425 East 13th Street - A Building

any word on any purchasers backing out last minute due to mortgage difficulties? this bldg is the shit and i'd love to vulture in on one of these.

Wow all this banter! Anyway I will have a unit for rent, high floor one befroom facing south if anyone wants to rent! I am a broker, collecting a fee. I will be asking the owner what price he will be asking. I Am also looking for a resale unit for another buyer and other rentals.

Ruby since this building seems to be "bantered" about so much, how much is the owner of the unit for rent at A building asking?

Hmmm...as an owner of a one bedroom (floorplan F) facing north, I might just consider the flip since I have such a cool rental arrangement. Talk to me. :)

Just spoke with the sales office again and guess what... more delays!!! Now they are saying that 30 day closing notices will be sent out in the beginning of November. The north side of the building still has hardly any windows and the south side still is uncomplete. The amount of progress on the building has been sluggish compared with the amount of work in late August. I would assume that it will be January or February before closings begin.

YYZ, I think that your estimates are right on - I'm guessing February for the 13th st. side and March-April for the 14th St side. I live right near the buildings and have been walking by daily. I'm excited to see the glass beginning to go up, etc, but there is still a ton of work to be done.

I received a call from the sales office saying that closings are starting near end of December/early January. Since they are starting on the lower floors and moving up, best guess for full completion of the units is March/April. Not the best but better than moving into a construction zone. Just an FYI.

At this point I don't believe anything that the Sales Office says. Every two weeks they push back the date. I would assume that we won't be swimming in the pool this coming summer since the amenities usually take even longer to complete! There just never seems to be a lot of workers working on this building.... Will we ever move in?

Wow the sales office actually called you??? Does anyone have a recent update on progress? I was last told 30 day notices will be going out in November and lower floors moving in during December. Anyways, it would be good to see who my neighbors will be. I am going to start a facebook group(I might be the youngest to move in). Feel free to join if you are going to move in, the group is labeled abuildingnyc.

Heard from sales office that they are planning on mailing out a memo by end of week for the early closings to start in December.

They have been saying the same thing for the last 3 months! I won't hold my breath! Plus, have you seen the building? The curtain wall isn't even finished and they expect to move people in in a month! Ha!!

Well... I got my closing notice for early December! Does anybody know how often they push back closings once a date is set in new construction? Is it pretty much definite when the notice has been sent?

YYZ, in which building did you get an apartment? this is really exciting news! congratulations :)

I purchased in the 13th street building. I really hope they stick with this date!

I also received my closing letter for early Dec in the mail today for 13th st side

It appears that we are FINALLY moving along! 30 day closing notices were sent out on 11/7 for units on floor 1, 2 & 3. There is still quite a bit of work to be done but provided the construction is on schedule, does anyone know how long it normally takes a new development to push approximately 90 units to closing? Simple math is telling me 90 days for 90 units...but I'm basing that on nothing but a guess. Input?

Does anybody know if the building has a temporary Certificate of Occupancy yet? I don't see anything on the NYC Department of Buildings website.

According to the Department of Buildings, no temporary CO has been issued or applied for... if you think you are closing in a month your delusional!

Actually NYCEV, I just spoke with my attorney and he said that all the units closing have the temporary CO and will be able to close.

EV1, I contacted Esther at the developers office and she said a TCO hasn't been received but it has been applied for. They actually pushed back some walk thru's but they are still anticipating closings to start in mid December pending the TCO... Apparently the TCO was applied for in the beginning of November so who knows when it will be approved! Anybody have more information?

I just received word that all closings for A Building have been postponed.... for a minimum of 2 weeks.

I'm on the 6th Floor, 13th Street side of the building. My guess is April closing. Anything sooner and I'll host the first pool party. :)

Do you really think it will take that long to get to the 6th Floor?

