133 West 22nd

so floors from 1to 5 won't close this week like scheduled?

Just found out that the building still doesn't have insurance in place. Can't understand how people can get mortgage if the building has no insurnace.

what about the temporary CoO?

my lawyer just checked and he didn't think they have it yet.

my lawyer just checked and he didn't think they have it yet.

they didnt have it yet...and the inspection for it was yesterday...tflys walkthru is tomorrow if Im not mistaken so we should know more soon

10 AM tomorrow...I will report back as soon as I am done.

UPDATE: My attorney called and my walkthough tomorrow has been canceled. New expected close date per the sponsor...week of December 8th. If I hear anything else I will advise.

Obviously, I can’t divulge my sources, but it appears that those who have spoken realistically about this building and not stating it is the greatest thing since sliced bread have been accurate.

1) Major issues with obtaining the CO
2) Major issues with construction loan
3) Walkthroughs pushed back 1 month, which means really January
4) Buyers having major issues with lenders because of the above
5) NYC RE prices on a steady decline over past 6 months

I am not here to be a downer, but when people claim that this is the greatest building around and they sold out with no advertising, you all need to step back from your emotional attachment and view this as a business transaction not a love affair

I'm not sure who ever suggested the building was heaven on earth? Could you elaborate on the "major issues" part? I mean I went by yesterday and from street level I could see it was going to be hard for them to get a CofO. But thats because the place looks no where ready. Is that the issue? Are you so dense as to not be able to realize that people only got defensive of the place when you came in telling everyone that the block and building was the worst in the city and there would be nothing but noise and tourists (which I still believe to be far off).

According to Steve at Cantor Pecorella (from earlier today), they are supposed to be receiving their temporary CofO tomorrow for floors 3-6. He also said they were going to apply for a CofO for the rest of the building in two weeks. So...AptBoy...is he lying?

What is going on with the 5th and 6th floor rear apartment floorplates?

Sizzlack...Steve is not to be trusted. He lied to me about the status of CofO and even told me that one unit closed...

Does anyone has any feef from the attorney of the developer? they might have more reliable information. I will call my attorney tomorrow. If closinh happens in Jan or Feb thats fine, but at least we can plan things accordingly....

Looks like the temporary CofO was issued effective Friday - http://a810-cofo.nyc.gov/cofo/M/104/487000/104487734T001.PDF ...I am not 100% clear on how to read it, but I think this means that the basement as well as floors 1 and 3-6 are covered. Definitely a positive sign I would say.

so floors 3 to 6 will proceed with closing? is anyone moving in anytime soon?

Any news on Closings?

I am now scheduled for Dec 11...we shall see.

I heard that 5D closed today for $1.120mm or $1,613 per ft...ouch

5D is actually 894 sq.
tfly, how was your walkthrough?

Its Wednesday...it got pushed last time due to the CofO getting delayed. I will report back as soon as I am done.

Honestly, everything I've heard, this whole building is a gimmick concept and construction quality alone will make buyers regret in just a few short years.

just another chelsea "luxury" development

Just had our walk through. Punch list was normal. Place is going to be great.

Great to hear. could you give us some more info on the puch list? For which floor was it?

Drum roll...my walk through is complete! On a macro level, everything was as expected, appliances, countertops, windows, fixtures, etc. The building itself seems very solid...the concrete under the floor is a really nice touch, i don't think noise will be any issue. My punch list was relatively long, but almost all of it is cosmetic items (paint drips here and there, stain from the floor on the baseboards, scuffs on doors, some drawers not closing completely flush, etc). There was nothing that was a show stopper...if i had to move in tomorrow, i could definitely live with pretty much everything that is on the list. my realtor came with me and has done a lot of these...i would suggest bringing someone with you who either has done it before or has a really keen eye as I didn't really know what to look for (i might not have thought to run the dishwasher and make sure it doesn't leak underneath for instance). I am happy to share any more detail directly with anyone...good luck to everyone else.

what did the rest of the building look like..still a mess? Also curious if you are front or back, and what your thoughts were on what you can see.

