Category: Uncategorized
December 19, 2022
Neighborhood Spotlight: Gramercy Park
__ Read articleNeighborhood Spotlight: Gramercy Park
There are two things that have made Gramercy Park one of the most beloved Manhattan neighborhoods: its physical beauty and the sense of New York history that pervades not only its streets but its homes and local establishments. In “Gramercy Park: Steeped in History and Grandeur,” The New York Times pointed out how the neighborhood’s “19th-century architecture invites reveries of characters from Edith Wharton novels leaving their cards at imposing mansions.”
The heart of its beauty and elegance begins with the park itself, whose carefully manicured lawns, plantings, and walkways suggest the sweep of a Parisian garden while remaining at its core a place that could not exist anywhere but in New York City. Whether or not you have one of the coveted keys to this famously locked private park, it defines the neighborhood, giving it its character and its bucolic square of greenery and quiet amid the wilds of Manhattan. If you’re lucky enough to live at one of Algin’s nearby no-fee Manhattan apartments at The Liane and The Townsway, proximity to the park becomes a state of mind, and local bars and restaurants all contain that feeling of intimacy that comes from inhabiting a jewel box of a neighborhood.
Pete’s Tavern, considered to be New York’s oldest bar, still looks much as it did when it was first up and running in 1864. Surviving through the years of Prohibition as a speakeasy-cum-florist, it’s one of the best spots in the city to channel the New York of old without the touristy feel of a Midtown bar. You can order the O. Henry Chicken Wings and enjoy them with a beer in the very booth where the famous writer used to sit and write his New York stories. Gramercy Kitchen brings in everything you love about a New York diner with a gourmet Gramercy twist. Milkshakes and breakfast classics like eggs Benedict and bagels and lox share menu space with impeccably fresh seafood dishes like fish tacos and shrimp parmigiana.
Danny Meyer’s Gramercy Tavern is a legend in and of itself. It’s here you can linger over the Michelin-starred restaurant’s tasting menu, which features Meyer’s culinary love letter to American food made with the freshest, most seasonal ingredients in existence. But it’s also here that you can walk in for a perfect burger on a Wednesday evening and realize that in Gramercy, one of the most celebrated restaurants in the world can also be your favorite local spot, lending a neighborhood quick bite an upgrade worthy of an Edith Wharton heroine.
Contact the Algin team to hear about our portfolio of luxury homes for rent throughout the city.
December 15, 2022
Shaken, Not Stirred: The Martini Returns to Manhattan
__ Read articleShaken, Not Stirred: The Martini Returns to Manhattan
Within the often complex world of mixology, the humble martini retains its classic status. This olive-garnished cocktail, favored by “Mad Men” and stole-wearing socialites since time immemorial, is making a big return to the Manhattan bar scene. You see the iconic V-shaped glasses everywhere. The Algin Management team has surveyed the city’s bars and found three that serve a particularly mean martini — each with convenient access to an Algin Management property. Keep reading for the Algin Management guide to finding the best martinis in NYC!
Just a short walk from Hilary Gardens, Dante,has a strong claim to serving the widest variety of martinis in the city with its Martini Hour Menu, featuring half a dozen twists on the elegant cocktail, ranging from a classically styled “Dante Martini” to the adventurous “Caviar Martini,” which features toasted rye and the eponymous cured roe.
Heading Uptown, martini lovers and music aficionados will want to stop in at Bemelmans Bar at the Carlyle Hotel, a classy joint where the drinks are accompanied by live piano to create an upscale ambience. This mainstay of Upper East Side evenings out is located within moments of a number of Algin Management properties, including the spacious flats at the 96th Street Brownstones, the boutique homes at The Pearl, and the aptly named homes at The Parkview in Carnegie Hill.
While the classic martini is a sign of sophistication, people who just can’t get enough of that olive flavor will order theirs “dirty,” i.e., with an extra splash of olive juice added to the gin and vermouth. Minetta Tavern, another West Village haunt, pairs its famous dirty martini with a sumptuous burger and a pile of fries to create a simple yet unforgettable dinner combination that has been bringing New Yorkers back for more since the late 1930s. From the dining room’s tin ceiling and warm light to its red leather booths and white tablecloths, there’s no better place to enjoy this twist on the legendary cocktail.
No matter where you wash down your last drop of gin and eat your last olive, rest assured that there’s a quality Algin Management property nearby. For a full list of these no-fee rentals around NYC, check the Algin website, and secure your foothold in your favorite neighborhood today.
