Downtown Manhattan Attractions You Won’t Want to Miss

Manhattan is the one of the most renowned neighborhoods in New York City. It has a vast history and it comprises the most notable and famous attractions. Manhattan is divided into several districts, one of them being Downtown Manhattan. This area is situated below the 16^th Street and features numerous interesting sites including the Statue of Liberty, the Stock Exchange of New York City and the Union Square Park.

Visiting the Battery Park

Downtown Manhattan offers numerous activities for both adults and children. It boasts of shops, cafes and restaurants, and it’s a great place to spend a lovely afternoon with friends and family. For example, if you have nothing to do on a sunny day, you can simply go to the Battery Park. This is one of the largest parks in New York City, covering 32 acres of land. It is located in the southern part of Manhattan and it features various walkways, plazas, fields and gardens. Moreover, it offers impressive and stunning views over the Manhattan skyscrapers and the Statue of Liberty. So, it is an attraction you won’t want to miss.

A trip to the Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge is another symbol for New York City. The structure was built in 1883 and it represented a record breaker. It was the longest suspension bridge in the world. At the same time, it was the world’s first suspension bridge with steel cable. Not to mention that it was and still is one of the most beautiful and iconic bridges on the planet. Pedestrians can stroll along the bridge and enjoy the magnificent views it offers. This is a must see attraction whenever you happen to be in Manhattan.

Discovering Ellis Island

Close to the Brooklyn Bridge there’s the New York Harbor. From here, you can take a cruise to the Ellis Island, which was home to numerous immigrants who traveled to New York City. On the island you can see the Immigration Museum and find out more about America’s history. The cruises will also take you to the Liberty Island and the renowned Statue of Liberty. From the top of the statue you will be able to see an unparalleled view over the Big Apple.

The cruises are offered by the Circle Line Downtown. You can choose between speed boat rides and scenic cruises. Also, during the holidays, they offer various interesting events. Downtown Manhattan also features the City Hall Park and the City Hall. They are both historical landmarks and great opportunities for relaxation and people-watching. Also, they offer immediate access to the Brooklyn Bridge. One of the most important and symbolic attractions in this district is the World Trade Center or the Ground Zero. This area attracts thousands of visitors who want to find out the history of 9/11 and who want to commemorate the victims of that day.

There are many other things to see Downtown Manhattan. Some of the most notable are Bowling Green Park, New York Federal Reserve Bank, the Museum of Jewish Heritage, the Skyscraper Museum, the Trinity Church, St. Paul’s Chapel and the South Street Seaport.

The Downtown Club Luxury Condos – Manhattan, NYC

The Downtown Club Luxury Condos at West Street is known as the best residential building in all of Manhattan. It is actually a condominium in the Financial district, offering luxury pads with reasonable prices. It is part of the fast growing residential area located in Manhattan, and is within walking distance from the famous Wall Street. The 1930s private club is now converted to a luxurious and majestic 45-story condominium. There are a lot of amenities offered and the views are definitely stunning. Downtown club residential units are always worth it.

Fitness Center at Downtown Club

This luxury condo building is actually considered as the epitome of white glove hotel style services. One of its main attractions is its largest amenity which measures around 12, 000 sq. ft. fitness center and lounge. Weights, machines, treadmills, stationary bikes and all other related equipment are available in this top-of-the-line fitness center. Aside from that, all the cardio machines come with TV screens to make every workout session more fun than ever. Locker rooms for both men and women have shower areas and saunas.

The Rise of the Downtown Club Condominium

The Downtown Club is indeed a great sight to see. It is one of the most distinctive and eye-catching skyscrapers in all of Manhattan. The building was completed way back in 1930 and known as the Downtown Athletic Club. And ever since 1935, the club sponsored this thing called as the Heisman Memorial Trophy, given to the nation’s most outstanding college football player.  However, the said club closed down in the year 2002. But as they say, every ending comes with a new beginning. The place was then rebuilt in 2005 and opened as the Downtown Club Condominium.

Friendly Services and Best Amenities

Every luxury condo in Manhattan differs in amenities and services. It’s like a battle between the best offers. People love Downtown Club more than any other condo in the area because of the numerous services which include a 24-hour concierge, a valet which offers maid services, dry cleaning and laundry, as well as tailoring services.

