Upper East Side in Bloom: Why Downtown is Still Flocking Uptown

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By Lisa Simonsen, Brown Harris Stevens

Even after the first Monday in May, the Upper East Side remains undeniably hot. The renewed buzz isn't just about the allure of new luxury condos like The Surrey and The Giorgio Armani Residences; it's a cultural and residential renaissance that continues to draw significant attention. With a vibrant mix of established and new restaurants, Frida Escobedo’s innovative Met wing design underway, and the newly unveiled, stunningly renovated Frick Collection welcoming visitors, the UES is a thriving hub of activity. Bloomberg’s recent recognition of the Upper East Side as a top travel destination for 2025 is well-deserved.

We're still witnessing a "Great Migration" of downtown dwellers drawn by the UES's dynamic restaurant scene, exclusive private clubs like Casa Tua, unparalleled high-end retail, and, crucially, its top-tier private schools. When clients seek their uptown dream homes, the blend of classic charm and modern vibrancy, access to world-class culture, exceptional quality of life anchored by Central Park, and consistently excellent schools remain key selling points.

Elegant pre-war architecture and white-glove service in many buildings add to the timeless appeal of the UES. The significant influx during and post-Covid was fueled by the need for more spacious residences, immediate proximity to green spaces, and the strong sense of established community offered by these uptown enclaves during uncertain times.

Meanwhile, securing a coveted reservation at some of the newer culinary hotspots requires planning! The retail landscape is ever-evolving and now includes an expanded presence of new boutiques, along with established luxury brands along Madison Avenue like Chanel, Ralph Lauren, Hermes, and Maison Goyard. Boutique stores like Ludivine offer curated collections from luxury and contemporary designers. The Upper East Side is competing with downtown’s “perfume Alley” on Elizabeth Street, with many notable perfumeries opening along Madison Avenue.   Culturally the reopening of the beautifully renovated Frick Collection by Annabelle Selldorf is a major draw.

We continue to observe a gradual shift towards greater pragmatism among coop boards regarding financing and the streamlining of their application processes, likely influenced by sustained market demand. Some buyers prioritize proximity to their children’s schools, and while breathtaking park views are always desirable, practical considerations often take precedence.

The Simonsen Team consistently has access to a curated selection of exceptional uptown properties both on and off the market, with current strong buyer interest focused on fully renovated, move-in ready condominiums offering modern amenities and meticulously restored pre-war coops in prime locations. The market for elegant townhouses also remains highly competitive due to limited availability.

Currently, we are seeing a particularly strong trend towards high-end, meticulously renovated condominiums that offer immediate occupancy and modern conveniences, alongside a steady demand for beautifully maintained pre-war coops in premier buildings. Outdoor space remains a particular draw across all price points.

The Upper East Side undoubtedly has renewed energy and cultural richness right now. The downtown migration continues as buyers recognize the exceptional lifestyle offered by this iconic Manhattan neighborhood. It’s an opportune time to experience the enduring and evolving appeal of the neighborhood.

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Discover NYC's Chic Condos with Upscale Entertaining Spaces

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With spring in full swing and warmer weather enticing New Yorkers to gather and socialize, now is the perfect time to explore some of NYC's top developments featuring luxurious entertaining spaces. From chic bars to stylish lounges and elegant dining areas, these condominiums offer residents the perfect settings for hosting memorable gatherings, all within the comfort of their own buildings. High-design condos like Monogram NY, Sutton Tower, and Front & York showcase the importance of providing upscale entertainment options, embracing the concept of layered entertaining where residents can seamlessly move from cocktails to cozy lounges and sophisticated dining areas.

