The New York Times called 2015 the Year of the Condo, noting so many new buildings of condos under construction that there are fears of a glut. Bloomberg recently noted a rise in rentals above $50,000–the number tripled since 2008. One thing is clear: there is no shortage of domestic developments aiming for the one percent, whether they hail from the U.S. or abroad.
Residential amenities in these new developments have supersized along with real estate prices, going far beyond the typical gym or concierge service. They’re boasting resort-like features that blur the line between a luxurious vacation and everyday life, so that residents need never leave the building, like bars and restaurants and spas for humans and pets alike. But tower-dwellers can still go outside and have plenty to do on rooftop beaches with pool cabanas, observatories, and outdoor kitchens.
The lowest-priced properties of the buildings featured here are studio apartments going for nearly half a million dollars, and prices soar way up into the millions from there. See what special features are included.
50 West
Location: New York
Price: from $1.96 million - from $18.63 million
Bedrooms: 1 - 5
Square Footage: 1,080 - 3,653
The 64-story residential tower 50 West offers floor-to-ceiling windows and neutral colors to keep the emphasis on the view. The residents’ observatory at 734 feet offers even better views of the New York Harbor with binocular tower viewers, and for outdoor entertaining on high, it has two barbecues with private dining areas, an outdoor kitchen, and a banquet table.
The Ocean Resort Residences at Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach
Location: Fort Lauderdale
Price: from the $400,000s
Bedrooms: studios - penthouses
Square Footage: 500 - 4,000
The Ocean, a 24-floor property from the Conrad is a hybrid resort/residence comprised of 109 residences and 181 resort residences. The Sky Beach is a 20,000 square-foot private beach club situated aloft over the grand porte cochère at the entrance, which has sandy sunbathing areas, ocean views, whirlpools, food and beverage service, and priority owners’ cabanas. Resident and guests are also offered concierge service on the oceanfront Fort Lauderdale Beach, and other onsite features are a spa, restaurant and lounge, and gourmet market.
388 Bridge Street
Location: Brooklyn
Price: $587,000 - $5.999 million
Bedrooms: studio - 4
Square Footage: 530 - 1,731
Brooklyn’s tallest building 388 Bridge Street, at 53 stories, has 40 penthouses as well as condos and 234 rental apartments. At floor 46 is the 1,245 square-foot Sky Lounge entertainment center for condo and penthouse owners, and the top-floor observation deck is open to all residents. Among the other amenities on site are a 24-hour concierge, pet spa, a fifth-floor outdoor grilling deck and playground, and the two-story Manhattan Athletic Club.
The Estates at Acqualina
Location: Miami
Price: $3.9 million - $40 million
Bedrooms: 3 - 6
Square Footage: 4,660 - 5,000
Billed as “oceanfront estates in the sky,” The Estates at Acqualina at Miami’s Sunny Isles Beach will have 5.6 oceanfront acres serving two residential towers, with outdoor amenities including a Flowrider surfing pool, and a private beach. Floors 49 and 50 will be the amenity deck, “Circus Maximus,” which will have outdoor infinity pools, sauna, spa and summer kitchen, as well as an ice rink and bowling lanes, a movie theater, and a Wall Street Trader’s Club.
Oil Nut Bay
Location: British Virgin Islands
Price: $4.4 - $11.9 million (range of several models currently available)
Bedrooms: 2 - 6
Square Footage:2,800 - 6,000
The ecologically responsible collection of 88 turnkey villas and estates at Oil Nut Bay is accessible by water or helicopter only. Considering that, it’s helpful that it offers a helipad, as well as outdoor cliff showers, a children's activity clubhouse, and green rooftop gardens, which blend into the landscape while serving to cool down the interior of the homes.
Three Hundred Collins
Location: Miami
Price: $1.2 million - $9 million
Bedrooms: 1 - 4
Square Footage: 1,000 - 3,700
Several of the 19 residences at the five-story Three Hundred Collins in Miami’s South of Fifth neighborhood comes with a private terrace. Some of the spaces feature 18-foot ceilings and some have outdoor kitchens. All residents can take advantage of the rooftop oasis, with 75-foot pool and cabanas, and botanical landscape featuring only plants native to South Florida.