Here are the other amenities available at the Downtown Club:

• Bike Room
• Fitness Center
• Garden
• Health Club
• Steam Room
• Yoga Studio; and more

Little Details that Make Huge Impacts

There are around 283 units housed in the Downtown Club Luxury Condominium. And each of these units features stainless GE appliances, bathrooms with Italian marbles with black accents, and more surprising details. Interested buyers may choose between 1 to 3 bedroom units. Aside from that, there are some units that have a big space for a private terrace.

FAQs

• Location: 20 West Street, New York, NY 10004
• Neighborhood: Financial District
• Year Built/Converted: 1930/2005
• Number of Units: More or less 280
• Number of Floors: 45
• Designer: Starret and Van Vleck
• Developer: Moinian Group
• Telephone No.: 212-742-1501
• Official Website: http://www.downtownclubny.com/

Downtown Club is surely is the perfect place to settle. The location and everything else is perfect; whether you’re single or a family guy, it is the best choice there is. For more information Manhattan – Luxury Condos CLICK HERE to speak with Doug Heddings.

Best Places in the Big Apple for Eco-Friendly Living

When people think of New York, images of huge buildings, skyscrapers and the like come to mind. It may not be the greenest city, but efforts have been made to make it more eco-friendly. NYC proudly says that there is less pollution in the Big Apple compared to Los Angeles or Beijing. Continued improvements are being made for increasing the air quality in the city.

Mayor Bloomberg has promised public greenspace 10 minutes away from every New Yorker’s residence. The number of bike lanes has already been increased, and although the efforts will not be felt immediately, these will surely be a good start for a clean air in NYC. In the heart of the city, the accumulation of pollution is quite hard to avoid, that’s why green-seekers opt to head out in the suburban places, considered as the finest areas for eco-friendly living.

Battery Park City, Manhattan

A community started the promotion of green living few years ago, and their main idea is the Battery Park City, a waterfront with high green standards. Within this place, there is a parkland, basketball courts, green fields for walking, jogging, cycling and the like. When it comes to outdoor recreation, this is considered as the no. 1 rival of Central Park.

Features of the neighborhood include the following:

• A place for the affluent, living is split with 21 rental, condominium and co-op buildings.
• Newer buildings’ starting cost is $1.5 million.
• A one-bedroom unit on the older buildings cost more or less $585,000.
• This is where people will find the Solaire, equipped with a multiunit LEED-Platinum residential structure, which recaptures rainwater, uses a heating and cooling mechanism, and provides clean air within the units.

Tottenville, Staten Island

Want to stay within the city? At least try living within Tottenville. This is the southernmost neighborhood with a tiny downtown, library, small boutiques, and old churches. People can find 19^th century homes along the streets and everyone are friends in this place, it’s like you’re not even in NYC.

Here are some details about the area:

• Home prices range from $375,000 to $850,000.
• Wolfe’s Pond Park is just nearby, attracting the beach lovers and tourists.
• Feel the history of NYC through Tottenville’s Main street.

Forest Hills Gardens, Queens

Forest Hills is surely surprising, especially for the first time visitors. This is a 126-acre land in Queens, and people can find Tudor mansions, stone homes, tree-lined streets, parks, and historic churches. It is indeed a beautiful place. This is actually considered as one of the oldest planned communities, it even dates back to 1908.

Little information about Forest Hills and its neighborhood:

• It is a home for the upper middle class NYC residents and professionals, including the lawyers, doctors, as well as bankers.
• Home prices range from $750,000 to about $4 million.

Park Slope, Brooklyn

New York City Sanitation Department has renowned Park Slope as the city’s second highest recyclable statistics, about 27.1%. It’s location which is near the Prospect Park helps in the green department a lot, giving acres of green wonderland to the residents. Aside from that, the neighborhood has new plans regarding ecological programs and the like. There are even new restaurants that serve organic meats, fruits, and vegetables.

Park Slope home prices range from $550,000 to $3 million, depending on the type of home.