November 28, 2022
The Best Pilates in Uptown Manhattan
__ Read articleThe Best Pilates in Uptown Manhattan
There is a Pilates renaissance happening on the internet, where, according to What’s Trending, “Many creators on TikTok are claiming that this exercise is making the most change to their bodies than anything they’ve ever done.” And residents of Algin Managemnet’s no-fee rental apartments in Uptown Manhattan have the luxury of living near some of the finest Pilates studios in the country.
While there are many reasons why this form of exercise is having a moment on the internet, one of them is the simple fact that the TikTokers are reporting what some of New York’s finest Pilates instructors have known for years—that it aims to build power in the core, the place on which so much of the health of the body and mind rely. Moreover, the IRL experience enhances the sense of community and allows Pilates practitioners to achieve a state of calm we often associate with the yoga experience.
Just five minutes from Sessanta, residents will find Solidcore, where the strength training workout is paired with a highly intentional atmosphere of dim blue lights, carefully chosen music, the signature Solidcore equipment, and world-class instructors. Each class has a different focus and includes foundations, full body, arms+abs, buns+guns, buns+abs, and core30. The coaches here come from a wide array of backgrounds, but you’ll find many with strong dance backgrounds, like Maya P. who trained as both a dancer and an aerialist.
Near Algin Management’s selection of properties on the Upper East Side, you’ll find Uptown Pilates, where both private and group classes are on offer. This intimate, inviting studio on Madison Avenue offers a chance to feel truly at home, thanks to light-infused rooms (some with a skylight) that will make the effort feel at least partly like an escape. Instructors here will help tailor each class to your needs in private sessions and remain attentive to your specific needs, even in group classes. The Introductory Private Class Special includes four private sessions at a discount and is the perfect way to make the small commitment you need to discover how much you will appreciate the benefits if you make Pilates a long-term part of your life.
Club Pilates is just five minutes from Algin’s property at 330 East 85th St. and is the kind of place that, once you become a regular, will turn into one of the defining experiences of your neighborhood. You’ll find the standard Pilates Reformer equipment here, along with BOSU balls, EXO chairs, and rollers. With an ethos that is welcoming to all bodies of all ages, this is a studio where the particular well-being that can be achieved through attention to core strength is both toning and healing. It’s the reason TikTok is exploding now with Pilates fans, and it’s something you can learn from the true pros in elegant settings.
Contact the Algin team to learn about the possibilities that open up when you live in one of our no-fee luxury rentals in Uptown Manhattan.
October 11, 2022
Living A Life of Luxury at The ARO Sky Club
__ Read articleLiving A Life of Luxury at The ARO Sky Club
ARO residents are lounging in style at the ARO Sky Club. This chic oasis is perched high above the hustle and bustle of West 53rd Street, creating an elevated lifestyle for residents who can enjoy this rare amenity without leaving the comfort of their own building. Read on to learn more about how residents of these no-fee apartments in NYC kickback while taking in iconic New York City skyline views. .
Open year-round, the ARO Sky Club features a spacious indoor lounge as well as an outdoor pool and deck (pool open during Summer months). The club sits on the 60th floor, making its pool one of the highest in the city and providing swimmers and sunbathers with unbeatable views that encompass Manhattan landmarks like the Empire State Building and One World Trade Center, as well as the sweep of the boroughs beyond, the Hudson and East Rivers, and New Jersey.
Cooling off in the pool is just one of the ways that residents can enjoy the Sky Club when open. The pool deck features seating that’s great for relaxing or setting up with a laptop for a few hours of light work, while the indoor lounge features a wet bar and additional seating for larger gatherings. Though the pool is a favorite destination during the summer months, the lounge takes over in the winter, providing residents with a comfortable spot from which to enjoy the expansive rooftop views afforded by the Sky Club.
The ARO Sky Club is the crown jewel of the building’s suite of luxury amenities. Residents will also find an indoor pool; a fully equipped fitness center with a basketball court and golf simulator; an epicurean chef’s kitchen, where residents can cook and serve a meal for a large group; and convenience and safety amenities like an attended parking garage and lobby. No matter what time of year, ARO residents will always have a host of amenities and services designed to enrich their lives waiting for them inside their own building.
Of course, many view living in Midtown Manhattan as the ultimate luxury amenity. ARO’s central location gives residents easy access to the best that the city has to offer, from fine dining and world-class museums to high-end shopping and renowned theaters, all backed up by transit hubs that connect this dense urban environment to the entire tri-state area.