I received a closing notice just yesterday stating 1/8/08. My attorney called and they were "surprised" that I received a notice, then stated that late February or early March seemed more reasonable. Based on this, I'm holding my April date in my head. I haven't been by the building in weeks - do you think I'm off?

Wow! I definetly think that is a bit far fetched because they have pushed back floors 1 thru 3 "at least" 2 weeks from the original closing date of 12/12. The main thing to remember is that the building DOESN'T have a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy. On the DOB website they don't even have an inspection date listed so I don't know how long it could take. It is very suprising that a building would send out 30 day closing notices without receiving the TCO yet... just a waste of a lot of peoples time and money!

Got an update from sales office today that closings are suppose to start on 1st week of Jan'08 for 1st floor. But we'll see if the get their TCO by then!

Received my closing notice for the second week of January. Don't know why they are sending out these notices when the TCO hasn't been issued. You are right EV1... a waste of time and money...

Ok...I think we are finally moving forward. I'm on the 6th floor and scheduled to close on 1/30/08 though I fully expect it to be pushed back a week. There was apparently a problem with staircases on the first floor and the "bottom up" closing schedule has been altered. They are pushing to have all units closed by 2nd week of February.

Are they dilusional to think this is actually going to happen within the next 6-7 weeks for the whole building?

I think that 80 apartments closing in 6-7 weeks seems unreal. If you notice a TCO was signed off for the first three floors of the building but not the whole building. My unit is on the 1st floor but not a duplex and our closing is scheduled for 1/28. I am not sure what the issue was with the staircases in the duplex's but they are now in and you can see into the units when you walk by. I did hear that the 3rd floor will be moving in on 1/7. BTW- whats up with the lobby? It has a very odd layout!!

I thought the lobby had a weird look at first but there will be a revolving door installed in front of the doorman area which will balance it out.

Lastly, it seems A Building is the talk topic on Streeteasy with the most comments. Happy New Home!!

I think Tribeca Space building at 25 Murray street is tied with this one. Looks like they have a few things in common.

Ooops...I just read that thread and it's major depressing. Thanks Spunky...I think. :o

Just an FYI... the first closing is tomorrow at A Building! The TCO for the 3rd floor was received and tomorrow the 4th floor will be inspected, followed by the 1st floor next Wednesday... Only 9 months behind the original move in dates but who cares!! Can't wait to enjoy my new home!

That is great news! So hopefully this means my closing date for 1/28 will not get pushed out again!

Thanks for starting the Facebook group and for giving updates. This has been really helpful!

I'm not sure how many of you waiting to close have actually seen the condition of the building, but it's a pretty raw construction site at the moment. It seems to me that paying common charges for amenities that won't be available for months is unfair. We are planning to address this formally, but I'm wondering if anyone is concerned that they will be paying for services, a pool, and a gym that won't be available for the foreseeable future, and will have to tolerate living with active construction work?!

kellbro...i'm with you. i saw my apt for the first time today and was definitely less than impressed. I'm not sure how quickly they can get the apts done, and then of course the amenities, but I agree we should NOT have to pay common charges for two MAJOR amenities that do not exist! I mean, "maintenance" is for something that is actually there to maintain! lol. I agree we should band together a bit. There's certainly strength in numbers. Additionally, I got a glimpse of the view of the courtyard area. Wow. Although our building WILL have some sort of courtyard, anyone in the 13th street building, with views of the courtyard, be prepared to look at the backs of the OTHER buildings along 14th street. It is hideous! I would seriously agree to approach the owners of those buildings and actually PAY to have them fix up their backyards. I'm not even joking. UG-GLY. Really really ugly. So much so that I am actually considering backing out of this deal. I cant imagine being on my balcony, or just looking out the window, and see a depressing, ugly "war-zone" scene every day. The courtyard area really needs to be something extraordinary to distract me from it! Sorry. Don't mean to sound melodramatic, or to scare anyone else off..but it really is a horrible view.

