TF Cornerstone’s Pepsi Project

TF Cornerstone’s latest  project is progressing nicely along the East River.  The 41-story building is part of a larger 2,000+ unit project featuring both sales and rentals.  The latest rendering you see below will have 820 studio, through three-bedroom apartments  “Studios start at $2,125/month, one-bedrooms at $2,645/month, two-bedrooms at $3,875/month, and three-bedrooms at$5,390/month” (Curbed)

Gantry Plaza State Park houses the iconic Pepsi sign you see in the rendering.  The recently expanded park was once a Pepsi factory.  I highly suggest heading out to the park for amazing views of the city, or to check out the sign itself.  The picture you see below was taken from TF Cornerstone’s website.  With views like that, it is easy to see how the project is commanding those prices.

Take a look at the rooftop amenity spaces in the rendering below.

The East Village

For many young and first time renters, this New York neighborhood may be your best bet.  Located (roughly, as with almost all New York neighborhoods) from 14th street to Houston, and from the East River to Broadway, this plot of land has quickly moved its way up in terms of desirability. The neighborhood, which was once known for crime, drugs, and St. Marks celebrities like Madonna and Keith Harring, is gentrifying nicely and becoming a destination neighborhood.

Those looking to move here tend to be young, college educated (or in college thanks to neighboring NYU and The New School), socially active, and upwardly mobile.  Thanks in part of New York City’s Landmark and Preservation Society, many of the 6-story walk-up buildings cannot be torn down or redeveloped. but offer the charm and sophistication many new buildings cannot.  New York is a city of exceptions, but I would recommend this neighborhood to someone who is new to the city, younger, and socially active.  If you are looking for a quiet neighborhood, don’t move here.  AM New York, voted the East Village as the city’s loudest neighborhood.  That can be attributed to the plethora of bars, restaurants, and young people living in the area.

Here are a few things I recommend doing if you want to get a little more familiar with the neighborhood:

1.  Tompkins Square Park  (10th and Ave A) – This park has quickly become one of my favorite areas in the EV.  Bars and restaurants line the west side, while beautiful brownstones line the north side.  The park itself is home to huge elm trees (random, but beautiful), is a little less crowded than nearby Washington Square Park, and is a great place to people watch.

2.  Big Gay Ice Cream (7th b/t 1st and A) – A new addition to the neighborhood, New Yorkers from near and far flock to this small little shop throughout the entire year.  The name is as bold and delicious as the ice cream itself.  Be prepared to wait in line (it is worth it), especially on a hot summer’s day.

3.  Astor Place (St. Marks and Lafayette Street) – A more corporate-esque part of the East Village.  Nearby St. Marks is a gateway for amazing bars, restaurants, and people watching, while this part of the neighborhood is an epicenter for J.Crew, Facebook (coming soon) and a MASSIVE Starbucks.

4.  Yoga To The People (St. Marks b/t 3rd and 2nd) – Possibly one of the East Village’s (and New York’s) coolest assets.  This studio, located on St. Marks Street, “provides pay what you can” yoga classes.  Rich,, poor, young, old, all head to these hour long classes.  I recommend heading there at night for a candle lit class.

5.  Pomme Frites (2nd Avenue b/t 7th and 8th) – My favorite late night hot spot.  Like Big Gay Ice Cream, you will have to brave the crowds, but the wait is well worth it.  These hole in the wall restaurant tantalizes diners with a ton of different dipping sauces.  The fresh, made to order, french fries are served hot, fast, and ready to go.  Don’t hesitate to try a free sample to help make up your mind