150 Charles St

150 Charles

This luxurious 16-story brick-and-glass boutique condo initially evoked ire from neighbors, concerned that the 2015 contemporary new build would be too tall and incongruous with the West Village’s surroundings, which mostly consist of landmarked, walk-up buildings. In 2016, developer Steven Witkoff told amNewYork, “We wanted to pick an architect whose vision was commensurate with ours,” he said. “Our feeling from a design standpoint was: First of all, we wanted outdoor space, we wanted to engage with the river and we wanted to engage with the community.” So CookFox Architects emphasized Hudson River views and incorporated a stepped-back construction, a courtyard and cascading terraces. The new build attracted elite buyers, including rocker Jon Bon Jovi, actor Ben Stiller and Russian model Irina Shayk. Ian Slater, founder of Trove Partners, points out that 150 Charles is also attractive because it includes rarely found West Village amenities, like a pool. “It’s almost like a country club,” Slater shares. “People find it easier to network, like in the kids’ playroom. It’s almost like joining a golf club — they’ll pay to live in 150 Charles.” Alan Wanzenberg, an Architectural Digest Top 100 Designer, chose unabashedly upper end finishes for the original 91 unique units. Alabama white marble counters, custom Molteni Walnut cabinets and Miele, Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances typify kitchens, while large slabs of Alabama marble and custom cabinets reappear in spa-worthy, en suite bathrooms, along with heated floors. LeFroy Brooks fixtures feature in both spaces. Secondary bathrooms were designed with white subway tile and Blue de Savoie grey marble. Separate laundry rooms include not just a washer and dryer, but a full sink and built-in shelves. Eleven-foot ceilings allow for walls of windows, some equipped with electric shades; the most desirable vistas provide unobstructed Hudson River views. “To have a big apartment in the West Village with views is almost impossible,” says Slater. Similarly, the most desirable units also include landscaped terraces, and a select number even possess private elevators, which lead either exclusively to the floor or directly into the space (hidden behind a heavy wood door). Most residences offer three to five bedrooms, although there are a smaller number of two bedrooms starting around 1,400 square feet. The last recorded sale of this size clocked in at $4.5 million in 2022. In 2023, a penthouse made headlines as one of the highest-ever NYC real estate transactions when it sold for $52 million. As a private sale, the exact square footage is unknown, but last known to possess at least 4,500 square feet. However, there are a few units spanning almost 7,000 square feet. Since the building caters to high-net-worth/high-profile individuals, privacy is very much factored into the offerings. This encompasses a discreet door attendant and concierge, plus an underground garage with valet parking and building access. “It’s really helpful if you’re a celebrity type,” Slater says. “People like the security and fact that you can drive in with your car and not be seen.” Residents who don’t need to escape prying eyes enter through the Wanzenberg-designed lobby, which sets the tone with soaring ceilings, wood-paneled walls and comfortable seating. Just outside is the 40,000-square-foot courtyard between the two wings, with additional outdoor space on the fifth-floor terrace. This environmental focus helped earn 150 Charles a LEED Gold certification. The 10,000-square-foot fitness area may be below ground, but it’s far from typical thanks to the cold plunge pool and 75-foot lap pool, one of the most popular amenities. It neighbors the gym, which manages to feel spacious and airy, with personal trainers on hand from The Wright Fit. There’s also a juice and smoothie bar, locker rooms and treatment spaces for massages. This floor includes the playroom too. This far West Village location is appealing to buyers: “It’s quiet, it’s off the beaten path,” says Slater. Yet it’s not so off course as to be remote. The Hudson River Park is up the block, where locals exercise, take kids to play and watch outdoor movies at Pier 46. A short walk along charming, leafy streets in the opposite direction brings residents to The Elk for specialty coffee and outdoor seating, as well as hotspot L’Artusi for elevated Italian fare. More high-end restaurants are in the immediate vicinity, from Wallsé for contemporary Austrian to Perry St. from celeb chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. But more casual cafes, along with art galleries, intimate bars and daily needs are all within an easy walk. Drivers can readily hop on the West Side Highway to get out of town or get around town; otherwise the nearest subway is a 10-minute walk to Christopher Street to catch the local 1. More options are a 15-minute walk over to West 4th Street in Washington Square, namely the A, C, E and B, D, F, M lines. The Christopher Street PATH train is the closest, making limited stops between Penn Station and Christopher Street before heading to New Jersey.