808 Columbus

Looks like they are pretty much done with the west-side building. Any info about the prices?

havent seen any adverts

That area is a shithole. They'll be lucky to get $1000/psf, especially in this economy.

This area is a short walk or ride to some good parts of the UWS and Central Park. But that's ALL it has going for it. The projects to the north and west and all the section 8 rentals to the south make this stretch the poor cousin of the rest of the west side. The retail is mostly low rent, the architecture is all banal post war schlock, and the street life is scarey at times (one good note is that a Whole Foods is coming to 808). Nobody will pay near $1000/sf for these apts when they're done. Archstone is dropping their rents on 96th St at the Keywest and Westmont and people keep moving out anyway.

Crashwait, I agree. That area is awful. This is what happens when the city refuses to remove housing projects; it hurts the quality of life for everyone else. The area is pretty dangerous as well.

The area is not dangerous. I live there and I am sure you do not rufus, so don't comment on what you do not know. Your fear of public housing is very telling about you.

starfish, I have been in that area many times. It is nowhere close to being prime upper west. And there's no doubt that the housing projects are a hindrance to nice retail coming into that area. Also, crime has skyrocketed in that vicinity this past year.

Being there "many times" does not qualify you to say it is "pretty dangerous." I live there and walk through that area all the time during the day and night and it is not dangerous. Whole Foods is going in there - how on earth can you say the public housing (which you seem to have an unnatural fear of) is a "hinderance to nice retail."

And who said this was prime UWS?

why don't you go back and carefully read crashwait's post, since you struggle with reading comprehension. We both agree that the location does not warrant pricing at anywhere above $1000/psf. Believe it or not, people don't want to spend that kind of money to live next to seedy housing projects.

Crashwait's post can't save your uninformed opnion. You're a troll on this board who loves to spout off about things and areas you now nothing about. Don't call a neighborhood dangerous unless you can back it up and don't say a public housing complex is a hinderance to retail stores arriving if when the nation's largest Whole Foods is opening up across the street. And again, who said this was prime UWS?

So you conveniently dismiss crashwait's post because you disagree with me? Answer me this then. Do you honestly believe that this building warrants pricing above $1000/psf? If so, why?

rufus, this building is a RENTAL, so your pricing for sales makes no sense.

Here's the first listing I found for the building. Starting at $3,000. Rentals.

http://newyork.olx.com/1-br-1-0-ba-at-808-columbus-starting-from-2919-iid-22610811

Oddly, as of this week, the Whole Foods logo has been duck-taped out on all of the billboards across the street. Curious.

I don't know how they are going to fill those building in the next couple of years.

Took a tour yesterday and was seriously interested in renting beforehand. Apartments are small- the living rooms are like a little box. The bathrooms, kitchens are hardware was beautiful- Also saw the construction zone that will be the amenities floor and it is quite amazing (gardens, club room, salt water pool, grills- 2 acres) However, I can not possibly imagine they will get the asking prices for rentals. There were three 2 br prices- $4225 for a 2br, 1 bath and $4800 and $5600 for the 2br/2ba, all around 800 sf. My friend summed it up as saying you are paying for the country club. I'd rent if the prices dropped a lot but the broker tells us they are not budging and feel confident. Thoughts?

hilarious.

why not rent an apartment and join a country club if that's what you want? according to another thread, brand new harlem 1,200 sq ft 2 bed, 2 bath with high end finishes and doorman for $2,500. if that's true, these guys are gonna have a problem.

i live in the nabe and they will have a problem renting at those rates. plus besides the pool who needs gardens when your 1 block from the park. do you know if it's a doorman building? haven't been over to check it out yet.

I am very familiar with that neighborhood and area. They are out of touch with reality. Despite the bells and whistles they are adding, those who can afford their prices will not choose to live in that neighborhood. It's not a knock against the neighborhood; I happen to like it there, but I've experienced firsthand the prejudice against making a high end commitment so close to the projects. There will be quite a few dark lights in those buildings until they get a grip on reality.

they are asking nearly $9k for a three bedroom, and $12k for a four bedroom. as bronxboy writes, you can get a pretty good three bed these days almost anywhere for less than that.

ncy10025, yes it's a doorman building. concierge, also, i believe.

