MICRO-SIZED APARTMENTS
In 2016, Carmel Place, a nine-story modular building at 335 East 27th Street, was one of the first micro-sized apartment buildings in Manhattan. The building welcomed their first residents, offering 55 studios ranging from 260 to 360 square feet. Renters could select the all-inclusive amenities and services package curated and managed by “Ollie.” The Ollie package provided high-speed Wi-Fi and premium television programming, hotel-style housekeeping every two weeks and social club membership including community and fitness events. A fully furnished 310 square foot micro studio including smart TVs, desk, and chairs listed for $2,850 per month. In contrast, an unfurnished 300 square foot micro studio was offered at $2,562 per month. The Uno, located at 1 Larkin Plaza in Yonkers, built on this emerging trend by offering 50 micro and 50 loft apartments in their converted building that combines the 1923 historic Otis Elevator building with the former Herald Statesman building. Its strategic location to Manhattan and unique floorplan appeals to young professionals and empty nesters alike. As reported in Lohud. com, “The whole idea of this building is to create a lot of common space where people can congregate and hang out” said Joseph Cotter, the developer, and president of National Resources. “It’s a lifestyle building.” Large loft units range from $1,800 to $3,600 per month, offering 700 to 1,200 square feet. Smaller studio micro-flats start at $1,500, ranging in size from 350 to 450 square feet with a pull-down Murphy bed in each unit.
IN-HOME COMMUNITY EXPERIENCE
The Urby building chain promotes in-home community engagement through their unique approach to residential housing, with locations in Staten Island and Jersey City, NJ. Recently Jersey City Urby, now one of the area’s tallest buildings standing 69 stories, welcomed its first residents. The skyscraper features a mix of studios, one- and two-bedrooms, ranging from $2,000 a month for a studio, one bedroom at $2,300 and two bedrooms at $3,400. As reported in Curbed2, much like its sister project on Staten Island, the development places a strong emphasis on community-building amenities. Included are a fully-equipped gym, a heated pool, a coffee shop and classes in a communal kitchen where local chefs host demonstrations and tastings. As reported in the New York Times, the Urby Staten Island in the Stapleton section, offers residents a communal kitchen, urban farm, 20-hive apiary, an in-residence chef, rooftop gardens, kitchen composters, art and meditation studios, bike shares, infrared saunas, and even an adult treehouse. As the real estate industry pushes toward new frontiers to satisfy the growing demands of emerging trends, one constant appears to be true: if you build the premier, all-inclusive co-living or micro-apartment community-centric residence, they will come. • MAY 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 59