Situated amidst the iconic Lincoln Center and across from Central Park in the heart of Columbus Circle, is the sprawling glass edifice that is the Time Warner Center. On any random day you can feel the energy of the city enswathe the building as over 40,000 visitors a day take advantage of its vast array of shops that range from the City’s most expensive restaurant that serves extravagant delicacies that start at around $300, to J Crew’s, which provides chic casual ensembles for shoppers—making it a destination for various price points.
Tucked away on a level not privy to the public are several exclusive luxury residences that with its views overlooking the park via its dramatic floor to ceiling windows and elegant ambiance, could leave you absolutely breathe taken. A 2 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom unit has recently hit the market, and although it is asking for $6.5million, it undoubtedly seems justified to command such. That is when you consider everything from all fronts.
“From the day it was built, I personally fell in love with it,” says KWNYC listing agent Nicole Gary who has again snagged a unit in this building for the second time, with the first selling for the same punchy $6.5million tag.
We wanted to know from those well acquainted with the Center, just what makes it so spectacular to live there and had a few KWNYC agents tell us their take on what makes this building so amazing, all in their own words.
The Center
First Impression
“I remember the first time I walked into The Time Warner Center, about nine years ago when it was just being completed and the first closings were happening,” reminisces Gary. “I was selling high end custom window treatments at the time, and met with a client who had come into my showroom from London. He had just purchased a pied-a-terre in The Time Warner Center and needed some motorized blinds and draperies for his new Condo. I remember getting in the elevator, and feeling my ears pop as I rode up to the 52nd floor of The Time Warner Center. I walked out, walked into his apartment and went straight for the Big Glass Windows. Well after all I was there to measure for window treatments! I remember looking out at the Central Park views and thinking ….”Wow” This is the most spectacular building I have ever been in.
From the manicured flowers and plants in the front entrance, to the Grand Lobby with Fresh Flowers, this was the new “it” Building. Being so far up in the sky was just a great feeling. The finishes used in the condos were wonderful with Carerra Marble throughout, beautiful hardware on all doors and cabinets. This was a life of Luxury! I worked with that client to find him an electrician, contractor, fabrics, etc. and made the apartment into a masterpiece. It was such a wonderful feeling. We built these beautiful three tier soffits that wrapped around the large columns with down lighting and space for the motorized shades to roll into. Ever since the day I walked in there it was my favorite building in Manhattan. To this day it still is. With all of the new high end developments being built, there is still nothing that can beat being on a high floor in the heart of Columbus circle with everything you need just downstairs!!”
Residences
There are also additional perks for buyers who purchase a residence here that are exclusively to them and add convenience to their everyday lives.
“Phenomenal spaces with Floor to ceiling windows, in the Heart of Columbus Circle overlooking Central Park and the Hudson River. Residences start on the 51st floor and go through the 80th floor. This is personally my favorite building in Manhattan. You are in the Heart of Columbus Circle (which I consider the center of the universe in Manhattan!)”, gushes Gary. The units in the building have had such celebrities as Ricky Martin, Kelly Ripa, Bob Costas, Jimmy Buffett and Jay-Z and Beyoncé call the place home since its inception back in 2003.
“Large Columns, exquisite detail in the interiors, white glove concierge service, and use of all of the amenities at the Mandarin Oriental are also included for its residents”, she adds which includes its private pool and spa.
“If you purchase at 25 Columbus Circle you have your own floor of amenities on the 51st, which includes a gym overlooking Central Park, a sound proof Screening Room where you can invite friends to watch movies, an outdoor roof deck overlooking the Hudson River, a massage room, children’s playroom, private party room, conference room and lounge.” And continued with, “Residents also get private access to the mall in Columbus Circle via the third floor. They can go out to dinner, shopping, or purchase food at Whole Foods to cook without even going outdoors. They have a special entrance to exit and enter through for residents only.”