When I asked if I could make an offer on a 2 br (I was going to offer $3,600 with an ask of $4220), i was told they were not negotiating and not to make anything less than the asking. I guess they believe they will rent all apartments at the asking price.

I would imagine they are not going to "negotiate" until they are pretty much ready with Whole Foods in and their garden done. Once that's all done they'll see if people will pay those rates and when they find out they won't, then I'm sure they will come down or risk a practically empty building for a very long time.

i did a tour of the building. nice view pool whole food etc. will put a bid for rental for 35% below the asking price tho. that's the fair price now.

projects ACROSS the street LOL

Drug Dealers all over the Fredrick Douglas Projects - like 20 buildings-the prices for this building do not take this into account AT ALL!!!

Has anybody negotiated a rental lease in this building yet?

it's a great nabe. this is a rental building 1 beds at $2995 a bit high for the location. the project are not across the street those are a mixture of condos/rentals--the projects are at 105th and columbus. i've heard they have started occupancy on a few floors. and btw it is a huge whole foods take up the whole block - not sure there's a big enough market to support it but i'm excited.

also i agree they're going to have a tough time filling the building at the rates they're asking. there are a lot of units in the building.

The listing price for most one bedrooms on low floors is well above $2995. Many are actually north of $3500, which is artifically inflated so that they can offer a "generous" two months off. It's only when you knock the two months off that they begin to enter competitive territory...and even then they're still high in my opinion. What would be a fair price for a one bedroom on the first 10 floors of the building (will eventually go over 30 floors but they're not renting the high ones yet)?

about $1K less. Around $2,400. . .maybe. But with the glut now, it's a stretch.

I just signed a lease for a high floor apartment with a view of cpw which will start in a couple of months.It ia a thirteen month lease because with two months free, i feel that apartment prices will come down during the next year,because i would like to buy a mixed use building.

Good thinking, "in the middle," about apartment prices coming down. My only advice would have been to wait a little before renting at 808 Columbus. They're prices will come down and they will continue to offer incentives like two months free. They will have no choice. But if you need a place now, then you gotta do what you gotta do.

Well "bronxboy" i sold my three bedroom three bath on the uws last august so my one year lease is ending and for the same price i am paying now i am getting a beautiful view a washer drier in the apartment etc.That beats the twenty year old smelly carpet in the doorman building down a few blocks,in which the only maintenance done the last few years was redoing the lobby and putting up a new sign saying "luxury apartments for rent" Thank you i will keep you posted!

Then you can't do better than that, "in the middle." You should do great in the next year as prices continue to plunge.

Signed a lease and was the 5th person to move in (there are maybe a dozen now?) a few weeks ago. Paying $4225 for a 2 bed, 1 bath and got the 2 months free so will stay for 13th months. So far so good. The staff is awesome, and while the amenities don't open until Labor Day (so they say) they are going to be great and free, at least for the first year. The building clearly isn't 'ready' yet and 3 weeks without cable (Time Warner has been out almost every day but somehow doesn't recognize the building) or internet, or the building's laundry are rough... though living here this month for free makes it easier. Finishes in apartments are even better than I thought when I toured. Kitchens and baths are gorgeous, windows are stunning... all feel very luxurious. As far as I know they are still not negotiating rents at all. Just offering the 2 months.

I attempted to sign a lease. The first week in July I went to visit the building and was told I would receives a two month concession. After looking around at other buildings, I contacted them two weeks later and was told the developer no longer wanted to offer discounts on the apartment I had looked at because it was on a "high floor". Fair enough. I asked what else was available and was told that I could rent an apartment on a lower floor with the two months concession. Three hours later I was informed that the developer had changed its policy, and that for the developer to even entertain giving the concession I would have to fill out an application that day, otherwise the concession would no longer be available. So I was supposed to leave work on a Wednesday and go to the leasing office to fill out an application (or alternatively, fax them the application without even seeing the apartment), and even then, there was no guarantee that the concession would be granted. Even with the concession the apartment was still on the expensive side. I told the sales rep that this was basically a high pressure sales tactic and was not a good way to conduct business. She essentially said the developer could do what he pleased. The apartments are very nice, but the sales tactics are not.

They will rue the day they practiced these strong arm tactics. Don't go near it, Brooklyn Heights. That's like waiting in line to get into a club only to be rejected by the doorman because you don't have the look. And you could have had a prime view of the Frederick Douglass housing projects. Certainly worth over 4K for a two bedroom/1 bath.