Monogram NY: Elegance in the Heart of Midtown

Photo Credit: Recent Spaces

Designed by Ismael Leyva Architects with interiors by the acclaimed studio Neri&Hu, Monogram NY is a stunning new development situated in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. This elegant condominium effortlessly blends serenity with the vibrant flair of New York City. Residents at Monogram NY can indulge in the top-floor amenity package known as the "Sphere Club." This sophisticated bar and lounge is attended by dedicated staff and offers sweeping panoramic views of the iconic New York City skyline, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a private club. The Sphere Club also includes a reading room lounge with a fireplace, an intimate bar, and a private dining room with a catering kitchen, all enveloped by expansive city skyline vistas. These luxurious spaces provide residents with the perfect settings to host events and gatherings, ensuring a tailored experience for every occasion.

Sutton Tower: Grand Entertaining on the East Side

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Sutton Tower

Standing as the tallest residential tower along Manhattan's East Side waterfront, Sutton Tower is a defining New York address that boasts unrivaled views and dynamic design by the celebrated designer Thomas Juul-Hansen. The condo building's thoughtful amenity collection, known as The Sutton Club, embodies the Upper East Side’s tradition of grand entertaining. The large private dining room, adorned with warm, elegant finishes and an adjacent chef’s demonstration kitchen, is ideal for hosting and toasting with loved ones on special occasions. Residents also enjoy a secondary dining lounge, providing a more casual, intimate space for gatherings. The entertainment opportunities continue in the building’s skylit club lounge and adjacent terrace, as well as the plush screening room equipped with custom sofas, a wet bar, and a cinema-level audio-visual system. These amenities ensure that Sutton Tower residents have an array of options for hosting any type of event in style.

Front & York: A Luxurious Urban Experience in DUMBO

Photo Credit Colin Miller

Front & York, designed by celebrated architect Morris Adjmi, offers an amenity-driven luxury urban experience in DUMBO with one of NYC's largest and most comprehensive amenity collections, spanning 150,000 square feet. Perfect for residents looking to host intimate gatherings or holiday get-togethers, Front & York features a luxurious wine room connected to a chef's kitchen, creating an ideal suite for custom dining experiences. The development also boasts a dedicated party room with a beautiful dinner table for more formal sit-down dining experiences, as well as a billiards lounge complete with a pool table and bar, making it the perfect customizable suite for any occasion. These thoughtfully designed spaces ensure that residents can entertain in style, whether it’s a casual get-together or a grand celebration.

A Seamless Entertaining Experience

Monogram NY, Sutton Tower, and Front & York exemplify the trend of incorporating upscale, versatile entertaining spaces into residential developments. These condominiums not only provide luxurious living spaces but also create an environment where residents can host memorable events without leaving the comfort of their homes. From intimate lounges to grand dining rooms and everything in between, these developments offer the ultimate entertaining experience, reflecting the sophistication and elegance of New York City living.

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VITA, New York City’s Largest Passive House Condominium, Launches Sales

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Photo Credit: Williams New York

ZD Jasper Realty, a New York City real estate development firm, proudly announces the sales launch of VITA, a groundbreaking luxury condominium located in Manhattan’s Hudson Yards. As the largest Passive House condominium development ever built in New York City, VITA represents a bold new chapter in urban living—where sustainability, thoughtful design, and resident well-being converge on an unprecedented scale.

Comprising two architecturally distinct buildings and 121 expertly crafted homes, VITA is a seamless blend of form and function. Every element—from the residences to the amenity spaces—has been intentionally designed to elevate the quality of everyday life. With Passive House principles at its core, VITA offers a living experience that is both forward-thinking and deeply restorative.

Photo Credit: Williams New York

“VITA is unlike anything experienced to date in the New York City market,” said John Gomes, co-founder of Eklund | Gomes at Douglas Elliman. “This is a project that doesn't just raise the bar—it completely redefines what it means to live well in the city. The seamless incorporation of Passive House principles alongside beautifully curated interiors and amenities illustrate why VITA is the future of luxury living.”