These places are just few of the many eco-friendly locations in New York. Hopefully, more green places will be built for the residents of the area. For more information on New York City – Luxury Condos CLICK HERE to speak with Doug Heddings.

Downtown Manhattan: Financial District, The Center of U.S Banking

Downtown Manhattan is surely an interesting place, especially when it comes to the Financial District. This is a historic and intriguing neighborhood in New York. People often wonder why it is called as such. Well, the reason is very simple and obvious. This district has long been the center or heart of the financial industry. Career, living and entertainment run here for 24 hours a day, and 7 days a week. Most of the residential areas here are definitely elegant, which can match the world-class cultural institutions, and the like.

Financial District is sometimes called as the FiDi. It is a neighborhood located in the southernmost section of the city. Major financial institutions can be found in this area, including the New York Stock Exchange, as well as the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. And of course, this is the location of the former glorious World Trade Center, but now it is currently being rebuilt.

The district covers the area couth of City Hall Park, but not including the Battery Park and Battery Park City. On the northeastern part, during the 20^th century, it is known as the Insurance district since there were a lot of insurance companies within the area back then.

Financial District Tour Options

Financial District is a hub for the city’s tour companies and other similar firms. The Circle Line Downtown even offers narrated tours of the harbor, which involves the view of the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and so much more. Tours offered by the New York Water Taxi include a 1-hour tour on the Statue of Liberty Express, Statue by Night tour, and the more. If you want something more exciting, you can opt for the Helicopter Flight Services and Liberty Helicopter Tours. The tours are perfect for foreigners and NYC first timers.

Why Go to Financial District, Downtown Manhattan?

There are certainly many fun things to do in Financial District; it is not just about the stock exchange, work, and the like. It is a home to many entertainment centers and beautiful attractions. Some of which are the following:

• City Hall
• Ellis Island Immigration Museum
• Ground Zero
• National Museum of the American Indian
• The Skyscraper Museum
• Statue of Liberty
• Staten Island Ferry

And if you want to go on a shopping spree, it is best to visit the following places:

• Barclay-Rex
• Bolton’s
• Bowne & Co., Stationers
• Century 21
• Firefly Children’s Boutique
• Hat Corner
• Leontine
• Pasanella and Son Vinters
• Strand Book Annex

And since this is considered as the heart of the financial industry, people can expect that the nightlife here is pretty healthy too. There are indeed a lot of bars and clubs that people can go to. Here are some of the best examples:

• Bin No. 220
• Blue Bar at Bayard’s
• Cordato’s Deli Bar
• Exchange Bar & Lounge
• Jeremy’s Ale House
• John Street Bar & Grill
• The Paris
• Pussycat Lounge
• Raccoon Lodge
• Remy Lounge
• Ulysses’; and more

For more information on the Financial District – Luxury Condos CLICK HERE to speak with Doug Heddings.

Linden78 Luxury Condos – 230 West 78th Street, NYC

One of the best condos up in this place is none other than the Liden78 Luxury Condos. On the way here, the streets are lined with Linden trees, and people can feel breeze greeting them. Linden78 is actually a new construction condominium which can be found in the Upper West Side, a unique neighborhood right between the Broadway and the Amsterdam Avenue. It rises with 21 stories, not as tall as other buildings in the area, but surely more beautiful than ever. The building is inspired by the prewar structures, and all rooms are surely eye-catching. You can choose from 2, 3 and 4 bedroom units, some of these come with outdoor spaces. The Linden78 has surely provided another great architectural achievement in New York, there is no doubt about that.

Full Floor Penthouses in Linden78

The building features more than 3,000 sq. ft. of full floor penthouse homes, with a clear and good view of the Hudson River and of Central Park. This is one of the best units which can be found in the said luxury residential building. It is equipped with a warm fireplace, a cool kitchen, with 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, and of course, an easy and secured elevator access. These penthouses cost more or less 6 million dollars.

A Good View from Linden78

When people talk about luxury condos, one of the must-have for each unit is a good view of the city. And you can surely find this in Liden78. All windows give a warm and inviting feel to all of NYC, with a view of the clean and green Central Park and flowing waters of the Hudson River. The glory and beauty of the Upper West Side will definitely be savored here.