I am not sure what to expect as far as the views go. If your on the 10th floor or lower-i assume there is no park view. Do you have any idea what floor you would have to go to in order to get a view-and what the increase in rent would be.

BrooklynHeights-How did things work out for you?

They're still strong-arming, have raised the base rent prices and only giving the "two months free," which, as stated earlier, is misleading. $3600 (base price, before incentives) is too high for that neighborhood. You can get cheaper in Tribeca -- better neighborhood with same amenities and Whole Foods a few blocks away.

I heard that some of the nicer views are on the 5th and 6th floors, not to the park, but to the private rooftop courtyard there.

The views of central park are much nicer from the 19th and 20th floor

anyone notice that they keep changing the rates in their ads? now 1 beds are $3013 vs previous of ~$2795. seriously will be interesting to see if this building fills up - it's really expensive for the neighborhood. also does anyone know if it's pet friendly.

I have to be very skeptical that they will fill up more than 50 percent. . .and certainly the three bedrooms will remain empty. Why pay prices for rentals on that block when you can pay the same amount in the 60's and 70's on the UWS?

bronxboy = i went to see some 2BR's a few weeks ago on high floors. While on the smallish side (the larger 2/2s were barely 1000 sqftI must say i was pretty impressed. lots of amenities, beautiful finishes and impressive views. Whole foods, impressive green space on the third floor, saltwater lap pool and gym, kitchen, playroom. They are offering a lot. But as you point out, to get all that, you are surrounded by low income projexts. In fact for a block or two, there is nothing but projects. It will be interesting to see how this turns out.

They are counting, big time, on Whole Foods and the other "chain" retail stores to go into the complex to help boost their value and justify their ridiculous rents. I still don't see it happening, but I've been known to be wrong in the past.

I love the building and all it has to offer. Yes, it is expensive-this is New York City!
The one bedroom is small. I do have great concerns where I will put everything.
I might be renting with my heart not my head.
I will be moving in a month.

what are you paying?

wanttomove,

If you love it, go for it. We are just saying that as a whole, it probably won't succeed at the prices they are currently listing.

There was no deals to be had and I did end up paying $25 for each additional floor.
I believe they have rented over 75 apartments already. That is a good start in such a short time.
The office was very busy with people coming in for a tour. At some point things will slow up-and I think your correct the prices will be lowered. But I don't think it will be extreme.
I have noticed in the Wall Street area many of the new condo buildings are renting vacant apartments. People were lined up for them this weekend.

Actually I think 75 apartments is pretty poor given that the building has been renting apartments for several months now. I think my experience outlined above explains why they will have trouble renting them--they are not upfront about pricing.

Wanttomove -- how were the finishes in the apartments? Kitchens, bathrooms, appliances, that sort of thing?

Brooklyn Heights-I agree that they are not upfront about the pricing.

TheotherBob- Let me be clear-my standards are rather high. The appliances are excellent,middle/ upper end quality. The kitchen cabinets,while they look good-are not top grade. I feel i am renting not buying. The cabinet will do. The counters are not granite,but have a nice feel and look. The bathroom would please anybody. The size of the bathroom is good for NYC. The tile work is great,both in the bath/shower and on the floor. Over the sink there is a huge bathroom cabinet. In the 1 bedroom bathroom they have a closet with the stacked washer and dryer, which is a Bosch. The floors are heated in the bath room which is a nice touch. Other than the bathroom cabinet they do not have any storage-which is a concern. The doors to closets have a bit of weight to them-not cardboard. There is very little noise within the apartment. The hallway and outdoors are another story. These are things I noticed in my one hour visit-I then sighed the lease. Hope this helps.

what are you paying?

To ad my 2c, I thought the finishes were unusually strong for a new rental building. HIgh middle is how I would characterize them. Also solid doors. Not like the garbage that was put up in the 70-90s. On the other hand, as wanttomove suggests, I found the closet and cabinet space very lacking, and the rooms are smallish.

Thanks -- that's very helpful.

Base price is $3,750. Then deduct no fee and two month free. Not cheap! But I do love it!!!!!
I won't have to join a gym. The subway is a block away. I won't have to carry package from the market but a few steps. Central Park is a block away. I think you have to travel a bit to get to a good place to eat. But when I get done with rent-i won't worry about that.
The area around the building seems fine

wanttomove - I think the price you paid (the effective rent hovering around $3100, that is) is a great price.

