The building is currently configured as an owner's 2 bed, 2 bath duplex with a beautiful backyard. Above are two, well laid out, floor-through, one bedroom, one bathroom apartments for additional rental income. A finished basement with rec room, storage, half bath, and washer/dryer hookups can be incorporated into the owner's apartment or or used as common laundry and storage.
The entire building has undergone a full renovation with no element overlooked, including new electrical and plumbing throughout, with each unit receiving a new boiler and hot water heater. All are also individual metered for gas and electric to keep overhead low. The facade was re-pointed, and all windows and interior fittings were replaced. All apartments feature mini split A/C and heating systems, further increasing income potential.
All units have been tastefully finished with recessed lighting throughout, as well as accent sconces and chandeliers. Gracious baseboards, chair rails, crown molding, and door and window casings have also been added in every room. All three kitchens have brand new stainless steel appliances, including Samsung bottom freezer, double door refrigerators with in-door ice and water dispensers, and Samsung 6 burner gas ranges and vented microwaves. Marble tiled bathrooms with jacuzzi tubs, and Kholer pedestal sinks and fixtures grace each apartment, and exposed brick walls add character. The backyard retreat is accented by a lovely shade tree encircled by a raised flowerbed and lovely paver patio.
The ideal location is directly across the street from a playground, church and three schools. St. Nicholas Park and the A/B/C lines are just a few blocks to the West, with City College at the top of the hill, while the 2/3 line and can be found just a few blocks to the East. Famed Harlem establishments such as Red Rooster, Barawine, Chez Lucienne, Cheri, La Bodega 47, BLVD, Astor Row Cafe, Lenox Sapphire, Lido, and many more can be enjoyed nearby, as can the local farmer's market around the corner and soon a new Whole Foods set to open 9 blocks south at 125th Street.
Quick Profile
The neighborhood called West Harlem by the locals is known as Manhattanville to neighborhood newcomers. The area is culturally diverse and might be considered a microcosm of the city as a whole.
Columbia University has recently expanded into the area, which is attracting student residents from all over the world. Together with students from the City College of New York and young professionals fleeing higher prices in other neighborhoods, this influx of younger residents has brought with it more restaurants and bars on W 125th Street to serve this clientele. There are also new ventures, like a rock-climbing gym, to cater to the interests of these students and young professionals. At the same time, there are many small, family-owned shops and restaurants that have been anchors of the neighborhood for multiple generations.
The area has been through a housing upgrade, as older properties have been renovated and abandoned properties have been razed to make room for new development. There are still reasonably priced apartments available. Young professionals are finding that there is a certain cachet to living in West Harlem. It provides a convenient commute to the city and all of its amenities, while providing a sense of escape at the end of a long work day.
While rentals are popular with the student population, the young professionals are delighted to find pre-war brownstones, pre-war co-ops (including some income-capped HDFCs for lower- and middle-income buyers), and post-war condos that they can afford, although prices are rising. Some new low-rise developments, sporting virtual doormen and desired amenities, are cropping up.