Condominium Lower East Side

True Duplex penthouse condos (no one living above you) are rare; there are currently only 12 listed. Not only is this the least expensive, but the average cost of the other 11 is almost double that of this listing. This is not because this one is a slouch-quite the opposite.

To begin with, it boasts the best view of all, but there’s much more to it. At 2,500 square feet, this true penthouse features two bedrooms, three baths, and an oversized Direct Living terrace, making it an ideal home. The lower floor is entirely dedicated to public spaces, while the upper level is reserved for private areas, seamlessly connected by a windowed staircase.

The key-locked elevators open on the lower floor with the public spaces, so let’s begin here.
You first notice the clever flow created by opening the wall between the foyer and the kitchen, which improved both rooms. The vestibule is now a bright area with ingenious storage spaces and display shelves, ensuring that this often-forgotten spot is fully integrated. It even has a full bathroom on the north end. This bathroom’s noteworthy feature is a widowed shower. (Don’t worry; no neighboring building is high enough.)

The living spaces on the south side of the gallery are striking, showcasing panoramic views (no hyperbole here). However, they need to be seen in person to be fully appreciated because the 10+ ft ceiling height, full-height glass on three sides, and a slant on the east side make the room appear smaller in pictures. Nonetheless, the floor plan does not deceive; at 17x32, this is a very large room.

One standout feature of this penthouse is the perfectly proportioned Direct Living terrace. With its almost square layout, this terrace is ideal for entertaining. Offering nearly 300 degrees of unobstructed views, there’s so much to admire, and with no building in the way to the north, your view of midtown is among the best I have ever seen.

The kitchen is a study in clever design. It is a very practical space with stunning views, plenty of storage, and commercial-grade appliancestruly a chef’s dream. The aforementioned opening to the vestibule makes the kitchen feel much larger and creates a super cool dining counter. The low storage cabinets on the slanted east wall are so clever that you can see the next owner continuing them everywhere this wall is exposed.

Up the windowed staircase are two bedrooms, each featuring an ensuite bathroom. The smaller bedroom has a wall of windows facing east, offering perfect sunrise views framed by the Williamsburg Bridge, which is quite unique. The primary bedroom is a complete suite, including a walk-in closet, a five-fixture bathroom, and three exposures. Despite the airy feel these windows provide, privacy is ensured throughout, with no building within reach on your elevation.

The apartment has a washer and dryer to round out its offerings. This unit also comes complete with a private storage space with electricity, making it perfect for wine storage.

The condo building is called BLUE, and it was built in 2007 by the acclaimed architect Bernard Tschumi. It offers 8,000 square feet of terraces, along with Fios internet, refrigerated storage, a bike room, a full-time doorman, and concierge services. Conveniently situated just fifty feet from the F, J, M, and Z trains, BLUE is nestled in the vibrant heart of New York’s bustling Lower East Side, complete with all your favorite amenities, including the famed Essex Market, Katz’s Delicatessen, Russ & Daughters, the New Museum, and much more.