105 Norfolk St

Blue Condominium

If one descends the Williamsburg Bridge and looks out into lower Manhattan, chances are the first building one sees is BLUE, a 169-foot residential tower sheathed in an envelope of tinted blue glass. Like some otherworldly cylindrical form soaring over Delancey Street, this 16-story luxury condominium features a faceted glass curtain wall fondly known as “the pixelated building” or “blue tower.” The unique design by New York-based Bernard Tschumi Architects is more than an architectural statement that blends seamlessly into the sky. It responds to a unique design challenge: the building's base occupies a lot zoned for residential use and cantilevers over an existing building designated for commercial use. The sloped curtain walls facing the street artfully parley setback rules, crossing the line between commercial and residential districts. Likewise, the slanted apex of the structure integrates the zoning district’s two sky exposure plane requirements. The cantilevered design — angled from base to top — maximizes the allowable residential square footage for spacious living (an outright luxury in any of New York’s five boroughs). Fun fact: The building resides on the former site of a parking lot that once belonged to Ratner’s, a formerly famous kosher dairy restaurant that served dishes like latkes and cheese blintzes from 1905 through 2004. The building has 32 residences across 16 stories, ranging from one- to two-bedrooms on the lower floors, full-floor units with large terraces on high floors and a penthouse duplex crowning the top. Bernard Tschumi Architects designed the interiors with green building materials made from rapidly renewable resources, including bamboo flooring and wall paneling, palm flooring and river pebble bathroom tiles. “The design still looks contemporary today,” says Orren Azani, associate real estate agent at Compass, who has sold multiple units in the building throughout the years. “All the finishes look timeless because it was designed with longevity in mind.” All units feature blue-tinted floor-to-ceiling windows in the living and dining rooms, maximizing natural light and city views without compromising privacy. Those full-floor residences on top of the cantilever feature sloped window walls, a design element incorporated to increase square footage while mitigating zoning restrictions. Azani says living in an “older” luxury building in the Lower East Side maximizes the value of your budget. “The penthouse is one of the least expensive penthouses in the area if you consider price per square foot.” The grandest listing, a 2,500-square-foot penthouse duplex with a 400-square-foot private terrace and two keyed elevators, was listed for resale for $4 million in April 2024. (Comparatively, the 2,900-square-foot penthouse in the luxury condo next door, 100 Norfolk, sold for $7 million in February 2018.) Meanwhile, the smallest listing, a 780-square-foot one-bedroom on the third floor with motorized shades and a king-sized bedroom, sold for $987,500 in March 2024. Similarly, a full-floor, 1,975-square-foot two-bedroom with a bespoke Boffi kitchen sold for $3.5 million in August 2024. The grandest listing, a 2,500-square-foot penthouse duplex with a 400-square-foot private terrace and two keyed elevators, was listed for resale for $4 million in April 2024. BLUE is a full-service luxury condominium with a 24-hour door attendant and live-in resident manager. The 16-story building offers modestly elegant amenities spaces for just 30 units. “Because it’s a smaller building, you don’t have the problem of overcrowding in common areas,” says Azani. “There’s always room for you, and the spaces are pristine and well-maintained.” The expansive landscaped terrace, spanning nearly 8,000 square feet, is the standout feature with barbecues, dining sets, and luxurious lounge furnishings. The roof deck resides in the formerly unused space on top of the adjacent commercial building, featuring sweeping views of the Williamsburg Bridge. Meanwhile, every unit in the building comes with its deed storage. Plus, there’s a bike room and cold storage available. The Lower East Side, affectionately termed “L.E.S.,” stands out as a destination downtown, drawing the young and fashionable crowd under 30, along with regulars of the charming bar and eatery Forget Me Not. When it comes to culinary delights, it’s essential to highlight these renowned spots: Katz’s Deli with its generous pastrami sandwiches, the iconic bagel and lox from Russ & Daughters, and the sweet bargains on candies at Economy Candy. The area is celebrated for its unique boutiques, a fitting tribute to its history of dressmakers and tailors from the 1920s to the late 2000s. Notable shops include the upscale home decor emporium Coming Soon, the premier boutique of designer Sandy Liang, and the upscale vintage apparel shop Pilgrim. Situated between LES and Chinatown, “Dimes Square” is a nod to Times Square and is home to the restaurant millennials love, Dimes. A 5-minute stroll leads to Canal Street, bustling with trendy locales like the Metrograph cinema, Kiki’s Greek dining, and the tobacco-themed bar Le Dive. For grocery shopping, locals have convenient access to Essex Market, Target, and Trader Joe’s, all within the vicinity. Residents can walk outside the lobby and turn around the corner to access the Delancey Street-Essex Street station, Lower East Side’s main transportation hub, which services the F, M, J and Z trains. Meanwhile, a Citi Bike docking station at Norfolk and Broome Streets is just half a block south.