303 E 33rd St

303 Residences

Nowadays, with the climate crisis looming large over the planet, there’s little excuse for new multi-million-dollar developments in urban centers to not have green standards or LEED certification. But alas, it’s not as common as one might think — or hope. Back in 2010, forward-thinking architectural firm Perkins Eastman designed a 12-story, LEED Gold-certified condominium that pairs eco-friendly design with tranquil units and common spaces, proving that you don’t have to sacrifice quality with green consciousness. Behind the modern aluminum and brick-clad facade, each of the 120 units not only embodies this sentiment but also a kind of approachability that is uncommon among other luxury builds. Broker Mukul “Micky” Lalchandani has lived in the building over the last 10 years, and, as the founder of real estate agency Undivided, also sold more than 40 percent of the units. “What drew me to the building was that it was the first LEED-certified, eco-friendly building in the neighborhood,” he says. “I felt really connected to that.” The lobby, outfitted with seating areas in earth tones, textured materials and bamboo wood accents, ironically feels a world away from the city. “As soon as you walk into the lobby, you’re taken away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and transported into a really quiet, Zen-like space with a lot of natural light coming in. It doesn’t feel like a claustrophobic vertical building like much of Manhattan. I moved there because of the feeling I got from the building,” he adds.