Reviews

Building Review
The Empire - 188 East 78th Street

 

Many of Manhattan's elite reside the sought after Empire Condominium located at 188 East 78th Street. This luxury condo's glass and brick tower was build in 1999 and sits on the corner of Third Avenue and 78th Street. Though the New York property was built in 1999 the architecture is reminiscent of a pre-war buildings. The NYC apartment building features a 24 hour doorman, concierge, garage, garden, state-of-the-art fitness center, landscaped rooftop, business center, private dining restaurant, screening room and children's playroom. The apartments have nine foot ceilings and washer-dryers.

The building has approximately 71 apartments and 32 floors and was developed by RFR Holdings in joint venture with Davis & Partners. The architecture was done by Hartman – Cox Architects who also designed 145 East 76th Street and 188 East 76th known at The Sienna. The majority of the apartments have at least 2 bedrooms and feature a foyer, formal dining room, bay windows, marble baths and have access to a private storage room and wine cellar. Some homes have Juliet balconies or terraces. With only a few apartments per floor, residents are guaranteed privacy. The apartment has central air and privately controlled heating units. Some apartments have fireplaces and the garage holds 25 cars. It is conveniently located near the cross town bus and the 6 subway line. Lenox Hospital is also within a few blocks.

The Empire took the place of a small group of low rise buildings called The Cottages. The Cottages were charming open spaces which housed an 11,000 square foot garden, two tennis courts, and two badminton courts. This was a rare find in the city's hottest area.

The lobby is a double height and will impress all who enter. Imported marble and mahogany are the main finishes, and a spiral staircase in the main lobby leads to a private dining area for residents. The third and fourth floor apartment is smaller in size, as the majority of the upper floor apartments have more gracious layouts, some even duplexes. The superintendent lives on premise, and two units in the building are for commercial purpose.

The building currently averages about $1785 per square foot. With a short walk to Central Park, wonderful restaurants, charming shopping and public transportation, The Empire rests in a perfect location. West of Third Avenue this building is the prime Upper East Side location close to Park Avenue, Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue. Pets are allowed in the building and many dog parks are located in the area.

Check out what The Empire has to offer.