Many people cry, "but you can get a 1 br for 2-2500, further down in the UWS!" - but these are not doorman buildings (unless you do Trump by the River), do not have in-unit W/D, no floor-to-ceiling windows, no central park views, no pool, no whole foods, etc.

A lot of people need to realize that you get what you pay for. You are not going to get a building anywhere near this quality for cheaper anywhere on the UWS (the only thing close are condos, which will require a broker fee, app fees, and other miscel fees, which all drive up the effective rent).

So I do not think you should feel ashamed or that you paid too much. While I do agree that the asking prices are bold, they are not completely out of whack (again, this is referring to the effective price of $3100).

Just realize, that at the end of your lease, the rent will automatically go to $3750, followed by a rent-increase on top of that. So I think this is a good deal with the stipulation that you are aware that you will likely have to move at the end of your lease (obviously, this would be a deal-breaker to some)

Shea T.
Downtown Broker

By the time the year is up I will be used to paying $3750. You get the first month and last month free-you do not pay at all. You pay each month in full for the year.
My son is moving into a luxury doorman building in wall street area . It is the same size and has very good amenities the kitchen is about 5 years old. He will be paying $900 dollars less. Which is a great deal for a young adult with a roommate. I wouldn't want to live in Wall Street. I did see other buildings that were nice. I feel that this building is more than nice.

I see, I thought that they ammortized the rent into the price.

Since that is not the case, it is very good deal indeed.

what floor?

we saw a 1 br in this building that was going at $3600. even with the two months free and amenities, we decided to pass on it b/c it was a bit too small for us. a couple of notes:

1. we saw the place over a month ago, and as of last sunday, the unit we had been looking at was still available, so i don't think the apartments are flying.

2. we were told that only the bathrooms with windows have the heated floors, so the one bedrooms do not have this feature.

Saw it today (for unrelated reasons) -- other than the fact that it was still a construction zone, the building was pretty nice. I thought the living room we looked at was a little small, but not ridiculously so. The cabinets weren't really my style, though certainly nice, and otherwise the kitchens were well-done, attractive, and high-end. The bathrooms were great -- nice floors, nice sinks, etc. All in, it certainly seemed like a good apartment.

The location seemed ok -- close to the park, and the area was generally quiet, but not "prime" upper west side (whatever that means) and without any significant commercial presence in the area (yet). Whether it's overpriced, given its location...I don't really have an opinion. But it's a nice building.

Sephiroth - high shill factor - it's not a great price. i live one block away on the park. i live in a 24hr doorman building and i can guarantee you my apartment is larger than any one bed at 808. granted no w/d or pool (which you can only use 3 mon out of the year) the 2 acre 'park' is a bogus amenity considering the building is a block away from 'the' park at over 800 acres.

I negotiated a rent decrease -- but even before that wasn't paying anywhere near $3750 -- try $1000 less. you can get a classic six pre-war doorman on the uws for $4200 - don't believe me i'll show you.

touting retail in the building is stupid - i can just as easily go to the whole foods etc without paying super high rent.

sorry but i think they're going to have a hard time filling the building unless they lower the rent and not the cheesy 'net effective/months free' kind.

ncy10025 - I am not a shill.

I never said the apts were larger. Anyone looking at a new building knows that they will have to sacrifice space for modern amenities and fixtures.

And remember, I said that it was a good deal with respect to the effective price of $3100. Personally, if I chose to live in this particular development, I would only stay for 1-2 yrs to take advantage of the incentives.

I think it's a great deal for someone who wants a brand new building. Unfortunately, if this building were on 67th and Columbus, it would be out of the price range of us mere mortals ;).

Which means, it's a great building if you're realistic and realize that you're not going to get the same quality for the same price in a better area (in other words, it's for one who is willing to sacrifice location - and it's not like the building is in Harlem).

Downtown Broker

Sephiroth-Thank you for your comments.

nyc10025-You really sound angry.
I am sure your apartment is very nice-I prefer new to pre-war. I have lived in both.
I am not sure where you got information the pool is open only 3 months. It is an indoor pool.

how do renters like living in this bldg?

