A CONCIERGE TO TOP ALL CONCIERGES
Director of residences is now a title someone holds for the Related Companies’ massive $25 billion Hudson Yards development — a vague title that masks the scope of his property-based role. He is responsible for the needs of every resident across Related’s luxury condo and luxury rental buildings in and around the 28-acre site, including 15 and 35 Hudson Yards and the Abington House, which sits just outside the megaproject in Chelsea, New York City.
While fitness centers and concierges have long been mandatory for luxury condo buildings in Manhattan, more developers are now expanding in-house services, providing luxury real estate buyers and luxury renters with everything from pet care to private tutoring to urban farming.
Although there are no databases tracking these numbers, anecdotally it’s clear that the “director of residences” is part of a growing class of employees making their careers catering to the needs of New York’s wealthy — and helping developers differentiate luxury condos from competitors in a market that’s seeing swollen levels of inventory. His duties include everything from checking on dry cleaning to booking helicopter rides to the Hamptons to making sure a resident’s flat tire is changed in the middle of the night.
For developers, having all of these services and staffers comes down to selling units — which has gotten increasingly harder in this uncertain economic environment.
But overdoing amenities, choosing the wrong one or gearing them to one specific group are all financial land mines. Some buyers will question, why do I have to pay for this when I will never use this service. Other wealthy clients may already have their own concierge on staff and would rather keep everything internal. Will this trend last? Only time will tell...
While writing this piece I kept thinking of this painting by Jack Vettriano (see below), the man with the umbrella would be the director of residences and I can only imagine this job being one of one hundred random tasks he’d be asked to do.
A CLOSER LOOK AT HAMILTON HEIGHTS
Few areas in New York City are as culturally rich and vibrant as Upper Manhattan’s Harlem. With a population of 138,535, Harlem is a densely populated area full of charm and character and one of our favorite neighborhoods in New York City for real estate.
Harlem is almost like a mini-borough within Manhattan instead of just an NYC neighborhood. It’s a tight-knit community where you’ll find kids outside playing pickup games of basketball and neighbors out interacting with one another. Even though it’s small, there are a few distinct neighborhoods inside of Harlem.
Hamilton Heights is located on the northern side of Harlem along the bank of the Hudson River. The neighborhood’s renovated brownstones and tree-lined streets make it an attractive place to call home.
When Alexander Hamilton retired he built a house called the Grange at 141st Street. It was completed in 1802 and it was the only home Hamilton ever owned.
Hamilton Heights is also home to the City College of New York and Dance Theatre Harlem. With access to the New York City Subway system with the Seventh Avenue Line stopping at 137th and 145th streets, transportation is easy to use in Hamilton Heights. Check out our single family brownstone located on the famous Convent Avenue in Hamilton Heights here. 325 Convent Avenue.
PROPERTY OF THE MONTH: 322 WEST 140TH ST
Welcome home to 322 West 140th Street. This gut renovated two family home sits just one block away from the historic Strivers Row located in West Harlem, Manhattan. Built in the early 1900's, the rarely available brownstone situated near the corner of Edgecombe Avenue is over 3,500 total square feet (including interior & exterior). The reimagined brownstone comes equipped with modern amenities such as a Daikin heating & cooling System, "Smart" alarm system with video intercom & recessed lighting.
Stepping into the sun filled parlor level with 9.5 Ft ceilings you will find the dining room & living room divided by a custom, state of the art kitchen. This NYC Kitchen is any household chefs dream; with ample cabinetry, quartz counters, a marble backsplash, five burner Brushed Stainless Steel gas range, double wall oven and convection/microwave, bottom freezer drawer refrigerator, dishwasher and last but not least a hood vented to the outside. The living room opens to a back patio where you can enjoy your morning coffee that leads to your private south facing backyard. (A real treat to own in Manhattan real estate).
Sitting on the Second floor of this NYC property is the master suite. It includes a large bedroom, a jack & jill full bathroom with a double vanity and standing shower that leads into a home office. The master suite has two large walk in closets, a brick decorative fireplace and three windows facing the street with northeast exposure.
Upon entering the Third floor you are greeted by a very large skylight with two bedrooms on each end. The bedroom facing South-West includes two closets and a brick fireplace. The large bathroom includes subway tile, and a large elegant clawfoot soaking tub.
With its own private entrance the Garden Level features a spacious one bedroom guest house perfect for your in-laws or a rental unit for extra income.
Watch Luis give a tour of this listing Here:
