Atelier - 627 W 42nd St - Hells Kitchen/Clinton

seems like a lot for that area of town.

Anyone else?
What are thoughts on the area (42nd and 12th). Does this area have potential?

it's really really far west. It's a very long walk to the nearest subway. Given that, the entrance/exit for the lincoln tunnel around 40th/9th, and the various shipping depots in the area, I have to imagine it'll be tough for this to turn into a nice residential neighborhood.

There is a sucker born every day. The developers have been trying to get celebrities to buy there at deep discounts to prop up the bldg and that has failed.

I would not do it. It is not a convenient area. No grocery stores. Tons of traffic. Long walk to subway, restaurants, culture and shopping. The building seems cheap - though the prices certainly are not. You would probably be better off with one of the new buildings between 10th and 11th just above 58th. That neighborhood is only marginally better in terms of proximity to amenities, but there is at least a chance that it will improve given all the building.

have to agree with #6. Those buildings are closer to columbus circle than this one is to times square. And, with Fordham, Lincoln Center, and the UWS creeping downward, those building stand a much better chance than something a 42nd and 12th.

Anyone else?
What are thoughts on the area (42nd and 12th). Does this area have potential?

The area is a non-starter for me. It would be a while before it develops into a neighborhood where people want to live.

It is just so out there - way out there.

#6 and #7 are absolutely correct: the area between West 57th and West 65th from West End (11th Avenue) to the Hudson River will transform into a very desireable residential area over the next 5 to 10 years, and is a reasonable walk to the 1,2,3,A,B,C,D trains; Upper West Side shopping; Riverside Park South; and Central Park. Those new condos -- the Element, 10 West End Avenue, the Hudson 225 West 60th, the Avery, the Rushmore, the Helena (rental), the Adagio (just starting construction in summer 2007) -- are also in the $1,100 to $1,300 range for basic 1 bedroom apartments. The area of 42nd and 12th will never have a residential neighborhood feel like the UWS or UES have. It is and will always be a a commercial, industrial, and transportation zone because of the Lincoln Tunnel, Hudson River shipping lanes, and priximity to Midtown/ Time Square office.

I wouldn't buy there unless I got the deal that many others got when the building first started selling. 1100-1300/spf is not worth it. If you really want to give that area a try and don't mind waiting, I would wait for its neighboring condo developments to go on sale and get in early. There are so many on their way, and by that time, the area may be a little more residential...?

Anyone else? So far this has been all helpful insight...

I moved from UES to Atelier a month ago, loving it. It's a longer walk to the restaurants, but I am fine with it. If you live in Manhattan, simply order your grocery from Fresh Direct. You can either take a cross town bus to Port Authority, or walk to the subway station (about 10 minutes).

I worry about a development which is giving really good deals to celebrities (check out a pic of nick lachey and vanessa minillo at some opening for the building), so that it can build up hype. I wonder why they need hype like that to fill it when other buildings dont.

but bottom line - it is way out there and behind the curve for devlopment potential versus other areas due to tunnel etc.

"...and is a reasonable walk to the 1,2,3,A,B,C,D trains"

Sorry broker. Its 3 1/2 LONG blocks and the subway stop is the PA which is nightmarish in the AM, particularly if you are going uptown on the E due to the Jerseyites. That is not a subway stop you want to be at after making that walk and after shelling out that dough.