445 Lafayette St

Astor Place

Curtain walls warp around this luxury high-rise tower to form an undulating, almost amorphous glass skin. Described as “a sculpture for living” by the developer, Related, 445 Lafayette Street is an asymmetrical 21-storey residential skyscraper with seemingly free-form floor-to-ceiling glass walls that form 39 “museum quality” residences. Designed in 2004 by New York-based architecture practice Gwathmey Siegel Kaufman Architects, the building’s curvy glass facade contrasts sharply with the surrounding rectilinear masonry structures typical to NoHo. Astor Place acts as a kaleidoscope, reflecting fragmented images of neighboring buildings, day and night, with varying perceptions based on the viewer’s vantage point. “The building stands out as a landmark of sophisticated design,” says Socrates Gomez, a real estate broker on The Rosen Team at SERHANT. “It’s a special building with privileged views of Cooper Square and NoHo.” The primary design feature of each residence is the floor-to-ceiling glass windows with panoramic city views. Because the building was completed in 2004, many units have been renovated by owners and sellers over the years. Regardless, each property was designed with open floor plans to maximize light and space, bringing an airy, effervescent feeling to the interiors. The most modest residence, a two-bedroom with a chef’s kitchen, two dishwashers and custom cooling zones, was last listed for $3 million. Similarly, a three-bedroom with a 45- by 18-foot great room and a primary bedroom suite with two massive walk-in closets last listed for $5.9 million. The grandest listing, one of the building’s four penthouses complete with a 1,100-gallon exotic saltwater fish tank and 20-foot private terrace, last sold for $15.8 million in 2015. Astor Place is a full-service building with a 24-hour door attendant and live-in super. With the exception of a standard basement gym, there aren’t a lot of bells and whistles in terms of amenities. By far, the best amenity is the building’s private parking garage with deeded parking and valet service. But where amenities fall short, service supersedes. “The building’s long-time, round-the-clock staff are a solid, tight-knit team,” says Gomez. “They go above and beyond because they really care.” Every “condop” — a cross between a co-op and a condo — is different, and Astor Place is no exception. Here, the primary defining characteristic is that buyers are permitted to purchase as an LLC, according to SERHANT’s Gomez. He describes the screening process is less stringent, and the house rules are closer to those of a condo than a co-op. “Buying into the building is a good opportunity for people who want to use their purchasing power and keep their name private,” says Gomez. It's also a way for high-profile people to minimize exposure and personal liability. Situated along cozy streets, you’ll find quaint cocktail bars like Jac’s on Bond — a stylish spot adorned with blush-top tables and Thonet chairs. Bond Street’s Il Buco serves up risotto, steak, and pasta in an ambiance reminiscent of an Italian farmhouse. On Lafayette Street, Cha Cha Matcha beckons with lively pink and green decor, offering ceremonial-grade matcha drinks. Lafayette Grand Café & Bakery, a brunch favorite, puts a contemporary twist on classic French fare, while NoHo’s trendy boutiques — including Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop — invite you to shop. Don’t miss Japan Premium Beef Butcher Shop, streetwear retailer Kith, Astor Wine and Spirits and Italian menswear purveyor Boglioli. For groceries, residents can shop at Wegmans, located on Cooper Square's other side. Step outside Astor Place at Layfette and Cooper Square and residents will find themselves across the block from two subway stations: the 6 train at Astor Place Station; and the R and W trains at 8th Street-NYU Station. A major transportation hub at Broadway Layfette Station also services the B, D, F and M trains.