The rest of the building is a mixed bag, the lobby is almost done, the pool is in place, but not landscaped. The hallways are nice and wide and very well lit, but are getting new carpet once most everyone has moved in. There are a number of people already living in the building so it is livable, if not totally perfect. As for my apt, I am in the back on the 6th floor (H line). Looking straight out I am facing the red brick building, if i look 45 degrees to the right in either the living room or bedroom i see sky, and from the living room i cab see the top of the empire state. Anything above and to the right of me is going to have a really great view. I think by January pretty much everything should be good to go.

Congratulations! Great news! did you pay attention if the G line is on the right or the left? How many people you think are living there?

tfly, now that you've had your walkthrough did they give you a closing date? like a real one?

I am doing a second walk through Wednesday morning and am closing (for real this time) on Thursday.

hey tfly I was curious how the second walkthrough went? Were you expecting them to have fixed whatever you found to be not up to standards...and if so did they actually fix it? thanks!

I couldn't go today...going tomorrow and odds are closing in the afternoon.

myss79 and sizzlack, have you scheduled your closing date yet? i heard that 17 units closed so far.

No, I don't expect to get a date until they first get a temp CofO for the higher floors...so until that happens I'm in a holding pattern.

I'm on the 8th floor, but they are pressuring me to close next week.

seriously? do they even have a temp CofO for 8? Because if they don't you are not obligated to close.

they told me early/mid January but they had their dates screwed up so in all likelihood it will happen in mid January.

how much do you think you can rent out a 2 bedroom? i told my broker that i'm not going to close and i don't want to have this financial burden when the market is melting down, but my broker is telling me that i can rent out my unit for $8K to $10K. i don't trust him since his incentive is for me to close.

I would imagine it would somewhat depend on what kind of 2BR you're talking about, a generic one on a lower floor with no view? One on the 10th floor with a terrace?
I haven't a clue what one would rent for but it would somewhat depend on which unit it is.

I would say you can get at least $12k a month because there is a shortage of 2 bedroom rentals in Chelsea and the demand from foreigners and investment bankers is very strong

ah that good ole Apt_Boy sarcasm. Been a while eh? You can ask whatever you want in a rental...obviously doesn't mean someone is gonna rent it.

You can get a 2 bed + Terrace at the Westminster, one block away, which is most likely the gold standard for the hood for less than $8k with NO BROKER FEE and most likely one month free rent

2 Bedroom / 2 Bath / Terr The Westminster $7395
2BR/2BA/FLEX3 + TERRACE The Westminster $7695

So, it is very unlikley you can get $8k-$10k per month...just ask your broker where his comp is from and show him this

Did my second walk through...about 40% had been completed, but the remaining items are purely cosmetic now and the developer who was also along for the walk through said he was certain it would all be done by next week. I closed at 4 PM today...very smooth process with the Sponsor. For the new owners, I look forward to meeting you in the new year.

Congratulations. Must be nice to get that monkey off your back. Did they give you a move in date?

Thanks. I need to schedule it, but they said its pretty much open. I have the keys and could conceivably sleep there tonight. I am probably going to move in after the holidays.

who did you do the walk through with? do you hire a professional inspector?

My first walk through was with my broker and an architect from the Sponsor's office. Today was the same architect and one of the developers. I didn't have a professional, but my broker is very knowledgeable and has a good eye for these things. I would suggest bringing someone along who has done it before...more so they know what to look for.

courtney-- 1. You will absolutely not get a rent of 8,000 to 10,000k in this building at the moment, to give you some examples, there are two beds in the chelsea stratus which has more amenities that have already dropped to the high 5k's or low 6k's depending on floor. Just one block south the Casa building has rentals of 2 beds in the 4,500 to 5k range. The rental market has unfortunately gone the way of the sales market since Sept 15. We are seeing rent reductions ACROSS THE BOARD in Chelsea. Depending on the line and where it faces etc... I would guestimate you will get a renter at 6,500 at the highest.