I checked out the retail (Whole Foods & Michaels) last week. Buildings seem nicer than the renderings, massing not too bad. These rentals will never satisfy those who want prewar, and don't mind older buildings. 2-acre park (didn't check it out) good for those with kids (when an extra 10 mins walk with 2 howling kids seem like an eternity) or for quick playdates with neighbors. Again, it caters to a diff. market than those who don't mind walking and schlepping. If I were in the market for a rental in this location, with my brood, you bet I'd pay some extra to live on top of WF.

Glad someone asked. First, I must say the finishes and staff are great. That said: I was the 5th person to move in in July. At the time we were told the amenities (which are the reason, I suspect many people chose this building) would be done early August. In early August they said Labor Day. On Labor Day they said 4 weeks. In 4 weeks they said November 1 Guess what? NOTHING IS DONE. Now they are now saying 2-4 more weeks and are giving money back to people who complain loud enough. So as now: The building has no public washers or dryers, the lobby is a construction zone, no pool, no park, no gym, no playroom, no party room, no garden-- Most units still don't have their built-in closets, the mail can't be delivered to us individually because the occupancy is so low, etc, etc. I am convinced the developers knew the timeline all along but would continue to say anything to get our (high) rents. Shady, shady, shady. I regret moving here.

joc: glass half full or half empty.....So maybe you're a bit bumbed, maybe you paid a bit much, what 500-1000 a month too much...call it cheap tuition!...think about the folks that BOUGHT at the Lucida, Brompton, Harrison..etc..etc...another 6-7 months and you can walk.

The developer is shady, to say the least. He is a sponsor of many of the Park West Village condos and has been late paying common charges on the units he owns. He is going through serious financial difficulties. .bit off much much more than he could chew with this humongous five building project. Jocoru, I feel your pain. It will be a long, long time before you get that park, pool, or gym. . .if at all.

Bronxboy: Could you provide more detail about the sponsor's financial problems, and why you think he's shady? I'm considering purchasing from them -- so just wondering what the story is there.

Hi bronxboy.I moved here recently and i have to say that the door staff is great.Unfortantely i cannot say the same about the management.I was told that i would have an unobstructed view of the park from my apartment.It is not true.Total lie!For anyone considering moving here if the management tells you something,make sure it is in writing,because they do not honour there word.I cannot wait to finish my lease!

inthemiddle- Hope to meet you and commiserate. I'm meeting management next week about concessions. Jonathan 6L

Hope to hear how your meeting goes. I also live at 808 and have been very frustrated at the lack of communication with regards to when the amenities and laundry room will be available.I have heard many dates, but they come and go with no progression in the construction.

I know people in 400 CPW who are on the financial boards there. They have told me that he has been late or not paid on many of the common charges he owes. As a result, 400's finances are hurting. There was a strike at the construction site a few months ago and the concessions, I guess, cost him more money. Plus it's a monstrous project that, in this economy, is risky to say the least, especially at the prices they are charging for the apartments with views of the projects.

I will re-post what I posted several months back. As I noted then, this place is nice, but sketchy:

I attempted to sign a lease. The first week in July I went to visit the building and was told I would receives a two month concession. After looking around at other buildings, I contacted them two weeks later and was told the developer no longer wanted to offer discounts on the apartment I had looked at because it was on a "high floor". Fair enough. I asked what else was available and was told that I could rent an apartment on a lower floor with the two months concession. Three hours later I was informed that the developer had changed its policy, and that for the developer to even entertain giving the concession I would have to fill out an application that day, otherwise the concession would no longer be available. So I was supposed to leave work on a Wednesday and go to the leasing office to fill out an application (or alternatively, fax them the application without even seeing the apartment), and even then, there was no guarantee that the concession would be granted. Even with the concession the apartment was still on the expensive side. I told the sales rep that this was basically a high pressure sales tactic and was not a good way to conduct business. She essentially said the developer could do what he pleased. The apartments are very nice, but the sales tactics are not.

The guy is a crook. Stay away.

The worl is such a lonly angry place if you have so little to do than sit on these sites an make dispariging remarks on new sites. Sounds like frustrated real estate Unewducated rambling from the same hanful of tools on all sites. So amusing.

This is one of the best sites and kindest developers in years. Bronxboy has not been able to make enough money to get out, but as a =Bronx Girl I own my own home and made a success out of my life.

