About White Plains' Downtown White Plains

The Ritz Carlton is located right in the heart of the downtown of White Plains just one block away from the White Plains City Center. It dominates the downtown skyline as well it should because as I posted previously, it is the tallest building between Manhattan and Albany. The facade itself dwarfs everything in its path and is sleek and modern in with steel and glass all around. Standing at 42 stories height it consists of a hotel at its base and luxury condominiums rising into the sky are contained in its two towers. This complex itself provides a new standard of luxury for our city in condominium residences with the lowest priced sold thus far passing title for $718,000. The unit itself was a large 1 BR/1.5 BA unit (over 1000 sq.ft.) on the 11th floor. The penthouse area begins at the 36th floor with units over 5000 square feet and selling for $8 million. Owners of these units have access to a variety of special amenities including access to a special club and a private pool. These residents also have access to service from the rooftop restaurant “42” named for its location on the 42nd floor.

Speaking of restaurants, there is the BLT (Bistro Laurent Tourondel) which seats 105 and will eventually have additional seasonal outdoor seating. 42 – the 200 seat restaurant at the top of the Ritz Carlton is not part of the Ritz-Carlton facility specifically and is run by executive chef Anthony Goncalves. The views on the 42nd floor are nothing short of spectacular and include a panorama that encompasses Manhattan, the Long Island Sound, and the Hudson River, and the Hudson River Valley depending on which direction you are facing.

The fabulous five star service that are a hallmark feature of the hotel carry over into the condominium residences as do all of the hotel’s fabulous amenities - which is why owning a residence at the Ritz Carlton is considered such a special experience. The interior design elements from burnished silver leaf on the floating ceiling in the lobby, to Anegre paneling from West Africa to custom designed hand-knotted carpeting depicts a new level of luxury for our city. For more interior shots click HERE for an article in the White Plains Times.

The residence units themselves have amenities worth noting including floor to ceiling windows with electronic shades and UV protection. Top-of-the line kitchens and appliances, hard-wood floors, Ritz Carlton managed concierge service with doorman service valet parking, rooftop pool and spa access.

Cost of Living:

Most residents that come to live at the Ritz Carlton have considerable assets for a generous down payment, so I will mostly discuss taxes and common charges to give people a general idea. As stated in previously, the lowest priced unit sold for $718,000 with $8 million in the Penthouse area. The cynic in me finds it amazing that these residences are actually selling after the debacle at Trump Tower in 2005-2006. But selling they are, so the adage if you build it they will come applies here. There was far more demand for this type of residence than I realized initially.

The common charges on the lower priced units is averaging about $714/month and the tax bite without STAR is roughly $8000/year or $525/month with STAR in round numbers. Thus, without a mortgage, the cost of living before tax deductions would be roughly $1240/month. Assuming a hefty down payment ($300,000) and a mortgage of $400,000 @ 6% the monthly cost of living would be about $3000 after tax deductions and including the steep $200/month fee for valet parking for one car. A unit listed for $1,350,000 has a common charge of $961 and taxes of close to $6450 without STAR. Monthly that would run the average buyer about $1448 after tax deductions and STAR are calculated and this of course would be before any mortgage payment is made. For the extremely high-priced residences over $5 million, I don’t have listing information on these, but suffice it to say that if you have to ask, you probably can’t afford it!

Pet-Friendly Status:

I am pleased to report that the Ritz Carlton residences are pet friendly, however, there is a weight restriction of 30 lbs. So small dogs are welcome and medium dogs up to a point.

*“Touring the Ritz: Art and Architecture Create a New Realm at Renaissance Square,” by Pat Casey, The White Plains Times, December 14, 2007 was used as a reference for this post.

To Search for Homes and for further information go to my website/blog with free home search at The Westchester View.

I am always happy to answer your questions and you can speak to me directly on my moble phone: 914-374-5529.

Ah – New Years Eve. During my childhood, I spent a quiet evening with family and friends and a few noisemakers. Some eggnog maybe some toasted marshmallows in the fireplace…well that was yesteryear – Last night was a different story!

The New Year was not ushered in quietly in Renaissance Plaza in the heart of White Plains last night. The City of White Plains, NY rang in the New Year at the foot of the newly opened Ritz Carlton. A little less than a block from the City Center Plaza that boasts Trump Tower, at 42 stories, the Ritz Carlton is the tallest building between Manhattan and Albany dwarfing both Trump Tower in White Plains and Trump Plaza in New Rochelle.