2. I hate to say this,,, but why are you working with an agent you do not trust? This is why buyers should carefully pick a buyers agent

For disclosure purposes, i am a broker who does a great deal of business in this neighborhood, i know the rental and sale prices and the market changes as of recent days like the back of my hand.

agreed. I think you could get 6ish courtney...

Congratulation tfly! Looking forward to meeting you soon as well! I postponed closing till after the holidays as I couldn%u2019t stay in New York longer....I have commitments abroad and had to leave...I am scheduled on Jan. 12...I haven%u2019t scheduled walk through yet...should I do this through my attorney or directly by contacting directly the developer?
When do you think they will get the CoP for the higher floors?

I scheduled the walk-throughs with my attorney, who was in contact with the sponsor. As for the CofO for the higher floors, I didn't hear anything, but they definitely are working like mad there.

Had my walkthrough the other day. They look very busy. Workers around every corner.

Was told Pool, gym, roof and other facilities probably not going to be ready until february.

Very happy with apartment. Only surface problems and I had quite a crew reviewing it. Had a quick look at other punch lists for other apartments which were quite extensive. The tip about using the phone charger was useful - couple of my power points were not working.

Cant wait to move in... Anyone know a good blinds place?

How did you have access to others' punch lists?

Laughinreverse: I purchased my blinds at Gracious Home

Gracious Home...

They were on the doors of apartments on my floor... Thanks E70

Have to share this...if anyone is looking for layout software, I downloaded this the other night and it is pretty amazing. Sweet Home 3D off of download.com...freeware. You can draw the dimensions, add furniture...all to scale. Gives you a floorplan and a 3D view. Definitely helps with visualizing the room setups.

Do we have any information on anyone renegotiating closing prices because of the real estate melt-down? Or backing out of the deals?

PS: they have sent closing notices to the 10th floor now. For third week of Jan

They have a temp CofO for floors 7 and 8 now to make it 3-8. 10th floor might be a bit premature...well see.

My wife has heard a from two different buyers about their problems - she thinks this could have all been avoided with a more reputable firm in charge of construction.

care to elaborate what "their problems" means?

I heard of someone trying to back out because of construction differences from the original plan (in regard to window size).

In addition people with financing difficulties might look for discounts to make up the difference with their loans (or might back out of the deal if losing the deposit is easier than trying to keep to the deal)

Sizzlack, did you do your walk through and closing yet? My walk through is scheduled on the 7th

Not yet, they still don't have a temp CofO for 9 so I'm still in a holding pattern. Hopefully next week. I'm curious to hear how yours goes though...best of luck!

Is anyone living in the building? can you share impressions?

Yeah living there now... About 12 apartments have moved in... Expecting more to move in over the next month as people who have closed but wanted to wait until the holiday season is over. Apartment is great. Floors look even better than I expected.

Saw a massive rat in the corridor of my floor the other day... We have to leave trash out in the corridors as the trash chute isnt working yet... Hopefully that will persuade them to move out!

Not sure what else you want to know...

I'm living on the sixth floor and have been for a few weeks. I have seen rats in the hallway as well but not in the last week or so.

The crew that is working in the building has been very helpful with my punch list. Most problems have been fixed in 24 hours.

The apartment is great. Everything is as I expected it to be or better. I agree with Laughinreverse about the floors. All of the appliances work well and I can't really point to anything that isn't working other than the intercom system.

Is there anything else you guys want to know?

Thanks for the info...I did my walk through today. It went fine. The list was quite long but nothing major, mostly esthetic stuff except for a leak in the main bathroom. It was a gloomy day but the apt looked great. Although I am closing on Monday I dont think I will move in right away...I hope we wont have a rat situation though...Let me know if anyone needs further information.

By the way which kind of washer dryer did you guys get?

I got the Miele washer and dryer... expensive but they last forever (apparently)

You have rats in the halls and you aren't hysterical? You do know that isn't normal, right? And that once there, rats don't leave. They are smart in terms of poison and learn quickly not to eat it. That is why NYC can't rid the sewers or subways or parks of rats. You say the appliances work and that's great even though there are rats in the halll? Are you people out of your minds? Am I the only one who thinks these posters are completely unhinged?

