Astor Terrace

i used to live here and loved it. It sells at a discount because of location, 93rd and 94th and 2nd is not primo primo if you know what I mean. Also, compounding the location was the building of the 2nd ave subway right there. I think a station is set for a retail spot that is part of the bldg itself. The usual concerns come with that. Personally, as long as your fine with the location, I think its one of the better run bldgs in that area and very good service.

I like the building, but be VERY careful about statements like "disruption should quiet down over 1-2 years".

I've done a lot of research on the subway. Ther will be a lot of construction in the area over 1-2 years but the streetscape will change during that time. The conveyer belt taking the "muck" up from the pit will disappear towards the end of the year. Check out the www.thelaunchbox.blogspot.com. Pretty interesting

I think newbuyer99's point is that there is SUPPOSED to be a lot of construction over 1-2 years, and that the streetscape is SCHEDULED to change during that time.

Given that we're talking about a project that was supposed to be completed in...jeez, the fifties?...and which involves a ton of moving parts, you should just be prepared for significant delays. (I think the basic rule of thumb is to figure out how long it should take, quadruple it, and then five years after that it might be finished.)

That's not to say that this is a bad choice -- just that you should go into it with a certain level of educated pessimism.

This building is adding a gym and playroom that should be completed during September. What is the expecation of it's affect on values?

I live in this building. Great service and most of the neighbors are nice. However, the building facade is currently under work and will be this year and next. As a result, it's VERY noisy (drilling, sawing, hammering, etc) and dusty. It's so dusty that the building put up sheets of plastic over every window in my apt. Can't currently open any of my windows. Also, due to the construction of the 2nd ave subway the building shuts off the water quite a bit during the day. I'd say about once every two to three months. You're without water from 9-5 and the hot water is always brown until morning.

As for the gym, it is under construction and last I heard the playroom was not approved.

We don't have a balcony, but most of the residents who do are unable to use their balconies since the railings are being replaced during the facade resurfacing project.

I live on the second ave side and was prepared for the noise from the subway construction. However, I did not know about the facade resurfacing project and did not anticipate the level of noise that would bring. It's constant and much worse than the subway construction noise. I would not have signed the lease had I known about the facade work.

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>Annoyed_Renter

about 1 hour ago

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Annoyed_renter--the facade work is Local Law 11 work and it must be done every 7 years in every building in NYC so it is unlikely that you would live in any building for any lenght of time and not come across this. I agree it is pretty annoying but not much we can do about it since it's the law. Better to live in a building that stays on top of maintenance than one that just doesn't care.

Check out the new building pictures of the gym & playroom--beautiful!!

I guess several sellers are getting desperate. I rented in the building years ago and my car was stolen from the driveway while the doorman was inside...I guess the neighborhood have changed since UeMike is claiming to be so happy with the building. Please do not forget the garbage trucks, the projects etc... location.location.location.

What makes you think sellers are desperate? Projects? . Not sure what you are responding to or why you even made the comment. Sales prices continue to rise at the building on a per/sf basis

Real time- what years were you in the building?

The subway construction will go on for at least 2 more years and probably longer. The area is fringe at best and it will be 5 to 10 years before the tenements on 2nd Avenue are cleaned up and some decent businesses move in. When they mention "projects", they're talking about the public housing on 1st Avenue.

The best thing about the neighborhood is the brunch at Don Pedro's. LOL!

That's why the prices offer "great value"; although that statement is debatable.

Any more recent updates on bldg facade work and subway work here? I am looking to buy & rent out over the next 5 years, so looking for lower $/sf to carry unit costs + return on rental - RealEstateNY: How far south and west do you suggest going to get a better neighborhood?

Facade scheduled for completion by labor day. East side fully complete. As far as subway, heavy civil slated for completion by end of summer. Then finishing work begins in 96th street station.

Dear Realtime:
I don't think anyone has forgotten the transfer station or the projects. This still happens to be a great building and a great value. By the way --did you know there is a homeless shelter right on 75th & Second? Do you also know that many people don't even realize it's there? That's considered a prime location--right? Did you also know that the projects in the East 90's is made up of almost half of senior citizens?

A Townhouse in Astor Terrace just closed for $2,000,000. I would have no problem living here---why are you so negative about it?

The building has issues somes of the apartments are not level, the neighborhood has the issues mentioned above, The building itself on the outside, looks like a steamship and many of the views from the apartments could be lost with new buildings sooooooooooo you take your chances!

Let me weigh in here with some observations and commentary as well. The facade work, yes, it is noisy, some days it is VERY noisy, but the reality is, EVERY building in NYC must undergo this work at some point and it is a necessary evil to avoid the tragedy of some unexpecting pedestrian having a brick fall off onto them. Scaffolding is necessary, as is covering the windows to minimize the dust.
The staff in this building is top notch, I would put the level of service up against any building on Park Avenue.
The new gym is AMAZING! there is nothing lacking in that gym, and it is 24 hours as well as included in ownership(tenancy)
The grounds and the garden are beautiful and quiet. The common charges and taxes on most apartments are low.
Yes, the subway construction can be noisy, but, not while you are sleeping. It's New York City, where can you live in the city and have a totally tranquil experience? Install sound mitigating windows if you are that sensitive.
There is tremendous VALUE at Astor Terrace and I would be happy to address anyone's concerns about buying or renting in thie building, as it is one of my favorite properties in the city

I am a tenant in the building. You can downplay the noise all you want, but it is disruptive. Much more than the average building in NYC. I used to live in Union Square, and you could hear a pin drop there vs. Astor Terrace. The façade work is ongoing, now starting as early as 8am (was 9am before), with workers moving up and down the building planting fresh footprints on your windows every morning. And that's on the north side, as well. This has been going on for the last 1.5 years, who knows when it will actually end. Not to mention the subway, which some nights goes until 10pm with jackhammering, steel saws, and bulldozers. Astor Terrace is slightly less expensive for a REASON! Just be very wary of brokers and owners making claims that the work has ended or will end soon.

