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160 Madison Avenue is a new 45-storey, 160-metre (525-foot) apartment tower with 319 apartment units — of which 255 are market-rate and 64 (20%) are designated affordable units — in Midtown Manhattan's NoMad neighbourhood in New York City. City Ambassador towerpower123 recently toured the now completed building, giving us a first-hand look at the inside amenity spaces and units.
The SLCE Architects-designed building — developed by JD Carlisle Development Corp. in partnership with DLJ Real Estate Capital Partners and Mitsui Fudosan America, Inc. — takes the shape of a stretched octagon that is oriented at a 45 degree angle against the Manhattan street grid. This form, which effectively has six sides of the same length and two sides that are at least twice as long (facing the corner of 33rd and Madison and the back corner of the site), maximizes the number of corner units. As such, most units in the development feature corner exposures. Additionally, the 45 degree positioning allows for one continuous panoramic view of the cityscape, which can be viewed free of obstructions from just below the tower's mid-way point and the levels above.
The octagonal shape also has benefits for the floor plans and unit sizes. While the rooms in most New York City apartments are usually square or rectangular in shape, the interiors of 160 Madison fan out to provide ample space for furnishings, allowing residents to comfortably enjoy the views while still leaving plenty of space to move around in. The larger feel of the spaces extends to the walk-in closets in every room and the bathrooms, which feature stone fixtures, large mirrors, and shower curtains embedded in the ceiling.
Even small studio units feel relatively spacious and offer impressive views, such as the 12th floor studio visible in the image below. The shape of the building pulls the residences back from the street to yield better views even when completely enclosed by the many historic buildings nearby.
In most spaces, 160 Madison's interior design scheme — designed by Philip Koether Architects — consists of contrasting wood or stone finishes with bright white or off-white walls. These bright finishes allow sunlight to bounce throughout the unit, naturally lighting the spaces in the daytime. The light can be blocked by blackout shades hidden within the ceiling level. Bedrooms also have blackout curtains to block views from the outside, a necessary feature in a city that never sleeps.
All residents, including all of the affordable units, will have access to a rooftop sundeck with lounge chairs and panoramic views.
Views to the north, towards Midtown, prominently feature the Empire State Building, New York's most famous skyscraper. Located two blocks away, the iconic skyscraper is close enough to be admired but far away enough to maintain the views of the many other Midtown buildings that step up in height in the distance.
In addition to the amenity spaces listed above, the building also features a 13,667-square-foot outdoor park space that wraps the third floor fitness centre on the roof of the retail podium, called the "Private Highline". The space's name is a nod to the internationally acclaimed park a half dozen blocks to the west.
On ground level, a hardwood-lined mailroom can be found, as well as a private concierge, and a VIP service typically only seen in large hotels.
The only amenity that is not included free-of-charge is the 3,700-square-foot 'Three Sixty Lounge', which occupies the other half of the top floor across from the sundeck. The space, accessed through a large frameless glass door, has an eight-foot-wide fireplace and a catered banquet space, both indoors and outdoors. Membership for catered events that take place here cost $750 USD per year for the first person and $250 for each additional person, and is open to anyone living in the building.
The location is easily accessible by mass transit, with bus stops on almost every corner, the 6 Train one block to the east, multiple transit lines outside of the famous Macy's Department Store on Herald Square two blocks to the west, and commuter trains at Penn Station a third block west. Grand Central Station is also just a short walk to the north.
Rental prices for studios start at about $3,200 per month, one-bedrooms at $4,100, and two-bedrooms at $5,700. Since leasing has only recently begun, a number of units are still available. Several retail spaces in the podium are available that were not leased as of January 8th, 2016.
Additional images and information can be found in the Database file linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion? Check out the associated Forum thread or leave a comment in the field provided at the bottom of this page.