This has to be a joke and yes it is unhinged.Nice to pay top dollar for crap

Our building is under construction. Many buildings that are new and/or under major construction have this issue. I have a close relative that owns an apartment in the Chelsea Mercantile (above whole foods) and when the building was being gut renovated several years ago you could open the elevator door and walk into a hallway filled with HUNDREDS of rats.

To this day there hasn't been a single rat incident since the building was sealed.

And I got the Bosch washer/dryer.

Sincerely,

Unhinged

This is a family building.

A family of RATS.

hahahahaha

"Many buildings that are new and/or under major construction have this issue."

Uh..is that what the sponsor is telling everyone? Again. You have got to be freakin' kidding me that you are willing to live in a building with rampant rats. It sounds completely unhealthy. That's why they aren't allowed in restaurants. Because it is disgusting and dangerous. I can't believe this. These posts are jokes, right? I'm just missing the joke...

My understanding is that rats are easy to be removed from a building and that they are common whilst through construction (unsealed building).

Subways, parks and sewers are a little different from a building which can be sealed as you can probably understand.

Not sure where your concern for the well being of the building and its unhinged residents is coming from kyle but I will be sure to keep you updated!

great for resales.. you people are geniuses... i still dont understand why people put negative comments re their homes on these public chats. as if the declining market isnt bad enough, you have to offer out problems. like IRISH on the 10 WEA board. oh well, it's interesting reading for the casual observer.

133w22resident
about 16 hours ago
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"I'm living on the sixth floor and have been for a few weeks. I have seen rats in the hallway as well but not in the last week or so."

133w22resident and Laughinreverse

I wanted discuss with you issues regarding the building. Could you provide me with your emails/contacts or send me an email to garitsa@hotmail.com

Guys just wanted to know which insurance company you used for your apt!
Thanks!

As someone who attended a friend's walk-through, I can personally attest that the quality of the work was horrible. It appeared as if the apartment was just slapped together by unskilled workers, rushing the job, damaging everything, in order to get to a quick closing. The place was a complete disaster. Ben, the arrogant developer, should be jailed as a scam artist, since he promised "luxury condos". Luxury My Ass! Buyers seriously beware!

I went with Allstate for the insurance. They offer a policy specifically for condos (I assume all the big agencies do). You just pick your dollar value of coverage.

hello. i just came across this bb and had a few questions.

1. washer/dryer - the plan says that the unit needs to be electric and ventless, since exhaust ducts will not be installed. can anyone confirm that this is true and let me know which model number they purchased and how it's working?
2. dry cleaning - is there a particular cleaner that picks up and drops off with the doorman?
3. housekeeper - does anyone have one or can they recommend one?
4. parking - anyone look into monthly parking in the area?
5. construction - any updates on when they may be done with the gym, roof deck, etc. or all of the construction completely?
6. window treatments - any recommendations for window treatment companies? has anyone gotten blinds installed or put curtains up?
7. random question - do you have a sliding glass door on your shower?
8. finally, are there any other bb's like this about the building with entries from people who actually live in the building or are contracted to buy?

i know i run a high risk of receiving odd responses to my post as with any other bb, but any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

What's a "bb"?

I have been living there for 6 weeks...happy to answer what I can. Drop me an email at tfly212 @ yahoo.com (remove the spaces around the @). This board seems to have a lot of people (or did) who aren't owners and just want to stir up stuff so I would rather just communicate directly.

