May 18th 2012
New York Daily News
Project sells more than half of their large, loft-like units
If ever there were a team of developers you’d want with you in a foxhole, it might be the team from Broadmill Development Group, who are in the process of selling out their first condominium project, the 24-unit Carriage House at 159 W. 24th St.
In the middle of the recession, predatory investors were banging on their door, trying to get their hands on this historic conversion of an old stable with studios starting just under $700,000 range and two penthouses with outdoor space.
But Eric Gray, Joshua Sacks and Eamon Roche, whose heart and souls have been in this project from the beginning, held their ground. They picked up consulting gigs, adjusted prices and watched as the little-building-that-could delivered buyer after buyer, holding their creditors at bay.
Today, the Carriage House is going strong, having just passed the 50% mark. There is a reason this project weathered the storm. It’s one of the best-styled, well-built conversions on the market. The apartments feel like lofts, with each room and unit having the luxury of space. Even the studios are large, big enough to put a wall between the bedroom and living area. All kitchens, finishes and fixtures are the same. That includes Wolf ovens, Bosch washer and dryers, bathrooms with Carrera marble, and 7-inch wide-plank solid white oak floors.
“We really paid attention to every decision regarding flooring, finishes, kitchens, room size and construction,” says Sacks.
“When you have three people working on a building this size, real collective thought goes into what you build and each unit,” says Roche.
Lady readers will be glad to know the building has had fun events, including a reading by “Fifty Shades of Grey” author E.L. James, who jammed them in. There was also an art show by Eve Plumb, aka Jan Brady, who exhibited her dark paintings of old Hollywood scenes.
“That was crazy,” says Gray. “I don’t think anyone here really thought those events would pull so many people.”
The main thing buyers need to know is that the building feels good. A one-bedroom on the market for $930,000 (this is Chelsea; no one said it wasn’t costly) has a living room 30 feet by 10 feet.
Walking into these units, you feel the size of the rooms. Hallways seem intimate, almost like being upstairs in a country home.
Both penthouses are closed or in contract; the latest, Penthouse B, was listed at $3.6 million. One-bedrooms and studios are left, leaving ample room for combo units. Hear that brokers?
Go to carriagehouse24.com for more. Warburg Realty handles all sales and marketing. Homes still available range from $695,000 to $1.55 million.