Adella and kellbro - I think that everyone who has moved in should take action to avoid paying common charges - it's adding insult to injury at this early point. How bad is the noise factor? You raised a red flag that I had started wondering about myself with the ugly building problem. Have you talked with anyone from the development co? Please at least tell me that you are pleased with the apartment itself and that appliances, floors, bathroom etc in your place are of the same high quality that we saw in the showroom. The cold feet I'm experiencing come from having peeked into the first level units and seeing the kitchens. yikes.

adella - you are shocked to find out that the buildings along 13th/14th between 1st and A are ugly tenements? did you do any research into the area before you decided to make such a huge investment? What will you do when you come across drug deals taking place on the block and vomit all over the sidewalk from the bars in the area. As for the common charges, you are paying them to yourself (the condo) as an owner not the developer so any moneys paid toward amenities that are not installed yet should get built up as cash reserves for the property.

Ok people - simmer, simmer. The view from my 13th street balcony is great - a blend of old and new Manhattan; gotta love it. The only bar on the block is Phoenix and the crazy queens in there hardly get rowdy enough to vomit on the block. Drug deals?!? - sounds intriguing but since they take place on every block in the city and/or are available for delivery, who really cares.

The apartments are beautiful inside - kitchens look great, bathrooms are top of the line, flooring is better than I expected. The located is still major kick ass, which is why we all were drawn to it in the first place. I went to the roof for the first time this past weekend and was VERY impressed with the views we will have, not to mention the pool.

Yes, there is still work to be done; yes, we've had practically a year to experience buyer's remorse 1000 times...but hey, it's almost built, it looks great...let's move in and enjoy.

Peace out.

You know the rose-colored glasses and glass-half-full optimism have crossed into absurdity when drug deals on your street garner a "who cares" response. I suppose it's fine until one dealer has a dispute with another that is settled with a gun or knife, until a dealer ends up selling to the local 13 year olds on their way to school, or until the buyers stop adding interest to the street life and become more a nuisance and undersirable lot loitering outside of your home. A developer has absolutely no incentive to do one ounce more than necessary for everyone to leave him alone. You want something from them? Then hold their feet to the fire. And don't let up until you get it. Loud, squeaky wheels get oil in the real estate development world. Not nice people.

Uh..okay. That devolved into a horrible mixed metaphor. You know what I meant.

Jesus...I was just trying to keep it light after months of waiting to close on my apartment. I suppose I should be bitter over everything and continue forth with my miserable little life. Ooooof...

LCTNYC - what's the skinny on life inside? What's it been like? Also, a minor detail that I've become interested in: what sort of barrier is there on the shower? For some reason, I have strong opinions on the Euro half-walled glass option and suspected that this may have been chosen.

LCTNYC, the A Building is SURROUNDED by bars. There are two across the street (Keybar and the one connected to the salon) and Phoenix 1 door in from the corner. Boysroom closed, but it was a Japanese Bar/Restaurant before and will almost certainly be a bar again. In the meantime, Boysroom is run out of the Rapture coffee shop on Ave A near 13th at night, now. Around the corner on Ave A there's Drop-Off Service, the karaoke place, Habibi, a Japanese place... Heathers is a block down on 13th St., and the building is on one of the blocks (actually, 2 of the blocks) that connect the L train and the dozens of bars in Alphabet City.

Don't get me wrong, there's a lot that's great about the East Village, but drunken, howling (and yes, puking, everywhere) fratboys and the shrieking girlfriends that love them have become a big problem.

Has anyone who has closed bought or looked into washer/dryers for the unit? If so what brands, sizes?

The w/d closet in my unit is 29" deep. A stackable 24" washer and dryer will fit; a 27" is too deep. I haven't moved in or measured the width, so I'm not sure is a side by side works. At least this is true for my one bedroom apartment. Hope this helps you!

