A New York City development company is leading the charge toward greener high rise living. The New York Times reports that Alfa has broken ground on the fifth building of its Village Green project, which started in 2007. This condo will be located on East 21st Street and 3rd Avenue near Gramercy Park.
According to The New York Times, the residential building will boast low-energy appliances, wind-generated energy, solar-powered water heaters, and sustainably grown lumber. Since the average homeowner throws 45% of their energy bill toward heating, this could be a very different living experience — one of both luxury and energy efficiency. Alfa CEO Michael Namer said in a statement to The New York Times that the recent hurricanes should be a reminder of the realities of climate change. Condos like 200 E 21st Street are meant to combat this.
“Unfortunately, just a handful of us are doing it, and it’s shameful,” he said.
Green living is becoming more and more desirable among U.S. homeowners. In fact, in a 2016 survey by the National Association of Homebuilders, 90% of respondents listed Energy Star appliances as an essential feature in their most-wanted list. But this 21-floor complex isn’t just green, it’s also trendy, sporting bronze-lined windows and thin bricks. Each of the 67 units also enjoys plenty of natural light and stunning city views. According to StreetEasy, the condos average at $2,162 per square foot, racking up to $2,940,000 for a unit.
“With architecture by BKSK Architects, 200 East 21st Street takes essential cues from its storied past, mixing contemporary language with historical detailing; a perfect balance of technical ingenuity and design artistry—all on a human scale,” the StreetEasy description reads. “While architectural depth overhangs gracious windows, light enters the space to shape modern lives and thoughtful living.”
Justin Tuinstra, a salesman with Douglas Elliman Development Marketing, the company that is heading sales for the development, said in a statement to The New York Times that Alfa has little competition in the green-living sector. The developer has other units in the East Village, on West 21st Street, and in NoLIta.
