classically contemporary architectural design overlooking an 8,700-square-foot landscaped, private courtyard–one of the city’s loveliest and best-known. Built by Alchemy Properties (other projects include downtown standouts like 57 Bond Street and the Oculus at 50 West 15th Street), the 95-unit Griffin Court was designed by FXFowle. In addition to a meticulously-landscaped central oasis, amenities include a fully-staffed lobby, a fitness center and ample private storage. Apartments offer gracious layouts–many include a den/office–as well as luxurious details, balconies and rooftop cabanas.

Penthouse B is currently on the market for $3,495,000; the 1,747-square-foot unit features 3 bedrooms and 3 baths with an impressive 1,284 square feet of private rooftop terrace space so you can enjoy the bustling Manhattan neighborhood from above. Also available for $1,795,000 is the 1,318-square-foot apartment 4M, with two bedrooms, a den/home office, three baths and a balcony.

Live at Griffin Court if:
• You want your NYC apartment to give you plenty of living and entertaining space, indoors and out.
• You love living in a growing residential neighborhood filled with flea markets, friendly neighbors and lively restaurants and bars while being just steps from the convenience of Midtown’s business, theater and restaurant districts and     Hudson River Park’s walking and bike paths, and minutes from Lincoln Center and Columbus Circle. Bonus: The Colbert Report is headquartered across the street.

The Dillon (Pictured left)
In the same vibrant West Midtown neighborhood is the Dillon, completed in 2010. Located at 425 West 53rd Street, this eye-popping condominium residence offers 83 units with 54 unique layouts–including flats, duplex penthouses and nine private townhouses–designed by Smith-Miller and Hawkinson Architects, with interiors by Haus Interior.

The Dillon offers a complex modern form anchored by two indented lower floors and topped by five floors angled in “pleated” glass folds. Behind diagonally-patterned walls with large gates lie the triplex townhouse units. It’s easy to see why this unique residence was the chosen location for the 2012 Elle Decor Modern Life Concept House.

Equally modern interiors include floor-to-ceiling windows, wide plank flooring, bathrooms with radiant floor heating and detailed architectural touches throughout. The Dillon offers a doorman, a garage, a residents’ lounge, a private dining room, a fitness center, a courtyard and storage. Among currently available apartments is #403, listed at $1,399,000. This sunny, loft-like one-bedroom unit offers the building’s notable window walls as well as no-expense-spared kitchens and baths.

LIve at the Dillon if:
• You want your NYC apartment to be an address that impresses, inside and out–a tricked-out triplex townhouse that unfolds behind sleek glass panels, for example.
• You love the neighborhood vibe of Hell’s Kitchen with its flea markets, restaurants and gathering spots, and you relish being minutes from Lincoln Center, Columbus Circle and Hudson River Park as well as the convenience of Midtown. Bonus: Al Roker’s HQ is on the block.