Finally, A "Hip" Family Condo, "Georgica" To Grace Upper East Side!

(photo courtesy curbed.com)

Ascend Group, the super-hot developer of recent "A Building" and "133 West 22nd Street", is vowing to bring hipness to The Upper East Side with it's newly named "Georgica" condo at 85th Street and 2nd Avenue. Speaking with a principal of Ascend Group today, I was intrigued by the details. The architect on the property is Cetra/Ruddy of One Madison Park fame. The building will be 21 stories, house 58 "family-sized" units (no studios or 1 bedrooms), and pricing will be similar to The Brompton, somewhere around $1400-$1500psf to start. The name, "The Georgica", draws inspiration from the Hamptons, and the building sets out to be "not quite as formal" as The Lucida and The Brompton, while taking on a decidedly "hipper" and "boutique" feel. While being hip, it will still focus on catering to families. In addition to a long list of amenities, alongside the adult section of the roof deck with cabanas, there will also be a section dedicated to children. "Outdoor movies" for kids were also mentioned, an exciting prospect. The building will have a 421-a tax abatement and will incorporate "green elements". The location, despite being farther East than it's completion, is arguably better due to it's more residential feel than it's nearby competitors. You'll also have the Second Avenue "T" subway station just a block away (some day). The Georgica, with it's combination of concept, developer, and architect smells like a winner right out of the gate. Sales start in March and completion is expected in late 2009.

Development Du Jour: Georgica (Curbed)

New Condo planned For 305 East 85th (City Realty)

Ascend Group Wins Bidding For East Side Site (Encyclopedia.com)