What is everyone hearing about when the pool and gym will be finished? I agree that common charges should not be paid till they are. I think everyone closing should demand that they finish them by the end of May as part of closing. That might be a long shot but it is ridiculous for them not to be able to complete them a year late. My appraisal says the common areas will be done mid-summer which by their clock probably means end of summer. There is no reason why owners should risk missing a whole summer or much of it after all the delays to date.

there are mouses everywhere in A building, we need to do something about it.

let's set a trap for the rats on streeteasy too.

They are called mice... not mouses! It is a construction zone so you need to expect these things... Just plug under your front door because that is where they most likely are getting in. What floor are you on highrack?

LCTNYC, we were told the only kind of washer/dryer that would work is the Miele W3033/T8012. I believe they cost a fortune!

meant mice, brain damaged from working hard.

I'm on second floor! you?

I was told the Bosch AXXIS stackable condensation washerdryer fits. The dimensions are 23 5/8 by 22 3/4.

anyone looked into single unit washer/dryer combos? Do those work well? Wouldn't be bad to have half the closet freed up

I am on the first floor.... it is pretty noisy in the morning but overall I am happy with the apartment. Haven't seen any mice yet but have been plugging the floor. Has anyone sealed their bathroom floors and walls yet?

what is noisy, the builders or outside? Are you facing 13th?

The builders walking around in the morning! They start getting in around 6:30am... I face the courtyard and it will be perfectly quiet once construction is completed.

Hey JamesDean - Thanks for the tip. I haven't had time to look into it but wasn't thrilled to drop well over $3000 for the Miele W/D set. And yes, that is exactly what the builder said was only the set that would fit.

I'm on the 6th Floor and scheduled to close in 3 weeks - hopefully you guys will chase the mice by then! :) I noticed that the lobby is much closer to being finished and was happy to see that an actual full time doorman was in place. We're finally moving along.

Has anyone ordered window treatments? And EV1 - sealing of the bathroom floors and wall? Is this something I need to do? Perhaps I should get a copy of your list...I think you're more on top of this that I am. Also - I realized that we know someone in common! Don't you love StreetEasy - bringing people together...

Cheers guys. And congrats on your new homes. :)

Yes, you are supposed to clean and seal the slate in the bathroom. You can hire someone for $250 or you can do it yourself for $50. Use Miraclesealants product 511 Impregnator. Apply with a linear foam applicator (follow directions which will call for numerous applications until saturation/refusal). You should be able to get both the Impregnator and the applicator @ Home Depot. Make sure the slate is clean (if not use the same manufacturer’s cleaner). The sealer will have a bit of an odor.

why do you have to seal the slate? What happens if you dont?

To anyone who has closed, what are they advising about the common areas? Are they requiring you to pay the full maintenance till they are complete?

Is anyone on this message board waiting for the 14th street building? It looks like they haven't worked on it in a while. Any updates would be appreciated. Also, for people who have already moved in, does the church next door have bell chimes? Just curious. Thanks.

livininabox - I'm actually waiting for my (hopefully) sweet pad in the 14th street building. Spoke to the sales center and Alex told me that he expects closings for that building to start end of Feb beginning of March. I'm not holding my breath...

I'm concerned to read about the half-finished sound of the bathrooms. At these prices, we shouldn't be expected to waterproof our own bathroom tiles, nor should we have to provide our own shower wall/barrier (one estimate came in at 4K). The apartments should be in move-in condition, as the rest of the building certainly won't be for a while!?

Thanks for the updates elinorzach - I'm not holding my breath either. I'm thinking more like June based on past information these people have given us - and the fact that the units on 14th have no sheet rock and have not been touched in months! Does the sales office think that we never walk by?!? Sheesh. What floor are you on? We're on the 4th.

kellbro are you saying that the glass wall to contain the shower in the bathroom shown in the renderings does not exist and you have to install this on your own? or that what is there is not sufficient to stop the bathroom from getting wet?

