Kensington House, 200 West 20th

I like the Emery Roth building at corner of Eighth Ave. & 23rd Street better. Better run, and prettier. And maintenance includes all utilities, even electricity.

Seemed to me that 300 W 23rd has weird share allocation. Maintenance on the studios seems reasonable, maybe even cheap given that all utilities are included. But the maintenance on the one bedrooms seems crazy -- over $2.25 per square foot on the ones we saw, which is crazy even considering that utilties are included. The maintenance is higher than even London Terrace (which also has utilities included) and nearly double Chelsea Gardens across the street, which has more amenities. Flooorplans on the one bed units are a bit odd, too, having to walk through the bedroom to get to the bathroom in most lines.

lad, spot on about the share location at 300 w. 23rd -- studios are indeed advantaged over one-bedrooms.

ali r.
DG Neary Realty

Used to own at Kensington House. Great location. Not well run and the maintanence is slightly high. The management company is bad and the Super is aloof and runs a side business out of his apartment. Mostly studios, only 1 one bedroom on each floor, lots of combination units.

I have been selling and renting at Kensington House for many years. I would differ with the last post in that I find the Super to be very accomodating, always helpful and attentive to requests and I don't havew any problems wtiht the managing agency. The old one was totally unresponsive but the current one gets back to me quickly when I need help. Of course they have simple rules that many agents simply don't follow. With over 200 units (yes mostly studios) the workload is higher than many similar sized buildings; but they do a muc better job than many other companies. Many times better than the previous company.

I live in the building, and it is extremely well maintained and well run. The maintenance has gone up mostly due to NYC Real Estate Taxes, and the board is trying to get them reduced, it takes time.

hi, are any sellers open to a potential sale of their units? I have several studio and 1 bed buyers who keep eyeing this building and nothing is coming up. Thanks!

Its a great building, solidly built, maint/cc is high but at least you get a doorman, super, laundry and roof deck. Apartments are mostly studios and several combinations, high ceilings, sunken livingrooms and many with a view. Also for now the sublet policy is lenient so its a great purchase if you can find something in there and much better location than 300 w 23 (23/8th) though it is also a great prewar building.

I considered purchasing in both buildings. Initially I was more attracted to 200 w 20, but there was only one line that I liked, the 12, which had a double windowed dressing room, large enough to gut and create a junior one-bedroom. Views at 300 w 23 are much better, but the studios (excepting the D line) are all tiny and impossible to create a separate sleeping area -- thus lower maintenance. Also, in both buildings the windows are very small so you have to be right at the window wall in order to see anything. I loved the multiple public transit options at 300 w 23 -- subway, crosstown, and the 8th avenue bus to whisk you away to the theater!

Ultimately, however, you can't go wrong with an Emory Roth building. Best of luck to you. Either one would be a joy to call home.

The Kensington House Coop turns down a lot of very qualified applicants, seems the board has a mind of their own. You are not missing much, most apartments are small, the building has a combination odor of mothballs, roach spray and a little gas from the old pipes, lovely. Hallways look old, dark and beat up, the vents look clogged with black soot . Laundry room is in the dungeon in the basement. Stay away from this mess!

Whom should we believe - - - - - the shills or the trolls ? ? ? ?

I live in the area and I know the maintenance is a tasd high. For an Emory Roth building, it must have been done during a weak moment design wise; small lobby, not many details etc. The doorman smoke outside which is the boards fault and the roof terrace which i have been on is not great. If you like prewar look at the corner buiding on 16th above Potterey Barn. High Maint too, but amzing roof deck and nicer lobby, or 155 and 165 w20th which rarely have place available or Chelsea Gardens facing 24th or the Garden, the 23rd street units are noisy and have non stop soot, you will need to replace windows if not already done but great building. Going to flat iron 21 East 22nd is great too!!

I just recently bought here after researching over 100 Condos and Co-ops in the city. The location is perfect, the rooftop is beautiful, and the building and unit have everything I need (including a full laundry room in the basement). The building appears to be very well run. If you have the opportunity to take advantage of the recent dip in the market, I would highly recommend checking out this wonderful building.

-RCB

Currently undergoing a building wide window replacement and assessment to pay for it.