Project:
Acquisition, Renovation, Condo Conversion

Client:
Lenox 131 LLC

Location:
New York, New York

Construction Period:
2006 - present

In 2005, four investors retained Harlem Lofts, Inc. for an investment property in Harlem which was conducive to a condominium conversion. Based on a buy, renovate, and sell strategy that was required by the investors, Harlem Lofts was charged with finding a townhouse that was on a neighborhood block with a lot of owner-occupied dwellings. This would make condo ownership more attractive when the properties were marketed for resale.

Harlem Lofts, Inc.'s Broker Division represented the investors as the Buyer Broker and secured a building on the 100 block of 131st Street. The search took six months, and the deal was co-brokered with The Corcoran Group. Harlem Lofts' Construction Division will be completing the renovation and condo conversion in the spring of 2008. The building status will be changed from a Single Room Occupancy to two triplex condominiums with specific attention to green architecture. This family home will include two triplex units with over 2200 square feet each, plus additional outside space. Amenities include a private roof deck, convertible bedrooms, multiple electronic skylights, Energy Star stainless steel appliances, custom open steel and wood stair design, high efficiency central air conditioning and heat, stone counters, heated tile floors, on-demand hot water heaters, new beams, electrical, plumbing, a penthouse-level addition with walk-out roof terrace, a recreation room, an open floor plan with custom moving wall design that allows extra living space from bedrooms, and the option to open up the space while entertaining.

The project's significant challenges consisted of:

1. Adding a penthouse level with bathroom and wet bar on the full roof terrace.
2. Returning the original stoop and facade to its original 19th century appearance.
3. Changing one building's Certificate of Occupancy from Single Room Occupancy to a two-family condominium.
4. Working with multiple city agencies to clear up multiple violations from the previous owner's illegal conversion.
5. Excavating the cellar to a legal living space with an exit to the rear yard.
6. Working with neighboring party walls to build an additional level.
7. Building "green" at every level possible.

The project's unique feature list includes:

1. A private roof terrace with outside wet bar and refrigerator.
2. Radiant floor heat.
3. Custom movable doors to open the space into a loft-like atmosphere when entertaining.
4. Open-riser oak steps floating on black steel beams, allowing light to travel front to rear