My thoughts:

- It's pretty standard to have to seal the slate in your unit youself. I looked into it and all new developments encourage you to do so in order to protect the slate long term. Not a bad idea to look into the kitchen counters as well.
- There are barrier walls in the showers on apartments that are still under construction, so I don't think this information is right. I don't have this shower in my unit but am sure it is included.
- We all knew we would be responsible for buying our own washers and dryers, though the $3000 set seems extreme. I think there is another option here.
- Dues are paid to our own condo board, the management company only collects the money and reports to the board. I'm quite sure that 500 page offering plan protects the building from non-completion of the amenities.
- 14th street...I don't know what to tell you. The focus has been on completion of the main building and closing those units first. What is the development company telling you - 13th first, then 14th?
- Lastly, the apartments look great. It's been almost a full calendar year and I've had buyer's remorse 8000 times...but the completed project is living up to my expectations. I hope you all feel the same.

If anyone has any other advice they can give to someone approaching closing, it would be greatly appreciated. I'm scheduled to close and move in less than 3 weeks.

Cheers!

Hi-
I have been in living in the building for two weeks now and I am pretty pleased. If you have a unit that has a tub, you will have to supply your own glass or use a shower curtain... The countertops in the kitchen are sealed but you will need to have someone come do the bathroom or do it yourself. Also, if you have a studio, you will not have the same refridgerator that is in all the other apartments. It is slightly smaller and not as nice. You should complain because this wasn't in your contract. You should have the same size as everyone else. The super is great and the doorman and all other employees are very nice and helpful! Just an FYI, the rooftop pool looks amazing and there doesn't look like that much to finish up there. The pool, and most of the tile around it are done! They even have the planters set up!! Although the building was severly delayed and we have some minor issues, I think we will all be very happy with our new homes!

EV1 - I am moving into a 1 bedroom with office and it appears my refridgerator is smaller than the larger units as well. Where in the contract/offering plan does it state what size/model is being provided? Has any recourse been offered? Thanks.

i have a 2 bedroom with a small fridge. if anyone is complaining. I will join the list.

If you are closing beware.
i closed a month ago and my punchlist has not been touched.
water does not work right, neither does my stove and no microwave.
it is getting ridiculous. I have complained and everyone seems nice but nothing gets done.
i would bring it up to your lawyer before closing. it seems once they have your money they don't bother fixing anything

Oooof. Ok, I'm doing my walk thru tomorrow and closing next week. Anything in particular that anyone can caution me to check out? And funkamo, when you say "water does not work right" can you be more specific?

Thanks to all.

LCTNYC- make sure your stove, microwave, dishwasher and ice maker work... also, check your heating/cooling unit... mine doesn't work properly. My biggest concern right now is that my front door doesn't fit properly... there is a half inch gap at the bottom which lets in dust and could let any rodents in as well. (I have it plugged for the time being) I agree with Funkamo about the punchlist. Nothing in my unit has been fixed. In fact they still haven't installed my bathroom mirror which is driving me crazy! They it is on backorder but I have seen it in units that haven't closed yet. LCTNYC, also check the marble in your bathroom for scratches, mine has to be buffed out.

it amazes to me that people are actually paying huge sumes of money for this kind of service, i hope anybody that considers buying from this developer in the future gets a chance to read this debacle.

It is typically the buyer's responsibility to ensure his or her punch list gets completed before closing. I would suggest doing your walk through a week or so before closing, then scheduling another walk through again. I had a punch list of 30 plus items all of which were addressed by the time I did my second walk through, except for a missing bathroom cabinet handle which is apparently on back order. I also went to the building on my own twice to look at the unit before it was fully completed, the GC who was on duty both times is pretty sympathetic if you give him a sob story.

Thanks for the input! And before someone starts slamming the developer, you need to realize this is common for all new construction. The only difference is with new construction, you get to point out that the marble is stratched and have it repaired. When you buy a pre-owned property, you consider it to be normal wear and tear.