What a Real Living Room Looks Like

The living room is the center of any home, that’s why it is important to keep it beautiful and elegant. With high ceilings and tall windows, residents will never have second thoughts coming home to a place like this. It recharges the people around, with its majesty and the comfort it brings. Here are other features of the living area:

• Elevator access with own vestibule
• Floor to ceiling windows
• 5 inches wide plank, fumed flooring
• More than 9 ft. ceilings
• Customized wooden doors with intricate details

What to Expect for the Kitchen

For our lady friends, the kitchen is always an important part of a home. That’s why Linden78 has put much effort in the making of this particular part. Every unit comes with the following:

• Custom kitchens by Florense
• Pietro Bianco Marble Countertops
• Viking Refrigerator with bottom freezer
• Miele appliances
• InSinkErator garbage disposal

One of a Kind Bath Experience

A nice, soothing bath in the beautiful walls of Linden78 will definitely reborn any person. Here are some of the known features of the luxurious bathing area.

• White Crystal glass tile walls
• Lagos Azul stone floors
• Robern cabinets
• Kohler6 Tea-for-Two bath

FAQs about Linden78

• Location: 230 West 78^th Street, New York
• Telephone No.: (212) 724-0020
• Fax No.: (212) 326-3020
• Official Website: http://www.linden78.com/

For more information on Linden78 – Luxury Condos CLICK HERE to speak with Doug Heddings.

80 Riverside Boulevard (The Rushmore) Luxury Condos and Penthouse – Manhattan Luxury Condos

Christmas in NYC: Holiday Shows

There’s nothing more beautiful and fulfilling than spending Christmas in New York City. The holiday lights, the decorations, holiday displays in the department stores, and the Christmas trees, are just some elements that will make this holiday season in NYC unforgettable.

The Nutcracker

• Location: New York City Ballet, David H. Koch Theater, 20 Lincoln Center, New York, NY 10023
• Phone: 212-496-0600
• Tickets: $34-$250
• Website: http://www.nycballet.com/Ballets/G/George-Balanchine-s-The-Nutcracker.aspx

One of the most famous and popular holiday shows in New York City is “George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker”. This magical show is presented throughout the entire holiday season and it’s interesting for both adults and children. The representation is offered by the New York City Ballet. The choreography is signed by George Balanchine and the music appertains of course, to Peter Ilyitch Tschaikovsky. The extraordinary performance gathers the forces of 50 young students, 32 stagehands, 62 musicians and 90 dancers. The David Koch Theater welcomes hundreds of spectators that come every year to see this one-of-a-kind show. The people are amazed by the magical sets, the sumptuous costumes, the choreography, and the music. The first representation will be offered on November 23, 2012, at 8 pm and the last representation will take place on December 30, 2012, at 5 pm.

The viewer’s imagination is going to be unleashed by the special visual effects, the intricate lighting and the complex stage elements. For example, the center of the stage will house a huge Christmas tree weighing 1 ton and growing from 12’ to 40’ in height. The Nutcracker will also feature crystal-shaped snowflakes and Mother Ginger’s comic figure. The dancing and ballet is truly amazing and will take spectators into a world of fantasy. Prices for the tickets range from $34 to $250, depending on the seats chosen.

Radio City Christmas Spectacular

• Location: Radio City Music Hall, 1260 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10020
• Ticket price: $39-$119
• Website: http://www.radiocitychristmas.com/newyork.html#the-show

Another great holiday show is the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. This annual representation takes place at the Radio City Music Hall and includes original musical score, more than 140 performers and lavish costumes and sets. The show lasts 90 minutes and offers a combination of humor, dancing, and singing performances. The first edition of the show was staged in 1933 and it has become a Christmas tradition ever since. The Rockettes, a precision dance troupe, is the star performer of the night.

In 2012, the show will be named The Rockettes Celebration and will celebrate Christmas Spectacular’s 80^th edition and The Rockettes’ 85^th anniversary. The first show was held on November 9 and the representations will end on December 30, 2012. During the Christmas Spectacular, the Radio City Music Hall becomes a magical and giant canvas that displays a miraculous and thrilling event. The show does not include only the stage, but also the walls and the ceiling. The Christmas Spectacular features representations like “Santa Claus flies to New York”, “The Wooden Soldiers’ Parade”, “The Living Nativity” and “The Twelve Days of Christmas”.

