102 Bradhurst Ave Unidad 103

The Sutton

Magnusson Architecture and Planning, known for their work in the affordable housing space, designed The Sutton, an 11-story condop building that opened in 2007. As a condop, the ground-floor commercial tenants, including the on-site parking garage, are under condo ownership, while the residential units operate as a traditional co-op. This structure helps maintain a lower price point considering the building’s modern amenities and prime location at 148 and Bradhurst in Central Harlem. Robin Lennon, an agent with Douglas Elliman specializing in Harlem, has sold some units here. “There are not too many two beds, two baths going for $600,000 anymore [in New York City], making it very affordable for people looking to buy their first property.” The Sutton’s 135 units encompass one bedrooms with one bathroom starting around 600 square feet and $400,000 and two bedrooms with two bathrooms offering up to 1,000 square feet and listing for around $600,000. Through-wall air conditioners, in-unit washers and dryers and dishwashers are standard, as are large windows and parquet floors. Kitchens and bathroom features vary since some units have been renovated over the years and may include bamboo or marble floors, quartz countertops or pedestal sinks. Residents enter a cozy lobby big enough for a couch and chairs, where bright, green-tiled accent walls are an uplifting touch. The front desk is always staffed, and building staff also includes a live-in super and porters. “The doorman is a big deal for single people,” Lennon notes. Amenities are contained to a well-maintained courtyard, community room and fitness room; the latter is small, but big enough for exercise bikes and weightlifting pieces, plus a window lets in plenty of natural light. Another big plus is the on-site, underground parking garage, which eliminates the need to drive around looking for street parking. Alternatively, bike commuters can take advantage of bike storage to free up space at home. Not least, pets are allowed and can make good use of Jackie Robinson Park across the street. Lennon cites how The Sutton’s family-friendly location is a major draw for buyers as the area has been steadily growing and developing for the past 20 years, with more in the works. The Sutton itself is located directly across from the historic Jackie Robinson Park and easily walkable to transportation, daily needs and restaurants, quite a few of which are located along the main artery of 145th Street, including two supermarkets and a gym. Jackie Robinson Park is a community gathering spot thanks to its large outdoor pool, concert bandshell, athletic fields and free fitness classes at the rec center. The park can trace its history back to 1911, when it started as a neighborhood playground, and today there are two playgrounds, a wading pool and a splash pad. Little League games and Cub Scout meetings are also held in the park. There’s also the Frederick Johnson tennis courts two blocks east, and Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park to the west along the water. This 28-acre park goes beyond typical park offerings with a roller/ice skating rink, carousel, 400-seat amphitheater and special-occasion Sofrito restaurant, where locals go for Puerto Rican fare and weekly salsa dancing. Lennon himself frequents Fumo for casual Italian in a trendy space and The Edge Harlem for Caribbean dishes in a historic building. He adds that Kingston Bakery and Sugar Hill Cafe are also popular among locals. There’s even nightlife within walking distance, including Patrick’s Place for jazz and Lucille’s Coffee and Cocktails, a plant-filled cafe for coffee during the day and cocktails at night. The A, C, B and D lines are a few blocks away at 145th Street, with the 3 train at 148th Street and the local 1 train on Broadway. Thanks to the on-site garage, drivers can quickly access the West Side Highway or three different bridges to the Bronx, which is just across the Harlem River. As a co-op, interested buyers will have to interview with the board, however, the building no longer maintains an HPD affordable housing mandate with income restrictions. On the flip side, Lennon is noticing more units up for sale since that policy has been phased out, as buyers no longer have to prove they make below a certain income. However, there is a subletting restriction that specifies owners must live in the unit for at least two years before subletting, and must return to the unit every two years.