275 West 96th Street The Columbia Condo

i wouldnt spend the money on either, i would go for west harlem, 110st-125str, no joke- take a walk aroung there, you'll see a bunch of new developments, and you'll get a bang for your buck....

ron I bought in the Ariel, and I agree that the unit in Columbia seems cheap. However you need to calculate 200 ft for renovations of that apartement. That would add 500k to the price. That would put it at arround 2.9k. That is pretty equivelent to Ariel prices on lower floors and same sq footege.

Other than the kitchen and bathroom(s), what would or could you renovate in a 1980s apartment? You'd be very hard-pressed to spend anywhere near $500K on renovation of even the largest apt. in the Columbia.

apartement needs to be combined and to get apartement to equal condition at ariel youd need to renovate. Bathrooms and kitchens 250K + 150k combo and 100k for floors, paint, refinish etc.

The Columbia has a very institutional, almost "high school" feel to its lobby and common spaces. It is a turn off to many buyers. Something to consider for when you sell.

I considered both the Ariel and the Columbia, but decided on The Boulevard (86th and Broadway) because 1) from 86th St. it's easy to walk practically all over Manhattan and 2) the building has a fabulous 75' long swimming pool and a fully-equipped health club. I've been in the Boulevard for 5 years in a 1-BR; am now moving to a 2BR in the same building. Need I say more?

It's ok to be in love with your building, but to say 86th Street is an easy walk to all over Manhattan is a bit odd.

I totally agree with #6. I cannot quite put my finger on it, but it does not feel like a luxury building. It kind of feels more like one of those buildings that recent grads hang out in (think Normandy Court).

It is also at the corner of B'way and 96th, so you get super busy traffic both ways. Something about 96th going downhill also makes it seem a little less appealing to me. More level streets are easier to walk I guess.

boulevard is coop not condo

#6 and #9 must be going to Key West (on Amsterdam) instead. while it's true that the Columbia is definitely older than Ariel and no amount of renovation could make the unit/building compare to a luxury high rise going up today, i think you can do a good job making an apartment there look new but NOT pay $200/sf. That said, there's no way that the columbia is home to lots of grads. Most of the people who live there are owner residents, and rents there are too much for younger people to afford (unless they're floating by their parents). You're probably turned off by the plethora of toddlers and older residents running around. Also, the Columbia does have a huge pool and newly renovated health club.

#2 why stop at 125th?

boulevard is condop

How can #7 walk all over Manhattan from 86th street but not from 96th street?

Are there any comments in the last year about this condo?