CIRCA CENTRAL PARK

Circa Central Park aerial view

By Daniel J. Bollinger

On the northern border of the Upper West Side is a new development, Circa Central Park, located right on the traffic circle of Frederick Douglass Boulevard on 110th Street. Consisting of 38 units from one-to-five bedrooms in an eleven story structure it is a welcome addition to the neighborhood. The tiered profile of terraced residences cannot be missed as the façade is a glass curtain wall that matches the curve of Frederick Douglass Circle.

A GREAT LOCATION
Central Park is your immediate neighbor with views galore from all residences. Morningside Park is one block away, and there are plenty of views of this park as well. All views are protected. Centrally located, subway lines are directly across the street; there is a plethora of shopping, cafes, restaurants, and cultural attractions in the area.

Kitchen

FXFOWLE Architects continue to impress me. They designed this development to achieve LEED certification. An example of their brilliant work: They conducted a ‘sun shade study’ across the front of the building. This study resulted in the installation of colored aluminum fins across the façade of green and burnt orange. The green side of the fins deflect the sun’s rays during the day, and the burnt orange side create warm hues inside the apartment in the afternoons. Additional eco-designs inside the units include soundproofed energy efficient windows and energy saving heating/cooling and water consumption systems. This is a development to put on your touring list with a Central Park location and a 25-year 421a tax abatement in place.

INTERIOR MAGIC
The residences have sophisticated aesthetics within them. Starting with the kitchens, which are open and provide a seamless extension of the living and dining areas, they have a warm hue of Italian Teak integrated cabinets with “Lagos Blue” stone countertops. A Bosch appliance package is included with Sub-Zero refrigerator; LG washer/dryers are also standard. The Kohler split stainless steel sink is a nice design choice, and the garbage disposal is a unique feature for this NYC development.

Bathroom

The bathrooms are well designed as well. Floor-to-ceiling porcelain tile adorn all secondary bathrooms. The floors have porcelain tiles made to look like wood floor planking—a very nice detail. The custom medicine cabinets with illuminated top and motion sensor light is also an excellent feature. All units feature deep soaking tubs and radiant floor heating. The master baths are a combination of porcelain tiles, honed limestone, and all with floor to ceiling white marble. Duravit vanities and Grohe fixtures all are standard.

There are differing layouts for each line but all provide for great views with lots of light and air, and all are open plans. The A lines have great gallery style layouts while the G is laid out so that upon entering the residence one can see the entire span of the apartment. There are plenty of walk-in closets in all units. Some lines have terraces. The units have Nest Smart wiring available.

Playroom

EXCELLENT CONVENIENCES
Circa Central Park has the amenities you would expect in a new development, but the design and location of these amenities are unique. One amenity that is unheard of in Manhattan: Circa offers parking! Also, their resident lounge, located on the second floor, offers great views and features a kitchenette. Nearby is a fitness center (with views) and two child playrooms, one for toddlers and another for tweens. The rooftop lounge has seating, a full outdoor kitchen including BBQ grilling stations and an outdoor shower. A bike room with a sharing program and a dog washing station are also offered.

Circa Central Park is a wonderful addition to the northern border of Central Park. Artimus Construction, the developer, and FXFOWLE architects have done a great job. Plenty of views of two parks, great open layouts with terraces, and great design details make Circa Central Park a development to put on your list.

For more information Circa Central Park, visit circacentralpark.com.