1400 5th Ave

I think its 50/50 like Kalahari.

It's a nice building. Maybe people who got in at a lower price would be willing to drop sale prices sooner than later... not sure if that's what people do b/c I think some profit goes to the City. I see there's a 2 bedroom/2bth listed at 575k. Seems like a decent price (still too high for me). That's better than anything I've seen listed at the Kalahari. Also, there's a NYSC right downstairs... that's a big plus. I know there's a housing development nearby, but it seem like a quiet area.

Jason, do you know if there are any stores, Chinese restaurants, coffee shops, etc around that building. I feel like there's nothing there, but maybe I'm not remembering correctly.

Don't eat Chinese food in Harlem -seriously just don't do it. The risk isn't worth the reward.

oh.

I eat chinese in harlem all the time, including at the place directly accross the street on 116th/5th. Why jazzman would think Chinese food in harlem would be different than anywhere else in Manhattan escapes me - especially since so many of the ones in harlem are owned by the same people who own other shops in the UES and UWS.

But the good news is you can order great Mexican and Cuban from nearby east Harlem restaraunts in the 3rd ave/116th area. Thier is a grocery store and CVS across the street, and a NYSC in the same building. The bad news is there is not much else, compared even to other nice parrts of harlem (say FDB/116th) and its certainly not 86th/lex.

Chinese in Harlem makes me sick - these restaurants just aren't clean. (Talay of course is the notable exception - but it's really not a Chinese restaurant).

I have never gotten sick from any restaraunt in harlem. The only time I have gotten food poisining in the last 5 years in NYC was from a lunch place in Lenox Hill near work. So I guess the prime part of the UES makes me sick.

The health department comes to, and grades restaraunts in Harlem just as often as any other area. So I think you are just spouting BS.

On the Chinese places in particular, they are the same generic hole in the wall types that you see in the UES, UWS, HK, Murray Hill, the Village, Chelsea...they all look the same.

No, it wasn't 50/50 like the Kalahari. The mix was 2/3 subsidized and 1/3 market rate.

I live in the building and know all the amenities very well. Besides great Mexican three blocks east on 116, there's a fantastic newish Moroccan Restaurant/lounge two blocks from here; two Italian restaurants (across the street and on 118th), two supermarkets within 3 blocks (Fine Fare at 116 and Lenox; Fine Fare on Madison and 113th. Both are perfectly acceptable). And more.

"No, it wasn't 50/50 like the Kalahari. The mix was 2/3 subsidized and 1/3 market rate."

a friend that bought thanks to a lottery (not in this building, but within harlem) is considering renting her place out temporarily. she only wants to cover her carrying costs and rent it to somebody she knows. i wonder whether it's legal (i would be a happy bidder!). but doesn't the lottery owner need to use it as main residency? maybe short time rentals are allowed? anybody knows?

There is a 3% flip tax which seems strange for a condo. Sale prices have the BUYER paying the flip (negotiable). Wonder about the reserves in place (and the financial health).

Flip, what's the name of the Mexican restaurant and where exactly is it?

dc2172, your friend should ask her management company. At the Kalahari, you can rent for a set amount of time (I think 2 years) after residing for a set amount of time.

Is anyone familiar with this building? What are your thoughts?

Maintenance here is already on the higher side for Harlem. I went to an open house here a few weeks ago and heard they were thinking of a significant maintenance raise since it has not been raised in quite awhile. There also was a recent assessment (I herd). This put me on guard because it does sound like the financial management is not great. I would not be interested in buying here if the maintenance were much higher.
I also looked at the Kalahari -- the vibe there in the shared spaces (lobby, gym, kids room, etc.) is really great. This building felt depressing. The kids room is a joke and I don't know what's so great about a new york sports club you have to pay for. Not great value for the maintenance in my view. But the sales prices do look like a solid value.