Brooklyn-based architecture studio Archimaera envisioned VITA as a sculptural expression of wellness and sustainability. The buildings’ delicately curved façade and tactile material palette together yield a serene, organic aesthetic that stands in welcome contrast to the city’s angular lines. Rounded corner window walls and nuanced textural finishes further create a sense of movement and elegance.

Photo Credit: Williams New York

To achieve Passive House certification, Archimaera integrated innovative architectural practices throughout the property. VITA’s airtight envelope features continuous insulation and curved triple-glazed, high-performance windows—dramatically reducing energy consumption by up to 90%. The eco-conscious design both minimizes environmental impact as well as ensures optimal indoor air quality and noise insulation, offering a peaceful escape from the urban rhythm.

Transitioning inside, acclaimed design firm INC Architecture & Design, renowned for its specialization in wellness-oriented environments, brought VITA’s interiors to life with a focus on natural materials and varied textures to create a feeling of organic luxury. Residences, which range from one- to three-bedroom homes, feature custom-designed kitchens outfitted with blonde oak veneer cabinetry, Fusion Blue Quartzite natural stone countertops, pewter-finished fixtures, and a premium Gaggenau integrated appliance suite. Spa-like primary bathrooms are outfitted with honed Grigio Trambiserra marble walls and dual-tone Bardiglio Versilia radiant heated floors, while secondary bathrooms are finished with artisanal ceramic tile walls and Bardiglio Versilia mosaic floors. A hallmark of the homes, European white oak flooring runs throughout the living spaces and each home comes equipped with a washer and dryer for modern convenience.

Photo Credit: Williams New York

“We approached the interiors at VITA with the intention of creating a true sanctuary—spaces that feel uplifting, refined, and deeply connected to the human experience,” said Adam Rolston, Founding Partner, Creative & Managing Director, AIA, INC Architecture & Design. “Every material and detail was selected not just for beauty, but for how it contributes to a sense of balance, calm, and comfort.”

VITA’s emphasis on wellness carries through into its curated collection of amenities. Each building welcomes residents with a soaring double-height lobby and 24/7 attended reception. The VITA Lounge provides a stylish setting for social gatherings, complete with an entertaining kitchen. The Wellness Collection includes the Skylight Studio and Performance Lounge, equipped with state-of-the-art Technogym cardio and strength training equipment, as well as a Sanctuary Suite featuring a steam room, sauna, shower, and private treatment room. For entertainment and relaxation, residents can also enjoy the Virtual Lounge, which includes a cutting-edge golf simulator.

Topping the development are two expansive rooftop retreats—River Park and Skyline Park—each offering breathtaking views, outdoor kitchens, and lounge seating ideal for alfresco dining and entertaining against the Manhattan skyline.

Located at the nexus of Hudson Yards and Hell’s Kitchen, VITA offers residents the rare opportunity to live amongst two of Manhattan’s most exciting and rapidly evolving neighborhoods. With immediate access to world-class dining, luxury shopping, cultural institutions like The Shed, and expansive green spaces, including the High Line and Hudson River Park, Hudson Yards combines the energy of city living with the comforts of a modern, master-planned community. With a growing number of offices and coworking hubs in the area, many residents find they can live and work in the same neighborhood—cutting down on commutes and elevating their quality of life. Exceptional transit connectivity via the 7 train and proximity to Penn Station further enhance its appeal, making it one of New York City’s most desirable places to live, work, and thrive. With its unparalleled scale, health-conscious design, and future-forward infrastructure, VITA is setting a new benchmark for sustainable luxury living in New York City.

Eklund | Gomes of Douglas Elliman has been appointed the exclusive sales and marketing partner for VITA. Pricing for available residences starts at $1.25 million, with first closings anticipated for fall 2025.

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Best Place to Unwind? Reading Rooms in NYC Luxury Buildings

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Winter is the perfect time to get some reading in. But are you looking for the perfect spot outside of your home for some quiet reading or to host a book club? We rounded up some of the best luxury buildings offering amenities geared toward book lovers with designated reading rooms and curated libraries. 

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