10 West End Avenue Buyers Blog

Neighborhood Transformation

admin — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 16:02:46 +0000

In the last few weeks, we have seen Lincoln Square complete the next step in its transformation from a developing area to a gorgeous neighborhood. There are now people living next door in the Element, the Adagio 60 is beginning to shed its scaffolding, and the John Jay lot is beginning to stir. 60th street is beginning to feel like a walk through a glass-and-steel-lined byway. A short hop away in Hudson River Park, 9 months of construction on a small stretch of beautiful parkland is complete. There are new benches and stretches of lawn by the water, and an old preserved train around 61st street.

As 10 WEA owners, we all bought because we love the building, enjoy the quietness of the neighborhood, and look forward to seeing our neck of the woods become the next prime area for living, shopping, and leisure. What we’re seeing today is a great start.

Good Neighbors

admin — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 22:57:10 +0000

I don’t know if anyone else has noticed this, but I feel like the people that live in 10WEA are exceptionally friendly. It seems like every week I have another invite to have some drinks with one of our neighbors or to stop over and watch whatever sporting event is on TV that Sunday. And just last night I was hanging out in my condo with a friend when one of my neighbors stopped by asking if we wanted some of the chocolate chip cookies she had just finished baking. Seriously, fresh baked cookies! I felt like I was in an episode of Leave It To Beaver or something. My visiting friend asserted that he had definitely never been given cookies by a neighbor, though he did once live in a building where the guy next door used to drop the wrapper from his granola bar in front of my friend’s door every morning, without fail. We all agreed that, of the two, cookies are the preferred option.

Exciting News. Almost full.

admin — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 22:54:38 +0000

The building has been open for around a year and there are only six condos still unoccupied. Considering the rate at which people are buying them up I’d be surprised if there are any more open units come the spring. I know that for us the big selling points were the amazing views of the river and the location only a few blocks from our office right in Midtown, but the in-house gym and pool and the valet parking certainly aren’t bad features either. The playroom looks pretty awesome too, but as a 29-year-old single guy I generally don’t have a lot of excuses to go in there. It’s enough to make me kind of envious of the parents in the building.

Finishing touches

admin — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 05:08:08 +0000

All of the details are just about finished and 10 WEA is shining. Modern brushed stainless steel door knockers and gleaming silver condo unit signs have been placed outside all doors, adding a unified look and elegance to the hallways.

The new laundry room in the basement is completed, and I found it very useful when I needed to wash several blankets, as well as when I returned from vacation and had 3 suitcases full of clothing to wash.

The gym now uses special electronic keys for added security and convenience. Many cardiovascular machines are equipped with quality televisions and controls. The gym was giving out free headphones when I was there, which, in addition to the new water cooler, makes the workout entertaining and refreshing. In the front of the gym are three impressively large, flat screen televisions as well.

Finally, if you don’t come to the gym much, stop by and see the gym attendants who are always doing whatever they can to share knowledge, advance and training tips.

New Board of Directors Elected

admin — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 04:49:58 +0000

A new board of directors was elected this week. 10 WEA is proud to congratulate Vejay Lalla, Marilyn Phillips, Andrew Cohen, Bridget Hinds, and Danny Wurwarg. Many well qualified residents ran for positions. We’re impressed that the sponsor himself, Andy Cohen, chose to sit on our board. Dialogue was engaging and interest among fellow unit owners was high. This year’s board promises to be a passionate, caring group of prestigious members.

The Holiday Party

admin — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 09:50:37 +0000

Just a brief update for those who might have missed the holiday party in the lobby. As usual, a significant number of neighbors came. There was live music and plenty of drinks. I think these fun socials help to make 10WEA an enjoyable place to live and I hope they will always be a part of our lifestyle here.

Tipping

admin — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 04:40:55 +0000

So it’s the holiday season and time to think about the people who think about us all year long. I’ve been trying to determine the proper tip amount and have read some articles on the Internet pertaining it. It seems that you should start with a base of $25 for each staff member and a base of $100 for the superintendent, and then increase the amount based on the extent of your relationship with the individual to a $300 maximum.

Our staff is incredibly dedicated and helpful so I am predicting an unusually generous spirit among residents in the building.

Upcoming Holiday Get-Together

admin — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 03:56:38 +0000

This coming Thursday at 7 PM in the lobby will be the first annual holiday get together. I’m beginning to develop relationships with quite a few neighbors through various parties and events that the building sponsors. It’s a fun opportunity to meet nice people. Come down and let’s have some wine and cheese.

Random Thoughts

admin — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 09:53:15 +0000

- I just learned today that the concierge will mail letters so there is no reason to walk to a mailbox. Maybe everybody else in the building already knew that…

- Abigail Michaels is the concierge service that 10WEA has a relationship with. Check out the services list on their website. I didn’t know how many services they offered until I decided to call today for housekeeping. If you’re busy and need something done they can take care of it for you.

- The laundry / drycleaning service offered in the lobby actually is very fast. I always have in the past arranged for a drycleaner to pick up my stuff, but I tried the building’s service and was impressed. There is often no line and you can just hand the attendant your clothing and he’ll know your apartment number and take care of it. No need to worry about cleaning slips unless you prefer it.

- They distributed a slip of paper listing the names of the building’s staff for the purpose of holiday gratuities, but it is also very convenient if you just need a little reminder of what everybody’s name is.

The Gym is In Great Shape Now

admin — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 09:42:27 +0000

If you haven’t been to the gym in a while:

- The treadmills on the right have televisions built in
- The treadmills and ellipicals on the left are in front on very large flat-screen TV’s
- There is a water cooler
- The pool is completely finished and it is kept at a good temperature for working out
- The glass at eye-level is no longer transparent so there is privacy from the outside now but still a view and light from the top