Individual tickets for the Radio City Christmas Spectacular have prices ranging between $39 and $150 per person and group tickets range between $40 and $119. Make sure to reserve a ticket in advance if you don’t want to miss this magical show.

NYC MUST SEE’s: The Statue of Liberty

• The Statue of Liberty dimensions: 151 ft. tall
• Made of: granite
• Completion year:1886
• Persons allowed per day: 240
• Access points: Battery Park, Jersey City

One cannot travel to New York City and not visit the famous Statue of Liberty. Regarded as one of the most popular points of interest in the city, the effigy is also one of the most renowned statues in the whole world. The Statue of Liberty is accommodated on the Liberty Island that can be accessed from the New York City Harbor.

The history of this statue begins in 1876. The monument was designed and created by Auguste Bertholdi, a French sculptor. The United States received this statue as a gift from the French people in order to commemorate the centennial anniversary of the States. The monument is 46-meters or 151-feet tall and it sits on a granite pedestal. The pedestal is grounded on an abutment shaped as a star. The statue was finally completed in 1886 and on October, 1886 it was dedicated to the American people. In 1924, it became a National Monument. Throughout the years it remained one of the most powerful symbols of democracy and freedom.

In order to visit the Statue of Liberty, people have to go to Battery Park and take one of the numerous ferry rides. The statue can also be accessed from Jersey City, the Liberty State Park. From the ferry, visitors will have the unique chance to see stunning panoramas of New York City on one side and the impressive Statue of Liberty on the other side. You should know that visiting the Statue of Liberty might take an entire day, because the queues for the ferry and the security are very long. People can take advantage of the New York Passes that will allow them to get various discounts when visiting the Statue of Liberty. A New York Pass can get you a discount of 20% for attractions like the Statue of Liberty, Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Empire State Building etc.

The best way to explore the Statue of Liberty is by taking the stairs. The monument was recently renovated and now it’s more accessible for visitors. Still, people have to climb 393 stairs to get from the base up to the crown. However, the stairs are less steep and much safer than they used to be. Once they get to the crown, tourists will be impressed by the amazing views of New York’s skyline. People must know that access is limited to 240 persons per day, thus an advanced reservation is mandatory.

The Liberty Island offers many other attractions. After climbing the superb Statue of Liberty, visitors can tour the Statue of Liberty Museum featuring videos, historical objects and photographs related to the monument. There are also full–scale replicas of the Statue’s face and foot. Last but not least, you can explore the Liberty Island through a guided tour. Tours are offered in Spanish, English, Russian, Arabic, Mandarin, French, Japanese, Italian and German. A picnic on the grass is a great way to end a wonderful day at the Statue of Liberty.

3 Riverside Dr Townhome Lists for $40 Million

Featuring 37 feet wide and estimated at $40 million, this Riverside Drive Townhome is without a doubt a superb residence worth looking into. It is positioned on the Upper West Side and has a unique Gothic appearance, being surrounded by cherubs and gargoyles. The grandiose mansion features a personal elevator and comprises 18 rooms, 4 large terraces, 8.5 bathrooms and 9 fireplaces, all made from different kinds of marble and decorated by a mahogany mantel. Likewise, there are two separated rooms for the staff.

The building dates back from the 19^th century and it presents a multitude of French Renaissance Revival details that are unique. The most impressive one is the loggia, which has 4 stories and is supported by stunning Corinthian pillars that feature a special floral design. The place was decorated by the talented architect Charles Pierreont Gilbert and the builder of this terrific mansion was Harvey Murdock, the colleague of Mr. Gilbert, who was specialized in building high-class residences.

In addition, right across the street there’s the southern boundary of the popular Riverside Park. This means that the home provides beautiful views over the Hudson River and residents will be able to capture very nice sunsets. Its only flaw is that it does not have a private garage, which could be a problem for possible buyers. However, the marble lobby adorned in mosaic, the huge and elegant foyer, and the ballroom, may compensate for it.

