368 3rd Ave Unit 21B

VU Condominiums

From the 34th floor penthouse, the floor-to-ceiling windows and sprawling outdoor terrace make the surrounding New York City skyline the living space’s backdrop, allowing the VU to easily live up to its name. “It’s called the VU for a reason,” says Malessa Rambarran, a real estate salesperson with Brown Harris Stevens. On Third Avenue between East 26th and 27th Streets, the 36-story structure looks out over the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building and the historic architecture of the Flatiron District. Designed by SLCE architects, the slim tower opened in 2021; its unassuming covered entrance — slightly jutting out between the bakeries, bodegas and bars that surround it on Third Avenue — belie the luxury within. Thanks to its location along the one-way street, and despite the proximity to the restaurants of Rose Hill, the building is surprisingly quiet. While 100 units populate the building, “it feels more boutique” than many other condos, Rambarran says. Residences feature tasteful interior designs by Paris Forino which activate a neutral palette that feels warm rather than austere. Studios to three-bedrooms include Calcutta Z marble countertops, white lacquer and bleached oak cabinetry and Miele appliances. A two-bedroom with an open kitchen and en suite white marble-clad bathrooms sells for $2 million. According to Rambarran, studios and one-bedrooms sold quickly, but it’s still possible to snag a 3,000-square foot duplex penthouse with 11-foot ceilings, spacious walk-in closets and incredible city views for under $10 million. Closing credit incentives may be available for a limited time. The building’s boutique feel begins in the Paris Forino-designed lobby, which includes an attendant and secure package room. Elevators carry residents to the second floor where a small media room can be booked for private screenings, and a residents’ lounge provides a kitchen and bar, as well as ample space for working. In-building fitness facilities include a well-equipped gym and separate yoga/Pilates studio. On the 36th floor, a small roof terrace allows for lounging and entertaining while taking in impressive views of the east side and ships sailing along the East River. The VU allows pets and in-building laundry is available. The VU’s location puts it in prime proximity to some of Rose Hill’s best Indian restaurants, the bars and taverns of Kips Bay and Gramercy, and an easy walk to Madison Square Park. Baruch College is a neighbor, one block over, and both D’Agostino Supermarket and Trader Joe’s are within four blocks. Medical facilities and hospitals, including NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue, are just a few blocks east. A stroll to Madison Square Park, three blocks away on East 26th Street, includes a look at the large brick 69th Regiment Armory building, a national historic landmark. For drivers, both FDR Drive and the Queens-Midtown tunnel are within a mile of the building, and other transportation can be easily accessed. The 6 train is at 28th Street and the R and W trains are on 23rd Street, just south of Madison Square Park.