Whether you want to explore the Hudson Valley or relax poolside, ARO’s got you covered. Check availability for these no-fee apartments in Manhattan here.
August 17, 2022
Hidden Entrances and Jazz Age Cocktails: Manhattan’s Speakeasy Scene
__ Read articleAugust 2, 2022
Stay Caffeinated This Summer With Algin Management
__ Read articleStay Caffeinated This Summer With Algin Management
The perfect summer day in NYC starts with a caffeine fix, and Algin Management’s Properties puts you just moments from the city’s hottest coffee spots, where the iced coffee is as refreshing as the atmosphere is inspiring.
You will fall in love with local favorite Sorella, a gem of a shop on 27th Street near Third Avenue. This small business does everything with a personal touch, with coffee beans from Brooklyn’s Partners Coffee, outdoor space, an old-fashioned time card puncher for regulars — who can earn a free drink by racking up 10 punches — and a cozy indoor window seat. Pair your coffee with a gluten-free croissant and you’ll have a gourmet start to your morning. It’s a nice complement to the boutique atmosphere of the no-fee apartments at The Townsway, where the intimacy of a quaint neighborhood and the excitement of Manhattan strike a perfect balance.
With its Mercer Street address in Greenwich Village, Hilary Gardens is at the heart of one of the most desirable neighborhoods in the world. Living here, you’ll be just minutes from the best version of almost everything, including the luxury shopping of SoHo, the foreign films at the Angelika Film Center, the gardens and outdoor music of Washington Square Park, and the beloved coffee at Irving Farm. Started as a labor of love on Irving Place by founders Steve and David in 1996, Irving Farm has grown into a roasting company with its own roastery in Millerton, New York. The flavor profile favors the balanced and sweet, and the personal attention to sources and roasting beans is apparent in every sip. Known for sleek and minimalist interiors, Irving Farm is the kind of place you can call your morning go-to as well as a great place to meet a friend or work on your novel. Order your iced coffee along with a ham and cheese croissant and grab a seat in the park for a morning routine that is pure Downtown New York.
Another iconic spot that helps define life at the no-fee Algin residences in New York City is Riverside Park, which is a short distance from Sessanta and other select Upper West Side Algin residences. And on Riverside Boulevard, right by the park, you’ll find Blu Café, where you can check in for just-right iced coffee, hot matcha, or a pear tart slathered with whipped cream. Come for the coffee and stay for the outdoor seating, where the people-watching is as enticing as the city views. It’s all a part of the lifestyle at Algin Properties, where the best of New York becomes your community, your neighborhood, and your daily routine. Contact our team today to experience it for yourself!
July 5, 2022
Algin’s Guide to Best Sushi in the Village
__ Read articleAlgin’s Guide to Best Sushi in the Village
Greenwich Village is the beating heart of New York City’s generation-spanning Downtown, which has defined underground—and mainstream—culture and the very definition of cool. As residents of Algin Management’s no-fee apartments in Manhattan are well aware, the Village’s bustling nightlife and music scene, street fashion, and vintage and indie shops are only part of the allure of living in one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in the world. In fact, one of the many perks of Greenwich Village for foodies is its range of sushi restaurants, which provide a one-of-a-kind dining experience. From bespoke playlists to accompany your meal to specialty hand rolls, Greenwich Village’s sushi offerings are among the finest in the city.
For a truly “only in New York” adventure, Tokyo Record Bar is an experience and destination, ideal for a change from the ordinary night out or to impress friends with in-the-know local spots. This tiny restaurant, with indoor and outdoor seating, is tucked away in a basement space and features two or three seatings each day (depending on the day) for the Vinyl Jukebox/Izakaya prix-fixe, seven-course tasting menu. The meal begins with a menu of records to select from, so each guest contributes to a playlist to be enjoyed with the rest of the evening’s diners. With music selected, the courses will arrive with a mix that might include oysters, pork belly, and tempura, as well as a dessert—and a slice of pizza to make sure you leave your meal as full as you want to be.
Another game-changing Japanese-food destination is DOMODOMO. This award-winning sushi joint holds bragging rights as the first dedicated hand roll bar in the city. While hand rolls are its signature menu offering, DOMODOMO now offers an omakase-inspired tasting menu, as well as other a la carte dishes, like their squid ink pasta topped with uni and caviar. The hand rolls are still the go-to dish for good reason—with the perfectly balanced combination of sushi rice, seaweed, and fresh fish. The ambience is quiet, peaceful, and perfect for enjoying a nicely balanced selection of dishes.
