by Laura Matiz

How did we search for information before the internet? I have a listing — a great studio — at the Parc Vendome Condominiums on West 56th Street, a building known for its amenities such as a private dining room with a butler's pantry, a music room, a billiards room, and to top it off, an English Garden. What is a butler's pantry you might ask? Well, that's easy. It's a transitional service room between the kitchen and dining room used for storage. The room a butler would have used in the times of butlers. Or you can select the link to butler's pantry to get a fuller definition from the internet. The English Garden at the Parc Vendome is nestled between the four pre-war buildings — two on each side — that  make up the condominium complex with over 500 dwellings. This English Garden trades in the traditional lake for a beautiful fountain. I learned about the traditional lake when I looked up English Garden on the internet. And so it goes. 

My listing  at 353 W 56th is apartment 3G. A potential buyer asked me if I knew about the comic strip, Apartment 3-G. I had not heard of this comic strip. Of course, I went home and did a little research on the internet. And sure enough, I learned that it was a soap opera comic strip created by Nicholas P. Dallis with art by Alex Kotzky that started its run on May 8, 1961. It is about a trio of career women who share the eponymous Apartment 3-G in Manhattan. The three main characters were loosely based on real actors: Tommie is based on Lucille Ball, Margo on Joan Collins and Lu Ann on Tuesday Weld.

Kotzky's artwork is carefully drawn, realistic from a more elegant time. While these characters would have appreciated the 20s and 30s pre-war elegance of the Parc Vendome, my listing is likely a tad too small for all three, even if you converted the large closet — as others have done in this line — to a small alcove. 

After the deaths of the original creators of Apartment 3-G, others have taken up the comic strip. It is still running today, but it has none of the sensibilities of the original artwork.

​If you want to revisit that elegance, I would be happy to schedule a private showing for apartment 3G at the Parc Vendome. 

(A repost from August 2015. Apartment now available with tenant. Perfect for investors.)

Categories: Selected Listings

by Laura Matiz

The post-war condominium at 250 East 65th Street, is a full-service, pet-friendly building on a beautiful double-wide tree-lined block. This centrally-located building is near major subway lines, fabulous restaurants and shopping, and cultural attractions. The roof deck is a landscaped oasis with a built-in BBQ and sound system with both lounge areas and tables for eating. The building has a gym and laundry, bike and storage rooms.

Apartment 14F is a stunning and sun-flooded 2-bedroom-2-bath residence that exudes the contemporary sensibilities of the Upper East Side. At approximately 1450  square feet with 10' ceilings—unique to the building's top floor—rooms feel generous and spacious. An entry gallery leads to the sprawling corner living room and dining area that is wrapped in oversize windows with city views. The layout is perfectly designed for seamless living and entertaining featuring a sleek, windowed open chef's kitchen with white lacquer cabinetry, top-of-the-line appliances and a center island breakfast bar. There are two generously proportioned bedrooms and two black and white tiled baths. The plentiful storage, beautiful wide plank flooring and central air round out this perfect home. 

See the full listing at Douglas Elliman or contact Laura Matiz to schedule your private showing. 

by Laura Matiz 

The Remsen, a stately, pre-war cooperative, is in the heart of Brooklyn Heights, one of the most desirable  residential neighborhoods in New York City. Apartment 7C is a spacious one-bedroom unit that receives plenty of natural light, has open views, and features a renovated open kitchen, a beautifully tiled bathroom, beamed ceilings and unthinkable closet space. The original and unique in-laid cork flooring adds to the charm. A large entrance foyer can double as a home office. 

Montague Street shopping and dining is a block away. The location has easy access to major subway lines and is just steps from the Promenade and Brooklyn Bridge Park with its spectacular views of downtown Manhattan. The Remsen is a pet-friendly building with a 24/7 attended lobby, central laundry room and bike room. All utilities (water, heat, electricity & gas) are included in monthly maintenance, with a small surcharge for units with air conditioners. This cooperative  apartment is offered at $700,000 and requires a minimum 20% down payment. 

Contact  Laura Matiz if you are interested in similar properties. 

Duplex at Victoria House (200 East 27th Street, 7/6M)

This one-of-a-kind, recently renovated duplex in the Murray Hill area is an excellent value for any type of buyer. The  2-bedroom, 2-bath apartment is in mint condition with a new state-of-the-art kitchen and spa-like bathrooms with high-end finishes. The spacious and bright living room and dining area features a wall of north-facing windows that open to city views. Special amenities include a home-office niche, large closet and storage spaces and a separate laundry room sure to be the envy of other apartment dwellers.