At the stroke of midnight, a ball was dropped from a crane (a-la Manhattan – or the mini-me version Times Square) and the New Year was rung in with a spectacular display of fireworks. Music rocked the downtown even as the thunderous cloud of smoke was dissipating. As I was driving to the event, hoping to get a few good shots, I saw thousands of citizens walking from their condos and coops on North Broadway over to Renaissance Plaza. Personally, I chose a vantage point that was a bit more remote for a better view of the fireworks AND the opportunity to photograph them. I was blocked from seeing the ball drop, but the fire works did not disappoint. Friends who saw the display from the front were equally impressed. I got a few good shots which I am sharing with you. The Ritz Carlton is seen in the foreground with the fireworks coming from the other side of the building

If I might be so bold as to editorialize here. The fireworks were incredible and the Ritz Carlton being in White Plains, NY is admittedly a HUGE deal. It brings with it a new standard of luxury for the city with its luxury residences and five star hotel. However, as terrific as the display was, White Plains is NOT Manhattan and I wish it would STOP trying so hard to be mini-me Manhattan. Manhattan is Manhattan and there is and always will be only ONE. White Plains is also unique. By all means ring in the New Year with a bang! What we are doing right now seems a bit FORCED. Let's stop being copycats and prove that we have our own unique creativity - perhaps we could start a new tradition that is totally unique to the City of White Plains. There are imaginative people out there in our fair city....what if we held a contest...everyone entering would have an idea of how to ring in the New Year WHITE PLAINS STYLE!

To Search for Homes and for further information go to my website/blog with free home search at The Westchester View.

I am always happy to answer your questions and you can speak to me directly on my moble phone: 914-374-5529.

You don’t have to own a pet to fall in love with this complex. The

*** For a new listing – 2BR/1BA at the Broadlawn – 20 N Broadway #C313 – White Plains NY – Click Here!***

Broadlawn is a high-end cooperative in the heart of White Plains. It is literally a stone’s throw from the White Plains City Center, Trump Tower and the Ritz Carlton. Shopping, entertainment and dining are just a short stroll away, yet once you enter the complex you are a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The gardens English gardens surrounding the tudor-style garden complex gives the entire complex the look of an enchanted English garden. This complex gives puts the best of the downtown out our fingertips without the noise and congestion. The pergola provides a wonderful place to sit and lounge on a summer day. I’ve been told that cookouts are common place in the summer - and why not?

Many of the units in the Broadlawn, both 1 BR and 2 BR sport working fireplaces and many of the 2 BR have balconies overlooking the gardens. While some units on the ground level have patios with access through private french doors. If you are looking for a coop with tons of character, in the middle of the downtown that is also pet-friendly, this a place to check out.

At this moment there are several listings available at the Broadlawn. Most are 2 BR units, some with fireplaces, some with balconies. There is also a 3 BR unit for sale and a rare studio for sale.

The minimum down-payment is 10%. Parking on-site is available for $85/month. 60% of the monthly maintenance fee is tax deductible.

Over the last six months 2 1 BR units have sold with an average price of $217,000. The average monthly payment was $730.00. Six 2 BR units have also sold ranging in price from $300,000-375,000. The monthly maintenance on a 2 BR unit ranges from $945-1050. All units currently carry an additional fee of $31.00 per month. The price varies with relative condition. Some of these units have been completely renovated with granite kitchens and marble baths. Others require updating. The presence of a fireplace and/or balcony also impacts the final sale price.

The cost of living:

For a 1 BR unit with 10% down and a 6.5% 30-year fixed mortgage, the average unit will have a gross outlay would be roughly $2080/month. With mortgage interest deductions and tax deductions the outlay would be about $1700 a month. Well worth it since some rentals in the area run $2300 a month for the same amount of space.

For 2 BR units, the range is larger. But for the average 2 BR, using the same criteria, the outlay after deductions would be less than $2500/month. Well within reason given local rents.

For the latest statistics on the Broadlawn Please see my web page on The Broadlawn in The Westchester View. The site is updated regularly - so if you keep checking back you can track the market conditions at the Broadlawn

To Search for Homes and for further information go to my website/blog with free home search at The Westchester View.

I am always happy to answer your questions and you can speak to me directly on my moble phone: 914-374-5529.