By Daniel J. Bollinger

Alchemy Properties has created an exceptional condominium at 250 West 81st Street; this is their first project with acclaimed Robert A.M. Stern Architects, the architectural firm known for extraordinary developments including 15 Central Park West and more recently 70 Vestry and 520 Park Avenue. 250 Fifty West 81st is a boutique condominium designed in the heritage of the pre-war aesthetic and is comprised of 31 residences ranging in price from $3.7 million for a two bedroom to $15.75 million for the five bedroom penthouse.

The building is located on the coveted Upper West Side near Central Park, The American Museum of Natural History and The Children’s Museum of Manhattan as well as classic NYC eateries like Zabar’s and Barney Greengrass. The façade is beautiful with the first two floors featuring traditional limestone matching the architecture of the block and the neighborhood. The rest of the building features handmade gray brick. There are stunning setbacks in classic A.M. Stern-style, and many of the apartments boast outdoor space including one duplex that has three terraces with a total of 875 square feet of outdoor space.

RESIDENCES
The oval-shaped lobby boasts a 14-foot high domed ceiling, and a fireplace surrounded by imported marble. The homes are exquisite and feature many pre-war elements including ceiling heights up to 11 feet, 4-inch oak flooring in herringbone patterns, and oversized windows. The kitchens feature Gaggenau appliances, Waterworks fixtures throughout, and custom millwork cabinetry with a satin Impervo finish painted in “True White” by Smallbone of Devizes, England’s most respected bespoke cabinet maker. With honed Imperial White marble counters and backsplashes; it makes for great design.

The master baths follow suit with great design elements as well. There is heated radiant flooring beneath the Bianco Dolomiti marble floors, and wainscoted walls of the same marble, polished Bianco Dolomiti marble-topped vanities that again create the “classic white” design aesthetic. The wet room has a great design detail with floor to ceiling marbled walls. The oversized custom mirrored medicine cabinets come complete with electrical outlets inside the cabinets and provide a plethora of storage space. Most of the master baths are windowed creating beautiful natural light against this classic white design.

AMENITIES
The amenity package at 250 West 81st is as luxurious as the residences. For an offering of only 31 homes, the nearly 6000 square feet of amenities represents a high ratio in the new development market. The standout amenity is a music recording and practice studio that includes a selection of state-of-the-art instruments, a mixing board and a sound booth. The fitness center features Technogym and Peleton equipment and a Sports Court with half-court basketball and a golf simulator.The rooftop Sky Terrace has views galore, dining tables and an outdoor grill. There is also a library lounge with an outdoor terrace and a catering kitchen.

RECAP
In this ever increasingly competitive new development market, 250 West 81st is one of the winners. The semi-boutique offering with Robert A.M. Stern Architects’ name and style attached to it features spacious layouts, superior amenities all in a highly coveted location. Alchemy Properties and The Carlyle Group know how to stay ahead of the competition.

For more information on 250 West 81st Street, visit 250west81st.com.