Month: February 2024

Greenwich Village, with its cobblestone streets and stoop-fronted row houses, has long been a font of inspiration for the free-spirited and the forward-thinkers, where the past intertwines seamlessly with the present. At its core stands Algin Management’s Hilary Gardens—a collection with the intimate ambiance of a boutique residence. 

Ascending to the 35th floor, a rooftop deck treats residents to a temperature-controlled outdoor pool; it’s a veritable sanctuary above. But Hilary Gardens isn’t just a residence—it’s a point of entry into the storied world of Greenwich Village.

Famed urbanist and activist Jane Jacobs found her muse in the eclectic urban patchwork of Greenwich Village. In its charming jumble of crooked streets and diverse dwellers, she discerned the fundamental elements that sustain vibrant communities. Jacobs celebrated the spontaneous sidewalk ballet that connected neighbors and local businesses. In the Village’s pulsing local economy and ever-evolving cultural fringe, she recognized neighborhoods as living organisms—sensitive ecosystems that standard planning models failed to grasp.

Washington Square Park is the thriving epicenter of that Greenwich Village community. As the day winds down, the park comes alive with impromptu dance sessions and live music, the fountain framed by street performers and vendors selling crafts. NYU students strum guitars beneath the arch while locals socialize on shaded benches, soaking in the enduring bohemian spirit embedded in the Village streets around them.

Among many historic row houses edging Washington Square park sits the stoic brick façade of the 1799 Isaacs-Hendricks House (77 Bedford St), a stunning testament to Greek Revival resilience, and the oldest house in Greenwich Village. 

Venture to the Stonewall Inn (53 Christopher St), its walls still echoing the cries of LGBTQ+ liberation that catalyzed an unstoppable movement. Linger at the Village Vanguard (178 7th Ave) next, letting the sweet serenade of jazz wash over you—the same melodies that have shaped the Village sound for generations.

Artistic visionaries sparked Greenwich Village’s enduring creative legacy, and fresh talents propel it into the future at a cluster of galleries, immediately south of the neighborhood’s Houston Street frontier. LUMAS (474 W Broadway) spotlights over 3,000 limited-edition photographic works by established and rising talents, offering custom designs and personalized service, while Perseus Gallery (456 W Broadway) champions ambitious emerging artists, providing tailored education and acclaimed platforms to develop professional careers. Finally, the boutique Georges Berges Gallery (462 W Broadway) cultivates a salon-style space to exhibit contemporary works and spark community around the next wave of innovation.

And at Hilary Gardens’ no-fee boutique apartments residents are privileged to inhabit this dynamic nexus of historical heritage and creative society, with layers of advocacy, rebellion, and artistic flowering cultivated over the years. 

Explore the culinary delights surrounding Laurence Towers, premier No-Fee Apartments managed by Algin Management, located on East 33rd Street. 

Sought-after for its eclectic array of eateries, historic charm, and lively atmosphere, East 33rd Street serves as a culinary hub in Murray Hill, presenting a rich selection of gastronomic experiences that cater to every palate, from fine dining to casual bites. 

Laurence Towers residents have a world of culinary delights at their doorstep, with three standout spots ready to whisk them away on a flavorful journey that’ll make them question whether they’re dining out or traveling the globe. 

Our journey begins at One Two Thai (153 East 33rd Street), a restaurant that offers an authentic exploration of Thai cuisine. Welcoming, compact, and cozy, it stands as a well-kept secret among neighborhood food aficionados. 

A stand-out dish is Pad See Ew, weaving together a complex tapestry of flavors and textures. This traditional entree features satisfyingly thick, ribbon-like noodles, Chinese broccoli, and a finish of scrambled egg elegantly tossed in a deep and rich soy sauce base. Equally compelling is the fragrant Basil Fried Rice, a vibrant choice where the bright, pungent aroma of fresh basil leaves—peppery and slightly minty with a touch of sweetness—elevates the simple stir-fry to heights of aromatic delight. 

Also in the limelight, Al Horno Lean Mexican Kitchen (156 East 33rd Street) is redefining Mexican cuisine with fresh flair, offering food, smoothies, and juices that are as vibrant and lively as the streets of New York City (including East 33rd Street) and as lean (and mean) as Derek Jeter. With a menu that walks the line between the traditional and nuevo healthy, Al Horno Lean Mexican Kitchen proves that eating wholesome doesn’t mean sacrificing taste. 

On the one hand, there’s the uber-healthy Kale Burrito featuring, you guessed it, kale, lightly sauteed to dial down the bitterness and dial-up flavor, with the roasted corn pico, beans, and other delicious ingredients all tightly rolled up in a whole wheat tortilla. Then there’s the Wild Buffalo Burrito with, nope, not bison meat, but buffalo sauce, chicken, and additional fillings to create a bold taste! Those juice combinations from the Juice Bar, tho, maybe start with Libido Loco and finish with the Just Chillin. 

The last highlight falls on Cask NYC (167 East 33rd Street), a cozy spot with a rustic vibe where bartenders aren’t just mixing drinks—they’re whipping up cocktails with flair and chatting up guests about all things Bourbon and Rye Whiskey. And it’s not just about the drinks; the menu adds fun spins to old favorites that’ll have your taste buds dancing with delight. 

The Spanish Mussels—a highlight among the small plates—are delicately simmered in a sumptuous shellfish broth, infused with the smoky undertones of Spanish chorizo and brightened by a dollop of spring onion puree. Accompanied by grilled sourdough bread, they present the perfect means to savor every drop of this flavorful concoction. For carnivores, the Hanger Steak, topped with chimichurri sauce and served up with cipollini onions and fingerling potatoes, promises to satisfy even the most ferocious of appetites. It’s all that and a bag of doughnuts (which are, indeed, on the menu). 

Those residing at Laurence Towers, No-Fee Apartments in Manhattan, have the enviable luxury of stepping right out their door and into the pulse of East 33rd Street. It’s not just an address—it’s an invitation to dive fork first into a diverse and dynamic dining experience.