Great NYC Apartment Buildings: 471 Washington Street vs. 79 Laight Street (the Sugar Warehouse)

471 Washington Street vs. 79 Laight Street (the Sugar Warehouse): Two different visions of Downtown Manhattan living among TriBeCa’s historic lofts and newly-minted luxury condominiums.

471 Washington Street
With its sharply-angled design cutting an impressive profile in northern TriBeCa near the Hudson River, the ten-story condominium building at 471 Washington Street contains only 12 apartments. With walls of windows that blend seamlessly with the classic loft buildings in this once-industrial area, the building has a low-rise element on Washington Street; the taller Canal Street section is topped by a penthouse triplex (that would be the one with the rooftop outdoor swimming pool). Though the building is well-stocked with amenities and features like private keyed elevators, ducted central air, electronic window shades, a roof deck and a doorman, it is more likely the spacious apartment layouts and luxurious finishes that have made 471 Washington so popular among residents who love downtown NYC life and love to live well. A broker quoted in a recent New York Times article alluded to the building’s being “filled with rich young millionaires.” Sales began in 2010, and this newly-minted building has been steadily attracting young, successful residents (source).

Apartments have open views of the Hudson River and Hudson River Park, and the sought-after location puts residents near the restaurants, shopping, culture and commerce that make TriBeCa one of NYC’s most desirable neighborhoods. The Financial District, SoHo, Greenwich Village and Chelsea are all nearby as well.

Currently on the market is #3FL, occupying the building’s entire third floor. Listed at $7,250,000, this sleek, spacious three-bedroom residence offers enviable river and neighborhood views through steel-framed floor-to-ceiling windows, dark wood floors, white lacquer and marble kitchens and bedrooms at opposite ends for privacy.

Live at 471 Washington Street if you:
• envision the perfect Downtown Manhattan lifestyle in a sleek new building packed with the best of everything.
• crave plenty of space for entertaining as well as privacy for yourself and your family.
• feel that neighborhood is important and want to live in one of the city’s most sought-after residential districts with convenience to parks, dining, culture and transportation.
• love both innovative contemporary architecture and classic New York City buildings.

The Sugar Warehouse at 79 Laight Street
Built in 1853 and converted to loft condominiums in 2002, this 10-story residence contains 34 apartments. With an impressive red-brick façade that extends to West Street, accented by charming black exterior shutters, the historic building is the former home of the United States Sugar Refining Company. Interiors are typically loft-like, with 15-foot-high ceilings. The building consists of only two- and three-bedroom apartments, most of which are split-levels; there are several penthouses with skylights. The building has a roof deck, a fitness center and a live-in super. A prime TriBeCa location near the West Village and SoHo as well as the neighborhood’s unrivaled culture, dining, shopping, parks and transportation amid the classic architecture of TriBeCa North Historic District make it the epitome of New York City loft living in the 21st century.

Currently on the market: #3F is a 3,400 square-foot three-bedroom corner loft with double-height ceilings, a private keyed elevator and a wood-burning fireplace, offering all of the building’s amenities in a perfect TriBeCa location near the river and the park. The current asking price is $5,600,000.

Live at the Sugar Warehouse if:
• your ideal NYC lifestyle includes a classic downtown loft with soaring ceilings and walls of windows.
• you love the idea of living in a landmarked building in an historic Manhattan district.
• you crave plenty of space, security and the latest finishes and amenities at home.
• you won’t compromise on location and appreciate all TriBeCa has to offer: Family-sized apartments, culture, shopping, riverside living and convenience to the best of Downtown Manhattan.