125 W 21st St

The Indigo

Although it was completed in 2006, The Indigo’s 13-story zinc and aluminum facade is neatly camouflaged into its pre-war block. Yet unlike some of its older neighbors, this upscale boutique condo offers post-war conveniences like washers and dryers, air conditioning and wine coolers. Philip Wells, an experienced broker with Corcoran, shares that the building’s prime Chelsea location, boutique vibe, friendly lobby attendants and roomy layouts all combine to attract residents. Plus, “For the age of the building, it still feels pretty new,” he adds. The Indigo’s 52 units exude a loft-like vibe thanks to floor-to-ceiling casement windows that open onto Juliet balconies, 12-foot ceilings and open kitchens. The latter come standard with German-crafted Poggenpohl cabinets featuring partial glass fronts, Viking ranges, dishwashers, wine coolers and quartz counters. Several updated units include Sub-Zero refrigerators. Hardwood floors are found in living areas and bedrooms, although primary bathrooms kick it up a notch with heated limestone floors. Soaking tubs and separate showers continue the luxe theme, and some bathrooms also include separate steam showers. Stacked in-unit Maytag washers and dryers round out a comfortable lifestyle. Units start at 605 square feet for a one-bath studio and top out at 2,725 square feet for five bedrooms and five baths on the penthouse floor. Prices range from close to $1 million to about $4.6 million. The building’s intimate size creates a sense of community, starting with the small lobby staffed by a full-time lobby attendant, but buyers are also attracted to the building’s low-key boutique vibe. On a recent visit, Siena Green, a licensed agent with the Marcus-Wells team of Corcoran, shares how an interested buyer would only see a unit on the condition that The Indigo is a quiet building. (It is.) The limited main amenities comprise a small rooftop deck with lounge chairs and skyline views, along with a similarly sized, second-floor outdoor terrace with seating. Trendy everything tends to converge in Chelsea: fitness studios, art galleries, cafes, restaurants, nightlife and shopping are all here, and many are within easy walking distance. For example, local chain Joe Coffee is literally next door, while the longstanding, high-end Antonio Prieto Salon and famed Kleinfeld Bridal store are just a block away. Slightly further are destination food halls Eataly and Chelsea Market, both drawing locals and tourists alike, offering all things Italian at the former and curated local vendors at the latter. Again, both locals and tourists also head to the far west side for the High Line, a 1.45-mile-long elevated park; Chelsea Piers, a massive fitness complex on the waterfront; and Hudson River Park, an extremely popular fitness draw for cyclists and runners that extends for four miles along the Hudson. There’s also Madison Square Park and its sceney dog park just a short walk to the east. For groceries, Trader Joe's is at the end of the block, convenient for frequent food runs, plus Whole Foods and Westside Market, a local gourmet chain, are only a few blocks north. Chelsea is well served by trains, with many subway lines within a 10-minute walk. The local 1 at 23rd and 7th is the closest, while reverse commuters will find a PATH station with trains to New Jersey at 23rd and 6th, plus the F and M lines. Continuing east, the R and W lines are at 23rd and Broadway, with the 6 train, which traverses the east side, just two blocks further on Park Avenue South. In the opposite direction are the A, C and E lines at 23rd and 8th. Crosstown buses also provide frequent service along 23rd Street, a major artery and the best way to reach the west side. And bike commuters will find a Citi Bike station at the corner of 6th Ave.