Retail
There are over 40 stores located in the building with Whole Foods spanning 60,000 square-feet out of 2.8 million square-foot mixed use property. It is also home to several world renowned chefs such as Thomas Keller, Masa Takayama, Michael Lomonaco, and Marc Murphy whose restaurants Bouchon Bakery, Bar Masa, Porter House New York, and Landmarc are amongst the city’s most sought after gastronomical destinations.
“The Best Things About Living at Time Warner Center is the fact that you can live in this building without ever having to step a foot outside (I still hope you do),” says Julia Maksimova, a KWNYC agent who is co-listing with Gary. “Imagine having dozens of handpicked retailers in your apartment building, pretty amazing,” she added. “It has everything on your shopping list that you will need—from clothing and shoe retailers such as BOSS Hugo Boss, L. K. Bennett, Stuart Weitzman, Thomas Pink, C Wonder, J Crew and H&M to beauty stores Sephora, L’Occitane and Art of Shaving. Some of the best restaurants are here too—the one and only Per Se, Masa (with no official menu and a personable approach by the chef), quick service Bouchon Bakery & Cafe (great macaroons!) There is also Whole Foods for groceries and William Sonoma for home goods. Equinox gym is here too for your convenience.
Neighborhood
First Impression
“In the 1980’s I lived the Rock n Roll Lifestyle in an apartment on 4th Street and Avenue A. Madonna was a neighbor,” says KWNYC real estate agent Bobby Neil who was a music industry veteran part of a group and having written 100’s songs. He then adds, “Arts and artists have always driven the great neighborhood culture that makes Manhattan such an amazing place to live. With the artist comes the interesting restaurants, shops and a very noticeable positive energy. It is the energy of creation. Even non-artists can feel it the second they step out of a cab or subway station. So I moved to the Upper West Side the moment I signed my first record deal.”
Area of Columbus Circle:
Columbus Circle is home to the Time Warner Center that features CNN’s headquarters, the exquisite Mandarin Oriental hotel, as well as Jazz at Lincoln Center and the nearby Trump International Hotel and Tower all just steps away from the iconic Central Park.
“First come’s the history. The Great Neighborhoods of Manhattan Island all grew up around access to the subway stops,” Neil begins as he describes the best parts of the Columbus Circle/ Lincoln Center area of Manhattan.
“Underneath the beautifully restored plaza that is the Center piece of Columbus Circle, you will find a large assortment of subways that can get you just about anywhere. This is where the story must begin.
When I moved to west 78th Street in 1989 Columbus Circle was in disrepair. Where the now grand Time Warner Towers stand was the old New York Convention Center and south was a mostly dead Midtown West. 15 Central Park West was a long vacant Lot. But Columbus Avenue had an incredible assortment of shops, bars and eclectic restaurants,” says Neil.
“My how times have changed!” he adds gleefully and continues, “With a nearly perfect triangulation of Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and Central Park, we have an amazing trifecta of arts and entertainment. Developers seized the opportunity and created some magnificent housing opportunities. The old restaurant row of Columbus Avenue has retained its charm and added some of the best dining experiences in the City! The artist and music crowd have not moved on as elsewhere in some neighborhoods, and it’s not unusual to bump into a favorite celebrity standing in line in their sweats at Whole Foods or one of the many great markets, shops, or restaurants.”
Neil then goes on to say, “With the revitalization of the Times Square district moving North a person can walk out of their building and have Central Park, any kind of entertainment imaginable from Opera to Jazz at Lincoln Square to clubs and Broadway shows, all without taking a cab!
The quality of life offered in the Columbus Circle and Lincoln Center Area is perhaps unparalleled to any other place on the planet! Whatever you need, want, or desire is right outside your door! On a personal note I took my girlfriend with me to see apartments in the area in 1989, we later had all three of our children right at Roosevelt Hospital on 11th Ave right behind the then newly constructed Time Warner Towers. The Happiest days of my life, right there in Columbus Circle.”