Inside Nomad's New Crop Of Converted Rentals, The Centurian

Event: Preview and cocktail party at The Centurian Building, a luxury rental conversion that starts leasing this week
In the house: Staff from developer Mocal Enterprises and their friends and family, plus a large Elliman contingent (they're brokering the apartments) and media types
Dress code: Suits & dresses; other dark attire suitable for a February cold snap
Menu: Chicken meatballs, mushroom crostini, and olive tapenade in a pastry. Plus mini chocolate mousses and key lime pies for dessert. And, of course, wine and beer.
Overheard: "You don't want to feel like you're living in your grandmother's building when you're 30." "High ceilings. Beautiful windows. Love the frames. It feels spacious. It's different than so many other apartments I've been to in New York." The tubs are big, "perfect for leg-shaving." Curbed to eight-year-old: "Do you want to live here?" Eight-year-old: "Yes. But my mom says no." Mom to both: "Because I want the one upstairs."

Welcome to Nomad, where 1182 Broadway's troubled past seemed very, very far away as the building opened itself up to a few dozen visitors on Monday night. Located between 28th and 29th streets—a.k.a. sandwiched by the Nomad and Ace hotels—The Centurian Building dates back to 1910 and is the first conversion for developer Mocal Enterprises (who also have offices on the 5th floor). The formerly live-work loft building has a handsome landmarked facade, which has been restored, but the interiors have been completely overhauled over the last two-plus years—into high-end rentals: 39 one- and two-bedroom apartments, to be precise.

A total of 20 apartments on floors six through 10 are leasing for April 1, with another batch to be released for April 15 move-ins. Pricing will start at $5,800/month and go up to $15,000 for larger layouts on the higher floors. Highlights include the original copper window frames, "condo-esque" fixtures, materials, and appliances, and a washer-dryer in every unit. There's not a lot of space to build amenities in a conversion, so renters' perks include a 24-hour concierge, bike storage, and a common roof deck—albeit with a historic parapet and nice landscaping, though it's unfinished as of now. ("People in these homes don't need a lounge to hang out in.") The Centurian joins a well-heeled batch of condos and hotels transforming Nomad; an executive vice president for new development at Elliman, Cliff Finn, said: "This neighborhood like what Tribeca was 10 or 15 years ago."

Here now, Curbed's tour of the four units on view at the preview party.

For those who are interested, here's the PR-babble about the interior trappings:

All residences feature top of the line interior décor including American Walnut stained flooring, 10' ceilings and recessed lighting throughout. Each home comes with a Bosch washer and dryer, custom molding and millwork throughout, along with oversized, restored copper window frames. The gourmet kitchens feature custom white cabinetry and bright white Caeserstone countertops and full-height glass tile backsplash, paneled Sub-Zero refrigerators, Bosch cooktop and wall oven, recirculating chimney hood, and paneled dishwasher. Sub-Zero wine refrigerators are available in select residences. Bathrooms feature Calacatta, Statuary and Carrara mosaic tile floors and walls, Zuma deep soaking tubs, custom Wenge vanities with marble countertops and radiant heat flooring in select residences. Finally, we'll leave you with some views and very scenic neighborhood shots.

· The Centurian Building [official]
· Troubled Broadway Building To Return As 'Elegant' Residences [Curbed]
· Centurian Building conversion is cost-effective [Crain's]
· All 1182 Broadway coverage [Curbed]
· Hangover Observations archive [Curbed]