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Sales Begin at Murray Hill's First Green Building
Published: September 26, 2008
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By Erika Schnitzer, Associate Editor
New York--Sales have begun at Toll Brothers Inc. and The Kibel Companies’ 303 E. 33rd, the first green development in New York City’s Murray Hill neighborhood.
The 128-unit project is designed for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. “We thought our customers would probably be concerned with these issues and feel better about buying in a LEED-rated building,” says Peter Levenson, principal, The Kibel Companies.
303 E. 33rd features Energy Star appliances and water-reducing fixtures, as well as bamboo flooring and cabinetry in the residences. Additionally, it offers ample bicycle storage and reduced parking rates for residents with energy-efficient or hybrid cars.
“The mechanical systems and certification are a major piece of LEED certification,” notes Levenson. The project also has recycled the materials from the demolition of the previous building, as well as debris from construction. Low-VOC paints, adhesives and carpets contribute to the air quality.
Designed by Perkins-Eastman, the 12-story 303 E. 33rd offers studios, one-, two- and three-bedroom residences, ranging in size from approximately 500 sq. ft. to 3,000 sq. ft. Also available is a three-bedroom, four-bathroom triplex penthouse with 1,700 sq. ft. of outdoor space. Pricing ranges from $635,000 to $4.5 million.
303 E. 33rd offers over 50 different floor plans. “What we tried to do is provide a great deal of value in what we’re selling, so one can purchase an apartment at 303 and have a very comfortable place to live,” Levenson says.
Amenities include full-service concierge, a media lounge, fitness center, children’s playroom, on-site valet parking,and a 5,000-sq.-ft. roof terrace with a recessed reflecting pool, bocce court and outdoor grilling areas. Additionally, the roof garden features plants designed to reduce the building's heating and cooling costs.
“I think the economy will affect the availability of mortgage money, but we believe the product we are providing is unique. I think people would rather put their savings into a new condo than a mortgage-backed security or a stock,” Levenson tells MHN.
Construction is expected to be complete in the summer of 2009.
