415 east 52nd street

My parents live in that building, very nice.

I'm not crazy about that building, I prefer those beautiful older buildings on the south side of the street, but this way you get to look at those buildings rather than from them at 415. What is the board like? Corcoran has a unit there with a terrace, always a nice feature.

Pretty tough board like the pre-wars.

Does anyone know why I so often see that block of 52nd street between 1st & the river referred to as a 'private' street?

Because it makes the apartment values higher.. duh!

Its a great block, quiet as a pin for Manhattan, huge apartments, very gracious, full service, cheap garage (24 hours), allows pets, and only 25 percent down. The board is NOT considered tough. The terraces were just re-done and are HUGE.

I'm poster #2, I personally love that block because it's a dead end end so like #7, pin drop quiet! All the buildings are meticulously maintained, apartments are beautiful. East 52nd is probably one of the best blocks in the entire city.

I think you're right. It is a lovely area & the cul de sac to the river keeps it quiet - feels private even if it ain't. Le Perigord french restaurant is right there on the corner, supposed to be very nice. What's the story on the River Club at the end of the block. Also, what are the shops there along 1st?

The River Club is one of the most exclusive buildings in the city, similar to coops on Fifth and Park. There was an article about it in the NY Sun just recently. http://www.nysun.com/article/48350

Thanx. The building is River House but I think there is an entrance to the River Club in that building just beyond the motor court on the north side of the street. Yes, gorgeous building, gorgeous area.

Not sure why but it seems the apartments fly off the shelf there.

Because they're all nice.

It's a tremendous area. More & more I'm feeling that that's the area for me. I find the river very romantic & it is quite near midtown & even the walk to the subway is a plus "cause it's good exercise.

coops suck. boards go into your private life and you need a 700 on your gmat.

There definitely is a downside to the co-op process but the wonderful old buildings that I like are almost all co-op but, yes, at least getting in, it is rather like dealing with a police state. Now once you're in I don't know how difficult the boards are about sticking their noses in your daily business. I can certainly imagine some of my neighbors looking askance at me but it has never bothered me yet. Any feedback?

I lived in that building (415 E. 52nd) and sold it to move into a building on Sutton Place. I regret the decision. 415 is a great building, well run, terrrific staff, decent maintenance, great block, very pet freindly, residents who don't think they are all Rockefellers, and a good board. A terrific place to call home.

Thanx for sharing. Great to hear how much you liked it. I just can't imagine that everybody in that area walks around with their nose in the air.

Without being too specific 'cause you don't want to offend your neighbors & the board, what's wrong with the new place? While you were at 415, did you have any dealing with your neighbors across the street or at River House?

I live at 415 also (now). I love the garage, services, closeness to everything including getting out of the city. Also I can have pets. When I was looking many of the buildings in the area didn't allow pets. Don't have much interaction with neighbors (does anyone in Manhattan?) Everyone's been nice, no problems.

What is the shopping like over there? Are there a lot of nice little shops along First?

Only problem with that stretch of First is everything is going out of business. Billy's is gone,Metropolitan Cafe and Columbus Bakery closed; the stretch on first between 51st - 53rd is starting to look like a ghost town - all boarded up. It seems everything is being torn town for high rise condos. The area is going to lose its charm and services; its getting depressing. Certainly boring when compared to the east 80s, Village, West Side with lots of shopping and eateries.

Yes, that's what I've heard. It does seem sad. There is a group, the Sutton Area Community, but I guess there's only so much they can do. I'm sure 'they' are calling it "progress". I read in New York Magazine that there are 1 million more people in New York (Manhattan?) than 10 or 15 years ago, since the city has been cleaned up & made so much safer. Yikes!

Talking about all the stores along First that are boarded up...what's going on with them? Does anyone know what's going up in their place?