100 United Nations Plaza

100 United Nations Plaza

Most New Yorkers would consider Turtle Bay a rather transient part of the city. After all, over one-third of the neighborhood’s properties are corporate offices. But despite its peculiar location near the United Nations and the one-way First Avenue Tunnel, 100 United Nations makes a strong case for residential life in Turtle Bay. The condominium was built in 1984, designed by the late modernist architect Der Scutt. Its monolithic silhouette comes to a dramatic point at the top floor, with its pyramid-like crown jutting into the neighborhood skyline. That unique, triangular shape is echoed at the ground level, where a gabled, bronze awning leads to the equally ornate lobby. It’s also visible from the street level, where onlookers can see one of the building’s main perks in plain sight: a plethora of angular balconies, stretched across the facade and wrapping the tower’s corners. The private outdoor spaces are complemented by a suite of amenities like a fitness center and entertainment lounge. Since the building was designed in the ’80s, many of its 236 condos have been renovated with various finishes and price points: some include quartz counters and stainless-steel GE appliances, while others might feature custom oak cabinetry, Calacatta Gold marble surfaces or Miele appliances. One consistent asset is the spacious floorplans. Even the smallest one-bedroom units are 670 square feet, but roughly one-third of them are between 800 and 1,600 square feet. Two-bedroom units can cover as much as 2,200 square feet. There's a smaller quantity of three- and four-bedroom condos as well, in addition to two sprawling six-bedroom residences — the result of owners combining two apartments. There are 22 penthouses stationed in the tower’s top floors, where east- and west-facing windows begin to angle toward the building’s peak. Since square footage varies so much, prices are all over the map; recent listings have been between $1.3 million and $3.8 million. Many residents enjoy private balconies or terraces, with views of the United Nations building, flags and garden, the East River and Long Island City Skyline (including the landmarked, neon Pepsi-Cola sign), and the Chrysler Building and Empire State Building. The building has an attached parking garage, a great perk for residents and guests with cars. Otherwise, residents arrive at the attended lobby via a unique, gabled sidewalk canopy with a clear top and bronze edging. Inside, more bronze accents and glam furniture (including a geode-shaped reception desk) lend a Gatsby-esque vibe. And though the roomy lounge area adjacent to the lobby is certainly inviting, residents and guests may feel more inclined to enjoy the space just outside: a multi-tier plaza designed by renowned landscape architect Thomas Balsley. The plaza, which is maintained by the condo but open to the public, features plenty of greenery and tree canopies, multiple water features, bike racks and built-in benches. Additional amenities include a private fitness center, entertainment lounge, business center and laundry room. Residents emerge from 100 United Nations Plaza into one of Manhattan’s most cosmopolitan neighborhoods: Turtle Bay, home to the United Nations and over 140 foreign consulates. Three major attractions are one block south on East 47th Street: the sculpture-filled UN Gift Garden, Japan Society cultural center and Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza, a narrow city park that hosts community events, as well as the occasional public demonstration. Locals and business professionals can choose from a large selection of global restaurants that cover a wide range of price points and formalities. Third Avenue, in particular, is known for its numerous pubs, taverns and fast-casual eateries. It’s worth noting that the neighborhood is significantly busier on weekdays, and, because the UN and consulates bring so many diplomats to the neighborhood, there’s typically a high police presence. One major perk of living at 100 United Nations Plaza is its proximity to Grand Central Terminal. From there, it's possible to catch the Long Island Railroad or Metro-North Railroad to the suburbs, as well as the 4, 5, 6, 7 and S subway lines. Several local and express bus routes run near the building, and many more are available around Grand Central Terminal. For drivers, ramps to both FDR Drive and the Queens-Midtown Tunnel are nearby.