303 E 43rd St

303 E 43rd

International Plaza does a good job of blending in with Turtle Bay’s nearby residential buildings. The 28-story red-brick structure, built in 1983, is of comparable height and aesthetic, and doesn’t draw much attention to itself. “It’s a standard elevator doorman building,” says Ari Harkov, a broker with Brown Harris Stevens who is familiar with it. Yet the building has drawn the attention of the British royal family, as the Real Deal uncovered that Queen Elizabeth owned three units here (it is not known if they are still under royal ownership after her 2022 passing). It’s no coincidence that the headquarters of the United Nations is just up the block, so the units are possibly occupied by British diplomats. “It appeals to folks who work nearby,” Harkov adds. The condo aspect also appeals to buyers who use it as a second home. With only three units per floor and 79 in total, Harkov notes how this lends a more intimate feel to the building. One bedrooms start around one million for 940 square feet, with rare four bedrooms encompassing a roomy 3,200 square feet. A more recent three-bedroom sale closed for $1.8 million. At a minimum, all units offer central air, dishwashers, microwaves and 10-foot-high ceilings. Windows are picture or floor-to-ceiling, which overlook the East River and United Nations or Midtown East, including the Chrysler Building. Some units are also equipped with washers and dryers, fireplaces and/or balconies, while renovated units typically involve updated open-concept kitchens with new stainless-steel appliances and tile backsplashes. A number of units have gone next-level with the upgrades, from Scavolini cabinets to Liebherr wine coolers. Many bathrooms have also been updated, adding the likes of deep soaking tubs, dual sinks or heated floors. It’s also not uncommon for parquet floors to have been replaced with newer hardwoods. True to the building’s name, a small plaza with trees and benches is a welcoming touch, along with a canopied entrance that's staffed by a 24-hour door attendant. Upon entering, an angled glass ceiling pours light into the plant-filled lobby — except on the dreariest of days — creating a greenhouse-like ambiance. It leads to a small, enclosed courtyard with more plants and some patio furniture. A basement laundry room is convenient for units without washers and dryers, while a bike room and storage area round out the amenities. Professionals in general are drawn to Turtle Bay, whether working at the United Nations, one of the neighborhood’s 120 foreign consulates or in one of the many other commercial office buildings comprising about one-third of the area’s buildings. But it’s not all about business. An international community takes advantage of the waterfront Peter Detmold Park, diverse restaurants and Madison Avenue shopping. Businesses also line Second Avenue, which runs in front of International Plaza, with a dry cleaner downstairs, Chelsea Bagel Tudor City across the street and Remi — an upscale coffee and flower shop — a few blocks away. For groceries, Trader Joe’s is on the southern edge of Turtle Bay, with Whole Foods to the west near Bryant Park. The closest subway lines are a 10-minute walk west at Grand Central Terminal, where riders can catch the 4,5,6 for the east side, the 7 to Queens or the crosstown shuttle. The station also serves Metro-North and the Long Island Rail Road. Buses run up and down Second Avenue and crosstown at 42nd. If driving, FDR Drive and the Queens-Midtown Tunnel are two blocks away. Due to International Plaza’s proximity to the United Nations, there tends to be a heavier police presence in the area. Street closures due to visiting dignitaries, protests or demonstrations aren’t uncommon either.