Finally, for a true Greenwich Village institution, Japonica has been serving its Downtown patrons since 1978 and continues to delight and attract crowds year-round from its neighborhood faithfuls, and, of course, those simply seeking an excellent sushi meal. Creative rolls, like its Japonica Invention, and bento boxes, sashimi, sushi, and kitchen dishes are all served up in the dining room, which is decked out in traditional Japanese decor, or at the gleaming sushi bar. Its consistently fresh sushi and welcoming and efficient service have been staples for a half-century.
With these neighborhood stalwarts, Greenwich Village continues to be home to some of the city’s best sushi restaurants—both longstanding and cutting-edge–so residents can find exactly what they’re craving each night of the week. To learn about Algin’s exciting rentals in the Village—and in other parts of the city—contact our leasing team today.
May 10, 2022
Algin’s Guide to Restaurants in Midtown West With Outdoor Seating
__ Read articleAlgin’s Guide to Restaurants in Midtown West With Outdoor Seating
With New York City bathed in glorious spring sunshine, it’s time to seek out the crème de la crème of restaurants offering al fresco dining experiences. The Algin Management team drew from its collective culinary expertise to create this list of Midtown West eating establishments, where you can feast outdoors in style.
Refinery Rooftop | 63 West 38th Street
When the weather turns balmy, savvy New Yorkers head for the city’s rooftop bars, and Refinery Rooftop is a classic of the genre. Here, industrial-chic (think exposed brick and steel girders) meets stunning Manhattan cityscapes, including a view of the Empire State Building worth coming back for again and again. And we haven’t even started on the bar menu. We recommend the zingy 13th Floor Margarita, mixed with mango tequila and fresh habaneros, and the seared ahi tuna salad. No wonder USA Today named this America’s “Best Hotel Rooftop Bar” for three consecutive years.
La Grande Boucherie | 145 West 53rd Street
An entire block of Midtown West is occupied by La Grande Boucherie’s splendid Parisian plaza. Seated beneath its très jolie grand glass roof — dripping with chandeliers — you’ll believe you’ve been transported to the City of Lights, as snappily dressed waitstaff shuttle back and forth with dishes of juicy filet au poivre, and top up flutes with Piper-Heidsieck Champagne. Continental atmosphere and high-caliber cuisine aside, this art nouveau-inspired restaurant offers the double delight of spring sunshine, while keeping you covered in case of sudden spring showers.
Sushi Lab | 132 West 47th Street
As its name suggests, Sushi Lab’s aim is to take the bite-sized Japanese dish to the next level. Book a table beneath the rooftop bar’s enchanting floral canopy and get your chopsticks into tasty morsels like charred edamame with black truffle salt and lemon zest; and the “Gold Digger,” a stack of Wagyu beef, scallop, and caviar that is absolutely out of this world. Pair dishes with artisan sake and Japanese whiskey, and find yourself in sushi shangri-la.
Giardino 54 | 400 1/2 West 54th Street
Colorful parasols provide respite from the sun’s rays in Giardino 54’s Italianate garden dining area. Gather around the table with friends and family en masse, just like the Italians do, and while the evening away over mouthwatering plates of gnocchi with gorgonzola and walnut sauce, washed down with carafes of Sangiovese red and Trebbiano white. Giardino is open till 11 p.m. most days, so you can take your time catching up on the gossip over plates of exquisite food.
The Algin portfolio offers a range of perfect no-fee apartments close to all of these top-notch outdoor dining experiences in NYC. Find your dream apartment in Manhattan — contact the Algin Management team today.
May 10, 2022
A Perfect Day in Greenwich Village
__ Read articleA Perfect Day in Greenwich Village
There’s no lovelier time to be in NYC than in the spring. And there’s no better place to experience the excitement that surrounds this warm-weather season than in Greenwich Village at the no-fee New York City apartments of Hilary Gardens.
Perfectly situated in the heart of Downtown, the residences at Hilary Gardens offer modern and luxe living all year long, but when the snow melts and the trees begin to bloom, this 35-story building gives you a chance to experience spring in all its glory: Watch the city come to life as you sit at home looking at the jaw-dropping views from high above. Get a breath of fresh air as you lounge on the balcony. And take in all the culinary and cultural wonders Greenwich Village affords just minutes away from these singular no-fee apartments.