Again, thanks for your advice. I hope you are all settling in and enjoying your new home!

Punch lists-my 2 cents...In a new construction lots of new "punch list" items get discovered once you move in. If you just go to the apt to sleep you will fail to discover many small kinks. Due to the way construction companies are set-up and the unionized employees it gets very difficult for the developer to get the punch list done. Is the developer listening to the residents? No developer can finsih the punch list in a week and things like modern heating systems can take a while to stabilize.

I hope your sponsor, Ben Shaoul, treats his buyers better than his rental tenants. Google the guy, and decide for yourself how proactive you need to be with your punch lists.

Someone always has smack to add and try to rain on someone else's parade. Yes, google the guy. Statistically, he has a million properties so if he hasn't pissed someone off along the way, that would be the shocker.

Review your contracts. There are protective measures in place.

See you all soon.

In a new construction and being one of the early ones to move in, you have to have some patience. They have 60 days to fix everything on your punchlist according to contract. When I moved in, found out that the icemaker and dishwasher did not work (which was not on original punchlist) but within the morning of notifying them, they came and fixed it. If you're nice to the guys handling your punchlist, you'll find you'll get better service....

Ok...I'm in - closed yesterday. Whew! Anyone know when storage units will be complete? Oh...and I here we have a clever supermodel in the building. Should make the pool more interesting. Grrrrr. :)

Closed and in residence 1 BR / HO and the place is very nice and I think the building will be great!!!
A few questions, comments and observations:

1. Can someone explain about sealing the bath tiles / slate that I saw written up on this blog?

2. I found an in house (A Building) contractor for glazer (glass doors) for bathroom , great service and price glad to refer him

3. My Bedroom Closet is much smaller than floor plan I was provided and on my punch list (pursuing with managing agent)

4. Any word on storage units (ready dates)

5. I have a contact at PC Richard you can get the Miele WD with 5yr full extended warranty for $3.7K or below $3.4 without extended warranty

6. Brochure says building is wired for cable TV and telephone but the boxes in the closet do not have a "patch panel" and Verizon will charge you $110 for inside wiring, web site and brochure and misleading and I am pursuing.

Yeah, my condo was missing a closet altogether from the floor plan, they don't seem to willing to do anything about it. There were several other misrepresentations. Curious to hear how your negotiations net out. As for #6, what do you mean? Also, would love the referral for the glass door guy.

Shanny - Can you also give me the referral to your glass door guy?

problems? lol. how about a FOUR-DAY walk thru and a FIVE-PAGE punchlist! all doors chipped and marred, majority of floor scratched and not white..but rather a lovely shade of "mixed a blue shirt with a white shirt in the laundry" blue, uneven floors, 2 PTAC units not working, bathrooms that r full of grout on the walls, horrible tiling, tiling which btw, does NOT even match that on the website (marble and shiny. mine..dull and scratched!), all but one pocket-door not sliding, 2nd bath with a swap of the vanity shown on website (ugly and scratched as well), entire apt needs to be re-painted, even the damn t.p holder is falling off the wall. Too many items to mention. Oh, and yeah, put electrical outlets an inch from the overhead cabinets so you can have a plug and cord running the length of the mirrored back-splash. real smart design. Anyway, i really hesitated to write this because i didnt want to "rain on anyones parade" who DID move in and who r happy with their place. I just had to "vent". Sorry to all who r happy. To those who aren't, feel free to let me know. Can u say "class action"? lol

Count me in.

falcon....my email address is adellanyc@aol.com we should talk. srsly.

wow, i honestly didn't expect to receive so many emails regarding the host of problems! I thought perhaps mine was an isolated case. Boy was i wrong. Folks, we're not talking leaky faucets, a loose towel rack, and a few chipped tiles. If anyone else feels that their unit was constructed in an inferior manner, bordering on negligence, please contact me at adellanyc@aol.com Again, I'm sure there are plenty of people who ARE happy with everything. And for those, seriously, congratulations and I wish you ALL the luck and happiness with your new place. But, for those who feel like they have been "duped" a bit, and did NOT get their $1300/sq ft "luxury" condo, and feel that materials, items, and labor, were "swapped" out for something much more inferior, contact me at adellanyc@aol.com

