225 Rector Pl

225 Rector

In 2012, 225 Rector Place underwent a much-needed renovation. The 23-story brick building, constructed in 1985 was originally a rental property, converted into condos in 2007. That conversion process was tumultuous — with incomplete construction, multiple lawsuits, and ultimately a foreclosure. After the building was purchased by Related Companies, Irish designer Clodagh, who also worked on the Caledonia on West 17th Street and Jackson Park in Long Island City, was hired to redo the interiors and common areas, bringing a sense of feng shui and calm energy to the building. A beautiful pool was finally completed and upgraded finishes installed. “I think the attraction about this particular building and Battery Park is it’s a very quiet and upscale location,” says Melinda Sicari, a real estate broker with Douglas Elliman who has worked with clients in the building, “You kind of feel like you’re removed from the city a little bit, but you’re close enough that you’re still in Manhattan.” The building’s 285 residences include studios to three-bedrooms, and a few units have been combined over the years. “These layouts are a generous size, especially if you’re in a corner unit,” says Sicari. A large corner studio with a covert kitchen and multiple windows might cost $750,000. A three-bedroom with a partially open kitchen and two walk-in closets can be closer to $2 million. Most residences feature hardwood flooring, upgraded appliances and ample natural light, giving the spaces a feeling of warmth. A one-bedroom on the penthouse level with two full bathrooms, multiple large closets and a floor-to-ceiling window with Hudson River views has sold for $1.5 million. When the building was renovated, the pièce de resistance was the 40-foot indoor pool, topped with a glass atrium, offering a view of One World Trade Center overhead. Windows surround the space, covered by wooden-slatted shades, offering a light-filled recreation area. The two-story gym is well-outfitted, and a children’s playroom offers a colorful area for kids to draw on the chalkboard walls. “Most of the people that I have met in the building really do use the amenities,” says Sicari. “The monthlies are on the lower side compared to some of the other buildings, and in terms of the services, you have the full-time concierge, the pool, the roof.” The rooftop terrace offers seating areas, grills, and views of the Lower Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty. Additionally, the building contains a parking garage and a comfortable owners’ lounge with couches and calming natural wood-covered walls. The location of 225 Rector Street, a stone’s throw from the Battery Park City Esplanade, gives it easy access to beautiful views along the Hudson River and to the walking path leading south to Battery Park. The Financial District and Tribeca are both within reach; it’s a 12-minute walk to the New York Stock Exchange, by way of the pedestrian bridge across West Street. A 10-minute walk north leads to shopping and dining at Brookfield Place and One World Trade Center. Groceries can be picked up at Riverside Market or Battery Place Market, both within a five-minute walk. Bars and restaurants populate the area across West Street, including Eataly’s downtown location. In addition to being surrounded by multiple parks, including Rector Park, the building is close to multiple subway stations — the 1 and 4 and 5 and R and W trains can all be found along Rector Street.