There’s a lot to do, so let’s head out and see what this charming neighborhood has to offer for the perfect spring day in Greenwich Village.
Start your sunny day with a morning stroll around the area and a trip to nearby historic Washington Square Park. Give yourself a little fuel for a walk with a stop by the Whistle & Fizz for one of their signature sparkling teas or an expertly poured cup of Stumptown coffee.
A seat in Washington Square Park should be easy to find at this time of day. Indulge as you daydream and people watch while the morning progresses, and the park fills with students, picnickers, and performers who showcase talents ranging from mime to breakdancing to classical piano playing. Yes, occasionally, a pianist with a full-sized piano in tow delights park goers with their skills on the keys.
Even your pooch can enjoy the pup-friendly perks of Greenwich Village, after all, the area’s charming streets are an ideal place for your pup to show off their new style from the groomer or to meet the other neighborhood dogs. But if they really need to blow off steam, Washington Square Park’s fenced-in dog run allows dogs to work out those four legs until it’s nap time.
When morning breezes into the afternoon, you’re sure to have quite an appetite. Luckily, the options in this part of town are limitless, but there’s one dish you can’t miss, New York pizza, and the choices for a classic New York slice are plentiful in Greenwich Village.
If you’re hungry for an old-school throwback, get a cozy table at John’s Pizzeria on Bleecker Street for an authentic coal-fired pie. Those who want something on-the-go and quick should hit up the ever-popular Joe’s for what is considered by many to be one of the best slices in the city. This perfectly balanced pizza combines fresh mozzarella, just-tangy-enough sauce, and a crisp yet foldable crust and has made Joe’s a Village institution for decades. Looking for something a little different from your traditional pizza? Artichoke Pizza is your spot for creative creations like the square cut and dense vodka slice or their creamy and over-the-top artichoke option.
After you fill up, find a spot to relax and digest with a drink. The bar and cafe scene in the Village is unsurpassed, thanks to spots like Caffe Reggio and Bar Pisellino, where it’s always nice to read a book or catch up with friends. If you happen to get peckish around dinnertime, no worries: Greenwich Village is a foodie haven that beckons you with some of the top restaurants in the world, including Carbone, Minetta Tavern, and Jane.
As the nighttime scene picks up, you have the choice of almost any and every bar. But to make your perfect spring day even more special, get ready to laugh at the Comedy Cellar, where you might just see one of the comedy greats walk in and do a set.
When you’re ready to head home for a serene spring night indoors, you’ll be happy to know that the no-fee apartments of Hilary Gardens are only a few blocks away. For information about the residences at Hilary Gardens or any of the other properties in our portfolio, contact our leasing team.
March 31, 2022
Algin’s Spotlight on ARO
__ Read articleAlgin’s Spotlight on ARO
The longer and warmer days of spring are just around the corner, and New Yorkers are more than ready to start enjoying them. And with 40,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor amenities, ARO’s no-fee apartments in NYC’s Midtown neighborhood provide every conceivable comfort and convenience. So let the luxuriating begin!
Of course, the breadth of ARO’s amenities means there is always something new to discover. There are endless ways for residents to relax and be entertained all year round, no matter what it’s like outside. Whether doing laps in the indoor pool, perfecting their swing at the golf simulator, or breaking a sweat in the state-of-the-art fitness center, options abound for staying active. The game room is ideal for all ages, while the member’s lounge offers a sleek site to enjoy a cocktail with a friend or to kick back in a home away from home.
With the warmer weather emerging, it’s time to pull the short sleeves and sandals out of
storage and explore the range of ARO’s outdoor amenities. At the literal pinnacle of ARO is the ARO Sky Club. With blue skies and the Hudson River and Manhattan skyline as a backdrop, residents can take a refreshing plunge in the outdoor pool. Afterward, they can sunbathe beside the gardens and dig into the latest bestseller, or just savor a meditative moment of repose.
For a change of scenery — whether working from home, entertaining guests, or simply enjoying an evening cocktail — the Garden Terrace offers comfortable outdoor seating and tables among greenery and flowers in bloom. And nothing heralds the celebratory feel of spring and summer like a barbecue. The terrace is equipped with a full grill and ample space to host and feed a crowd, or to perfect that grilled sweet corn salad recipe for dinner at home.
Embrace these opportunities to relax and relish the warmer weather. Contact the leasing team today at rent@aro.nyc and discover all of the springtime amenities at ARO.