Dear Maverick:
Everyone is entitled to their opinion and/or perception. May I ask why you are staying here if you are so unhappy?

Dear Aalsberg:
Unfortunately views are not guaranteed in NYC unless you are looking at the water or have purchased the air rights. However, even with some of the new construction going up in the area, Astor Terrace still have very nice views. Even some of the lower floors facing West are nice.

Has anyone noticed some of the apartments in this building have really uneven floors is it a building construction defect or was it caused by the subway construction. I was in a few apartment on the higher Floors and felt dizzy and unstable due to the slant.

aalsberg: Yes, we have uneven floors. If we roll a ball, it will rarely roll straight, and sometimes even backtrack on itself.

plevy: I don't really view my notes as opinion or perception, they are based on direct ongoing observation as a tenant in the building. Façade construction work is now beginning closer to 7am on the west side, but you can hear the reverb throughout the building. I am not unhappy living in the building (other than the noise), and agree with most of pmnulty's comments about staff/service/gym/garden, etc.

How is the noise factor in the morning due to the construction of the station? Also, any update as to when the facade project will end?

I see that the old Rainbow Hardware store in the building has been demolished. I guess that's where the new entrance to the subway will be.

I looked at some apartments there a year ago. Some had spectaclular views and nice features. What turned me off to the building is that, despite rather recent lobby renovations, the rest of the public space was very dated and dreary. They have a private garden, but it is not handicap accessible.

I live in this building and it is very noisy. The facade is still not completed (after nearly 2 years) so that awful noise still continues. The second Ave. subway noise and destruction of the Ave. will be here until at least 2016. Beware!

I am thinking of renting here. Any advice on noise level and impact of the facade works and subway construction please?

It's getting better as far as noise from tunnel construction. Heavy tunnel work is complete. . Issue to watch for is the noise and vibration as it relates to construction of the subway entrance in the building. Spend some time in the lobby during the day

Also. Major project slated for ruppert park between 2 and 3 ave on 93rd. Pile Driving processcould be quite loud

You know what they say--no pain no gain!

Not sure what that means

Many thanks for the advice.
I will certainly watch for the problems mentioned.
Other than the construction issues may I know if the building management is good and if the neighborhood is safe?
Also, would anyone kindly share the expeirence of getting on buses from Lexington Avenue soouth-bound in the morning rush hours? I note there are a few buses heading that way and assume it should be easy. Just want additional assurances from residents who know the route. Again, thanks a lot to anyone who care to advise.

Uemike:
It means you have to deal with some disruption, noise and inconvenience if you want change. These projects will bring significant value once completed.

I usually take the 2nd ave bus downtown during the morning rush. No issues with catching a bus as they come quite frequently, I've taken the Lexington Ave bus a couple of times before, similar experience to the 2nd ave bus but it is a bit more crowded on that bus. I find it much easier to take 2nd ave bus since its right in front of the building.

Renter concerns are different from owners.

I understand and there are other options if someone so chooses.

Dear Aalsberg:

Regarding the floors, yes I have seen this in several buildings. Sometimes they settle this way but it is fixable.
Sounds like you have made several visits to this building. May I ask why you keep coming back if you are not happy with it?

An excellent building in every way.

Location: it's true this is on the Upper part of the Upper East Side but not a big deal to get to the express trains on 86th and Lex and the services in the area have improved a great deal. The restaurants and shopping are much nice now than 10 years ago. And some day the train will be finished - a big improvement for quality of life and property values.

Building: Definitely ugly and inconvenient for the repointing and work but many buildings go through this and this too shall pass. The doorman and super are some of the nicest and most competent in the city - really a pleasure to work with.

Overall a very solid investment over the long term.

Thanks Mark--well said.

Just wish to thank everyone for the most reassuring comments.

I walked around and like the neighborhood.Key Food seems to be really well-stocked and Whole Food wll only be a few blocks away? How nice.

92 Y being so close is another bonus.

Commute seems to be convenient too. Just hope the noise/vibration from all the construction will not be too big of a problem.

I live in the building and my unit faces west towards third avenue. I don't really hear any subway construction noise. The facade work was definitely more audible in the past but I think it is almost done. I remember reading an internal memo suggesting the work will finish by end of January or something like that. The neighborhood is very convenient. When we moved from the west side where we used to live a block away from Central Park, I originally missed being so close to the park but soon found this area to be so convenient I don't miss the west side any more. I especially like having Key food right at the door step and easy walk to Fair way. And when Whole food opens on 3rd and 87th, that will bring more grocery options.

the quality of the service has been going down and the amenities are below average.

is the west facing apartments quieter in this building? also, are the west facing balconies added years ago or existed since the building was built?