Exemplifying the building boom of new residential properties in South Harlem is 300 West, a … [+]
Asthetique
Extending from Morningstar Park to Fifth Avenue, and from Central Park North to West 125th St., New York City’s South Harlem continues experiencing a major transformation. Across the enclave a blossoming of upscale residential developments is taking place.
And little wonder. “South Harlem is a thriving and vibrant neighborhood that continues to provide value and opportunity,” says Rachel Medalie, principal at New York City-based Happy Living Development, developer of 300 West, one of the new South Harlem residential structures. “The area is one of the city’s most historic and architecturally rich neighborhoods, and it also offers all of the modern conveniences one would need.”
A bevy of developers must agree, because South Harlem has over the past couple years seen an unprecedented boom in luxury condominium arrivals. Included are Eleven Hancock, a 12-story, ground-up condominium at Morningside Park. Featuring 71 residences, the Nortco Development mid-rise launched sales in late summer 2019.
Also facing Morningstar Park is the ground-up condominium 99 Morningside. Developed by Azimuth Development Group and designed by Aufgang Architects, it’s destined to rise 11 stories and deliver 22 luxury homes. Not far away, 10 Lenox is a Level One Holdings-developed building home to 29 luxury residences and a suite of amenities. Additional new contemporary structures making the scene include Circa, a 38-unit condominium on a parcel that once housed a gas station, and 111 Central Park North condominium. Nearby, in the heart of Morningside Heights, The Vandewater, a new 67-residence development from INC Architecture and Design, overlooks the Hudson River and Columbia University.
Undeniable appeal
It’s hard to argue with a nook where entertainment options include Apollo Theater. Having just feted its 86th anniversary, the Apollo has hosted virtually every great jazz and blues act in history, and lures more than 1 million visitors yearly.
Other nightlife venues include The Cecil Steakhouse, Dick Parsons’ Minton’s Jazz and Supper Club and Red Rooster Harlem. “Proximity to some of the world’s most elite academic institutions, green spaces, transportation hubs, vast array of shopping and fine dining make South Harlem the perfect neighborhood to call home,” Medalie said.
Her own 300 West, at the corner of 122nd Street and Frederick Douglass Boulevard, is an all-new 15-story luxury condominium featuring attainably-priced residences. Initial pricing for the 170 homes at the development start at $499,000 for a studio to more than $2.6 million for a four-bedroom, three-bath penthouse. Near Columbia University, 300 West is within steps of not only some of the aforementioned entertainment options, but also an array of acclaimed restaurants. Transportation alternatives like the West Side Highway and Hudson River Greenway Bike Trail offer easy access to downtown Manhattan.
Trend bucking
While many buildings delayed launches and openings until the fall selling season, Happy Living Development bucked the trend and came to market during the long, hot summer. That move reflected the firm’s continuing confidence in the New York City real estate market and followed enthusiastic responses from prospective buyers, 700 of whom signed up for additional information from the developers during the height of the pandemic’s first wave.
The company is betting its buyers will be among those who don’t want to pay heart-of-Manhattan prices but want to savor the sprawling layouts, amenities package and premier uptown location. Above all, they’re likely to value the potentially high return on investment corresponding with the neighborhood’s rich cultural identity and appreciating home values.
Medalie touts the opportunity to reside in an attainably-priced luxury condominium that brings Manhattan’s downtown chic to the emerging South Harlem neighborhood, noting, “300 West is a residential destination for buyers looking to live in Manhattan [but] unwilling to compromise on a lifestyle they are accustomed to.”