Tuesday, September 15, 2009

I Can Finally Say I Like Millennium Tower

Millennium Tower and I have had a tumultuous relationship since we were introduced a few years back.

At first, the renderings and floor plans seduced me into a brave new world of 5 star luxury without the hotel component attached, like St Regis and Four Seasons.

But as the building rose toward the sky and plans for the new Transbay Tower adjacent were finalized, I became disenchanted. Live next to a construction site for the next 15 years ? $1200 per month HOA dues ? No terrace ?

I reluctantly put Millennium Tower on the back burner and started seeing other developments.

After the building was finished I went for a tour. The Tower looked great. Finishes, amenities, views; everything was there. But the same misgivings I'd had before came up again. Still, it was great to see the finished product, even if it felt a little desolate.

Flash forward to last Sunday and the realization that sometimes, you need to look at property through someone else's eyes to see it's true appeal.

My clients and I have been searching for a new construction high rise pied-a-terre and have seen all contenders. Must-haves include views, two or three bedroom's and an environment that's conducive to enjoying The City with as little fuss as possible. Especially with two young children and a lifestyle that includes a primary residence a few hours drive away and frequent travel.

Pulling into the driveway, the valet took our cars and we were greeted by the Doorman, and then it hit me. This is how they do it in Manhattan. It would be daunting to drive up to your building on a busy city street and manage cars, children, luggage, et al without assistance.

Millennium Tower units are also larger than average. The typical 2-bedroom plus den is about 1600 square feet compared to 1400 square feet or less elsewhere. A four person family wants to be able to spread out a little, even in town.

Pricing has been adjusted by 15% for many months. That, and being open to lease-to-own agreements has led them to be 30% sold. A lease-to-own agreement may sound odd for a building of this caliber, but a buyer willing to part with almost $2 Million these days appreciates the opportunity for a test drive.

After we completed our tour my client summed it up: "I thought it was going to be old-school and uptight, but it's exactly the way we pictured living Downtown without knowing what it could look like."

I'm happy that Millennium Tower and I are seeing each other again and that I introduced it to my clients. It may be a perfect match.

For pricing, availability and details on the lease-to-own program at Millennium Tower, make certain to contact me.