Reader reports of open house visits are encouraged. If you've dropped by a pad or two recently and have opinions to share, drop a line to tips@curbed.com. Thanks.
It may have been Open House New York weekend, but to us it was just Open House Harlem. An awesome tipster pounded the pavement and sent along his take on three uptown availabilities. First up is the Lenox Grand.
1) Lenox Grand seems to be generating interest. [Ed.?wonder why?] There were people going in and out constantly during Sunday open house. Asking price for model unit (above) was $648 per square foot, but that one had sold. Comparable units on higher floors cost more. Sponsor now covers all closing costs.
Personally, unit was ugly and did not care for view. Largest units are under 1300 square feet. Ceilings in retail floors were low. Broker had no clue who retail tenant would be. Broker claimed he "thought" three more units had gone into contract, meaning 8 of 19 have been taken. Vagueness was suspicious though. They are claiming December occupancy.
Photo of that displeasing view and the rest of the report after the jump.
2) Rhapsody on 5th -- units smaller than at Lenox Grand -- largest space about 1,300 square feet, and they have studios and one bedrooms a lot smaller than that. For 1,300 square foot unit, asking $1.09 million, which means $838 per square foot. For smaller apartments, asking prices in $700 - $750 per square foot range. Spring occupancy.
3) Also went to one townhouse open house -- 4 West 123rd Street, a Sotheby's listing but oddly not on their website. Location is landmarked block next to Mount Morris, and building had much original detail or imitations of it. Building also has proper one family certificate of occupancy and is configured to match. Building is narrow -- under 17', and $1.95 million asking price amounts to $585 per square foot. By far best deal of day.