Building Types


Condo Hotels l Green Buildings l Condominium Buildings l Cooperative Buildings l Post War Buildings l Pre War Buildings l Brownstones l Townhouses l Loft Buildings

Brownstones:

Brownstone buildings were constructed in the 19th Century and were made from brown sandstone. These structures have below-level entrances, which are sometimes called English basements and many have a garden in the back. These homes have many charming features of the times, and maintain that old-fashioned, New York feel.
Condominium Buildings:

Condominium refers to real property ownership where individual units are privately owned and common areas are under shared ownership. Condominium ownership offers less restriction on subletting, financing and purchasing when compared to cooperative buildings. Condominium buildings often include a larger selection of amenities such as laundry services, fitness areas, garages, roof decks, indoor pools, screening rooms and spas. Most Manhattan New Developments are condos and offer a unique selection in architecture and amenities. Condo owners have the option of renting out their units with less tenant restrictions and all prospective tenants must apply to the board of directors of condominium in order to move in.

Learn More: New Developments l Condo Buildings l Condo – Hotels l Green Buildings

Cooperative Buildings:

A Co-op is a building owned by a corporation and managed by a co-op board which consists of share holders. When a buyer purchases a cooperative apartment, a specified amount of shares are transferred to the buyer and then the buyer takes a proprietary lease on that apartment. A Co-op purchase process is usually subject to board approval and demands more documentation from the buyer. Cooperative buildings have more purchase restrictions and may not be ideal for international buyers or investors.
Pre War Buildings:

Structures built before 1945 are considered pre-war buildings. Usually no more than 20 stories, these mid-size buildings offer unique features such as hardwood floors, large windows, beamed ceilings, sunken living rooms and wood burning fireplaces. Great examples of pre-war buildings include 302 West 12th street, 299 West 12th Street and 45 Christopher Street.
Post War Buildings:

The term post-war is basically applied to all residential buildings constructed after 1945. Post-war buildings usually offer more amenities and are mid-rise to high-rise in size. Post-war buildings constructed between 1945 and 1980 usually feature red, brown or white facades with features such as live-in supers, laundry rooms, exercise rooms and doormen.
Loft Buildings:

Very popular for the artistic type, loft buildings were originally used as warehouses, factories or manufacturing centers. Converted into residences, the staples of these apartments are high ceilings (sometimes up to twenty feet), arched windows and wide open floor plans. Some even have columns or other ornate decor. Greenwich Village, Chelsea, SoHo and Tribeca are popular areas for loft buildings. Many downtown loft buildings feature beautiful cast iron facades.
Townhouses:

Most Townhouses are single family residences which rise up to four stories high. Townhouses can be freestanding or attached structures and offer a luxurious and private lifestyle. New York Townhouses offer a unique charm with an elegant old New York feel. Townhomes offer limitless upgrade possibilities to include wine cellars, screening rooms, private back yards, eat in kitchens, classic details and dramatic staircases. Some of the benefits of New York Townhouse ownership include the absence of the approval and application process which makes the purchase a faster, more convenient process. Majority of New York Townhouses were erected between the 19th and 20th century.

Walk-Ups
Walk up refers to residential buildings without an elevator.

Condo – Hotels
A condo hotel is a building which is both a hotel and a condominium. Condo-Hotels offer traditional hotel accommodations as well as ownership opportunities for designated units as full service pied-a-terre or vacation homes. Condo Hotels are usually high rise structures and offer an abundance of full service amenities including gyms, spas, virtual golf simulators, pools, hotel style(s) services, business centers and more. Condo Hotel owners have the option of renting out their unit as a traditional hotel room utilizing management and marketing services from the management company.

Green Buildings
Green residential buildings are designed and constructed using environmentally efficient operating procedures and materials. Green Buildings are designed to be environmentally conscious and resource efficient throughout the entire building’s lifecycle. Many New York City developers apply for third party certifications, usually US Green Building Council called Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design ( LEED ).

Live / Work Space
Live / Work Apartments are residential units that are designed to house a resident and their small business. This concept was created to redevelop downtown sections of major cities. Live / Work spaces are usually lofts and can be found in a condo or coop building.