Hello All, To those that successfully purchased in the building, congrads!!
To those that didn't, I share your pain because I was not able to get a mortgage. We have lost an enormous amount of money, and in my case the sponsors and attorneys have shown no mercy what so ever to the fact that we have lost our life savings. The level of ignorance has come to the point that they took the interest that accumulated as well.
My wife and I have a 6 month old, and we have gone to their offices to beg for some of the money back so that we can afford health insurance for our child. Even then they showed no remorse and just rejected us with no sympathy or care. I am going to obtain a license to protest outside their office at 410 Park ave, those of you who are in the same situation and would like to join me please email me at alainedery1@hotmail.com
PS: those of you who want to judge me, understand that they left me no choice, my family and I are financially devistated because of
the current market and this is the only thing we could do.

abba, sorry about your situation

Any other news on this building, it has been silent lately...

not judging you but curious. who left you no choice? did you really sign a contract that had no mortgage contingency and you didn't have the cash in case you couldn't get a mortgage?

Anyone looked into the applicability of ILSA (interstate Land Sales Act) to this building? It usually targets buildings with 100+ units (and this has 99) but there are some special provisions for building with 99 units.....

Excerpt from The Real Deal: Buyers look to 40-year-old federal law to revoke contracts

Hundreds of condo buyers in new developments in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens are awaiting settlements or court decisions that could result in the refund of all or part of their down payments. The actions being taken by the buyers are the result of a recent focus on a consumer protection law that for decades has been invoked by buyers around the country looking to revoke their purchase agreements, but has only now entered the limelight in New York City..... Under the act, passed in 1968 and amended in 1979, developers of condo projects with over 99 units are required to file a project report with HUD, present a copy of the document to each apartment buyer prior to his or her signing of a purchase agreement and promise to deliver the unit within two years. If the developer fails to fulfill his obligations, the buyer has two years to back out of the contract and potentially walk away from the deal with her entire down payment.....As previously reported by the New York Times, Lawrence Weiner, attorney at Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer, is representing approximately 20 buyers at seven or eight condo projects in Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan, and in the last six weeks, has filed suits against Hakimian Organization's 75 Wall Street, Simone Development's One Hunters Point, and RAL Companies & Affiliates' One Brooklyn Bridge Park, among others. Only RAL responded to requests for comment saying, "the claim is being investigated."

Weiner was behind the December launch of the Web site No-Condo.com, a law firm referral service that helps buyers get out of contracts in buildings where the developer violated HUD regulations.

yes i spoke to them and they are good guys !!(no-condo.com)

Abba - really sorry to hear that, but I don't think there is any wrong doing by the developer in this case. You can hire a litigation lawyer, but my inclination is that you will run up more legal bills. My attorney tells me that some people are suing the developer, but I decided not to since there really was no misrepresentation.

how is the rat problem? has it been fixed or does every apt come with a free furry pet?

I have been living there since early January...never seen a single rat or bug for that matter. The problem (if there ever was one) has been solved.

great to hear!

Why would the developer get to keep the interest income from your deposit?

Any news on the empty retail on the ground level?

tfly, how do you like it there. I know that living in a building with construction still going on is tough, but overall are you happy with your apt? What about the punchlist? Is the developer taking care of this in a timely manner? Thanks for any info you can give me.

So far it has been great. The construction hasn't really been a issue other than the elevators sometimes being busy and once in awhile I heard noise from above (sanding floors, etc). The gym and roof are almost done and look really good as well. I still have some cosmetic items left on my punchlist, but I haven't been riding them that hard so that is partially my fault. Overall, I am very happy...and almost as important as the physical building, the other owners I have met are all very cool, interesting people. Everyone seems very keen to create a good "community" feel. I would say the only thing I would complain about is the dissemination of information...the management company hasn't done as good a job on that as they could have, but fortunately we have a group of about 20 owners that have been getting together to share information on various happenings so we have taken care of that on our own.

Thanks so much TFLY. Yes, I saw that the gym and rooftop are close to getting done. Looks great! If these are the only complaints you have then consider yourself lucky. I am in a building that I saw through the beginning stages of construction and it was a nightmare. Most importantly I am glad to know that punchlist items are not a problem, which is something I would be very concerned about with buying in a new building. Well, keep your fingers crossed for me. Hope I will be your neighbor.

Best of luck...I think we have a good group in the building so far and we would be happy to add you to the mix. If I can answer any other questions, please let me know.