The Chelsea Stratus, located at 101 West 24th Street is a condominium building built approximately four years ago -- and boy was this developer spot on. I have to say that this is one of the few buildings where there is a list of people waiting to buy or rent in this building. It's truly amazing. And what's even more amazing is the fact that -- as recently as 1997 -- almost nobody would live here.
In this neighborhood, the pioneering building was the Chelsea Mercantile at 24-25th Street and Seventh Avenue. It was an empty building that was turned into condominiums. They were already selling like hot cakes -- and even more so as soon as Whole Foods went in to the retail space downstairs. Now you have wonderful retail stores, like Whole Foods and Buy Buy Baby, Chase Bank, Starbucks, movie theatres, Garden of Eden, and all different kinds of trendy restaurants in the area.
So then in 2008, here comes the tallest building in Chelsea to date -- and one with unsurpassable amenities and remarkable views at that. This is exactly what the market had been craving. The amenities include a gym, a basketball court, a roof terrace with 360 degree stunning views of Hudson River the city, the new Freedom Tower, and it has a dog run and two grills. There is also a lounge/party room/screening room with two large flatscreen TVs, couches, a dining table, massive fireplace, full catering kitchen, bathroom and an enormous garden area with another grill, plus a pool table. Anyone can rent the space out, and I have actually been there for baby showers, birthdays and even a bris. The building also offers private storage, a wine cellar, a bike room, and a web-based computerized system where you can sign in and see if you have packages, as well as alert the doorman that you have a friend coming let him know it's okay to give them a key.
Usually when you go into a building you never see the amenity areas being used, but that is not the case at the Chelsea Stratus. Oh and don't let me forget, the staff is absolutely amazing and you are also walking distance to Madison Square Park, Mario Batali's hot new eatery, Eataly, and so much more. These kinds of first class amenities and the stellar location explain the mile-long waitlist. This is the new gold standard for luxury apartment buildings.
Rumor has it there is finally an opening at the building. People are already clamoring for it and once it goes on the market I have a feeling it's going to be like that song, "Who Let the Dogs Out." Hoo hoo hoo.
I'd love to hear from you: Do you know the Chelsea Stratus? Have you encountered any other buildings with a mega-long waitlist? What are your must-have amenities in an apartment building? Leave it in the comments and let's discuss!