208 Delancey

There are several new construction condo towers that stand tall throughout the Lower East Side, but few are as architecturally distinct or cohesive as 208 Delancey. Developed by maverick developer and New Empire Real Estate chairman Bentley Zhao, the striking curvilinear midrise was designed by powerhouse firm ODA. Completed in early 2022, the L-shaped, 12-story building is articulated by wrap-around balconies, a beige-brick facade and large custom ribbon windows. This leaning Art Deco design scheme carries through to geometric wall panel and drop ceiling inserts that adorn a full suite of ground-level amenities spaces. According to ODA’s website: “Because 208 Delancey is situated in a historic, vibrant neighborhood, we paid tribute to the many types of people that have lived in the community, capturing a lively sense of movement at different scales.” With similar attention to coherent detail and finish, 85 residences are appointed with a trend-conscious white and light earth tone color palette, an airy aesthetic balanced by warm accents and copious amounts of natural light. Though situated a few blocks away from the Lower East Side’s main nightlife district and right along the entrance to the Williamsburg Bridge, 208 Delancey incorporates several architectural features that provide homeowners with the ability to retreat. Of course, they still have ample opportunities to engage with the nearby action if they choose. “Dime Square and the Rivington Street areas have become fantastic destinations with popular bars like Le Dive, Forgtmenot and Welcome to the Johnsons,” says Neal Young, a broker with Brown Harris Stevens and a long-time local resident. “What’s great about the neighborhood is that there aren’t too many chain stores. Our streets are lined with mostly independent shops and edgy art galleries.” The nearby Essex Market is a large food hall featuring different cuisines and specialty vendors. The same residential and commercial development also contains a Trader Joe’s grocery store. Residents are also likely to frequent The Whole Foods Market on the corner of East Houston Street and The Bowery. The building is five short blocks away from the Delancey Street Essex Street subway station, served by the F, M, J and Z lines. Cyclists can easily get around Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn – via a dedicated path on the adjacent Williamsburg Bridge. Car owners or homeowners who rely primarily on car services can get uptown quickly thanks to a nearby Franklin D. Roosevelt Drive onramp. There’s also a ferry service to Downtown Brooklyn, Wall Street and even Rockaway Beach. ODA principal and director of interior architecture Ryoko Okada describes the ground-level procession from the lobby to adjoining amenity spaces as a journey through sculpted organic materials. Oak accent walls that seamlessly blend into ceiling elements encapsulate the Parlor and Resident lounges. These shared spaces are outfitted with a careful distribution of minimalist yet plush settees. Other surfaces are clad in naturally patinated stone, textured tile and a sparing use of gold trim. The second, rear-facing lounge comes complete with a catering kitchen and glass-enclosed conference room that moonlights as a bookable private dining room. Large floor-to-ceiling operable walls lead out to the fully landscaped Courtyard that has additional built-in seating and plenty of room for outdoor yoga sessions. The murmur of Delancey Street traffic is hardly noticeable. Abutting the outdoor Meditation Terrace, the Fitness Center isn’t just another poorly lit facility with foam matting and nondescript equipment. 208 Delancey’s overall design scheme echoes in everything from brown leather medicine balls and punching bags to wood-framed mirrors and top-line Technogym machines. Delineated by a vine-wrapped pagoda, the Roof Terrace has long tables for al fresco dining and large sofa pits, which are all the rage these days. While half of the units are rentals, the other half are for sale. Though most have already been sold, a handful remain on the market. Across the board, prices are slightly higher than neighborhood standards but reflect 208 Delancey’s level of amenities, as well as the quality of design and finish. Studios – including a 520-square-foot penthouse – range from $675,000 to $940,000. While one bedrooms fetch $1 million to $1.5 million, two bedrooms go for $1.6 million to $2.6 million. One duplex penthouse with three bedrooms and a private rooftop recently sold for upwards of $3 million. All residences reflect ODA’s design scheme and feature pared-back but inviting finishes, curved double-exposure ribbon windows and, in many cases, private balconies. Kitchens are outfitted with White Jazz marble countertops, backsplashes and island waterfalls. Off-white lacquered and custom Oak finished cabinetry anchors Miele, Gaggenau and Bosch appliances. Brass pulls are the finishing touch. Bathrooms are fully rendered in Blue De Savoie marble and contain matte nickel Waterworks fixtures. Corian countertops are pedestaled by tambour-pattern Walnut wood vanities. No detail is left to chance, but this overall design remains a canvas for homeowners to do with as they please.