You all hide behind a comment blog and bullshit...........Do something useful, volunteer at a shelter.

You all sound soo stupid...

Please forgive any typos on my response above,hard to type on BB, in cab, but you get my gist loosers....

Bronxboy, BrooklynHeights and shithead rufus should pool their money and go for COCKTAILS!!!nThat is all they can afford..........:(

Closer sums it all up with his unintelligible ramblings. Case closed.

Are any renters living here happy with their apts, the bldg, the staff, the neighborhood? Just wondering if things have improved a bit.

Nope. If looking to sign get something in writing as to when amenities will be done, parking will be ready, when closets will be installed, (people have been waiting since August), when mail will be delivered to boxes, when building laundry will be turned on, when security systems will be in place. Things are not ready but they are telling people what they want to hear in order to sign leases

I heard they are now offering 3 months free rent (from a friend, so am not sure if true). Getting pretty absurd. I might walk up and offer to pay their ask, but with 12 months free rent.

See Sessanta too.

What about the noise from the construction across the street? Do you hear that during the day / weekend? Just wondering how liveable the area is. It seems like there is a lot of potential to the area / bldg if only they would get their act together.

They could get their act together if the asked for rents equitable to the area. .. not to thirty to fifty blocks south of it.

went to see a few apts a few weeks ago, some floors aren't even finished, so if we were to move in, we'd be living in a construction zone for a long time, they aren't finished apts until leases are signed, surprised to see the gym so small, they said parking would be ready in 2 weeks, but that's not accurate, it's a giant hole ... just thought i'd share some feedback

Hi All, Just wondering if there are any updates at 808 Columbus in terms of amenities and the construction. I am looking into renting a 1 bedroom and wanted to know if there were any developments. Are they only renting out floors as they get completed? They are now offering 3 months free rent (as posted on their website).

That's a hard question- A a current tenant, I want to say RUN because the developers are scum and totally shady- I moved in this past summer and amenities and final touches on apartments were all to be finished by August--- and then Labor Day, then October 1, then Thanksgiving, then Jan 1. By Jan 1, NOTHING was done. They lied and lied and we had no gym, pool, washing machines, closet inserts, cable, playroom.... As of now, everything is ready except the Pool, which keep making excuses about (I heard one broker tell a potential renter 10-20 more days and another say they were told this week. HOWEVER, you missed the worst of it and I will say the apartments are nice, building staff (not developers) are great, and most amenities are done and first rate. I DO hear there is still a 2-3 month wait for the closets and until then you'd have to pile boxes in them. Perhaps try and get a straight answer and/or have a date put in the contract- Don't listen to what they promise verbally.

The developers have money issues. Run

This sounds like the problems with new construction in Manhattan period, good years or bad. Always such problems. Well, usually.

I hope the developers succeed. They boldly built beautiful apartments and attracted value added Whole Foods to a neighborhood that has been a backwater for decades. You can see the positive impact this development has had on the neighborhood by looking at recent condo sales in the Park West Village buildings. Columbus Square has been a boost to the neighborhood, and local home owners applaud the developers for a job well done.

Four pretty much unoccupied towers, but there will be retail, so that's a plus.

Thanks all! Yes, place does look beautiful inside and the retail downstairs is a plus for the tenants and the neighbourhood. I'll think about it some more, as I have been also looking at a building at 75th and Broadway (Astor). I'm sorry to hear that the existing tenants have had such a hard time with the developers. Totally annoying to have to keep calling to find out when things get done.

I am sorry to hear all the frustrating stories from those of you who live here.
I made an appointment to see apartments here this weekend then ran a search on this site to see what I could find out beforehand. Thanks for providing so much helpful information.
Has anything changed recently?
Thank you.

is it just me, or have the effective rents been increasing at the same time as the concessions also have been increasing? im seeing 1beds for $2900 after 3 months of free rent. didnt they used to be $2600 after 2 months of free rent?

currently, 1 beds at $3900 per their website. wow.

This place is BAD NEWS. Example, sending statements indicating rent concessions then turning around and demanding the money for three months rent, claiming that they accidently gave you exrat months concesssions (4 instead of 2). Instead of negotiating they immediately send lawers, harrass with fake eviction notices, and refuse all commmunication.