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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A Vision for “Billionaires’ Beach”: The Ritz-Carlton Residences, South Beach Hosts Lincoln Road Reimagined

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In a city where the skyline is constantly evolving, few addresses command attention like South Beach’s Collins Avenue. On May 16, the energy behind that evolution took center stage at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, South Beach, which hosted an exclusive panel event, Lincoln Road Reimagined, bringing together Miami’s top minds in real estate, architecture, and development to discuss the transformation of the 100 block of Lincoln Road and the entrance to the iconic beachwalk.

Katherine Kallergis, Frederik Eklund, Kobi Karp, Russell W. Galbut, Dayssi Kanavos, Lyle Stern & Andres Arcila

Moderated by The Real Deal’s Katherine Kallergis, the conversation unfolded inside a sleek new sales gallery, just unveiled within The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach. The event spotlighted how this landmark stretch—fittingly nicknamed “Billionaires’ Beach”—is rapidly reshaping thanks to a collaboration between the State of Florida, the City of Miami Beach, and the ownership families behind The Ritz-Carlton and Sagamore Hotels.

Paul Kanavos & Pietro Belmonte

Panelists included real estate star Fredrik Eklund of EKLUND | GOMES, renowned architect Kobi Karp, and Flag Luxury’s Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos and Peter Kanavos Sr., who are spearheading the residential vision. Also contributing were Andres Arcila of Naturalficial, Russell W. Galbut of Crescent Heights, and Lyle Stern of Vertical Real Estate—each offering sharp insight into Miami Beach’s next chapter, which is being shaped as much by thoughtful design as by walkability, culture, and lifestyle innovation.

Following the discussion, over 150 guests enjoyed a rooftop reception complete with elevated bites and desserts by Chef José Andrés. With signature flavors like Tuna Tataki, Mini Lobster Rolls, and Garides in garlic-lemon beurre blanc, the fare matched the event’s upscale tone—an ode to the luxurious and communal spirit the new Ritz-Carlton Residences promise to deliver.

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Andare Residences Breaks Ground, Set to Become Broward County’s Tallest Residential Tower

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Photo credit: ArX Creative

Fort Lauderdale is reaching new architectural heights—literally. Related Group has officially broken ground on Andare Residences Design by Pininfarina, a soaring 47-story tower that will soon stand as the tallest residential building in Broward County. Designed in partnership with the legendary Italian design house Pininfarina, the project marks the first luxury condo development to rise above Las Olas Boulevard in over 20 years. More than half of its 163 residences are already under contract, including a record-shattering $16 million penthouse that boasts 6,235 square feet and sits 500 feet above the city.

Photo credit: ArX Creative

Globally renowned for crafting iconic automobiles for Ferrari, Rolls-Royce, and Maserati, Pininfarina brings its precision, artistry, and sweeping curves to the Fort Lauderdale skyline. At Andare, this legacy translates into fluid, wave-inspired balconies, floor-to-ceiling windows, and seamless indoor-outdoor living. The homes themselves range from 1,800 to over 4,300 square feet, and include gourmet kitchens with Italian cabinetry, spa-like bathrooms with deep soaking tubs, and the latest in smart home technology. The building’s design isn't just aesthetic—it’s intentional, focused on light, flow, and the resident experience.

Photo credit: ArX Creative

Amenities are as elevated as the tower itself. Residents will enjoy over 35,000 square feet of lifestyle-focused perks, from a state-of-the-art gym and pickleball court to a rooftop oasis with private cabanas, a hot tub, and full food and beverage service. Inside, dedicated spaces include a wellness spa with sauna, steam, and plunge pools; a wine and sports lounge; and a resident’s club with Central Bar and sweeping ocean views. Andare’s 6,000-square-foot restaurant will be helmed by famed local restaurateur Tim Petrillo, further anchoring the tower’s reputation as a luxury lifestyle destination.

Photo credit: ArX Creative

Set against the evolving Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk and minutes from Las Olas Beach, Andare blends urban accessibility with resort-style serenity. As Nick Pérez, President of Related’s Condominium Division, explains, “With Andare, we’re proud to be writing Downtown’s next chapter—offering an elevated living experience in the heart of the city.” From its record-setting heights to its coastal sophistication, Andare isn’t just a residence—it’s a defining statement for the future of South Florida luxury.

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