I walk by your building on a regular basis and can see in some of the units at night. It doesn't appear there are ceiling lights (e.g., recessed halogens). Can these types of lights or perhaps pendant lights be installed? I ask because I don't believe the new building I will be moving into next year has ceiling lights. I feel for you - the building I currently live in was a new construction and has water leaks. If any of you have any water leaks (wait till the heavy storm comes) report it immediately and stay on top of the builders. Water leaks are the hardest things to pinpoint.

To all - I've closed and moved into my unit. The building will be great and so will my apartment but I could not be more disappointed with the "punch list". While I feel that the builder will make good on everything and have in writing that they will, it almost seems that the entire apartment should be gutted and done over. At first I thought I was just being anal...but hello - I paid a premium for premium work and will not budge on any issues. Thus far, everyone has been totally cool with it; it's just ridiculous to do things twice rather than right the first time.

As for the W/D - I purchased the Bosch set and it's working well. $2300 total and I'm done -let me know if you need model numbers. PC Richards also has a set for about $1000 that will work but they looked sketchy.

Probably not the smartest idea to say how cheaply your condo was put together on a public forum... some buyers might not be willing to spend the $1300 ++ per square foot when you want to sell if they come across this blog. Just a thought! I have just closed and am happy with my unit... yes there are minor items on my punch list but nothing I would file a class action lawsuit about!

fyi- adellanyc, I e-mailed you yesterday with my #

RRNYC - good point; I had a moment. Glad things are well on your end. I'm actually watching people do work as I type. That and a Xanax have chilled my rant.

Hello, I am purchasing a unit in the 14th Street building, how is that side of the building looking? Its been beyond frustrating working with the Sales Office, as I am sure we can all relate. They accidentally me a closing letter in December, and it was only after I called them that they realized I was on the wrong list. They have told me mid-March for my closing letter (30 days notice). Does that sound reasonable from what you have seen? Good luck with everything. - thanks.

Very good point about not using a public forum to complain - use the facebook group instead! It can be taken down once punch lists are resolved and we are all happy.

Anyone find a decent parking garage in the area? What are the rates? I found one for $325 a month, however its on 25th and 3rd... Not ideal.

Hello Neighbors, sorry for no responses I will post GLASS SHOER DOOR guy tomorrow (I need to find brochure with phone #), he does good work at fair prices. you can email me at mshanny@mac.com

On my point #6 Most wired buildings have a "patch panel" in the closet ad connecting additional jacks and phones is automatic and should not require Verizon and wiring. This is a simple thing they took another short cut on!

Good Reading from NY Times Archives for new construction realities and remedies

1. Condos, Brand-New Yet Not So Perfect

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/26/realestate/26cov.html?ref=realestate

2. If a Window Is Cracked, or a Toilet Leaks

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/26/realestate/26cside.html?scp=3&sq=NY+Real+Estate%2C+New+Construction&st=nyt

The scaffolding is down in front of the 14th Street building. I walked by this morning on my way to work. They look nice. But there will be no walking around naked in those units. FULL exposure. Despite all the problems, I hope everyone is looking forward to the pool. If I recall someone mentioned sealing the natural stone in your units. Residents in my building have used the following:

StoneTech BulletProofhttp://www.stonetechpro.com/products/protect/bps/. You can buy a paintbrush at any hardware store (Purdy makes the best)to apply the sealant. Apply three coats of the sealant (leave about 40 minutes between coats for drying). You can wipe up excess with lint free rag after applying each coat. Do not allow contact with water for 48 hours. You should be good for 3-5 years. Good luck.