The construction is a landmark for the city of New York, being the perfect place for those who are pursuing a modern, convenient yet perky place to reside. There is no other building in the community that resembles the Riverside townhome. The gentle curves, the attention to detail, and the elegance of the structure, are basic features that make it exclusive.

It was erected in 1896 and finished in 1898. At the time, it was built for Philip and Maria Kleeberg. Mr. Kleeberg was a known lace merchant and an oil broker who later on became the head of the National Calculator Company. He gave his wife full ownership over the Riverside Drive mansion month prior to its competition. Unfortunately, their not-so-happy marriage ended with the suicide of Maria a few years later, in 1903. When Mr. Kleeberg died as well, the couple’s son Gordon got the home but he was not very fond of the place. For this reason, it was frequently used by Dr. William Knipe, who considered the place his Twilight Sleep Sanitarium. A couple of years later, it served as a luxury apartment house for a short period and the owner William Guggenheim made a small fortune renting the place.

Now it belongs to Regina Kislinand’s husband, Mr. Anatoly Siyagine who invested a lot of money to restore the place. This process took them nearly eighteen years and even today it still is incomplete.  The residence became too big for them after their children left and they decided to rent it for $60,000 per month. The place immediately attracted attention, so they ultimately decided to sell it for $40 million.

Famous Homes and Hideouts of U.S. Gangsters

Gangsters of the 1920s have an international reputation for their cruelty. At the same time, they are surrounded by a romantic aura. These men had personalities that dominated the gossip columns and the news, but they also marked the Prohibition history. Still, not many people know that some of the most famous mobsters lived daily lives anonymously in their comfortable and luxurious homes. Read on to find out where the Most Wanted individuals of the 20s lived in.

Al Capone Mansion, Chicago

On the top of the list you’ll find the famous Al Capone with his property situated at 7244 South Prairie Avenue in Chicago. This was his first home in the big city and it looks quite modest. He was dealing with illegal and lucrative business, but did not want to show off. The gangster moved to Chicago from New York and this was the first residence he bought. He lived there until he was forced to move to Florida because of the threats he received. The Chicago home had 2 bathrooms and 4 bedrooms, and in 2009 its starting price was $450,000. Al Capone moved to Florida in 1928. There, he purchased a huge mansion on 93 Palm Avenue. The Miami Beach house was his final home. He died in this secluded property in 1947. Later on, the residence was sold for $9.95 million.

Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel Home, NYC

Chicago was ruled by Al Capone, but New York City was ruled by Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel. After he retired, he moved to Las Vegas and then Los Angeles. Siegel developed a real empire of gambling and bootlegging and he even started the Murder, Inc. Company. At the same time, he wanted to expand his empire in the gambling capital, Las Vegas. Siegel loved living in Hollywood and he was always looking for luxurious homes in the region. His estates were the headquarters of his lavish parties. One of his L.A. homes was constructed for his children and wife. It was situated at 250 Delfern Dr. He never lived there. Instead, he preferred the estate located on Mulholland Drive, the Castillo Del Lago. Eventually, in 1947 the mobster was murdered in another rental home of his, at 810 Linden Dr.

Ma Barker House

Ma Barker is another well known gangster. She was dealing with high-profile robberies when she decided to move to Ocklawaha with Fred, her son. Their intention was to hide out, but the FBI found out about of their plans and caught them. Fred and Ma were eventually killed in the clash. The 4 – bedroom home at 13254 E Ocklawaha Highway still preserves the bullet holes. The house hasn’t been renovated since and it was recently listed for $1 million.

George “Bugs” Moran Hotel Suite, Chicago

Chicago was also ruled by George “Bugs” Moran. He was Capone’s biggest rival. Moran lived in a luxurious hotel suite at the famous Parkway Hotel situated on 2100 N Lincoln Park W. Nowadays, the hotel is a condo building called Pierre Condominiums. Chicago featured the most impressive list of mobsters. Johnny Torrio ran the streets before Capone did. In fact, he was Capone’s friend. He lived in a house at 7017 South Clyde Avenue before moving to Europe. Another one of Capone’s friends was Frank Rio. He was in charge with the Valentine’s Day Massacre. He lived in Oak Park, at 1000 Belleforte Avenue.