40 Broad St

40 Broad

Few totems of New York are more immediately evocative of their neighborhood's past and present than the world-famous Charging Bull statue, a hulking, brass, near-universal symbol of Wall Street, and everything it represents. It’s a common sight and defining presence for those who live in nearby 40 Broad Street, a luxury, amenity-rich condominium in the heart of the Financial District (aka FiDi). Erected in 1982, the 25-story building underwent extensive renovations in 2006, updating the communal spaces and 156 units. Today’s version of 40 Broad Street offers owners a slice of laid-back luxury set in design-forward spaces with excellent (and iconic) views. Plus, its premium downtown locale means access to upscale dining, plenty of retail shopping, low-key nightlife, waterfront parks, myriad transportation options and, of course, a few key tourist attractions (including that defiant bull). Like many luxury buildings in FiDi, 40 Broad Street makes a grand first impression. Two metallic columns and three chandeliers, all with linear detailing, frame the entrance to the double-height lobby, where a 24/7 attendant welcomes residents. The lighting throughout, from the ember-toned, back-lit, wood-slat walls to the oversized pendants, sets a moody atmosphere reminiscent of the tower’s former life as part condo, part spa. The spacious fitness center, which has a separate yoga and barre studio, was recently renovated to include gymnasium-like wood floors, floor-to-ceiling mirrors and ambient lighting along the baseboards. The tower’s top floor is divided between an indoor social lounge and outdoor roof deck. Inside, an elegant herringbone floor stretches across the room’s multiple vignettes which include bar seating, conversation circles and cafe-inspired, half-circle dining booths. The two doors leading outside flank a dramatic floor-to-ceiling fireplace. Residents can hang at lounges, shaded dining sets or high-tops, all while taking in views of the Hudson River, Statue of Liberty and Lower Manhattan skyline. Though the in-unit finishes were selected nearly two decades ago, they remain stylish. Brazilian walnut floors cover the living spaces, while the kitchen and bathrooms feature black granite flooring; a stone inlay border provides a seamless transition between the two. Kitchens feature custom, soft-close Mahogany cabinets and high-end appliances, including Sub-Zero refrigerators and Miele ranges and wine coolers. 40 Broad Street’s stint as a spa is especially evident in the bathrooms, where each unit, even studios, has a separate shower and tub. The glass-enclosed shower is topped with a rain showerhead, while the deep soaking tub is cleverly concealed with an American walnut deck. Storage is plentiful thanks to the ceiling-height medicine cabinets. Residents also appreciate the in-unit Bosch washer and dryer. Interested home buyers will find units ranging from studios all the way to four-bedrooms. Two desirable qualities separate 40 Broad Street from nearby buildings. For one, the price per square foot, which varies from unit to unit, tends to be lower here than the Financial District’s average ratio of $1,561 per square foot. Secondly, there’s a substantial graduation in size with each additional bedroom, so buyers really get their money’s worth. A studio encompassing between 480 and 600 square feet typically costs somewhere in the low $600,000s, whereas a 2,400- to 4,000-square-foot four-bedroom condo may cost as much as $4 million. Upon leaving their building, residents find themselves in a cultural and historical epicenter. Residents can indulge at one of the neighborhood’s high-end restaurants, including the raved-about Reserve Cut Steakhouse on the second floor of the condominium, or kick back at one of the bars lining Stone Street, the city’s oldest nightlife district. South Street Seaport, including Jean-Georges’ Tin Building food hall, is also within walking distance. Just one block from the condo is one of the city’s most visited and historically significant corners: the intersection of Broad and Wall Streets, presided over by the neoclassical New York Stock Exchange and Federal Hall, where George Washington was sworn in as the first president. Both cobblestone streets have strict vehicle limits, meaning they’re primarily reserved for pedestrians. Other city landmarks are nearby, such as Trinity Church, the World Trade Center and the Oculus. Battery Park, with its waterfront esplanade, gardens and playgrounds, is only a 6-minute walk away. The means of travel in this area and connections to all parts of the city are comprehensive, even if FiDi is located at Manhattan’s southern tip. Over 10 subway lines are available at nearby stations, as is the PATH train to New Jersey. Numerous bus lines service dozens of stops within a small radius, and Citi Bike stations are a common sight. Interborough, and even interstate, ferries operate from several piers. There’s even a helipad for those with a sense of grandeur and adventure. West Street connects drivers to the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel, and the start of FDR Drive facilitates travel throughout Manhattan and beyond.